bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple outcomes of the germline p16INK4a mutation affecting senescence and immunity in human skin
Authors: Subramanian Priya , Sayegh Souraya , Laphanuwat Phatthamon , Devine Oliver P. , Fantecelle Carlos Henrique , Sikora Justyna , Chambers Emma S. , Karagiannis Sophia N. , Gomes Daniel C. O. , Kulkarni Anjana , Rustin Malcolm H. A. , Lacy Katie E. , Akbar Arne N.
Published: October 2024

The integrated behaviour of multiple senescent cell types within a single human tissue leading to the development of malignancy is unclear. Patients with Familial Melanoma Syndrome (FMS) have heterozygous germline defects in the CDKN2A gene coding for the cyclin inhibitor p16INK4a. Melanocytes within skin biopsies from FMS patients express significantly less p16INK4a but express higher levels of the DNA‐damage protein 𝛾H2AX a than fibroblastic cells. However, patient fibroblasts also exhibit defects since senescent cells do not increase in the skin during ageing and fibroblasts isolated from the skin of patients have increased replicative capacity compared to control fibroblasts in vitro, culminating in abnormal nuclear morphology. Patient derived fibroblasts also secreted less SASP than control cells. Predisposition of FMS patients to melanoma may therefore result from integrated dysregulation of senescence in multiple cell types in vivo. The inherently greater levels of DNA damage and the overdependence of melanocytes on p16 for cell cycle inhibition after DNA damage makes them exquisitely susceptible to malignant transformation. This may be accentuated by senescence‐related defects in fibroblasts, in particular reduced SASP secretion that hinders recruitment of T cells in the steady state and thus reduces cutaneous immunosurveillance in vivo.
Chlorophyll Derivatives Exert Greater Potency Over Progesterone in the Prevention of Infection‐Induced Preterm Birth in Murine Models
Authors: Uchendu Adaeze P. , Omogbai Eric K. , Obarisiagbon Philip A. , Omogiade Uyi G. , Bafor Enitome E.
Published: October 2024

Problem

Preterm birth (PTB) is a significant cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the effectiveness of progesterone (P4) which is clinically used for PTB management remains controversial and necessitates research into new therapeutic options

Method of Study

In the current study, we investigated the effectiveness of two chlorophyll derivatives, pheophorbide a (PBa) and pheophytin a (PTa), in counteracting PTB. Timed‐pregnant mice (gestation day 17 ± 0.5) received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (25 µg/mouse) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) intraperitoneally, with PBa, PTa, progesterone (P4), and co‐administration of P4 and ibuprofen (IBP), administered orally 2 h prior.

Results

The LPS group experienced PTB and 100% fetal mortality, whereas the PBa and PTa groups showed a delayed onset of LPS‐induced PTB, with significantly decreased PTB rate and fetal mortality. In addition, PBa and PTa suppressed LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines and NF‐κB transcription factor while increasing anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the placenta and uterus.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the chlorophyll derivatives, PBa and PTa increase fetal survival in infection‐induced PTB and demonstrate greater efficacy than P4 in preventing PTB.
Analysis of the Predictive Factors for Chronic Endometritis Recurrence in Infertile Women
Authors: Shiobara Keisuke , Kuroda Keiji , Ishiyama Shunsuke , Nakao Kazuki , Moriyama Azusa , Horikawa Takashi , Takamizawa Satoru , Nojiri Shuko , Nakagawa Koji , Sugiyama Rikikazu
Published: October 2024

Problem

To identify the predictive factors for the recurrence of chronic endometritis (CE) in infertile women.

Method of study

In this case‐control study, 1170 infertile women recovered from CE and underwent fertility treatment between December 2018 and August 2021. Among the 146 women (12.5%) who did not conceive or experienced pregnancy loss in 18 months after CE recovery, 105 consecutive women who underwent repeat endometrial biopsy for CD138 immunostaining and endometrial bacterial culturing were recruited. Thereafter, patients with and without CE recurrence were compared.

Results

The total recurrence rate of CE was 29.5% (31 women). Multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine predictive factors for CE recurrence revealed that hysteroscopic surgery (odds ratio [OR], 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–0.56; p = 0.0009) and pregnancy loss (OR, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.31–13.05; p = 0.016) were significantly associated with decreased and increased CE recurrence rates, respectively. Also, reexamination with CD138 immunostaining after 16–18 months (OR, 9.75; 95% CI, 1.47–64.64; p = 0.024) was significantly associated with increased CE recurrence rates. Among 49 patients without a history of pregnancy loss, the cumulative CE recurrence rates after 6, 12, and 18 months were 5.6%, 13.5%, and 20.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

We recommend reexamination with endometrial CD138 immunostaining in patients with pregnancy loss or long‐term infertility during fertility treatment. Hysteroscopic surgery without antibiotic therapy for CE associated with intrauterine abnormalities is also recommended.
Responsiveness of anti‐VEGF treatment for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy based on aqueous humour proteomics: A preliminary study
Authors: Wang Yuelin , Xing Dongjun , Duan Jialiang , Zhou Huiying , Meng Lihui , Geng Shuang , Chen Huan , Han Ruoan , Li Zhiqing , Ma Jingxue , Chen Youxin
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) exhibit variability in response to anti‐VEGF therapy. This study aimed to analyse the aqueous humour proteomic profiles of PCV patients and provide preliminary insights for the identification of biomarkers associated with anti‐VEGF drug responsiveness.

