bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in predicting the effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on mitral regurgitation in patients with low ejection fraction heart failure
Authors: Demirtola Ayşe İrem , Tan Turkan Seda , Mammadli Anar , Akbulut Müge , Gerede Demet Menekse , Dinçer Irem
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) positively affects the improvement of functional mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, geometric changes in the mitral valve apparatus, subvalvular structures and their contribution to improving mitral regurgitation after CRT have not been clearly defined. Our study aimed to evaluate the geometric parameters of mitral valve apparatus measured with three‐dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before CRT implantation and to determine the parameters predicting the improvement of MR after CRT.

Methods

In this prospective study, we included thirty patients with moderate or severe MR and HFrEF planned for CRT implantation who had an indication for TEE. Before CRT implantation, effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) and regurgitant volume (RV) measurements were performed. Detailed quantitative measurements of the mitral valve were done from recorded images by 3D TEE. ERO and RV measurements were repeated to evaluate MR at the end of the third month.

Results

There were no significant changes in left ventricular EF and left ventricular diameters at third‐month follow‐up, whereas ERO and RV values were decreased. The posterior leaflet angle was higher in the non‐responder group than the responder group (28.93 ± 8.41 vs 41.25 ± 10.90, p = 0.006). The posterior leaflet angle was an independent predictor of decreased RV and ERO.

Conclusion

Among HFrEF patients with moderate or severe functional MR who underwent CRT implantation had a lower posterior leaflet angle, which was measured by 3D TEE, in the patient group whose MR improved after CRT.
The deontic basis of the firm—Implications for corporate governance
Authors: Lopes Helena
Published: February 2022

The paper presents a conception of firms' efficiency that breaks with the agency theory of the firm, which sees the efficiency of firms as no different in nature from that of markets. We argue that firms are efficient relative to markets, thanks to two kinds of social interaction, namely, interpersonal interactions and compliance with authority; these interactions take place among workers engaged in a collective productive venture and could not develop in markets. Two kinds of norm emerge from these interactions that create the rights and obligations needed for horizontal and vertical cooperation; the functioning of firms and their specific efficiency thus have a deontic basis. Just as shareholder‐oriented governance is normatively derived from agency theory's vision of the firm, which has succeeded in powerfully influencing corporate law and corporate governance since the 1980s, participatory governance is the governance mode that normatively derives from our understanding of the firm.
Mutations within the putative protease domain of the human FAM111B gene may predict disease severity and poor prognosis: A review of POIKTMP cases
Authors: Arowolo Afolake , Rhoda Cenza , Khumalo Nonhlanhla
Published: February 2022

Mutations in the human FAM111B gene are associated with a rare, hereditary multi‐systemic fibrosing disease, POIKTMP. To date, there are ten POIKTMP‐associated FAM111B gene mutations reported in thirty‐six patients from five families globally. To investigate the clinical significance of these mutations, we summarized individual cases by clinical features and position of the reported FAM111B gene mutations as those within and outside the putative protease domain (MWPPD and MOPPD respectively). MWPPD cases had more clinical manifestations than MOPPD (25 versus 18). Although the most common clinical features of poikiloderma, alopecia and hypohidrosis overall occurred in 94%, 86% and 75% of all cases with no significant differences between the MOPPD and MWPPD group, less common features included life‐threatening (pulmonary fibrosis 47% vs. 13%; liver abnormalities specifically cirrhosis 26% vs. 7%) and physically disabling conditions (myopathy 53% vs. 20%; tendon contracture 55% vs. 7%) were more common in MWPPD cases. Similarly, the only 2 cases of POIKTMP with fatal pancreatic cancers were both only in the MWPPD group. This review thus suggests that mutations within the putative protease domain of the FAM111B protein are associated with a broader range of clinical features and may predict increased POIKTMP severity and a poorer prognosis.
Increased annual methane uptake driven by warmer winters in an alpine meadow
Authors: Wang Peiyan , Wang Jinsong , Elberling Bo , Yang Lu , Chen Weinan , Song Lei , Yan Yingjie , Wang Song , Pan Junxiao , He Yunlong , Niu Shuli
Published: February 2022

Pronounced nongrowing season warming and changes in soil freeze–thaw (F–T) cycles can dramatically alter net methane (CH4) exchange rates between soils and the atmosphere. However, the magnitudes and drivers of warming impacts on CH4 uptake in different stages of the F–T cycle are poorly understood in cold alpine ecosystems, which have been found to be a net sink of atmospheric CH4. Here, we reported a year‐round ecosystem daily CH4 uptake in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau after a 5‐year warming experiment that included a control, a low‐level warming treatment (+2.4℃ at 5 cm soil depth), and a high‐level warming treatment (+4.5℃ at 5 cm soil depth). We found that warming shortened the F–T cycle under the low‐level warming and soils did not freeze under the high‐level warming. Although both warming treatments increased the mean CH4 uptake rate, only the high‐level warming significantly increased annual CH4 uptake compared to the control. The warming‐induced stimulation of CH4 uptake mainly occurred in the cold season, which was mostly during spring thaw under low‐level warming and during the frozen winter under high‐level warming due to a longer period with thawed soil. We also found that warming significantly stimulated daily CH4 uptake mainly by reducing near‐surface soil water content in the warm season, whereas both soil water content and temperature controlled daily CH4 uptake in different ways during the autumn freeze, frozen winter, and spring thaw periods of the control. Our study revealed a strong warming effect on CH4 uptake during the entire F–T cycle in the alpine meadow, especially the unfrozen winter. Our results also suggested the important roles of soil pH, available phosphorus, and methanotroph abundance in regulating annual CH4 uptake in response to warming, which should be incorporated into biogeochemical models for accurately forecasting CH4 fluxes under future climate scenarios.
An innovation resistance theory perspective on home service applications: The moderating role of country context
Authors: Kumar Poonam , Chauhan Sumedha , Jaiswal Mahadeo. P.
Published: February 2022

