bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using ecological momentary assessments to understand how drinking during special occasions relates to parenting behaviors
Authors: Freisthler Bridget , Sarabia Joselyn , Price Wolf Jennifer
Published: December 2023

Background

Drinking on special occasions (e.g., Super Bowl, Christmas) often results in more alcohol consumed. Further, police often report higher levels of crime, such as assaults and domestic violence, on days of major sporting events (e.g., Super Bowl, World Cup). Yet, drinking behaviors of parents during special occasions or large sporting events have not been assessed for their effects on parenting behaviors. Here, we assess the relationship between drinking during the Super Bowl and on Valentine's Day to determine whether they differ.

Methods

Participants, recruited from social media, completed a 40‐min baseline survey and 14 days of three daily Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMAs) about parenting. Two hundred fifty‐five participants (with 684 EMAs) were enrolled on the Super Bowl and 184 (492 EMAs) were enrolled on Valentine's day. Measures of parenting include aggressive, punitive, and nonpunitive discipline and positive techniques. Drinking was assessed on days 7 and 14 of the EMA and corresponded to the EMA time frame during the previous week. Participants were largely White, well‐educated mothers. Data were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models.

Results

Parents who reported drinking on the day of the Super Bowl were more likely to use aggressive discipline (OR = 2.560; 95% CI: 1.308, 5.150) and punitive parenting (OR = 2.701; 95% CI: 1.394, 5.257) during the time that drinking occurred. In contrast, parents who reported drinking on Valentine's Day were less likely to use aggressive discipline (OR = 0.197; 95% CI: 0.077, 0.502).

Conclusions

The differential relationship between drinking and parenting measures could be the result of differing norms or differences in who is present during the special occasions studied here. Identifying and understanding how alcohol use on special occasions contributes to parenting could help to create environments that are most conducive to positive parenting behaviors and reduce harms related to harsh or aggressive parenting.
Editorial: Monitoring methotrexate polyglutamates in Crohn's disease
Authors: Barclay Murray L. , Stamp Lisa K.
Published: December 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to van de Meeberg et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17719 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17795
Letter: Comparing first‐line infliximab and vedolizumab for ulcerative colitis—it depends on how you use the drug
Authors: Con Danny , Srinivasan Ashish
Published: December 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Bokemeyer et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17616 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17796
Focusing on fake news’ contents: The association between ingroup identification, perceived outgroup threat, analytical‐intuitive thinking and detecting fake news
Authors: Çoksan Sami , Yilmaz Aysenur Didem
Published: December 2023

This study aims to reveal the fake news content in the context of the social identity approach and to examine the mediating role of perceived outgroup on the association between ingroup identification and detecting fake news blaming ingroup, outgroup, or fictional groups. Study 1 found that fake news could be gathered under six themes: contacted‐outgroup blaming, represented‐outgroup blaming, outgroup derogation, outgroup appreciation, ingroup glorification, and phantom‐mastermind blaming. In preregistered Study 2 with representative non‐weird participants (N = 216), we examined the mediating role of perceived outgroup threat on the association between ingroup identification and detecting fake news revealed in Study 1. Perceived outgroup threat was only mediating for detecting outgroup‐blaming fake news when intuitive and analytical thinking styles were controlled. Detecting ingroup‐blaming fake news was associated with ingroup identification. Analytical thinking predicted only detecting phantom‐mastermind‐blaming fake news. Findings demonstrated that the contents of fake news play a vital role in detecting them, and variables pointing to content (i.e., ingroup identification for ingroup‐blaming fake news, and perceived outgroup threat for outgroup‐blaming fake news) are predictive for detecting fake news.
Design and validation of the AI literacy questionnaire: The affective, behavioural, cognitive and ethical approach
Authors: Ng Davy Tsz Kit , Wu Wenjie , Leung Jac Ka Lok , Chiu Thomas Kin Fung , Chu Samuel Kai Wah
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) literacy is at the top of the agenda for education today in developing learners' AI knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in the 21st century. However, there are few validated research instruments for educators to examine how secondary students develop and perceive their learning outcomes. After reviewing the literature on AI literacy questionnaires, we categorized the identified competencies in four dimensions: (1) affective learning (intrinsic motivation and self‐efficacy/confidence), (2) behavioural learning (behavioural commitment and collaboration), (3) cognitive learning (know and understand; apply, evaluate and create) and (4) ethical learning. Then, a 32‐item self‐reported questionnaire on AI literacy (AILQ) was developed and validated to measure students' literacy development in the four dimensions. The design and validation of AILQ were examined through theoretical review, expert judgement, interview, pilot study and first‐ and second‐order confirmatory factor analysis. This article reports the findings of a pilot study using a preliminary version of the AILQ among 363 secondary school students in Hong Kong to analyse the psychometric properties of the instrument. Results indicated a four‐factor structure of the AILQ and revealed good reliability and validity. The AILQ is recommended as a reliable measurement scale for assessing how secondary students foster their AI literacy and inform better instructional design based on the proposed affective, behavioural, cognitive and ethical (ABCE) learning framework.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

AI literacy has drawn increasing attention in recent years and has been identified as an important digital literacy.

