bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐course subcutaneous treatment with PQ Grass strongly improves symptom and medication scores in grass allergy
Authors: de Kam P. J. , Zielen S. , Bernstein J. A. , Berger U. , Berger M. , Cuevas M. , Cypcar D. , Fuhr‐Horst A. , Greisner W. A. , Jandl M. , Laßmann S. , Worm M. , Matz J. , Sher E. , Smith C. , Steven G. C. , Mösges R. , Shamji M. H. , DuBuske L. , Borghese F. , Oluwayi K. , Zwingers T. , Seybold M. , Armfield O. , Heath M. D. , Hewings S. J. , Kramer M. F. , Skinner M. A.
Published: June 2023

Background

A modified grass allergen subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) product with MicroCrystalline Tyrosine and monophosphoryl lipid‐A as an adjuvant system (Grass MATA MPL [PQ Grass]) is being developed as short‐course treatment of grass‐pollen allergic rhinitis (SAR) and/or rhinoconjunctivitis. We sought to evaluate the combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) of the optimized cumulative dose of 27,600 standardized units (SU) PQ Grass in a field setting prior to embarking on a pivotal Phase III trial.

Methods

In this exploratory, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial subjects were enrolled across 14 sites (Germany and the United States of America). Six pre‐seasonal subcutaneous injections of PQ Grass (using conventional or extended regimens) or placebo were administered to 119 subjects (aged 18–65 years) with moderate‐to‐severe SAR with or without asthma that was well‐controlled. The primary efficacy endpoint was CSMS during peak grass pollen season (GPS). Secondary endpoints included Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire standardized (RQLQ‐S) and allergen‐specific IgG4 response.

Results

The mean CSMS compared to placebo was 33.1% (p = .0325) and 39.5% (p = .0112) for the conventional and extended regimens, respectively. An increase in IgG4 was shown for both regimens (p < .01) as well as an improvement in total RQLQ‐S for the extended regimen (mean change −0.72, p = .02). Both regimens were well‐tolerated.

Conclusions

This trial demonstrated a clinically relevant and statistically significant efficacy response to PQ Grass. Unprecedented effect sizes were reached for grass allergy of up to ≈40% compared to placebo for CSMS after only six PQ Grass injections. Both PQ Grass regimens were considered equally safe and well‐tolerated. Based on enhanced efficacy profile extended regime will be progressed to the pivotal Phase III trial.
The adipose‐derived stem cell peptide ADSCP2 alleviates hypertrophic scar fibrosis via binding with pyruvate carboxylase and remodeling the metabolic landscape
Authors: Li Jingyun , Yin Yiliang , Zou Jijun , Zhang Enyuan , Li Qian , Chen Ling , Li Jun
Published: June 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the function and mechanism of a novel peptide derived from adipose‐derived stem cell‐conditioned medium (ADSC‐CM).

Methods

Mass spectrometry was applied to identify expressed peptides in ADSC‐CM obtained at different time points. The cell counting kit‐8 assay and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions were performed to screen the functional peptides contained within ADSC‐CM. RNA‐seq, western blot, a back skin excisional model of BALB/c mice, the peptide pull‐down assay, rescue experiments, untargeted metabolomics, and mixOmics analysis were performed to thoroughly understand the functional mechanism of selected peptide.

Results

A total of 93, 827, 1108, and 631 peptides were identified in ADSC‐CM at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h of conditioning, respectively. A peptide named ADSCP2 (DENREKVNDQAKL) derived from ADSC‐CM inhibited collagen and ACTA2 mRNAs in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. Moreover, ADSCP2 facilitated wound healing and attenuated collagen deposition in a mouse model. ADSCP2 bound with the pyruvate carboxylase (PC) protein and inhibited PC protein expression. Overexpressing PC rescued the reduction in collagen and ACTA2 mRNAs caused by ADSCP2. Untargeted metabolomics identified 258 and 447 differential metabolites in the negative and positive mode, respectively, in the ADSCP2‐treated group. The mixOmics analysis, which integrated RNA‐seq and untargeted metabolomics data, provided a more holistic view of the functions of ADSCP2.

