bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An In Vitro Medium for Modeling Gut Dysbiosis Associated with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Barrack Kaitlyn E. , Hampton Thomas H. , Valls Rebecca A. , Surve Sarvesh V. , Gardner Timothy B. , Sanville Julie L. , Madan Juliette C. , O’Toole George A.
Published: August 2023

The gut physiology of pediatric and adult persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) is altered relative to healthy persons. The CF gut is characterized, in part, as having excess mucus, increased fat content, acidic pH, increased inflammation, increased antibiotic perturbation and the potential for increased oxygen availability. These physiological differences shift nutritional availability and the local environment for intestinal microbes, thus likely driving significant changes in microbial metabolism, colonization and competition with other microbes. The impact of any specific change in this physiological landscape is difficult to parse using human or animal studies. Thus, we have developed a novel culture medium representative of the CF gut environment, inclusive of all the aforementioned features. This medium, called CF-MiPro, maintains CF gut microbiome communities, while significantly shifting non-CF gut microbiome communities toward a CF-like microbial profile, characterized by low Bacteroidetes and high Proteobacteria abundance. This medium is able to maintain this culture composition for up to 5 days of passage. Additionally, microbial communities passaged in CF-MiPro produce significantly less immunomodulatory short chain fatty acids (SCFA), including propionate and butyrate, than communities passaged in MiPro, a culture medium representative of healthy gut physiology, confirming not only a shift in microbial composition but altered community function. Our results support the potential for this in vitro culture medium as a new tool for the study of gut dysbiosis in CF.

Importance

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease that disrupts ion transport at mucosal surfaces, leading to mucus accumulation and altered physiology of both the lungs and the intestines, among other organs, with the resulting altered environment contributing to an imbalance of microbial communities. Culture media representative of the CF airway have been developed and validated; however, no such medium exists for modeling the CF intestine. Here, we develop and validate a first-generation culture medium inclusive of features that are altered in the CF colon. Our findings suggest this novel medium, called CF-MiPro, as a maintenance medium for CF gut microbiome samples and a flexible tool for studying key drivers of CF-associated gut dysbiosis.
Smart Slides for Optical Monitoring of Cellular Processes
Authors: Ackermann Julia , Reger Eline , Jung Sebastian , Mohr Jennifer , Herbertz Svenja , Seidl Karsten , Kruss Sebastian
Published: August 2023

The molecules released by cells are a fingerprint of their current state. Methods that measure them with high spatial and temporal resolution would provide valuable insights into cell physiology and diseases. Here, we develop a nanosensor coating that transforms standard cell culture materials/dishes into “Smart Slides” capable of optically monitoring biochemical efflux from cells. For this purpose, we use single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) that are fluorescent in the beneficial near-infrared (NIR, 850 – 1700 nm) window. They are chemically tailored to detect the neurotransmitter dopamine by a change in fluorescence intensity. These nanosensors are spin-coated on glass substrates and we show that such sensor layers can be sterilized by UV light and can be stored in dry condition or buffer for at least 6 weeks. We also identify the optimal sensor density to maximize sensitivity. Finally, we use these materials to image dopamine release from neuronal cells cultivated on top in the presence of various psychotropic substances, which represents a system to test pharmaceuticals for neurological or neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, Smart Slides are a powerful tool to monitor cellular processes in cell culture systems.
Investigating the effect of risk reduction strategies on the construction of mega infrastructure project (MIP) success: a SEM-ANN approach
Authors: Malek MohammedShakil S. , Bhatt Viral
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Managing mega infrastructure projects (MIPs) is more complex because of time, size, social, environmental and financial implications. This study aims to address the management approaches, complexity and risk factors involved in MIPs. The study focuses on project success criteria and their individual effects on the success of MIPs.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the challenges and identify the most influencing factor for the success of MIPs, the study deployed a cross-sectional survey approach. Six hundred eighty-two usable samples were collected from the respondents to understand the impact of predetermined factors on the success of MIPs. The structural equation model and artificial neural network approach were used to derive the importance of factors affecting the success of MIPs.

Findings

The study's outcome confirms that all three influencing factors: feasibility studies, community engagements and contract selection, have a significant positive impact on the success of MIPs. Community engagement amongst all three has the most influential predictor for the success of MIPs.

Originality/value

The developed model will enable practitioners and policymakers from Indian construction companies and other emerging nations to concentrate on recognized risk reduction variables to enhance project success criteria and project management success, especially for MIPs.
Sport in prison: social and subjective health outcomes of different sport programs
Authors: Herold Elisa , Wicker Pamela , Czyrnick-Leber Uta , Gröben Bernd , Dransmann Milan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of four different sport programs on various social and subjective health outcomes among prisoners.