On‐demand home service applications (HSAs) have revolutionized the service industry and are gaining high popularity. By using the innovation resistance theory in HSA context, the present study aimed to (a) examine the relationships of consumer barriers with trust and word of mouth (WOM) and (b) analyze how country context moderates the relationships of consumer barriers with trust. Survey data were gathered from 343 respondents (India = 216, The USA = 127) and analyzed using SmartPLS 3 software. The results showed that value barrier, risk barrier, and image barrier negatively affect trust and WOM. While the tradition barrier is insignificantly associated with trust and WOM, and usage barrier negatively relates to WOM only. The study also discovered the positive association of trust with WOM. The study further found that the country context moderates the relationship of value barrier, risk barrier, and image barrier with trust. Finally, implications for theory and practice are presented.
Influence of xanthan gum and gluten on in vitro digestibility and textural properties of rice bread
Authors: Sasaki Tomoko
Published: February 2022

Starch digestibility of gluten‐free bread has been expected to be suppressed for the purpose of decreasing glycemic response. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of adding xanthan gum and gluten on starch and protein digestibility of rice bread prepared using the developed recipe involving pickering stabilization of foams and emulsions. The extent of starch digestion of gluten‐free bread was suppressed by adding 2% xanthan gum from 79.8% to 57.3%. This suppressive effect was diminished by using gluten and that of rice bread containing 2% xanthan gum and 20% gluten was 75.5%. The extent of starch digestion of gluten‐free bread was similar or less than that of bread containing gluten. The gluten‐free bread with 2% xanthan gum had significantly lower loaf volume, porosity, and sticker structure of breadcrumb than the control. The suppressive effects of xanthan gum on starch and protein digestion were mainly dependent on reducing accessibility of the enzyme into the inner structure.
Exposure to maternal fuels during pregnancy and offspring hepatic fat in early childhood: The healthy start study
Authors: Cohen Catherine C. , Francis Ellen C. , Perng Wei , Sauder Katherine A. , Scherzinger Ann , Sundaram Shikha S. , Shankar Kartik , Dabelea Dana
Published: February 2022

Background

Intrauterine overnutrition has been associated with paediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the exact mechanisms involved remain unclear.

Objective

To examine whether maternal fuels and metabolic markers during pregnancy are associated with offspring hepatic fat in childhood.

Methods

This analysis included 286 mother–child pairs from the Healthy Start Study, a longitudinal pre‐birth cohort in Colorado. Fasting blood draws were collected in early pregnancy (~17 weeks) and mid‐pregnancy (~27 weeks). Offspring hepatic fat was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at ~5 years.

Results

In early pregnancy, maternal triglycerides (TGs) and free fatty acids (FFAs) were positively associated with offspring hepatic fat [Back‐transformed β (95% CI): 1.15 (1.05, 1.27) per 1 standard deviation (SD) TGs; 1.14 (1.05, 1.23) per 1 SD FFAs]. Maternal total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) were also associated with offspring hepatic fat, but only among boys [1.22 (1.08, 1.37) per 1 SD TC; 1.21 (1.07, 1.37) per 1 SD LDL‐C]. In mid‐pregnancy, only maternal TGs remained associated with offspring hepatic fat. Adjusting for potential confounders or mediators did not affect associations.

Conclusions

Maternal lipid concentrations, especially in early pregnancy, are associated with higher offspring hepatic fat, and may, therefore, be targeted in future interventions among pregnant women.
The economic burden of influenza among adults aged 18 to 64: A systematic literature review
Authors: de Courville Caroline , Cadarette Sarah M. , Wissinger Erika , Alvarez Fabián P.
Published: February 2022

While the economic burden of influenza infection is well described among adults aged 65 and older, less is known about younger adults. A systematic literature review was conducted to describe the economic burden of seasonal influenza in adults aged 18 to 64 years, to identify the main determinants of direct and indirect costs, and to highlight any gaps in the existing published evidence. MEDLINE and Embase were searched from 2007 to February 7, 2020, for studies reporting primary influenza‐related cost data (direct or indirect) or absenteeism data. Of the 2613 publications screened, 51 studies were included in this review. Half of them were conducted in the United States, and 71% of them described patients with influenza‐like illness rather than laboratory‐confirmed disease. Only 12 studies reported cost data specifically for at‐risk populations. Extracted data highlighted that within the 18‐ to 64‐year‐old group, up to 88% of the economic burden of influenza was attributable to indirect costs, and up to 75% of overall direct costs were attributable to hospitalizations. Furthermore, within the 18‐ to 64‐year‐old group, influenza‐related costs increased with age and underlying medical conditions. The reported cost of influenza‐related hospitalizations was found to be up to 2.5 times higher among at‐risk populations compared with not‐at‐risk populations. This review documents the considerable economic impact of influenza among adults aged 18 to 64. In this age group, most of the influenza costs are indirect, which are generally not recognized by decision makers. Future studies should focus on at‐risk subgroups, lab‐confirmed cases, and European countries.
Novel rare earth free phosphors CsMg2P3O10: Mn2+ with efficient and ultra‐broadband red emission for plant growth LEDs
Authors: Dai Heng , Li Shanshan , Li Zhuowei , Li Jiankun , Xin Shuangyu , Wang Chuang , Zhu Ge , Dong Bin
Published: February 2022

