bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of the compact haematology analyser Sight OLO
Authors: Leite Rui , Woodcock Sue , Brady Sally , Bigsby Charlotte , Webber Kay , Daniel Yvonne
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Sight OLO is a compact full blood count (FBC) analyser that uses digital imaging techniques and artificial intelligence to count and assess cellular components of capillary or venous blood. It provides a FBC with a 5‐part white blood cell differential count. Our aim was to evaluate its performance against our standard analyser and optical microscopy.

Methods

Comparative studies for the FBC parameters were done between the Sight OLO and the Unicel DxH800 analyser (Beckman Coulter). Evaluation comprised also repeatability studies and reproducibility studies. The flagging efficiency of the Sight OLO was assessed against the reference method (optical microscopy).

Results

The SIGHT OLO showed a good comparability with the Unicel DxH800 analyser for most of the FBC parameters (r > 0.9). The biases recorded between both equipments were within the manufacturer's target specifications for all the FBC parameters. The standard deviation and coefficient of variation calculated per parameter for the precision studies were within the manufacturer's target specifications for all FBC parameters, for all the variation components tested. The five alert flags assessed showed an overall efficiency above 75%, however, high frequency of false negatives was noted for some of the flags assessed.

Conclusion

The evaluation of the Sight OLO showed that it can produce accurate FBC results, making it a suitable option for integration in several setups. Its innovative methodology gives it further potential to refine its capabilities.
Evaluation of pore scattering in transparent ceramics: A simplified model for nanometric spherical pores
Authors: Zhao Xumei , Fang Qinglong , Xia Caijuan , Xie You , Wu Di , Chao Xiaolian , Yang Zupei
Published: September 2022

It is well known that light scattering by nanometric pores is adverse to realize a high transparency in ceramics; however, a suitable model that gives this phenomenon a quantitative evaluation is still lacking. In this work, a simplified model based on Rayleigh's theory was developed in order to unravel the light scattering by nanometric pores, taking polycrystalline KNNB‐xSm ceramics with high transparency (>67% at 780 nm) as example. The validity of this model was further verified by its good agreement with experimental results. Based on detailed simulations, we came to the conclusion that the pore volume fraction p is a more important parameter on the transparency of KNNB‐xSm ceramics than pore size dpore. Our findings in this work might provide inspiring insight to obtain highly transparent KNN‐based ceramics and more.
Crystal structure, dielectric properties, and optical bandgap control in KNbO3–BiMnO3 ceramics
Authors: Pascual‐Gonzalez Cristina , Elicker Carolina , Moreira Mario L. , Cava Sergio , Sterianou Iasmi , Wang Dawei , Feteira Antonio
Published: September 2022

(1 − x)KNbO3–xBiMnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) ceramics were prepared by the solid‐state reaction method. An X‐ray diffraction analysis combined with Raman spectroscopy showed the co‐solubility of Bi and Mn in the orthorhombic structure to be less than 5% BiMnO3. Orthorhombic and pseudocubic symmetries coexist in the 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.15 region, coinciding with a bimodal grain size distribution. This coexistence of crystal symmetries is further corroborated by several anomalies in the dielectric behavior, which can be ascribed to structural phase transitions. For x ≥ 0.20, only one dielectric anomaly is detected around 100°C, which is commensurate with in situ Raman spectroscopy analysis. This work also shows that Bi/Mn co‐doping can be employed to tailor the bandgap of KNbO3, which narrows continuously with increasing x, resulting in ∼1‐eV narrowing for single‐phase x = 0.25. This may offer the possibility to employ this ferroic material in photoresponsive technologies.
Beneficial effects of fermented barley extracts on inflammatory status and gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Huang Xiaozhong , Cao Qingguo , Chen Cen , Xie Zhenglin , Fan Jinshan
Published: September 2022

Aims

To explore how fermented barley extracts could affect obesity-associated inflammatory responses to ameliorate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, and investigate whether their anti-inflammatory properties were affected by modulating the gut microbiota.

Methods and Results

Twenty-four male rats were assigned randomly to three groups for 8 weeks. Inflammatory status and gut microbiota in HFD-induced obese rats were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and 16sRNA sequencing technology. The dietary supplementation of Extract of fermented barley with L. plantarum JDM1 (LFBE) reduced HFD-induced obesity and improved insulin sensitivity. LFBE significantly decreased the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-6, IL-1β, monocyte chemotactic protein-1), and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) in serum. In addition, LFBE suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by inhibiting the inhibitor of NF-κB alpha degradation and phosphorylation of JNK/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases in adipose tissue. Combined with changes in gut microbiota, these results illustrated that LFBE treatment markedly decreased the proportion of the LPS-producing opportunistic pathogens and increased the proportion of Bifidobacterium.

