bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad maternal geographic origin of domestic sheep in Anatolia and the Zagros
Authors: Her Charlotte , Rezaei Hamid‐Reza , Hughes Sandrine , Naderi Saeid , Duffraisse Marilyne , Mashkour Marjan , Naghash Hamid‐Reza , Bălășescu Adrian , Luikart Gordon , Jordan Steve , Özüt Deniz , Kence Aykut , Bruford Michael W. , Tresset Anne , Vigne Jean‐Denis , Taberlet Pierre , Hänni Catherine , Pompanon François
Published: March 2022

We investigated the controversial origin of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) using large samples of contemporary and ancient domestic individuals and their closest wild relatives: the Asiatic mouflon (Ovis gmelini), the urial (Ovis vignei) and the argali (Ovis ammon). A phylogeny based on mitochondrial DNA, including 213 new cytochrome‐b sequences of wild Ovism confirmed that O. gmelini is the maternal ancestor of sheep and precluded mtDNA contributions from O. vignei (and O. gmelini × O. vignei hybrids) to domestic lineages. We also produced 54 new control region sequences showing shared haplogroups (A, B, C and E) between domestic sheep and wild O. gmelini which localized the domestication center in eastern Anatolia and central Zagros, excluding regions further east where exclusively wild haplogroups were found. This overlaps with the geographic distribution of O. gmelini gmelini, further suggesting that the maternal origin of domestic sheep derives from this subspecies. Additionally, we produced 57 new CR sequences of Neolithic sheep remains from a large area covering Anatolia to Europe, showing the early presence of at least three mitochondrial haplogroups (A, B and D) in Western colonization routes. This confirmed that sheep domestication was a large‐scale process that captured diverse maternal lineages (haplogroups).
Head in the sand: Contemporary Australian attitudes towards induction of labour
Authors: Ananthram Harsha , Rane Ajay
Published: March 2022

Ambivalence in Australian thought on induction of labour, despite recent evidence, stands out in contrast to ever‐increasing rates of this intervention. As consent obligations on information provision have crystallised in maternity care, this article examines whether consumer‐led expectations and legal obligations may precipitate change to end the cultural stigma around induction of labour.
Fully independent validation and updating of a clinical pharmacy prioritizing risk score in an infectious disease hospital ward
Authors: dos Santos Barreto Paula Gabriela , Barbosa Rezende Renato , dos Santos André Luiz , de Oliveira Silva Fernando , Rodrigues Bezerra Góis Vanessa , Corsino Freire Eduardo , Alvarenga Americano do Brasil Pedro Emmanuel
Published: March 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to validate and update the risk score originally developed at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, verifying its performance in an infectious disease population.

Methods

This is an observational study with consecutive selection of admission in a ward of participants with infectious diseases. Predictors were age, number of medications, intravenous drugs, potentially dangerous drugs, renal dysfunction, liver dysfunction, use of nasoenteral tube, nasogastric tube, gastrostomy feeding, jejunostomy feeding, oral enteral tube, total parenteral nutrition, cardiac or pulmonary dysfunction and immunosuppression. Outcome was defined as preventable prescription incidents by a clinical pharmacist. A GEE model was fit to make predictions each week.

Results

A total of 219 patients participated in the study, 79.25% of whom had prescription incidents in the first week of admission. Predictors of the updated model were number of drugs prescribed, number of intravenous drugs, use of tubes, truncated age at 36 years and week of hospitalization. The performance of the original model was poor. The updated model's discrimination and calibration were moderate (overall AUC 0.74). A calculator to apply the model is available at https://pedrobrasil.shinyapps.io/INDWELL/.

Conclusion

The updated risk score enabled the user to make predictions at admission and throughout the weeks, allowing for a prioritized weekly update for clinical pharmacy intervention. The updated model has a moderate and satisfactory performance for infectious disease patients.
A brief history of special education policy on the inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abu‐Alghayth Khalid M. , Catania Nicholas , Semon Sarah , Lane Danielle , Cranston‐Gingras Ann
Published: March 2022

Background

The demand for educational and social inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities continues to grow throughout the world. Factors contributing to the increasing demand include family advocacy efforts, shifting views about the nature of disability, and increased international recognition of the rights of children with disabilities. In the 1970s, Saudi Arabia began investing in educational services and supports for students with disabilities in both segregated and mainstream education settings.

Methods

Policies for children with intellectual disabilities were identified and analysed using the disability policy analysis model recommended by Turnbull & Stowe (2014). Then in two subsequent rounds of analysis, two other researchers reviewed, confirmed, and verified the conclusions.

Findings

Saudi Arabia's recent policy provisions for children with disabilities have included an emphasis on inclusion in general education schools. However, as with many countries, these policies have not yet been systematically implemented. Many students with more complex learning and behavioural needs continue to be excluded from general education classrooms.

