bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deconstructing the contribution of sensory cues in social approach
Authors: Contestabile Alessandro , Casarotto Giulia , Girard Benoit , Tzanoulinou Stamatina , Bellone Camilla
Published: March 2021

Social interaction is a complex and highly conserved behavior that safeguards survival and reproductive success. Although considerable progress has been made regarding our understanding of same‐sex conspecific and non‐aggressive interactions, questions regarding the precise contribution of sensory cues in social approach and their specific neurobiological correlates remain open. Here, by designing a series of experiments with diverse social and object stimuli manipulations in custom‐made enclosures, we first sought to deconstruct key elements of social preference as assessed by the three‐chamber task. Our results highlight the importance of social olfactory cues in approach behavior. Subsequently, we interrogated whether a social odor would activate dopaminergic neurons of the Ventral Tegmental Area in the same way as a juvenile conspecific would. Employing in vivo recordings in freely behaving mice, we observed an increase of the firing only during the transition toward the juvenile mouse and not during the transition toward the object impregnated with social odor, suggesting that these two experiences are distinct and can be differentiated at the neuronal level. Moreover, using a four‐choice task, we further showed that mice prefer to explore complex social stimuli compared to isolated sensory cues. Our findings offer insights toward understanding how different sensory modalities contribute to the neurobiological basis of social behavior which can be essential when studying social deficits observed in autism‐, depression‐, anxiety‐, or schizophrenia‐related mouse models.
No increased suggestibility to placebo in functional neurological disorder
Authors: Huys Anne‐Catherine M. L. , Beck Brianna , Haggard Patrick , Bhatia Kailash P. , Edwards Mark J.
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

On the basis of occasional strong placebo responses, increased susceptibility to placebo has been proposed as a characteristic of functional neurological disorder (FND). The aim of this study was to clarify whether people with FND have a stronger placebo analgesic response than healthy controls.

Methods

A study using a classic placebo paradigm, with additional conditioning and open‐label components, was performed in 30 patients with FND, and in 30 healthy controls. Ratings of mildly to moderately painful electrotactile stimuli were compared before and after the application of a placebo “anaesthetic” cream versus a control cream, after an additional conditioning exposure, and after full disclosure (open‐label component).

Results

Pain intensity ratings at the placebo compared to the control site were similarly reduced in both groups. The conditioning exposure had no additional effect. After placebo disclosure a residual analgesic effect remained.

Conclusion

Patients with FND did not have stronger placebo responses than healthy controls. The notion of generally increased suggestibility or increased suggestibility to placebo in FND seems mistaken. Instead, occasional dramatic placebo responses may occur because functional symptoms are inherently more changeable than those due to organic disease.
Absence seizures and their relationship to depression and anxiety: Evidence for bidirectionality
Authors: Gruenbaum Benjamin F. , Sandhu Mani Ratnesh S. , Bertasi Raphael A. O. , Bertasi Tais G. O. , Schonwald Antonia , Kurup Anirudh , Gruenbaum Shaun E. , Freedman Isaac G. , Funaro Melissa C. , Blumenfeld Hal , Sanacora Gerard
Published: March 2021

Absence seizures (AS), presenting as short losses of consciousness with staring spells, are a common manifestation of childhood epilepsy that is associated with behavioral, emotional, and social impairments. It has also been suggested that patients with AS are more likely to suffer from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. This systematic review and meta‐analysis synthesizes human and animal models that investigated mood disorders and AS. Of the 1019 scientific publications identified, 35 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. We found that patients with AS had greater odds of developing depression and anxiety when compared to controls (odds ratio = 4.93, 95% confidence interval = 2.91–8.35, p < .01). The included studies further suggest a strong correlation between AS and depression and anxiety in the form of a bidirectional relationship. The current literature emphasizes that these conditions likely share underlying mechanisms, such as genetic predisposition, neurophysiology, and anatomical pathways. Further research will clarify this relationship and ensure more effective treatment for AS and mood disorders.
Global soil microbial biomass decreases with aridity and land‐use intensification
Authors: Wan Xiaohua , Chen Xinli , Huang Zhiqun , Chen Han Y. H.
Published: March 2021

Aim

Although global patterns are emerging for the soil total microbial biomass pool, our understanding of the distribution of the finer groups, especially bacterial and fungal biomass, remains limited. Moreover, we lack mechanistic insights into the global variation of soil microbial biomass.

Location

Global terrestrial ecosystems.

Time period

1990–2019.

Major taxa studied

Bacteria and fungi.

Methods

By conducting a global synthesis of 4,472 observations from 577 sites published in 404 studies, we examined the global patterns and drivers of the soil total microbial biomass, bacterial and fungal biomass and fungi‐to‐bacteria ratio.

