bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional MRI and Memory in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Meador Kimford J.
Published: December 2022

Memory Lateralization in Medial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Assessed by Functional MRI

Golby AJ, Poldrack RA, Illes J, Chen D, Desmond JE, Gabrieli JD

Epilepsia 2002;43(8):855–863

Purpose

To determine the utility of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in preoperative lateralization of memory function in patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).

Methods

Nine patients with MTLE underwent standard preoperative assessment including video-EEG and intracarotid amytal testing (IAT). fMRI was performed while subjects encoded four types of stimuli (patterns, faces, scenes, and words). Activation maps were created for each subject representing areas more active for novel than for repeated stimuli. Regions of interest were drawn around the MTL in individual subjects, supra-threshold voxels were counted, and an asymmetry index was calculated.

Results

In eight of nine subjects, lateralization of memory encoding by fMRI was concordant with that obtained from the IAT. Group-level analysis demonstrated greater activation in the MTL contralateral to the seizure focus, such that in the left MTLE group, verbal encoding engaged the right MTL, whereas in the right MTLE group, nonverbal encoding engaged the left MTL.

Conclusions

fMRI is a valid tool for assessing of memory lateralization in patients with MTLE and may therefore allow noninvasive preoperative evaluation of memory lateralization. fMRI revealed that memory encoding may be reorganized to the contralateral MTL in patients with MTLE.
Temporal Evolution of Rasmussen's Encephalitis
Authors: Kanner Andres M.
Published: December 2022

The Natural History of Rasmussen's Encephalitis

Bien CG, Widman G, Urbach H, Sassen R, Kuczaty S, Wiestler OD, Schramm S, Elger CE

Brain 2002;125:1751–1759

Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin, usually affecting one brain hemisphere. In the present study, a comprehensive assessment of the natural history of the disorder is presented. Seizure frequency, degree of hemiparesis, and degree of cerebral hemiatrophy in 13 patients with histopathologically proven RE were analyzed over the time course before resective epilepsy surgery or introduction of long-term immunosuppressive pharmacotherapy. For the assessment of the degree of cerebral hemiatrophy, on defined slices comprising the sylvian fissure of hard copies of serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations, the hemispheric ratio (HR) was determined. The data show an initial prodromal phase with an intermediate frequency of focal onset seizures and mostly no hemiparesis. The occurrence of this stage was observed mainly in adolescent and adult patients. All patients went through an acute phase with a median duration of 8 months. During this stage, there were frequent simple partial motor seizures, development of hemiparesis, and volume loss of the affected hemisphere. After this, the patients passed into a residual stage with a marked decrease in seizure frequency. Twelve months after the onset of the acute stage, the average HR was 0.72. These data allow an estimation of the prognosis of newly affected patients and demonstrate that most of the brain damage in RE occurs during the first 8 to 12 months. These findings should be taken into consideration when future therapeutic approaches to RE are evaluated.
A preliminary study on flipping an English as a foreign language collaborative writing course with video clips: Its impact on writing skills and writing motivation
Authors: Fathi Jalil , Rahimi Masoud , Liu Gi‐Zen
Published: December 2022

Background

Although conventional writing procedures are still the dominant instructional procedures in English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts, instructors are still struggling with time limitations to improve EFL students writing skills properly. Additionally, EFL students are not engaged in the writing process since they lack the required information about the writing tasks.

Objectives

The present study, therefore, applied a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods approach to explore the impact of a flipped writing classroom on EFL students' writing skills (i.e. writing content, writing organization, and language use) and writing motivation on the one hand and possibly recommend a better instructional procedure for students' writing skills and writing motivation in EFL context on the other hand.

Methods

To this aim, two intact classes were selected as the participants of the study. The two classes were randomly assigned to a flipped classroom with 27 EFL students and a non‐flipped classroom with 24 EFL students. The non‐flipped classroom was instructed through conventional writing instruction over 16 sessions whereas the flipped classroom was taught with the same content in a flipped writing mode in 10 sessions. Two timed writing tasks, a writing motivation scale, and an individual semi‐structured interview were used to gather the required data.

Results and Conclusions

The findings indicated that the flipped writing classroom outperformed the non‐flipped writing classroom in improving the EFL students' writing performance, writing organization, language use, and writing motivation; however, no significant differences were found between the two groups' writing content. Moreover, the data analysis from the individual semi‐structured interview indicated that the flipped students had positive attitudes and perceptions towards the flipped writing classroom which further supported the quantitative findings.

Implications

Practical implications for collaborative writing instruction using video clips and other electronic materials are suggested.
Browsing to learn: How computer and software engineering students use online platforms in learning activities
Authors: Araos Andrés , Damşa Crina , Gašević Dragan
Published: December 2022

Background

The surge of online platforms has generated interest in how specialized platforms support formal and informal learning in various disciplinary domains. Knowledge is still limited regarding how undergraduate students navigate and use platforms to learn.