Schools and universities around the world started to incorporate AI into their curriculum to foster young learners' AI literacy.

Some studies have worked to design suitable measurement tools, especially questionnaires, to examine students' learning outcomes in AI learning programmes.

What this paper adds

Develops an AI literacy questionnaire (AILQ) to evaluate students' literacy development in terms of affective, behavioural, cognitive and ethical (ABCE) dimensions.

Proposes a parsimonious model based on the ABCE framework and addresses a skill set of AI literacy.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Researchers are able to use the AILQ as a guide to measure students' AI literacy.

Practitioners are able to use the AILQ to assess students' AI literacy development.
Effect of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors on myocardial infarction incidence: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies
Authors: Huang Xiaoru , Dannya Estau , Liu Xuening , Yu Yang , Tian Panhui , Li Zijian
Published: December 2023

Aim

To assess whether sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce myocardial infarction (MI) incidence in patients with or without type 2 diabetes.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane library, and https://ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to 7 May 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies reporting the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor treatment on MI incidence were included. Relative risks (RRs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for MI incidence were extracted and pooled. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were performed to explore the heterogeneity.

Results

This meta‐analysis included 54 RCTs and 32 cohort studies, with data from six SGLT2 inhibitors and 3 394 423 individuals. In the overall analysis, SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced MI incidence in RCTs (RR 0.9, 95% CI 0.84–0.96) and cohort studies (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83–0.94). In RCTs, the results of the subgroup analysis revealed no significant alterations in outcomes based on different SGLT2 inhibitor types, control drug types, cardiovascular disease (CVD) status and sources of outcome extraction (p for interaction >0.05). In cohort studies, the presence or absence of CVD led to similar effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on decreasing MI incidence (p for interaction = 0.179). However, variations in results were observed based on the type of control group in cohort studies (p for interaction = 0.036). Meta‐regression results did not reveal an association between baseline cardiovascular risk factors, follow‐up length, or MI incidence.

Conclusions

In both RCTs and cohort studies, SGLT2 inhibitors reduced MI incidence. The cardioprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors were observed in patients with and without a history of CVD.
Recovery of a subtropical headwater fish community following a large flood, Klaserie River, Limpopo River System, South Africa
Authors: Mohlala Thabo David , Marr Sean Murray , Swemmer Anthony Michael
Published: December 2023

Headwaters are important refuges for threatened fishes and play an important role in their conservation. The effects of large flooding events on headwater fish assemblages are under studied in southern Africa. In January 2012, heavy rainfall resulted in a large flood in the upper Klaserie River, Olifants River, and Limpopo River System, South Africa. This flood had an estimated return level of 225 years and caused significant ecological and economic damage. This study aimed to explore the impact of a large flood on the fish assemblage and substrate in the headwaters of a subtropical stream. The fish communities and selected substrate variables were collected at 10 sites. Sites were sampled at six monthly intervals thrice before and thrice after the flood. Fish were collected by electrofishing and substrate quantified visually. Changes in habitat resulted from the flood included the scouring of gravel sand and mud, greater exposure of bedrock and boulder substrates, increased stream width, and decreased stream depth in all zones. The fish community showed an increase in abundance for all but three species, colonisation of upstream sites, and colonisation of the study area by six species. The majority of fish species have opportunistic life‐history traits, which could explain the rapid colonisation and increase in abundance. The flood occurred in the middle of the breeding season for most the fish species, and this resulted in an increase of abundance for these species and provided opportunities for upstream colonisation. The impact of late season and aseasonal large floods requires further study.
Clinical and pathological features of clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance presenting with isolated thrombocytopenia (CCUS‐IT)
Authors: O'Neill Caitlin , Nwachukwu Nneka , Vergara‐Lluri Maria , Hagiya Ashley , O'Connell Casey L.
Published: December 2023

Background

Clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS) is defined as somatic mutations of myeloid malignancy‐associated genes in the blood or bone marrow with one or more persistent unexplained cytopenias that do not meet diagnostic criteria for a defined myeloid neoplasm. CCUS with isolated thrombocytopenia (CCUS‐IT) is rare.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of patients with prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia, a pathogenic mutation on a myeloid molecular panel, and a bone marrow biopsy with morphologic atypia below the WHO‐defined diagnostic threshold for dysplasia.

Results

Five male patients were identified with a median age at CCUS‐IT diagnosis of 61 years (56–74). Median duration of thrombocytopenia prior to CCUS‐IT diagnosis was 4 years (3–12), and median platelet count at CCUS‐IT diagnosis was 41 × 103/μL (26–80). All patients had megakaryocytic hyperplasia and megakaryocytes with hyperchromasia and high nuclear‐cytoplasmic ratio. Pathogenic SRSF2 mutations were identified in all 5 patients with median variant allele frequency of 36% (28%–50%). Three patients were treated with IVIg and/or steroids with no response; one of three responded to thrombopoietin receptor agonists. Three patients progressed to MDS and one to AML.

