bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the influence of an effort–reward interaction on cognitive fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Erani Fareshte , Patel Darshan , Deck Benjamin L. , Hamilton Roy H. , Schultheis Maria T. , Medaglia John D.
Published: October 2022

This study examined whether an alteration in the effort–reward relationship, a theoretical framework based on cognitive neuroscience, could explain cognitive fatigue. Forty persons with MS and 40 healthy age‐ and education‐matched cognitively healthy controls (HC) participated in a computerized switching task with orthogonal high‐ and low‐demand (effort) and reward manipulations. We used the Visual Analog Scale of Fatigue (VAS‐F) to assess subjective state fatigue before and after each condition during the task. We used mixed‐effects models to estimate the association and interaction between effort and reward and their relationship to subjective fatigue and task performance. We found the high‐demand condition was associated with increased VAS‐F scores (p < .001), longer response times (RT) (p < .001) and lower accuracy (p < .001). The high‐reward condition was associated with faster RT (p = .006) and higher accuracy (p = .03). There was no interaction effect between effort and reward on VAS‐F scores or performance. Participants with MS reported higher VAS‐F scores (p = .02). Across all conditions, participants with MS were slower (p < .001) and slower as a function of condition demand compared with HC (p < .001). This behavioural study did not find evidence that an effort–reward interaction is associated with cognitive fatigue. However, our findings support the role of effort in subjective cognitive fatigue and both effort and reward on task performance. In future studies, more salient reward manipulations could be necessary to identify effort–reward interactions on subjective cognitive fatigue.
Transplantation of autologous epidermal melanocyte–keratinocyte cells suspension for cell therapy of vitiligo: A clinical evaluation and biometric assessment
Authors: Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Farshi Susan , Nouri Maryam , Alavi Shiva , Bayat Tork Batool , Jaffary Fariba , Zare Sona
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Among several surgical treatments, the use of transplantation of epidermal cultured melanocytes or melanocytes–keratinocytes cell suspension has gained many researchers and dermatologists' attention as a new technique for the treatment of vitiligo. The present study aimed to transplant autologous epidermal melanocytes–keratinocytes cell suspension for the treatment of vitiligo.

Methods

In this study, 15 volunteer patients aged between 18 and 45 years old were studied. The autologous melanocytes–keratinocytes cell suspension was then transplanted to the region after dermabrasion. The included patients were evaluated by VisioFace, MPA9, and Skin Scanner‐DUB once before and 1, 2, and 6 months after the transplantation, while the extents of stainability and changes in the transplanted region were recorded.

Results

The color contrast between the lesion and normal skin significantly decreased after 1, 2, and 6 months of the melanocytes transplantation compared with the pre‐procedure (13.8 ± 0.45 before vs. 12.9 ± 0.43, 12.2 ± 0.45, and 10.2 ± 0.34 at months 1, 2, and 6, p < 0.001). Furthermore, melanin index significantly increased six months after cell transplantation compared to the pretreatment (168.3 ± 4.22 vs. 130.5 ± 3.98, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Transplantation of melanocytes cells with dermabrasion can be effective on vitiligo improvement, so it is recommended.
Basal cell skin cancers: Retrospective analysis of 67 cases
Authors: Ozbey Rafet
Published: October 2022

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer and originates from the basal layer of the epidermis. It is most common in the head and neck region. It usually grows slowly and rarely metastasizes. The gold standard treatment is surgical excision.

Aims

In this study, it was aimed to discuss the demographic and medical data of patients treated with the diagnosis of BCC.

Patients/Methods

Sixty‐seven tumors of 55 patients who were operated for BCC in our clinic between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and medical data were analyzed.

Results

The tumor was most commonly localized to the nose. The most common (50%) histological type was the nodular type. Recurrence occurred in one of our patients (1.5%). Surgical margin positivity was observed in six patients.

Conclusions

Basal cell carcinomas are most common in the head and neck region. Its frequency increases with age and is more common in men. In our patients, 98.5% of the tumors were located in the head and neck, and 89.5% were over 60 years of age. Nodular is the most common type of BCC, and the most common nodular type was detected in our study.

Surgical margin positivity is observed between 9% and 37.2% after surgery, and the recurrence rate is around 5%. In our study, surgical margin positivity was 9% and recurrence was 1.5%. Evaluating the excision margins carefully in a well‐lit environment and taking into account cosmetic concerns, obtaining an adequately intact surgical margin in one go may lead to the ideal treatment result.
Pentoxifylline in dermatology
Authors: Balazic Eliza , Axler Eden , Konisky Hailey , Khanna Urmi , Kobets Kseniya
Published: October 2022

Background

Pentoxifylline was initially marketed for use in patients with intermittent claudication due to chronic occlusive arterial disease of the extremities but has since been shown to have several off‐label uses in dermatology.

Aims

The aim of this review is to increase awareness of the several applications of pentoxifylline in the field of dermatology.