Objectives

This study explores computer and software engineering students' learning practices, wherein online platforms are used as resources for both curricular learning activities and students' interest‐driven learning.

Methods

The learning practices of 73 students were examined using a mixed‐methods design and a conceptualization of practices accounting for the context and purpose of their enactment. The dataset includes students' self‐reports on domain‐specific learning activities, three‐month‐long web‐browsing history of multiple platforms and stimulated‐recall interviews. The data were analysed through latent class and thematic analyses.

Results and Conclusion

Five distinct patterns were found in the use of online platforms. These patterns show that different types of platforms were used purposely and in combination during curricular and interest‐driven activities aimed at learning software development. Moreover, students' purposes were driven by both the need to progress in their learning activities and the development of their interest in software development. The findings highlight the complexity of students' learning with online platforms, which develop quite extensively beyond curricular boundaries.

Implications

The findings stress the need to recognize that undergraduate students' learning practices involve multiple online platforms and activities beyond the formal curriculum and that these play a key role in developing students' interests in learning software development. Moreover, our findings indicate the importance of taking into account the way students' learning practices unfold within platforms and how these relate to domain‐specific practices.
The redlegged earth mite draft genome provides new insights into pesticide resistance evolution and demography in its invasive Australian range
Authors: Thia Joshua A. , Korhonen Pasi K. , Young Neil D. , Gasser Robin B. , Umina Paul A. , Yang Qiong , Edwards Owain , Walsh Tom , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: December 2022

Genomic data provide valuable insights into pest management issues such as resistance evolution, historical patterns of pest invasions and ongoing population dynamics. We assembled the first reference genome for the redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Tucker, 1925), to investigate adaptation to pesticide pressures and demography in its invasive Australian range using whole‐genome pool‐seq data from regionally distributed populations. Our reference genome comprises 132 autosomal contigs, with a total length of 48.90 Mb. We observed a large complex of ace genes, which has presumably evolved from a long history of organophosphate selection in H. destructor and may contribute towards organophosphate resistance through copy number variation, target‐site mutations and structural variants. In the putative ancestral H. destructor ace gene, we identified three target‐site mutations (G119S, A201S and F331Y) segregating in organophosphate‐resistant populations. Additionally, we identified two new para sodium channel gene mutations (L925I and F1020Y) that may contribute to pyrethroid resistance. Regional structuring observed in population genomic analyses indicates that gene flow in H. destructor does not homogenize populations across large geographic distances. However, our demographic analyses were equivocal on the magnitude of gene flow; the short invasion history of H. destructor makes it difficult to distinguish scenarios of complete isolation vs. ongoing migration. Nonetheless, we identified clear signatures of reduced genetic diversity and smaller inferred effective population sizes in eastern vs. western populations, which is consistent with the stepping‐stone invasion pathway of this pest in Australia. These new insights will inform development of diagnostic genetic markers of resistance, further investigation into the multifaceted organophosphate resistance mechanism and predictive modelling of resistance evolution and spread.
Effect of smile esthetics on the quality of life in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Su En‐dian , Chen Ying‐hui , Zhang Chang‐yuan , Yu Hao
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to explore the influence of smile esthetics on the quality of life in a Han Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 110 Han Chinese volunteers (52 males and 58 females, mean age 26.7 years) were recruited, and frontal images of their smiles were collected. A photoediting program was used to evaluate the following components of smile esthetics: the buccal corridor ratios, the angle between the interpupillary and commissural lines, the number of visible teeth, and width‐to‐length ratios of the maxillary central incisors. Oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in these volunteers was evaluated using the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) and Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14). Statistical analyses were performed by using Pearson's correlations and multiple linear regression (α = 0.05).

Results

Compared to males, females scored higher on psychological impact (p = 0.017). Moreover, the number of visible teeth had a significant effect on social impact, psychological impact and esthetic concern (all p < 0.05). However, the buccal corridor ratios, the angle between the interpupillary and commissural lines, and the width‐to‐length ratios of the maxillary central incisor did not correlate with the OHRQoL (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The number of visible teeth significantly influenced the quality of life in a Han Chinese population. Smile esthetics had a significantly greater psychological impact on females than males.

Clinical Significance

This study highlights the effects of smile esthetics on the quality of life in a Han Chinese population. Female patients may raise more esthetic concerns in clinical practice.
Five‐year randomized clinical trial to evaluate the clinical performance of high‐viscosity glass ionomer restorative systems in small class II restorations
Authors: Wafaie Ramy Ahmed , Ibrahim Ali Ashraf , El‐Negoly Salwa Abd El‐Raof , Mahmoud Salah Hasab
Published: December 2022

Objective

Evaluate and compare the 5‐year clinical performance of three high‐viscosity glass ionomer restorative materials in small class II restorations.