Conclusion

Recommendations to support the implementation of inclusive educational services for students with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia are provided.
Pathological changes within the cerebral vasculature in Alzheimer’s disease: New perspectives
Authors: Fisher Robert A. , Miners J. Scott , Love Seth
Published: March 2022

Cerebrovascular disease underpins vascular dementia (VaD), but structural and functional changes to the cerebral vasculature contribute to disease pathology and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this review, we discuss the contribution of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and non‐amyloid small vessel disease in AD, and the accompanying changes to the density, maintenance and remodelling of vessels (including alterations to the composition and function of the cerebrovascular basement membrane). We consider how abnormalities of the constituent cells of the neurovascular unit – particularly of endothelial cells and pericytes – and impairment of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) impact on the pathogenesis of AD. We also discuss how changes to the cerebral vasculature are likely to impair Aβ clearance – both intra‐periarteriolar drainage (IPAD) and transport of Aβ peptides across the BBB, and how impaired neurovascular coupling and reduced blood flow in relation to metabolic demand increase amyloidogenic processing of APP and the production of Aβ. We review the vasoactive properties of Aβ peptides themselves, and the probable bi‐directional relationship between vascular dysfunction and Aβ accumulation in AD. Lastly, we discuss recent methodological advances in transcriptomics and imaging that have provided novel insights into vascular changes in AD, and recent advances in assessment of the retina that allow in vivo detection of vascular changes in the early stages of AD.
Contributions of bilingual home environment and language proficiency on children’s Spanish–English reading outcomes
Authors: Wagley Neelima , Marks Rebecca A. , Bedore Lisa M. , Kovelman Ioulia
Published: March 2022

This study examines the influence of language environment on language and reading skills and the cross‐linguistic contributions to reading outcomes in 132 Spanish–English bilingual children ages 7–12 (52% female; 98% Hispanic). We present three major findings: children's language knowledge is separable into general (e.g., phonological awareness) and language‐specific (e.g., meaning, grammar) skills; regular Spanish use positively relates to children's Spanish language and reading skills and does not limit English skills; and Spanish reading comprehension is positively associated with English reading comprehension. The model explains a significant percentage of the variance in English (R2 = .89) and Spanish (R2 = .87) reading comprehension outcomes. Findings shed light on the interdependence of Spanish and English as they relate to bilingual reading acquisition.
Six decades of environmental resource valuation in Canada: A synthesis of the literature
Authors: Macaskill James , Lloyd‐Smith Patrick
Published: March 2022

This paper synthesizes Canada's environmental valuation literature over the last six decades. Focusing on primary valuation benefit estimates, we link multiple research outputs from the same data collection effort to obtain an accurate measure of unique studies. We identify a total of 269 unique valuation studies conducted in Canada between 1964 and 2019. The number of valuation studies conducted per year has not increased since 1975 and the median data collection year is 1996. Stated preference (SP) methods are the most popular valuation approaches being used in more than 50% of studies and this share has increased to over 80% within the last decade. We discuss numerous gaps in our knowledge for certain environmental resources and regions, in particular Canada's three Northern territories. The paper provides information on the state of environmental valuation research in Canada and identifies future research needs.
Effect of the implant‐supported provisional restoration on the accuracy of digital peri‐implant mucosa replication–A clinical study
Authors: Xiong Jiabi , Sun Wei , Huang Bin , Ji Wei , Shi Bin
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effect of implant‐supported provisional restorations (ISPRs) on the accuracy of the intraoral scanned peri‐implant soft‐tissue profile in the esthetic area.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen patients with a single ISPR in the maxillary central incisor's region were recruited for this study. Three impression methods were sequentially used in each patient: (1) an intraoral scanning (IOS) with the ISPR, (2) a conventional impression using the ISPR as impression coping, and (3) a routine IOS without the ISPR. The stereolithography files of the three impression methods obtained from the same patient were superimposed, and the conventional impression method was used as the reference model. Two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) analyses were performed to measure the peri‐implant soft‐tissue deviation between the reference models and IOS from the groups with or without the ISPR, respectively. Data were presented as the means ± standard deviations. Two‐way analyses of variance with post hoc Sidak's multiple comparisons and paired t‐tests were performed for 2D and 3D analyses, respectively. The significance level was set at p < .05.

Results

The peri‐implant mucosa without the ISPR immediately collapsed (<20 s), particularly on the palatine side of the labial mucosa and labial side of the palatine mucosa. Consequently, the IOS without the ISPR led to 414.7 ± 116.0 μm of overall dimensional deformation in the cuff‐like submucosal region, which was significantly larger (p < .0001) than that in the IOS with the ISPR (230.6 ± 85.5 μm).

