bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beneficial effect of Sandoglobulin upon allograft survival in the pediatric renal transplant recipient
Authors: Bunchman Timothy E. , Parekh Rulan S. , Kershaw David B. , Smoyer William E. , Flynn Joseph T. , Valentini Rudolph P. , Sedman Aileen B.
Published: October 2024

The use of pooled immunoglobulin (IgG) has been shown to decrease panel reactive antibodies (PRA) in highly sensitized patients awaiting transplantation. IgG infusions have also been found effective for CMV prophylaxis. Analysis of 52 non‐highly sensitized children (ages 1‐18) who received kidney transplants from May 1991 through January 1995 was undertaken to determine if the immunoglobulin administered for CMV prophylaxis effected allograft survival. Comparison of the “Sando Pos” group (those who received Sandoglobulin for CMV prophylaxis) to the “Sando Neg” group demonstrates a significantly improved allograft survival at 1, 2, and 3 yr post‐transplantation. Despite the Sando Pos group being younger [7.3 ± 1.3 yr vs. 10.7 ± 0.9 yr; (mean ± SEM) p<0.05] allograft survival was 95%, 95% and 88% in the Sando Pos group vs. 88%, 79% and 79% in the Sando Neg group at 1, 2 and 3 yr, respectively (p <0.01 at all three time points). It is concluded that the potential mechanism of the immunosuppressive benefit of Sandoglobulin is speculative but presumed to be upon inhibition of anti‐HLA class I antibodies. We conclude that Sandoglobulin may not only be useful for CMV prophylaxis but also as an adjunct to routine immunosuppression.
Oral ganciclovir in pediatric transplant recipients: a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Pescovitz Mark D. , Brook Bonnie , Jindal Rahul M. , Leapman Stephen B. , Milgrom Martin L. , Filo Ronald S.
Published: October 2024

An oral formulation of ganciclovir (GAN) has been shown to be effective as prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) after liver transplantation in an adult population. There are no data on the use or dose of oral GAN in pediatric transplant recipients. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of oral GAN in a group of such patients. Nine patients (4 kidney and 5 liver transplant recipients, age 0.9‐13 yr) were treated with the commercial formulation of oral GAN after transplant. All patients were considered at risk for CMV disease based on the use of anti‐lymphocyte antibody (n = 5), and/or the use of a CMV positive organ in a CMV negative recipient (n = 5) or based on being a recipient of a liver transplant (n= 4). They received oral GAN for 84 ± 29 d. All recipients had normal renal function as estimated. by the Schwartz formula. While on a stable dose of oral GAN for at least 4 d (mean ± SD 8.4 ± 7, range 4‐27 d), 1‐ml serum samples were obtained before and at various times after dosing for the measurement of GAN levels. GAN levels were determined at a central laboratory by high‐performance liquid chromatography. In 7 of the patients, a sufficient number of levels were obtained post‐dosing to calculate the area under the curve using the linear trapezoidal rule. Cmin, the morning trough concentration, and Cmax, the peak concentration, were determined by inspection. Doses of oral GAN were increased if Cmin levels were less than 0.5‐1.0 μg/ml. Adequate levels of GAN were achieved in these patients at doses of 21.8‐38.5 mg/kg or 568‐990 mg/m2 every 8 h. There was a better correlation between the maximum GAN blood concentration and body surface area (R2= 0.52, p= 0.008) than with body weight (R2 = 0.36, p= 0.04). Oral GAN was well tolerated in the 7 patients without evidence of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia. or nephrotoxicity. No CMV disease occurred, although one patient had probable CMV syndrome with the development CMV IgM antibodies. These data suggest that oral GAN may be safely administered to pediatric transplant recipients. With normal renal function, the dosing should be in the range 20‐40 mg/kg or 500‐700 mg/m2q 8 h. Further data in children with impaired renal function is required.
Prospective multivariate analysis of donor monoethylglycine xylidide (MEGX) testing in liver transplantation
Authors: Woodside Kenneth J. , Merion Robert M. , Williams Timothy C. , Committee Transplantation Society of Michigan Scientific Studies
Published: October 2024

Measurement of the metabolism of lidocaine to MEGX by the hepatic cytochrome P450 system has been proposed as a means to assess liver function and metabolic activity of cadaveric organ donors. This prospective study of 102 potential liver donors from the State of Michigan sought to determine the role of MEGX determinations alone and in conjunction with traditional measures of donor acceptability. High MEGX values (>80 μg/L) did not correlate with the acceptability of donor livers, and had no significant association with early posttransplant graft function, as determined by SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, prothrombin time, or bile production. However, livers procured from donors with high MEGX values had improved actuarial graft survival when compared to low MEGX donors at 30 d (95% vs. 84%) and at 1 yr (68% vs. 43%) (p <0.04). Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant independent association of both shorter cold ischemic time and high MEGX value with improved graft survival (p<0.002). We conclude that the MEGX test offers limited incremental value in predicting early function of donor livers when used in conjunction with traditional criteria of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and histology. However, knowledge of the results of MEGX determinations may be of value in predicting graft survival after liver transplantation.
Carcinoma of the bladder in renal transplant patients
Authors: Gifford Robert R. M. , Wofford John E. , Edwards Walter G.
Published: October 2024