Materials and Methods

Forty patients, each with four class II restorations, were enrolled in this trial. A total of 160 restorations were placed, 25% for each material, as follows: three high‐viscosity conventional glass ionomer restorative systems (Ketac Universal Aplicap, EQUIA Forte and Riva Self Cure HV) and a microhybrid resin composite system (Filtek Z250). Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline and after 1, 3, and 5 years by two independent examiners using FDI criteria. Epoxy resin replicas were observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine surface characteristics. Data were analyzed with Kruskal‐Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, Friedman, and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests (p < 0.05).

Results

The success rates were 100% for resin composite, 97.4% for Ketac Universal, and 94.9% for both EQUIA Forte and Riva HV restorations. Statistically significant differences were observed between all groups in terms of surface luster and color match criteria (p < 0.05). Statistically significant changes were found over time for all criteria except for fracture of material, postoperative hypersensitivity, recurrence of caries, tooth integrity, periodontal response, adjacent mucosa, and oral health criteria (p > 0.05). SEM evaluations were in accordance with the clinical findings.

Conclusions

Although drawbacks in surface luster and color match appeared over the 5‐year evaluation period, the three high‐viscosity glass ionomer restorative materials provided successful clinical performance in small to medium sized class II cavities compared to microhybrid resin composite.

Clinical Significance

Glass ionomer restorations exhibited clinical performance similar to that of microhybrid resin composite restorations in small class II cavities subsequent to 5‐year evaluation.
Biomarkers and treatments for mood disorders encompassing the neurosteroid and endocannabinoid systems
Authors: Pinna Graziano
Published: December 2022

Mood disorders, including major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, post‐traumatic stress disorder and suicidality are highly prevalent, associated with a significant economic burden, and remain poorly diagnosed and poorly treated psychiatric conditions. In part, this may result from the lack of biomarkers that can guide precision medicine with individualized treatments for millions of individuals who suffer these debilitating conditions worldwide. While several biomarker candidates have been proposed for mood disorders, none has been implemented in clinical practice and the treatment still relies in the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that shows mixed efficacy and significant side effects. Both neurosteroid biosynthesis and the endocannabinoid system have recently provided evidence for pharmacological targets to improve mood symptoms and the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone has recently been approved by the USA Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of post‐partum depression. Clinical studies also show efficacy for the management of major depression and more studies are being conducted to study efficacy in post‐traumatic stress disorder. Likewise, the endocannabinoid‐like modulator, N‐palmioyl ethanolamide (PEA) has shown efficacy in the treatment of major depression and bipolar disorder. While these new agents are coming forward in the field of neuropsychopharmacology as a new generation of fast‐acting antidepressants, the hypothesis of whether their deficits underlying mood disorders could constitute valid predictive biomarkers to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of these conditions is under consideration.
FOLFOX‐bevacizumab chemotherapy in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Lacombe Caroline , Perrier Marine , Hentic Olivia , Brixi Hedia , De Rycke Ophélie , Cros Jérôme , Rebours Vinciane , Cadiot Guillaume , Ruszniewski Philippe , de Mestier Louis
Published: December 2022

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are highly vascularized neoplasms. While FOLFOX chemotherapy has shown efficacy in patients with advanced NETs, its combination with antiangiogenics has been scarcely described. Here, we report the efficacy and tolerance of FOLFOX‐bevacizumab in this setting. We retrospectively studied all consecutive patients with metastatic NET treated by FOLFOX‐bevacizumab in two expert centers from 2013 to 2020. We assessed time to treatment failure (TTF), objective response rate (ORR) and toxicity. We explored factors associated with TTF and ORR using multivariate analyses. We included 57 patients (35.1% female, median age 61.7 years), with pancreatic (66.7%), small‐intestine (14%) or lung (7%) NETs. Most patients (57.9%) had extra‐hepatic metastases and G3 NETs accounted for 40.3% of cases. Patients received a median of 17 cycles of treatment, including a median of seven cycles of bevacizumab and/or 5‐fluorouracile maintenance. Median TTF was 15.5 months (95% CI: 9.8–21.2) and was shorter in patients age > 60 years (HR 2.56, 95% CI: 1.16–5.64), p = .020) and >1 previous systemic treatment line (HR 4.15, 95% CI: 1.96–8.78), p < .001). The ORR was 42.9% and was higher in cases of performance status at 0 (OR 5.25, 95% CI: 1.13–24.35), p = .034) and G3 NET (OR 5.39, 95% CI: 1.23–23.52), p = .025). The FOLFOX‐bevacizumab combination has promising efficacy in patients with progressive metastatic NETs and notably for G3 NETs, for which optimal treatment as yet remains ill‐defined. Hence, it could be a relevant alternative to alkylating‐based chemotherapy in this setting and should be further explored prospectively.
Insurance fraud detection: A statistically validated network approach
Authors: Tumminello Michele , Consiglio Andrea , Vassallo Pietro , Cesari Riccardo , Farabullini Fabio
Published: December 2022