Methods

A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted in May 2022 using the following phrases “dermatology” AND “pentoxifylline.” Our search period spanned 34 years from 1988 to 2022. All available literature was reviewed. Reference lists of identified articles were included. Studies were excluded if they were not in English and if the study was out of scope. Eighty‐one articles were included in this review.

Results

Pentoxifylline has been used to treat various dermatological conditions including peripheral vascular disease, vasculitis and vasculopathies, chilblains, pigmented purpuric dermatosis, granuloma annulare, necrobiosis, keloids, lichen sclerosis et atrophicus, scars, radiation‐induced fibrosis, vitiligo, alopecia areata, leishmaniasis, and leprosy.

Conclusions

Pentoxifylline's use in dermatology is growing. However, there are limited larger studies and randomized control trials on the use of pentoxifylline in dermatology and more investigation is needed to evaluate its use for many dermatologic conditions. Pentoxifylline's unique mechanism of action as well as its good tolerability, cost‐effectiveness, and minimal drug interactions make it a convenient primary or adjunctive option in many dermatological conditions.
Serum zinc‐alpha‐2 glycoprotein and insulin levels and their correlation with metabolic syndrome in patients with rosacea
Authors: Sahin Rana Basara , Kilic Fatma Arzu , Hizli Pelin , Baykan Ozgur
Published: October 2022

Background

Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance may accompany rosacea. Zinc‐alpha‐2 glycoprotein (ZAG) is an adipokine involved in lipid, glucose, and insulin metabolism and might be associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.

Aims

To investigate the serum ZAG levels, presence of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and the correlation between ZAG levels, rosacea severity, and metabolic syndrome in patients with rosacea.

Patients/Methods

Seventy‐nine patients with rosacea and 80 healthy volunteers were included. Anthropometric and demographic features, personal and family histories, clinical data, the subtype, severity, and duration of rosacea were recorded. Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia were evaluated in both groups. Fasting blood sugar, lipid panel, C‐reactive protein, sedimentation rate, insulin, and serum ZAG levels were investigated.

Results

Frequency of metabolic syndrome, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and C‐reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the rosacea group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Frequency of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.175 and 0.694, respectively). The mean serum ZAG levels were lower in the rosacea group, but no significant difference was evident. In rosacea patients with metabolic syndrome, serum ZAG levels were significantly lower (p = 0.043); however, serum ZAG levels, insulin, and the homeostasis model assessment‐estimated insulin resistance values were significantly higher (p = 0.168, 0.013 and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and high C‐reactive protein levels were associated with rosacea indicating chronic systemic inflammation. ZAG levels were associated with metabolic syndrome in patients with rosacea but not associated with rosacea subtype and disease severity.
Spatial distribution of CD34 protein in primordial odontogenic tumour, ameloblastic fibroma and the tooth germ
Authors: Pereira Prado Vanesa , Landini Gabriel , Mosqueda Taylor Adalberto , Vargas Pablo , Bologna Molina Ronell
Published: October 2022

Background

Primordial odontogenic tumour is a benign mixed neoplasm of recent description, which has histological similarities with other odontogenic tumours such as the ameloblastic fibroma. In this article, we investigate the architecture of the sub‐epithelial layer of mesenchymal cells expressing the marker CD34 in primordial odontogenic tumour.

Objective

Analyse the spatial patterns of CD34 expression in primordial odontogenic tumour and compare them with those in ameloblastic fibroma and the normal tooth germ by means of objective imaging approaches, to better characterise these lesions.

Methods

Two cases of primordial odontogenic tumour, four cases of ameloblastic fibroma and two cases of tooth germ in cap and bell stages were used for morphological, structural and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

CD34 expression was found in vascular endothelium of primordial odontogenic tumour, ameloblastic fibroma and tooth germ. In addition, a characteristic sub‐epithelial expression was observed only in primordial odontogenic tumour, corresponding to 84%–86% of the sample boundaries. Moreover, the zone expressing CD34 corresponded with a higher cellularity, which was absent in ameloblastic fibroma and tooth germ.

Conclusion

Image analysis of the primordial odontogenic tumour architecture revealed characteristics absent in other odontogenic tumours and tooth germs. This study provides additional information to support the idea that this neoplasm is a distinct entity from early stage AF or developing odontoma.
Diagnostic accuracy of pan‐TRK immunohistochemistry in differentiating secretory carcinoma from acinic cell carcinoma of salivary gland—A systematic review
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Sivakumar N. , Pandiar Deepak
Published: October 2022

Background

Secretory carcinoma (SC) is a well‐established salivary gland malignancy that has earned its popularity for its unique clinicopathological behavior. Although it is an indolent malignancy, few of them have been reported with high grade transformation making it mandatory to differentiate it from its prime histological mimicker, acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC). Recently, many studies have been directed toward validating the sensitivity and specificity of pan‐TRK IHC for confirming ETV6::NTRK3 gene fusion in SCs involving salivary gland.