Results

We found that soil total microbial, bacterial and fungal biomass peaked concurrently in tundras, with lower values in deserts, and that intensification of land use reduced soil total microbial, bacterial and fungal biomass and the fungi‐to‐bacteria biomass ratio. Soil organic carbon was the most important driver for global distribution patterns of both bacterial and fungal biomass. Our structural equation models indicated that soil bacterial and fungal biomass increased with water availability through its positive effect on soil organic carbon on a global scale. In contrast, soil total, bacterial and fungal biomass decreased with mean annual temperature and intensification of land use via their negative effects on soil organic carbon.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that decreasing water availability and land‐use intensification could reduce soil microbial biomass and the relative abundance of soil fungi to bacteria, impairing their functions and the services they provide.
Exploring trans people's lives in Britain, trans studies, geography and beyond: A review of research progress
Authors: Todd James D.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, I explore how trans people's lives have been conceptualised and researched in human geography. I begin by contextualising trans people's lived experiences in Britain, before recognising trans studies as a distinct field that must continue to shape geographies of trans lives and ontologies. I then consider more recent research in queer geographies which foregrounds trans lives under the ‘trans geographies' banner. I examine how space has been conceptualised in such research and demonstrate the methodological and conceptual absences and failings and problematic approaches that geographical research often perpetuates, arguing that work remains to ensure our research works with and is responsive to or developed by trans people. The paper concludes by calling upon geographers to recognise the diversities and potentialities of trans people's everyday lives and develop intersectionally‐attentive and reciprocal geographical research around trans lives, bodies, and spaces.
A comparison of MyPKFiT and WAPPS‐Hemo as dosing tools for optimizing prophylaxis in patients with severe haemophilia A treated with Octocog alfa
Authors: Arvanitakis Alexandros , Berntorp Erik , Astermark Jan
Published: March 2021

Introduction

MyPKFiT and the Web‐Accessible Population Pharmacokinetic service—Hemophilia (WAPPS‐Hemo) are web‐based population‐based applications developed for helping physicians individualize and optimize replacement therapy. Although MyPKFiT is intended for Octocog alfa and Rurioctocog alfa pegol use only, the WAPPS‐Hemo is applicable to all factor VIII concentrates.

Aim

To compare MyPKFiT and WAPPS‐Hemo as dosing tools for optimizing treatment of patients with severe haemophilia A on regular prophylaxis with Octocog alfa in a real‐world setting.

Methods

Fourteen patients with severe haemophilia A (median age 30.8 years; range 20–71) were enrolled. The FVIII activity was measured twice after a regular dose of Octocog alfa by the chromogenic and the one‐stage assays. PK analyses were performed using each tool and dosing estimations to reach trough levels of 1%, 3% or 5% after 48 h. Findings were calculated and compared.

Results

The two PK algorithms yielded similar t½ independent of the type of FVIII assay used. However, there were significant differences in the time to reach 1%, 3% and 5%. The WAPPS‐Hemo generated 10–12 h longer time to a trough of 1% and up to 4 h for the troughs of 3% and 5%. Accordingly, the doses estimated by WAPPS‐Hemo for a daily regimen were between 28% and 100% of those proposed by MyPKFiT.

Conclusions

MyPKFiT and WAPPS‐Hemo provided similar half‐life estimations for Octocog alfa independent of the FVIII assay used. The doses suggested by WAPPS‐Hemo to reach specific troughs were overall lower, which may have implications for treatment optimization.
Synthesis and ion exchange of zeolites produced from kaolin for separation of oxygen from atmospheric air
Authors: Feltrin Ana Carolina , de Souza Hilária Mendes , de Aquino Thiago Fernandes , Marques Carolina Resmini Melo , Angioletto Elidio
Published: March 2021

Lithium‐based zeolites are the most commonly used materials in PSA (pressure swing adsorption) oxygen concentration from atmospheric air. Synthesizing these adsorbents using mineral raw materials adapts to worldwide environmental requests, as only high‐purity chemical reactants such as aluminates and silicates are usually used. The present work aims to synthesize and characterize zeolites using kaolin as raw material by studying the influence of the metakaolinization temperature and SiO2/Al2O3 and H2O/Na2O molar ratios by experimental design. Ion exchange was used to incorporate lithium into synthesized zeolites. Kaolin was treated thermically and characterized, and zeolites were synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction. After synthesis, ionic exchange of Na+ ions by Li+ was performed. The results indicated the presence of three main phases, zeolites A, X, and P. Using ANOVA, it was found that the factors that contributed significantly to the formation of zeolite X were the H2O/Na2O and SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratios. For zeolite A, the major influence was by the metakaolinization temperature and for zeolite P none of the factors was influential. Zeolites that incorporated higher amounts of lithium showed higher N2 adsorption potential, indicating that even without pure phases formed, it was possible to obtain similar adsorption efficiency to commercial zeolite.
Epidermal graft encourages wound healing by down‐regulation of gap junctional protein and activation of wound bed without graft integration as opposed to split‐thickness skin graft
Authors: Kanapathy Muholan , Hachach‐Haram Nadine , Bystrzonowski Nicola , Becker David L. , Mosahebi Afshin , Richards Toby
Published: March 2021