An efficient and ultra‐broadband red phosphor CsMg2P3O10: Mn2+ (CMPO: Mn2+) is first synthesized toward indoor plant growth LEDs. The phase purity, element composition, crystal, and local electronic structure are explored to discuss the structure and photoluminescence properties. Structure refinement and series X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) results show that CMPO: Mn2+ is well crystallized in an orthogonal crystal system. The diffuse reflection and excitation spectra show that CMPO: Mn2+ has strong absorption around near ultraviolet region, assigned to the [6A1 → 4E(4D), 4T2(4D), [4A1(4G), 4E(4G)], and 4T1(4G)] transitions of Mn2+, respectively. Upon 415 nm excitation, an efficient red emission centered at 647 nm with ultra‐broad full width at half‐maximum (FWHM ∼ 100 nm) and high quantum efficiency (IQE ∼ 44.3 %) is observed, and because of the ultra‐broad FWHM, the red emission is well accordant with the absorption spectra band of phytochrome PR and PFR. The optimal doping contents, lifetime as well as interaction mechanism of CMPO: Mn2+ are discussed in detail. Finally, the excellent thermal stability (84.5% @ 140°C) and related thermal quenching mechanism of CMPO: Mn2+ are discussed. The above results indicate that CMPO: Mn2+ phosphors have great potential for application in plant growth LEDs.
First‐principles investigation of elastic and electronic properties of double transition metal carbide MXenes
Authors: Jayan Rahul , Vashisth Aniruddh , Islam Md Mahbubul
Published: February 2022

We use first‐principles‐based density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the structural, elastic, and electronic properties of various pristine and oxygen (O)‐functionalized double transition metal (DTM) MXenes with general formulas of M2′M′′C2 and M2′M′′C2O2, where M′ = Mo, Cr and M′′ = Ti, V, Nb, Ta. The dynamic stability of the DTM MXenes are assessed and elastic stiffness constants (Cij) are used to investigate the mechanical stability and properties of the compositions. The calculated elastic properties of the pristine Mo‐based MXenes are found to be superior compared to Cr‐based compounds. Furthermore, the O‐functionalized MXenes exhibit improved in‐plane elastic constants, Young's moduli, and shear moduli compared to their pristine counterpart. We observe that the hybridization of the energy states results in stronger covalent interactions as such increased elastic properties for the M2′M′′C2O2 MXenes. Ashby plot clearly demonstrates superior materials properties of O‐functionalized Mo‐based DTM MXenes compared to other commonly known two‐dimensional materials. All the MXenes exhibit metallic character evident from the density of states (DOS) calculations. Additionally, the work functions are studied and the calculated values are higher in the case of O‐functionalized MXenes. Overall, this work will be a guide for future investigations on the mechanical properties of DTM MXenes for their targeted applications in structural nanocomposites.
Functional niche constraints on carnivore assemblages (Mammalia: Carnivora) in the Americas: What facilitates coexistence through space and time?
Authors: Arias‐Alzate Andrés , Arroyave Felber J. , Romero Goyeneche Oscar Y. , Hurtado Heredia Rafael G. , González‐Maya José F. , Arroyo‐Cabrales Joaquín , Peterson A. Townsend , Martínez‐Meyer Enrique
Published: February 2022

Aim

Mammalian carnivores are among the best studied groups in terms of evolutionary history. However, the effects of species interactions in shaping community assemblages remain poorly understood. We hypothesize that indirect interactions via ecological trait filtering play a key role in structuring carnivoran assemblages, mediate coexistence and thus should show high functional diversity (FD) in space and time at continental scales.

Location

The Americas.

Taxon

Mammalian carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora).

Methods

We followed a macroecological perspective via ecological network analyses for indirect interactions and assessed the underlying FD across space and from the last interglacial to the present in the Americas. We analysed the potential distributions and six ecological traits of 88 species to establish possible mechanisms that enables species to coexist and the underlying diversity patterns. We compared the empirical results with two null models and two sensitivity analyses.

Results

Co‐occurring carnivore species presented ecological segregation driven mainly by a size ratio (SR) relationship, called here the body size spatialanti‐clusteringeffect. The underlying FD patterns showed low redundancy towards the tropics and the poles during the times evaluated. However, during the last glacial maximum, shifts occurred primarily at high latitudes in North America. This shift affected theSRrelationship and therefore changed FD patterns. These local‐to‐continental interactions mediated by theSRare significant from an ecological and biogeographic perspective, suggesting a robust and consistent trend in which carnivore species of similar size have a lower probability of occupying the same area unless they differentiate in other ecological trait spaces.