Aim

The aim of the present systematic review was to establish the diagnostic utility of pan‐TRK immunostaining in histological differentiation of SC from AciCC.

Material and methods

An electronic search was carried out using MEDLINE by PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, Trip, Cochrane library and EMBASE databases. Articles in which SC assessed with pan‐TRK immunohistochemical expressions were included for systematic review and their staining pattern (cytoplasmic, nuclear and/or combined), sensitivity, specificity, positive as well as negative predictive were gathered. Risk of bias was analyzed for each study using QUADAS‐2 tool.

Results

Thirteen eligible articles were included for the quantitative analysis, which revealed positive immunostaining of pan‐TRK by nearly all the ETV6::NTRK3 fusion prevalent SCs alongside negative expression in almost all the cases of AciCC with 100% of sensitivity as well as specificity.

Conclusion

The evidence from the included studies supports that pan‐TRK immunostaining could be used as a reliable preliminary screening tool for discerning SC from AciCC.

PROSPERO No: CRD42022308913.
Capital requirements and claims recovery: A new perspective on solvency regulation
Authors: Munari Cosimo , Weber Stefan , Wilhelmy Lutz
Published: October 2022

Protection of creditors is a key objective of financial regulation. Where the protection needs are high, that is, in banking and insurance, regulatory solvency requirements are an instrument to prevent that creditors incur losses on their claims. The current regulatory requirements based on value at risk (V@R) and average value at risk (AV@R) limit the probability of default of financial institutions, but they fail to control the size of recovery on creditors' claims in the case of default. We resolve this failure by developing a novel risk measure, recovery V@R. Our conceptual approach is flexible and allows the construction of general recovery risk measures for various risk management purposes. We provide detailed case studies and applications. We show that recovery risk measures can be used for performance‐based management of business divisions of firms and discuss how to calibrate recovery risk measures to historical regulatory standards. Finally, we analyze how recovery risk measures react to the joint distributions of assets and liabilities on firms' balance sheets and compare the corresponding capital requirements with the current regulatory benchmarks based on V@R and AV@R.
Longitudinal Associations of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Poverty With Academic Performance Among Youth
Authors: Clennin Morgan N. , Shull Emily R. , Dowda Marsha , Pate Russell R.
Published: October 2022

Background

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) plays a significant role in health and academic performance in youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationship between CRF and academic performance from fifth to eighth grade among a large, diverse, and state‐wide cohort of students, and to determine the extent to which the relationship between change in CRF and academic performance is moderated by poverty status.

Methods

CRF and academic performance data were obtained for a retrospective state‐wide cohort of 11,013 students with baseline (fifth grade, school year 2015‐2016) and follow‐up (eighth grade, school year 2018‐2019) data. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the association between changes in CRF over a 3‐year follow‐up period and eighth grade academic performance.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, change in CRF and poverty status were positively and significantly associated with eighth grade academic performance. Poverty status did not significantly moderate the association between changes in CRF and academic performance.

Conclusions

Schools should prioritize evidence‐based policies and programs that optimize students' access to high quantity and quality physical activity throughout the school day. Such efforts can improve and maintain student CRF and thus academic performance outcomes.
Phylogenetic relationships, hybridization events, and drivers of diversification of East Asian wild grapes as revealed by phylogenomic analyses
Authors: Ma Zhi‐Yao , Nie Ze‐Long , Liu Xiu‐Qun , Tian Jing‐Pu , Zhou Yong‐Feng , Zimmer Elizabeth , Wen Jun
Published: October 2022

East Asian wild grapes show a high level of species diversity and have been widely recognized as important germplasm resources of wine, table grapes, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses for the grape industry. However, the deeper phylogenetic relationships and drivers of diversification of East Asian Vitis remain poorly understood. Hybridization and introgression events of East Asian Vitis are not well investigated, particularly at the genome‐wide scale. The phylogenetic relationships of East Asian Vitis are herein explored using nuclear and plastid genome data based on target enrichment (Hyb‐Seq). Seven major clades are recognized for East Asian Vitis based on the nuclear phylogenetic trees, but there is topological incongruence between concatenated and coalescent analyses. Furthermore, significant cytonuclear discordance is observed within East Asian Vitis. Species network analyses identified several hybridization events within East Asian Vitis. These interspecific hybridization events may have caused the topological discordances and relatively low support detected in our analyses. Ecological niche modeling shows that most of the diversification of East Asian Vitis species is driven by temperature and precipitation environmental variables. Sympatric parallel diversifications of major clades also may have facilitated the rich diversity in East Asian Vitis.
Sleep symptoms are essential features of long‐COVID– Comparing healthy controls withCOVID‐19 cases of different severity in the internationalCOVIDsleep study (ICOSS‐II)
Authors: Merikanto Ilona , Dauvilliers Yves , Chung Frances , Wing Yun Kwok , De Gennaro Luigi , Holzinger Brigitte , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Morin Charles M. , Penzel Thomas , Benedict Christian , Koscec Bjelajac Adrijana , Chan Ngan Yin , Espie Colin A. , Hrubos‐Strøm Harald , Inoue Yuichi , Korman Maria , Landtblom Anne‐Marie , Léger Damien , Matsui Kentaro , Mota‐Rolim Sergio , Nadorff Michael R. , Plazzi Giuseppe , Reis Catia , Yordanova Juliana , Partinen Markku
Published: October 2022