Discussion

We describe the clinicopathological features of CCUS‐IT which can mimic immune thrombocytopenia.
A strategic neurological research agenda for Europe: Towards clinically relevant and patient‐centred neurological research priorities
Authors: Boon Paul , Lescrauwaet Emma , Aleksovska Katina , Konti Maria , Berger Thomas , Leonardi Matilde , Marson Tony , Kallweit Ulf , Moro Elena , Toscano Antonio , Rektorova Irena , Crean Michael , Sander Anja , Joyce Robert , Bassetti Claudio
Published: December 2023

Background and purpose

Neurological disorders constitute a significant portion of the global disease burden, affecting >30% of the world's population. This prevalence poses a substantial threat to global health in the foreseeable future. A lack of awareness regarding this high burden of neurological diseases has led to their underrecognition, underappreciation, and insufficient funding. Establishing a strategic and comprehensive research agenda for brain‐related studies is a crucial step towards aligning research objectives among all pertinent stakeholders and fostering greater societal awareness.

Methods

A scoping literature review was undertaken by a working group from the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) to identify any existing research agendas relevant to neurology. Additionally, a specialized survey was conducted among all EAN scientific panels, including neurologists and patients, inquiring about their perspectives on the current research priorities and gaps in neurology.

Results

The review revealed the absence of a unified, overarching brain research agenda. Existing research agendas predominantly focus on specialized topics within neurology, resulting in an imbalance in the number of agendas across subspecialties. The survey indicated a prioritization of neurological disorders and research gaps.

Conclusions

Building upon the findings from the review and survey, key components for a strategic and comprehensive neurological research agenda in Europe were delineated. This research agenda serves as a valuable prioritization tool for neuroscientific researchers, as well as for clinicians, donors, and funding agencies in the field of neurology. It offers essential guidance for creating a roadmap for research and clinical advancement, ultimately leading to heightened awareness and reduced burden of neurological disorders.
Critical role of water conditions in the responses of autumn phenology of marsh wetlands to climate change on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Shen Xiangjin , Shen Miaogen , Wu Chaoyang , Peñuelas Josep , Ciais Philippe , Zhang Jiaqi , Freeman Chris , Palmer Paul I. , Liu Binhui , Henderson Mark , Song Zhaoliang , Sun Shaobo , Lu Xianguo , Jiang Ming
Published: December 2023

The Tibetan Plateau, housing 20% of China's wetlands, plays a vital role in the regional carbon cycle. Examining the phenological dynamics of wetland vegetation in response to climate change is crucial for understanding its impact on the ecosystem. Despite this importance, the specific effects of climate change on wetland vegetation phenology in this region remain uncertain. In this study, we investigated the influence of climate change on the end of the growing season (EOS) of marsh wetland vegetation across the Tibetan Plateau, utilizing satellite‐derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data and observational climate data. We observed that the regionally averaged EOS of marsh vegetation across the Tibetan Plateau was significantly (p < .05) delayed by 4.10 days/decade from 2001 to 2020. Warming preseason temperatures were found to be the primary driver behind the delay in the EOS of marsh vegetation, whereas preseason cumulative precipitation showed no significant impact. Interestingly, the responses of EOS to climate change varied spatially across the plateau, indicating a regulatory role for hydrological conditions in marsh phenology. In the humid and cold central regions, preseason daytime warming significantly delayed the EOS. However, areas with lower soil moisture exhibited a weaker or reversed delay effect, suggesting complex interplays between temperature, soil moisture, and EOS. Notably, in the arid southwestern regions of the plateau, increased preseason rainfall directly delayed the EOS, while higher daytime temperatures advanced it. Our results emphasize the critical role of hydrological conditions, specifically soil moisture, in shaping marsh EOS responses in different regions. Our findings underscore the need to incorporate hydrological factors into terrestrial ecosystem models, particularly in cold and dry regions, for accurate predictions of marsh vegetation phenological responses to climate change. This understanding is vital for informed conservation and management strategies in the face of current and future climate challenges.
Single‐cell sequencing identifies inflammation‐promoting fibroblast–neutrophil interaction in peri‐implantitis
Authors: Mo Jia‐ji , Lai Yi‐rao , Huang Qian‐ru , Li Yin‐ran , Zhang Yi‐jie , Chen Rui‐ying , Qian Shu‐jiao
Published: December 2023

Aim

To reveal the cellular composition and molecular environment of the periodontal and peri‐implant inflammatory infiltrates through a single‐cell sequencing technique, which may explain the pathological difference between these two diseases. A special focus was placed on the phenotypes and potential roles of neutrophils and fibroblasts in peri‐implant/periodontal tissue immunity.