Bladder malignancy in the renal transplant recipient is an infrequent occurrence. The 11 previously reported cases reflect an aggressive tumor growth with invasion, requiring partial or complete cystectomy with or without conduit diversion. We report an additional case in a 40‐yr‐old woman with a living related renal transplant, who experienced rapid progression of her tumor over 3 wk from initial hematuria to a pelvic mass involving the anterior bladder. Her allograft ureter and native ureters, as well as her left iliac vein, became obstructed with tumor in another 2 wk. Biopsy showed poorly differentiated, invasive transitional carcinoma. Attempted resection was abandoned because of finding tumor involvement in most of the pelvis. Chemotherapy was not attempted. She died 2 wk after her attempted resection from tumor burden. Our report presents a collective review of these previously reported 11 cases plus our case. These bladder tumors demonstrate a rapid progression of invasive disease and respond poorly to chemotherapy. There is a possible association of bladder tumors with cyclophosphamide immunosuppression. An aggressive surgical approach should be followed, especially since these tumors present in a younger age group.
Risk factors for acute renal failure requiring dialysis after liver transplantation
Authors: Bilbao Itxarone , Charco Ramon , Balsells Joaquin , Lazaro Jose Luis , Hidalgo Ernest , Llopart Lluís , Murio Enrique , Margarit Carlos
Published: October 2024

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a common and severe complication after liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to ascertain the impact of ARF requiring dialysis in the outcome of LT and to analyze the risk factors leading to this event in the early postoperative period. From October 1988 to December 1994, 172 LT were performed in 158 patients. Postoperative ARF occurred in 88 transplants (51.1%) during the early postoperative period: mild ARF was found in 46 (serum creatinine 1.5‐3 mg/dl), moderate ARF in 12 (serum creatinine > 3 mg/dl) and severe ARF in 30 (serum creatinine > 3 mg/dl with dialysis requirement). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were studied, comparing patients presenting severe ARF with the remaining patients. Postoperative mortality in the dialysed group was much higher than in the non‐dialysis group (50% vs. 13.4%) (p <0.001) and 1‐yr actuarial graft survival was 73.4% for the non‐dialysed group compared with 40.9% for the dialysed group (p<0.05). Among 38 variables investigated, only two factors had independent prognostic value in multivariate analysis: preoperative serum creatinine 1.5 mg/dl (OR = 4.4, p = 0.006) and graft dysfunction grades III‐IV (OR = 8.9, p = 0.001). In conclusion, ARF is a severe complication post‐LT; its appearance could be predicted in patients with pre‐transplant renal dysfunction, severe graft dysfunction, or both. However, in many cases renal function may revert to normal if treated aggressively with early dialysis support.
Organ transplantation from donor who died of cyanide poisoning: A case report
Authors: Ravishankar D. K. , Kashi S. H. , Lam F. T.
Published: October 2024

Shortage of donor organs has become one of the most important limiting factors in the field of transplantation. Suitability of organs from patients dying from poisoning is an unexplored area. This is because of the suspicion that the organs, in particular the liver and the kidneys, might have been irreversibly damaged by the poison. We report a case of cyanide poisoning in which kidneys and corneas were harvested after the level of poison fell to below lethal concentration. These organs were later transplanted without any evidence of adverse effects at follow up.
Serum lipase as a marker for pancreatic allograft rejection
Authors: Sugitani Atsushi , Egidi M Francesca , Gritsch H Albin , Corry Robert J
Published: October 2024

In patients with enteric drainage of pancreas transplants, urinary amylase cannot be used as a marker of rejection. Since most of the patients in our center have enteric drainage, the aim of this study was to evaluate serum lipase as a potential marker for rejection. From July 1994 to March 1997, 100 patients underwent pancreas transplantation with enteric (78) or bladder (22) drainage. Forty‐two of the 100 patients had both daily serum lipase (sLip) values and either kidney core or fine needle aspiration biopsies of the pancreas and/or kidney. Thirty‐one of the 42 had biopsy proven rejection and were treated on day 0 (D0). From day ‐ 7 (D‐7) to day + 7 (D+7), sLip, serum amylase (sAmy), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and serum creatinine (sCr) were measured daily. Serum lipase values rose from 322 + 107 IU/L on D ‐2 to 634 +247 IU/L on D‐1 (p=0.0203) in 22 of the 31 patients with biopsy proven rejection (sensitivity 71%). The rise in sCr in combined kidney pancreas transplants with biopsy proven rejection was a better marker than sLip (sensitivity 86%). The sensitivity of sAmy and FBS was 50 and 33%, respectively. Other than sCr, sLip appeared to be the best marker for acute rejection in enterically drained pancreas transplants which should be useful as a non‐invasive indicator of rejection in solitary pancreas transplants where sCr cannot be used.
Orthotopic liver transplantation for hepatic associated metabolic disorders
Authors: Pratschke J , Steinmüller T , Bechstein WO , Neuhaus R , Tullius SG , Jonas S , Schumacher G , Luck W , Becker M , Neuhaus P
Published: October 2024

Hepatic associated metabolic disorders represent 5% of the indications for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTX) according to the European Liver Transplant Registry. We studied the outcome of this group at our institution after OLTX and combined liver/kidney transplantation.

