bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse reactions after oral provocation with aluminium in children with vaccination granulomas and aluminium contact allergy
Authors: Hoffmann Stine Skovbo , Elberling Jesper , Skamstrup Hansen Kirsten , Thyssen Jacob P. , Mortz Charlotte G. , Overgaard Bach Rasmus , Johansen Jeanne Duus
Published: December 2022

Background

According to their parents, some children with aluminium contact allergy and vaccination granulomas may react to aluminium‐containing foods by developing dermatitis, granuloma itch and subjective symptoms.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to determine whether oral intake of aluminium‐containing pancakes can cause adverse events and/or systemic contact dermatitis (SCD) in children with vaccination granulomas and aluminium contact allergy.

Patients/Methods

A total of 15 children aged 3–9 years (mean age, 5 years) with vaccination granulomas and positive patch‐test results to aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2%/10% pet. completed a 3‐week blinded randomized controlled crossover oral aluminium/placebo provocation study with pancakes. Granuloma itch and other subjective symptoms were evaluated daily on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Dermatitis was evaluated by the primary investigator, and sleep patterns were tracked with an electronic device. Aluminium bioavailability was assessed by measuring aluminium excretion in the urine. The children served as their own controls with the placebo provocations.

Results

All 15 children completed the study. The mean VAS scores were slightly higher during aluminium provocations compared with placebo for granuloma itch (mean VAS, 1.5 vs. 1.4, p = 0.6) but identical for other subjective symptoms (0.6 vs. 0.6, p = 1). There were no differences in sleep patterns and no significant correlation between urinary aluminium excretion and symptom severity. Three children developed a symmetrical rash on the face or buttocks on day 4 of the aluminium provocations, but not during placebo provocations.

Conclusions

No difference was found between oral aluminium intake and the occurrence of subjective symptoms and granuloma itch, but on a case‐basis oral aluminium may be associated with the development of systemic contact dermatitis.
A guide for maximizing the accuracy of intraoral digital scans. Part 1: Operator factors
Authors: Revilla‐León Marta , Kois Dean E. , Kois John C.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To describe the factors related to the operator skills and decisions that influence the scanning accuracy of intraoral scanners (IOSs). A new classification for these factors is proposed to facilitate dental professionals' decision making when using IOSs and maximize the accuracy and reliability of intraoral digital scans.

Overview

Each IOS system is limited by the hardware and software characteristics of the selected device. The operator decisions that can influence the accuracy of IOSs include the scanning technology and system selection, scanning head size, calibration, scanning distance, exposure of the IOS to ambient temperature changes, ambient humidity, ambient lighting conditions, operator experience, scanning pattern, extension of the scan, cutting off, rescanning, and overlapping procedures.

Conclusions

The knowledge and understanding of the operator factors that impact scanning accuracy of IOSs is a fundamental element for maximizing the accuracy of IOSs and for successfully integrating IOSs in daily practices.

Clinical Significance

Operator skills and clinical decisions significantly impact intraoral scanning accuracy. Dental professionals must know and understand these influencing operator factors for maximizing the accuracy of IOSs.
Design of customized soft tissue substitutes for anterior single‐tooth and posterior double‐tooth defects: An in vitro study
Authors: Sun Yue , Strasding Malin , Liu Xinran , Schäfer Birgit , Liu Feng , Sailer Irena , Nesic Dobrila
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aims to validate the standardized procedure for designing soft tissue substitutes (STS) adapted to optimally fit single‐tooth defects in the anterior jaws and double‐tooth defects in the posterior jaw and to compare mathematically modeled average shapes.

Materials and Methods

Casts from 35 patients with 17 single‐tooth defects in anterior region and 21 double‐tooth defects in posterior region were scanned. STS were designed and sectioned in 3D slices meshes. Thickness values were documented respecting mesial‐distal and buccal‐lingual orientations. Graphs were embedded into images, and hierarchical clustering was applied to group STS according to shape and thickness.

Results

STS clustered into two groups per defect type. For anterior single defects, STS (n = 4) were either a small and thin oval: 7 mm buccal‐lingual, 4–5 mm mesial‐distal direction and 1.1–1.5 mm thick or a larger oval (n = 13): 9 mm buccal‐lingual, 5–7 mm mesial‐distal and 1.6 m thick. For posterior double tooth defects, STS (n = 10) were either narrow, long and thick: 6–7 mm buccal‐lingual, 16–20 mm mesial‐distal and 2.2 thick or a wide, thinner rectangle (n = 11): 9–11 mm buccal‐lingual, 12–14 mm mesial‐distal and 1.1–1.5 mm thick.

Conclusions

The study validated the standardized digital method to design grafts for soft tissue volume augmentation and identified four average shapes for anterior single‐tooth and posterior double‐tooth soft tissue defects.