Fraud is a social phenomenon, and fraudsters often collaborate with other fraudsters, taking on different roles. The challenge for insurance companies is to implement claim assessment and improve fraud detection accuracy. We developed an investigative system based on bipartite networks, highlighting the relationships between subjects and accidents or vehicles and accidents. We formalize filtering rules through probability models and test specific methods to assess the existence of communities in extensive networks and propose new alert metrics for suspicious structures. We apply the methodology to a real database—the Italian Antifraud Integrated Archive—and compare the results to out‐of‐sample fraud scams under investigation by the judicial authorities.
Patient outcomes in a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship: A systematic literature review
Authors: Dodsworth Alastair , Munro Katie , Alberti Hugh , Hirsh David A. , Paes Paul , Illing Jan
Published: December 2022

Context

Patient–student relationships are at the heart of Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LICs). Outcomes for students and preceptors are beneficial, but patient outcomes remain unclear. This systematic literature review explored the current evidence base of patient outcomes in an LIC. Patient outcomes were defined as issues related to patient safety, clinical effectiveness or patient experience.

Methods

Seven bibliographic databases were searched. A wider search strategy included a hand search of three medical education journals' previous issues and backward/forward citation searching of included studies and of a relevant systematic review. Included studies were quality appraised and assessed for their strength and level of evidence. A qualitative data synthesis was performed.

Results

Databases searches identified 7237 titles. Following the removal of duplicates, titles and abstracts were reviewed against the inclusion criteria. Forty‐eight studies had a full‐text review. Nineteen met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies were included from the wider search strategy. From the 26 included studies, two major themes were identified. (1) ‘A trusting patient‐student relationship’ contains the sub‐themes: ‘care and compassion’, ‘patient education and empowerment’ and ‘the loss of the student as ‘my’ doctor’. (2) ‘The student acts as an agent of change for the patient’ contains the sub‐themes: ‘patient advocacy’, ‘supporting the patient to navigate the healthcare system’, ‘communication between patient and healthcare professional’ and ‘enhancement of preceptors’ care, healthcare services and communities'.

Conclusions

LICs provide educational continuity allowing the creation of a trusting patient–student relationship. This relationship leads to students becoming agents of change for patients by enhancing patient outcomes. This review provides further evidence on the benefits of having an LIC as part of the medical education curricula and implications for its successful delivery. Further research is needed to explore educationally induced benefits for patients and look at objective assessments of patient health outcomes.
VariableDNAtopology is an epigenetic generator of physiological heterogeneity in bacterial populations
Authors: Dorman Charles J.
Published: December 2022

Transcription is a noisy and stochastic process that produces sibling‐to‐sibling variations in physiology across a population of genetically identical cells. This pattern of diversity reflects, in part, the burst‐like nature of transcription. Transcription bursting has many causes and a failure to remove the supercoils that accumulate in DNA during transcription elongation is an important contributor. Positive supercoiling of the DNA ahead of the transcription elongation complex can result in RNA polymerase stalling if this DNA topological roadblock is not removed. The relaxation of these positive supercoils is performed by the ATP‐dependent type II topoisomerases DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Interference with the action of these topoisomerases involving, inter alia, topoisomerase poisons, fluctuations in the [ATP]/[ADP] ratio, and/or the intervention of nucleoid‐associated proteins with GapR‐like or YejK‐like activities, may have consequences for the smooth operation of the transcriptional machinery. Antibiotic‐tolerant (but not resistant) persister cells are among the phenotypic outliers that may emerge. However, interference with type II topoisomerase activity can have much broader consequences, making it an important epigenetic driver of physiological diversity in the bacterial population.
The Interaction of Philosophy and Theology in Aquinas's Christology
Authors: Gorman Michael
Published: December 2022

Aquinas accepts the harmony of faith and reason, but he does not think that such harmony is always easily arrived at. After making some background points about his views on faith, reason, philosophy, and theology, I explore two cases drawn from his Christology. In the first, philosophical thinking influences how we understand revelation; in the second, theological thinking influences how we understand a topic normally thought of as part of philosophy. In both cases, harmony is not pre-given but instead arrived at only through a process of adjustment.
Reducing paediatric unintended extubation: A standardized bundle approach
Authors: Underwood Lindsay F. , Norman Sharon , Orwoll Benjamin , DeVane Kenneth , Taha Asma
Published: December 2022

Background

Unintended extubation (UE) is a serious risk associated with endotracheal intubation. In the paediatric population, UE can lead to significant patient harm. On average, each UE increases ICU and hospital length of stay by 5.5 and 6.5 days respectively and costs an additional $36 000. The international benchmark rate of UE for quality analysis cited in the literature is <1 per 100 ventilator days. The United States organization Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) developed and introduced a bundle to reduce UE with a goal of ≤0.95 per 100 ventilator days.

Aim

The aim of this quality improvement project was to determine the baseline rate of UE in a 20‐bed mixed medical/surgical PICU in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, implement the SPS bundle for UE prevention, and assess adherence to the bundle, and subsequent rate of UE.