Materials and Methods

High‐throughput single‐cell transcriptomic profiling of peri‐implant tissues from patients with peri‐implantitis as well as periodontal tissues from patients with periodontitis and healthy donors was performed. Immunofluorescence analysis was carried out to further validate the identified cell subtypes and their involvement in peri‐implantitis and periodontitis.

Results

Based on our single‐cell resolution analysis, a quantified proportional increase of neutrophil (Neu) subtypes was shown in peri‐implantitis. Among these, a predominance of Neutro_CXCR2 was revealed. We also found the involvement of inflammation‐promoting fibroblasts as well as a predominance of CXCL8+ fibroblast–CXCR2+ neutrophil interaction in peri‐implantitis.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that the predominance of CXCL8+ fibroblast–CXCR2+ neutrophil interaction might underline the enhanced host response in peri‐implantitis compared with periodontitis. This information offers a molecular basis by which fibroblast and neutrophil subtypes might be diagnostically and therapeutically targeted in peri‐implantitis.
The role of media connections in seasoned equity offerings
Authors: García‐Feijóo Luis , Gropper Daniel , Hossain Md Miran , Javakhadze David
Published: December 2023

We present evidence that corporate connections to the media are associated with a greater likelihood of a seasoned equity offering (SEO), more negative announcement returns, and poorer long‐term performance. The effect of media connections on announcement returns is more pronounced for firms with higher information asymmetry, greater financial constraints, and lower advertising expenditures. Media connections are positively associated with media coverage and sentiment before the SEO announcements. Our findings are consistent with the notion that SEO issuers use their connections with media firms to actively manage media coverage and successfully offer new equity.
Preconceptional and in utero exposure of sheep to a real‐life environmental chemical mixture disrupts key markers of energy metabolism in male offspring
Authors: Ghasemzadeh‐Hasankolaei Mohammad , Elcombe Chris S. , Powls Samantha , Lea Richard G. , Sinclair Kevin D. , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Evans Neil P. , Bellingham Michelle
Published: December 2023

Over recent decades, an extensive array of anthropogenic chemicals have entered the environment and have been implicated in the increased incidence of an array of diseases, including metabolic syndrome. The ubiquitous presence of these environmental chemicals (ECs) necessitates the use of real‐life exposure models to the assess cumulative risk burden to metabolic health. Sheep that graze on biosolids‐treated pastures are exposed to a real‐life mixture of ECs such as phthalates, per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and metabolites thereof, and this EC exposure can result in metabolic disorders in their offspring. Using this model, we evaluated the effects of gestational exposure to a complex EC mixture on plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations and metabolic and epigenetic regulatory genes in tissues key to energy regulation and storage, including the hypothalamus, liver, and adipose depots of 11‐month‐old male offspring. Our results demonstrated a binary effect of EC exposure on gene expression particularly in the hypothalamus. Principal component analysis revealed two subsets (B‐S1 [n = 6] and B‐S2 [n = 4]) within the biosolids group (B, n = 10), relative to the controls (C, n = 11). Changes in body weight, TG levels, and in gene expression in the hypothalamus, and visceral and subcutaneous fat were apparent between biosolid and control and the two subgroups of biosolids animals. These findings demonstrate that gestational exposure to an EC mixture results in differential regulation of metabolic processes in adult male offspring. Binary effects on hypothalamic gene expression and altered expression of lipid metabolism genes in visceral and subcutaneous fat, coupled with phenotypic outcomes, point to differences in individual susceptibility to EC exposure that could predispose vulnerable individuals to later metabolic dysfunction.
Tooth Wear Evaluation System 2.0—Evaluation of diagnostic reliability in the assessment of signs and symptoms for tooth wear by non‐experts
Authors: Roehl Jakob C. , Katzer Lukasz , Jakstat Holger A. , Wetselaar Peter , Ahlers M. Oliver
Published: December 2023

Background

Tooth wear is a multifactorial condition that manifests through various signs and symptoms. These individual signs and symptoms were described in multiple studies, leading to the inclusion in TWES 2.0 (Tooth Wear Evaluation System 2.0) and the forthcoming DC‐TW (Diagnostic Criteria for Tooth Wear). However, a study evaluating their reliability has yet to be conducted.

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine the reliability in the assessment of 6 signs of pathological tooth wear and 18 clinical signs and symptoms determining aetiology, all of which are included in the TWES 2.0/DC‐TW.

Methods

48 dental students (operators) evaluated patient cases from a patient pool of 14 patients on dental casts and high‐resolution intraoral photographs. The agreement between all operators for each sign and symptom was calculated based on ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients). Additionally, the agreement of each operator's evaluation with a predefined sample solution was calculated based on Cohen's kappa.

Results

Inter‐user agreement ranged from near perfect (0.91) to poor (0.02) for the various pathology signs or aetiology symptoms of tooth wear (mean 0.32). The agreements of the operator's ratings compared to the sample solution resulted in Cohen's kappa from 0.18 to 1 (mean 0.59) for the pathology signs and ranged from 0.02 to 0.51 for the aetiology signs (mean 0.38).