Conclusion

Implant‐supported provisional restorations are important for accurate replication of the intraorally scanned peri‐implant soft‐tissue profile.
A broad focus on additional programmes prior to bariatric surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Lodewijks Yentl , van der Ven Roos , Nienhuijs Simon
Published: March 2022

Additional preoperative programmes may be beneficial for candidates who seek bariatric surgery, but there is no consensus on the optimal preparation. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of a preoperative programme on weight loss. A literature search was performed for Embase, Cinahl, PubMed and Cochrane Library. Studies on preoperative exercise, behaviour and/or diet programmes administered in adult patients in a bariatric trajectory measuring weight loss were included. Initial results yielded 2148 titles, 70 of which were thoroughly analysed and 37 articles were included, comprising 10 333 patients. Eleven out of 37 studies included postoperative weight loss as an outcome in interventions focused on diet (n = 5), behaviour (n = 2), exercise (n = 2) and a combination of interventions (n = 2). Only one study (9%) which administered exercise as a preoperative programme showed a significant effect on postoperative weight loss. In total, 33 studies included preoperative weight loss as an outcome, which was significant in 64% of the cases. It is difficult to draw conclusions from the investigated data as it was extremely heterogeneous concerning the intensity, duration and administration of a programme. Nevertheless, it seems that a preoperative weight loss programme seems beneficial in terms of preoperative weight loss, postoperative physical activity and improved mental health postinterventional. The use of a core outcome set is recommended for future studies.
Quantification of preservatives in tattoo and permanent make‐up inks in the frame of the new requirements under the REACH Regulation
Authors: Famele Marco , Lavalle Roberta , Leoni Claudia , Majorani Costanza , Ferranti Carolina , Palleschi Luca , Fava Luca , Draisci Rosa , D'Ilio Sonia
Published: March 2022

Background

According to the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) restriction, tattoo and permanent make‐up (PMU) inks placed on the European Union market after January 4, 2022, shall not contain methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone (BIT), octylisothiazolinone (OIT), or other skin sensitizers in concentrations of 10 mg/kg or higher and phenoxyethanol (PE) or other eye irritants or damaging substances in concentrations of 100 mg/kg or higher. In addition, preservatives and other substances enlisted in Annex II to Cosmetic Product Regulation shall not be present in concentrations of 0.5 mg/kg or higher.

Objectives

This study aims to quantify 14 preservatives in 99 tattoo and 39 PMU inks from the Italian market and presents a comparison with concentration limits set by the REACH restriction.

Methods

Inks were analysed by applying validated analytical methods based on liquid chromatography techniques.

Results

About 24.0%, 15.2% and 1.5% of the overall samples contained BIT, PE and OIT, respectively, at concentrations exceeding REACH concentration limits. The number of noncompliant tattoo inks (49.5%) would be significantly greater than that of the PMU inks (17.9%).

Conclusions

About 40.6% of the samples would be noncompliant with the restriction for the presence of preservatives above the permitted level. Additional concentration limits will apply to skin sensitizing preservatives for proper labelling of inks under CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulation.
Biomarkers and predictive models of early allograft dysfunction in liver transplantation – A systematic review of the literature, meta‐analysis, and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Liu Jiang , Martins Paulo N. , Bhat Mamatha , Pang Li , Yeung Oscar W.H. , Ng Kevin T.P. , Spiro Michael , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , Man Kwan , Mas Valeria R. ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: March 2022

Background

Prompt identification of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) is critical to reduce morbidity and mortality in liver transplant (LT) recipients.

Objectives

Evaluate the evidence supporting biomarkers that can provide diagnostic and predictive value for EAD.

Data sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

Methods

Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach was derived from an international expert panel. Studies that investigated biomarkers or models for predicting EAD in adult LT recipients were included for in‐depth evaluation and meta‐analysis. Olthoff's criteria were used as the standard reference for the diagnostic accuracy evaluation. PROSPERO ID: CRD42021293838

Results

Ten studies were included for the systematic review. Lactate, lactate clearance, uric acid, Factor V, HMGB‐1, CRP to ALB ratio, phosphocholine, total cholesterol, and metabolomic predictive model were identified as potential early EAD predictive biomarkers. The sensitivity ranged between .39 and .92, while the specificity ranged from .63 to .90. Elevated lactate level was most indicative of EAD after adult LT (pooled diagnostic odds ratio of 7.15 (95%CI: 2.38‐21.46)). The quality of evidence (QOE) for lactate as indicator was moderate according to the GRADE approach, whereas the QOE for other biomarkers was very low to low likely as consequence of study design characteristics such as single study, small sample size, and large ranges of sensitivity or specificity.