Between September 1988 and January 1997, 837 OLTXS were performed in 735 patients. Patient survival and graft function at 1 yr were 91.3 and 86%, respectively. Thirty‐nine OLTXs were performed in 38 patients (15 female/23 male, median age ± SD: 35 14 yr, range 4‐60 yr) due to liver associated metabolic disorders (4.7%). Indications included Wilson's disease (n = 14), α‐1‐anti‐trypsin‐deficiency (n = 7), hemochromatosis (n = 4), erythropoetic protoporphyria (n = 4), cystic fibrosis (n = 2), Crigler‐Najjar syndrome type I (n = 1), glycogenosis type I (n = 1), ornithine‐transcarbomylase‐deficiency (n = 1). In addition 4 patients suffering from primary hyperoxaluria type I received combined liver/kidney grafts.

Survival rate the 1 yr after OLTX and combined OLTX/NTX was 91.8%. Twenty patients received cyclosporin A (55%) and 17 patients tacrolimus (45%) as primary immunosuppression. The mean follow‐up was 28.6 months (range 4‐73 months). Two patients with hemochromatosis died 1 and 3 months after OLTX, respectively, from Aspergillus sepsis followed by multiorgan‐failure. One patient died of malignant lymphoma 5 months after transplantation. One patient required retransplantation 2 months after OLTX following arterial thrombosis and ischemic type biliary lesion. One year after OLTX, all patients demonstrated good graft function, liver grafts (ALT 17.9 ± 13.6 IU/L, bilirubin 0.8±0.3.mg/dl, thromboplastin time 94±15%), and combined liver/kidney grafts (creatinine 2.4±1.4 mg/dl). OLTX, respectively combined OLTX/NTX, represent a successful therapy for hepatic associated metabolic disorders. Survival rates and graft function are similar to those in liver graft recipients for established indications at our institution. OLTX seems to be an excellent treatment for hepatic based therapy resistant neurological disorders.
Making sense of kidney transplantation: a view from African recipients
Authors: Ndlovu Phyllis , Louw Johann
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the experiences of African patients. who have undergone a kidney transplant within the past 10 yr, either from a live donor or from a cadaver. Little is known about kidney transplantation among African patients, in particular about psychological and social responses to the process. The study examined how these patients made (and still make) sense of the transplant experience, and hence attribute a particular subjective meaning to the factors and variables which have been at play during the course of the transplant. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 African patients (8) women and 6 men), from the Renal Unit of Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town. The interviewees were selected from the records of the Unit. Several themes accounted for the frameworks of meaning that patients attributed to the transplant process. These are: religion and indigenous belief systems; the role of the extended family; patients' respective routes to the hospital; feelings about the transplant; and experiences in the hospital.
Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) resulting in gallbladder perforation in a solid organ transplant recipient: a case report
Authors: Feltis Brad A , Leeb David A , Gruessner Rainer WG
Published: October 2024

Gallbladder perforation is a frequent complication of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC), resulting in substantially increased morbidity and mortality. Two groups of patients are at increased risk for perforation: those with systemic diseases (especially peripheral vascular disease, intrinsic heart disease, or diabetes) and those who are chronically immunosuppressed. The current population of solid organ transplant recipients meets both criteria. We describe an unusual case of gallbladder perforation as a complication of AAC in an otherwise healthy kidney transplant recipient. Because transplant recipients are at increased risk for gallbladder perforation, maintaining a high index of suspicion for this complication will help avoid the increased morbidity and mortality associated with this diagnosis.
A liver with polycystic liver disease as graft for orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Glanemann Matthias , Bechstein Wolf‐Otto , Müller Andrea Raffaela , Langrehr Jan‐Michael , Knoop Michael , Raakow Roland , Jonas Sven , Neuhaus Peter
Published: October 2024

Donor organ shortage calls for widening of criteria for organ transplantation. In exceptional cases, even livers with macroscopic alterations may be accepted for transplantation. The case of a patient who received a liver graft from a donor with previously unknown adult. polycystic degeneration is reported. The liver showed only small bilobar cysts with less than 10% of hepatic replacement and was successfully used for orthotopic liver transplantation. Two years after transplantation the patient is in good clinical condition and has returned to work.
Lansoprazole and Ethanol Metabolism: Comparison with Omeprazole and Cimetidine
Authors: Battiston Lucia , Tulissi Patrizia , Moretti Michèle , Pozzato Gabriele
Published: October 2024

Since some antisecretory drugs such as Cimetidine and ranitidine, interfere with ethanol metabolism by inhibition of hepatic and/or gastric alcohol dehydrogenase, wc investigated the effect of lansoprazole, a new protonic pump inhibitor, on gastric and hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase activity. Wc also compared the lansoprazole effect with that of omeprazole and Cimetidine, respectively. Ethanol blood concentration after oral intake or intravenous administration of ethanol was estimated either in normal male human volunteers or in male rats before and after one week pretreatment with lansoprazole, omeprazole and Cimetidine. Furthermore, the in vitro effect of these drugs was studied on both human and rat gastric and hepatic alcohol dehydrogenases. Finally, wc measured the effect of the treatment on the reduced hepatic glutathione to test the effects of the drugs on first‐pass metabolism of cthanol. The results reported in this paper indicate that lansoprazole, as well as omeprazole, does not affect ethanol metabolism, and that protonic pump inhibitors seem to be safer than imidazole‐derived drugs in subjects unable to reduce ethanol intake during conditions requiring acid secretion inhibition.
A Hybrid Concept Analysis of Frailty Among Older Adults Living in the Community
Authors: Fan Xing , Li Yuelin , Xu Lijuan , Li Caifu , Song Rhayun
Published: October 2024

Aim

To analyse the concept of frailty through a literature review and in‐depth interviews.