Study design

The IHI Model for Improvement Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act (PDSA) was used to guide the development, implementation, and assessment of the SPS UE Bundle standardizing the management of endotracheal tubes. Adherence to the bundle was measured through peer‐to‐peer audits. Rates of adherence and UE were monitored on line charts.

Results

Baseline rate of UE was 1.83 per 100 ventilator days; 23 weeks post implementation of the bundle the rate of UE was reduced to 0.38 UE per 100 ventilator days, F(7, 9) = 4.685, p = 0.027. The mean bundle adherence was 92%.

Conclusions

This quality improvement initiative confirms that high adherence to the SPS UE Bundle may significantly reduce rates of UE in PICU settings.

Relevance to clinical practice

Use of the SPS evidence‐based discrete UE bundle and high adherence to the bundle can standardize practise and may reduce unintended extubation in the paediatric population.
Cold stress induces malformed tomato fruits by breaking the feedback loops of stem cell regulation in floral meristem
Authors: Wu Junqing , Sun Wenru , Sun Chao , Xu Chunmiao , Li Shuang , Li Pengxue , Xu Huimin , Zhu Danyang , Li Meng , Yang Liling , Wei Jinbo , Hanzawa Aya , Tapati Sumaiya Jannat , Uenoyama Reiko , Miyazaki Masao , Rahman Abidur , Wu Shuang
Published: December 2022

Fruit malformation is a major constrain in fruit production worldwide resulting in substantial economic losses. The farmers for decades noticed that the chilling temperature before blooming often caused malformed fruits. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unclear.

Here we examined the fruit development in response to cold stress in tomato, and demonstrated that short‐term cold stress increased the callose accumulation in both shoot apical and floral meristems, resulting in the symplastic isolation and altered intercellular movement of WUS.

In contrast to the rapidly restored SlWUS transcription during the recovery from cold stress, the callose removal was delayed due to obstructed plasmodesmata. The delayed reinstatement of cell‐to‐cell transport of SlWUS prevented the activation of SlCLV3 and TAG1, causing the interrupted feedback inhibition of SlWUS expression, leading to the expanded stem cell population and malformed fruits. We further showed that the callose dynamics in response to short‐term cold stress presumably exploits the mechanism of bud dormancy during the seasonal growth, involving two antagonistic hormones, abscisic acid and gibberellin.

Our results provide a novel insight into the cold stress regulated malformation of fruit.
Unicystic ameloblastoma: A retrospective study on recurrent factors from a single institute database
Authors: Yang Rong , Lin Xiaohu , Zhang Wenming , Gokavarapu Sandhya , Lin Chengzhong , Ren Zhenhu , Hu Yongjie , Cao Wei , Ji Tong
Published: December 2022

Objective

Unicystic ameloblastomas are a variant of ameloblastoma with a definite recurrence rate because of the biological behaviours of the tumour. The risk factors associated with disease recurrence were analysed in this retrospective study.

Methods

A total of 132 patients with primary unicystic ameloblastoma reported in a tertiary hospital from 2005 to 2015 were analysed to identify the clinic‐pathological and radiological factors associated with recurrence using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

The mean volume was 30.54cm3 ± 12.55 cm3, and this value differed significantly according to recurrence (p < 0.001). Root resorption and bone cortex/soft tissue invasion were also significantly associated with recurrence among unicystic ameloblastoma patients (p = 0.017 vs. p < 0.001, respectively). A new stage classification system was developed to predict disease recurrence of patients. The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the new stage classification system was the only predictor of disease recurrence in unicystic ameloblastoma patients (p < 0.001), regardless of root resorption, position and site characteristics.

Conclusions

Volume, root resorption and bone cortex/soft tissue invasion were risk factors for disease recurrence among unicystic ameloblastoma patients. The new stage classification was an independent predictor of disease recurrence in patients with unicystic ameloblastoma.
Diagnostic delay in autoimmune oral diseases
Authors: Petruzzi Massimo , della Vella Fedora , Squicciarini Nicola , Lilli Davide , Campus Guglielmo , Piazzolla Giuseppina , Lucchese Alberta , van der Waal Isaac
Published: December 2022