Conclusions

Lactate is an early indicator to predict EAD after LT (Quality of Evidence: Moderate | Grade of Recommendation: Strong). Further multicenter studies and the use of machine perfusion setting should be implemented for validation.
Applications of scanning electron microscopy and focused ion beam milling in dental research
Authors: House Krystal L. , Pan Long , O'Carroll Deirdre M. , Xu Shiyou
Published: March 2022

The abilities of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and focused ion beam (FIB) milling for obtaining high‐resolution images from top surfaces, cross‐sectional surfaces, and even in three dimensions, are becoming increasingly important for imaging and analyzing tooth structures such as enamel and dentin. FIB was originally developed for material research in the semiconductor industry. However, use of SEM/FIB has been growing recently in dental research due to the versatility of dual platform instruments that can be used as a milling device to obtain low‐artifact cross‐sections of samples combined with high‐resolution images. The advent of the SEM/FIB system and accessories may offer access to previously inaccessible length scales for characterizing tooth structures for dental research, opening exciting opportunities to address many central questions in dental research. New discoveries and fundamental breakthroughs in understanding are likely to follow. This review covers the applications, key findings, and future direction of SEM/FIB in dental research in morphology imaging, specimen preparation for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, and three‐dimensional volume imaging using SEM/FIB tomography.
Putting guidelines into practice: Using co‐design to develop a complex intervention based on NG48 to enable care staff to provide daily oral care to older people living in care homes
Authors: Langley Joe , Wassall Rebecca , Geddis‐Regan Andrew , Watson Sinead , Verey Anna , McKenna Gerald , Brocklehurst Paul , Tsakos Georgios
Published: March 2022

Objectives

(1) Explore the challenges of providing daily oral care in care homes; (2) understand oral care practices provided by care home staff; (3) co‐design practical resources supporting care home staff in these activities.

Methods

Three Sheffield care homes were identified via the “ENRICH Research Ready Care Home Network,” and three to six staff per site were recruited as co‐design partners. Design researchers led three co‐design workshops exploring care home staff's experiences of providing daily oral care, including challenges, coping strategies and the role of current guidelines. New resources were prototyped to support the use of guidelines in practice. The design researchers developed final resources to enable the use of these guidelines in‐practice‐in‐context.

Findings

Care home staff operate under time and resource constraints. The proportion of residents with dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions is rapidly increasing. Care home staff face challenges when residents adopt “refusal behaviours” and balancing daily oral care needs with resident and carer safety becomes complex. Care home staff have developed many coping strategies to navigate “refusal behaviours.” Supporting resources need to “fit” within the complexities of practice‐in‐context.

Conclusions

The provision of daily oral care practices in care homes is complex and challenging. The co‐design process revealed care home staff have a “library” of context‐specific practical knowledge and coping strategies. This study offers insights into the process of making guidelines usable for professionals in their contexts of practice, exploring the agenda of implementing evidence‐based guidelines.
Highly skilled (re‐)migrants in multinational enterprises: Facilitators of cross‐border knowledge transfers
Authors: Verfürth Philip
Published: March 2022

The aim of this article is to examine how externally recruited, highly skilled (re‐)migrants facilitate cross‐border knowledge transfers in multinational enterprises (MNEs). To achieve this goal, an actor‐centred research perspective will be adopted, which allows for a detailed examination of both individual employees involved in MNEs cross‐border knowledge transfers as well as organizational strategies to facilitate and structure knowledge transfers. Empirically, the article is based on the example of highly skilled (re‐)migrants of Turkish origin, who obtained a university degree in Germany, then (re‐)migrated to Turkey and work in subsidiaries of German MNEs. The empirical results show that highly skilled (re‐)migrants of Turkish origin are strategically used to work at interface positions between German and Turkish business units. Based on their professional expertise, dual societal embeddedness and profound language skills, highly skilled (re‐)migrants facilitate cross‐border knowledge transfers by building social proximity and bridging institutional distances. Overall, the article contributes to the micro‐foundation of cross‐border knowledge transfers in MNEs.
Effects of Chinese herbal medicine in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Ou Shi‐Chen , Huang Sheng‐Teng , Lin Mei‐Chen , Chen Wen‐Chi , Huang Chi‐Ping , Lin Hung‐Jen
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects elderly males, with progression presenting the risk of urinary complications and eventual surgical intervention. We aimed to evaluate the effects of Chinese herbal medicine in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed claims data in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database from 2001 to 2013. A total of 4142 patients newly diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia were enrolled and divided into cohorts of Chinese herbal medicine users and nonusers by performing 1:1 propensity score matching. The risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia‐related complications was assessed by the Cox proportional hazard model. The cumulative incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia‐related surgeries was assessed by Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