Conclusions

Administration of LFBE has beneficial effects on ameliorating HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance, lessening HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion.

Significance and Impact of this Study

The results suggest that fermented barley extracts may be a useful functional compound and beneficial to improve inflammatory status and gut microflora.
Factors associated with self‐management after hybrid revascularization in patients with peripheral artery disease: A structural equations model
Authors: Kim So‐Young , Lee Yun Mi , Son Youn‐Jung
Published: September 2022

Aim

To investigate the factors associated with self‐management after hybrid revascularization in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease using a structural equation modelling approach.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was adopted.

Methods

A total of 221 patients who underwent hybrid revascularization for peripheral artery disease of the lower limbs were included from outpatient clinics at a 1200‐bed tertiary care hospital in Korea. Data were collected using a self‐reported questionnaire between December 1, 2019, and August 31, 2020. Structural equation modelling was applied to test the hypothetical model.

Results

The item mean score of participants' self‐management was 6.28 (standard deviation, 0.83) out of 8. The structural equation modelling had a good fit index. Autonomy support from healthcare providers was directly associated with self‐management (β = 0.20, p = 0.041). Illness perception directly (β = −0.33, p = 0.031) and indirectly (β = −0.19, p = 0.032) influenced self‐management through competence and relatedness in patients with peripheral artery disease. The construct of autonomy support from healthcare providers, illness perception, competence and relatedness accounted for 49% of the variance in self‐management.

The Sobel test confirmed the statistically significant mediating effects of competence (z = −4.52, p < 0.001) and relatedness (z = −2.12, p < 0.001) on the relationship between illness perception and self‐management.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that autonomy support from healthcare providers and patients' illness perception directly influenced patients' self‐management. Additionally, patients' illness perception can indirectly influence self‐management through their perceived competence and relatedness.

Impact

Healthcare providers' autonomy support to patients may promote self‐care behaviours, leading to greater autonomous motivation. Assessment of patients' illness perception before patient education is vital to designing effective self‐management strategies which can improve patients' perceived competency and meaningful relatedness with healthcare providers.
Transformational family science: Praxis, possibility, and promise
Authors: Hunter Andrea G. , Tarver Shuntay Z. , Jones Janine
Published: September 2022

We advance a transformational family science as an engaged practice that may serve social justice and an anti‐racist project. Our companion paper proposed epistemic revelatory interventions through which family science may re‐imagine itself. We highlight pillars of a transformational family science that (a) build with epistemological and paradigmatic stances of peripherals; (b) infuse an ethic of reflexivity, accountability, and responsibility in the pursuit of knowledge claims, and their validation; and (c) engage a critical interrogation of difference and power relations and the disruption of systemic and structural inequalities in which they are aligned. Informed by epistemic praxes, transformational praxes include inquiry, knowledge production, theorizing about structured inequalities, power differentials, and differences bound to social categories and social identities, as well as pedagogy and professional training. Transformative applications that are compensatory, reformative, restorative, reparative, and transformative may be used in multiple ways to advance social justice, anti‐racism, and social transformations.
You can't be what you can't see: A systematic website review of Geriatrics Online‐Visibility at US medical schools
Authors: Dawson Catherine M. P. , Abiola Aanuoluwa O. , Sullivan Amy M. , Schwartz Andrea W. ,   the members of the GERI Team Research Group
Published: September 2022

Background

Graduating US medical students must build strong skills in caring for older adults, necessitated by shifting population demographics. Little is known, however, about current medical student exposure to geriatrics on a national scale. This systematic website review characterizes geriatrics opportunities at US medical schools, seen through the lens of publicly available information online.

Methods

Reviewers searched for 18 online Geriatrics Elements, in the domains of Information Prevalence, Geriatrics Environment, and Geriatrics Education, for all 191 US medical schools accredited as of January 2020. Latent Class Analysis was used to classify schools according to their publicly visible geriatrics opportunities.

Results

Schools had a median of 7 Geriatrics Elements identified online [IQR 4–10]. Optional geriatrics clinical activity was the most prevalent (76%), while fewer than half of all schools had online evidence of required geriatrics clinical activity (45%). A profile of the three groups of schools identified by Latent Class Analysis, termed Geriatrics Online‐Visibility groups (High n = 39, 20%; Medium n = 90, 47%; Low n = 62, 32%), is presented. Online evidence of geriatrics‐specific funding was the greatest distinguishing factor among the groups.