Clinical Significance

We developed and validated a standardized digital method to design an optimal geometrical shape of a soft tissue substitute for oral volume augmentation and combined it with mathematical modeling to identify average shapes for single‐interior, and double‐posterior tooth defects. The identified average shapes offer the possibility to produce better‐fitted xenografts or synthetic STS blocks requiring minimal chair‐side adaptation leading to reduced clinical time and patient discomfort and potentially improving soft tissue volume augmentation outcomes.
Clinical advances in maxillary skeletal expansion and introduction of a new MARPE concept
Authors: Akyalcin Sercan , Alev Yuksel
Published: December 2022

Background

Transverse maxillary deficiency, typically characterized by the clinical manifestations of unilateral or bilateral crossbite, is a common orthodontic discrepancy. The primary goal of maxillary expansion should be to obtain a nearly maximum width increase in the basal bone of the constricted maxilla and to avoid the dental expansion of the anchor teeth. The introduction of miniscrew anchorage‐supported rapid maxillary expansion (MARPE) devices has helped increase the feasibility of obtaining nonsurgical transverse correction in late adolescents and young adults with optimum orthopedic effects. However, the success rate of MARPE shows a negative correlation with age. Although MARPE offers an effective method for correcting a transverse skeletal deficiency, given the appliance cost and increased risk for complications, it could present challenges for adult patients and practitioners in daily practice.

Aims

In this article, current advances in maxillary skeletal expansion are summarized, and a new MARPE concept is introduced.

Conclusion

The new MARPE design offers several advantages to other existing methods: (1) it can be installed directly to the patient in the clinical setting with no additional laboratory waiting times. (2) It is purely a bone‐borne appliance. (3) The appliance is designed to be placed in the thickest part of the anterior palate to maximize the cortical and trabecular bone support. (4) Allows for bicortical placement of the miniscrews with no perforations in the nasal floor. Finally, (5) offers an esthetic and minimalistic approach to maxillary skeletal expansion in late adolescent and adult patients.
18S rDNA sequence–structure phylogeny of the Euglenophyceae (Euglenozoa, Euglenida)
Authors: Rackevei Antonia S. , Karnkowska Anna , Wolf Matthias
Published: December 2022

The phylogeny of Euglenophyceae (Euglenozoa, Euglenida) has been discussed for decades with new genera being described in the last few years. In this study, we reconstruct a phylogeny using 18S rDNA sequence and structural data simultaneously. Using homology modeling, individual secondary structures were predicted. Sequence–structure data are encoded and automatically aligned. Here, we present a sequence–structure neighbor‐joining tree of more than 300 taxa classified as Euglenophyceae. Profile neighbor‐joining was used to resolve the basal branching pattern. Neighbor‐joining, maximum parsimony, and maximum likelihood analyses were performed using sequence–structure information for manually chosen subsets. All analyses supported the monophyly of Eutreptiella, Discoplastis, Lepocinclis, Strombomonas, Cryptoglena, Monomorphina, Euglenaria, and Colacium. Well‐supported topologies were generally consistent with previous studies using a combined dataset of genetic markers. Our study supports the simultaneous use of sequence and structural data to reconstruct more accurate and robust trees. The average bootstrap value is significantly higher than the average bootstrap value obtained from sequence‐only analyses, which is promising for resolving relationships between more closely related taxa.
Active DNA demethylation in plants: 20 years of discovery and beyond
Authors: Zhang Heng , Gong Zhizhong , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: December 2022

Maintaining proper DNA methylation levels in the genome requires active demethylation of DNA. However, removing the methyl group from a modified cytosine is chemically difficult and therefore, the underlying mechanism of demethylation had remained unclear for many years. The discovery of the first eukaryotic DNA demethylase, Arabidopsis thaliana REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1 (ROS1), led to elucidation of the 5‐methylcytosine base excision repair mechanism of active DNA demethylation. In the 20 years since ROS1 was discovered, our understanding of this active DNA demethylation pathway, as well as its regulation and biological functions in plants, has greatly expanded. These exciting developments have laid the groundwork for further dissecting the regulatory mechanisms of active DNA demethylation, with potential applications in epigenome editing to facilitate crop breeding and gene therapy.
Trends in the prevalence of intellectual disability among children in Taiwan
Authors: Lin I.‐H. , Tseng Y.‐C. , Lai D.‐C.
Published: December 2022

Background

Intellectual disability (ID) is a major developmental disability. However, data on changes in the prevalence over time at the national level are limited.

Method

Using data from the national disability registry, we conducted an ecological study to evaluate the time trends of ID among children in Taiwan. We calculated the prevalence of ID by age, sex and severity, from 2000 to 2011, and assessed the time trends.

Results

During the study period, the overall prevalence of ID in children aged 3–17 years increased from 3.60 to 5.91 per 1000 (β = 0.22, P < 0.001, r2 = 0.97). The prevalence of mild ID (MID, intelligence quotient: 50–69) increased from 1.30 to 3.60 per 1000 (β = 0.21, P < 0.001, r2 = 0.98). However, the prevalence of severe ID (SID, intelligence quotient: <50) was relatively constant, between 2.22 and 2.38 per 1000 (β = 0.01, P = 0.076, r2 = 0.96). Boys had a higher prevalence than girls, and the average boy‐to‐girl prevalence ratio was 1.42 for MID and 1.31 for SID. The boy‐to‐girl prevalence ratios of MID and SID decreased over time (β = −0.01, P < 0.001, r2 = 0.99 for MID; β = −0.01, P < 0.001, r2 = 1.00 for SID).