Design/methodology/approach

Four different sport programs (endurance, strength, dance-like martial arts, soccer) were provided in 2020 and 2021 in a German prison. Participants completed paper-pencil surveys before and after the sport programs (n = 134 observations), including questions about potential social health (enjoyment of physical activity, interpersonal exchange, interpersonal trust, self-efficacy) and subjective health outcomes (health status, health satisfaction, well-being). Further information such as prisoner characteristics were added to the data.

Findings

Results of regression analyses show that the endurance program had a significant positive effect on interpersonal trust, while the soccer program had a negative effect. Subjective well-being increased significantly after the strength and the soccer program. The weekly sport hours before imprisonment had a positive association with enjoyment of physical activity and interpersonal exchange while being negatively related to health status and health satisfaction. Furthermore, the number of months of imprisonment before the survey, being a young offender, the prisoners’ body mass index, educational level and migration background were significantly associated with several social and subjective health outcomes.

Originality/value

This study analyzed the effects of different sport programs for prisoners on various social and subjective health outcomes, revealing differences across programs and outcomes. The findings suggest that sport can be a way to enhance prisoners’ social and subjective health, ultimately facilitating their rehabilitation process.
Role of tacit knowledge management process and innovation capability for stimulating organizational performance: empirical analysis, PLS-SEM approach
Authors: Zia Umair , Zhang Jianhua , Alam Sajjad
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This article aims to explore the connections between tacit knowledge management and the capacity to create new products and services for stimulating organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilizes a questionnaire-based study and 378 questionnaires gathered from different provinces of China between August and October 2022. The SmartPLS technique was used to evaluate the regression and mediation analysis on lower-order and higher-order components of the research hypotheses behind the model.

Findings

This investigation's results indicate that the tacit knowledge management process (TKMP) significantly drives product and service innovation and impacts organizational performance (ORP). According to the results, TKMP did not directly influence ORP and product innovation to mediate between Tacit knowledge and organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should concentrate on different combinations of influences on innovation and other consequences of introducing innovation into businesses. Moreover, researchers may add moderators to innovation and organizational performance.

Practical implications

This study assists managers in how tacit knowledge management affects organisational performance by examining product/service innovation capabilities. Product innovation also mediates between tacit knowledge and organizational performance. Service innovation improves organizational performance, prioritizing knowledge creation, sharing and retention to increase innovation and organizational success.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on tacit knowledge management, innovation capability and organizational performance by concentrating on the tacit knowledge process and using the resource-based view. This study gives a solid theoretical and practical basis for understanding the component interactions.
The Leadership/Management Concept Scale: differentiating between actions constituting leadership and management
Authors: Collins II Ronnie Thomas , Algaze Claudia , Posner Barry Z.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The concepts associated with leadership and management have often been conflated, considered one and the same phenomenon by some and then considered by others to be quite distinctive. The same ambiguity is even truer at the level of application and practicality. Only a handful of studies have attempted empirically to differentiate between the two concepts. The study sought to develop an instrument to discriminate between the two concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

A prospective study was conducted with two groups of scholars in the areas of leadership and management. They completed the exploratory Leadership/Management Concept Scale (LMCS), the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) and provided demographic information. The results from the Initial group were compared with a validation group. Standard statistical techniques were used to analyze the two groups and investigate associations among the study measures.

Findings

The LMCS effectively differentiated actions associated with leadership from actions associated with management actions. There were four distinct choices consistently selected as most consistent with leadership: influencing, coaching, modeling and ensuring resilience. No significant correlations were found between scores on the LMCS and the LPI, providing evidence that the former was capturing actions other than those associated with leadership alone.

Research limitations/implications

It is empirically possible to differentiate between the actions typically associated with the concepts of leadership and management. This distinction can be invaluable in various educational programs designed to develop either or both leadership and management abilities, as well as assist in the identification of those with proclivities to one or other of the two concepts. The LMCS shows promise in reliably differentiating between the two concepts and can be useful for scholars aiming to investigate leadership or management without confounding the two.

Practical implications

There are numerous positions and organizational roles where leadership and management are differentiated, with one being much more needed than the other. The LMCS can differentiate empirically how potential candidates for leadership and/or management positions think about the two, which would allow a would-be employer to screen candidates for given opportunities and, depending on their conceptualization of leadership and management, assign them most appropriately.

Originality/value

This study fills a fundamental gap in both the leadership and management field: first in being able to provide evidence that the two concepts, while similar in some regards, are not the same and can be differentiated from each other and second, in developing an instrument (LMCS) that both practitioners and scholars can use to help their audiences better understand the differences between leadership and management and to develop actions appropriate to situational demands.
The influence of open innovation on the synergistic innovation capability of Chinese manufacturing firms: the mediating role of tacit knowledge acquisition
Authors: Xu Peng , Tang Mingfeng , Chen Jin , Brem Alexander
Published: August 2023

Purpose

China has climbed from 22nd in the Global Innovation Index Rankings in 2017 to 11th in the 2022 due to the transition of its manufacturing firms from assemblers to system integrators. This paper examines how firms can enhance their innovation capability through inbound and outbound open innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies both open innovation and a knowledge-based view and proposes a conceptual framework that encompasses innovation capability and the significance of tacit knowledge acquisition. A questionnaire was designed to collect relevant data from 139 Chinese manufacturing firms in six regions to test this framework.