Methods

PCV patients who were treatment‐naïve or untreated for more than 3 months were prospectively recruited from two hospitals in Beijing and Tianjin. Based on the relative changes in central macular thickness (ΔCMT/baseline‐CMT) before and after anti‐VEGF treatment, the PCV patients were divided into a good response (GR) group (≤−25%) and a poor response (PR) group (>−25%). Aqueous humour proteomics was performed by the Data‐independent Acquisition‐Mass Spectrometry (DIA‐MS) method, and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) analysis between the different PCV groups and the control group was conducted. Key DEPs were selected for preliminary validation in the aqueous humour using the Luminex method retrospectively.

Results

A total of 31 PCV patients (31 eyes) were included, 13 in the GR group and 18 in the PR group. A total of 414 DEPs were identified, including 36 significantly upregulated proteins, such as G protein regulatory factor 10 (RGS10), podocin (PODN) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), and 32 downregulated proteins, including RAB11FIP4 (Rab11 family‐interacting protein 4), α‐synuclein (SNCA), haemoglobin subunit δ (HBD) and interleukin 6 (IL6). Compared to the cataract control group (10 eyes), 134 proteins were significantly upregulated, and 72 were downregulated. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the GR and PR groups differ in terms of cell communication, and cell signal transduction. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed interactions between EGF and various DEPs. Validation of aqueous humour proteins using the Luminex method revealed that changes in the levels of EGF were associated with the anti‐VEGF treatment response in PCV patients.

Conclusions

PCV patients with good or poor anti‐VEGF responses exhibit distinct aqueous humour proteomic profiles. Aqueous EGF may serve as a biomarker for the ‘precise treatment’ of PCV.
“Doctor, would it surprise you if there were prescribing errors in this patient's medication?” Identifying eligible patients for in‐hospital pharmacotherapeutic stewardship: A matched case‐control study
Authors: Mahomedradja Rashudy F. , Lissenberg‐Witte Birgit I. , Sigaloff Kim C. E. , Tichelaar Jelle , van Agtmael Michiel A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Evaluating a patient's medication list is critical to reduce prescribing errors (PEs), but is a labour‐ and time‐intensive process. Identification of patients at risk of PEs could improve the allocation of scarce time and resources, but currently available prediction tools are not effective.

Objective

To investigate whether ward doctors can identify patients at risk of PEs.

Methods

This prospective matched case‐control study was conducted on three clinical wards in an academic hospital. Otolaryngology and oncology ward doctors used clinical intuition to select patients requiring a clinical medication review (CMR) (cases). These patients were then matched 1:1 on age (±10 years) and number (±1) of prescriptions with patients not selected for CMRs on the internal medicine and upper gastrointestinal surgery ward (controls). A multidisciplinary in‐hospital pharmacotherapeutic stewardship team assessed the prevalence of PEs.

Results

A total of 387 patients with 5191 prescriptions were included. Overall, 799 PEs affecting 279 patients (72.1%) were identified. Most PEs (58.8%) occurred during hospitalization. There were no significant differences in age, number of prescriptions, sex, renal function or documented allergies or intolerances between the cases and controls or between controls and other patients who did not receive a CMR. The incidence of PEs was higher in cases than in controls (97.5% vs 72.5%, odds ratio = 14.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–121.1, P = .002)). The rate of PEs was three times higher in cases than in controls (incidence rate ratio = 3.0, 95% CI 2.3–4.0, P < .001).

Conclusions

Ward doctors can effectively identify patients with PEs, and thus at risk of medication‐related harm, using clinical intuition.
Are Good Leaders Also Green Leaders? Differentiating Established and Environmental Leadership Styles, Their Antecedents, and Predictive Validity for Corporate Environmental Responsiveness
Authors: Schäpers Philipp , Guntermann Tabea , Heinemann Henrik , Mönke Franz W.
Published: October 2024

Following an established two‐dimensional dichotomy for environmental leadership, environmentally friendly behavior as a leadership style has become an important topic in both research and practice. However, so far, it has remained unclear how these new concepts relate to well‐established leadership styles such as transformational leadership, responsible leadership, and leaders' organizational citizenship behavior. In this study, we provide an in‐depth examination of the environmentally focused substyles in contrast to their well‐established counterparts, their antecedents, and the incremental value in predicting corporate environmental responsiveness (CER). For that purpose, we surveyed N = 211 German leaders: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and path model analyses suggest that, overall, established leadership styles and their respective environmentally specific substyle are empirically distinct constructs. Moreover, environmentally specific leadership behaviors explained significant variance beyond established concepts in predicting corporate environmental sustainability. Finally, our analyses suggest that leaders' extraversion and political orientation emerge as valid predictors (i.e., antecedents) of environmental leadership behavior. Overall, this study shows that CER is influenced on an individual level, underlining the important role of leaders' behavior in a rapidly worsening climate crisis.
tiRNA‐Gly‐GCC‐002 promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and fibrosis in lupus nephritis via FKBP5‐mediated activation of Smad
Authors: Liu Xueting , Zhang Ji , Liang Yan , Chen Xuanwen , Xu Shungang , Lin Sishi , Dai Yuanting , Chen Xinxin , Zhou Ying , Bai Yongheng , Chen Chaosheng
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose

Renal interstitial fibrosis is a frequent pathological manifestation of lupus nephritis (LN). tRNA halves (tiRNAs) are acquired from tRNA‐derived small non‐coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and are associated with fibrosis. Our previous study indicated enhanced tiRNA‐Gly‐GCC‐002 (tiRNA002) levels in kidneys were positively related to LN‐related fibrosis. However, the precise molecular mechanism remains unclear.