During the study period, the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia‐related complications was lower in the Chinese herbal medicine cohort than non‐Chinese herbal medicine cohort with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.73–0.92) after controlling for multiple variables. Subgroup analysis revealed that Chinese herbal medicine users had a significantly lower risk of urinary tract infection (adjusted hazard ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.50–0.89) and urinary retention (adjusted hazard ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.72–0.97). In addition, Chinese herbal medicine users also had a lower incidence rate of benign prostatic hyperplasia‐related surgery (32.14 vs 40.20, adjusted hazard ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.61–0.89) and a longer surgery‐free interval than non‐Chinese herbal medicine users (3.98 vs 3.00 mean person‐year, P < 0.001). Data revealed Salviae miltiorrhizae and Ji‐Sheng‐Shen‐Qi‐Wan as the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal medicine by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that Chinese herbal medicine might have effects in the benign prostatic hyperplasia‐related complications and surgeries in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Serum microRNA as liquid biopsy biomarker for the prediction of oncological outcomes in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Urabe Fumihiko , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Ito Kagenori , Takamori Hajime , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Miki Jun , Kimura Takahiro , Egawa Shin , Nakamura Eijiro , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Radical cystectomy is the gold‐standard treatment for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer and aggressive non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. To enhance clinical decision‐making regarding patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy, a recurrence prediction biomarker with high accuracy is urgently needed. In this study, we developed a model for the prediction of bladder cancer recurrence after radical cystectomy by combining serum microRNA and a pathological factor.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 81 patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy between 2008 and 2016. The dataset was divided into two, and Fisher linear discriminant analysis was used to construct a prognostic model for future recurrence in the training set (n = 41). The performance of the model was evaluated in the validation set (n = 40).

Results

Thirty patients had recurrence after having undergone radical cystectomy. A prognostic model for recurrence was constructed by combining a pathological factor (i.e. positive pathological lymph node status) and three microRNAs (miR‐23a‐3p, miR‐3679‐3p, and miR‐3195). The model showed a sensitivity of 0.87, a specificity of 0.80, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 (0.77–0.98) in the validation set. Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with a low prediction index have significantly longer overall survival than patients with a high prediction index (P = 0.041).

Conclusion

A combination of serum microRNA profiles and lymph node statuses is useful for the prediction of oncological outcomes after radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer.
Social responsibility, moral hazard, and collateral requirement: Evidence from a quasi‐natural experiment in India
Authors: Jadiyappa Nemiraja , Shrivastava Santosh , Ghalke Avinash
Published: March 2022

The stakeholder theory predicts that corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities reduce the morale hazard problem between creditors and corporate firms and decrease the requirement of collaterals in debt transactions. Consistent with this theory, our analysis shows that there is a negative relationship between CSR and secured debt in a cross‐section of firms. Further, by using the mandatory CSR regulation implemented in India as a quasi‐natural experiment setting, we observe the same negative relationship across periods in firms that were impacted by the regulation. These results suggest that CSR activities may substitute collaterals for obtaining debt from financial institutions, especially banks.
Modelling old‐age retirement: An adaptive multi‐outcome LAD‐lasso regression approach
Authors: Lähderanta Tero , Salonen Janne , Möttönen Jyrki , Sillanpää Mikko J.
Published: March 2022

Using unique administrative register data, we investigate old‐age retirement under the statutory pension scheme in Finland. The analysis is based on multi‐outcome modelling of pensions and working lives together with a range of explanatory variables. An adaptive multi‐outcome LAD‐lasso regression method is applied to obtain estimates of earnings and socioeconomic factors affecting old‐age retirement and to decide which of these variables should be included in our model. The proposed statistical technique produces robust and less biased regression coefficient estimates in the context of skewed outcome distributions and an excess number of zeros in some of the explanatory variables. The results underline the importance of late life course earnings and employment to the final amount of pension and reveal differences in pension outcomes across socioeconomic groups. We conclude that adaptive LAD‐lasso regression is a promising statistical technique that could be usefully employed in studying various topics in the pension industry.
Sarcopenia is associated with the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in elderly patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Matsuura Shun , Shibazaki Koji , Uchida Reiko , Imai Yukiko , Mukoyama Takuya , Shibata Shoko , Morita Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

Aims/Introduction

Diabetes and sarcopenia have a two‐way relationship with each other with advanced age. Additionally, malnutrition is correlated with a higher risk of sarcopenia in elderly patients. This study evaluated the association between sarcopenia and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥60 years were recruited from June 2018 to August 2020. This study analyzed 234 patients, who completed a physical performance test required for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. To investigate the effect of GNRI on sarcopenia, logistic regression analyses was used.

Results

Patients with sarcopenia were significantly older with a lower body mass index (BMI) and GNRI compared with normal patients. The GNRI showed a positive correlation with the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and handgrip strength (SMI: R = 0.486, P < 0.001 for male; R = 0.589, P < 0.001 for female, handgrip strength: R = 0.470, P < 0.001 for male, R = 0.364, P < 0.001 for female). In the multivariate logistic regression model, a higher GNRI was associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia in older men and women with diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.892; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.839–0.948 for male; adjusted OR, 0.928; 95% CI, 0.876–0.982 for female). One year of diabetes treatment improved the GNRI in the sarcopenia group with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

A low GNRI was associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment with glucose‐lowering drugs improved the GNRI in the sarcopenia group.
Thematic analysis of therapists' experiences integrating EMDR and EFT in couple therapy: Theoretical and clinical complementarity, and benefits to client couples
Authors: Linder Jason N. , Niño Alba , Negash Sesen , Espinoza Sandra
Published: March 2022