Design

A hybrid model of concept analysis.

Methods

The theoretical phase identified 43 articles for reviewing the definition and measurement of frailty. Seven frail older adults were invited in the fieldwork phase for in‐depth interviews. In the final analysis phase, results from the fieldwork and theoretical phases were integrated to obtain a final definition of frailty.

Results

Attributes of frailty were heterogeneous, involving dynamic/bidirectional, multidimensional and multiple systems. The antecedents of the concept were exposure to various stimuli and challenges in responding to these stimuli. Consequences included losing autonomy and adverse health outcomes. Four themes of frailty were identified based on the fieldwork data: ‘accumulation of functional decline’, ‘powerlessness of coping with’, ‘vicissitudes of lived experience’ and ‘loss of autonomy and positivity’.

Conclusions

The final definition of frailty was ‘a dynamic and fluctuating process of powerlessness to manage biopsychosocial and environmental stimuli, involving functional decline and vicissitudes of life, which results in losing autonomy and positivity or adverse health outcomes’.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Characterising the definition of frailty is essential for nurses to address the lived experiences of older adults when providing person‐centred care and for developing interventions that meet the needs of frail older adults.

Impact

Since some discrepancies existed in the definition of frailty from individual perception of older adults, combined in‐depth interviews with a theoretical literature review were used to provide comprehensive insight. This concept analysis provides guidelines of training for nurses and opportunities to improving quality of life for community dwelling older adults.

Reporting Method

N/A.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Support for Siblings of Children With Complex Care Needs: Public Health Nurses' Perceptions of Their Role in Primary Schools
Authors: Bergvoll Lise‐Marie , Clancy Anne , Martinussen Monica , Laholt Hilde
Published: October 2024

Aim

To explore the role of public health nurses (PHNs) in Norwegian primary school health services in supporting siblings who have a brother or a sister with complex care needs.

Design

A qualitative, exploratory design using focus groups combined with visual methods.

Methods

Nineteen Norwegian PHNs participated in three focus group discussions between May and September 2022. The nurses were asked to draw themselves as PHNs working in primary schools. Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic approach was used to analyse the transcribed interviews. The drawings were analysed using critical visual analysis methodology.

Results

The findings revealed that PHNs in primary schools focused on establishing good relationships and found it important to be flexible and creative. However, a challenge to successful service provision in supporting siblings and their families was that the nurses lacked support for the implementation of health promotion interventions and often felt alone. The analysis elicited three main themes: ‘the importance of relationships and flexibility in meeting siblings' needs’, ‘feeling alone with responsibility for supporting siblings’ and ‘the forgotten children: a need for coordinated services’.

Conclusion

PHNs in school health services are in a unique position to provide support to improve siblings' mental health and well‐being. To fully benefit from PHNs' potential to support siblings, there is a need to clarify guidelines and develop evidence‐based interventions.

Impact

This study provides valuable insights for health authorities, educators and practitioners on what inhibits sibling support in Norway. The study highlights the potential for PHNs to play a significant role in delivering timely health‐promoting interventions for these siblings in school settings independent of context.

Reporting Method

This study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Deposit Competition and Mortgage Securitization
Authors: MCGOWAN DANNY , NGUYEN HUYEN , SCHAECK KLAUS
Published: October 2024

We study how deposit competition affects a bank's decision to securitize mortgages. Exploiting the state‐specific removal of deposit market caps across the U.S. as a source of competition, we find a 7.1 percentage point increase in the probability that banks securitize mortgage loans. This result is driven by an 11 basis point increase in deposit costs and corresponding reductions in banks' deposit holdings. Our results are strongest among banks that rely more on deposit funding. These findings highlight a hitherto undocumented and unintended regulatory cause that motivates banks to adopt the originate‐to‐distribute model.
Monetary Policy and Government Debt
Authors: CARAMP NICOLAS , FEILICH ETHAN
Published: October 2024

We study how the level of government debt affects the effectiveness of monetary policy, that is, the elasticity of economic aggregates to interest rate changes. We build a New Keynesian model where fiscal policy is non‐Ricardian and government debt is risk‐free. Wealth effects generated by government bonds weaken the transmission of monetary policy to output. Using data on private ownership of U.S. public debt, we find that when the debt‐to‐GDP ratio is one standard deviation above its mean, the response of industrial production and unemployment to a monetary shock decreases by 0.75pp and 0.1pp, respectively, out to a 3‐year horizon.
Violence Against Nurses During Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Feruglio Laura , Bressan Valentina , Cadorin Lucia
Published: October 2024

Aims

To analyse and synthesise knowledge on workplace violence perpetrated by patients and caregivers against nurses, its consequences and strategies to prevent this phenomenon.