Experimental Approach

The mimic and agomiR of tiRNA002 were introduced into tubular epithelial cells (TECs) and MRL/lpr mice by transfection. The levels of gene and protein expressions were quantified using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), Western blot and immunofluorescence assays.

Key Results

In TECs treated with LN serum, as well as in the kidneys of MRL/lpr mice, high levels of tiRNA002 directly influenced the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Furthermore, tiRNA002 overexpression promoted EMT in TECs and accelerated renal interstitial fibrosis in MRL/lpr mice via Smad signalling. The target gene of tiRNA002, FKBP prolyl isomerase 5 (FKBP5), improved Smad signalling by interacting with phosphorylated Smad2/3. Silencing FKBP5 alleviated LN serum‐ or tiRNA002‐mimic‐induced EMT in TECs. In addition, FKBP5 overexpression reversed the tiRNA002 knockdown‐mediated reduction of EMT and ECM accumulation.

Conclusions and Implications

These findings indicated that tiRNA002 is markedly increased in LN, which facilitates renal fibrosis by promoting EMT via FKBP5‐mediated Smad signalling. Therefore, targeting tiRNA002 may be an innovative approach to treat renal interstitial fibrosis in LN.
Development of new Kir2.1 channel openers from propafenone analogues
Authors: Li Encan , Boujeddaine Najla , Houtman Marien J. C. , Maas Renee G. C. , Sluijter Joost P. G. , Ecker Gerhard F. , Stary‐Weinzinger Anna , van Ham Willem B. , van der Heyden Marcel A. G.
Published: October 2024

Background and Purposes

Reduced inward rectifier potassium channel (Kir2.1) functioning is associated with heart failure and may cause Andersen‐Tawil Syndrome, among others characterized by ventricular arrhythmias. Most heart failure or Andersen–Tawil Syndrome patients are treated with β‐adrenoceptor antagonists (β‐blockers) or sodium channel blockers; however, these do not specifically address the inward rectifier current (IK1) nor aim to improve resting membrane potential stability. Consequently, additional pharmacotherapy for heart failure and Andersen–Tawil Syndrome treatment would be highly desirable. Acute propafenone treatment at low concentrations enhances IK1 current, but it also exerts many off‐target effects. Therefore, discovering and exploring new IK1‐channel openers is necessary.

Experimental Approach

Effects of propafenone and 10 additional propafenone analogues were analysed. Currents were measured by single‐cell patch‐clamp electrophysiology. Kir2.1 protein expression levels were determined by western blot analysis and action potential characteristics were further validated in human‐induced pluripotent stem cells–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMCs). Molecular docking was performed to obtain detailed information on drug‐channel interactions.

Key Results

Analogues GPV0019, GPV0057 and GPV0576 strongly increased the outward component of IK1 while not affecting the Kir2.1 channel expression levels. GPV0057 did not block IKr at concentrations below 0.5 μmol L−1 nor NaV1.5 current below 1 μmol L−1. Moreover, hiPSC‐CMC action potential duration was also not affected by GPV0057 at 0.5 and 1 μmol L−1. Structure analysis indicates a mechanism by which GPV0057 might enhance Kir2.1 channel activation.

Conclusion and Implications

GPV0057 has a strong efficiency towards increasing IK1, which makes it a good candidate to address IK1 deficiency‐associated diseases.
Adaptive Synaptic Adjustment Mechanism to Improve Learning Performances of Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Jong , Lim Jae‐Han
Published: October 2024

Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) are currently attracting researchers' attention due to their efficiencies in various tasks. Spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP) is an unsupervised learning process that utilizes bio‐plausibility based on the relative timing of pre/post‐synaptic spikes of neurons. Integrated with STDP, SNNs perform well consuming less energy. However, it is hard to ensure that synaptic weights always converge to values guaranteeing accurate prediction because STDP does not change synaptic weights with supervision. To address this limitation, researchers have proposed mechanisms for inducing STDP to converge synaptic weights on the proper values referring to current synaptic weights. Thus, if the current weights fail to describe proper synaptic connections, they cannot induce STDP to update synaptic weights properly. To solve this problem, we propose an adaptive mechanism that helps STDP to converge synaptic weights directly based on input data features: Adaptive synaptic template (AST). AST leads synaptic weights to describe synaptic connections according to the data features. It prevents STDP from changing synaptic weights based on abnormal weights that fail to describe the proper synaptic connections. This is because it does not use the current synaptic weights that can disturb proper weight convergence. We integrate AST with an SNN and conduct experiments to compare it with a baseline (the SNN without AST) and benchmarks (previous works to improve STDP). Our experimental results show that the SNN using AST classifies various data sets with 6%–39% higher accuracy than the baseline and benchmarks.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Providing Cognitive Remediation in a Large USA System of Coordinated Specialty Care for Early Psychosis
Authors: Medalia Alice , Saperstein Alice M. , Wall Melanie M. , Basaraba Cale N. , Bello Iruma , Nossel Ilana , Dixon Lisa B.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Multinational treatment guidelines support providing cognitive remediation to people recently diagnosed with schizophrenia, but the feasibility of implementing the treatment on a large scale is less well understood.