Conclusion

Overall, a novel peptide derived from ADSC‐CM, named ADSCP2, attenuated hypertrophic scar fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, and the novel peptide ADSCP2 might be a promising drug candidate for clinical scar therapy.
Dynamic distribution of gut microbiota during Alzheimer's disease progression in a mice model
Authors: Zhu Jianshen , Liu Shuyun , Zhang Haoran , Zhao Wenjing , Ding Jinmei , Dai Ronghua , Xu Ke , He Chuan , Liu Jiajia , Yang Lingyu , Meng He
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 44 million people worldwide. The pathogenic mechanisms of AD still remain unclear. Currently, there are numerous studies investigating the microbiota–gut–brain axis in humans and rodents indicated that gut microbiota played a role in neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. However, the underlying relationship between the progress of AD disease and the dynamic distribution of gut microbiota is not well understood. In the present study, APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice of different ages and sex were employed. After the evaluation of the AD mice model, gut metagenomic sequencing was conducted to reveal gut microbiota, moreover, probiotics intervention was treated in the AD mice. The results showed that (1) AD mice had reduced microbiota richness and a changed gut microbiota composition, and AD mice gut microbiota richness was correlated with cognitive performance. We have also found some potential AD‐related microbes, for example, in AD‐prone mice, the genus Mucispirillum was strongly associated with immune inflammation. (2) Probiotics intervention improved cognitive performance and changed gut microbiota richness and composition of AD mice. We revealed the dynamics distribution of gut microbiota and the effect of probiotics on AD in a mice model, which provides an important reference for the pathogenesis of AD, intestinal microbial markers associated with AD, and AD probiotic intervention.
Testing indirect effect with a complete or incomplete dichotomous mediator
Authors: Jia Fan , Wu Wei , Chen Po‐Yi
Published: June 2023

Past methodological research on mediation analysis mainly focused on situations where all variables were complete and continuous. When issues of categorical data occur combined with missing data, more methodological considerations are involved. Specifically, appropriate decisions need to be made on estimation methods of the indirect effects and on confidence intervals for testing the indirect effects with accommodations of missing data. We compare strategies that address these issues based on a model with a dichotomous mediator, aiming to provide guidelines for researchers facing such challenges in practice.
Data Stories of Water: Studying the Communicative Role of Data Visualizations within Long‐form Journalism
Authors: Garreton M. , Morini F. , Paz Moyano D. , Grün G.‐C. , Parra D. , Dörk M.
Published: June 2023

We present a methodology for making sense of the communicative role of data visualizations in journalistic storytelling and share findings from surveying water‐related data stories. Data stories are a genre of long‐form journalism that integrate text, data visualization, and other visual expressions (e.g., photographs, illustrations, videos) for the purpose of data‐driven storytelling. In the last decade, a considerable number of data stories about a wide range of topics have been published worldwide. Authors use a variety of techniques to make complex phenomena comprehensible and use visualizations as communicative devices that shape the understanding of a given topic. Despite the popularity of data stories, we, as scholars, still lack a methodological framework for assessing the communicative role of visualizations in data stories. To this extent, we draw from data journalism, visual culture, and multimodality studies to propose an interpretative framework in six stages. The process begins with the analysis of content blocks and framing elements and ends with the identification of dimensions, patterns, and relationships between textual and visual elements. The framework is put to the test by analyzing 17 data stories about water‐related issues. Our observations from the survey illustrate how data visualizations can shape the framing of complex topics.
A Comparative Evaluation of Visual Summarization Techniques for Event Sequences
Authors: Zinat Kazi Tasnim , Yang Jinhua , Gandhi Arjun , Mitra Nistha , Liu Zhicheng
Published: June 2023

Real‐world event sequences are often complex and heterogeneous, making it difficult to create meaningful visualizations using simple data aggregation and visual encoding techniques. Consequently, visualization researchers have developed numerous visual summarization techniques to generate concise overviews of sequential data. These techniques vary widely in terms of summary structures and contents, and currently there is a knowledge gap in understanding the effectiveness of these techniques. In this work, we present the design and results of an insight‐based crowdsourcing experiment evaluating three existing visual summarization techniques: CoreFlow, SentenTree, and Sequence Synopsis. We compare the visual summaries generated by these techniques across three tasks, on six datasets, at six levels of granularity. We analyze the effects of these variables on summary quality as rated by participants and completion time of the experiment tasks. Our analysis shows that Sequence Synopsis produces the highest‐quality visual summaries for all three tasks, but understanding Sequence Synopsis results also takes the longest time. We also find that the participants evaluate visual summary quality based on two aspects: content and interpretability. We discuss the implications of our findings on developing and evaluating new visual summarization techniques.
Tac‐Anticipator: Visual Analytics of Anticipation Behaviors in Table Tennis Matches
Authors: Wang Jiachen , Wu Yihong , Zhang Xiaolong , Zeng Yixin , Zhou Zheng , Zhang Hui , Xie Xiao , Wu Yingcai
Published: June 2023

Anticipation skill is important for elite racquet sports players. Successful anticipation allows them to predict the actions of the opponent better and take early actions in matches. Existing studies of anticipation behaviors, largely based on the analysis of in‐lab behaviors, failed to capture the characteristics of in‐situ anticipation behaviors in real matches. This research proposes a data‐driven approach for research on anticipation behaviors to gain more accurate and reliable insight into anticipation skills. Collaborating with domain experts in table tennis, we develop a complete solution that includes data collection, the development of a model to evaluate anticipation behaviors, and the design of a visual analytics system called Tac‐Anticipator. Our case study reveals the strengths and weaknesses of top table tennis players' anticipation behaviors. In a word, our work enriches the research methods and guidelines for visual analytics of anticipation behaviors.
Evaluating View Management for Situated Visualization in Web‐based Handheld AR
Authors: Batch A. , Shin S. , Liu J. , Butcher P. W. S. , Ritsos P. D. , Elmqvist N.
Published: June 2023