Wound coverage by split‐thickness skin graft (SSG) and epidermal graft (EG) shortens healing time, with comparable outcomes. However, the healing mechanism of EG is not as well understood as SSG. The difference in the healing mechanisms of EG and SSG was investigated using gap junctional proteins, proliferative marker, and cytokeratin markers. Paired punch biopsies were taken from the wound edge and wound bed from patients undergoing EG and SSG at weeks 0 and 1 to investigate wound edge keratinocyte migratory activities (connexins 43, 30, and 26), wound bed activation (Ki67), and the presence of graft integration to the wound bed (cytokeratins 14 and 6). Twenty‐four paired biopsies were taken at weeks 0 and 1 (EG, n = 12; SSG, n = 12). Wound edge biopsies demonstrated down‐regulation of connexins 43 (P = .023) and 30 (P = .027) after EG, indicating accelerated healing from the wound edge. At week 1, increased expression of Ki67 (P < .05) was seen after EG, indicating activation of cells within the wound bed. Keratinocytes expressing cytokeratins 6 and 14 were observed on all wounds treated with SSG but were absent at week 1 after EG, indicating the absence of graft integration following EG. Despite EG and SSG both being autologous skin grafts, they demonstrate different mechanisms of wound healing. EG accelerates wound healing from the wound edges and activates the wound bed despite not integrating into the wound bed at week 1 post‐grafting as opposed to SSG, hence demonstrating properties comparable with a bioactive dressing instead of a skin substitute.
The effect of low‐level laser therapy on diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Huang Jing , Chen Jiangqiong , Xiong Shuyuan , Huang Jingui , Liu Zhiping
Published: March 2021

Our purpose was to perform a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang databases were searched systematically up to August 27, 2020. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. A total of 13 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 413 patients were analysed. Compared with the control group, LLLT significantly increased the complete healing rate (risk ratio [RR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56‐2.83, P < .00001), reduced the ulcer area (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 3.52, 95% CI 1.65‐5.38, P = .0002), and shortened the mean healing time (SMD = −1.40, 95% CI −1.90 to −0.91, P < .00001) of patients with DFUs. The quality of the evidence was very low according to the GRADE system. LLLT is a promising and effective adjuvant treatment to accelerate the healing of DFUs. Further evidence from larger samples and higher quality RCTs is needed to prove the effect of LLLT and to determine the most appropriate parameters for the healing of DFUs.
High‐power, short‐duration atrial fibrillation ablation compared with a conventional approach: Outcomes and reconnection patterns
Authors: Hansom Simon P. , Alqarawi Wael , Birnie David H. , Golian Mehrdad , Nery Pablo B. , Redpath Calum J. , Klein Andres , Green Martin S. , Davis Darryl R. , Sheppard‐Perkins Eva , Ramirez F. Daniel , Nair Girish M. , Sadek Mouhannad M.
Published: March 2021

Background

The effectiveness, safety, and pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection patterns of point‐by‐point high‐power, short‐duration (HPSD) ablation relative to conventional force‐time integral (FTI)‐guided strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation are unknown.

Objectives

To compare 1‐year freedom from atrial arrhythmia (AA), complication rates, procedural times, and PV reconnection patterns with HPSD AF AF ablation versus an FTI‐guided low‐power, long‐duration (LPLD) strategy.

Methods

We compared consecutive patients undergoing a first ablation procedure for paroxysmal or persistent AF. The HPSD protocol utilized a power of 50 W and durations of 6–8 s posteriorly and 8–10 s anteriorly. The LPLD protocol was FTI‐guided with a power of ≤25 W posteriorly (FTI ≥ 300g·s) and ≤35 W anteriorly (FTI ≥ 400g·s).

Results

In total, 214 patients were prospectively included (107 HPSD, 107 LPLD). Freedom from AA at 1 year was achieved in 79% in the HPSD group versus 73% in the LPLD group (p = .339; adjusted hazard ratio with HPSD, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–1.23; p < .004 for non‐inferiority). Procedure duration was shorter in the HPSD group (229 ± 60 vs. 309 ± 77 min; p < .005). Patients undergoing repeat ablation had a higher propensity for reconnection at the right PV carina in the HPSD group compared with the LPLD group (14/30 = 46.7% vs. 7/34 = 20.6%; p = .035). There were no differences in complication rates.