Methods

This study took place between 2019 and 2023 at 14 clinics within a large network of programs providing early intervention services to people aged 16–30 experiencing nonaffective psychosis. Clinics were randomly assigned to deliver cognitive remediation as twice‐weekly clinician‐led groups (N = 5), cognitive remediation as once‐weekly clinician‐led groups with homework (N = 6), or treatment as usual (N = 3). All clinics screened for cognitive health need to guide treatment planning. Clinical teams (N = 11) received training to provide cognitive remediation. Program evaluation data were analysed for feasibility and acceptability.

Results

Screening for cognitive health needs was completed on 77% of the 1193 participants enrolled at the 11 clinics offering cognitive remediation. Clinicians identified cognitive difficulties in 53.9% (n = 496) of screened participants and referred 27% (n = 134) of these participants to cognitive remediation. Of referred participants, 77.6% (n = 104) initiated treatment, and n = 41 completed the treatment. The rate of referral was nearly double, and treatment initiation was significantly higher at programs delivering once‐weekly (84.3%) than twice‐weekly (64.4%) treatment but the difference in the rate of treatment completion was statistically nonsignificant. Satisfaction among treatment completers was high.

Conclusions

Referrals to cognitive remediation required systemic support of a feasible cognitive health screening process. About a quarter of people with clinician‐identified cognitive health needs were referred to cognitive remediation. Feasibility data suggest a flexible model of treatment delivery may facilitate implementation in this service setting.
Resource allocation choices in asset‐intensive industries
Authors: Sigalas Christos
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of tangible and intangible resource allocation in asset‐intensive organizations, by employing a qualitative and a quantitative study in the setting of the maritime shipping industry. First, the study employs seven in‐depth interviews to identify the firm‐specific factors that shape resource allocation decision‐making. Second, the study utilizes a unique panel dataset of public maritime shipping companies for the period 2010–2020 to empirically investigate the identified determinants of resource allocation choices. The results indicate that factors, such as firm's risk‐seeking profile, smaller size, limited cash liquidity, capability to access capital, lower cost of equity capital, higher cost of debt capital, lower level of insiders' ownership, younger CEO, and limited environmental‐related disclosures are positively affecting the number of tangible resources allocated. The findings, apart from enriching the body of literature, have some managerial implications that are discussed herein.
Which is the best imaging modality to diagnose a manica flexoria tear?
Authors: Bacon Rebecca L. , Jones Rebecca
Published: October 2024

The manica flexoria (MF) is an extension of the medial and lateral borders of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) that forms a sleeve around the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), within the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS), just proximal to the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint. Tears of the MF have been described associated with cases of nonseptic tenosynovitis presenting with lameness, with ponies and cobs being over‐represented. Ultrasonography and contrast tenography are the predominant imaging modalities used to diagnose tears of the MF, with tenoscopic evaluation still serving as the gold standard. However, the sensitivity and specificity of additional techniques such as contrast computed tomographic tenography and MRI are now being investigated as other modalities that could be of value to identify MF tears. Additional techniques have been described to combine with traditional ultrasonography, with the aim to improve the sensitivity of identifying MF tears, such as dynamic extension/flexion techniques and saline injections of the DFTS. The overall aim of this paper was to review current evidence to determine the best noninvasive diagnostic imaging modality, with a high sensitivity and specificity, to more accurately diagnose MF tears and aid more thorough surgical planning.
Nociceptive TRP channels function as molecular target for several antifungal drugs
Authors: Okabe Shota , Takahashi Kenji , Hashimoto Miho , Ohta Toshio
Published: October 2024

Background/objectives

Topically applied antifungal agents can induce adverse effects, such as pain and irritation. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels—TRPA1 and TRPV1—mainly expressed in sensory neurons, act as sensors for detecting irritants. This study aims to evaluate the involvement of nociceptive channels in topical antifungal‐induced pain and irritation. We tested nine topical antifungals belonging five classes: isoconazole, econazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, and ketoconazole as imidazoles; liranaftate as a thiocarbamate; terbinafine as an allylamine; amorolfine as a morpholine; and butenafine as a benzylamine.

Methods

Intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and membrane currents in response to antifungals were measured to estimate channel activity using heterologously expressing cells and isolated mouse sensory neurons.