Conclusions

Examining US medical school websites collectively and comparatively across Geriatrics Online‐Visibility groups can ground discussions of geriatrics education in current national data. Though many school websites present optional geriatrics activities, far fewer specify geriatrics requirements. High Geriatrics Online‐Visibility schools present an array of both optional and required geriatrics opportunities on their websites, but this cohort comprises only 20% of schools. Recommended next steps are proposed to guide schools inspired to enhance their Geriatrics Online‐Visibility.
Factors that Promote a Positive Childbearing Experience: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hall Helen , Fooladi Ensieh , Kloester Joy , Ulnang Arijanti , Sinni Suzanne , White Colleen , McLaren Meredith , Yeganeh Ladan
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Experiences of pregnancy and birth are important and have long‐term impacts on the well‐being of women and their families. Perinatal services should aim for care that promotes a positive childbearing experience, as well as optimizing health outcomes for the woman and newborn. This study aimed to understand the health system factors that promote a positive childbearing experience.

Methods

Women who had a positive experience and had given birth in Australia in the previous 12 months were recruited for individual semistructured interviews. The interview guide focused on health system factors that participants credited with contributing to their positive experience of perinatal care. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Data from 36 interviews were thematically analyzed, and 4 major themes were generated: health care provider attributes, health system attributes, communication and decision‐making, and experience of care. The salient factors that promoted positive experiences included care that was respectful and individualized with effective communication, access to midwifery continuity of care models, and good integration between services. Competent and professional health care providers who facilitated shared decision‐making were also essential.

Discussion

Although women often sought out care that promoted physiologic birth, they emphasized that the way they were cared for was more important than fulfilling specific birth aspirations. Quality maternity care has the capacity to support a woman's confidence in her own abilities and promote a positive, and sometimes transformative, childbearing experience.
Evaluation of serumTWEAK,TRAIL,and oxidative stress markers in rosacea patients
Authors: Durmaz Imge , Turkmen Dursun , Altunisik Nihal , Uremis Nuray , Uremis Muhammed Mehdi , Sener Serpil , Turkoz Yusuf
Published: September 2022

Background

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of unknown pathogenesis. TWEAK and TRAIL are two cytokines thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to examine TWEAK and TRAIL serum levels and oxidative stress markers in patients with rosacea.

Material and Method

Forty rosacea patients and 40 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls were involved in the study. Serum TWEAK and TRAIL levels were evaluated with ELISA kits. Serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, total thiol, native thiol, disulfide levels were evaluated, and oxidative stress index was computed.

Results

Serum levels of TWEAK, TRAIL, and oxidative stress markers did not differ statistically in the patients and controls. Both TWEAK and TRAIL levels in the patients were detected to be statistically higher in male than in female.

Conclusion

TWEAK and TRAIL may not have a systemic effect in rosacea, unlike other inflammatory diseases. More studies are needed to investigate the role of TWEAK and TRAIL in rosacea.
Mother–child dyad support needs to be expressed by mothers diagnosed with breast cancer
Authors: Chin Jui‐Chih , Chen Yin‐Ying
Published: September 2022

Aims and objectives

To investigate the support needs identified by Taiwanese breast cancer diagnosed mothers for themselves and their 6–12‐year‐old children for implementation in a support group.

Background

Mothers with dependent children are burdened with diverse child‐centered concerns while battling breast cancer. A better understanding of the concomitant support needs of mothers and their children can yield tailored support for ill mothers and their children.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study employing content analysis of collected data.

Methods

Between February and June of 2020, semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 2 years. Qualitative content analysis was used. This study followed the COREQ guidelines.

Results

Ill mothers favoured a hybrid format for support groups, consisting of mother‐only, child‐only, and mother–child group sessions. The content analysis yielded four themes for mother‐only group sessions: (1) learning to reach out to children; (2) dealing with negative emotions; (3) how to say goodbye to children; and (4) resetting for the future. Three themes related to child‐only group sessions emerged: (1) emotional and health education; (2) getting along with a sick mother; and (3) preparing for uncertainty. The core theme for mother–child group sessions was relationship enhancement.

Conclusion

The findings revealed that mother‐reported support needs of ill mothers and their children included support for improving children's emotional well‐being and mothers' emotional coping, preparing for uncertainty, and promoting intimacy in the mother–child relationship.

Relevance to clinical practice

A relation‐focused approach to psychosocial support group development that allows mother–child mutual influences on each other's coping to be addressed bilaterally is suggested.