Conclusion

HPSD AF ablation resulted in similar freedom from AAs at 1 year, shorter procedure times, and a similar safety profile when compared with an LPLD ablation strategy. Patients undergoing HPSD ablation required more applications at the right carina to achieve isolation, and had a significantly higher rate of right carinal reconnections at redo procedures.
Lycopene inhibits IL‐1β‐induced inflammation in mouse chondrocytes and mediates murine osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhan Jingdi , Yan Zijian , Kong Xiaojiang , Liu Junling , Lin Zeng , Qi Weihui , Wu Yifan , Lin Jian , Pan Xiaoyun , Xue Xinghe
Published: March 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative condition in the elderly, in which inflammation plays a key role in disease pathology. Lycopene (Lye), a member of the carotenoid family, has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Lye on the inflammation of chondrocytes and the mouse OA model. Chondrocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)‐1β, and the mouse OA model was induced by the surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). The results showed that Lye could inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and alleviate the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, Lye could activate the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway and reverse the activations of NF‐κB and STAT3 signal pathway induced by IL‐1β, suggesting that its anti‐inflammatory effect may be mediated via these pathways. The animal experiments showed that Lye could decrease the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores of the knee, indicating that it could inhibit the occurrence and development of OA in mouse. Overall, our results indicated that Lye might be used as a novel drug for OA treatment.
Assessment of at‐site design flood estimation methods using an improved event‐based design flood estimation tool
Authors: Gericke Ockert Jacobus
Published: March 2021

Internationally, the occurrence and frequency of floods, along with the uncertainty involved in the estimation thereof, contribute to the practitioners' dilemma to make a single, justifiable decision when various design flood estimation methods are used. This article presents the further development of a Design Flood Estimation Tool (DFET) using Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications to assess the performance of event‐based design flood estimation methods in 48 gauged catchments in South Africa. The improved DFET proved to be an easy‐to‐use software tool for the rapid estimation and assessment of at‐site design floods in both gauged and ungauged catchments. In using a ranking‐based selection procedure, the Soil Conservation Service, Alternative Rational and Catchment Parameter methods provided the best estimates of the at‐site probabilistic flood peaks, while the Standard Design Flood method proved to be the least appropriate. Since the accuracy and uncertainty associated with each design flood method's key input parameters are unknown when applied in ungauged catchments, the incorporation of an ensemble event approach as part of the DFET calculation routines, is recommended. This will ensure that the key input parameters from an expected range of values are used to achieve probability neutrality between input rainfall and estimated runoff.
Attachment Development in Adolescent Romantic Relationships: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Jorgensen‐Wells McKell A. , James Spencer L. , Holmes Erin Kramer
Published: March 2021

Romantic relationships provide a meaningful context from which individuals can develop attachment security and find fulfillment for their emotional and physical attachment needs. The process for developing attachment security in adolescent romantic relationships is not well documented. A new model is proposed outlining the context and processes wherein adolescent romantic attachment security can develop. The contextual role of one's family of origin, cognitive development, and romantic competency is noted. Within this context, it is hypothesized that the relational processes of physical affection and emotional disclosure interact as direct influences on the development of attachment security. These facets of the conceptual model are outlined in light of the current literature on both attachment and adolescent romantic relationships. It is concluded that adolescent romantic attachment warrants further study, as adolescent romantic relationships have strong implications for future relationships.
Father Involvement During Early Childhood: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Diniz Eva , Brandão Tânia , Monteiro Lígia , Veríssimo Manuela
Published: March 2021

During recent years, fathers' involvement has been addressed as a key source of family well‐being and positive child development. However, the pathways to father involvement and its consequences for child development are varied, influenced by social, cultural, and ecological variables, and lack a systematic integration. This paper aims to bridge this gap by offering a systematic review of studies examining the psychosocial processes of father involvement during early childhood over the last 10 years. A database search was performed using a combination of relevant keywords, leading to identification of 3,655 articles, with 109 manuscripts assessed for eligibility, and finally 86 included. Most of the studies examine determinants of father involvement, with an emerging number of studies relying on the father's assessment and longitudinal designs. Nevertheless, the focus on White middle‐class families is dominant, leaving unexplored father involvement in other cultures and contexts. The findings are analyzed aiming to open new avenues for future research.
The importance of palpation in the skin cancer screening examination
Authors: Gorman Benjamin G. , Hanson Jennifer , Vidal Nahid Y.
Published: March 2021

With the recent unprecedented shift toward contactless healthcare solutions, providers should recall the value that proper palpation adds to dermatologic practice. We present a case that demonstrates the limitations of touchless care and how proper palpation during skin cancer examinations may impact cosmetic outcomes. Our patient is an 86‐year‐old male patient with Sezary syndrome and monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis whose squamous cell carcinoma invasion was missed by visual inspection alone. He delayed treatment of his biopsy‐proven squamous cell carcinoma for 15 months. On follow‐up, visual examination only showed a well‐healed biopsy scar, and treatment was delayed another 2 months. Finally, thorough physical examination found perineural invasion. This helped guide the Mohs approach, but due to the delays resulted in a larger final defect and poorer cosmetic outcomes. Proper, deep palpation of skin lesions, especially prior biopsy sites, is imperative to the treatment of skin cancer in cosmetically sensitive areas. Biopsy scars on the face often heal well, and visual only inspection may miss crucial details. This case also reminds dermatologists of the importance of patient education in the prompt treatment of skin cancer for the best cosmetic outcomes.
Lipidomics demonstrates the association of sex hormones with sebum
Authors: Chen Feng , Hu Xueqing , He Yang , Huang Dianchao
Published: March 2021

Background

The regulation of sebocytes by hormones has been unanimously certified by scholars. But how sebocytes are affected has not been fully demonstrated by the regulation of multiple hormones.