Many people report suffering from post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 or “long‐COVID”, but there are still open questions on what actually constitutes long‐COVID and how prevalent it is. The current definition of post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 is based on voting using the Delphi‐method by the WHO post‐COVID‐19 working group. It emphasizes long‐lasting fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction as the core symptoms of post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19. In this international survey study consisting of 13,628 subjects aged 18–99 years from 16 countries of Asia, Europe, North America and South America (May–Dec 2021), we show that post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 symptoms were more prevalent amongst the more severe COVID‐19 cases, i.e. those requiring hospitalisation for COVID‐19. We also found that long‐lasting sleep symptoms are at the core of post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 and associate with the COVID‐19 severity when COVID‐19 cases are compared with COVID‐negative cases. Specifically, fatigue (61.3%), insomnia symptoms (49.6%) and excessive daytime sleepiness (35.8%) were highly prevalent amongst respondents reporting long‐lasting symptoms after hospitalisation for COVID‐19. Understanding the importance of sleep‐related symptoms in post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 has a clinical relevance when diagnosing and treating long‐COVID.
Sequence characterization of extracellular HBV RNA in patient plasma
Authors: Chang Silvia , Hedskog Charlotte , Parhy Bandita , Martin Ross , Mo Hongmei , Maiorova Evguenia , Zoulim Fabien
Published: October 2022

Antiviral nucleos(t)ide analogue therapies inhibit HBV replication and suppress the HBV DNA levels in patients with chronic HBV infection. Since HBV RNAs are expressed from cccDNA or HBV integrated sequences, independently of viral genome replication, levels of HBV RNAs in plasma may remain high following treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogue. Thus, HBV RNAs have been proposed to be used as a viral biomarker for treatment outcome and disease progression. Recent investigations of plasma HBV RNAs described the presence of full length as well as subgenomic forms of RNA. To support the usage of plasma HBV RNAs as a viral biomarker, further understanding of HBV RNA composition in clinical samples is needed. Here, sequence of extracellular HBV RNAs was characterized in plasma samples of patients with chronic HBV infection using two independent RNA amplification methods that do not use HBV‐specific primers for amplification: total RNA (NuGEN RNAseq) and mRNA (TruSeq RNAseq). Sequencing coverage was obtained across the full length of HBV genome for both methods, confirming the presence of full‐length HBV RNA in plasma. The sequence of HBV RNA was nearly identical to plasma HBV DNA sequence in each sample with only 0–14 (median 4) mismatches over 3 kb. Thus, sequence of HBV RNA plasma reflects the intrahepatic viral reservoir and can be used for monitoring of sequence variants such as resistance in clinical trials. Additionally, RNA splice forms, different polyA tails start positions and presence of HBV‐human chimeric transcript were identified.
Computed tomography features of discospondylitis in dogs
Authors: Gomes Sergio A. , Targett Mike , Lowrie Mark
Published: October 2022

Background

Computed tomography (CT) findings of dogs with discospondylitis have not been widely described despite increased availability of this imaging modality.

Objectives

Describe the CT features of discospondylitis in a population of clinically affected dogs with discospondylitis diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Animals

Forty‐one dogs (63 affected discs) with MRI‐identified discospondylitis presented to a single referral hospital between 2012 and 2022.

Methods

Retrospective, single center, descriptive case series with analysis of MRI‐identified discospondylitis sites and concomitant CT imaging. Computed tomographic features of MRI‐affected sites including intervertebral disc space (IVDS), endplates, vertebral body, epidural space and paraspinal tissues were described.

Results

The most frequently found changes were: (1) endplate involvement (87.3%) most frequently bilateral (94.5%), with erosion (61.9%) and multifocal osteolysis (67.3%); (2) periosteal proliferation adjacent to the IVDS (73%) and spondylosis (66.7%); and (3) vertebral body involvement (66.7%) involving one‐third of the vertebra (85.7%) with multifocal osteolysis (73.5%). Other less prevalent features included an abnormal IVDS (narrowed or collapsed), sclerosis of the adjacent vertebral body or endplates, presence of disseminated idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis or vacuum artifact.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We determined that bilateral endplate erosion and periosteal proliferation were very common in dogs with discospondylitis. Careful evaluation of CT in all 3 planes (dorsal, sagittal, transverse) is necessary to identify an affected IVDS. These described CT features can aid in the diagnosis of discospondylitis in dogs but equivocal cases might still require MRI.
Incidence of relapse of inflammatory protein‐losing enteropathy in dogs and associated risk factors
Authors: Green Jodie , Kathrani Aarti
Published: October 2022

Background

Dogs with inflammatory protein‐losing enteropathy (iPLE) that attain remission may be at risk of subsequent relapse.