Findings

The authors found that inbound open innovation has a stronger impact than outbound open innovation on synergistic innovation capability. The acquisition of skill-based tacit knowledge has a slightly stronger intermediary role between open innovation (no matter inbound or outbound) and synergistic innovation capability than cognitive tacit knowledge does.

Practical implications

Firms should improve external tacit knowledge acquisition efforts to generate new knowledge, inspire the innovation passion of employees and implement ambidextrous open innovation.

Originality/value

This paper makes a good first step to analyze the effect of ambidextrous open innovation on the synergistic innovation capability of Chinese manufacturing firms. It verifies the role of skill-based and cognitive tacit knowledge acquisition and provides new reflections on open innovation strategy in emerging economies, thus enriching open innovation and knowledge-based theories.
Natural language processing to identify social determinants of health in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia from electronic health records
Authors: Wu Wenbo , Holkeboer Kaes J. , Kolawole Temidun O. , Carbone Lorrie , Mahmoudi Elham
Published: August 2023

Objective

To develop a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm that identifies social determinants of health (SDoH), including housing, transportation, food, and medication insecurities, social isolation, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and financial difficulties for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) from unstructured electronic health records (EHRs).

Data Sources and Study Setting

We leveraged 1000 medical notes randomly selected from 7401 emergency department and inpatient social worker notes generated between 2015 and 2019 for 231 unique patients diagnosed with ADRD at Michigan Medicine.

Study Design

We developed a rule‐based NLP algorithm for the identification of seven domains of SDoH noted above. We also compared the rule‐based algorithm with deep learning and regularized logistic regression approaches. These models were compared using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). All notes were split into 700 notes for training NLP algorithms, and 300 notes for validation.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Social worker notes used in this study were extracted from the Michigan Medicine EHR database.

Principal Findings

Of the 700 notes for training, F1 and AUC for the rule‐based algorithm were at least 0.94 and 0.95, respectively, for all SDoH categories. Of the 300 notes for validation, F1 and AUC were at least 0.80 and 0.97, respectively, for all SDoH except housing and medication insecurities. The deep learning and regularized logistic regression algorithms had unsatisfactory performance.

Conclusions

The rule‐based algorithm can accurately extract SDoH information in all seven domains of SDoH except housing and medication insecurities. Findings from the algorithm can be used by clinicians and social workers to proactively address social needs of patients with ADRD and other vulnerable patient populations.
Comparing iDNA from mosquitoes and flies to survey mammals in a semi‐controlled Neotropical area
Authors: Saranholi Bruno H. , Rodriguez‐Castro Karen G. , Carvalho Carolina S. , Chahad‐Ehlers Samira , Gestich Carla C. , Andrade Sónia C. S. , Freitas Patrícia D. , Galetti Pedro M.
Published: August 2023

Ingested‐derived DNA (iDNA) from insects represents a powerful tool for assessing vertebrate diversity because insects are easy to sample, have a diverse diet and are widely distributed. Because of these advantages, the use of iDNA for detecting mammals has gained increasing attention. Here we aimed to compare the effectiveness of mosquitoes and flies to detect mammals with a small sampling effort in a semi‐controlled area, a zoo that houses native and non‐native species. We compared mosquitoes and flies regarding the number of mammal species detected, the amount of mammal sequence reads recovered, and the flight distance range for detecting mammals. We also verified if the combination of two mini‐barcodes (12SrRNA and 16SrRNA) would perform better than either mini‐barcode alone to inform local mammal biodiversity from iDNA. To capture mosquitoes and flies, we distributed insect traps in eight sampling points during 5 days. We identified 43 Operational Taxonomic Units from 10 orders, from the iDNA of 17 mosquitoes and 46 flies. There was no difference in the number of species recovered per individual insect between mosquitoes and flies, but the number of flies captured was higher, resulting in more mammal species recovered by flies. Eight species were recorded exclusively by mosquitoes and 20 by flies, suggesting that using both samplers would allow a more comprehensive screening of the biodiversity. The maximum distance recorded was 337 m for flies and 289 m for mosquitoes, but the average range distance did not differ between insect groups. Our assay proved to be efficient for mammal detection, considering the high number of species detected with a reduced sampling effort.
Hypotension during transsphenoidal pituitary surgery associated with increase in plasma levels of brain injury markers
Authors: Thorsson Martin , Hallén Tobias , Olsson Daniel S. , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Johannsson Gudmundur , Skoglund Thomas , Oras Jonatan
Published: August 2023

Background

Patients undergoing pituitary surgery may experience short‐ and long‐term postoperative morbidity. Intraoperative factors such as hypotension might be a contributing factor. Our aim was to investigate the association between intraoperative hypotension and postoperative plasma levels of tau, neurofilament light (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as markers of perioperative brain injury.