Design

A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the method of the Center for Reviews and Determination and reported in accordance with the PRISMA checklist. A pre‐defined protocol was designed (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023432271).

Methods

Three researchers screened eligible studies independently. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal for Analytical Cross‐Sectional Studies was used to assess the risk of bias within the studies included.

Data Sources

Quantitative primary studies published between January 2012 and June 2023 were included through specific research strings used in the CINHAL, Scopus, PubMed and PsychInfo databases.

Results

A total of 15 studies were selected, the majority of which were cross‐sectional and observational. The consequences related to events of verbal and physical violence were highlighted, ranging from the psychological to the physical effects on nurses' mental health, for example, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache and sleep problems. Four studies analysed the strategies used to cope with such violence.

Conclusion

The results showed that aggression on the part of patients affects nurses' health adversely on both a personal and a work level, and makes it necessary to pay more attention to the phenomenon and to find strategies to reduce the incidents, such as developing policies to safeguard the professionals' physical and mental health.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses and nursing managers should be aware of violence and its consequences on the victims' health. Therefore, it is essential for nursing managers to develop effective policies to reduce violence and its consequences.
Risky Business. Interventions to Prevent Aggression Against Health Workers From Patients at Risk: An Integrative Review
Authors: McCamon Teresa , Lowe Vicki , George Rinchu , Gordon Rachel , Watson Heather
Published: October 2024

Aim

To identify best practices to prevent violence against healthcare workers by patients at risk for aggression in the adult inpatient setting.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

Conducted using the Johns Hopkins Evidence‐based Practice for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals Model. Title and abstract screening on 4186 articles resulted in 156 for full text review. Full text screening yielded 14 articles that met inclusion criteria.

Data Sources

A search of the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and JBI from January 2019 to February 2023.

Results

The review revealed behavioural intervention teams, environmental changes, and coordinated communication plans were the most used strategies, however none demonstrated significant decreases in violence.

Conclusions

Health systems can implement strategies shown to decrease the incidence of violence in healthcare settings globally. Lack of consistency in the evidence suggests the need for further research to assess mitigating strategies for violence against healthcare workers in inpatient hospital settings.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Patient safety is a cornerstone of nursing practice; however, healthcare workers need to feel safe in their work environment. Violent events are chronically underreported, ill defined, and when reported, do not address change in the practice setting. Identifying strategies to address escalating behaviour before it results in violence is crucial for everyone's safety.

Impact

This integrative review exposes the scarcity of evidence available to address rising concerns about patients on healthcare provider violence (Type II) in the workplace. Although several assessment tools for identifying violent patients exist, evidence regarding prevention is woefully absent. The review highlights potential interventions for further study to equip healthcare workers to manage patients safely and effectively before an escalation occurs.

Reporting Method

PRISMA checklist for integrative reviews.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was part of this review.
Validating the CogSleep Screener in older adults at a memory and cognition clinic
Authors: Kong Shawn Dexiao , Schrire Zoe Menczel , Lin Ping Hsiu , Simonetti Simone , Cross Nathan , Mowszowski Loren , Ireland Catriona , Rosenzweig Ivana , Naismith Sharon L.
Published: October 2024