As visualization makes the leap to mobile and situated settings, where data is increasingly integrated with the physical world using mixed reality, there is a corresponding need for effectively managing the immersed user's view of situated visualizations. In this paper we present an analysis of view management techniques for situated 3D visualizations in handheld augmented reality: a shadowbox, a world‐in‐miniature metaphor, and an interactive tour. We validate these view management solutions through a concrete implementation of all techniques within a situated visualization framework built using a web‐based augmented reality visualization toolkit, and present results from a user study in augmented reality accessed using handheld mobile devices.
VISITOR: Visual Interactive State Sequence Exploration for Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Metz Yannick , Bykovets Eugene , Joos Lucas , Keim Daniel , El‐Assady Mennatallah
Published: June 2023

Understanding the behavior of deep reinforcement learning agents is a crucial requirement throughout their development. Existing work has addressed the identification of observable behavioral patterns in state sequences or analysis of isolated internal representations; however, the overall decision‐making of deep‐learning RL agents remains opaque. To tackle this, we present VISITOR, a visual analytics system enabling the analysis of entire state sequences, the diagnosis of singular predictions, and the comparison between agents. A sequence embedding view enables the multiscale analysis of state sequences, utilizing custom embedding techniques for a stable spatialization of the observations and internal states. We provide multiple layers: (1) a state space embedding, highlighting different groups of states inside the state‐action sequences, (2) a trajectory view, emphasizing decision points, (3) a network activation mapping, visualizing the relationship between observations and network activations, (4) a transition embedding, enabling the analysis of state‐to‐state transitions. The embedding view is accompanied by an interactive reward view that captures the temporal development of metrics, which can be linked directly to states in the embedding. Lastly, a model list allows for the quick comparison of models across multiple metrics. Annotations can be exported to communicate results to different audiences. Our two‐stage evaluation with eight experts confirms the effectiveness in identifying states of interest, comparing the quality of policies, and reasoning about the internal decision‐making processes.
Improved serologic responses to DTaP over Tdap vaccination in adult hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Xu Bolong , Gordillo Christian A. , Delille Elsa M. , Malandrakis Stephanie , Assal Amer , Mapara Markus Y. , Reshef Ran
Published: June 2023

Background

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients have reduced antibody titers to tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Tdap is approved for revaccinating adult HCT recipients in the United States, whereas DTaP is not approved in this population. To our knowledge, no studies to date have compared responses to DTaP versus Tdap in adult HCT patients. We conducted a retrospective study comparing responses to DTaP versus Tdap vaccines in otherwise similar adult HCT patients in order to determine if one of these vaccines elicits superior antibody responses.

Methods

We evaluated 43 allogeneic and autologous transplant recipients as a combined cohort and as separate subsets for vaccine specific antibody titers and proportion of strong vaccine responders. Subset analysis focused on the autologous transplant recipients.

Results

Higher median antibody titers were found to all vaccine components among DTaP recipients (diphtheria p = .021, pertussis p = .020, tetanus p = .007). DTaP recipients also had more strong responders to diphtheria and pertussis (diphtheria p = .002, pertussis p = .006). Among the autologous HCT recipient subset, there were more strong responders to diphtheria (p = .036).

Conclusions

Our data shows that post‐HCT vaccination with DTaP leads to higher antibody titers and more strong responders, which suggests that DTaP is more effective than Tdap in HCT recipients.
Tropical dry woodland loss occurs disproportionately in areas of highest conservation value
Authors: Buchadas Ana , Jung Martin , Bustamante Mercedes , Fernández‐Llamazares Álvaro , Garnett Stephen T. , Nanni Ana Sofía , Ribeiro Natasha , Meyfroidt Patrick , Kuemmerle Tobias
Published: June 2023

Tropical and subtropical dry woodlands are rich in biodiversity and carbon. Yet, many of these woodlands are under high deforestation pressure and remain weakly protected. Here, we assessed how deforestation dynamics relate to areas of woodland protection and to conservation priorities across the world's tropical dry woodlands. Specifically, we characterized different types of deforestation frontier from 2000 to 2020 and compared them to protected areas (PAs), Indigenous Peoples' lands and conservation areas for biodiversity, carbon and water. We found that global conservation priorities were always overrepresented in tropical dry woodlands compared to the rest of the globe (between 4% and 96% more than expected, depending on the type of conservation priority). Moreover, about 41% of all dry woodlands were characterized as deforestation frontiers, and these frontiers have been falling disproportionately in areas with important regional (i.e. tropical dry woodland) conservation assets. While deforestation frontiers were identified within all tropical dry woodland classes of woodland protection, they were lower than the average within protected areas coinciding with Indigenous Peoples' lands (23%), and within other PAs (28%). However, within PAs, deforestation frontiers have also been disproportionately affecting regional conservation assets. Many emerging deforestation frontiers were identified outside but close to PAs, highlighting a growing threat that the conserved areas of dry woodland will become isolated. Understanding how deforestation frontiers coincide with major types of current woodland protection can help target context‐specific conservation policies and interventions to tropical dry woodland conservation assets (e.g. PAs in which deforestation is rampant require stronger enforcement, inactive deforestation frontiers could benefit from restoration). Our analyses also identify recurring patterns that can be used to test the transferability of governance approaches and promote learning across social–ecological contexts.
Sublethal consequences of ultraviolet radiation exposure on vertebrates: Synthesis through meta‐analysis
Authors: Downie Adam T. , Wu Nicholas C. , Cramp Rebecca L. , Franklin Craig E.
Published: June 2023