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) affect about 5% of the general population, causing various systemic and/or topical clinical manifestations. The oral mucosa is often affected, sometimes as the only involved site. The misdiagnosis of oral ADs is an underreported issue. This narrative review focuses on diagnostic delay (DD) in oral ADs (oral lichen planus [OLP], oral Pemphigus Vulgaris, mucous membrane pemphigoid, oral lupus erythematosus, orofacial granulomatosis, oral erythema multiforme [EM], and Sjogren syndrome). Extensive literature research was conducted via MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar databases for articles reporting the time spent to achieve the correct diagnosis of oral ADs. Only 16 studies reported DD in oral ADs. Oral autoimmune vesiculobullous diseases are usually diagnosed after 8 months from the initial signs/symptoms, the Sjogren Syndrome diagnosis usually requires about 73 months. No data exist about the DD in OLP, oral lupus erythematosus, orofacial granulomatosis, and oral EM. The diagnosis of oral ADs can be difficult due to the non‐specificity of their manifestations and the unawareness of dentists, physicians, and dental and medical specialists about these diseases. This can lead to a professional DD and a consequential treatment delay. The delay can be attributed to the physicians or/and the healthcare system (Professional Delay) or the patient (Patient's Delay).
Plant leads for mitigation of oral submucous fibrosis: Current scenario and future prospect
Authors: Pal Sarita , Sharma Disha , Yadav Narayan Prasad
Published: December 2022

The aim of this review is to enumerate medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds that may become potential leads in the mitigation of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) in the forthcoming future. It is focused on pathophysiology, risk factors, current treatment regimen, potential plant leads, and future therapies for OSMF. Data were extracted from a vast literature survey by using SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed search engines with relevant keywords. Upon literature survey, we found that the phytochemical ‘arecoline’ present in the areca nut is the main causative agent of OSMF condition. Currently, OSMF is treated by immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids, enzymes (hyaluronidase, chymotrypsin, and collagenase), anti‐inflammatory mediators (isoxsuprine and pentoxifylline), dietary supplements (vitamins, antioxidants, and micronutrients), and anti‐fibrotic cytokines like interferon‐gamma that provides short‐term symptomatic relief to OSMF patients. However, some plant leads have been proven effective in alleviating symptoms and mitigating OSMF, which ultimately improves the quality of OSMF patients' life. We concluded that plant drugs like lycopene, curcumin, Aloe vera, colchicine, and Glycyrrhiza glabra are effective against OSMF in various in vitro and/or clinical studies and are being used by modern and traditional practitioners.
The utility of probability plotting in palaeobiology
Authors: Rinehart Larry F. , Heckert Andrew B. , Lucas Spencer G.
Published: December 2022

We introduce probability plotting for general use in the analysis of biological and palaeontological morphometric data. When applied to morphometric data, this analytical tool can yield palaeoecological, ontogenetic and demographic information. We have adapted and expanded a statistical tool used in reliability engineering, mechanical or electrical lifetime analysis, geochemistry and ore mineral analysis to analyse fossil populations. The technique is explained stepwise in a ‘user's manual’ format. Its power is to characterize statistical distribution types, to determine whether these distributions are skewed or truncated, and to resolve and quantify the components of mixed distributions, which in palaeontological data potentially represent morphological groupings such as cohorts or sexual dimorphs. The ease of application and simplicity are surprising. A probability plot of growth series data (e.g. skull lengths, femoral lengths, snout‐to‐vent lengths or other morphometrics) typically shows complex non‐normal distribution of the data because of multimodal composition. We show that these component modes, which are generally, but not always normal (i.e. Gaussian), can be resolved, and that they correspond to yearly age groups (cohorts), sexual dimorphs, pre‐ and post‐metamorphic forms, other ontogenetic stages or possibly mixed taxa. When these component size distributions are associated with an age group or sex, several important palaeoecological calculations become possible. These include growth curves, age and sex distributions, sexual dimorphism indices, etc. We demonstrate the biological and palaeontological utility of probability plots with several examples including a Permian wingless insect, an extant unionid bivalve, a Triassic metoposaurid amphibian, an extant lizard, and a Triassic theropod dinosaur.
Transition of care in patients with epidermolysis bullosa: A survey study
Authors: Han Joohee , Dykman Morgan , Lunos Scott , Nguyen Audrey , Hook Kristen P. , Lara‐Corrales Irene , Price Harper N. , Diaz Lucia , Levy Moise , Boull Christina
Published: December 2022

There are little published data on the transition of care in EB. We conducted a survey study recruiting EB patients from the Dystrophic EB Research Association (debra) website and centers caring for high numbers of EB patients in the United States and internationally from Sept 17, 2019 to Nov 3, 2021. The majority of participants had not discussed the transition of care with their healthcare providers, nor the healthcare needs to be required as an adult. Ongoing pediatric subspecialty care was reported by 12% of adults, most commonly in pediatric dermatology. Identified barriers to transition included the perceived lack of adult providers' knowledge about EB patient healthcare needs. The results suggest the need for transition guidelines, early discussions with families about transition, and practical information for the adult providers accepting care.
Effects of short‐term treatment with vibegron for refractory nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Uchihara Yoshinori , Yamashita Sumie , Watanabe Hiroki , Hata Daisuke , Hata Atsuko
Published: December 2022

Background

Long‐term nocturnal enuresis treatment leads to stress and lowered self‐esteem for children and their parents. This study evaluated the short‐term effectiveness and safety of vibegron (50 mg) for children with refractory nocturnal enuresis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of children with therapy‐resistant enuresis was conducted using data for July to December 2019. Enuresis frequency was recorded during 30 days before and after additional vibegron administration with prior treatment. We assessed the treatment effectiveness based on enuresis frequencies between before and after treatment with vibegron 50 mg. Statistical evaluation was performed using a paired t‐test.