Objectives

To determine the incidence of relapse of iPLE in dogs that have previously attained complete clinical and biochemical remission and identify associated risk factors.

Animals

Seventy‐five client‐owned dogs diagnosed with iPLE.

Methods

Medical records of dogs diagnosed with iPLE based on histopathology of intestinal biopsy specimens between March 2010 and March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Variables were recorded from the time of investigation at histopathologic diagnosis and subsequent follow‐up information was obtained from the records of referring veterinarians.

Results

Twenty‐three dogs (31%) achieved sustained remission without documentation of relapse for at least 2 years. Nineteen dogs (25%) achieved remission, but then subsequently relapsed within 2 years of histopathologic diagnosis, and 33 dogs (44%) never achieved remission with disease‐associated death occurring a median of 19 (range, 3‐114) days after histopathologic diagnosis. Dogs that achieved remission and subsequently relapsed had significantly higher poor dietary compliance, as defined by frequent scavenging or changing from the recommended diet compared to dogs with sustained remission (P = .01).

Conclusions

Inflammatory PLE is associated with a high rate of relapse in dogs. Ensuring owners adhere to dietary recommendations might help prevent subsequent relapse in dogs with iPLE that attain initial remission.
The impact of shared social spaces on the wellness and learning of junior doctors: A scoping review
Authors: Uys Ciska , Carrieri Daniele , Mattick Karen
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Impaired wellness among junior doctors is a significant problem. Connectedness and sense of belonging may be important factors to prevent and reduce mental ill‐health. Shared social spaces in which health care staff can meet informally are thought to improve connectedness; however, these spaces are in decline. It is unclear what is known about such spaces, how they are used, and their impact on wellness and learning. This study aims to identify and synthetise available literature that informs our current understanding of the nature of shared social spaces as an intervention impacting wellness and learning of junior doctors.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley five‐step framework. The review question is ‘What is the evidence of the impact of shared social spaces on wellness and learning of junior doctors?’ We searched five databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsychINFO, APA PsychExtra, and ERIC. We conducted thorough supplementary searches in addition to the database search.

Results

We included 41 articles. These were predominantly letters, commentaries, and editorials with only five primary research studies. We identified four significant common attributes of shared social spaces, which can be credited with positive impacts on wellness and learning: (1) Informal: fostering connectedness and belonging, trust and teamwork and offering access to informal help and support; (2) safe: allowing reflection, debrief and raising of concerns; (3) functional: there is planning of clinical care activity, sense of control and engagement from users and provision of refreshment; (4) legitimate: regular maintenance and use of shared social spaces affect role modelling, sustainability and wellness culture.

Discussion

This review identified several ways in which shared social spaces impact positively on learning and wellness. There is little primary research in this area. Future research would be useful to further examine how and why this works.
Fewer medical students are open to body donation after dissecting human cadavers
Authors: Gebert John Thomas , Zhang Ming
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Cadaver dissection has long been hailed as a vital component of medical education. Although most physicians acknowledge positive impacts of cadaver dissection on their learning, they are less likely to will their bodies for anatomical dissection than the general public. This study aims to determine whether the proportion of medical students open to willed body donation changes after completing cadaver dissection.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study surveying 323 medical students across three cohorts before and after anatomical dissection of human cadavers. Through the survey, students indicated whether they would will their body for anatomical dissection. Additionally, students responded to items regarding the rationale underlying their decision, demographics and perceived effects of anatomical dissection on medical education.

Results

The proportion of students who expressed openness to willed body donation decreased by 25% after cadaver dissection. Of the 171 students who initially stated they would will their body, 61 (35%) changed their response after completing cadaver dissection. Those who cited religion as a motivating factor were less likely to show openness to body donation, whereas those who cited ethical factors were more likely.

Conclusions

This study documents a substantial decrease in the proportion of students open to willed body donation after completion of cadaver dissection. Despite this, students almost universally report educational benefits of cadaver dissection. This raises interesting questions regarding the emotional impact of cadaver dissection and the ethical implications of willed body donation.
A case of breast implant illness presenting as chronic headaches: A case report
Authors: Nayak Chetan S. , Sivaraman Manjamalai
Published: October 2022

We describe a middle‐aged patient with breast implants presenting with chronic headaches. We obtained a detailed clinical history from the patient about the temporal course of her headaches to her breast implant placement. We tried to rule out another potential differential diagnosis. Chronic headaches started 6 months after the patient underwent bilateral breast augmentation with saline breast implants, and they resolved soon after the implant was removed. We were able to rule out other possible causes of headaches clinically. Several well‐powered studies have shown a strong association between breast implant illness and neurological conditions. However, this may be easily overlooked if we do not have a solid clinical suspicion based on history. In an appropriate clinical setting, breast implant illness should be considered in patients presenting with new‐onset persistent headaches.
Acute kidney injury in the tropics
Authors: Kusirisin Prit , da Silva Junior Geraldo Bezerra , Sitprija Visith , Srisawat Nattachai
Published: October 2022