Aims

The regulation effect of sex hormone on sebocytes was further discussed.

Patients/Methods

Based on our previous studies, the changes of skin surface liposomes in different sex hormone levels were analyzed by comprehensive statistics.

Results

We found that androgen can induce sebocytes to synthesis and secrete more fatty acids (FAs) and triglycerides (TGs) through comprehensive analysis of sebum content and composition, which is inhibited by estrogen.

Conclusions

We further confirmed the regulatory effect of hormones on sebocytes from a molecular point of view using lipidomics and found that sex hormones may dominate.
Development and validation of a global photonumeric scale for evaluating skin quality of aged female facial skin
Authors: Eiben‐Nielson Christine , Kerscher Martina
Published: March 2021

Background

Skin quality plays an important role in overall attractiveness. However, so far, no visual grading scales have been published while their development seems to be an essential key step to provide validated grading scales for the evaluation of efficacy of minimally invasive procedures and cosmeceuticals aims on the improvement of skin quality, esthetic research, and clinical application.

Objectives

To develop and validate a visual five‐point assessment scale for the evaluation of skin quality of female facial skin.

Methods

The five‐point photonumeric Scientific Assessment Scale of Skin Quality is based on six parameters. Fifty standardized photos were rated by 13 experts. This examination was carried out in two cycles with an interval of 4 weeks. The intraclass correlation coefficient contributes to the identification of the inter‐rater and intrarater reliability.

Results

Statistical analysis investigated six specific and two general parameters: The results of inter‐ and intrarater reliability for skin elasticity (ICC 0.816; ICC 0.883), wrinkles (ICC 0.840; 0.885), and age (ICC 0.885; 0.925) were almost perfect. The reliabilities for pigmentation (ICC 0.637; ICC 0.797), erythema (ICC 0.688; ICC 0.797), and overall skin quality (ICC 0.652; ICC 0.756) were substantial and for pore size moderate (ICC 0.405; ICC 0.584). Skin surface roughness (ICC 0.480; ICC 0.645) indicated a substantial intrarater reliability and a moderate interrater reliability. These data revealed good and excellent results.

Conclusions

The Scientific Assessment Scale of Skin Quality represents an innovative universal and reliable measurement instrument for a valid and reproducible evaluation of six parameters of aged female facial skin quality.
Effectiveness and safety of the improved mini‐incision surgery for osmidrosis treatment
Authors: Zhang Pan , Li Dashuai , Li Liqun , Pan Shengsheng
Published: March 2021

Background

As the mainstream treatment of axillary osmidrosis, surgical treatment is still limited by various complications, such as paresthesia, scars, local infection, hematoma, flap necrosis, and long recovery time. In this study, we tried to adopt the improved mini‐incision surgery for osmidrosis treatment.

Objectives

The paper aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of the improved mini‐incision surgery for axillary osmidrosis treatment.

Patients/Methods

Clinical series of patients underwent improved mini‐incision surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Dates of complications, including paresthesia, scars, infection, hematoma, skin necrosis, and recurrence were analyzed.

Results

Among 61 cases, 58 cases had a preoperative osmidrosis score of 3 and 3 cases had a preoperative score of 2; while 13 cases had a postoperative osmidrosis score of 0, 43 cases had a postoperative score of 1 and 5 cases had a postoperative score of 2, significantly lower than that before (p < 0.001). A total of 12 axillae complications occurred, 2 axillae (1.6%) had paresthesia; 5 axillae (4.1%) had hematoma; 2 axillae (1.6%) had local flap necrosis due to hematoma; and 3 axillae (2.4%) had hypertrophic scars.

Conclusions

The results showed that the improved mini‐incision surgery was safe and effective for osmidrosis treatment.
Association between adverse childhood experiences among children with special healthcare needs and dental care utilization
Authors: Wiener R. Constance , Bhandari Ruchi
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) often have consequences beyond the immediacy of any specific event. The purpose of this study is to identify if ACEs in children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) are associated with oral problems and dental care utilization.