Conclusion

The prevalence of ID in Taiwanese children increased from 2000 to 2011 and was largely attributable to increases in MID. Boys had a higher prevalence of ID and were more likely to have MID.
Toward a consensus nomenclature for ghrelin, its non‐acylated form, liver expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 and growth hormone secretagogue receptor
Authors: Perelló Mario , Dickson Suzanne L. , Zigman Jeffrey M. , Leggio Lorenzo ,   The Ghrelin Nomenclature Consensus Group
Published: December 2022

The stomach‐derived octanoylated peptide ghrelin was discovered in 1999 and recognized as an endogenous agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Subsequently, ghrelin has been shown to play key roles in controlling not only growth hormone secretion, but also a variety of other physiological functions including, but not limited to, food intake, reward‐related behaviors, glucose homeostasis and gastrointestinal tract motility. Importantly, a non‐acylated form of ghrelin, desacyl‐ghrelin, can also be detected in biological samples. Desacyl‐ghrelin, however, does not bind to GHSR at physiological levels, and its physiological role has remained less well‐characterized than that of ghrelin. Ghrelin and desacyl‐ghrelin are currently referred to in the literature using many different terms, highlighting the need for a consistent nomenclature. The variability of terms used to designate ghrelin can lead not only to confusion, but also to miscommunication, especially for those who are less familiar with the ghrelin literature. Thus, we conducted a survey among experts who have contributed to the ghrelin literature aiming to identify whether a consensus may be reached. Based on the results of this consensus, we propose using the terms “ghrelin” and “desacyl‐ghrelin” to refer to the hormone itself and its non‐acylated form, respectively. Based on the results of this consensus, we further propose using the terms “GHSR” for the receptor, and “LEAP2” for liver‐expressed antimicrobial peptide 2, a recently recognized endogenous GHSR antagonist/inverse agonist.
Psychological impact of olfactory branding: The future of smell marks in India
Authors: Sahni Pranjali
Published: December 2022

Scents have been used by business organizations for commercializing their products since historic times. Because of the psychological connect that a consumer immediately makes as he smells something unique, olfactory branding is considered as a very productive and effective marketing tool. Trademark law attempts to protect a brand's identity with the ultimate motive of preventing consumers from deceptively similar goods. Scholars and businesses have been raising their voice in a demand call for smell mark protection under trademark law, arguing that smell is just as important for identifying the origin‐point of a product for a consumer as is the brand's logo or name or product shape. While the US courts have been liberal in granting smell mark registrations, EU courts have interpreted the “graphical representation” requirement under trademark law very strictly. Indian law, though not entirely closed on the prospect of smell mark protection, is inclined toward the EU position. After analyzing the current legal scenario, this article explores the more fundamental question as to the feasibility of smell marks, questioning their justification under the philosophical foundations of trademark law, the subjective associations of consumers with respect to smells, the difficulty in evidence analysis by courts in infringement suits and the apprehension relating to the functionality doctrine.
Seasonal variation in the association between household food insecurity and child undernutrition in Bangladesh: Mediating role of child dietary diversity
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Kader Abdul , Asif Chowdhury Abdullah Al , Talukder Aminuzzaman
Published: December 2022

Household food insecurity (HFI) and child dietary diversity (CDD) are variable across seasons. We examined seasonal variation in HFI and child undernutrition association and tested how CDD mediates this association. We analyzed data for 26,353 children aged 6–59 months drawn from nationally representative cross‐sectional Food Security and Nutrition Surveillance Project data collected during 2012–2014 in Bangladesh across three seasons annually: Post‐Aman harvest (January–April); Monsoon (May–August); and Post‐Aus harvest (September–December). Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for individual, maternal, household and geographical characteristics reveals that children of food‐insecure households were more likely than food‐secure households to be stunted (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.12; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.02–1.23; p < 0.05), wasted (AOR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.05–1.39; p < 0.01) and underweight (AOR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.04–1.3; p < 0.01). CDD mediated 6.1% of the total effect of HFI on underweight. These findings varied across seasons. HFI was associated with greater odds of underweight during Monsoon (AOR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.08–1.62; p < 0.01) and Post‐Aus (AOR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.06–1.37; p < 0.01) while wasting during Post‐Aus (AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.35–2.01; p < 0.001). CDD largely mediated the total effect of HFI on underweight during the Post‐Aman in 2012–2014 (23.2%). CDD largely mediated the total effect of HFI on wasting (39.7%) during Post‐Aman season in 2014 and on underweight (13.7%) during the same season in 2012. These findings demonstrate that HFI is seasonally associated with child undernutrition and mediated by CDD as well in Bangladesh and seasonality and diversity should be considered while designing appropriate population‐level food‐based interventions to resolve child undernutrition.
Expression of subunits of an insecticide target receptor varies across tissues, life stages, castes, and species of social bees
Authors: Witwicka Alicja , López‐Osorio Federico , Patterson Valentine , Wurm Yannick
Published: December 2022