Methods

Between June 2016 and October 2017, 35 patients from the Gothenburg Pituitary Tumor Study were included. For tau, NfL, and GFAP, concentrations were measured in plasma samples collected before and immediately following surgery, and on postoperative days 1 and 5. The difference between the highest postoperative value and the value before surgery was used for analysis (∆taupeak, ∆NfLpeak, ∆GFAPpeak). Intraoperative hypotension was defined as the area under the curve of an absolute threshold below 70 mmHg (AUC70) and a relative threshold below 20% (AUC20%) of the baseline mean arterial blood pressure.

Results

Plasma tau and GFAP were highest immediately following surgery and on day 1, while NfL was highest on day 5. There was a positive correlation between AUC20% and both ∆taupeak (r2 = .20, p < .001) and ∆NfLpeak (r2 = .26, p < .001). No association was found between AUC20% and GFAP or between AUC70 and ∆taupeak, ∆NfLpeak or ∆GFAPpeak.

Conclusion

Intraoperative relative, but not absolute, hypotension was associated with increased postoperative plasma tau and NfL concentrations. Patients undergoing pituitary surgery may be vulnerable to relative hypotension, but this needs to be validated in future prospective studies.
Incarceration history is associated with HIV infection among community‐recruited people who inject drugs in Europe: A propensity‐score matched analysis of cross‐sectional studies
Authors: Uusküla Anneli , Rannap Jürgen , Weijler Lisa , Abagiu Adrian , Arendt Vic , Barrio Gregorio , Barros Henrique , Brummer‐Korvenkontio Henrikki , Casabona Jordi , Croes Esther , Jarlais Don Des , Seguin‐Devaux Carole , Dudás Mária , Eritsyan Ksenia , Folch Cinta , Hatzakis Angelos , Heimer Robert , Heinsbroek Ellen , Hope Vivian , Jipa Raluca , Ķīvīte‐Urtāne Anda , Levina Olga , Lyubimova Alexandra , Malczewski Artur , Matser Amy , McAuley Andrew , Meireles Paula , Mravčík Viktor , Op de Coul Eline , Ojavee Sven E. , Parés‐Badell Oleguer , Prins Maria , Pulido José , Romanyak Elena , Rosinska Magdalena , Seyler Thomas , Stone Jack , Sypsa Vana , Talu Ave , Tarján Anna , Taylor Avril , Vickerman Peter , Vorobjov Sigrid , Dolan Kate , Wiessing Lucas ,   EMCDDA study group
Published: August 2023

Aims

We measured the association between a history of incarceration and HIV positivity among people who inject drugs (PWID) across Europe.

Design, Setting and Participants

This was a cross‐sectional, multi‐site, multi‐year propensity‐score matched analysis conducted in Europe. Participants comprised community‐recruited PWID who reported a recent injection (within the last 12 months).

Measurements

Data on incarceration history, demographics, substance use, sexual behavior and harm reduction service use originated from cross‐sectional studies among PWID in Europe. Our primary outcome was HIV status. Generalized linear mixed models and propensity‐score matching were used to compare HIV status between ever‐ and never‐incarcerated PWID.

Findings

Among 43 807 PWID from 82 studies surveyed (in 22 sites and 13 countries), 58.7% reported having ever been in prison and 7.16% (n = 3099) tested HIV‐positive. Incarceration was associated with 30% higher odds of HIV infection [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–1.59]; the association between a history of incarceration and HIV infection was strongest among PWID, with the lowest estimated propensity‐score for having a history of incarceration (aOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.47–2.16). Additionally, mainly injecting cocaine and/or opioids (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.33–3.53), increased duration of injecting drugs (per 8 years aOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.16–1.48), ever sharing needles/syringes (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.59–2.28) and increased income inequality among the general population (measured by the Gini index, aOR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.18–1.51) were associated with a higher odds of HIV infection. Older age (per 8 years aOR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.76–0.94), male sex (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65–0.91) and reporting pharmacies as the main source of clean syringes (aOR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.59–0.88) were associated with lower odds of HIV positivity.

Conclusions

A history of incarceration appears to be independently associated with HIV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Europe, with a stronger effect among PWID with lower probability of incarceration.
Nomogram to diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea‐hypopnoea syndrome in high‐risk Chinese adult patients
Authors: Liu Jie , Pang Feng , Huang Xiaofeng , Zhang Xiangmin , Lin Minmin , Deng Wenmin , Liu Tianrun , Long Zhen
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Many scales are designed to screen for obstructive sleep apnoea‐hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS); however, there is a lack of an efficiently and easily diagnostic tool, especially for Chinese. Therefore, we conduct a cross‐sectional study in China to develop and validate an efficient and simple clinical diagnostic model to help screen patients at risk of OSAHS.