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun is a natural daytime stressor for vertebrates in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. UVR effects on the physiology of vertebrates manifest at the cellular level, but have bottom‐up effects at the tissue level and on whole‐animal performance and behaviours. Climate change and habitat loss (i.e. loss of shelter from UVR) could interact with and exacerbate the genotoxic and cytotoxic impacts of UVR on vertebrates. Therefore, it is important to understand the range and magnitude of effects that UVR can have on a diversity of physiological metrics, and how these may be shaped by taxa, life stage or geographical range in the major vertebrate groups. Using a meta‐analytical approach, we used 895 observations from 47 different vertebrate species (fish, amphibian, reptile and bird), and 51 physiological metrics (i.e. cellular, tissue and whole‐animal metrics), across 73 independent studies, to elucidate the general patterns of UVR effects on vertebrate physiology. We found that while UVR's impacts on vertebrates are generally negative, fish and amphibians were the most susceptible taxa, adult and larvae were the most susceptible life stages, and animals inhabiting temperate and tropical latitudes were the most susceptible to UVR stress. This information is critical to further our understanding of the adaptive capacity of vulnerable taxon to UVR stress, and the wide‐spread sublethal physiological effects of UVR on vertebrates, such as DNA damage and cellular stress, which may translate up to impaired growth and locomotor performance. These impairments to individual fitness highlighted by our study may potentially cause disruptions at the ecosystem scale, especially if the effects of this pervasive diurnal stressor are exacerbated by climate change and reduced refuge due to habitat loss and degradation. Therefore, conservation of habitats that provide refuge to UVR stress will be critical to mitigate stress from this pervasive daytime stressor.
Injection technique of the upper face with onabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine
Authors: Boczarska‐Jedynak Magdalena , Blumenfeld Andrew M.
Published: June 2023

Background

The objective is to review the technique of onabotulinumtoxinA injection treatment in the glabellar and frontal regions using the PREEMPT (Phase III REsearch Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy) paradigm, with review of the aesthetic issues related to the procedure. OnabotulinumtoxinA is an effective medication for the prevention of chronic migraine. The PREEMPT injection paradigm has been validated in randomized clinical trials and real‐world settings. This treatment includes injections in the forehead and glabella area. In addition, for aesthetic uses, glabella onabotulinumtoxinA injections are done in similar muscles specifically the procerus, corrugator supercilii, and frontalis muscles. Often patients who have been injected with onabotulinumtoxinA for chronic migraine have concerns about their appearance and will ask if they can see an aesthetic injector to improve this. This is a difficult issue as onabotulinumtoxinA should be injected with an interval of 10–12 weeks to avoid development of antibodies against onabotulinumtoxinA, so all injections (migraine and aesthetic) should ideally be done close together; however, if an aesthetic injection is done on the same day as a PREEMPT injection, the effect of the PREEMPT injection will not yet be visible as it takes time for onabotulinumtoxinA effects to be seen. Thus, there is a risk of a potential overdose in a particular area if aesthetic injections are done without input from the PREEMPT injector.

Methods

This is a narrative review supported by photographic documentation showing the technique of onabotulinumtoxinA injection of the upper face, considering anatomical differences between patients, and combining the needs in neurology and aesthetic medicine fields.

Results

Practitioners treating chronic migraine often modify some of the principles of the PREEMPT paradigm. Many practitioners are unsure about injections in the glabellar and frontal areas. The authors present a technique for using the PREEMPT protocol and adapting this to the individual patient's anatomy to prevent an unsightly appearance or ptosis. In addition, sites are provided where an aesthetic injector could inject to improve the patient's appearance without overlapping with the PREEMPT injection sites.