Global losses of insects jeopardize ecosystem stability and crop pollination. Robust evidence indicates that insecticides have contributed to these losses. Notably, insecticides targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have neurotoxic effects on beneficial insects. Because each nAChR consists of five subunits, the alternative arrangements of subunits could create a multitude of receptors differing in structure and function. Therefore, understanding whether the use of subunits varies is essential for evaluating and predicting the effects of insecticides targeting such receptors. To better understand how the use and composition of nAChRs differ within and between insect pollinators, we analysed RNA‐seq gene expression data from tissues and castes of Apis mellifera honey bees and life stages and castes of the Bombus terrestris bumble bees. We reveal that all analysed tissues express nAChRs and that relative expression levels of nAChR subunits vary widely across almost all comparisons. Our work thus shows fine‐tuned spatial and temporal expression of nAChRs. Given that coexpression of subunits underpins the compositional diversity of functional receptors and that the affinities of insecticides depend on nAChR composition, our findings provide a likely mechanism for the various damaging effects of nAChR‐targeting insecticides on insects. Furthermore, our results indicate that the appraisal of insecticide risks should carefully consider variation in molecular targets.
Symbiont‐specific responses to environmental cues in a threesome lichen symbiosis
Authors: Almer Jasmin , Resl Philipp , Gudmundsson Hörður , Warshan Denis , Andrésson Ólafur S. , Werth Silke
Published: December 2022

Photosymbiodemes are a special case of lichen symbiosis where one lichenized fungus engages in symbiosis with two different photosynthetic partners, a cyanobacterium and a green alga, to develop two distinctly looking photomorphs. We compared gene expression of thallus sectors of the photosymbiodeme‐forming lichen Peltigera britannica containing cyanobacterial photobionts with thallus sectors with both green algal and cyanobacterial photobionts and investigated differential gene expression at different temperatures representing mild and putatively stressful conditions. First, we quantified photobiont‐mediated differences in fungal gene expression. Second, because of known ecological differences between photomorphs, we investigated symbiont‐specific responses in gene expression to temperature increases. Photobiont‐mediated differences in fungal gene expression could be identified, with upregulation of distinct biological processes in the different morphs, showing that interaction with specific symbiosis partners profoundly impacts fungal gene expression. Furthermore, high temperatures expectedly led to an upregulation of genes involved in heat shock responses in all organisms in whole transcriptome data and to an increased expression of genes involved in photosynthesis in both photobiont types at 15 and 25°C. The fungus and the cyanobacteria exhibited thermal stress responses already at 15°C, the green algae mainly at 25°C, demonstrating symbiont‐specific responses to environmental cues and symbiont‐specific ecological optima.
In defense of epicycles: Embracing complexity in psychological explanations
Authors: Endress Ansgar D.
Published: December 2022

Is formal simplicity a guide to learning in humans, as simplicity is said to be a guide to the acceptability of theories in science? Does simplicity determine the difficulty of various learning tasks? I argue that, similarly to how scientists sometimes preferred complex theories when this facilitated calculations, results from perception, learning and reasoning suggest that formal complexity is generally unrelated to what is easy to learn and process by humans, and depends on assumptions about available representational and processing primitives. “Simpler” hypotheses are preferred only when they are also easier to process. Historically, “simpler”, easier‐to‐process, scientific theories might also be preferred if they are transmitted preferentially. Empirically viable complexity measures should build on the representational and processing primitives of actual learners, even if explanations of their behaviour become formally more complex.
SNF1‐related protein kinase 1 represses Arabidopsis growth through post‐translational modification of E2Fa in response to energy stress
Authors: Son Seungmin , Im Jong Hee , Ko Jae‐Heung , Lee Yeirin , Lee Sang‐Won , Han Kyung‐Hwan
Published: December 2022

Cellular sugar starvation and/or energy deprivation serves as an important signaling cue for the live cells to trigger the necessary stress adaptation response. When exposed to cellular energy stress (ES) conditions, the plants reconfigure metabolic pathways and rebalance energy status while restricting vegetative organ growth. Despite the vital importance of this ES‐induced growth restriction, the regulatory mechanism underlying the response remains largely elusive in plants.

Using plant cell‐ and whole plant‐based functional analyses coupled with extended genetic validation, we show that cellular ES‐activated SNF1‐related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1.1) directly interacts with and phosphorylates E2Fa transcription factor, a critical cell cycle regulator.

Phosphorylation of E2Fa by SnRK1.1 leads to its proteasome‐mediated protein degradation, resulting in S‐phase repression and organ growth restriction.

Our findings show that ES‐dependently activated SnRK1.1 adjusts cell proliferation and vegetative growth for plants to cope with constantly fluctuating environments.
Differences in brain functional networks for audiovisual integration during reading between children and adults
Authors: Li Junjun , Yang Yang , Viñas‐Guasch Nestor , Yang Yinghui , Bi Hong‐Yan
Published: December 2022