Main conclusions

TheSRrelationship is potentially a primary mechanism limiting carnivore coexistence, reflecting functional filtering. TheSRtends to be conservative across different ecological trait groups and through time and space. We propose that the body‐size spatialanti‐clusteringeffect can directly measure species' coexistence and mediate FD patterns in the Americas.
Sex‐related differential susceptibility to ponatinib cardiotoxicity and differential modulation of the Notch1 signalling pathway in a murine model
Authors: Madonna Rosalinda , Pieragostino Damiana , Cufaro Maria Concetta , Del Boccio Piero , Pucci Angela , Mattii Letizia , Doria Vanessa , Cadeddu Dessalvi Christian , Zucchi Riccardo , Mercuro Giuseppe , De Caterina Raffaele
Published: February 2022

Ponatinib (PON), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved in chronic myeloid leukaemia, has proven cardiovascular toxicity. We assessed mechanisms of sex‐related PON‐induced cardiotoxicity and identified rescue strategies in a murine model. PON+scrambled siRNA‐treated male mice had a higher number of TUNEL‐positive cells (%TdT+6.12 ± 0.17), higher percentage of SA‐β‐gal‐positive senescent cardiac area (%SA‐β‐gal 1.41 ± 0.59) and a lower reactivity degree (RD) for the survival marker Bmi1 [Abs (OD) 5000 ± 703] compared to female (%TdT+3.75 ± 0.35; %SA‐β‐gal 0.77 ± 0.02; Bmi1 [Abs (OD) 8567 ± 2173]. Proteomics analysis of cardiac tissue showed downstream activation of cell death in PON+siRNA scrambled compared to vehicle or PON+siRNA‐Notch1‐treated male mice. Upstream analysis showed beta‐oestradiol activation, and downstream analysis showed activation of cell survival and inhibition of cell death in PON+scrambled siRNA compared to vehicle or PON+siRNA‐Notch1‐treated female mice. PON+scrambled siRNA‐treated mice also had a downregulation of cardiac actin—more marked in males—and vessel density—more marked in females. Female hearts showed greater cardiac fibrosis than their male counterparts at baseline, with no significant change after PON treatment. PON+siRNA‐scrambled mice had less fibrosis than vehicle or PON+siRNA‐Notch1‐treated mice. The left ventricular systolic dysfunction showed by PON+scrambled siRNA‐treated mice (male %EF 28 ± 9; female %EF 36 ± 7) was reversed in both PON+siRNA‐Notch1‐treated male (%EF 53 ± 9) and female mice (%EF 52 ± 8). We report sex‐related differential susceptibility and Notch1 modulation in PON‐induced cardiotoxicity. This can help to identify biomarkers and potential mechanisms underlying sex‐related differences in PON‐induced cardiotoxicity.
Lymphocyte percentage as a valuable predictor of prognosis in lung cancer
Authors: Huang Hong , Li Lei , Luo Wenxin , Yang Yongfeng , Ni Yinyun , Song Tingting , Zhu Yihan , Yang Ying , Zhang Li
Published: February 2022

Lymphocytes and neutrophils are involved in the immune response against cancer. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lymphocyte percentage/neutrophil percentage and the clinical characteristics of lung cancer patients, and to explore whether they could act as valuable predictors to ameliorate lung cancer prognosis. A total of 1312 patients were eligible to be recruited. Lymphocyte percentage and neutrophil percentage were classified based on their reference ranges. Survival curves were determined using Kaplan–Meier method, and univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were performed to identify the significant predictors. Decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the clinical benefit. The results of both training and validation cohorts indicated that lymphocyte percentage exhibited high correlation with clinical characteristics and metastasis of lung cancer patients. Both lymphocyte percentage and neutrophil percentage were closely associated with survival status (all p < 0.0001). Low lymphocyte percentage could act as an indicator of poor prognosis; it offered a higher clinical benefit when combined with the clinical characteristic model. Our findings suggested that pretreatment lymphocyte percentage served as a reliable predictor of lung cancer prognosis, and it was also an accurate response indicator in lung adenocarcinoma and advanced lung cancer. Measurement of lymphocyte percentage improved the clinical utility of patient characteristics in predicting mortality of lung cancer patients.
DEC1 promotes progression of Helicobacter pylori‐positive gastric cancer by regulating Akt/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Jia Yanfei , Liu Yanyan , Zhu Jingyu , Liu Liang , Ma Xiaoli , Liu Duanrui , Han Shuyi , Zhang Lulu , Ling Zhi‐Qiang , Wang Yunshan
Published: February 2022