Conclusion

Adherence to the PREEMPT injection protocol provides an evidence‐based approach to achieving clinical benefit for patients with chronic migraine. Aesthetic elements of the treatment of the glabella and forehead require additional attention. The authors provide practical considerations and recommendations regarding this.
Microwave absorption properties of (1 − x)La0.85Ag0.15MnO3/x graphene (x = 0, 3, and 5 wt.%) composites
Authors: Apandi Nur Ain Athirah , Ibrahim Norazila Binti , Khan Zuhani Ismail , Azis Rabaah Syahidah
Published: June 2023

Composite of (1 − x)La0.85Ag0.15MnO3/x graphene (x = 0, 3, and 5 wt.%) and epoxy resin with a ratio of 4:1 were prepared to investigate the influence of the addition of graphene in (1 − x)La0.85Ag0.15MnO3/x graphene on real and imaginary parts of permittivity, permeability, as well as microwave reflection loss (RL), using a vector network analyzer in the 8–18 GHz of the frequency range. It is found that the value of RL is smaller at x = 3 wt.% (−20.74 dB at 14.85 GHz) and 5 wt.% (−14.81 at 16.50 GHz) compared to at x = 0 wt.% (−8.89 dB at 15.90 GHz). The result indicates that microwave absorption properties significantly improved as a result of the addition of graphene. It is suggested that the addition of graphene enhanced the dielectric loss–related mechanism such as interfacial polarization and conduction loss resulting in an improvement of microwave absorption performance for both x = 3 wt.% and x = 5 wt.% samples. It also shows that the observed enhanced microwave absorption properties may also be influenced by the resistivity of the sample as x = 3 wt.% sample exhibits enhanced microwave absorption properties and the lowest resistivity among the studied samples.
A comparative study on the physicochemical characteristics and protein digestibility of tofu induced by magnesium chloride or combined with transglutaminase
Authors: Tang Ting , Shi Yifan , Yang Siran , Li Jikeyi , Chen Jiaying , Wu Xiaoqin , Xing Guangliang
Published: June 2023

In this study, tofu was prepared through the addition of transglutaminase (TGase) for pre‐crosslinking at varying durations (1, 2 and 3 h), followed by the addition of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) to soymilk. The physicochemical properties and protein digestibility were analysed. Results indicated that, with the prolongation of TGase pre‐crosslinking time, the zeta‐potential absolute value and the average particle size of soymilk increased gradually. In contrast, the pH value remained unchanged (P > 0.05), suggesting that the colloidal stability of soymilk improved with TGase treatment. Both the water‐holding capacity (WHC) and gel strength of tofu gels exhibited a first increasing and then decreasing trend with prolonged pre‐crosslinking time. Notably, the highest WHC and hardness values of tofu gels prepared by adding MgCl2 after pre‐crosslinking with TGase for 1 h were 96.5 ± 0.5% and 363.9 ± 28.3 g, respectively. Subsequently, in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion of tofu samples prepared under this condition was conducted to determine changes in soluble protein content, small peptide content and protein hydrolysis spectrum. Gastric and intestinal digestion phases were the primary stages of protein hydrolysis, and the bioavailability of proteins in TGase+MgCl2‐induced tofu was higher than in MgCl2‐coagulated tofu. Therefore, tofu prepared through TGase pre‐treatment was more conducive to soybean protein digestion and absorption.
Does primary urethral realignment improve the outcome of pediatric pelvic fracture urethral injury? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Taha Taha M. , Ali Mohamed O. , Shahat Ahmed A. , Abdalla Medhat A. , Hammouda Hisham M. , Behnsawy Hosny M.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the efficacy of primary urethral realignment in the prevention of urethral stenosis and in simplifying delayed urethroplasty after complete pelvic fracture urethral injury in male children.

Methods

This randomized comparative trial included 40 boys <18 years with complete pelvic fracture urethral injury. The initial management was a primary urethral realignment in 20 boys and suprapubic cystostomy alone in the remaining 20 boys. The boys who underwent primary urethral realignment were assessed regarding the development of urethral stenosis. Boys who needed to be delayed urethroplasty in the two groups were compared regarding urethral defect length, intraoperative details, postoperative outcomes, number of procedures, and time to achieve normal voiding.

Results

Although 14 (70%) patients were able to void after primary urethral realignment, all of them developed urethral stenosis and needed delayed urethroplasty. No statistically significant difference between the two groups was found regarding urethral defect length, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. Patients in the primary urethral realignment group underwent significantly more procedures (p < 0.001) and took a significantly longer time to achieve normal voiding (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Primary urethral realignment is neither able to prevent urethral stenosis nor effective in simplifying later urethroplasty after complete pelvic fracture urethral injury in male children. It exposes the patients to more surgical procedures and a prolonged clinical course.
A feasibility study of urinary catheter removal protocol following transurethral prostatectomy procedure in older patients
Authors: Pan Jin‐Hua , Tsai Yuh‐Shyan , Cheng Yu‐Sheng , Chang Chia‐Ming , Wang Kuei‐Ying , Hu Fang‐Wen
Published: June 2023