Building robust letter‐to‐sound correspondences is a prerequisite for developing reading capacity. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the development of audiovisual integration for reading are largely unknown. This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging in a lexical decision task to investigate functional brain networks that support audiovisual integration during reading in developing child readers (10–12 years old) and skilled adult readers (20–28 years old). The results revealed enhanced connectivity in a prefrontal–superior temporal network (including the right medial frontal gyrus, right superior frontal gyrus, and left superior temporal gyrus) in adults relative to children, reflecting the development of attentional modulation of audiovisual integration involved in reading processing. Furthermore, the connectivity strength of this brain network was correlated with reading accuracy. Collectively, this study, for the first time, elucidates the differences in brain networks of audiovisual integration for reading between children and adults, promoting the understanding of the neurodevelopment of multisensory integration in high‐level human cognition.
Does the Dual Mobility Cup Reduce Dislocation After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Elderly Patients at High Risk of Dislocation?
Authors: Chen Mingliang , Takahashi Eiji , Kaneuji Ayumi , Tachi Yoshiyuki , Fukui Makoto , Orita Yugo , Ichiseki Toru , Zhou You , Kawahara Norio
Published: December 2022

Objective

The dual mobility cup (DMC) is designed to extend the longevity of the prosthesis by improving stability, enhancing the range of motion, and decreasing impingement without increasing wear. We hypothesized that DMC would reduce the risk of dislocation in elderly patients. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of DMC‐total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly patients at high risk of dislocation.

Methods

From June 2016 to March 2020, 94 patients with a mean age of 77.7 years (97 hips) who underwent a posterolateral approach for DMC‐THA in our department were followed up for at least one year. Preoperative and postoperative pelvic tilt angles (PTA) and DMC orientation were prospectively collected for all patients. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. A parametric test was used for normal distribution, and a non‐parametric test was used for non‐normal distribution.

Results

Abduction and anteversion angles of the cup were 42.4 and 18.0° in the supine position immediately postoperative. The average PTA for patients in the supine and standing positions were 26.5 and 34.5°, respectively. When moving from the supine to the standing position, patients experienced a mean posterior pelvic tilt of 9°. No intraoperative acetabular‐related complications were recorded. Postoperative complications included early infection in one patient (1.0%) and dislocation in one patient (1.0%).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that DMC‐THA provides satisfactory short‐term outcomes in elderly patients at a high risk of dislocation, regardless of the change in PTA resulting from postural transition.
Environmental influences on childhood asthma—The effect of diet and microbiome on asthma
Authors: Lunjani Nonhlanhla , Walsh Laura J. , Venter Carina , Power Matthew , MacSharry John , Murphy Desmond M. , O'Mahony Liam
Published: December 2022

Early life dietary patterns and timely maturation of mucosa‐associated microbial communities are important factors influencing immune development and for establishing robust immune tolerance networks. Microbial fermentation of dietary components in vivo generates a vast array of molecules, some of which are integral components of the molecular circuitry that regulates immune and metabolic functions. These in turn protect against aberrant inflammatory processes and promote effector immune responses that quickly eliminate pathogens. Multiple studies suggest that changes in dietary habits, altered microbiome composition, and microbial metabolism are associated with asthma risk and disease severity. While it remains unclear whether these microbiome alterations are a cause or consequence of dysregulated immune responses, there is significant potential for using diet in targeted manipulations of the gut microbiome and its metabolic functions in promoting immune health. In this article, we will summarize our knowledge to date on the role of dietary patterns and microbiome activities on immune responses within the airways. Given the malleability of the human microbiome, its integration into the immune system, and its responsiveness to diet, this makes it a highly attractive target for therapeutic and nutritional intervention in children with asthma.
Efficacy and safety oftwice‐dailytramadol hydrochloride bilayersustained‐releasetablets with an immediate release component for postherpetic neuralgia: Results of a PhaseIII, randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled,treatment‐withdrawalstudy
Authors: Kawai Shinichi , Hasegawa Jun , Ito Hideki , Fukuuchi Yasuo , Nakano Hideshi , Ohtani Hideaki , Sasaki Kazutaka , Adachi Takeshi
Published: December 2022

Background

We investigated the efficacy and safety of twice‐daily bilayer sustained‐release tramadol hydrochloride tablets (35% immediate‐release; 65% sustained‐release) in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.

Methods

This was a Phase III treatment‐withdrawal study with 1–4‐week dose‐escalation, 1‐week fixed‐dose, and 4‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled withdrawal periods performed at 43 medical institutions in Japan. Patients aged ≥20 years, ≥3 months after the onset of herpes zoster with localized, persistent pain despite fixed‐dose analgesics for ≥2 weeks before enrollment were eligible. Patients started tramadol at 100 mg/day and its dose escalated to a maximum of 400 mg/day to achieve a reduction in their Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain of ≥2 points. Eligible patients were randomized to continue tramadol or switched to placebo for 4 weeks (double‐blind period). Patients were withdrawn due to inadequate analgesia (NRS deteriorated on ≥2 consecutive days) or their request.

Results

Overall, 252 patients started tramadol and 173 were randomized (tramadol: 85; placebo: 88). Tramadol was superior to placebo for the primary endpoint (time from randomization to an inadequate analgesic effect) with log‐rank testp = 0.0005. The hazard ratio was 0.353 (95% confidence interval 0.190–0.657) in favor of tramadol and fewer patients in the tramadol group experienced inadequate analgesic effects (16.9% vs. 39.8%). Adverse events in ≥10% of patients in the open‐label period were constipation (43.8%), nausea (34.9%), somnolence (18.5%), and dizziness (11.6%). The frequencies of adverse events in the double‐blind period were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

Sustained‐release tramadol tablets with an immediate‐release component are effective and well tolerated for managing postherpetic neuralgia.
Reduction in pain‐related fear is not associated with improvement in spinal biomechanics but with decrease in movement‐evoked pain in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Christe Guillaume , Benaim Charles , Luthi François , Jolles Brigitte M. , Favre Julien
Published: December 2022

Background and aims

While a causal relationship between pain‐related fear and spinal movement avoidance in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) has frequently been postulated, evidence supporting this relationship is limited. This study aimed to test if decreases in pain‐related fear or catastrophizing were associated with improvements in spinal biomechanics, accounting for possible changes in movement‐evoked pain.