Methods

The data source for this cross‐sectional, secondary data analysis study was the 2017–2018 National Survey of Children's Health. Children were categorized as CSHCN or children with no special healthcare needs (CNSHCN) who had no, 1, 2, or ≥3 ACEs. Rho‐Scott Chi‐Square tests and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

CSHCN who have had 1, 2, or ≥3 ACEs were significantly more likely to have had an oral problem or dental caries within the previous year as compared with CNSHCN who did not have any ACE. For no dental visits for any reason and no preventive visits, CSHCN at all levels of ACE were not significantly different from CNSHCN and no ACE in adjusted analyses. However, CNSHCN who had ≥3 ACEs were significantly more likely to not have had a preventive dental or any dental visit within the previous year.

Conclusions

In this nationally representative study of children and adolescents in the United States, CSHCN who have had ACE were more likely to have oral health problems within the previous year as compared with CNSHCN who did not have ACE.
Safety of fibrates in cholestatic liver diseases
Authors: Carrion Andres F. , Lindor Keith D. , Levy Cynthia
Published: March 2021

Background and aim

Off‐label use of fibrates in patients with cholestatic liver diseases results in improved biochemical parameters and pruritus; however, their safety in this population has been a concern. This study summarizes safety data for fibrates when used for treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.

Methods

A systematic review of published studies evaluating the use of fibrates for treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) was performed. Electronic databases were searched up to December 2019 for published studies evaluating treatment outcomes associated to fibrates for these 2 diseases.

Results

A total of 37 studies were identified, including 31 for PBC and 6 for PSC, with a total of 1107 unique patients treated with fibrates ± ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Most studies evaluated fenofibrate and bezafibrate, and only 1 study evaluated pemafibrate. There were no studies evaluating gemfibrozil or clofibrate. The most commonly reported adverse events (AEs) were gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal. Elevations of aminotransferases and serum creatinine were reported more commonly in patients treated with UDCA plus fibrates versus UDCA monotherapy.

Conclusions

Fibrates appear to be safe and well tolerated in patients with PBC, with a low frequency of AEs. There are scarce data about the safety of these agents for treatment of PSC.
Sun protection as a protective factor for actinic cheilitis: Cross‐sectional population‐based study
Authors: Lucena Ieda Milani de , Santos Ingrid da Silva , Daroit Natália Batista , Salgueiro Arthur Pias , Cavagni Juliano , Haas Alex Nogueira , Rados Pantelis Varvaki
Published: March 2021

Objective

To determine whether sun protection is associated with lower occurrence of actinic cheilitis in adults living in a city from southern Brazil.

Materials and Methods

A multi‐stage proportional sample of 404 individuals 18 years and older was obtained. Interviews and clinical examinations were conducted in participants' households. Four categories of self‐reported use of sun protection were determined. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to assess the associations.

Results

Prevalence of actinic cheilitis was 47.1%. In the first main‐effects multivariable model, AC was significantly associated with sex, age, skin colour and duration of sun exposure, but not with sun protection. However, the association between sun protection and actinic cheilitis was modified by the time of sun exposure. Among those exposed ≥4 hr/day to sun, individuals using physical protection or physical + chemical protection were 33% (prevalence ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–0.94, p = .02) and 36% (PR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.94, p = .02), respectively, less likely to have actinic cheilitis than those who did not use any sun protection, adjusting for sex, age and skin colour.

Conclusions

Physical and chemical sun protection were associated with lower occurrence of actinic cheilitis in individuals with greater exposure to sun.
Periodontitis in Italian patients with established rheumatoid arthritis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Karapetsa Dimitra , Consensi Arianna , Castagnoli Giulia , Petrini Morena , Tonelli Matteo , Gennai Stefano , Bazzichi Laura , Graziani Filippo
Published: March 2021

Objective

To assess the prevalence and severity of periodontitis (P) among Italian patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Materials and methods

A full‐mouth periodontal examination and a rheumatologic examination were performed. RA disease activity was scored using the DAS28. Serum analyses investigated levels of rheumatoid factor, anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and fibrinogen. Information concerning smoking, body mass index and RA medical therapy was collected. Data were analysed by Student's t test, chi‐square test, binary logistic regression and Spearman's rank.

Results

This cross‐sectional study included 120 subjects, 77 had both diseases while 43 only had RA. The number of teeth present was statistically lower in the RA‐P compared to the RA group (p < .05). There were statistically more subjects seropositive for ACPAs in the RA‐P group (62.3% vs. 32.6%, p < .05). RA‐P patients had an adjusted OR = 2.9 of presenting a moderate‐severe DAS28 score (DAS28 ≥ 3.2).

Conclusions

Higher prevalence of severe P was noted among RA subjects. The clinical severity of RA was strongly correlated with the clinical periodontal parameters, and RA subjects also affected by P had an OR of 2.9 for presenting with a moderate‐severe RA (DAS28 score ≥ 3.2).
Spectacle non‐tolerance in clinical practice – a systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Bist Jeewanand , Kaphle Dinesh , Marasini Sanjay , Kandel Himal
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Spectacle non‐tolerance or adverse events to spectacle wear are serious concerns for both patients and practitioners. Non‐tolerance may contribute to a negative impact on the practitioner’s ability and practice. Therefore, a detailed understanding of frequency and causes of spectacle non‐tolerance in clinical ophthalmic practice is essential. This review aimed to determine the prevalence and causes of non‐tolerance to spectacles prescribed and dispensed in clinical practice.