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Differentiated embryo‐chondrocyte expressed gene 1 (DEC1) is dysregulated in some cancers and may regulate cell proliferation in specific contexts. Of note, DEC1 is emerging as one of the important factors regulating cellular responses in microenvironment. However, the triggers and precise regulation mechanism for DEC1 during inflammatory carcinoma transformation of GC are unclear. In this study, we identified DEC1 was upregulated in both H. pylori‐infected gastric tissues and GC cells. DEC1 expression was positively associated with H. pylori infection status and GC progression. DEC1‐positive expression indicated a poorer prognosis in H. pylori‐positive GC. DEC1 was required for H. pylori‐induced GC cells proliferation. Mechanistically, H. pylori infection significantly activated Akt/NF‐κB signal pathway and this induction depend on DEC1 expression level in GC cells. Importantly, their interaction pathway was further verified by H. pylori‐positive gastritis mice model. Taken together, our findings identified a novel function of DEC1 in GC. H. pylori infection induce DEC1 expression, and which leading to the progression of GC through activating Akt/ NF‐κB signalling pathway. Blocking DEC1/Akt/NF‐κB, therefore, presents a promising novel therapeutic strategy for H. pylori‐positive GC.
Unique motif shared by HLA‐B*59:01 and HLA‐B*55:02 is associated with methazolamide‐induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in Han Chinese
Authors: Jiang M. , Yang F. , Zhang L. , Xu D. , Jia Y. , Cheng Y. , Han S. , Wang T. , Chen Z. , Su Y. , Zhu Z. , Chen S. , Zhang J. , Wang L. , Yang L. , Yang J. , Luo X. , Xing Q.
Published: February 2022

Background

Methazolamide (MTZ) has been occasionally linked to the lethal Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which are associated with HLA‐B*59:01. However, some MTZ‐induced SJS/TEN (MTZ‐SJS/TEN) cases are negative for HLA‐B*59:01, implying that other genetic factors besides HLA‐B*59:01 are contributing to MTZ‐SJS/TEN.

Objectives

To comprehensively identify HLA and non‐HLA genetic susceptibility to MTZ‐SJS/TEN in Han Chinese.

Methods

Eighteen patients with MTZ‐SJS/TEN, 806 subjects of the population control and 74 MTZ‐tolerant individuals were enrolled in this study. Both exome‐wide and HLA‐based association studies were conducted. Molecular docking analysis was employed to simulate the interactions between MTZ and risk HLA proteins.

Results

We found a strong signal in the major histocompatibility complex region on chromosome 6 with 22 SNPs reaching exome‐wide significance. Compared with MTZ‐tolerant controls, a significant association of HLA‐B*59:01 with MTZ‐SJS/TEN was validated [odds ratio (OR) = 146.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 16.12–1321.98; P = 6.19 × 10−10]. Moreover, 66.7% of MTZ‐SJS/TEN patients negative for HLA‐B*59:01 were carriers of HLA‐B*55:02, whilst 2.7% of the tolerant individuals were observed with HLA‐B*55:02 (OR = 71.00, 95% CI: 7.84–643.10; P = 1.43 × 10−4). Within HLA‐B protein, the E45‐L116 motif could completely explain the association of HLA‐B*59:01 and HLA‐B*55:02 with MTZ‐SJS/TEN (OR = 119.33, 95% CI: 29.19–1227.96; P = 4.36 × 10−13). Molecular docking analysis indicated that MTZ binds more stably to the pocket of HLA‐B*59:01 and HLA‐B*55:02 than to that of non‐risk alleles of HLA‐B*40:01 and HLA‐C*01:02.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the association of HLA‐B*59:01 with MTZ‐SJS/TEN and identified HLA‐B*55:02 as a novel risk allele in Han Chinese with the largest sample size to date. Notably, the rs41562914(A)‐rs12697944(A) haplotype, encoding E45‐L116, is capable of serving as a powerful genetic predictor for MTZ‐SJS/TEN with a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 96%.
Development of a patient‐reported experience measure for chronic inflammatory skin diseases
Authors: Van den Steen E. , Ramaekers D. , Horlait M. , Gutermuth J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Patient involvement and high‐quality patient‐provider interactions are critical factors for quality of care in chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Also, assessing the patient's perspective contributes to optimizing care delivery and patient's experience. Until today, no user‐friendly tools to measure patient experiences exist within immunodermatology.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify the relevant items for patient's experience in immunodermatology and develop a concise questionnaire to assess patient's experience in routine clinical care.

Methods

Potential relevant items for measuring patient's perspective of immunodermatology care were identified by a literature search. From this longlist, a shortlist from patient's perspective was distilled by semi‐structured interviews with a diverse patient group. This list was reduced to final items using a modified Delphi method in a multi‐stakeholder focus group. For each item, one question was formulated to generate the Patient‐Reported Experience Measure (PREM) questionnaire. A first internal validation was achieved by an email round.

Results

Forty longlist items were categorized into five domains (access to care, patient centeredness, access to information, care process and satisfaction). During interview rounds, 19 shortlist items were selected if mentioned by ≥40% of interviewees. Via the focus group, the most important items were chosen by participant consensus. For each item, a question was formulated. The final PREM covers 11 items (plus 2 in case of a first consult). The first internal validation showed that the tool is clear, understandable and has an ideal length.