Methods

Sixty‐two patients with CLBP were assessed before and after an interdisciplinary rehabilitation program (IRP). Pain‐related fear was assessed with general and task‐specific measures. Lower and upper lumbar angular amplitude and velocity as well as paraspinal muscle activity were recorded during five daily‐life tasks to evaluate spinal biomechanics. Relationships were tested with multivariable linear regression analyses.

Results

The large decreases in pain‐related fear and catastrophizing following the IRP were scarcely and inconsistently associated with changes in spinal biomechanics (< 3% of the models reported a statistically significant association). Results remained comparable for activities inducing more or less fear, for specific or general measures of pain‐related fear, and for analyses performed on the entire population or limited to subgroups of patients with higher levels of task‐specific fear. In contrast, reductions in task‐specific pain‐related fear were significantly associated with decreases in movement‐evoked pain in all tasks (r = 0.26–0.62, p ≤ 0.02).

Conclusion

This study does not support an association between pain‐related fear and spinal movement avoidance. However, it provides evidence supporting a direct relationship between decreased pain‐related fear and decreased movement‐evoked pain, possibly explaining some mechanisms of the rehabilitation programs.
A practical access for fluoroscopically‐guided percutaneous sacroplasty: Case report
Authors: Silva‐Ortiz Victor M. , Plancarte‐Sanchez Ricardo , Reyes Ignacio , Gulati Amitabh
Published: December 2022

Background

Sacral metastases represent the lowest percentage of invasion to the spine, however, as chemotherapy treatments progress, the cancer survival rate has become higher, and the percentage of sacral metastases has increased. Treatment options for sacrum metastases are surgery, radiotherapy, and minimally invasive techniques such as sacroplasty and radiofrequency ablation. Knowing the repercussions that advancing the needle anteriorly (viscera) or medially (sacral roots) can have during the sacroplasty we are describing a technique to perform c‐arm sacroplasty in coaxial vision, to identify the anterior sacral cortical bone that is in the limits of the pelvic viscera as well as the sacral foraminal line.

Case presentation

In the current report, we present a 75‐year‐old male patient with prostate cancer metastatic to S1, S2, S3 and iliac, with severe lumbar axial pain VAS 8/10. With a caudal tilt between 35‐45 degrees until aligning the sacrum in a coaxial view, a 11‐gauge Jamshidi needle is advanced from s3 to s1. The trajectory of the needle during the procedure is corroborated in AP and lateral, S1 is cemented, and the needle is withdrawn to cement S2 and S3. After the sacroplasty with the coaxial access, the patient reported VAS 1‐2/10.

Conclusions

It is important to offer an adequate quality of life to patients with sacral fractures, whether associated with cancer or sacral insufficiency fractures (SIF). Sacroplasty, being a recently described technique, can be a very viable option for these patients, that’s why it is important to have safe and reliable techniques to complement the approach of this minimally invasive technique.The coaxial access may be a safe and practical way to perform sacroplasty in these patients.
Prediction model for nonopiate‐induced neonatal abstinence syndrome
Authors: Morimoto Daisaku , Washio Yosuke , Sato Takeshi , Okamura Tomoka , Watanabe Hirokazu , Yoshimoto Junko , Tsukahara Hirokazu
Published: December 2022

Background

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) induced by opiate use is common worldwide. Psychiatric drugs are a more common cause of NAS in Japan but infants of mothers taking psychiatric medications do not always develop NAS. The purpose of this study was to develop a practical model for predicting the onset of nonopiate‐induced NAS, using variables available at birth.

Methods

In this diagnostic study, prediction models were developed using multivariable logistic regression with retrospective data collected at our hospital between 2010 and 2019. The NAS diagnosis was based on the Isobe score, and maternal medications were converted to dose equivalents.

Results

A total of 164 maternal and infant dyads met the inclusion criteria; 91 were included in the analysis, of whom 29 infants (32%) were diagnosed with NAS. Final models were created with and without the drug indices. The model without the drug indices consisted of neonatal head circumference in z‐scores and Apgar scores at 5 min < 9, and the model with the drug indices included these, as well as antipsychotics and hypnotics indices. The C‐statistics were 0.747 (95% CI: 0.638–0.856), and 0.795 (95% CI: 0.683–0.907), respectively, indicating that the models possessed good predictive accuracy for NAS onset.