Results

In mouse TRPA1‐expressing cells, all the tested drugs induced an increase in [Ca2+]i, which was abrogated or reduced by a TRPA1 blocker. Although many drugs evoked the TRPA1‐nonspecific [Ca2+]i response at high concentrations, responses to clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and liranaftate were TRPA1 specific and elicited current responses in TRPA1‐expressing cells. In mouse TRPV1‐expressing cells, clotrimazole and ketoconazole elicited [Ca2+]i and current responses. In mouse sensory neurons, liranaftate‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i was abrogated by a TRPA1 blocker and Trpa1 deletion. Responses to ketoconazole were inhibited by TRPA1 and TRPV1 blockers and by the genetic deletion of either channel.

Conclusion

These results suggest that topical antifungal‐induced pain and irritation are attributable to the activation of nociceptive TRPA1 and/or TRPV1 channel/s. Consequently, caution should be exercised in the use of topical antifungals with symptoms of pain.
Efficacy and safety of sucroferric oxyhydroxide versus sevelamer carbonate: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Georgopoulos Christos , Duni Anila , Stamellou Eleni , Kitsos Athanasios , Gouva Charikleia , Dounousi Evangelia
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Phosphate binders are commonly used in patients receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT), aiming to reduce and maintain serum phosphorus. Chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorder has been linked to reduced lifespan and worsened quality of life. This study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of sucroferric oxyhydroxide versus sevelamer carbonate in patients receiving KRT.

Methods

The data sources examined were MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials with a search deadline of October 2023. We examined randomized controlled trials that compared sucroferric oxyhydroxide versus sevelamer carbonate in the adult population receiving KRT. We performed a meta‐analysis combining the data from trials, using R‐studio.

Findings

Inclusion criteria were met by five randomized trials. There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction of serum phosphorus between the two groups (MD: −0.07 mmol/L, 95% CI‐random effects: −0.15 to 0.02). In the same line, a non‐statistically significant difference was observed in serum i‐PTH reduction between the two drugs (MD = −1.53 mg/dL, 95% CI = (−4.45, 1.4), p = 0.26, random effects model). No statistically significant difference was observed in all adverse events between the two groups (odds ratio: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.65–1.88, random effects model). Further analysis of gastrointestinal adverse events revealed that sevelamer carbonate increases gastrointestinal adverse events by up to 60% (odds ratio: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.31–1.97, common (fixed) effect model).

Discussion

This meta‐analysis of randomized trials showed that both drugs, sucroferric oxyhydroxide and sevelamer equally and effectively controlled serum phosphorus levels, whereas sucroferric oxyhydroxide revealed a better profile in terms of gastrointestinal adverse events. Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is a valuable option for patients receiving KRT when sevelamer carbonate is more difficult to tolerate.
Psoriasis management tree based on comorbidity
Authors: Amara Shivkar , Pasumarthi Anusha , Parikh Neil , Kodali Nilesh , Lebwohl Mark , Monks George
Published: October 2024

Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, encompasses various subtypes, including guttate, pustular, erythrodermic, and the most common type, plaque psoriasis. Irrespective of the subtype, psoriasis can manifest with multisystemic presentations, including psoriatic arthritis, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, malignancies, chronic kidney disease (CKD), psychiatric illness, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Many comorbidities and concomitant conditions must be considered when selecting the most appropriate therapy for a patient (Kaushik et al., 2019 and Monks et al., 2021) . Ongoing clinical trials and the development of new therapeutic targets contribute to the continuous improvement of available treatment options. Given the dynamic landscape of therapies, particularly when managing complex patients with multiple comorbidities, dermatologists are constantly challenged with the task of adeptly tailoring treatments to each psoriasis patient. This article systematically reviews the current evidence, presenting it as an updated Psoriasis Decision Tree to assist physicians in selecting tailored treatment options.
A value chain modeling approach for upscaling the production of fine flavor cocoa in Arauca (Colombia)
Authors: Cortés María F. , Parra Karla , Rodríguez Daniela , Ardila Carlos , Escobar Sebastián , Hoof Bart Van , Mura Ivan , Rodríguez Jader , Medaglia Andrés L.
Published: October 2024

The fine flavor cocoa (FFC) market offers additional income for small farmers. Despite the potential of several Latin American countries to produce FFC, their lack of standardized postharvest processes hinders compliance with high‐quality standards demanded by the FFC market, as these processes have a direct impact on cocoa's organoleptic characteristics. This work supports the design of a collective postharvest transformation model that coordinates the main steps in the cocoa agri‐food chain: transport of the cocoa harvest, classification, fermentation, drying, storage, and commercialization. Our methodology includes a modeling scheme combining optimization and simulation models, considering variability in the processes, and covering operational (transport and resource allocation), tactical (design and sizing of the processing plant), and strategic (sales dynamics) decisions across the cocoa value chain. We illustrate this methodology in a case study in Arauca, Colombia. Our findings emphasize the importance of combining these operational and strategic models since their inputs and outputs are interconnected influencing the decision‐making within the cocoa value chain. Our study also identifies key determinants for the postharvest design, highlighting the postharvest center capacity, FFC prices, and the market selling mode (export or local).
Nursing Students' Experiences and Perceived Learning Effectiveness of Patient Safety and Its Influencing Factors: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Woo Ming Wei Jeffrey , Cui Jiao
Published: October 2024

Aim

To examine and synthesise the current literature to gain insights into nursing students' experiences, their perceived learning effectiveness of patient safety and its influencing factors.