Conclusion

This short user‐friendly PREM can be used in scientific and routine settings to improve care for patients who suffer from chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
Scalp dysesthesia: a neuropathic phenomenon
Authors: Ju T. , Vander Does A. , Yosipovitch G.
Published: February 2022

Scalp dysesthesia is an abnormal sensation of the scalp in the absence of cutaneous disease. It is characterized by a burning and/or itching sensation and can be related to a variety of neurogenic or psychogenic causes. This condition is extremely bothersome and is also common‐ especially among the geriatric population, in women, in patients with diabetes mellitus, and patients with psychiatric history. However, despite its prevalence in many populations, there are limited data about its causes and characteristics. Given its limited cutaneous manifestations, it is also easily misdiagnosed and an underrecognized cause of scalp pruritus in the dermatological community. Therefore, education on scalp dysesthesia is paramount to helping physicians identify and provide appropriate treatment for these patients. This review focuses predominantly on the neurogenic causes (with a brief review of psychogenic itch) of scalp dysesthesia and the therapeutics that have been found to be effective for this condition. Neurogenic causes of scalp dysesthesia occur with damage to the central or peripheral pathways of itch sensation, resulting in modification and heightened sensitivity of nerves that result in abnormal sensations in the absence of or out of proportion to external stimuli. A comprehensive review of etiologies is provided here, ranging from lesions to the central nervous system caused by cervical spine disease, trigeminal trophic syndrome, tumor, stroke, and multiple sclerosis, to small‐fiber neuropathies caused by diabetes, brow lifts, keloid, and burn scarring. Recently, there have also been reports of scalp dysesthesias associated with post‐infectious COVID‐19. Treatment options tailored toward disease severity and different causes of disease will also be discussed. By elucidating the different mechanisms and therapeutic treatments of scalp dysesthesia, we hope to provide clinicians with the tools to identify and treat this condition as well as encourage further research into its etiologies and therapeutics.
Positive effect of the INTERCARE nurse‐led model on reducing nursing home transfers: A nonrandomized stepped‐wedge design
Authors: Zúñiga Franziska , Guerbaai Raphaëlle‐Ashley , de Geest Sabina , Popejoy Lori L. , Bartakova Jana , Denhaerynck Kris , Trutschel Diana , Basinska Kornelia , Nicca Dunja , Kressig Reto W. , Zeller Andreas , Wellens Nathalie I. H. , de Pietro Carlo , Desmedt Mario , Serdaly Christine , Simon Michael
Published: February 2022

Background

Unplanned nursing home (NH) transfers are burdensome for residents and costly for health systems. Innovative nurse‐led models of care focusing on improving in‐house geriatric expertise are needed to decrease unplanned transfers. The aim was to test the clinical effectiveness of a comprehensive, contextually adapted geriatric nurse‐led model of care (INTERCARE) in reducing unplanned transfers from NHs to hospitals.

Methods

A multicenter nonrandomized stepped‐wedge design within a hybrid type‐2 effectiveness‐implementation study was implemented in 11 NHs in German‐speaking Switzerland. The first NH enrolled in June 2018 and the last in November 2019. The study lasted 18 months, with a baseline period of 3 months for each NH. Inclusion criteria were 60 or more long‐term care beds and 0.8 or more hospitalizations per 1′000 resident care days. Nine hundred and forty two long‐term NH residents were included between June 2018 and January 2020 with informed consent. Short‐term residents were excluded. The primary outcome was unplanned hospitalizations. A fully anonymized dataset of overall transfers of all NH residents served as validation. Analysis was performed with segmented mixed regression modeling.

Results

Three hundred and three unplanned and 64 planned hospitalizations occurred. During the baseline period, unplanned transfers increased over time (β1 = 0.52), after which the trend significantly changed by a similar but opposite amount (β2 = −0.52; p = 0.0001), resulting in a flattening of the average transfer rate throughout the postimplementation period (β1 + β2 ≈ 0). Controlling for age, gender, and cognitive performance did not affect these trends. The validation set showed a similar flattening trend.

Conclusion

A complex intervention with six evidence‐based components demonstrated effectiveness in significantly reducing unplanned transfers of NH residents to hospitals. INTERCARE's success was driven by registered nurses in expanded roles and the use of tools for clinical decision‐making.
Incidence of potentially disruptive medical and social events in older adults with and without dementia
Authors: Hunt Lauren J. , Morrison R. Sean , Gan Siqi , Espejo Edie , Ornstein Katherine A. , Boscardin W. John , Smith Alexander K.
Published: February 2022

Background

Potentially disruptive medical, surgical, and social events—such as pneumonia, hip fracture, and widowhood—may accelerate the trajectory of decline and impact caregiving needs in older adults, especially among people with dementia (PWD). Prior research has focused primarily on nursing home residents with dementia. We sought to assess the incidence of potentially disruptive events in community‐dwelling people with and without dementia.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of participants aged 65+ enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study between 2010 and 2018 (n = 9346), including a subset who were married–partnered at baseline (n = 5105). Dementia was defined with a previously validated algorithm. We calculated age‐adjusted and gender‐stratified incidence per 1000 person‐years and incidence rate ratios of: 1) hospitalization for pneumonia, 2) hip fracture, and 3) widowhood in people with and without dementia.