In this article, we present partial findings from a thematic analysis study that examined integrating emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and eye‐movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as clinical frameworks in couple therapy. The purpose of the study is to better understand how therapists integrate EFT and EMDR therapy in their clinical work. Thirteen licensed therapists (n = 13) trained in EFT and EMDR were interviewed about their experiences integrating these two models in their couple therapy practice. The findings included in this article are related to how these models complement each other as well as the clinical benefits associated with their integration. Findings provide preliminary evidence that there are benefits and challenges when integrating both models, although we emphasize complementarity in this article. Limitations and implications for future research on the integration and efficacy of these two models are also discussed.
The future of divorce support: Is “digital” enough in presence of conflict?
Authors: Ciprić Ana , Hald Gert Martin , Strizzi Jenna Marie , Lange Theis , Austin David , Sander Søren , Øverup Camilla Stine
Published: March 2022

Divorce conflict is the main driver of adverse postdivorce health adjustments among divorcing families. Despite the growing potential of online divorce support programs, there is concern that such solutions might not be sufficient to impact health‐related disparities among high‐conflict divorcees. The present study examined the effectiveness of the digital “Cooperation after Divorce” intervention as a function of conflict among 1856 recently divorced Danish residents. Linear mixed‐effect regression modeling suggested that, although higher levels of divorce conflict at judicial divorce predicted worse health outcomes up to 1 year following divorce, the effectiveness of the digital divorce intervention did not vary as a function of the initial level of divorce conflict. Individuals in the intervention group with higher conflict in divorce still reported worse health at 12 months follow‐up than those with lower levels of divorce conflict; however, much lower than the control group.
Simple automation of SEM‐EDS spectral maps analysis with Python and the edxia framework
Authors: Georget Fabien , Wilson William , Scrivener Karen L.
Published: March 2022

In a recent article, we described the edxia framework, a user‐friendly framework to analyse the microstructure of cementitious materials using SEM‐EDS hypermaps. The manual approach presented was shown to be efficient to answer the relevant scientific questions. However, it is limited for batch analysis and (semi‐)automated treatments. In this article, we show how the framework can be used to customise the analysis to the problem at hand. We first present some possible extensions, and then we provide a simple example of automatic clustering, using the flexible Python scientific libraries which will allow to define more custom workflows in the future.
More money, more problems? An examination of the dynamic relationship between income and work–family conflict
Authors: Rubenstein Alex L. , Morrison Hayley M. , Whiting Steven W. , Bosco Frank A.
Published: March 2022

Income from regular employment is a primary means by which individuals support themselves. Yet, little research has examined how making more money over time relates to employees’ ability to simultaneously manage work and family role obligations. Drawing from resource allocation theory, in two studies we examined the dynamic relationship between income and work–family conflict (WFC). We hypothesized that income trends would positively predict WFC trends, as making more money could demand employees devote greater resources to their work role, depleting remaining resources to devote to family. In Study 1, with data from a large sample surveyed over 4 years, we found that income trends were positively associated with WFC trends. Further, this relationship was more accentuated for women than men. In Study 2, we sought to replicate and extend the Study 1 findings by modelling theoretical mechanisms that could account for the positive dynamic income–WFC relationship. We again found a positive relationship, although the income–gender interaction failed to replicate. Mediation analyses revealed increased investments of the self into work explained the link between increased income and increased WFC, compared to other mechanisms. As a whole, in terms of WFC, more money earned ultimately conferred more, not less, problems for employees.

Practitioner points

Our findings suggest that income changes over time positively predict work–family conflict changes over time. Although pay is of course a significant motivator of desired work behaviour, our results highlight some of the peripheral consequences that might result as employees make more money.

Our research suggests this dynamic relationship is best explained by employees’ increased investments of the self into work, and therefore concerns a need for well‐paid employees to think more about how they balance work and family goals.

In one of two samples, the positive income–WFC dynamic relationship was stronger for women than for men, highlighting not only that making more money can increase WFC over time but also for whom it is more likely to do so.
Identification, biological characteristics and fungicide sensitivity of Colletotrichum species that cause anthracnose on Anemarrhena asphodeloides in China
Authors: Wei Ruofan , Wang Rong , Li Yong , Yue Moyi , Ding Wanlong
Published: March 2022