Patient or public contribution

Mothers diagnosed with breast cancer were interviewed for data collection and invited to review and validate the synthesised data for enhancing the credibility of the study.
Experiences of nurses working in RACFs and EDs utilising visual telehealth consultation to assess the need for RACF resident transfer to ED: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Sunner Carla , Giles Michelle Therese , Kable Ashley , Foureur Maralyn
Published: September 2022

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to explore whether an intervention using visual telehealth improves care outcomes for residents in residential aged care facilities during acute illness events from the perspective of the nurses from residential aged care facilities and emergency departments. The intervention was the addition of visual telehealth, to an already existing outreach service called Aged Care Emergency.

Background

Older people who are residents of residential aged care facilities commonly experience potentially avoidable visits and hospitalisations. Adopting visual telehealth or telemedicine has emerged as a care transition solution across several domains in health care, including residential aged care.

Method

This study used an interpretive descriptive methodological approach and was part of a larger study called the PACE‐IT project that implemented a visual telehealth assisted model of care in four emergency departments and 16 residential aged care facilities to prevent unnecessary resident presentations to emergency departments. We report findings from six focus groups that explored key issues relating to the experiences of emergency department and residential aged care nurses who participated in the PACE‐IT project. This study adhered to COREQ research guidelines.

Results

There were four overarching themes that emerged from the six focus groups; facilitated person centred care; built confidence, relationships and trust; enabled bidirectional communication that strengthens decision making, but there were issues with technology access, connectivity and usability between the acute care setting and the residential aged care facility.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding the experiences of residential aged care facility and emergency nurses' experiences when using visual telehealth will better inform practice development in aged care, in particular enhancing decision making and increasing safe practices using telehealth. The knowledge gained in this study in terms of enhanced assessments for residents will provide policy makers with valuable insights for future health care planning and implementation of telehealth.

Trial registration

ACTRN12619001692123.
The effect of tongue elevation muscle training in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Poncin William , Correvon Nils , Tam Jonathan , Borel Jean‐Christian , Berger Mathieu , Liistro Giuseppe , Mwenge Benny , Heinzer Raphael , Contal Olivier
Published: September 2022

Background

Oropharyngeal myofunctional therapy is a multi‐component therapy effective to reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, existing protocols are difficult to replicate in the clinical setting. There is a need to isolate the specific effectiveness of each component of the therapy.

Objective

To assess the effects of a 6 weeks tongue elevation training programme in patients with OSA.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were adults diagnosed with moderate OSA who presented low adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy (mean use <4 h per night). The intervention group completed a 6 weeks tongue elevation training protocol that consisted in anterior tongue elevation strength and endurance tasks with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. The control group completed a 6 weeks sham training protocol that involved expiratory muscle training at very low intensity. Polygraphy data, tongue force and endurance, and OSA symptoms were evaluated pre‐ and post‐intervention. The primary outcome was apneoa‐hypopnea index (AHI).

Results

Twenty‐seven patients (55 ± 11 years) were recruited. According to modified intention‐to‐treat analysis (n = 25), changes in AHI and c did not significantly differ between groups. Daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and tongue endurance significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = .015 and .022, respectively). In the intervention group, 75% of participants had a decrease in daytime sleepiness that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference.

Conclusion

Six weeks of tongue elevation muscle training had no effect on OSA severity.
Comparison of the accuracy between conventional and various digital implant impressions for an implant‐supported mandibular complete arch‐fixed prosthesis: An in vitro study
Authors: Kosago Pitchaporn , Ungurawasaporn Chatcharwin , Kukiattrakoon Boonlert
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This in vitro study compared the accuracy between conventional and different intraoral scanner impression methods and stereophotogrammetry term of 3D deviation for a complete mandibular edentulous arch with 5 placed implants.

Materials and methods

An edentulous mandibular model was prepared with three straight and two 17° angled screw‐retained abutments screwed on implants. Different impression techniques were compared: one conventional impression, CO (open‐tray splint impression coping, Polyether), three groups of intraoral scanners, TS (Trios 4), IT (iTero Element 2), and PS (Primescan), and one stereophotogrammetry, PIC (Precise Implants Capture). An extraoral scanner (E4 scanner) was used to digitize the reference model as a control group. Scan body positions were compared with 3D deviation by using a 3D analysis software program (Geomagic ControlX 2020.1.1) with the best‐fit alignment technique. The accuracy of the scan bodies’ position of each impression technique between each group area was analyzed using one‐way ANOVA followed by Scheffé’s comparison test for trueness and precision. (α = 0.05).

Results

Statistical 3D deviations of the whole scan body were found among the CO, TS, PS, IT, and PIC groups for both trueness (p < 0.05) and precision (p < 0.05). PIC showed the least 3D deviation of trueness (48.74 ± 1.80 µm) and precision (5.46 ± 1.10 µm), followed by TS, PS, IT, and CO. CO had the highest 3D deviation of trueness (141 ± 5.58 µm) and precision (40.4 ± 1.3.39 µm), which was significantly different from PIC, TS, and PS.