We hypothesized that older patients who underwent a urinary catheter removal protocol would not have an increased risk of postoperative complications. We further hypothesized that the revised protocol would be more suitable for clinical application. This study aimed to develop a urinary catheter removal protocol after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate and to assess the feasibility of the protocol to support catheter removal and promote recovery of self‐voiding function. Delayed catheter removal after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate was associated with urinary tract infection and longer hospital stays. However, no strategy has been described to promote recovery of self‐voiding function after catheter removal after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. The urinary catheter removal protocol was developed through expert consensus, including strategies for caring for urinary catheters, assessment of urinary catheter removal, and strategies after urinary catheter removal. Moreover, a quasi‐experimental design was adopted in the urology ward of a tertiary care medical centre in southern Taiwan. Patients aged ≥65 years who underwent Transurethral Resection of the Prostate were included. A total of 13 patients (intervention = 5; control = 8) were included in the feasibility evaluation. A urinary catheter removal protocol after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate was developed and the consensus among experts on the urinary catheter removal protocol was 99%. There were no significant differences in terms of bleeding, urine retention, urinary tract infection, or re‐catheterization between the two groups. However, in the intervention group, the pain score decreased significantly on the second day after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. This revised urinary catheter removal protocol after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate may be suitable for clinical applications. However, small size reduces the statistical power of the findings and further studies are needed to examine the current protocol does not have an increased risk of postoperative complications.
The effect of education given to university students on health beliefs and testicular self‐examination
Authors: Saygili Duzova Ulku , Duzova Mursel , Golcur Gorkem , Arıcı Emin , Idin Muhammed
Published: June 2023

This research aims to evaluate the effect of group‐oriented peer education given to university students with testicular cancer on health beliefs and self‐examination. Is there a statistical difference in the average of health belief points of university students before education compared to after education? Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men aged 0–34 years, and is the third most common cancer in men worldwide. It ranks first among the most common types of cancer in men of the same age in Turkey. This research is a semi‐experimental quantitative study with a single group pre‐test and post‐test design. The students of the health care services and therapy rehabilitation department of a Turkish state university participated in the study. The number of students to be included in the study was determined as n = 78 when the calculation was made according to the sample selection formula for the group whose universe was known. Data were obtained from the personal information form, the testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination‐related health beliefs scale, and the self‐examination form. This study followed the ethical directions of the Helsinki Declaration. Ethics committee approval and institutional permission were obtained before the study was conducted. The students were informed about the purpose of the research, and their consent was obtained to participate in the research. Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon, and chi‐square analyses were performed for data analysis. A significant difference was found between pre‐test and post‐test scores of severity and care, benefit and health motivation, barriers, and self‐efficacy (p < 0.05). In the study, it was determined that group‐oriented peer education was effective in promoting testicular self‐examination. Experimental studies with larger study groups are recommended to increase testicular self‐examination. Practice educational initiatives should be planned to encourage nurses to perform testicular self‐exam in the best environment and education model where they can reach men in the risk group between the ages of 15–25 organization of planned trainings for men. This study is the small sample size. A larger and more representative sample of students from the social and health departments of different faculties would have provided more reliable results.
Nasal shedding of vaccine viruses after immunization with a Russian‐backbone live attenuated influenza vaccine in India
Authors: Dar Lalit , Krishnan Anand , Kumar Ramesh , Dhakad Shivram , Choudekar Avinash , Bagga Sumedha , Sharma Amrit , Kumar Amit , Jethani Jyoti , Saha Siddhartha , Amarchand Ritvik , Kumar Rakesh , Choudhary Aashish , Narayan Venkatesh Vinayak , Gopal Giridara , Lafond Kathryn E. , Lindstrom Stephen
Published: June 2023

Background

We present post‐vaccination nasal shedding findings from the phase IV, community‐based, triple‐blinded RCT conducted to assess efficacy of trivalent LAIV and inactivated influenza vaccines in rural north India.

Methods

Children aged 2–10 years received LAIV or intranasal placebo across 2015 and 2016, as per initial allocation. On days 2 and 4 post‐vaccination, trained study nurses collected nasal swabs from randomly selected subset of trial participants based on operational feasibility, accounting for 10.0% and 11.4% of enrolled participants in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Swabs were collected in viral transport medium and transported under cold chain to laboratory for testing by reverse transcriptase real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In year 1, on day 2 post‐vaccination, 71.2% (74/104) of LAIV recipients shed at least one of vaccine virus strains compared to 42.3% (44/104) on day 4. During year 1, on day 2 post‐vaccination, LAIV‐A(H1N1)pdm09 was detected in nasal swabs of 12% LAIV recipients, LAIV‐A(H3N2) in 41%, and LAIV‐B in 59%. In year 2, virus shedding was substantially lower; 29.6% (32/108) of LAIV recipients shed one of the vaccine virus strains on day 2 compared to 21.3% on day 4 (23/108).

Conclusion

At day 2 post‐vaccination in year 1, two‐thirds of LAIV recipients were shedding vaccine viruses. Shedding of vaccine viruses varied between strains and was lower in year 2. More research is needed to determine the reason for lower virus shedding and vaccine efficacy for LAIV‐A(H1N1)pdm09.
Sex‐based differences in safety and efficacy of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yadav Ritu , Milstein Jenna , Blum Jacob , Lazieh Stefany , Yang Victor , Zhao Xiyu , Muquit Siam , Malwankar Jui , Marine Joseph E. , Berger Ronald , Calkins Hugh , Spragg David
Published: June 2023

Background

Studies have identified significant sex‐based differences and disparities in the clinical presentation and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Studies have shown women are less likely to be referred for catheter ablation, are older at the time of ablation, and are more likely to have recurrence after ablation. However, in most studies investigating AF ablation outcomes, the female cohorts were relatively small. The impact of sex on the outcome and safety of ablation procedures is still unclear.