Method

The current systematic review included quantitative studies published in the English language that reported spectacle non‐tolerance in clinical practice. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and the Web of Science database for studies published until 13 July 2020. An adapted version of the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS) modified for cross‐sectional studies was used to assess the quality of each included study. Five investigations with 205,478 study participants were included in the review. The prevalence of spectacle non‐tolerance from individual studies was pooled using MetaXL software. The pooled prevalence of spectacle non‐tolerance was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.6–2.7) ranging from 1.6% to 3.0%. The papers were also reviewed to identify the potential causes of non‐tolerances. Nearly half reported that non‐tolerance (47.4%) was due to an error in refraction. Other causes identified were errors related to communication (16.3%), dispensing (13.5%), non‐adaptation (9.7%), data entry (8.7%), binocular vision (7.4%) and ocular pathology (6.4%).

This review improves our understanding of spectacle non‐tolerance in clinical practice. This is important because non‐tolerance may lead to spectacle wear discontinuation, which may deprive patients of optimal vision. Increased non‐tolerance in clinical practice may affect a clinician’s reputation and incur additional costs associated with reassessments and replacements. Spectacle non‐tolerance occurred due to a multitude of factors related to optical dispensing and wearer adaptation. Therefore, there is a need for vigilance while prescribing spectacles. The limited evidence highlights the need for more studies, especially in limited‐resource settings, to improve the quality of refractive error services.
Low‐dose steroids do make a difference: Independent risk factors for impaired linear growth after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Leiskau Christoph , Samuel Saskia , Pfister Eva‐Doreen , Junge Norman , Beneke Jan , Stupak Julia , Richter Nicolas , Vondran Florian , Schrem Harald , Baumann Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Growth failure persists after pediatric liver transplantation and impairs pediatric development and quality of life. Steroid dose minimization attempts to prevent growth impairment, yet long‐term assessment in pediatric liver recipients is lacking. We identified risk factors for impaired linear growth after pediatric liver transplantation, with a special focus on low‐dose steroid therapy. This is a single‐center retrospective analysis of height development in pediatric liver recipients up to 5 years after transplantation. Risk factors for impaired linear growth (height Z‐scores≤‐2) at transplantation, after two (n = 347) and five years (n = 210) were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. At transplantation, growth retardation was found in 52.2%, predominantly younger children. Height Z‐scores improved from −2.23 to −1.40 (SE 0.11; 95%CI 0.74–1.16; p < .001) two years and −1.19 (SE 0.07;0.08–0.34; p = .017) five years post‐transplant. Multivariate analysis showed previous growth impairment (OR=1.484; 95%‐CI=1.107–1.988; p = .004), graft loss (49.006;2.232–1076; p = .006), and prolonged cold ischemic time (1.034;1.007–1.061; p = .011) as main long‐term risk factors; steroid use was a significant predictor of 2‐year but not 5‐year growth impairment. In univariate analysis, impaired growth after 2 and 5 years was associated with continuous low‐dose (2.5 mg/m2BSA) steroid therapy (OR=3.323;1.578–6.996; p < .001/OR=8.352;1.089–64.07; p = .006)and graft loss (OR=2.513;1.395–4.525; p = .003/OR=3.378;1.815–7.576; p < .001). Furthermore, indication and era of transplantation affected growth. Our results show significant catch‐up growth after pediatric liver transplantation, yet growth failure strongly affects particularly young liver recipients. The main influenceable long‐term risk factor is pre‐existing growth failure, emphasizing the importance of early aggressive nutritional therapy. Moreover, low‐dose steroid therapy might impair growth and should therefore be critically questioned in long‐term immunosuppression.
Neurotechnology ethics and relational agency
Authors: Goering Sara , Brown Timothy , Klein Eran
Published: March 2021

Novel neurotechnologies, like deep brain stimulation and brain‐computer interface, offer great hope for treating, curing, and preventing disease, but raise important questions about effects these devices may have on human identity, authenticity, and autonomy. After briefly assessing recent narrative work in these areas, we show that agency is a phenomenon key to all three goods and highlight the ways in which neural devices can help to draw attention to the relational nature of our agency. Drawing on insights from disability theory, we argue that neural devices provide a kind of agential assistance, similar to that provided by caregivers, family, and others. As such, users and devices participate in a kind of co‐agency. We conclude by suggesting the need for developing relational agency‐competencies—skills for reflecting on the influence of devices on agency, for adapting to novel circumstances ushered in by devices, and for incorporating the feedback of loved ones and others about device effects on agency.
Hinge Contextualisma
Authors: Mion Giovanni
Published: March 2021