Conclusions

For completed‐arch digital implant impressions, stereophotogrammetry has shown better accuracy than other digital and conventional impression techniques, especially in terms of precision. The highest 3D deviation was found in the conventional splint open‐tray impression technique.
Relationship between sensory saltiness intensity and added oil in low‐viscosity and high‐viscosity polymer solutions
Authors: Okamoto Yoko , Tayama Kenji , Okada Yuji , Kurokawa Masaru
Published: September 2022

Generally, the foods we usually eat are not only aqueous solutions, but also viscous solutions and solids. Therefore, it is interesting for us to explore how taste components are perceived in a viscous polymer solution. The relationship between the sensory evaluation of saltiness intensity, amount of added oil, and apparent viscosity was clarified in low‐viscosity and high‐viscosity polymer solutions. The study was conducted using samples containing corn oil, sodium chloride, and [xanthan gum] or [xanthan gum + locust bean gum] as a thickener. Oil was added to the viscous polymer solutions regardless of whether they were low‐ or high‐viscosity, and saltiness intensity was evaluated as compared with a reference solution. The low‐viscous polymer solutions with [xanthan gum] were perceived to be saltier than the high‐viscous polymer solutions with [xanthan gum + LBG] as the amount of oil increased. The shear stress value gradually increased as the amount of oil increased in both the low‐viscosity and the high‐viscosity polymer solutions, as derived from the fluid constitutive equation. There was a correlation between saltiness intensity and apparent viscosity in both high‐ and low‐viscosity polymer solutions. A coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.918 was obtained between saltiness intensity and “apparent viscosity” for the samples using [xanthan gum] and that of 0.683 between saltiness intensity and “apparent viscosity” for the samples using [xanthan gum+LBG]. The low‐viscosity polymer solutions showed a saltier intensity as the amount of oil increased and a greater correlation with apparent viscosity, as compared with the high‐viscosity polymer solutions.
Virtual care is growing, but who will train upcoming learners to practice it?
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Kron Frederick
Published: September 2022

Lee and Kron describe the current use of virtual care to explain why faculty are reluctant to engage in education in that context in an effort to propose ways to promote better learner integration.
Oil Resources in Relations Between Erbil and Baghdad
Authors: Mustafa Sara D.
Published: September 2022

The key to independence for the Kurds has always rested on oil resources. After the central Iraqi government claimed that their oil exports and contracts were illegal and in violation of the constitution, the Kurdish political elite decided it was time to either renegotiate terms with Baghdad or push for complete separation. This article seeks to understand the influence of oil resources on the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad, and the effect they had on the push toward the 2017 referendum. There are substantial ambiguities in the Iraqi constitution regarding oil resources that also influence the Erbil‐Baghdad relationship.
Shelter selection in the kissing bugs Triatoma infestans and Rhodnius prolixus: Intra‐ and inter‐specific interactions and quality evaluation
Authors: Zacharias Claudia A. , Manrique Gabriel , Minoli Sebastián A.
Published: September 2022

Triatomines display most of their activities during the night. Before sunrise, they search, select and occupy adequate shelters to stay during the photophase, avoiding exposure to diurnal predators. In this work, we first explored the interactions between individuals of the same or different species in the shelter selection process of Triatoma infestans (Klug 1834) and Rhodnius prolixus (Stål 1859). When two groups of insects (either of different nutritional status, nymphal instar or species) were released together over an experimental arena containing two identical shelters, all nymphs were distributed randomly, suggesting the absence of intra‐ and inters‐pecific interactions. Secondly, we analysed their preferences for particular features of shelters by releasing one group of insects (either T. infestans or R. prolixus) over an arena containing two different refuges. Nymphs exhibited preferences for darker shelters with a vertical orientation of its substrate and elevated from the ground, highlighting the importance of such features in a shelter selection context. We conclude that these species disregard the presence of other individuals but evaluate certain characteristics of the shelters to choose them. This information may contribute to understanding the colonization/recolonization dynamic processes of these Chagas disease vectors.
Comparative analysis of subgingival microbiota in patients with mild, moderate, and severe chronic periodontitis
Authors: Xu Hongzhen , Qian Yumei , Jia Shuang , Shi Zhaocheng , Zhong Qun
Published: September 2022