While sleep disturbances are prevalent in older people and are linked with poor health and cognitive outcomes, screening for the range of sleep disturbances is inefficient and therefore not ideal nor routine in memory and cognition clinic settings. We aimed to develop and validate a new brief self‐report questionnaire for easy use within memory and cognition clinics. The design for this study was cross‐sectional. Older adults (aged ≥50 in Sydney, Australia) were recruited from a memory and cognition research clinic. Participants (N = 402, mean age 67.3 years, range 50–86, 63.6% female) completed a comprehensive medical, neuropsychological, and mental health assessment, alongside self‐report instruments, including existing sleep questionnaires and a new 10‐item sleep questionnaire, the CogSleep Screener. We examined the factor structure, convergent validity, internal consistency, and discriminant validity of this novel questionnaire. Using exploratory principal component analysis, a 3‐factor solution was generated highlighting the factors of Insomnia, Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Symptoms and Daytime Sleepiness. Each factor was significantly correlated with currently used sleep questionnaires for each subdomain (all Spearman rho >0.3, all p < 0.001), suggesting good convergent validity. Internal consistency was also good (Cronbach's α = 0.73). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed good discriminative ability between participants with and without sleep disturbances (all area under curve >0.7, all p < 0.01). The CogSleep Screener has good psychometric properties in older to elderly adults attending a memory and cognition clinic. The instrument has the potential to be used in memory clinics and other clinical settings to provide quick and accurate screening of sleep disturbances.
Associations of polysomnographic measures of obstructive sleep apnea, and nocturnal oxygen saturation with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus in middle‐aged and older men
Authors: Appleton Sarah L. , Naik Ganesh , Nguyen Duc Phuc , Toson Barbara , Lechat Bastien , Loffler Kelly , Catcheside Peter G. , Vakulin Andrew , Martin Sean A. , Wittert Gary A. , Adams Robert J.
Published: October 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, few prospective epidemiological studies have accounted for important T2DM predictors including pre‐diabetes status and testosterone. Participants in the longitudinal Men Androgens Inflammation Lifestyles Environment and Stress (MAILES) study, who underwent eight‐channel home‐based polysomnography (PSG) in 2010–2011 (n = 824) and were free of diabetes at baseline were included in the analysis (n = 682). From 2015 to 2021, 78.6% (n = 536) completed at least one follow‐up assessment. Incident T2DM was determined by self‐reported doctor diagnosis, diabetes medications, plasma glucose (fasting ≥7.0 mmol/L or random ≥11.0 mmol/L) or glycated haemoglobin ≥6.5%. Conservative hierarchical Poisson regression models adjusted associations of PSG metrics (categorical and continuous) for age, waist circumference, baseline fasting glucose and testosterone concentrations. In all, 52 men (9.7%) developed T2DM over a mean (range) of 8.3 (3.5–10.5) years. Significant age‐ and waist circumference‐adjusted association of incident T2DM with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥20 events/h (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8–2.8; p = 0.23] and highest quartile of delta index (IRR 2.1, 95% CI 0.95–4.6; p = 0.066) were attenuated after adjustment for baseline glucose and testosterone, and the association with the lowest quartile of mean oxygen saturation persisted (IRR 4.2, 95% CI 1.7–10.3; p = 0.029). Categorical measures of AHI severity, oxygen desaturation index, and hypoxia burden index (HBI) were not independently associated with incident T2DM. Associations with T2DM were similar when continuous PSG variables were used; however, HBI was significant (IRR 1.015, 95% CI 1.006–1.024; p = 0.007). In a sub‐sample with OSA treatment data (n = 479), these significant associations persisted after excluding adequately treated OSA (n = 32). Understanding underlying OSA endotypes generating hypoxaemia may identify opportunities for diabetes prevention.
Characteristics of oral mucosal pressure injuries in children with orotracheal intubation in intensive care units: An observational study
Authors: Zhao Yueyue , Guo Jie , Ma Jie , Ge Yanjun , Wang Junna , Li Conghui , Shi Caixiao
Published: October 2024

Background

Tracheal intubation can be used for ventilation to ensure an unobstructed respiratory tract, and it is the most common respiratory support technique used in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients. Orotracheal intubation is usually the preferred method of tracheal intubation. However, it can cause stress‐related damage to the oral mucosa. Identifying the factors that cause oral mucosal pressure injury (OMPI) can prevent its occurrence in children with oral endotracheal intubation.

Aims

To examine the characteristics of OMPI in children who underwent orotracheal intubation in the PICU and to assess their influencing factors.

Study Design

An observational, prospective study. Data were gathered from the PICU of a tertiary hospital in China between January 2023 and October 2023. The patient data were obtained from the ‘General Information Questionnaire’, ‘Paediatric Critical Illness Score’, ‘STRONGkids Scale’ and ‘OMPI Staging and Assessment Tools’. Data analysis was subsequently performed using univariate and logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 187 children who underwent orotracheal intubation were analysed. During the observation period, 44.92% (n = 84) of the children developed OMPI. It comprised 63.10% (n = 53) of stage I injuries, 33.33% (n = 28) of stage II injuries and 3.57% (n = 3) of stage III injuries. The common injury sites were the lower jaw (48.81%), upper jaw (29.76%), tongue (20.24%) and joints (10.71%). The logistic regression analysis results revealed that high critical illness (OR = 0.835, 95% CI: 0.726–0.961), long intubation time (OR = 1.043, 95% CI: 1.021–1.067), prone ventilation (OR = 6.708, 95% CI: 1.421–31.670), hypothermia (OR = 5.831, 95% CI: 1.208–28.149), use of dental pads (OR = 5.520, 95% CI: 1.150–26.487) and low albumin levels (OR = 6.238, 95% CI: 1.285–30.281) were the main contributing factors for OMPI in children with orotracheal intubation (p < .05).

Conclusions

The occurrence of OMPI in children who underwent orotracheal intubation in the PICU was notable and was predominantly observed in stages I and II. Consequently, clinical nursing personnel should proactively recognize risk factors and administer timely interventions to mitigate the occurrence of OMPI in such children.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The incidence of OMPI in children who underwent orotracheal intubation was relatively high. Nurses and doctors should closely monitor the risk factors for orotracheal intubation in children to prevent the occurrence of OMPI.
Quercus zhekunii M.Deng & J.Huang, a new sclerophyllous oak from Guangxi, southwest China
Authors: Deng Min , Lin Lin , Liu Lu‐Ting , Huang Si‐Xiang , Tu Yu , Lu Zhao‐Cen , Huang Jian
Published: October 2024