Results

PWD (n = 596) were older (mean age 84 vs. 75) and a higher proportion were female (67% vs. 57%) than people without dementia (PWoD) (n = 8750). Age‐adjusted incidence rates (per 1000 person‐years) of pneumonia were higher in PWD (113.1; 95% CI 94.3, 131.9) compared to PWoD (62.1; 95% CI 54.7, 69.5), as were hip fractures (12.3; 95% CI 9.1, 15.6 for PWD compared to 8.1; 95% CI 6.9, 9.2 in PWoD). Point estimates of widowhood incidence were slightly higher for PWD (25.3; 95% CI 20.1, 30.5) compared to PWoD (21.9; 95% CI 20.3, 23.5), but differences were not statistically significant. The association of dementia with hip fracture—but not pneumonia or widowhood—was modified by gender (male incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.24, 95% CI 1.34, 3.75 versus female IRR 1.31 95% CI 0.92,1.86); interaction term p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Compared to PWoD, community‐dwelling PWD had higher rates of pneumonia and hip fracture, but not widowhood. Knowing how often PWD experience these events can aid in anticipatory guidance and care planning for this growing population.
Geriatric home‐based rehabilitation in Australia: Preliminary data from an inpatient bed‐substitution model
Authors: Loveland Paula M. , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Island Louis , Lim Wen Kwang , Maier Andrea B.
Published: February 2022

Background

The REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) is an observational longitudinal cohort, including geriatric rehabilitation inpatients aged ≥65 years admitted to a geriatrician‐led rehabilitation service at a tertiary hospital. The aim of this study is to describe a home‐based bed‐substitution rehabilitation model for geriatric inpatients, including patient phenotype, and health outcomes at preadmission, admission, discharge, and three‐month follow‐up.

Methods

A standardized Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment was performed on admission and discharge, including demographics (home situation, cognitive impairment, medical diagnoses, etc.), frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS)), mobility (patient‐reported and Functional Ambulation Classification), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), handgrip strength), and functional independence (Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental ADL (IADL)). Service provision data (health care staff visits, length of stay (LOS), and negative events (e.g., falls)) were extracted from medical records. Three‐month outcomes included mobility, ADL and IADL scores, institutionalization, and mortality.

Results

Ninety‐two patients were included with a mean age of 81.1 ± 7.8 years, 56.5% female. Twenty‐nine (31.5%) patients lived alone, 39 (42.4%) had cognitive impairment and the commonest geriatric rehabilitation admission reason was falls (n = 30, 32.6%). Patients received care from nurses, physicians, and a median of four (interquartile range (IQR) 3–6) allied health disciplines for a median LOS of 13.0 days (IQR 10.0–15.0). On a population level, patient mobility and functional independence worsened from preadmission to admission. CFS, SPPB, ADL, and IADL scores improved from admission to discharge, and seven (7.6%) patients fell. At three‐month follow‐up, patient‐reported mobility was comparable to preadmission baseline, but functional independence (ADL, IADL) scores worsened for 27/69 (39.1%) and 28/63 (44.4%), respectively.

Conclusions

Hospitalization‐associated decline in mobility and functional independence improved at discharge and three‐months, but was not fully reversed in the multidisciplinary home‐based geriatric rehabilitation bed‐substitution service. Future research should compare outcomes to equivalent hospital‐based geriatric rehabilitation and evaluate patient perspectives.
Non‐laser treatment for tattoo removal
Authors: Dash Gaurav , Patil Anant , Kassir Martin , Goldman Mitchel P. , Gold Michael H. , Adatto Maurice , Große‐Büning Stephan , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad
Published: February 2022

Tattoos are increasingly gathering attention in the young population, especially in second to fourth decade of life. With such trends, rate of its removal also has been on the rise. Treatment options for tattoo removal besides lasers are surgery, radiofrequency, infrared light, cryotherapy, dermabrasion and salabrasion. Unfortunately, none of these procedures are associated with satisfactory cosmetic results due to adverse effects such as scarring and dyspigmentation. Although laser treatment has become the gold standard for tattoo removal, it is also associated with some limitations. Some tattoo inks are resistant to laser, and multiple sessions and multiple wavelengths may be required for its complete removal. Considering these limitations, other treatment modalities for tattoo removal must be explored. This article highlights the non‐laser treatment options for tattoo removal. We reviewed all published literature identified from electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) till August 2021 to highlight the non‐laser treatment options for tattoo removal.
Therapeutic outcomes of one‐minute application of sodium hydroxide versus phenol in the chemical cauterization of ingrown toenails
Authors: Gundogdu Mustafa , Botsalı Ayşenur , Vural Seçil
Published: February 2022

Background

Ingrown nails are frequently encountered in dermatology practice. The recurrence tendency of the disorder makes chemical cauterization essential during surgical procedures. In studies comparing nail matrix cauterization with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) versus phenol, phenol's application time was highly variable.

Objective

To compare the therapeutic outcomes of matrix cauterization for a standard duration of one minute for NaOH versus phenol in stage II and III ingrown nails.

Material and methods

The medical records of patients undergoing matrix cauterization with 10% NaOH or 88% phenol were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was the lack of recurrences on long‐term follow‐up. The secondary outcome measures were complete healing duration, patient‐reported pain scores, and adverse effects related to the procedure.