In this study, we explored the suspected pathogens of chronic periodontitis at different stages of occurrence and development. We collected 100 gingival crevicular fluid samples, 27, 27, and 26 from patients with mild, moderate, and severe chronic periodontitis, respectively, and 20 from healthy individuals. Pathogens were detected using a 16S rRNA metagenomic approach. Quantitative Insights in Microbial Ecology, Mothur, and other software were used to analyze the original data, draw relative abundance histograms and heat maps, and calculate flora abundance and diversity indexes. We identified 429 operational taxonomic units, covering 13 phyla, 20 classes, 32 orders, 66 families, and 123 genera from the four groups of samples. Each group showed microbial diversity, and the number of new species of bacterial flora in the gingival crevicular fluid samples gradually increased from the healthy to the severe chronic periodontitis group. There was a significant difference in the relative abundance of the core flora at the phylum, class, order, family, and genus classification levels. Our data indicated a certain correlation between the changes in the subgingival microbial structure and the occurrence and development of chronic periodontitis, which might be able to provide a reference for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic periodontitis.
Clinical characteristics of patients with oral submucous fibrosis—hospital‐based retrospective study in a Sri Lankan cohort
Authors: Hettiarachchi Pilana Vithanage Kalani Shihanika , Anupama Sahani , Akalanka Isuru , Jayasinghe Ruwan Duminda
Published: September 2022

Objective

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a well‐established oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) that affects South Asian countries including Sri Lanka where the traditional habit of areca nut chewing prevails. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of OSF among patients presented to the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort of 503 patients, diagnosed with OSF, followed up in the Oral Medicine Clinic, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka for the past 22 years were included in this study.

Results

Patients ranging from 3 to 81 years (394 males [78.3%] and 109 females [21.7%]; mean age, 43.4 years) with the diagnosis of OSF were included in this study. The main presenting complaint of the patients was a burning sensation (45.3%), whereas 56 patients complained either of an ulcer or a white/red patch. The majority of 69.8% had the habit of betel chewing only, whereas 18.1% had the synergistic habit of betel chewing and smoking. About 69.8% had the involvement of the buccal mucosa with the presence of fibrous bands on the initial visit with 25.8% demonstrating restricted tongue movements. A large number of patients (35.2%) presented with dysplasia in the initial biopsy indicating severe disease at presentation.

Conclusion

The clinical characteristics of OSF disease patterns may vary in different regions due to habit variations.
Evaluating Danish undergraduate and postgraduate choice for flap designs utilised in third molar surgery
Authors: Enevoldsen Stinne Bladbjerg , Pedersen Amalie , Nørholt Sven Erik , Taneja Pankaj
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The surgical removal of an impacted lower third molar (LM3) is a common operation that generally requires the elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap. The triangular and envelope flap designs have been extensively studied and are mostly described in the literature. However, in Denmark, a technique where the papilla between the adjacent second and first molar is spared (papilla sparing flap [PSF]), is used. This has limited presence in the literature. The aims were to identify which flap dental students and professionals utilised in LM3 removal, and to evaluate the evidence‐based approach that was taken.

Materials and Methods

Dental students and dental professionals were invited to complete a 10‐item questionnaire on flap technique in third molar removal.

Results

The majority of respondents were dental practitioners (N = 141) stating that they used the PSF design. Almost half that undertook the PSF were aware of the envelope and triangular designs. The majority (N = 159) did not know where to locate the body of evidence to support their technique.

Conclusion

The majority (N = 131) of respondents used the PSF. To align to a more evidence‐based approach, it may be that a re‐evaluation of the design taught/used is needed, which can also aid in better predicting postoperative outcomes.
Genuine and sustained POM mastery from linear POM to POM system symphonies
Authors: Robertson Peter W. , Starr Martin K.
Published: September 2022

A dramatically changing business landscape characterized by volatility and uncertainty (which in turn are driven by unpredictable alterations of conditions by such factors as geopolitical events, climate changes, disasters—natural and human causes, reduction in food, potable water, and critical materials supply along with environmental contamination), has created a situation whereby a rethink of Production and Operations Management (POM) strategies and practices is considered timely and appropriate. Against a backdrop of current POM strengths and weaknesses, and expected POM futures, a response path for POM adoption to deal with such uncertainties and risks is proposed and described in some detail. This involves the treatment of POM as a more interconnected and integrated system than has hitherto been the case. Such an interconnected approach is described as a POM symphony where all key players would be playing from the same script and the POM leader must serve as a coach‐coordinator, that is, the symphony's conductor.
Once again “smile curve”: Is chain upgrading possible?
Authors: Yanikkaya Halit , Altun Abdullah , Tat Pınar
Published: September 2022