Conclusions

This study developed models that predicted nonopiate‐induced NAS accurately. They may be further improved through the use of drug indices.
Parenting typologies in Georgian and Belgian adolescents: Associations with self‐esteem
Authors: Skhirtladze Nino , Van Petegem Stijn , Zimmermann Grégoire , Albert Sznitman Gillian
Published: December 2022

The parenting context is of fundamental importance for the optimal development of adolescents. Making use of a person‐centered approach, we derived parenting typologies from the perspective of Georgian and Belgian adolescents based on four dimensions of perceived parenting (responsiveness, structure, psychological control, and autonomy support). Further, we examined how perceived parenting typologies were associated with adolescents' self‐esteem. The study sample included 511 Georgian and 830 Belgian adolescents (N = 1341; 48% female). A cluster‐analytic procedure on the full sample was conducted separately for mothers and fathers. The analysis yielded five parenting typologies: Supportive—Highly structuring (high responsiveness and structure), Highly structuring—Moderately controlling (high structure and psychological control, moderate—responsiveness), Supportive—Low structuring/controlling (high responsiveness and autonomy support, low structure and psychological control), Highly controlling (very high psychological control, low responsiveness and autonomy support) and Uninvolved (low on all dimensions). Results indicated that the Highly structuring—Moderately controlling paternal cluster was more prevalent in the Belgian sample. A country‐moderating effect was found with the paternal Uninvolved profile associated with low levels of self‐esteem in Belgian adolescents, but with moderate levels of self‐esteem in Georgian adolescents.
Synthesis, Characterization and Photocleavage of Bis‐decyl Pteroic Acid: A Folate Derivative with Affinity to Biomembranes†
Authors: Fonseca José Luis , Sosa María José , Petroselli Gabriela , Erra‐Balsells Rosa , Quindt Matías I. , Bonesi Sergio M. , Greer Alexander , Greer Edyta M. , Thomas Andrés H. , Vignoni Mariana
Published: December 2022

Here, we provide mechanistic insight to the photocleavage of a compound in the folate family, namely pteroic acid. A bis‐decyl chain derivative of pteroic acid was synthesized, structurally characterized and photochemically investigated. We showed that, like folic acid, pteroic acid and the decylated derivative undergo a photocleavage reaction in the presence of H2O, while no reaction was observed in methanol solution. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations were carried out to predict relative stabilities of hypothetical mono‐, bis‐ and tris‐decylated pteroic acid derivatives to help rationalize the regioselectivity of the bis‐decyl pteroic acid product. Additionally, the lipophilicity of the bis‐decyl pteroic acid appears to confer a hydrophobic property enabling an interaction with biomembranes.
Photophysical Insights of Halogenated Dipyrrolonaphthyridine‐Diones as Potential Photodynamic Therapy Agents†
Authors: Morgan Jayla , Yun Young Ju , Jamhawi Abdelqader M. , Islam Shahidul M. , Ayitou A. Jean‐Luc
Published: December 2022

We report the synthesis and photophysical characterization of novel halogenated dipyrrolonaphthyridine‐diones (X2–DPNDs, X = Cl, Br, and I), as candidates for photodynamic therapy (PDT) application. Apart from the heavy atom‐induced spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) dynamics in the investigated X2–DPNDs, it was found that the position of the halogen atom (relative to the nitrogen of the pyrrole ring) also influenced the triplet excited state behavior. Interestingly, the faster/efficiency sensitization of 3O2 to 1O2 using X2–DPND correlates with the rate of triplet population, kISC >1.6 × 108 s−1 for I2–DPND vs kISC >2.9 × 109 s−1 for Cl2–DPND and Br2–DPND (where τISC = 343 ± 3 ps for I2–DPND and τISC = 5–6 ns for Cl2–DPND and Br2–DPND are the lowest time constants/values for ISC). Furthermore, the heavy atom‐induced SOC in Cl2–DPND and Br2–DPND did not lead to a reduction of the corresponding fluorescence (ca 75% vs 67% for the parent DPND). The attractive photophysical characteristics of Cl2/Br2–DPND put them on the landscape as not only promising PDT agents but also as fluorescence probes. The present study is a stepping stone in the development of novel organic photosystems for synergistic photomedicinal applications.
Core Values and Priming Effects in Electoral Campaigns
Authors: Macdonald David
Published: December 2022

Core values, which can be defined as abstract prescriptive beliefs about government and society, help ordinary citizens to reason about politics in a principled and efficacious manner. As such, core values have appeal for mass politics and representative democracy. To fulfill this role, core values should possess several characteristics. Chief among these are resistance to elite influence and trans‐situationalism, that is, the ability to guide political evaluations across different contexts. Despite their importance for mass politics, it is unclear as to how well core values fulfill these criteria. I examine this here by testing whether core values can be systematically primed by electoral campaigns. That is, I test whether core values can be made, by political elites, to matter more in certain situations over others. I do this by using observational data from the 2012 and 2016 ANES, along with data from a nationally representative survey experiment, originally fielded in 2005. Overall, I find little evidence to suggest that electoral campaigns can prime citizens’ core values. These findings have implications for our understanding of value systems, electoral campaigns, and public opinion.
Validation of laser Doppler flowmetry for the continuous measurement of women's genital response
Authors: Bouchard Katrina N. , Pukall Caroline F.
Published: December 2022