Methods

This study based on 782 high‐risk patients (aged >18 years) admitted to the Sleep Medicine department of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen University from 2015 to 2021. Totally 34 potential predictors were evaluated. We divided all patients into training and validation dataset to develop diagnostic model. The univariable and multivariable logistic regression model were used to build model and nomogram was finally built.

Results

Among 602 high‐risk patients with median age of 46 (37, 56) years, 23.26% were women. After selecting using the univariate logistic model, 15 factors were identified. We further used the stepwise method to build the final model with five factors: age, BMI, total bilirubin levels, high Berlin score, and symptom of morning dry mouth or mouth breathing. The AUC was 0.780 (0.711, 0.848), with sensitivity of 0.848 (0.811, 0.885), specificity of 0.629 (0.509, 0.749), accuracy of 0.816 (0.779, 0.853). The discrimination ability had been verified in the validation dataset. Finally, we established a nomogram model base on the above final model.

Conclusion

We developed and validated a predictive model with five easily acquire factors to diagnose OSAHS patient in high‐risk population with well discriminant ability. Accordingly, we finally build the nomogram model.
Keverprazan, a novel potassium‐competitive acid blocker: Multiple oral doses safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in healthy subjects
Authors: Zhou Sufeng , Xie Lijun , Zhou Chen , Wang Lu , Chen Juan , Ding Sijia , Zhu Bei , Su Mei , Shao Feng
Published: August 2023

Keverprazan, a novel potassium‐competitive acid blocker, was approved for treating acid‐related diseases. This study aimed to analyze the safety, pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics (PDs) of multiple doses of keverprazan. This was a randomized, positive‐/placebo‐controlled, phase Ic trial. Twenty‐six healthy adults were randomized to receive 20 mg/day keverprazan (n = 8), 40 mg/day keverprazan (n = 8), placebo (n = 6), or 20 mg/day vonoprazan (n = 4) for 7 days. Safety, PK and PD assessments were conducted. In the keverprazan, vonoprazan, and placebo groups, adverse events (AEs) were reported in nine (56.25%), two (50.00%), and three (50.00%) subjects, respectively. AEs were mild except a moderate abdominal pain leading to withdraw. No serious AEs occurred. The plasma concentration‐time profiles of keverprazan showed rapid absorption (median time to maximum plasma concentration of 1.25–3.0 h). The terminal half‐life was 6.23 and 7.01 h for keverprazan 20 and 40 mg groups on day 7. The maximum plasma concentration was 43.1 and 93.2 ng/mL, respectively. There was no apparent accumulation of keverprazan and the major metabolite after 7‐day administration. The intragastric pH greater than 5 holding time ratios (HTRs) over 24 h postdose increased from 79.1%, 84.4%, and 84.5% on day 1 to 99.0%, 97.4%, and 100.0% on day 7 in the vonoprazan 20 mg and keverprazan 20 and 40 mg groups, respectively. The intragastric pH greater than 5 HTR of keverprazan reached a plateau at 20 mg. Keverprazan is well‐tolerable. A steady‐state in exposure was generally reached after 7 days of treatment. A dose of 20 mg/day keverprazan can elicit a significant, stable, and long‐lasting gastric acid inhibition effect.
Utility of parathyroid hormone immunocytochemistry in fine needle aspiration diagnosis of parathyroid tissue
Authors: Sardana Ruhani , Abi‐Raad Rita , Adeniran Adebowale J. , Cai Guoping
Published: August 2023

Objective

The cytomorphological features of parathyroid tissue (PTT) may overlap with those of thyroid lesions, thus posing a diagnostic challenge. In this retrospective study, we reviewed our institutional experience in using parathyroid hormone (PTH) immunocytochemistry (ICC) to substantiate the diagnosis of PTT on fine needle aspiration (FNA).

Methods

Our pathology database was searched for FNA cases in which PTH ICC was performed between 1 January 2015 and 31 March 2022. PTH ICC was performed on a ThinPrep slide in cases with a clinical suspicion of PTT or with cytomorphological features raising the possibility of PTT. Patients' clinicopathological characteristics, PTH ICC results, cytological diagnoses, and surgical follow‐ups, if available, were reviewed and analysed.