The geographic fragmentation of the production process inevitably leads to the question of whether or not there is a relationship between the level of value‐added and the position of production stages along with a global production/value chain, known as the “smile curve” as the theoretical literature suggests. This study investigates the relationship between value‐added and production stages across more than 34 sectors over 40 countries for two different periods, 1995–2011 and 2000–2014, by taking into account a variety of different measures of production stage and country‐sector heterogeneity. In the first step, we utilize the decomposition methodology of Wang, Wei, Yu, and Zhu (2017) to track the production stages across country sector. In the second step, we test our hypotheses by employing the fixed effects (FE) estimation technique. The results show that the relationship between value‐added content in output and backward length exhibits a U‐shaped distributional pattern. The significant results for both developed and developing economies indicate the potential of economies to benefit from the functional upgrading along with production stages. Our general conclusion regarding production chains is also valid for stages mainly related to the global value chain (GVC), especially for developed countries. Furthermore, capital intensity and total factor productivity appear to be crucial factors for improvements in process upgrading. Given the robust and positive impacts of chain upgrading in all countries considering both the total production process and GVC part, industries should exploit the opportunities for higher value‐added in the global production system.
Associations of suicide risk with emotional reactivity, dysregulation, and eating disorder treatment outcomes
Authors: Denning Dominic M. , Perry Taylor R. , Reilly Erin E. , Berner Laura A. , Velkoff Elizabeth A. , Kaye Walter H. , Wierenga Christina E. , Brown Tiffany A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Emotional processes play a role in both suicide risk and eating disorders (EDs), which are often comorbid. However, limited research has explored how emotional processes relate to suicide risk in EDs and the prognostic value of suicide risk for ED treatment. Thus, the current study examined associations between emotion dysregulation and reactivity with suicide risk in patients with EDs, and determined if suicide risk predicts ED treatment outcomes.

Methods

Participants (n = 201) were adults in an ED partial hospitalization program who completed measures at admission, 1‐month post‐admission, and discharge.

Results

When controlling for depressive symptoms, limited access to adaptive emotion regulation strategies, difficulties engaging in goal‐oriented behaviors, and engaging in impulsive behavior when experiencing negative emotions (i.e., emotion dysregulation) were associated with suicide attempt frequency. Depressive symptoms were associated with suicide risk severity, while emotion dysregulation and reactivity were not. Importantly, patients with elevated suicide risk at admission improved comparably to other risk categories across treatment, despite presenting with greater ED symptoms at admission.

Conclusion

Emotion dysregulation and depression are salient factors when examining suicide risk in patients with EDs. Suicide risk and attempt history may not negatively impact ED treatment outcomes when using emotion‐focused treatment.
Skin color classification of Koreans using clustering
Authors: Kye Seula , Lee Onseok
Published: September 2022

Background/purpose

Skin color is used as an index for diagnosing and predicting skin irritation, dermatitis, and skin conditions because skin color changes based on various factors. Therefore, a new method for consistently and accurately evaluating skin color while overcoming the limitations of the existing skin color evaluation method was proposed, and its usefulness was demonstrated.

Methods

Skin color was quantified using the RGB (Red, Green, Blue), HSV (Hue Saturation Value), CIELab, and YCbCr color spaces in the acquired Korean skin images, which were classified through clustering. In addition, the classification performances of the existing visual scoring method and the proposed skin color classification method were compared and analyzed using multinomial logistic regression, support vector machine, K‐nearest neighbor, and random forest.

Results

After quantifying the skin color through the color space conversion of the skin image, the skin color classification performance according to the number of quantified features and the classifier was verified. In addition, the usefulness of the proposed classification method was confirmed by comparing its classification performance with that of the existing skin color classification method.

Conclusion

In this study, a method was proposed to objectively classify skin color values quantified from skin images of Koreans acquired using a digital camera through clustering. To verify the proposed method, its classification performance was compared with that of the existing classification method, and an optimized classification method was presented for the classification of Korean skin color. Thus, the proposed method can objectively classify skin color and can be used as a cornerstone in research to quantify skin color and establish objective classification criteria.
Extracorporeal photopheresis: A case of graft‐versus‐host‐disease and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis following liver transplantation
Authors: Xu Zhengfan , Otrock Zaher K.
Published: September 2022

Background

Graft‐versus‐host‐disease (GVHD) is one of the rare complications following liver transplantation. We report on the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in managing GVHD and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after liver transplantation.