Zhi mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge.) is an important medicinal plant in China, and its growth is greatly threatened by the fungal disease anthracnose, which can be caused by a number of species of Colletotrichum. Studying the phytopathogen and its sensitivities to fungicides will help to control anthracnose on zhi mu. Ten isolates of Colletotrichum were collected from zhi mu in Hebei, Anhui and Shanxi Provinces in China for this study. The isolates were identified as C. gloeosporioides, C. liriopes and C. spaethianum based on multi‐locus phylogenetic analyses, including ACT, CHS‐1, GADPH, HIS3 and ITS, micromorphological characteristics and the characteristics of colonies. Koch's postulates were confirmed by inoculating the leaves of zhi mu in vitro. The levels of virulence of 10 isolates varied significantly. Isolate YC‐1 was the most virulent, while BZ‐2 was the least virulent. The sensitivity of isolates YC‐1, BY‐1 and BY‐2 (C. spaethianum, C. gloeosporioides and C. liriopes respectively) to fungicides were examined. The EC50 values of BY‐1, BY‐2, and YC‐1 to tebuconazole, difenoconazole, prochloraz, fludioxonil, pyraclostrobin, carbendazim and azoxystrobin confirm that all of the isolates were markedly sensitive to the seven fungicides tested, strongly suggesting that these fungicides could be used to control anthracnose on zhi mu in the field.
Development of the Japanese Version of the Short Scale of Creative Self1, 2
Authors: Ishiguro Chiaki , Matsumoto Kazuki , Agata Takumitsu , Okada Takeshi
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to translate the Short Scale of Creative Self (SSCS) into Japanese and examine its psychometric properties. In total, 1,436 participants (Study 1: N = 957, Study 2: N = 479) completed the questionnaires. In Study 1, confirmatory factor analyses for Japanese versions of the scales resulted in bi‐factor structures comprising one general factor and two subfactors; namely, creative self‐efficacy (CSE) and creative personal identity (CPI). However, the Japanese version of the SSCS (SSCS‐J) was essentially unidimensional, and scoring based on CSE and CPI lacked support. Therefore, it was necessary to calculate the total SSCS‐J item scores to measure the creative self. Study 2 provided evidence for the concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity of the scale. The current study also found that the SSCS‐J had adequate test–retest reliability. The present findings suggest that the SSCS‐J has sufficient reliability and validity.
Spindle‐targeted acoustic stimulation may stabilize an ongoing nap
Authors: Choi Jinyoung , Jun Sung Chan
Published: March 2022

There have been numerous attempts over the decades to introduce closed‐loop feedback to induce sleep oscillations. Recently, our group also introduced closed‐loop acoustic feedback to the sleep spindle and reported improved procedural memory consolidation during a nap with spindle‐targeted pink noise stimulation. In this study, we replicated our previous work with a control condition in an attempt to investigate the effect of closed‐loop feedback on procedural memory. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the subjects’ procedural learning and reduced wake time during the nap with closed‐loop acoustic stimulation compared with the control condition. Further, we found that randomized acoustic stimuli lead to more frequent spindle activity and a faster decrement in slow oscillation power compared with the sham condition. There were strong correlations between slow oscillation and measures related to sleep efficiency as well. Interestingly, we found a marginal enhancement in procedural learning during the nap with the closed‐loop acoustic stimulation compared with the sham nap. We also found a marginal decrement in theta power during the nap with closed‐loop feedback compared with the sham nap, and a negative correlation between slow oscillation and theta power. We speculate that the marginal improvement in procedural learning may be related to closed‐loop acoustic feedback’s stabilization of non‐rapid eye movement sleep. Taken together, this study shows that the closed‐loop feedback method has the potential to stabilize sleep and improve procedural memory.
Trichoderma harzianum antagonistic activity and competition for seed colonization against seedborne pathogenic fungi of sunflower
Authors: Güçlü T. , Özer N.
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the antagonistic effects of Trichoderma harzianum isolate (TRIC8) on mycelial growth, hyphal alteration, conidial germination, germ tube length and seed colonization by the seedborne fungal pathogens Alternaria alternata, Bipolaris cynodontis, Fusarium culmorum and F. oxysporum, the causes of seedling rot in over 30% of sunflowers. The antagonistic effect of TRIC8 on mycelial growth of pathogens was evaluated on dual culture that included two inoculation assays: inoculation of antagonist at 48 h before pathogen (deferred inoculation) and inoculation at the same time with pathogen (simultaneous inoculation). TRIC8 inhibited mycelial growth of the fungal pathogens between 70·67 and 76·87% with the strongest inhibition seen with deferred inoculation. Alterations in hyphae were observed in all pathogens. Conidial germination of F. culmorum was inhibited by most of the fungal pathogens (38·28%) by TRIC8. Inhibition of germ tube length by the antagonist varied from 31·83 to 37·67%. In seed colonization experiments, TRIC8 was applied in combination with each pathogen to seeds of a sunflower genotype that is highly tolerant to downy mildew. Seed death was inhibited by TRIC8 and the antagonist did not allow growth of A. alternata, B. cynodontis and F. culmorum on seeds and inhibited the growth of F. oxysporum at the rate of 58·32%.
The Payer License Agreement, or “Netflix model,” for hepatitis C virus therapies enables universal treatment access, lowers costs and incentivizes innovation and competition
Authors: Matthews David W. , Coleman Samantha , Razavi Homie , Izaret Jean‐Manuel
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

High unit prices of treatments limit access. For epidemics like that of hepatitis C virus (HCV), reduced treatment access increases prevalence and incidence, making the infectious disease increasingly difficult to manage. The objective of the current study was to construct and test an alternative pricing model, the Payer License Agreement (PLA), and determine whether it could improve outcomes, cut costs and incentivize innovation versus the current unit‐based pricing model.