Objective

To investigate sex‐based differences in outcomes and complications after AF catheter ablation, with a significant female cohort

Method

In this retrospective study, patients undergoing AF ablation from January 1, 2014, to March 31, 2021, were included. We investigated clinical characteristics, duration and progression of AF, number of EP appointments from diagnosis to ablation, procedural data, and procedure complications.

Results

Total of 1346 patients underwent first catheter ablation for AF during this period, including 896 (66.5%) male and 450 (33.4%) female patients. Female patients were older at the time of ablation (66.2 vs. 62.4 years; p < .001). Women had higher CHA2DS2‐VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, stroke, vascular disease, sex category) scores (3 vs. 2; p < .001) than men, expectedly, as the female sex warrants an additional point. 25.3% female patients had PersAF at the time of diagnosis versus 35.3% male patients (p < .001). At the time of ablation, 31.8% female patients had PersAF as compared to 43.1% male patients (p < .001), indicating progression of PAF to PersAF in both sexes. Women tried more AADs than men before ablation (1.13 vs. 0.98; p = .002). Male and female patients had no statistically significant difference in (a) arrhythmia recurrence at 1‐year post ablation (27.7% vs. 30%; p = .38) or (b) procedural complication rate (1.8% vs. 3.1%; p = .56).

Conclusion

Female patients were older and had higher CHA2DS2‐VASc scores compared to males at the time of AF ablation. Women tried more AADs than men before ablation. One‐year arrhythmia recurrence rates and procedural complications were similar in both sexes. No sex‐based differences were observed in safety and efficacy of ablation.
Elucidating the trophic role of Tapinoma ibericum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as a potential predator of olive pests
Authors: Álvarez Hugo Alejandro , García‐García Antonio , Sandoval Pedro , Martín‐Blázquez Ruben , Seifert Bernhard , Tinaut Alberto , Ruano Francisca
Published: June 2023

Ants play a key role in improving the structure and function of local communities. They interact with plants, herbivores, predators and parasitoids and are able to change their trophic role in space and time. These features, however, make it difficult to establish the net trophic role of ants in agroecosystems. Here we aim to determine the isotopic enrichment and tissue incorporation rates in ants of the Tapinoma nigerrimum complex, which are found abundantly in olive orchards (i.e. T. ibericum), to determine their trophic role through stable isotopes analysis. We compared the isotopic signature of ants feeding on (1) natural diets, (2) experimental diets and (3) contrasting diets of ants inhabiting natural habitats and olive orchards with different management systems. Then, we contrasted our isotopic results on natural diets with the prey of ant foragers in olive orchards. Our results showed that (1) ants from olive orchards had an isotopic signature different from that of a hyper‐predator; (2) the isotopic signature did not vary significantly amongst different management practices and (3) the diet of ants in nature varies greatly on preys according to resource availability, which may be reflected in isotopic signatures. Therefore, T. ibericum is a species that can potentially contribute to control olive pests without posing a risk to other natural enemies because commonly it is not a hyper‐predator. The information presented here could be used by farmers and technicians to enhance local biological control planning and/or strategies in olive orchards.
Combined effects of high hydrostatic pressure and chemical pre‐treatment on physico‐chemical properties of beef, using FTIR and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Giménez Belén , Rodríguez Hernán B. , Graiver Natalia , Zaritzky Noemí
Published: June 2023

High pressure processing (HPP) was combined with a previous short chemical treatment to stabilize the color of beef tissue. Beef samples were treated with a solution containing ascorbic acid, sodium chloride, and a very low concentration of sodium nitrite. The effects of pressure levels (0.1–600 MPa) and preservative solution on: (i) color properties based on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), which determines the relative concentrations of muscle pigments, (ii) protein denaturation and changes in the secondary structures by DSC and FTIR‐ATR, were determined.

At high pressures, the disappearance of DSC peaks due to protein denaturation, a decrease in the proportion of α‐helix and an increase in the percentage of disordered structures, were evidenced. DRS spectra and Kublelka‐Munk theory equations demonstrated that nitrosilmyoglobin was a more stable chromophore, decreasing discoloration of the tissue. These techniques contribute to the knowledge of the physico‐chemical properties of the tissue submitted to combined preservation processes.