The tropics are a region consisting of more than 125 countries, accounting for 40% of the world's population. The region's population is expected to increase up to 60% in the coming decades. Many tropical countries continue to experience public health problems such as high rates of infectious diseases, lack of sanitation, climate change impacts, poor regulation of herbal medicines and low access to healthcare. These conditions produce the unique problem of tropical acute kidney injury (AKI), which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Tropical infections such as leptospirosis, dengue and malaria have varied mechanisms of AKI, including both direct kidney invasion and indirect effects, depending on the disease characteristics. Animal toxins from snakebites and arthropods along with plant toxins, such as djenkol beans, starfruit and herbal medicine, are characterized by a harmful renal effect from each toxic substance. Environmental factors such as heat stress, natural disasters and chemical compounds also lead to AKI and have a systemic effect from their own pathogenesis. The long‐term kidney prognosis varies among these etiologies depending on the cause and severity of disease. However, all these conditions are potentially preventable and treatable. Prompt management and good preventive approaches are needed. This article will focus on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and management of AKI associated with tropical infections, toxins and environment impacts.
Learning from COVID‐19: Cross‐sectional e‐survey of critical care nurses' satisfaction and experiences of their role in the pandemic response across the United Kingdom
Authors: Stayt Louise Caroline , Bench Suzanne , Credland Nicki , Plowright Catherine
Published: October 2022

Background

Since the start of the global COVID‐19 pandemic in 2019, critical care nurses across the world have been working under extreme levels of pressure.

Aim

To understand critical care nurses' experiences of and satisfaction with their role in the pandemic response across the United Kingdom (UK).

Study Design

A cross‐sectional electronic survey of critical care nurses (n = 339) registered as members of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses. Anonymous quantitative and open‐ended question data were collected in March and April 2021 during the height of the second surge of COVID‐19 in the UK via an online questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and free text responses were collated and analysed thematically.

Results

There was a response rate of 17.5%. Critical care nurses derived great satisfaction from making a difference during this global crisis and greatly valued teamwork and support from senior nurses. However, nurses consistently expressed concern over the quality of safe patient care, which they perceived to be suboptimal due to staff shortages and a dilution of the specialist skill mix. Together with the high volume of patient deaths, critical care nurses reported that these stressors influenced their personalwell‐being.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into the key lessons health care leaders must consider when managing the response to the demands and challenges of the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. COVID‐19 is unpredictable in its course, and what future variants might mean in terms of transmissibility, severity and resultant pressures to critical care remains unknown.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Future responses to the challenges that critical care faces must consider nurses' experiences and create an environment that engenders supportive teamwork, facilitates excellent nursing practice and effective safe patient care where critical care nursing may thrive.
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the questionnaire on Palliative Care for Advanced Dementia (qPAD) using a large sample of staff from Australian residential aged care homes
Authors: Tropea Joanne , Brand Caroline A. , Lim Wen K. , Hepworth Graham , Finch Sue
Published: October 2022

Background

The Questionnaire on Palliative Care for Advanced Dementia (qPAD) is increasingly being used to assess residential aged care workers' knowledge and attitudes about palliative care for people with dementia. The qPAD developers performed an exploratory factor analysis and assessed the internal consistency using a small sample.

Aim

The aim of this study was to further assess the structural validity of the qPAD using a large sample of qPAD responses from staff who work in residential aged care homes in Australia.

Methods

Data from 727 care staff who participated in an Australian dementia palliative care training project were used for exploratory factor analyses, assessment of internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis of the knowledge test and attitude scale components of the qPAD.

Results

The exploratory factor analysis of the knowledge test produced a four‐factor solution. One item loaded weakly, and four items had cross‐loadings. Factor labels for the knowledge test were difficult to define. Factor analysis of the attitude scale produced a three‐factor structure with good internal consistency—Feeling valued and part of the care team (α = 0.88), Family and team engagement (α = 0.75) and Perceptions and beliefs (α = 0.83). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated improvements in model fit were needed for both the knowledge test and attitude scale.

Conclusion

The findings of this factor analysis differed from the original study. The attitude scale produced a three‐factor structure, but the knowledge test requires further development due to weak and cross‐loadings of several items, inadequate internal consistency of factors and poor model fit.
Combination of Cable Cerclage and Hook Plate for the Fixation of Comminuted Fractures of Inferior Patellar Pole: A Review of 16 Consecutive Patients Followed Up for a Minimum of 1 Year
Authors: Gu Hangyu , Zhu Shiwen , Li Ting , Wu Xinbao
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To present a new method consisting of cable cerclage and hook plate for fixating the comminuted inferior patellar pole fracture and evaluate the outcomes.