Case Report

The patient is a 63‐year‐old male with hepatitis B cirrhosis who underwent liver transplantation. Three weeks after transplant, he presented with fever, diarrhea, and poor appetite. The patient also had bilateral blanchable erythematous patches on his palms, biopsy of which was suggestive of GVHD. The patient continued to have high‐grade fever with altered mental status. CBC showed pancytopenia. Liver function examination was normal. Patient was started on methylprednisolone. Additional laboratory analysis showed high ferritin (>15000 ug/L), triglycerides (280 mg/dl), and low fibrinogen (80 mg/dl). Chimerism analysis using short tandem repeat (STR) PCR confirmed the diagnosis of GVHD. Marrow biopsy showed hemophagocytosis. The patient fulfilled the HLH‐2004 diagnostic criteria. He was kept on tacrolimus and steroids and was started on etanercept and ECP. After the first two cycles of ECP (one cycle defined as the weekly two procedures of ECP), the patient reported improvement of symptoms. He tolerated ECP well. His labs improved during the course of treatment, until his peripheral blood STR showed 100% recipient DNA. He was discharged after the fourth cycle of ECP to receive the remaining treatments as outpatient. At one year follow‐up, the patient is asymptomatic with no evidence of GVHD or HLH.

Discussion

ECP in combination with immunosuppressive therapy and etanercept was safe and efficient in managing GVHD and HLH following liver transplantation.
Proximal femoral deformity correction and total hip arthroplasty in a dog using 3D printed custom guides
Authors: Carvajal Jose L. , Kim Stanley E.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To report the successful correction of a proximal femoral deformity (PFD) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a dog with the use of three‐dimensionally (3D) printed custom surgical guides (CSGs).

Study design

Case report.

Animals

One‐year‐old, male neutered, Goldendoodle.

Methods

Uniapical proximal varus and recurvatum femoral deformity (PFD) precluded femoral stem placement for THA, which was indicated for severe hip dysplasia. Using CT‐derived bone and implant models, custom ostectomy and reduction guides for deformity correction were designed. A 13‐hole 3.5 mm locking compression plate was contoured and applied to 3D printed models of the corrected femur and screw trajectory holes were incorporated into the CSGs.

Results

A caudolateral closing wedge ostectomy of the proximal femur was achieved with the aid of the CSGs and precontoured plate to within 2° of varus and 1° of recurvatum of the virtual surgical plan. Placement of a press‐fit femoral stem was achieved with 7° of varus and 9° of caudal angulation. The plate was secured using six locking screws, two cortical screws, and two 18‐gauge double‐loop cerclage wires. No lameness and normal range of motion of the hip were observed on clinical examination 3 months after surgery. Radiographs at 3 and 6 months revealed static implant positioning, and complete bony union at the ostectomy site.

Conclusion

Virtual surgical planning and CSGs led to successful concurrent THA and femoral deformity correction.
The logarithmic Picard group and its tropicalization
Authors: Molcho Samouil , Wise Jonathan
Published: September 2022

We construct the logarithmic and tropical Picard groups of a family of logarithmic curves and realize the latter as the quotient of the former by the algebraic Jacobian. We show that the logarithmic Jacobian is a proper family of logarithmic abelian varieties over the moduli space of Deligne–Mumford stable curves, but does not possess an underlying algebraic stack. However, the logarithmic Picard group does have logarithmic modifications that are representable by logarithmic schemes, all of which are obtained by pullback from subdivisions of the tropical Picard group.
Decision-making in the management of obesity: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Skulsky Samuel , Kolozsvari Oana , Stacey Dawn , Shorr Risa , Gu Jeffrey
Published: September 2022

Objective:

This scoping review aims to evaluate the current published literature on decision-making in obesity management.

Introduction:

Obesity is increasing in incidence worldwide. Although indications have been established for a variety of available treatment modalities, treatment selection must also factor in patient preferences, clinician expertise, and resource availability. Such considerations are crucial given the exponential expansion of new surgical techniques and pharmacologic options in the last decade. Although literature exists for decision-making in various obesity management topics, there are no scoping reviews systematically mapping the literature. This scoping review is timely given that the treatment of obesity has evolved into a multidisciplinary endeavor with myriad management decisions that both patients and clinicians must navigate.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will consider for inclusion full-text primary studies on decision-making in obesity management, published in English from the year 2000 onwards, pertaining to decision-making in obesity management for health care providers involved in obesity management for patients aged ≥18 years.

Methods:

This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Embase (Elsevier), MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate), CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO), and Cochrane Central (Wiley) will be systematically searched using a predefined strategy. Two independent reviewers will conduct a three-tiered screen of identified articles, with a third reviewer resolving disputes. Data extraction will be performed using a predefined, yet flexible form. Descriptive summaries and mapping will be provided for included studies. Available evidence and knowledge gaps will be identified and summarized as they relate to specific concepts, populations, and contexts in obesity management decision-making.

Systematic Review Registration Number:

N/A for Scoping Reviews