Results

The study cohort included 103 cases clinically designated as thyroid (n = 85, 82.5%), parathyroid (n = 11, 10.7%) and neck soft tissue (n = 7, 6.8%). PTH immunostaining was negative, positive, and indeterminate in 53 (51.5%), 27 (26.2%), and 23 (22.3%) cases, respectively. Surgical follow‐up was available in 27 (26.2%) cases, including 17 thyroid lesions and 10 PTT cases. All positive PTH cases were confirmed to be PTT, while all but one of the negative PTH cases were non‐PTT on follow‐up. The calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 85.7%, 100%, 100% and 93.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that PTH ICC performed on additional ThinPrep slides is a valuable adjunct test in FNA samples with a differential diagnosis of PTT vs non‐PTT. Low cellularity may be a limiting factor in the accurate assessment of PTH by ICC.
Initial antibiotic therapy for postoperative moderate or severe diabetic foot infections: Broad versus narrow spectrum, empirical versus targeted
Authors: Nieuwland Arend J. , Waibel Felix W. A. , Flury Andreas , Lisy Marcus , Berli Martin C. , Lipsky Benjamin A. , Uçkay İlker , Schöni Madlaina
Published: August 2023

Aim

To retrospectively evaluate clinical and microbiological outcomes after combined surgical and medical therapy for diabetic foot infections (DFIs), stratifying between the empirical versus the targeted nature, and between an empirical broad versus a narrow‐spectrum, antibiotic therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed the rate of ultimate therapeutic failures for each of three types of initial postoperative antibiotic therapy: adequate empirical therapy; culture‐guided therapy; and empirical inadequate therapy with a switch to targeted treatment based on available microbiological results.

Results

We included data from 332 patients who underwent 716 DFI episodes of surgical debridement, including partial amputations. Clinical failure occurred in 40 of 194 (20.6%) episodes where adequate empirical therapy was given, in 77 of 291 (26.5%) episodes using culture‐guided (and correct) therapy from the start, and in 73 of 231 (31.6%) episodes with switching from empirical inadequate therapy to culture‐targeted therapy. Equally, a broad‐spectrum antibiotic choice could not alter this failure risk. Group comparisons, Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analyses failed to show either statistical superiority or inferiority of any of the initial antibiotic strategies.

Conclusions

In this study, the microbiological adequacy of the initial antibiotic regimen after (surgical) debridement for DFI did not alter therapeutic outcomes. We recommend that clinicians follow the stewardship approach of avoiding antibiotic de‐escalation and start with a narrow‐spectrum regimen based on the local epidemiology.
Carbon‐iron coupling reduced N2O emissions via promoting the conversion to N2 in paddy soils
Authors: Gan Xuelian , Zhao Jing , Fu Qingling , Zhu Jun , He Huan , Hu Hongqing
Published: August 2023

The influence of redox reactions involving carbon‐iron coupling (organic carbon and iron oxides) on nitrous oxide (N2O) production in paddy soils remains poorly understood. In this study, two microcosm experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of carbon‐iron coupling on N2O emissions, and the underlying mechanisms were verified using quantitative denitrification functional genes (nirS, nirK, nosZI and nosZII) and high‐throughput sequencing. The results showed that ferrihydrite (iron) significantly promoted N2O‐N emissions (p < 0.05) after adding ammonium nitrogen, while glucose (carbon) significantly inhibited N2O‐N emissions (p < 0.05). Carbon‐iron coupling significantly decreased N2O‐N emissions (p < 0.05) but did not affect soil total nitrogen loss and increased nitrogen (N2) emissions. After adding high concentrations of acetylene (10% C2H2), the N2O‐N emissions from carbon‐iron coupling treatment increased significantly from 6.4 to 11.9 mg N kg−1 (p < 0.05), which confirmed that the carbon‐iron coupling reduced the N2O emissions by promoting the conversion of N2O to N2. The mechanisms behind carbon‐iron coupling promoting complete denitrification and reducing N2O emissions were attributed to glucose promoting iron reduction and carbon‐iron coupling enhancing the abundance of nosZI (42.7%) and nosZII (16.6%).
Etiology of intracerebral hemorrhage during pregnancy or puerperium: A nationwide study
Authors: Vest Teresa , Rantanen Kirsi , Verho Liisa , Aarnio Karoliina , Korhonen Aino , Richardt Anna , Strbian Daniel , Gissler Mika , Laivuori Hannele , Tikkanen Minna , Ijäs Petra
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

Intracerebral hemorrhage during pregnancy or puerperium (pICH) is one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. However, limited epidemiological data exist on the etiology and outcomes of pICH, which is required to guide prevention and treatment.

Methods

A retrospective nationwide cohort study and a nested case–control study was performed in Finland 1987–2016. We identified women with incident pICH by linking the Medical Birth Register (MBR) and the Hospital Discharge Register (HDR). The clinical details were collected from patient records. Three matched controls with a pregnancy without ICH were selected for each case from the MBR.