Methods

A total of 16 consecutive patients who were treated with the construct of a cable cerclage in combination with a hook plate between January 2018 and September 2020 were included in the study. Mechanism of injury, duration, and technical details of the operation were reviewed. Plain radiographs and computerized tomography (CT) scans were routinely taken to evaluate the fracture pattern. The primary outcome measures included bony healing time, pain intensity‐numerical rating scale (PI‐NRS), range of motion (ROM), and the Bostman score at the final follow‐up.

Results

Eight males and eight females with an average age of 55.6 ± 12.0 years (range, 41 to 73 years) were included. Bony union was achieved in all the patients, with an average healing time of 10.8 ± 2.4 weeks (range, 8–16 weeks). With the average follow‐up of 20.1 ± 5.3 months, 12 patients (75%) had no pain (PI‐NRS score of 0), and the remaining four patients (25%) reported mild pain (three with a PI‐NRS score of 1 and one with a score of 2). The final Bostman score was 27.8 ± 3.0 (range, 20–30) on average, and all the patients showed excellent or good results. The average range of motion was 127.5° ± 13.9° (range, 90°–140°). No implant failure or hardware irritation was found during the follow‐up.

Conclusion

The fixation of cable cerclage combined with hook plate resulted as a reliable method for managing the inferior patellar pole fractures, allowing immediate rehabilitation and weight‐bearing.
Risks of inappropriate use of an algorithm favouring intrinsic conduction
Authors: Lo Savio Armando , Crea Bruna , Dattilo Giuseppe , Crea Pasquale
Published: October 2022

An 80‐year‐old woman received a dual chamber pacemaker (Boston Scientific Accolade MRI DR) for pre‐syncopal episodes associated with transient II‐degree atrioventricular block type 1 and 2:1, recorded in 24‐h Holter monitoring. Due to residual AV conduction with I‐degree AV block, the pacemaker was set with the RYTHMIQ® algorithm, in order to reduce inappropriate ventricular pacing. A month later the patient started to complain of severe asthenia and bradycardia (46‐48 bpm). Telemetry‐supported pacemaker control revealed III‐degree AV block with junctional escape rhythm, unmasking missed switch of RYTHMIQ® algorithm.
Defense versus growth trade‐offs: Insights from glucosinolates and their catabolites
Authors: Malhotra Bhanu , Kumar Pawan , Bisht Naveen C.
Published: October 2022

Specialized metabolites are a structurally diverse group of naturally occurring compounds that facilitate plant–environment interactions. Their synthesis and maintenance in plants is overall a resource‐demanding process that occurs at the expense of growth and reproduction and typically incurs several costs. Evidence emerging on different specialized compounds suggests that they serve multiple auxiliary functions to influence and moderate primary metabolism in plants. These new functionalities enable them to mediate trade‐offs from defenses to growth and also to offset their production and maintenance costs in plants. Recent research on glucosinolates (GSLs), which are specialized metabolites of Brassicales, demonstrates their emerging multifunctionalities to fine‐tune plant growth and development under variable environments. Herein, we present findings from the septennium on individual GSLs and their catabolites (GHPs) per se, that work as mobile signals within plants to mediate precise regulations of their primary physiological functions. Both GSLs and GHPs calibrate growth‐defense trade‐off interactions either synergistically or directly when they function as storage compounds, abiotic stress alleviators, and one‐to‐one regulators of growth pathways in plants. We finally summarize the overall lessons learned from GSLs and GHPs as a model and raise the most pressing questions to address the molecular‐genetic intricacies of specialized metabolite‐based trade‐offs in plants.
Prognostic factors in major depressive disorder: comparing responders and non‐responders to Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a naturalistic retrospective chart review
Authors: Abo Aoun Mohamed , Meek Benjamin P. , Clair Luc , Wikstrom Sara , Prasad Benjamin , Modirrousta Mandana
Published: October 2022

Aim

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is widely utilized as an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) with varying response rates. Factors associated with better treatment outcome remain scarce. This naturalistic retrospective chart review hopes to shed light on easily obtainable and measurable predictive factors for patients referred to rTMS.

Methods

Protocol parameters, medication, rated scales, rTMS protocols, and treatment outcomes were reviewed for 196 patients with MDD who received rTMS at Saint Boniface Hospital between 2013 and 2019. Logistic regression and marginal effects were used to assess the different predictor variables for response (50% reduction or more on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham‐D)) and remission (Ham‐D of ≤7 by the last session).