Results

Enrolled in this study were 62 ingrown toenail sides treated with 10% NaOH and 56 ingrown toenail sides treated with 88% phenol. The mean follow‐up duration was 25.17 months. Recurrence was observed in four nail sides of the NaOH group (%6.45) and three nail sides of the phenol group (%5.35). The difference between the recurrence rates did not reach statistical significance. Patients treated with both methods were free of pain on the post‐procedural tenth day. The visual analog scale pain scores and complete healing duration were similar between the two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

In a large group with long‐term follow‐up results, the short‐term and long‐term post‐operative treatment outcomes were similar between the one‐minute applications of 10% NaOH versus 88% phenol groups.
Structural brain differences do not mediate the relations between sex and personality or psychopathology
Authors: Hyatt Courtland S. , Listyg Benjamin S. , Owens Max. M. , Carter Nathan T. , Carter Dorothy R. , Lynam Donald R. , Harden K. Paige , Miller Joshua D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Males and females tend to exhibit small but reliable differences in personality traits and indices of psychopathology that are relatively stable over time and across cultures. Previous work suggests that sex differences in brain structure account for differences in domains of cognition.

Methods

We used data from the Human Connectome Project (N = 1098) to test whether sex differences in brain morphometry account for observed differences in the personality traits neuroticism and agreeableness, as well as symptoms of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. We operationalized brain morphometry in three ways: omnibus measures (e.g., total gray matter volume), Glasser regions defined through a multi‐modal parcellation approach, and Desikan regions defined by structural features of the brain.

Results

Most expected sex differences in personality, psychopathology, and brain morphometry were observed, but the statistical mediation analyses were null: sex differences in brain morphometry did not account for sex differences in personality or psychopathology.

Conclusions

Men and women tend to exhibit meaningful differences in personality and psychopathology, as well as in omnibus morphometry and regional morphometric differences as defined by the Glasser and Desikan atlases, but these morphometric differences appear unrelated to the psychological differences.
Exposure to Online Racial Discrimination and Traumatic Events Online in Black Adolescents and Emerging Adults
Authors: Maxie‐Moreman Ashley D. , Tynes Brendesha M.
Published: February 2022

Online racial discrimination and race‐related traumatic events online have been linked to psychological distress in Black youth. The current study builds on extant literature by examining associations among online racial discrimination, traumatic events online, and trauma symptoms of discrimination, after controlling for gender identity and ethnic–racial setting of college in a sample of 245 Black youth. Additionally, this study examines the potential moderating effects of gender identity. This study is the first to examine the associations among online racial discrimination, traumatic events online, and trauma symptoms specific to racial discrimination. Path modeling revealed positive associations among online racial discrimination, traumatic events online, and trauma symptoms of discrimination. No significant differences in models were found by gender identity.
Chronic hepatitis D—What is changing?
Authors: Yardeni David , Heller Theo , Koh Christopher
Published: February 2022

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is a chronic viral disease of the liver that is still largely considered to be incurable due to lack of effective treatment options. Without treatment, the risk for the development of advanced liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is significantly high. Currently, new therapeutic options are emerging out of ongoing phase 3 clinical trials, promising a new hope of cure for this devastating liver infection. Recently, bulevirtide, a first in its class HDV entry inhibitor, has received conditional authorization of use from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and was also submitted for approval in the United States. Other novel therapeutic options in clincal trials include interferon lambda, the prenylation inhibitor lonafarnib and nucleic acidic polymers (NAPs). This review describes all recent advances and ongoing changes to the field of HDV therpaeutics.
Shade drives plant community changes of ground‐layer savanna vegetation: Short‐term changes under an experimental approach
Authors: Pinheiro Luiz Felipe Souza , Pilon Natashi Aparecida Lima , Rossatto Davi Rodrigo , Kolb Rosana Marta
Published: February 2022

Aim

Woody‐plant encroachment is a reality in many savannas worldwide, leading savannas to become replaced by forest ecosystems. As tree density and cover increase, increased shade and litter deposition may suppress the savanna's community of low‐lying plants. By using field manipulation, we tested shading and litter effects, alone and in combination, on the savanna's ground‐layer plant community. We investigated how changes in these environmental factors may affect the composition, structure, and above‐ground biomass in the plant community of a species‐rich Neotropical savanna.

Location

Savanna patches in the Cerrado, southeastern Brazil.

Methods

Annual surveys of the herbaceous–shrub layer in a three‐year field manipulation experiment examining shading and litter deposition.

Results

Shade negatively affected all evaluated parameters, while litter addition had only minor effects. The largest losses of richness, density, and cover occurred in forbs and grasses. Increased shade resulted in a sharp decrease in the above‐ground biomass of monocots.

Conclusions

Our results show that light is a strong environmental filter for the ground‐layer community. The reductions in grass cover and biomass under shade treatments likely altered ecosystem functioning. Woody encroachment can thus be considered to represent a process that can alter the structure and functioning of savannas. Management interventions should therefore be taken to prevent woody encroachment or mitigate its harmful effects on savanna biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Micro‐prosody
Authors: Shaw Jason A.
Published: February 2022

This article introduces micro‐prosody as the study of the duration and timing of speech events. We present a descriptive framework, formalising micro‐prosody in terms of gestural landmarks and coordination relations between them, and we use the framework to illustrate different patterns of micro‐prosody across languages. We show that potential ambiguity between coordination relations can be resolved by considering how they structure natural variation in speech. The framework presented here is intended to offer effective tools for phonetic documentation. We end with some considerations for a theory of micro‐prosody, including how micro‐prosody relates to other levels of phonological structure, and a brief discussion of different data types that can be used to infer aspects of micro‐prosody.