Results

Among 29 children receiving vibegron, 14 (48.3%) exhibited a partial or complete response to the drug. Enuresis frequencies (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) were, respectively, 15.8 ± 9.2 and 9.5 ± 9.6 before and after treatment with vibegron during the observed 30 days. A statistically significant reduction in enuresis frequency was found (p < 0.001). Moreover, maximum mean±SD morning urine of 200 ± 62.9 mL before treatment with vibegron changed to 232 ± 76.6 mL after treatment. A significant increase in voiding volume in the early morning was found (p < 0.05). No drug‐related severe adverse event was found.

Conclusion

Short‐term treatment with vibegron is safe and effective for children with refractory enuresis.
Effectiveness of MOVI‐KIDS programme on health‐related quality of life in children: Cluster‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Redondo‐Tebar Andres , Ruiz‐Hermosa Abel , Martinez‐Vizcaino Vicente , Bermejo‐Cantarero Alberto , Cavero‐Redondo Iván , Martín‐Espinosa Noelia María , Sanchez‐Lopez Mairena
Published: December 2022

Objective

To test the effectiveness of an 8‐month school‐based multicomponent intervention (MOVI‐KIDS) in improving health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in schoolchildren.

Study Design

A randomized cluster trial was conducted including 1168 children aged 4–6 years who attended 21 schools in two Spanish provinces (Cuenca and Ciudad Real). MOVI‐KIDS study is a multicomponent physical activity intervention, which consisted of (i) 3 × 60‐min sessions/week, (ii) educational materials for parents and teachers, and (iii) school playground modifications. The parent's proxy report of the KINDL‐R Spanish version (6 subdimensions and a total score), and the KINDL‐R self‐reported by children (total score) was used to measure HRQoL. Mixed linear regression models were conducted to test differences in each HRQoL dimension between intervention and control groups, controlling for baseline values, cardiorespiratory fitness, and socioeconomic status, by gender.

Results

The boys in the intervention group presented better scores on total HRQoL than the control group in both the parent (ß = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.23–2.70) and self‐reported (ß = 2.13; 95% CI: 0.53–3.74) versions, as well as on the emotional well‐being dimension (ß = 2.43; 95% CI: 0.48–4.36). There was no significant effect of the intervention on physical well‐being, self‐esteem, family, and friends. In girls, no statistically significant differences were found between those who participated in MOVI‐KIDS and those who did not.

Conclusion

Our data support gender differences in the effect of MOVI‐KIDS, such that while in boys the intervention was successful in increasing total scores of HRQoL, as well as emotional well‐being scores, the intervention was not effective in improving girls' HRQoL.
Software update: Interpreting killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors from whole genome sequence data with PING
Authors: Marin Wesley M. , Hollenbach Jill A.
Published: December 2022

Here, we demonstrate improvements to our bioinformatic pipeline, PING, which provides high‐resolution genotyping of killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) sequencing data, that expand the method to provide KIR interpretation from whole genome sequencing (WGS) data. We evaluated performance using synthetic sequence datasets and real‐world data from the 1000 Genomes Project (1KGP). PING demonstrated high exonic genotyping performance on the synthetic sequence dataset meant to approximate real‐world data at 95% accuracy (N = 1366). This result was mirrored in the analysis of 1KGP European data (N = 215) with most genes showing near or below 5% frequency of unresolved exonic genotypes, which is an important indicator for genotyping errors in real‐world data. An analysis into the distributions of genotyping errors for the synthetic sequence datasets gave insights into how to further improve genotype accuracy. Similarly, an analysis into ambiguous exonic genotype frequencies for the 1KGP European data, which showed high rates of unresolved genotypes, highlighted that an effective phasing method will be an impactful future additional to the PING workflow. Together, these results demonstrate that PING can effectively provide high‐resolution KIR genotyping on WGS data.
Recognition of the HLA‐C*07:1047 allele in a Russian bone marrow donor
Authors: Loginova Maria , Smirnova Daria , Paramonov Igor
Published: December 2022

Complete genomic characterization of the HLA‐C*07:1047 allele.
Skeletal muscle mass and all‐cause mortality: Findings from the CRONICAS cohort study
Authors: Bernabe‐Ortiz Antonio , Carrillo‐Larco Rodrigo M. , Gilman Robert H. , Smeeth Liam , Checkley William , Miranda J. Jaime
Published: December 2022

Objective

We aimed (1) to evaluate the agreement between two methods (equation and bio‐impedance analysis [BIA]) to estimate skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and (2) to assess if SMM was associated with all‐cause mortality risk in individuals across different geographical sites in Peru.