Design

Integrative review.

Data Sources

CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases from January 2011 to October 2023.

Methods

Of the 5940 papers initially retrieved, 33 were included after title, abstract, and full‐text screening. No papers were omitted through quality appraisal.

Results

Despite nursing students' generally positive attitude towards patient safety, their idealistic view did not translate into actual actions of upholding patient safety due to various factors. Moreover, their experiences and perceived effectiveness of learning patient safety were influenced by factors such as organisational safety culture and pedagogical contexts. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: ‘perception, attitudes, and evaluation towards patient safety’; ‘supportive organizational culture as impetus to promote patient safety’; ‘perceived confidence, knowledge, and competence toward patient safety’; and ‘educational contexts and pedagogies to promote learning of patient safety’.

Conclusions

There is an inadequate focus on patient safety in clinical education compared to classroom education. Given that the clinical setting serves as an authentic learning environment of patient safety, nursing faculties play a crucial role in reforming existing nursing curricula to integrate patient safety education in both settings to ensure continuity of learning. Clinical nursing leaders should also proactively review and reform organisational culture and practices to enable nursing students' acquisition and internalisation of patient safety learning.

Implications for Nursing Education and Management

This review highlighted the need for further collaboration between nursing faculties and healthcare institutions to advocate an environment conducive to nursing students' effective learning of patient safety.

Reporting Method

Reporting adheres to the Reporting items for systematic review and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Ultrasound‐Based Phenotyping for Genetic Selection of Carcass Traits in Oreochromis niloticus: Integrating Imaging Technology Into Aquaculture Breeding
Authors: de Rezende Cícero Eduardo , Perazza Caio Augusto , Marçal Danielle Cristina Pereira , Fernandes Diana Carla Oliveira , Reis Neto Rafael Vilhena , de Freitas Rilke Tadeu Fonseca , Hilsdorf Alexandre Wagner Silva
Published: October 2024

Recent years have witnessed a remarkable global surge in fish production, with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) emerging as a prominent contributor owing to its high demand as a nutritious food source. However, unlike terrestrial species, maintaining genealogical control and collecting phenotypic data in fish farming poses significant challenges, necessitating advancements to support genetic improvement programmes. While conventional methods, such as body measurements using rulers and photographs are prevalent in data collection, the potential of ultrasound—a less invasive and efficient tool for fish measurement—remains underexplored. This study assesses the viability of ultrasonography for genetically selecting carcass characteristics in Nile tilapia. The investigation encompasses data from 897 animals representing 53 full‐sib tilapia families maintained in the genetic improvement programme at the Federal University of Lavras. To measure carcass traits, the animals were sedated with benzocaine and ultrasound images were obtained at three distinct points. Subsequently, the animals were euthanised through medullary sectioning for further carcass processing. After evisceration, filleting and skinning, all weights were meticulously recorded. (Co)variance components and genetic parameters of the measured traits were estimated using the Bayesian approach by Gibbs sampling implemented in MTGSAM (Multiple Trait Gibbs Sampling in Animal Models) software. Heritabilities estimated for the studied carcass traits were moderate, ranging from 0.23 to 0.33. Notably, phenotypes derived from ultrasound images demonstrated substantial genetic correlations with fillet yield (0.83–0.92). In conclusion, this study confirms that indirect selection based on ultrasound images is effective and holds promise for integration into tilapia breeding programmes aimed at enhancing carcass yield.
A tracer‐aided 2D numerical framework to define fluvial and pluvial hazard mapping
Authors: Perrini Pasquale , Iacobellis Vito , Gioia Andrea , Cea Luis
Published: October 2024

Flood hazard is a dynamic nonstationary phenomenon, which can be categorized based on the origin of the inundation. Inland flood hazard arises primarily from pluvial and fluvial inundations, typically modeled separately with respect to the pertaining spatial domains of the assessment, namely the urban areas and the riverine floodplains. When modeling is based on the catchment‐scale hydrological‐hydrodynamic approach, the inundations such as those resulting from pluvial and fluvial processes are usually not discerned, even though disparities in normative flood risk management exist in different countries. This paper establishes a tracer‐aided criterion to discretize between pluvial and fluvial flooding at a catchment scale, relying on the advection process of a conservative tracer. Applied to a small urban catchment for multiple probabilistic rainfall scenarios, our physically based methodology shows that the incorporation of a transport equation within a shallow water model can be used to define the inundation sources. We highlight the advantages of the proposed approach compared to commonly employed modeling techniques for mapping fluvial inundations, while emphasizing the significance of mapping and regulating pluvial hazards in urban areas. The study shows the potential role of an abstraction of the tracers' transport toward identifying the hazard sources in a catchment‐scale 2D numerical framework.
The LpHsfA2‐molecular module confers thermotolerance via fine tuning of its transcription in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Ma Guangjing , Liu Zhihao , Song Shurui , Gao Jing , Liao Shujie , Cao Shilong , Xie Yan , Cao Liwen , Hu Longxing , Jing Haichun , Chen Liang
Published: October 2024