The paper explores a possible connection between epistemic contextualism and hinge epistemology. My basic idea is that Wittgenstein’s hinge propositions play a possibility‐governing role, in the sense that they govern our knowledge attributions by determining which possibilities count as relevant alternatives. This is a novel proposal with several theoretical advantages for both hinge epistemology and epistemic contextualism. On the one hand, in order to offer a substantial account of the way in which knowledge attributions work, the contextualist needs more than mere formal tools. She needs to tell us what goes inside the contexts that govern our conversations. On the other hand, the hinge epistemologist cannot be satisfied by mere metaphors (like the hinge metaphor). She needs to tell us how hinges can effectively govern our conversations. I take hinge contextualism to be the answer. With the help of hinges, we can furnish contexts; and with the help of contexts, we can put hinges to work.
Inter‐Retailer Channel Competition: Empirical Analyses of Store Entry Effects on Online Purchases
Authors: Tang Qian , Lin Mei , Kim Youngsoo
Published: March 2021

This study empirically examines the effect of offline store entry on a competing online retailer in the footwear industry and investigates how this effect depends on the relative product assortment and price between the offline store and the online retailer. Using transaction data from a large online footwear retailer and offline store entry data from 19 major shoe retail chains and 3 department store chains, we quantify the entry effect of offline stores. Categorizing offline stores by assortment and price, we find that the entry of regular‐price narrow‐assortment stores generates a complementary effect that increases online purchases, while the entry of discount wide‐assortment stores leads to a substitution effect that reduces online purchases. The store entry of other types has no significant effect on online purchases. We further find that the complementary effect is mainly driven by the mechanism of unsatisfied product exploration due to a narrow assortment in stores, rather than the mechanism of product uncertainty reduction due to overlapping products with lower prices online. Therefore, the complementary effect not only increases the online purchases of store‐brand products but also creates spillovers to other brands. Moreover, the substitution effect driven by the reduced transportation cost is mitigated primarily by consumers’ proximity to pre‐existing stores.
Repairing a Cracked Mirror: The Heterogeneous Effect of Personalized Digital Nudges Driven by Misperception
Authors: Jung Miyeon , Cho Daegon , Shin Euncheol
Published: March 2021

Our study aims to deepen the understanding of personalized digital nudges by evaluating their effects on energy‐saving behavior. We conducted a field experiment with a leading smart metering company in South Korea to investigate whether customers save more energy when a personalized goal and feedback are provided, and how the impacts of nudges vary according to the types of misperception. Specifically, we focused on the behavior of customers who underestimate or overestimate their past electricity usage compared to their actual consumption. We merged daily energy consumption with a pre‐experiment survey for the customers. We found that goal‐setting and feedback mechanisms have a markedly different impact on each type of misperception. Underestimating customers reduced energy consumption only under the “goal‐setting with feedback" treatment. Conversely, overestimating customers reduced energy consumption even under the “goal‐setting without feedback" condition. The underlying mechanism is suggested as updating biased beliefs toward goal achievement. Overall, the results demonstrate that personalized nudges lead to heterogeneous behavioral responses and that service providers and policymakers can use these signals to enrich their planning of behavioral nudges.
Increased Surgical Capacity without Additional Resources: Generalized Operating Room Planning and Scheduling
Authors: Naderi Bahman , Roshanaei Vahid , Begen Mehmet A. , Aleman Dionne M. , Urbach David R.
Published: March 2021

We study a generalized operating room planning and scheduling (GORPS) problem at the Toronto General Hospital (TGH) in Ontario, Canada. GORPS allocates elective patients and resources (i.e., operating rooms, surgeons, anesthetists) to days, assigns resources to patients, and sequences patients in each day. We consider patients’ due‐date, resource eligibility, heterogeneous performances of resources, downstream unit requirements, and lag times between resources. The goal is to create a weekly surgery schedule that minimizes fixed‐ and over‐time costs. We model GORPS using mixed‐integer and constraint programming models. To efficiently and effectively solve these models, we develop new‘ multi‐featured logic‐based Benders decomposition approaches. Using data from TGH, we demonstrate that our best algorithm solves GORPS with an average optimality gap of 2.71% which allows us to provide our practical recommendations. First, we can increase daily OR utilization to reach 80%—25% higher than the status quo in TGH. Second, we do not require to optimize for the daily selection of anesthetists—this finding allows for the development of effective dominance rules that significantly mitigate intractability. Third, solving GORPS without downstream capacities (like many papers in literature) makes GORPS easier to solve, but such OR schedules are only feasible in 24% of instances. Finally, with existing ORs’ safety capacities, TGH can manage 40% increase in its surgical volumes. We provide recommendations on how TGH must adjust its downstream capacities for varying levels of surgical volume increases (e.g., current urgent need for more capacity due to the current Covid‐19 pandemic).