Conclusions

The reliability of the signs and symptoms examined and the ability of individual investigators to correctly identify and assign signs and symptoms varied widely. The current assessment tools for the qualification of tooth wear need further refinement, and examiners need intensive training in tooth wear assessment.
Digital superimposition of scans for recording and transferring vertical relation from provisional restorations when rehabilitating worn‐out dentition: A dental technique
Authors: Kurian Nirmal , Varghese Kevin George , Wadhwa Samiksha , Daniel Angleena Y. , Thomas Prathibha Mariam
Published: December 2023

Excessive wear of the natural dentition results in the loss of tooth anatomy and the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) which may necessitate full mouth rehabilitation. Successful full‐mouth rehabilitation with increased VDO requires accurate recording and transfer of the newly raised VDO with provisional restorations. Conventional bite registration can incur errors during the recording and transfer of vertical dimensions. This article introduces a digital approach—the superimposition of scans using an intraoral scanner (IOS) to transfer VDO, occlusion, and aesthetic data from provisional restorations for designing and fabricating indirect restorations in the management of worn‐out dentition.
How does health spending among demographic groups compare to Affordable Care Act premium regulations?
Authors: Hanson Caroline , Minicozzi Alexandra
Published: December 2023

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) substantially altered regulations in the nongroup and small group health insurance markets and those markets continue to receive significant policy attention. To understand how those markets have functioned in recent years and how they would be impacted by policy changes, we estimated enrollment and spending by age and sex using claims data covering enrollment in ACA risk‐adjusted plans in 2017–2019 and compared spending to a federal default age‐rating curve for premiums. Our results suggest that women aged 55–64 helped stabilize the nongroup market through high enrollment and relatively low spending. Men enrolled in the marketplace also subsidized other nongroup enrollees but to a lesser extent than expected. In fact, men aged25–50 enrolled in nongroup plans spent 18% more than their counterparts enrolled through a small employer. These unique spending patterns have interesting policy implications, including that lowering the Medicare eligibility age would likely increase premiums in the nongroup market.
A Nominal Group Technique to finalise Safewards Secure model and interventions for forensic mental health services
Authors: Maguire Tessa , Harrison Maicee , Ryan Jo , Lang Ryan , McKenna Brian
Published: December 2023

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Safewards was developed for acute mental health units, and while could be effective in forensic mental health services, there are some gaps in the model for such services, where factors including offending behaviour and longer term care can have an influence.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

The importance of acknowledging and addressing responses related to offending behaviour in forensic mental health settings, while also understanding the vulnerability of the consumer group and responsibilities to the maintenance of professional boundaries.

Enhancing collaboration with consumers/families/carers/supporters is important in a forensic mental health setting, and an important element of Safewards Secure.

What are the implications for practice?

This study completes the development of Safewards Secure, designed to foster collaboration, address issues pertinent to forensic mental health settings to enhance implementation and acceptance of the model and reduce conflict and containment.

Introduction

Safewards is a model developed for acute mental health settings designed to reduce conflict and containment; however, it requires adaptation to forensic mental health settings.

Aim

To develop the Safewards Secure model, a model to assist forensic mental health services to reduce conflict and containment.

Method

A literature review was conducted to elicit possible modifiers and adjustments to the interventions. A Nominal Group Technique was then used to engage forensic mental health experts who had experience implementing Safewards (n = 12) to seek feedback about the suggestions and reach consensus on the Safewards Secure model and interventions. Data were thematically analysed.

Results

Experts reached consensus on all suggestions, however, did recommend minor additions and modifications. Two themes were also interpreted: Safewards Secure is just as much for staff as it is for consumers, and the proposed additions encourage more meaningful staff to consumer collaboration.

Discussion

This study identified key challenges experienced by nurses working in forensic mental health settings, however, these challenges were not seen as insurmountable. The Safewards Secure model offers prompts and suggestions to encourage reflection, collaboration and a humanistic approach to care in forensic mental health settings.

Implications for Practice

Addressing reactions to offending behaviour and encouraging more collaboration might assist in ensuring a more person‐centred approach to forensic mental health nursing care.
E Pluribus Unum? Constructing a Typology of Contemporary Dutch Evangelicals
Authors: Vermeer Paul , Glas Saskia
Published: December 2023