Asian (sub)tropical karst regions harbor high endemism and species diversity of sclerophyllous oaks. In this study, Quercus zhekunii, a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Phylogenomic reconstruction using RAD‐seq placed this new species within the ‘Tropical clade' of Quercus sect. Ilex. The dense fused fasciculate and uniserate trichomes on the leaf abaxial surface of Q. zhekunii resemble those of Q. kingiana. However, its distinctively concave primary and lateral veins on the leaf adaxial surface, along with the prominent backward‐recurved leaf blade and leaf margin, make it morphologically distinct from any known species in Q. sect. Ilex. The conservation status of Q. zhekunii is assessed as ‘Endangered' (EN). A new identification key to the species in the ‘Tropical clade' is provided. In addition, character evolution and phylogeography of the ‘Tropical clade' of Q. sect. Ilex is briefly discussed based on the new phylogenetic and morpho‐anatomical data.
New Data Sources for Demographic Research
Authors: Breen Casey F. , Feehan Dennis M.
Published: October 2024

We are in the early stages of a new era of demographic research that offers exciting opportunities to quantify demographic phenomena at a scale and resolution once unimaginable. These scientific possibilities are opened up by new sources of data, such as the digital traces that arise from ubiquitous social computing, massive longitudinal datasets produced by the digitization of historical records, and information about previously inaccessible populations reached through innovations in classic modes of data collection. In this commentary, we describe five promising new sources of demographic data and their potential appeal. We identify cross‐cutting challenges shared by these new data sources and argue that realizing their full potential will demand both innovative methodological developments and continued investment in high‐quality, traditional surveys and censuses. Despite these considerable challenges, the future is bright: these new sources of data will lead demographers to develop new theories and revisit and sharpen old ones.
On the relationship between age and conspiracy beliefs
Authors: Bordeleau Jean‐Nicolas , Stockemer Daniel
Published: October 2024

Research on conspiracy theories has long turned a blind eye on the role of age in explaining conspiracy beliefs. Few studies include age and those that do have yet to consider how and why age matters when it comes to the spread of conspiracy theories. In this article, we investigate the relationship between age and conspiracy beliefs with two complementary studies. In Study 1, we conduct a meta‐analysis of a large sample of studies on conspiracy beliefs published between 2014 and 2024 (k = 191; N = 374,224). The results reveal a small but robust negative association between age and conspiracy endorsement. In Study 2, we use an original multinational survey to investigate three potential mechanisms that may explain the relationship between age and conspiracy beliefs (N = 6098). We explain youth's higher beliefs in conspiracy theories by their predisposition to unconventional styles of political participation, lower levels of self‐esteem, and general political disaffection.
In Search of a Connection: Public Procurement and Active Labour Market Policies in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia
Authors: Daguerre Anne , Ingold Jo , Lee Qian Yi , Vincent Sean
Published: October 2024

Governments in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have increasingly utilised public procurement—their power to purchase goods and services—to assist disadvantaged groups in accessing better‐quality jobs. This approach is part of a broader effort to create ‘good jobs’. However, it is necessary to examine whether this represents a new strategy for addressing persistent issues of inequality in labour markets. This review critically assesses whether public procurement and Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) form a coherent, sequential and complementary framework. The conclusion, however, is that this connection is not well‐established. Instead, there is a disjointed situation where the two approaches lack meaningful integration, despite some efforts at the local level.
Integrating street-view images to quantify the urban soundscape: Case study of Fuzhou City's main urban area
Authors: Rui Quanquan , Gu Kunpeng , Cheng Huishan
Published: October 2024

Soundscapes are an important part of urban landscapes and play a key role in the health and well-being of citizens. However, predicting soundscapes over a large area with fine resolution remains a great challenge and traditional methods are time-consuming and require laborious large-scale noise detection work. Therefore, this study utilized machine learning algorithms and street-view images to estimate a large-area urban soundscape. First, a computer vision method was applied to extract landscape visual feature indicators from large-area streetscape images. Second, the 15 collected soundscape indicators were correlated with landscape visual indicators to construct a prediction model, which was applied to estimate large-area urban soundscapes. Empirical evidence from 98 000 street-view images in Fuzhou City indicated that street-view images can be used to predict street soundscapes, validating the effectiveness of machine learning algorithms in soundscape prediction.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: October 2024

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the Internet at the USPTO website.
Hepatic bile acid accretion correlates with cholestatic liver injury and therapeutic response in Cyp2c70 knockout mice with a humanized bile acid composition
Authors: Klindt Caroline , Truong Jennifer K. , Bennett Ashley L. , Pachura Kimberly J. , Herebian Diran , Mayatepek Ertan , Luedde Tom , Ebert Matthias , Karpen Saul J. , Dawson Paul A.
Published: October 2024

Bile acids are implicated as a common contributor to the pathogenesis and progression of cholestatic liver disease. Using a mouse model with a humanized bile acid composition, we demonstrated that mono and combination therapy using an IBAT inhibitor and FXR nonsteroidal agonist were effective at reducing hepatic bile acid accretion and reversing liver injury, without reducing hepatic bile acid hydrophobicity. The findings support the concept of a therapeutically tractable threshold for bile acid-induced liver injury.
Conventional KPCA Approach Applied to Detect Simulated Faults in PV Systems Using Simulated Data
Authors: Lema Charlène Bernadette , Perabi Ngoffe Steve , Ndi Francelin Edgar , Abessolo Ondoua Grégoire , Ndjakomo Essiane Salomé
Published: October 2024