Methods

We used data from the CRONICAS Cohort Study (2010–2018), a population‐based longitudinal study in Peru to assess cardiopulmonary risk factors from different geographical settings. SMM was computed as a function of weight, height, sex and age (Lee equation) and by BIA. All‐cause mortality was retrieved from national vital records. Cox proportional‐hazard models were developed and results presented as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

At baseline, 3216 subjects, 51.5% women, mean age 55.7 years, were analysed. The mean SMM was 23.1 kg (standard deviation [SD]: 6.0) by Lee equation, and 22.7 (SD: 5.6) by BIA. Correlation between SMM estimations was strong (Pearson's ρ coefficient = 0.89, p < 0.001); whereas Bland–Altman analysis showed a small mean difference. Mean follow‐up was 7.0 (SD: 1.0) years, and there were 172 deaths. In the multivariable model, each additional kg in SMM was associated with a 19% reduction in mortality risk (HR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.75–0.88) using the Lee equation, but such estimate was not significant when using BIA (HR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.94–1.03). Compared to the lowest tertile, subjects at the highest SMM tertile had a 56% reduction in risk of mortality using the Lee equation, but there was no such association when using BIA estimations.

Conclusion

There is a strong correlation and agreement between SMM estimates obtained by the Lee equation and BIA. However, an association between SMM and all‐cause mortality exists only when the Lee equation is used. Our findings call for appropriate use of approaches to estimate SMM, and there should be a focus on muscle mass in promoting healthier ageing.
Comparison of indirect computed tomographic lymphography and near‐infrared fluorescence sentinel lymph node mapping for integumentary canine mast cell tumors
Authors: Alvarez‐Sanchez Alejandro , Townsend Katy L. , Newsom Lauren , Milovancev Milan , Gorman Elena , Russell Duncan S.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To compare the independent and combined use of indirect computed tomographic lymphography (ICTL) and near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in dogs with integumentary mast cell tumors (MCT) and report the metastatic LN rate.

Study design

Prospective clinical study.

Animals

Twenty client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs underwent preoperative ICTL, then intraoperative NIRF SLN mapping and excision of the anatomic lymph node (ALN) and/or SLN, and primary MCT. Technique agreement was complete if the same SLN was detected, and partial if the same SLN was detected along with additional SLN. No agreement occurred if the techniques detected different or no SLN. MCT were graded using two‐ and three‐tier schemes, and LN were graded from HN0‐3; HN2‐3 were considered metastatic.

Results

Complete, partial, and no agreement between ICTL and NIRF was seen in 8/20 (40%), 8/20 (40%), and 4/20 (20%) dogs, respectively. Detection of ICTL‐SLN and NIRF‐SLN failed in 1/20 (5%) and 4/20 (20%), respectively. Tumors were grade II/low‐grade in 19/20 (95%) and grade III/high‐grade in 1/20 (5%) dogs. Nineteen out of 20 (95%) dogs had HN2‐3 LN.

Conclusions

Technique agreement of at least one SLN was seen in 16/20 (80%) dogs. Although most MCT were classified as intermediate to low grade, LN metastases were commonly detected.

Clinical significance

Combining ICTL and NIRF for MCT SLN mapping yields high SLN detection rates. Lymph node metastasis may be more common than previously reported for intermediate to low grade MCT.
Content Analysis of Axiological Dimensions of the National Curricula
Authors: Adamczyk Roman
Published: December 2022

The article aims to provide a content analysis of the complete corpus of Framework Education Programmes underlying primary and secondary education in the Czech Republic, focusing on the axiological, i.e. the value-driven component of the discourse. Axiology offers insights into a number of disciplines, including education, teaching and pedagogical research. Implicit and / or explicit values are present in fundamental materials such as the national curricula and in other types of documents and processes, exerting influence on educators, students and other stakeholders in educational activities. Methodologically, the text draws on a quantitative-qualitative content analysis of the complete body of Framework Education Programmes (national curricula), using lexical statistics, keyword-in-context analysis, dendrograms, proximity plots, keyness and categorisation. The analysis demonstrates that values constitute a frequent topic in the national curricula, being related to areas such as humanism, environmental protection, democracy, morals, spirituality, tradition, culture and a number of others.
Skills of PhD Graduates for Open Science and Open Innovation
Authors: Janíčko Michal , Šímová Zdeňka , McGrath Denise
Published: December 2022

The study presents findings from the analysis of skills useful for Open Science (OS) and Open Innovation (OI). Employers both within and outside academia and employed PhD graduates and students in the Czech Republic, Ireland and Denmark were interviewed and job postings aimed at research vacancies were reviewed to identify key skillsets useful in broadly defined OS and OI environments. Five skill profiles of PhD graduates have been identified: (1) collaborative and interdisciplinary research, (2) practical applicability of research results, (3) involving the wider public in research, (4) use of Open Science tools and (5) career planning. Implications of the findings for possible interventions in PhD education systems are discussed.