Against the background of the assumed polymorphous character of evangelicalism as a trans‐denominational movement, this article aims to construct a typology of Dutch evangelicals and, subsequently, to test whether this religious typology also manifests sociodemographic differences. Two research questions are addressed: Which types can be distinguished among contemporary Dutch evangelicals on the basis of their core religious convictions and religious orientations? and To what extent do these types also display sociodemographic differences? Analyzing survey data on more than 1100 Dutch evangelicals using latent class analysis reveals five types of evangelicals: Proclaiming Orthodox, Engaged Orthodox, Spiritual Orthodox, Seeking Orthodox, and Questing Liberals. These five types basically seem to represent an orthodox‐liberal continuum and mainly differ in terms of gender, age, income, education, and marital status.
Shifts in internal stem damage along a tropical precipitation gradient and implications for forest biomass estimation
Authors: Flores‐Moreno Habacuc , Yatsko Abbey R. , Cheesman Alexander W. , Allison Steven D. , Cernusak Lucas A. , Cheney Rose , Clement Rebecca A. , Cooper Wendy , Eggleton Paul , Jensen Rigel , Rosenfield Marc , Zanne Amy E.
Published: December 2023

Woody biomass is a large carbon store in terrestrial ecosystems. In calculating biomass, tree stems are assumed to be solid structures. However, decomposer agents such as microbes and insects target stem heartwood, causing internal wood decay which is poorly quantified.

We investigated internal stem damage across five sites in tropical Australia along a precipitation gradient. We estimated the amount of internal aboveground biomass damaged in living trees and measured four potential stem damage predictors: wood density, stem diameter, annual precipitation, and termite pressure (measured as termite damage in downed deadwood).

Stem damage increased with increasing diameter, wood density, and termite pressure and decreased with increasing precipitation. High wood density stems sustained less damage in wet sites and more damage in dry sites, likely a result of shifting decomposer communities and their differing responses to changes in tree species and wood traits across sites.

Incorporating stem damage reduced aboveground biomass estimates by > 30% in Australian savannas, compared to only 3% in rainforests. Accurate estimates of carbon storage across woody plant communities are critical for understanding the global carbon budget. Future biomass estimates should consider stem damage in concert with the effects of changes in decomposer communities and abiotic conditions.
Osteochondral Regeneration in the Knee Joint with Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cells plus Hyaluronic Acid after Arthroscopic Subchondral Drilling: Report of Five Cases
Authors: Saw Khay‐Yong , Anz Adam W. , Jee Caroline Siew‐Yoke , Low Soo‐Fin , Dawam Amal , Ramlan Alisha
Published: December 2023

Background

Treatment of osteochondral defects (OCDs) of the knee joint remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of osteochondral regeneration following intra‐articular injections of autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) plus hyaluronic acid (HA) after arthroscopic subchondral drilling into OCDs of the knee joint.

Case Presentation

Five patients with OCDs of the knee joint are presented. The etiology includes osteochondritis dissecans, traumatic knee injuries, previously failed cartilage repair procedures involving microfractures and OATS (osteochondral allograft transfer systems). PBSC were harvested 1 week after surgery. Patients received intra‐articular injections at week 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 after surgery. Then at 6 months after surgery, intra‐articular injections were administered at a weekly interval for 3 consecutive weeks. These 3 weekly injections were repeated at 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery. Each patient received a total of 17 injections. Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores and MRI scans were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at serial visits. At follow‐ups of >5 years, the mean preoperative and postoperative IKDC scores were 47.2 and 80.7 respectively (p = 0.005). IKDC scores for all patients exceeded the minimal clinically important difference values of 8.3, indicating clinical significance. Serial MRI scans charted the repair and regeneration of the OCDs with evidence of bone growth filling‐in the base of the defects, followed by reformation of the subchondral bone plate and regeneration of the overlying articular cartilage.

Conclusion

These case studies showed that this treatment is able to repair and regenerate both the osseous and articular cartilage components of knee OCDs.
Kirschner Wire Internal Fixation of the Medial Tibiotalar Joint for Indirect Repair of Deltoid Ligament Injury: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhu Fenghua , Wang Haibin , Wu Bin , Jia Dailiang , Meng Chunyang , Zhao Yifeng
Published: December 2023

Objective

Ankle joint fractures are often accompanied by medial deltoid ligament rupture. There is controversy over whether or how to treat deltoid ligament rupture. This study was aimed to explore the feasibility of repairing the medial deltoid ligament using Kirschner wire internal fixation of the medial tibiotalar joint combined with external fixation.

Methods

Forty‐six patients with ankle fractures involving deltoid ligament rupture, treated between October 2012 and February 2021, were retrospectively evaluated. Twenty‐five patients were treated with a Kirschner wire to fix the tibiotalar joint and indirectly repair the deltoid ligament as the repaired group. Twenty‐one patients underwent reduction and fixation of internal and external malleolus fractures, and the deltoid ligament was not repaired in the unrepaired group. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle‐hindfoot score, visual analog scale (VAS), Medical Outcomes Short Form 36‐item questionnaire score (SF‐36), and Medial clear space perpendicular (preoperative, postoperative, final follow‐up) were used for functional evaluations and reduction assessments. Mann–Whitney test were used to compare the differences between the groups.

Results

The follow‐up time was 13–112 months with a mean of 59.32 months for the repaired group and 11–94 months with a mean of 53.43 months for the unrepaired group. There was no significant difference in the operative time or intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (p > 0.05). At the last follow‐up, the AOFAS ankle‐hindfoot and SF‐36 scores of the repaired group were significantly higher than those of the non‐repaired group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the VAS pain score was significantly lower and the Medial clear space perpendicular was significantly narrower in the repaired group than that in the unrepaired group.