Methods

We built and used computational models of hepatitis C disease progression, treatment, and pricing in historical and future scenarios and quantitatively analyzed their economic and epidemiological impact in three high‐income countries.

Results

This study had three key results regarding HCV treatment. First, if the PLA model had been implemented when interferon‐free direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) combinations launched, the number of patients treated and cured would have more than doubled in the first three years, while the liver‐related deaths (LRDs) would have decreased by around 40%. Second, if the PLA model had been implemented beginning in 2018, the year that several Netflix‐like payment models were under implementation, the number of treated and cured patients would nearly double, and the LRDs would decline by more than 55%. Third, implementing the PLA model would result in a decline in total payer costs of more than 25%, with an increase to pharmaceutical manufacturer revenues of 10%. These results were true across the three healthcare landscapes studied, the USA, the UK and Italy, and were robust against variations to critical model parameters through sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions and Relevance

These results suggest that implementation of the PLA model in high‐income countries across a variety of health system contexts would improve patient outcomes at lower payer cost with more stable revenue for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Health policy‐makers in high‐income countries should consider the PLA model for application to more cost‐effective management of HCV, and explore its application for other infectious diseases with curative therapies available now or soon.
As the virus sowed, the fungus reaped! A comparative analysis of the clinico‐epidemiological characteristics of rhino‐orbital mucormycosis before and during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Muraleedharan Manjul , Panda Naresh Kumar , Angrish Prerna , Arora Kanika , Patro Sourabha Kumar , Bansal Sandeep , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash Mandya , Bakshi Jaimanti , Mohindra Satyawati , Gupta Rijuneeta , Virk Ramandeep Singh , Verma Roshan Kumar , Ramavat Anurag Snehi , Nayak Gyanaranjan
Published: March 2022

Background

The sudden surge of mucormycosis cases which happened during the second wave of COVID‐19 pandemic was a significant public health problem in India.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyse the clinico‐epidemicological characteristics of the mucormycosis cases to determine the changes that had occurred due to COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methodology

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Patients diagnosed with rhino‐orbital mucormycosis were categorised into the following groups: Pre‐pandemic(May 2019 to April 2020), Pandemic Pre‐epidemic (May 2020 to April 2021) and Epidemic (1 May 2021 to 12 July 2021). The epidemiological, clinical and surgical data of all the patients were retrieved from the hospital records and analysed.

Results

The epidemic period had 370 cases, compared with 65 during pandemic period and 42 in the pre‐pandemic period. Diabetes mellitus was seen in 87% of cases during epidemic period, 92.9% in the pre‐pandemic period and 90.8% in the pre‐pandemic pre‐epidemic period. The proportion of patients suffering from vision loss, restricted extra‐ocular movements, palatal ulcer and nasal obstruction was higher in the pre‐epidemic groups, and the difference was significant (p, <.01). There was no history of oxygen use in 85.9% of patients and no steroid use in 76.5%. The death rates were the lowest during epidemic (10%).

Conclusion

COVID‐19 has caused a statistically significant increase in the number of mucormycosis infections. The mortality and morbidity which showed an increase during the first wave of COVID‐19 decreased significantly during the epidemic period.
Differential environmental and genomic architectures shape the natural diversity for trichome patterning and morphology in different Arabidopsis organs
Authors: Arteaga Noelia , Méndez‐Vigo Belén , Fuster‐Pons Alberto , Savic Marija , Murillo‐Sánchez Alba , Picó F. Xavier , Alonso‐Blanco Carlos
Published: March 2022

Despite the adaptive and taxonomic relevance of the natural diversity for trichome patterning and morphology, the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms underlying these traits remain mostly unknown, particularly in organs other than leaves. In this study, we address the ecological, genetic and molecular bases of the natural variation for trichome patterning and branching in multiple organs of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). To this end, we characterized a collection of 191 accessions and carried out environmental and genome‐wide association (GWA) analyses. Trichome amount in different organs correlated negatively with precipitation in distinct seasons, thus suggesting a precise fit between trichome patterning and climate throughout the Arabidopsis life cycle. In addition, GWA analyses showed small overlapping between the genes associated with different organs, indicating partly independent genetic bases for vegetative and reproductive phases. These analyses identified a complex locus on chromosome 2, where two adjacent MYB genes (ETC2 and TCL1) displayed differential effects on trichome patterning in several organs. Furthermore, analyses of transgenic lines carrying different natural alleles demonstrated that TCL1 accounts for the variation for trichome patterning in all organs, and for stem trichome branching. By contrast, two other MYB genes (TRY and GL1), mainly showed effects on trichome patterning or branching, respectively.