Laser Doppler imaging is a valid method of assessing genital response, detecting increases in genital blood flow to sexual, but not nonsexual stimuli. Although laser Doppler imaging provides a direct measure of genital blood flow, its discrete perfusion images provide a discontinuous assessment of genital response, limiting some study designs. The aims of this study were to investigate the measurement properties of laser Doppler flowmetry, a direct and continuous measure of blood flow, as well as examine the time course of genital response using flowmetry. A sample of 45 cisgender women attended two experimental sessions wherein they viewed sexual and nonsexual stimuli (e.g., neutral, anxiety, humor) while their genital responses were assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry. As expected, laser Doppler flowmetry was a valid measure of genital response—detecting increases in genital blood flow elicited by the sexual stimuli only—and was sensitive to varying degrees of genital response elicited by low, moderate, and high‐intensity sexual stimuli. The measure also exhibited convergent validity with genital response assessed via laser Doppler imaging, test–retest reliability across testing sessions, and internal consistency as well as high sexual concordance with self‐reported sexual arousal. Descriptive analyses showed that genital blood flow assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry was highly responsive, with initial, peak, and return to baseline responses occurring within timeframes appropriate for repeated measurement within a single session. Laser Doppler flowmetry is a valid, reliable, and sensitive measure of women's genital response that can be usefully applied in sexual psychophysiology research.
Validation of the clinical utility of sGaw as a response variable in methacholine challenge testing
Authors: Parker Jacqueline , Tzeng Allison , Wayne Shawn , Haynes Jeffrey M. , Irvin Charles G. , Kaminsky David A.
Published: December 2022

Background and Objective

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is commonly assessed by a methacholine challenge test (MCT), during which a provocative concentration causing a 20% reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (PC20) < 8 mg/ml is considered a positive response. However, a fall in specific airway conductance (sGaw) may also have clinical significance. The purpose of this study was to assess whether AHR determined by a provocative concentration causing a 40% reduction in sGaw (PC40) < 8 mg/ml corresponds to a clinical diagnosis of asthma.

Methods

We analysed the changes in spirometry, lung volumes and sGaw during MCT in 211 randomly selected patients being evaluated for AHR to support a clinical diagnosis of asthma.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the group was 53 (15) years, with 141 women (67%). Overall lung function was normal, with FEV1 = 92 (15) % predicted, total lung capacity = 97 (13) % predicted and sGaw = 0.19 (0.15–0.23) L/s/cm H2O/L, (median, 25–75 IQR). There were many more patients who responded by PC40 only (n = 120) than who responded by PC20 (n = 52). There was no significant difference in asthma diagnosis between the PC20 (98%) and PC40 (93%) groups, and we estimate 34% of patients with a diagnosis of asthma would have been classified as having no AHR if only the FEV1 criterion was used.

Conclusion

Changes in sGaw during MCT indicate clinically significant AHR in support of a clinical diagnosis of asthma among patients being evaluated for asthma.
Competition in taxes and intellectual property right
Authors: Davies Ronald B. , Han Yutao , Hynes Kate , Wang Yong
Published: December 2022

We examine competition for foreign direct investment when governments compete in tax incentives along with intellectual property rights (IPRs) protection. Higher IPRs result in a lower probability of imitation and thus higher expected profits and tax revenues, all else equal. We derive the Nash equilibrium strategies of two competing jurisdictions and show that since individual hosts do not internalize the benefit of lower prices for other jurisdiction's consumers, the non‐cooperative equilibrium exhibits an IPR externality in addition to the well‐known fiscal externality from tax competition. Thus, compared to joint policy setting, equilibrium IPRs are too high.
Providing public access to archival materials and the problem of fact‐checking in the post‐truth era
Authors: Wang Hui
Published: December 2022

This article aims to study the modern system of archives development in China and to determine a promising model of its adaptation to global challenges in the post‐truth era. The research methodology is based on a mixed qualitative and quantitative analysis of statistical data that show the development dynamics of archives system in China concerning public access and the formation of modern views on the problem of fact‐checking, as well as their reliability in the new historical post‐truth era. For effective verification of archival facts, researchers developed an adaptation model of China's archives to global challenges of information reliability in the post‐truth era. It is based on the idea of using artificial intelligence and the expert opinion of archivists. The practical use of the proposed model will contribute to improving the efficiency of archives, as well as the development of digital technologies in this area.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:04:07 allele with a synonymous substitution and an intronic insertion
Authors: Gil Etayo Francisco Javier , Niño Ramírez Jairo Eduardo , Terradillos Sánchez Pilar , García Sanz Ramón , Tejeda Velarde Amalia
Published: December 2022

A synonymous substitution in exon 2 and intronic insertion results in the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:04:07 allele.
The novel HLA‐C*12:365 allele identified in a Gujarati individual from India
Authors: Buch Hiteshree , Shah Parth , Chaudhary Akshay , Thakker Nirali C. , Kumar Prabin
Published: December 2022

The novel HLA‐C allele HLA‐C*12:365 identified in an individual from the Gujarati population.
The novel HLA‐A*24:02:160 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Bai Feng‐xia , Zheng Zhong‐Zheng , Du Ke‐Ming , An Lin , Zeng Han‐qing
Published: December 2022

HLA‐A*24:02:160 differs from HLA‐A*24:02:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 3.