Conclusion

Tibiotalar joint fixation using Kirschner wires is a simple and effective technique that can indirectly reduce and repair the deltoid ligament and stabilize the ankle.
Epidemiological study of the subtype frequency of systemic amyloidosis listed in the Annual of the Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Aina , Tasaki Masayoshi , Ueda Mitsuharu , Ando Yukio , Naiki Hironobu
Published: December 2023

Clinical presentation of systemic amyloidosis differs among subtypes, and accurate subtype classification is important for choosing the treatment. Amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis was the predominant among the recently consulted amyloidosis cases in Japan. To reveal the latest subtype frequency of systemic amyloidosis among autopsy cases in Japan. We analyzed systemic amyloidosis cases autopsied from January 2017 to December 2018, that were listed in the Annuals of the Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan, Volumes 60 and 61. When the subtype was unclear, we performed a questionnaire survey, immunohistochemistry with in‐house rabbit polyclonal anti‐κ116–133, anti‐λ118–134, and anti‐transthyretin115–124 antibodies, and proteomic analysis. Out of 481 systemic amyloidosis cases listed in the Annuals, 411 cases were available for analysis (85.4%). We classified 399 of these systemic amyloidosis cases. ATTR was the most common subtype (44.4%, n = 177), followed by amyloid immunoglobulin light chain (AL) (38.8%, n = 155). Amyloid A and amyloid β2‐microglobulin were 9.3% (n = 37) and 6.0% (n = 24), respectively. Double deposition of amyloid was identified in 1.6% (n = 6). In 168 cases (42.1%), systemic amyloidosis was the main cause of death. Of these cases, AL was the most common subtype (47.6%, n = 80), followed by ATTR (41.1%, n = 69). ATTR is the most predominant subtype among the current autopsy cases in Japan.
Treatable traits models of care
Authors: McDonald Vanessa M. , Holland Anne E.
Published: December 2023

Treatable traits is a personalized approach to the management of respiratory disease. The approach involves a multidimensional assessment to understand the traits present in individual patients. Traits are phenotypic and endotypic characteristics that can be identified, are clinically relevant and can be successfully treated by therapy to improve clinical outcomes. Identification of traits is followed by individualized and targeted treatment to those traits. First proposed for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) the approach is recommended in many other areas of respiratory and now immunology medicine. Models of care for treatable traits have been proposed in different diseases and health care setting. In asthma and COPD traits are identified in three domains including pulmonary, extrapulmonary and behavioural/lifestyle/risk‐factors. In bronchiectasis and interstitial lung disease, a fourth domain of aetiological traits has been proposed. As the core of treatable traits is personalized and individualized medicine; there are several key aspects to treatable traits models of care that should be considered in the delivery of care. These include person centredness, consideration of patients' values, needs and preferences, health literacy and engagement. We review the models of care that have been proposed and provide guidance on the engagement of patients in this approach to care.
The effects of cross‐border acquisitions on firms' productivity in the EU
Authors: Gregori Wildmer Daniel , Martinez‐Cillero Maria , Nardo Michela
Published: December 2023

This study empirically investigates the extent to which firms in the European Union, once acquired through a cross‐border acquisition, show different productivity levels as compared to those firms that have not been acquired. Our identification strategy relies on the combination of Propensity Scores and the Staggered Difference‐in‐Difference estimator, using firms' balance sheet data for the years 2008–2018. We find that cross‐border acquisitions decrease the productivity of the acquired firms, especially in the manufacturing sector, both high‐ and low‐tech. We also find evidence of origin and sector heterogeneity. Firms targeted by acquirers with ultimate owners originating in emerging market economies and Offshore Financial Centres also decrease productivity of target firms operating in high‐tech manufacturing sectors.
Counselor bias and contraceptive counseling for women: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McMurtery Reagan E. , Palokas Michelle
Published: December 2023

Objective:

The objective of this review is to identify factors, tools, and interventions related to counselor biases and contraceptive counseling in women.

Introduction:

Contraceptive counseling is the transfer of knowledge regarding contraceptive methods to aid an individual in selecting, discontinuing, or changing contraception. The counselor should deliver information based on the patient’s needs and preferences. The type and quality of the contraceptive information women are provided should not vary based on social or physical factors, such as age, race, religion, sexual orientation, education level, sexual preference, or weight; however, professional bias continues to be a concern in health care. The results of this review may further the understanding of counselor bias and contraceptive counseling.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will consider studies that include health care professionals providing contraceptive counseling to female patients in any setting or geographic location. Studies reporting on factors, tools, and interventions related to counselor bias and contraceptive counseling will be included.