Results

In total, 49 pICH cases were identified. Half of these cases occurred during pregnancy, and the other half during peripartum and puerperium. Based on the SMASH‐U (structural vascular lesion, medication, amyloid angiopathy, systemic disease, hypertension, undetermined) classification, 35.4% of the patients had a systemic disease, most commonly preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome; 31.3% had a structural vascular lesion; 31.3% had an undetermined etiology; and one patient (2.1%) had hypertension. The most important risk factor was hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP; odds ratio = 3.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.60–9.15), occurring in 31% of the cases. Maternal mortality was 12.5%, and 20.9% of the surviving women had significant disability (modified Rankin Scale = 3–5) 3 months after the pICH. Women with systemic disease had the worst outcomes.

Conclusions

Even in a country with a comprehensive pregnancy surveillance system, the maternal mortality rate for pICH is high, and the sequelae are severe. Early recognition and treatment of the key risk factor, HDP, is crucial to help prevent this serious pregnancy complication.
Diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders and thyroid hormone supplementation in adult horses and foals
Authors: Bertin François‐René , Frank Nicholas , Breuhaus Babetta A. , Schott Harold C. , Kritchevsky Janice E.
Published: August 2023

Equine thyroid disorders pose a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice because of the effects of nonthyroidal factors on the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis, and the horse's ability to tolerate wide fluctuations in thyroid hormone concentrations and survive without a thyroid gland. While benign thyroid tumours are common in older horses, other disorders like primary hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in adult horses and congenital hypothyroidism in foals are rare. There is a common misunderstanding regarding hypothyroidism in adult horses, especially when associated with the clinical profile of obesity, lethargy, and poor performance observed in dogs and humans. Low blood thyroid hormone concentrations are often detected in horses as a secondary response to metabolic and disease states, including with the nonthyroidal illness syndrome; however, it is important to note that low thyroid hormone concentrations in these cases do not necessarily indicate hypothyroidism. Assessing equine thyroid function involves measuring thyroid hormone concentrations, including total and free fractions of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3); however, interpreting these results can be challenging due to the pulsatile secretion of thyroid hormones and the many factors that can affect their concentrations. Dynamic testing, such as the thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test, can help assess the thyroid gland response to stimulation. Although true hypothyroidism is extremely rare, thyroid hormone supplementation is commonly used in equine practice to help manage obesity and poor performance. This review focuses on thyroid gland pathophysiology in adult horses and foals, interpretation of blood thyroid hormone concentrations, and evaluation of horses with thyroid disorders. It also discusses the use of T4 supplementation in equine practice.
5. Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism: Functional genomics
Authors: Gameiro‐Ros Isabel , Popova Dina , Prytkova Iya , Pang Zhiping P. , Liu Yunlong , Dick Danielle , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Agrawal Arpana , Porjesz Bernice , Goate Alison M. , Xuei Xiaoling , Kamarajan Chella ,   COGA Collaborators, Tischfield Jay A. , Edenberg Howard J. , Slesinger Paul A. , Hart Ronald P.
Published: August 2023

Alcohol Use Disorder is a complex genetic disorder, involving genetic, neural, and environmental factors, and their interactions. The Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) has been investigating these factors and identified putative alcohol use disorder risk genes through genome‐wide association studies. In this review, we describe advances made by COGA in elucidating the functional changes induced by alcohol use disorder risk genes using multimodal approaches with human cell lines and brain tissue. These studies involve investigating gene regulation in lymphoblastoid cells from COGA participants and in post‐mortem brain tissues. High throughput reporter assays are being used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in which alternate alleles differ in driving gene expression. Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (both coding or noncoding) have been modeled using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from COGA participants to evaluate the effects of genetic variants on transcriptomics, neuronal excitability, synaptic physiology, and the response to ethanol in human neurons from individuals with and without alcohol use disorder. We provide a perspective on future studies, such as using polygenic risk scores and populations of induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neurons to identify signaling pathways related with responses to alcohol. Starting with genes or loci associated with alcohol use disorder, COGA has demonstrated that integration of multimodal data within COGA participants and functional studies can reveal mechanisms linking genomic variants with alcohol use disorder, and potential targets for future treatments.
Geographical and ecological drivers of coexistence dynamics in squamate reptiles
Authors: Alencar Laura R. V. , Quental Tiago B.
Published: August 2023

Aim

Species richness varies widely across space and is determined by underlying factors that drive species coexistence. Such factors include the speciation process (sympatric vs. allopatric), time since divergence, geographic context and intrinsic properties of the organisms. We model for the first time the coexistence dynamics of lizards and snakes across broad temporal and spatial scales, investigating whether an increase in niche divergence, dispersal abilities and inhabiting islands or continents affect their probability of coexistence.

Location

Global.

Time period

Cenozoic.

Major taxa studied

Squamata.