Temperature sensitivity and tolerance play a key role in plant survival and production. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), widely cultivated in cool‐season for forage supply and turfgrass, is extremely susceptible to high temperatures, therefore serving as an excellent grass for dissecting the genomic and genetic basis of high‐temperature adaptation. In this study, expression analysis revealed that LpHsfA2, an important gene associated with high‐temperature tolerance in perennial ryegrass, is rapidly and substantially induced under heat stress. Additionally, heat‐tolerant varieties consistently display elevated expression levels of LpHsfA2 compared with heat‐sensitive ones. Comparative haplotype analysis of the LpHsfA2 promoter indicated an uneven distribution of two haplotypes (HsfA2Hap1 and HsfA2Hap2) across varieties with differing heat tolerance. Specifically, the HsfA2Hap1 allele is predominantly present in heat‐tolerant varieties, while the HsfA2Hap2 allele exhibits the opposite pattern. Overexpression of LpHsfA2 confers enhanced thermotolerance, whereas silencing of LpHsfA2 compromises heat tolerance. Furthermore, LpHsfA2 orchestrates its protective effects by directly binding to the promoters of LpHSP18.2 and LpAPX1 to activate their expression, preventing the non‐specific misfolding of intracellular protein and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cells. Additionally, LpHsfA4 and LpHsfA5 were shown to engage directly with the promoter of LpHsfA2, upregulating its expression as well as the expression of LpHSP18.2 and LpAPX1, thus contributing to enhanced heat tolerance. Markedly, LpHsfA2 possesses autoregulatory ability by directly binding to its own promoter to modulate the self‐transcription. Based on these findings, we propose a model for modulating the thermotolerance of perennial ryegrass by precisely regulating the expression of LpHsfA2. Collectively, these findings provide a scientific basis for the development of thermotolerant perennial ryegrass cultivars.
Influence of nanohydroxyapatite mouthwash on the growth of Candida albicans biofilm on milled denture surfaces: An in vitro study
Authors: Udeh Cynthia U. , Amaechi Bennett T. , Abdul‐Azees Parveez A. , Obiefuna Amos C. , Lin Chun‐Yen , IftiKhar Nahid , Mankar Sunil , Omosebi Temitope O. , Gohil Tejal
Published: October 2024

Purpose

There is a need for effective solutions for the persistent prevalence of denture stomatitis (DS) in denture‐wearing populations. This study assessed the impact of nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHAP) nanoparticles on Candida albicans biofilm formation on milled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture bases.

Materials and Methods

Acquired salivary pellicle was formed on disks milled from a prepolymerized PMMA puck. The disks were assigned to two groups, A (n = 18) and B (n = 18), and each group was further subdivided into three subgroups (6/subgroup), each treated with either Polident solution (antibacterial denture cleanser), nanoHAP mouthwash, or distilled water. Disks in group A subgroups were soaked in their respective treatment solutions for 8 h, followed by biofilm formation on the disk for 24 h. Disks in group B subgroups had C. albicans biofilm formed on them for 24 h, followed by soaking in their respective treatment solutions for 8 h. Biofilm thickness, biomass, and live/dead cell ratio were determined using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Biofilm morphology was examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey–Kramer multiple comparisons (α = 0.05).

Results

In group A, nanoHAP mouthwash displayed significant anti‐adhesive properties. In group B, biofilm biomass and thickness significantly decreased (p < 0.05), with the nanoHAP showing the most substantial reduction in existing biofilm compared to other solutions, but it did not significantly affect cell viability.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the efficacy of nanoHAP mouthwash in inhibiting C. albicans biofilm formation when used as a storage medium for acrylic dentures. It suggests its potential clinical application for preventing denture stomatitis in patients.
Clinical, imaging and rhinoscopy findings of dogs and cats with nasal foreign bodies presenting to a UK referral hospital: 71 cases (2010‐2022)
Authors: Espenica S. A. , Pascual M. , Shing H. , Valls Sanchez F.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Description of clinical presentation and diagnostic findings in dogs and cats with confirmed nasal foreign bodies.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive study. Clinical presentation, imaging and rhinoscopy findings of dogs and cats, between January 2010 and December 2022, were reviewed.

Results

A total of 63 dogs and eight cats met the criteria. Median length of clinical signs was 7 and 45 days in dogs and cats, respectively. Most common clinical signs in both groups were sneezing (46/71, 64.8%) and nasal discharge (44/71, 62%). The discharge was unilateral in the majority of cases (38/44, 86.4%). Computed tomography was the predominant form of imaging modality used in 40 cases (40/71, 56.3%). Visualisation of a foreign body using computed tomography was possible in only 14 cases (14/40, 35%). The vast majority of cases had unilateral changes (33/40, 82.5%), including fluid accumulation (33/40, 82.5%) and mucosal thickening (29/40, 72.5%). More severe changes such as turbinate destruction were evident in 26 cases (26/40, 65%). Foreign body removal was achieved through rhinoscopy or nasal flushing in 66 and four cases, respectively.