Methods:

Databases to be searched are MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, JBI Evidence-based Practice Database, Europe PubMed Central, and Cochrane Library. Sources of gray literature will include ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, PaperFirst, and MedNar. The review will include studies published in English from 1994 onward and follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts, then full texts. Data from relevant studies will be extracted using a tool created by the reviewers. The results will be presented as a narrative summary and in diagrammatic or tabular format.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/judp5
Background-oriented schlieren sensitivity in terms of geometrical parameters of measurement setup
Authors: Koponen Eero , Leskinen Jarkko , Tarvainen Tanja , Pulkkinen Aki
Published: December 2023

Background-oriented schlieren imaging is a recently proposed noninvasive optical method for imaging of full ultrasound fields. In this work, the impact of uncertainty in geometrical parameters of a background-oriented schlieren measurement setup for imaging of full ultrasound fields is studied using numerical simulations. The studied parameters are focal length of the camera and positions and orientations of the camera, water tank, and ultrasound field. The results demonstrate that the most sensitive parameters affecting the accuracy of the reconstructed ultrasound fields are the orientations of the camera that change the direction of an effective optical axis. Other sensitive parameters are the focal length of the camera and the position of the ultrasound field in perpendicular directions of an optical axis. This synthetic study demonstrates the accuracy requirements for calibrating the geometrical parameters of a measurement setup that would be required to achieve accuracy comparable to that of hydrophone measurements using the background-oriented schlieren imaging. Explicitly, limits of the variation ranges of the geometrical parameters resulting in relative error ranges of 5% and 10% are given. The results of this study may contribute to help design future background-oriented schlieren measurement setups intended for measurement of full ultrasound fields.
Metastatic cells exploit their stoichiometric niche in the network of cancer ecosystems
Authors: Castillo Simon P. , Rebolledo Rolando A. , Arim Matías , Hochberg Michael E. , Marquet Pablo A.
Published: December 2023

Metastasis is a nonrandom process with varying degrees of organotropism—specific source-acceptor seeding. Understanding how patterns between source and acceptor tumors emerge remains a challenge in oncology. We hypothesize that organotropism results from the macronutrient niche of cells in source and acceptor organs. To test this, we constructed and analyzed a metastatic network based on 9303 records across 28 tissue types. We found that the topology of the network is nested and modular with scale-free degree distributions, reflecting organotropism along a specificity/generality continuum. The variation in topology is significantly explained by the matching of metastatic cells to their stoichiometric niche. Specifically, successful metastases are associated with higher phosphorus content in the acceptor compared to the source organ, due to metabolic constraints in proliferation crucial to the invasion of new tissues. We conclude that metastases are codetermined by processes at source and acceptor organs, where phosphorus content is a limiting factor orchestrating tumor ecology.
Physiology of γ-aminobutyric acid production by
Akkermansia muciniphila
Authors: Konstanti Prokopis , Ligthart Kate , Fryganas Christos , Constantinos Patinios , Smidt Hauke , de Vos Willem M. , Belzer Clara
Published: December 2023

Gut bacteria hold the potential to produce a broad range of metabolites that can modulate human functions, including molecules with neuroactive potential. One such molecule is γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system in animals. Metagenomic analyses suggest that the genomes of many gut bacteria encode glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the enzyme that catalyzes GABA production. The genome of
Akkermansia muciniphila
, a mucin specialist and potential next-generation probiotic from the human gut, is predicted to encode GAD, suggesting a contributing role in GABA production in the human gut. In this study,
A. muciniphila
was grown in batch cultures with and without pH control. In both experiments,
A. muciniphila
was found to produce GABA as a response to acid (pH <5.5), although only when GABA precursors, either glutamate or glutamine, were present in the medium. Proteomic analysis comparing
A. muciniphila
grown with and without precursors at pH 4 did not show a difference in GAD expression, suggesting that it is expressed regardless of the presence of GABA precursors. To further investigate the function of
A. muciniphila
GAD, we heterologously expressed the
gad
gene (encoded by locus tag Amuc_0372) with a His tag in
Escherichia coli
and purified the GAD protein. Enzyme assays showed GAD activity in a pH range between 4 and 6, with the highest specific activity at pH 5 of 144 ± 16 µM GABA/min/mg. Overall, our results demonstrate the ability of
A. muciniphila
to produce GABA as an acid response and unravel the conditions under which GABA production in
A. muciniphila
occurs.

IMPORTANCE

Akkermansia muciniphila
is considered to be a beneficial bacterium from the human gut, but the exact mechanisms by which
A. muciniphila
influences its host are not yet fully understood. To this end, it is important to identify which metabolites are produced and consumed by
A. muciniphila
that may contribute to a healthy gut. In the present study, we demonstrate the ability of
A. muciniphila
to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) when grown in an acidic environment, which often occurs in the gut. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and is present in the human gut. For this reason, it is considered an important bacterial metabolite. Our finding that
A. muciniphila
produces GABA in acidic environments adds to the growing body of understanding of its relationship with host health and provides an explanation on how it can survive acid stress in the human gut.