Methods

We used 447 sister species pairs, their age since divergence, their level of spatial (sympatric or allopatric) and niche overlap and geographical setting (islands or continents) to fit probabilistic models of species coexistence. We measured morphological traits to quantify niche divergence and used range and body size as proxies for dispersal ability. We applied a model‐comparison framework in lizards and snakes separately to evaluate which factors best explained their coexistence dynamics.

Results

Allopatric speciation is the main speciation mode in snakes but we did not find evidence to favour one speciation mode in lizards. In snakes, sympatric pairs tend to occur on islands and to be more different in body size. On the contrary, dispersal ability shaped the coexistence of lizards, where species were more likely to coexist when they have higher dispersal abilities.

Main conclusions

Distinct patterns and mechanisms underlie species coexistence within the order Squamata. Snake coexistence is preferentially produced by secondary sympatry favoured by niche divergence and is more likely to occur in more restricted geographical settings (islands vs. continents). Coexistence in lizards is strongly influenced only by dispersal abilities, but the high heterogeneity of processes simultaneously shaping the distribution of different lizard lineages might have masked specific coexistence signals, and future work should compare coexistence dynamics between clades (e.g. families).
Self‐directed self‐management interventions to prevent or address distress in young people with long‐term physical conditions: A rapid review
Authors: Corp Nadia , Bray Lucy , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Polidano Kay , Fisher Tamsin , Farmer Adam D. , McDermott‐Hughes Megan , Saunders Benjamin
Published: August 2023

Background

Comorbid distress in adolescents and young adults with physical long‐term conditions (LTCs) is common but can be difficult to identify and manage. Self‐directed self‐management interventions to reduce distress and improve wellbeing may be beneficial. It is unknown, however, which intervention characteristics are successful in supporting young people. This rapid review aimed to identify characteristics of self‐directed self‐management interventions that aimed, in whole or part, to address distress, wellbeing or self‐efficacy in this population.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted for relevant controlled studies in six databases. Data on study settings, population, intervention characteristics, outcome measures, process measures and summary effects were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool v1, and the strength of evidence was rated (informed by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations). Patient and public involvement members supported the review process, including interpretation of results. The rapid review was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021285867).

Results

Fourteen studies were included, all of which were randomised trials. Heterogeneity was identified in the health conditions targeted; type of intervention; outcome measures; duration of intervention and follow‐up. Three had distress, wellbeing or self‐efficacy as their primary outcome. Four modes of delivery were identified across interventions—websites, smartphone applications, text messages and workbooks; and within these, 38 individual components. Six interventions had a significant benefit in mental health, wellbeing or self‐efficacy; however, intervention characteristics were similar for beneficial and non‐beneficial interventions.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of interventions directly targeting distress and wellbeing in young people with physical LTCs. In those identified, the heterogeneity of interventions and study design makes it difficult to identify which characteristics result in positive outcomes. We propose the need for high‐quality, evidence‐based self‐management interventions for this population; including (1) more detailed reporting of intervention design, content and delivery; (2) robust process evaluation; (3) a core outcome set for measuring mental health and wellbeing for self‐management interventions and (4) consistency in follow up periods.

Public Contribution

Seven young people with an LTC were involved throughout the rapid review, from the development of the review protocol where they informed the focus and aims, with a central role in the interpretation of findings.
Trainee nursing associates in England: A multisite qualitative study of higher education institution perspectives
Authors: Robertson Steve , King Rachel , Taylor Beth , Laker Sara , Wood Emily , Senek Michaela , Tod Angela , Ryan Tony
Published: August 2023

Aim

To explore the experiences of university employees on the development and implementation of the nursing associate programme.

Background

As part of wider policy initiatives to address workforce shortages, provide progression for healthcare assistants and offer alternative routes into nursing, England recently introduced the nursing associate level of practice. Little research has yet considered university perspectives on this new programme.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study reported following COREQ criteria. Twenty‐seven university staff working with trainee nursing associates in five universities across England were recruited. Data, collected via semi‐structured interviews from June to September 2021, were analysed through a combined framework and thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes developed: ‘Centrality of partnerships’ considered partnerships between employers and universities and changing power dynamics. ‘Adapting for support’ included responding to new requirements and changing pedagogical approaches. ‘Negotiating identity’ highlighted the university's role in advocacy and helping trainees develop a student identity.

Conclusions

Nursing associate training in England has changed the dynamics between universities and healthcare employers, shifting learners’ identity more to ‘employee’ rather than ‘student’. Universities have adapted to support trainees in meeting academic and professional standards whilst also meeting employer expectations. While challenges remain, the ability of nurse educators to make adjustments, alongside their commitment to quality educational delivery, is helping establish this new training programme and thereby meet government policy initiatives.

Implications for nursing policy

The international movement of apprenticeship models in universities has the potential to change the status of the learner in nursing educational contexts. National policies that encourage this model should ensure that the implications and challenges this change of status brings to learners, employers and education institutions are fully considered prior to their implementation.