Clinical Significance

Based on the findings of this study, although unilateral discharge was more common, nasal foreign bodies should remain a differential diagnosis in bilateral cases. In comparison to dogs, cats had a more chronic presentation. Computed tomography was the most common imaging modality, but visualisation of a foreign body remains difficult and was not improved with contrast study; inability to identify a foreign body does not exclude it.
Sleep‐related safety behaviours predict insomnia symptoms 1 year later in a sample of university students
Authors: Lancee Jaap , Kamphuis Jan Henk
Published: October 2024

Several studies have demonstrated the relevance of cognitive factors in the development of insomnia complaints, but very few have investigated how these factors influence the development of insomnia complaints over time. In this study we set out to investigate key factors associated with present insomnia severity and the development of insomnia complaints over time. We employed a two‐wave longitudinal design where we measured insomnia severity, pre‐sleep arousal, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, sleep‐related worry and safety‐behaviours in a sample of students at baseline and 1 year later. At baseline, 353 respondents filled in the questionnaires and 79 completed these a year later. In the cross‐sectional analyses, pre‐sleep arousal and sleep‐related worry were unique contributors to insomnia severity. Using baseline data to predict insomnia severity 1 year later, only sleep‐related safety emerged as a predictor. These findings suggest that sleep‐related worry and pre‐sleep arousal are the primary factors influencing current severity. In terms of development and/or persistence, sleep safety may constitute a potentially underestimated factor.
Effects of Task Instructions on Predictive Eye Movements and Word Recognition During Second Language Sentence Comprehension
Authors: Ito Aine
Published: October 2024

This study tested whether encouraging prediction enhances prediction in second language (L2) speakers. L2 English speakers listened to English sentences like The woman … will read/buy one of the newspapers while viewing the target (a newspaper) and distractor objects (a rose, a bowl, and a mango) on a screen and clicked on the target as quickly as possible. The target was predictable (read) or unpredictable (buy) from the verb meaning. Participants looked at the target longer and were quicker to move the mouse to it when instructed to predict sentence continuation than when they were merely instructed to comprehend sentences. This result held true both when the target was predictable and unpredictable. Furthermore, only when instructed to predict did the participants make more clicking errors when the target was unpredictable than predictable, which suggested that encouraging prediction can interfere with word recognition accuracy in unpredictable contexts due to reduced cognitive resources or failed predictions.
Effects of Simulation on Nursing students' Knowledge and Learning Related to Measles Vaccine and Vaccine Hesitancy: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Yılmaz Hülya , Stephen Tracey , Gundermann Cynthia
Published: October 2024

Vaccine hesitancy is a persistent, global public health concern that community health nurses are well‐positioned to manage. Simulations involving standardized patients are effective experiential learning on managing vaccine hesitancy for other allied health disciplines. A pretest‐posttest design, with a mixed‐methods, one‐group, quasi‐experimental approach, was used to examine the effectiveness of a simulation on nursing students' knowledge of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine hesitancy, as well as their attitudes toward the intervention. The study was completed with 61 participants. After participation in the simulation, pretest/posttest data showed a mean increase in participants' knowledge of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. There was a significant improvement in the test scores from 62.62 ± 14.82 to 69.50 ± 15.75; z = −3, 897 (1–17 days) (p = 0.001). A postintervention questionnaire revealed participants most appreciated the direct interaction with a live person, the opportunity to observe classmates' performance and share feedback, multistage structure, and safety. Drawbacks included stress from being observed by peers, time constraints, and the necessity of sharing the nursing role with a partner during the scenario. Another drawback is the simulation's inability to effectively prepare participants for hesitancy in clinical settings as they needed to assess natural clinical settings. Simulations incorporating vaccine hesitancy education and standardized patients can effectively prepare nursing students for situations related to vaccine hesitancy in community clinical settings.
Combined Pediatric Rheumatology/Dermatology Clinics: Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Crockett Jessica L. , Kim Susan , von Scheven Emily , Mathur Anubhav , Cordoro Kelly M.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives

Integrated care models, like combined rheumatology/dermatology clinics (RDCs), facilitate efficient coordination between specialists and provide comprehensive care. Given the limited literature on pediatric RDC logistics, outcomes, benefits and, challenges, we comprehensively characterized our patient cohort at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital RDC and surveyed pediatric dermatologists participating in RDCs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 71 patients new to the UCSF Pediatric RDC between September 2017 and September 2023. A survey was distributed in 2024 to 17 dermatologists in North America, each representing a unique pediatric RDC.

Results

69% of patients (49/71) were female. Seventeen (24%) presented without a known diagnosis; the first RDC visit established a diagnosis for 7 of them (41%). Of patients with a previously established diagnosis, initial RDC evaluation confirmed it in 52 (96%) and revised it for 2 (4%). The most encountered diagnoses were linear morphea (33%), lupus (23%), and psoriasis (13%). New systemic therapy was prescribed for 23% of patients, and additional work‐up was recommended via skin biopsy (8%) and imaging (28%). Survey results revealed all pediatric RDCs include trainees, but only 59% (10/17) receive administrative support. All agreed that RDCs are valuable for patient care and most (15/17, 88%) felt that the RDC was a valuable use of their time.

Conclusions

Pediatric RDCs are valuable for consensus diagnosis, streamlined evaluation, and management of complex patients. Though clinical and administrative support for RDCs is generally poor, RDCs are valuable to patients, a good use of time for clinicians, and offer educational opportunities for team members.