Photovoltaic (PV) installations have become integral for harnessing solar energy, yet ensuring uninterrupted power generation remains crucial. This study addresses the challenge of maintaining reliability in PV systems by proposing a method to detect and identify simultaneous faults, using kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and statistical metrics. The proposed method employs KPCA, a machine learning technique adept at identifying patterns in complex data. By utilizing statistical metrics in a feature space generated by KPCA, potential faults in PV system performance data are flagged. Unlike prior research that focused on single faults, this work extends the application of KPCA to detect and identify multiple faults occurring simultaneously, such as partial shading combined with open or short circuit faults. Through extensive simulations, including 100 samples of different faults under varying irradiance conditions, the method demonstrates high accuracy rates: 93.33% for partial shading, 100% for open circuit, 100% for short circuit, and 81.81% for combinations of partial shading with either open or short circuit faults. Results from a Matlab‐Simulink model validate the effectiveness of KPCA in detecting both single and simultaneous faults in PV systems’ DC side.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Quercetin and Its Nanoformulation Both the Mono‐ or Combination Therapies in the Management of Cancer: An Update with Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Eity Tanzila Akter , Bhuia Md. Shimul , Chowdhury Raihan , Ahmmed Shakil , Salehin Sheikh  , Akter Rima , Islam Muhammad Torequl
Published: October 2024

Quercetin, a major representative of the flavonol subclass found abundantly in almost all edible vegetables and fruits, showed remarkable therapeutic properties and was beneficial in numerous degenerative diseases by preventing lipid peroxidation. Quercetin is beneficial in different diseases, such as atherosclerosis and chronic inflammation. This study aims to find out the anticancer activities of quercetin and to determine different mechanisms and pathways which are responsible for the anticancer effect. It also revealed the biopharmaceutical, toxicological characteristics, and clinical utilization of quercetin to evaluate its suitability for further investigations as a reliable anticancer drug. All of the relevant data concerning this compound with cancer was collected using different scientific search engines, including PubMed, Springer Link, Wiley Online, Web of Science, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. This review demonstrated that quercetin showed strong anticancer properties, including apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis, and inhibition of invasion and migration against various types of cancer. Findings also revealed that quercetin could significantly moderate and regulate different pathways, including PI3K/AKT‐mTORC1 pathway, JAK/STAT signaling system, MAPK signaling pathway, MMP signaling pathway, NF‐κB pathway, and p‐Camk2/p‐DRP1 pathway. However, this study found that quercetin showed poor oral bioavailability due to reduced absorption; this limitation is overcome by applying nanotechnology (nanoformulation of quercetin). Moreover, different investigations revealed that quercetin expressed no toxic effect in the investigated subjects. Based on the view of these findings, it is demonstrated that quercetin might be considered a reliable chemotherapeutic drug candidate in the treatment of different cancers. However, more clinical studies are suggested to establish the proper therapeutic efficacy, safety, and human dose.
A Novel Approach with Comparative Computational Simulation of Analytical Solutions of Fractional Order Volterra Type Integral Equations
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Shabbir Khurram , Guran Liliana , Emadifer Homan
Published: October 2024

The main purpose of this article is to reconsider the theory of variational iteration method and embed it with Laplace transform to construct the conjoined technique variational iteration Laplace transform method. And then, by using the proposed method we solve a class of integral equations, especially fractional order Volterra type integro‐partial‐differential equations occurring in different fields of natural and social sciences. For this, we first turn to some prelude concepts and different types of equations especially integral equations of different kinds from the literature. Then, we will present step by step the embedded technique. Next, some fractional order model integral equations will be tackled using the proposed method along with some existing techniques, like the Adomian decomposition method and successive approximations method. The efficacy and authentication of the proposed technique will be analysed with the help of the obtained results and graphical exhibitions of the particular solved examples. Finally, use of the initiated method in the future for different types of equations occurring in different fields of science will be presented.
Supplementary Table 4 from A Prime-Boost Vaccination Approach Induces Lung Resident Memory CD8+ T Cells Derived from Central Memory T Cells That Prevent Tumor Lung Metastasis
Authors: Xu Haoran , Yue Ming , Zhou Runhong , Wang Pui , Wong Michael Yik-Chun , Wang Jinlin , Huang Huarong , Chen Bohao , Mo Yufei , Tam Rachel Chun-Yee , Zhou Biao , Du Zhenglong , Huang Haode , Liu Li , Tan Zhiwu , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Song Youqiang , Chen Honglin , Chen Zhiwei
Published: October 2024

Lung tissue cell to CD8+ T cell communication ligand-receptor pairs in day 2 samples after single intranasal vaccination
Supplementary Table 2 from A Prime-Boost Vaccination Approach Induces Lung Resident Memory CD8+ T Cells Derived from Central Memory T Cells That Prevent Tumor Lung Metastasis
Authors: Xu Haoran , Yue Ming , Zhou Runhong , Wang Pui , Wong Michael Yik-Chun , Wang Jinlin , Huang Huarong , Chen Bohao , Mo Yufei , Tam Rachel Chun-Yee , Zhou Biao , Du Zhenglong , Huang Haode , Liu Li , Tan Zhiwu , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Song Youqiang , Chen Honglin , Chen Zhiwei
Published: October 2024

Raw data underpinning the expression level of core residency genes in different subpopulation