Results

HamD at 10 sessions was predictive of remission, and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) at 10 sessions was predictive of response to rTMS. Ham‐D, SDS, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were predictive of remission and response by Beck Anxiety Inventory 20 sessions. High frequency rTMS had a similar response and remission rate to low frequency, but higher response rate to intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation with no difference in remission rate. Positive predictive factors of response were lower age and bupropion use. Negative predictive factors were antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, or benzodiazepine use. For remission, antipsychotics or anticonvulsants use were negative predictors; bupropion use and higher resting motor threshold were positive predictors. Severity of depression as measured by baseline HamD was not associated with different probabilities of treatment success.
Peter Winch and the idea of immanent transcendence
Authors: Vogt Peter
Published: October 2022

The idea of immanent transcendence is constitutive for Winch's philosophy of religion and his ethics. Winch's philosophy of religion insists on the ‘immanent’ dimension of religion. His ethics insists on the ‘transcendent’ dimension of ethics. In this sense, both religion and ethics embody a perspective ‘beyond’ this world and yet must have practical consequences in this world. Transcendence without immanence is idle, and immanence without transcendence is empty—this is the kernel of Winch's philosophy of religion and of his ethics.
Ultraviolet exposure of competitors during a Tokyo Olympic Sailing Regatta Test Event
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Manzanedo José Vicente , Vaz Pardal Carmen , Blázquez‐Sánchez Nuria , De Gálvez Maria Victoria , Aguilera‐Arjona José , González‐Montesinos Jose Luis , Rivas Ruiz Francisco , De Troya‐Martín Magdalena
Published: October 2022

Background

Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Photoprotection practices and sunburn play a crucial role in skin cancer prevention.

Objectives

This study aimed to quantify the risk of sun exposure and to evaluate photoprotection practices in Spanish sailors during Olympic competitions.

Methods

Solar daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation cycle, personal UV dosimetry, photoprotection practices and sunburn checking were followed during three consecutive days of competition among sailors from the Spanish Olympic Sailing Team during a Tokyo Olympic Regatta Test Event.

Results

A total of 13 sailors (7 women), with mean age of 27.6 ± 4.7 years and sports experience of 17.7 ± 5.4 years, were studied. The most common phototypes were type III (53.8%) and type II (38.5%). The rate of sunburn checked was high (46.2%). The mean daily personal UV exposure received was 761.0 ± 263.6 J/m2, 3.0 ± 1.1 minimal erythemal dose and 7.6 ± 2.6 standard erythemal dose, seven times greater than the maximum permissible UV light exposure values for an 8 h working day. The use of a T‐shirt was the most common practice (94.2%), followed by the use of shade (50.2%), hat/cap (44.0%), sunglasses (26.1%) and sunscreen (11.8%).

Conclusions

Olympic sailor's studies presented high levels of UV radiation received, high rate of sunburn and insufficient adherence to sun‐protective behaviours (especially, to use of sunscreen) to prevent sunburn, the main cause of skin cancer. Sport Federations should develop educational campaigns addressing sun‐related exposure habits and photoprotection behaviours to reduce the risk of skin cancer among these athletes.
Public support for vice presidential reform
Authors: Baumgartner Jody C.
Published: October 2022

This analysis explores public support for reforming both the selection of vice presidents and the institution itself. Survey data show some evidence that those who favorably view the concepts of political moderation and bipartisanship support vice presidential reform, while partisans and ideologues (broadly defined) seem to oppose it. In addition, there is a negative association between job approval ratings for Vice President Mike Pence and support for vice presidential reform. The only demographic factor that was significant in the analysis was gender, with females more likely than males to support reform.
Effects of future pension benefits on pre‐retirement labor supply: Evidence from Chile
Authors: Becerra Oscar
Published: October 2022

In this paper, I estimate the effect of future pension benefits on pre‐retirement labor supply for a representative sample of Chilean workers. Using nonlinear patterns in pension benefit formulas and a reform that permanently changed non‐contributory pensions, I estimate the effect of pension accrual and expected pension wealth on labor force and contributory‐sector participation, labor earnings, and hours worked. I find that the effect is concentrated on the impact of pension accrual on the probability to contribute to the pension system. The effect is heterogeneous and is concentrated among middle‐aged workers, low‐skilled workers, and workers with higher financial literacy.
Superharmonic instability of stokes waves
Authors: Korotkevich A. O. , Lushnikov P. M. , Semenova A. , Dyachenko S. A.
Published: October 2022

A stability of nearly limiting Stokes waves to superharmonic perturbations is considered numerically in approximation of an infinite depth. Investigation of the stability properties can give one an insight into the evolution of the Stokes wave. The new, previously inaccessible branches of superharmonic instability were investigated. Our numerical simulations suggest that eigenvalues of linearized dynamical equations, corresponding to the unstable modes, appear as a result of a collision of a pair of purely imaginary eigenvalues at the origin, and a subsequent appearance of a pair of purely real eigenvalues: a positive and a negative one that are symmetric with respect to zero. Complex conjugate pairs of purely imaginary eigenvalues correspond to stable modes, and as the steepness of the underlying Stokes wave grows, the pairs move toward the origin along the imaginary axis. Moreover, when studying the eigenvalues of linearized dynamical equations we find that as the steepness of the Stokes wave grows, the real eigenvalues follow a universal scaling law, that can be approximated by a power law. The asymptotic power law behavior of this dependence for instability of Stokes waves close to the limiting one is proposed. Surface elevation profiles for several unstable eigenmodes are made available through http://stokeswave.org
website.