Practical Applications

There is an increasing demand from consumers for high‐quality beef products, with significant emphasis placed on color and safety attributes. Extending the shelf life by applying high hydrostatic pressure treatment (HHP) improves food safety and will produce a positive impact on both the industry and consumers. HHP is a non‐thermal preservation technology with generally minimal effects on sensory qualities and nutritional content; however, the direct application of this technology on beef leads to the production of a product with an unacceptable pale coloration. Therefore, it must be remarked that a pre‐treatment stage by immersing the pieces in a preservative solution is essential to improve the color of beef products treated by HHP. In this regard, from a technological point of view, it is very important to know the combined effects of both stages (short chemical treatment and high‐pressure) on the quality of beef products.
Singlehood during later life: Theoretical considerations for health and social relationships
Authors: Ermer Ashley E. , Keenoy Jaclyn Elisa
Published: June 2023

Older adults are a growing segment of the population. The number of single older adults is increasing, making older adulthood a salient developmental period to examine singlehood. In this article, we focus on older adults' singlehood experiences based on marital status and delve into theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. Specifically, we focus on theories related to the life course and social constructionist perspectives. We include the cumulative advantage/disadvantage model, convalescence model, marital biographies, and social convoy model under life course perspectives and the gender as relational approach, ambiguous loss, and marriage as a greedy institution under social constructionist perspectives. To conclude, we examine how to integrate these theories and methodological considerations to better understand singlehood during later life. The integration of theory and methodologies can help guide research, which, in turn, allows for a more complete understanding of singlehood, which can bolster the quality of life for single older adults.
The risk of recurrent pancreatitis after first episode of acute pancreatitis in relation to etiology and severity of disease: A systematic review, meta‐analysis and meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Hajibandeh Shahab , Jurdon Rebecca , Heaton Emily , Hajibandeh Shahin , O'Reilly David
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim

The study aims to determine and quantify the stratified risk of recurrent pancreatitis (RP) after the first episode of acute pancreatitis in relation to etiology and severity of disease.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis in compliance with PRISMA statement standards was conducted. A search of electronic information sources was conducted to identify all studies investigating the risk of RP after the first episode of acute pancreatitis. Proportion meta‐analysis models using random effects were constructed to calculate the weighted summary risks of RP. Meta‐regression was performed to evaluate the effect of different variables on the pooled outcomes.

Results

Analysis of 57,815 patients from 42 studies showed that the risk of RP after first episode was 19.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.5–22.1%). The risk of RP was 11.9% (10.2–13.5%) after gallstone pancreatitis, 28.7% (23.5–33.9%) after alcohol‐induced pancreatitis, 30.3% (15.5–45.0%) after hyperlipidemia‐induced pancreatitis, 38.1% (28.9–47.3%) after autoimmune pancreatitis, 15.1% (11.6–18.6%) after idiopathic pancreatitis, 22.0% (16.9–27.1%) after mild pancreatitis, 23.9% (12.9–34.8%) after moderate pancreatitis, 21.6% (14.6–28.7%) after severe pancreatitis, and 6.6% (4.1–9.2%) after cholecystectomy following gallstone pancreatitis. Meta‐regression confirmed that the results were not affected by the year of study (P = 0.541), sample size (P = 0.064), length of follow‐up (P = 0.348), and age of patients (P = 0.138) in the included studies.

Conclusions

The risk of RP after the first episode of acute pancreatitis seems to be affected by the etiology of pancreatitis but not the severity of disease. The risks seem to be higher in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis, hyperlipidemia‐induced pancreatitis, and alcohol‐induced pancreatitis and lower in patients with gallstone pancreatitis and idiopathic pancreatitis.
The significance of nonsurgical therapies for cervical infection of high‐risk human papilloma virus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Yang Hua
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess whether nonsurgical therapies were related with clearance of cervical infection of high‐risk human papilloma virus (hr‐HPV) or regression of mild abnormal cytology related with hr‐HPV.

Methods

Until March 2023, we identified a total of 10 424 women with cervical infection of hr‐HPV and 1966 women with mild abnormal cytology related with hr‐HPV from 44 studies that met the inclusion criteria.

Results

After systematically retrieving literature, we identified 2317 citations and 44 randomized controlled studies (RCT) were enrolled. Cumulative results suggested women with cervical infection of hr‐HPV might benefit from nonsurgical therapies. Both the clearance of hr‐HPV (OR: 3.83, I2 = 99%, p < 0.00001) and regression of mild abnormal cytology related with hr‐HPV (OR: 3.12, I2 = 63%, p < 0.00001) were significantly higher than control group. Subgroup analysis stratified by systematic therapy, topical therapy, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), and presistent hr‐HPV got consistent results. There was substantial heterogeneity between trials (I2 = 87% for clearance of hr‐HPV and 63% for regression of cytology), sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding single study one by one, and found the cumulative results were stable and dependable. Both the funnel plots for clearance of hr‐HPV and regression of abnormal cytology were asymmetrical, significant publication bias might exist.

Conclusion

Nonsurgical therapies might benefit women who had a cervical infection of hr‐HPV with/without mild abnormal cytology related with hr‐HPV. Both the clearance of hr‐HPV and regression of abnormal cytology were significantly higher than control group. More studies with less heterogeneity were needed urgently to draw concrete conclusion.