bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of Behçet syndrome presenting with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Akkuzu Gamze , Erdoğan Aslan , Moustafa Chanife , Deniz Rabia , Özgür Duygu Sevinç , Karaalioğlu Bilgin , Yıldırım Fatih , Bes Cemal
Published: July 2023

Cardiac involvement (CI) is rare in Behçet syndrome (BS), but the important point is that CI may be the first manifestation of the disease. The presence of CI worsens the prognosis of BS, so early diagnosis and early initiation of immunosuppressive treatment (IST) are vital. Coronary aneurysm may develop spontaneously in these patients, or any vascular intervention may cause aneurysm with a pathergy‐like reaction. The risk of restenosis is high after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass surgery applied without IST. Therefore, it should be kept in mind that IST constitutes the main step of treatment. Herein, we present a young male diagnosed with BS after acute coronary syndrome caused by coronary artery aneurysms and thrombosis.
A case of certolizumab‐induced purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi and literature review
Authors: Karstarlı Bakay Ozge S. , Bakay Umut
Published: July 2023

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitors are now widely used to treat immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases. Although they have a good safety profile, they are also associated with adverse cutaneous events. Pigmented purpuric dermatoses (PPD) include a variety of skin diseases characterized by multiple petechial hemorrhages due to capillaritis. Five major clinical types of PPD have been described and purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi (PATM) is a rare subtype of PPD. The cause of PPD is unknown, but drugs are implicated in a minority of cases. There are very few cases in the literature triggered by TNFα inhibitors. We present a case of PATM induced by certolizumab pegol and perform a review including 4 articles in the literature reporting 5 PPD cases induced by TNFα inhibitors. When purpuric eruptions develop in patients treated with TNFα inhibitors, PPD and vasculitis should be differentiated. Thus, patients are not exposed to unnecessary evaluations and treatments.
Managerial inclusiveness and corporate innovation in China
Authors: Deng Siyi , He Jie
Published: July 2023

This study explores how managerial inclusiveness affects corporate innovation. Using an annual dataset of A‐share Chinese listed companies from 2008 to 2021, we find that managerial inclusiveness is positively related to corporate innovation. Market competition and team heterogeneity positively moderate the relationship between managerial inclusiveness and innovation. In addition, managerial inclusiveness in state‐owned enterprises plays a more significant role in promoting corporate innovation than it does in non‐state‐owned enterprises. By investigating the mechanism of influence, we found that inclusive managers can promote corporate innovation by relaxing internal controls and increasing corporate risk‐taking.
Vintage capital and trade credit
Authors: Khoo Joye , Cheung Adrian (Wai Kong)
Published: July 2023

This paper examines whether and how capital age influences trade credit extended by suppliers. We find that firms with older capital are associated with a reduction in trade credit offered by suppliers, which is consistent with the view that vintage capital, with outdated technology, is detrimental to firms. Employee outside opportunity, labour mobility and organisational capital are important factors that moderate the association between capital age on trade credit. Our findings are not driven by specific industry sectors or periods and remain robust to alternative measures of trade credit and to endogeneity concerns. In addition, we show evidence that shareholders view vintage capital as value‐destructive. In sum, this study reveals that risk exposure associated with capital age matters for corporate trade credit decisions.
Colorectal polyp outcomes after participation in the seAFOod polyp prevention trial: Evidence of rebound elevated colorectal polyp risk after short‐term aspirin use
Authors: Downing Amy , Fenton Hayley , Nickerson Claire , Loadman Paul M. , Williams Elizabeth A. , Rees Colin J. , Brown Louise C. , Morris Eva J. A. , Hull Mark A.
Published: July 2023

Background

The seAFOod polyp prevention trial was a randomised, placebo‐controlled, 2 × 2 factorial trial of aspirin 300 mg and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 2000 mg daily in individuals who had a screening colonoscopy in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP). Aspirin treatment was associated with a 20% reduction in colorectal polyp number at BCSP surveillance colonoscopy 12 months later. It is unclear what happens to colorectal polyp risk after short‐term aspirin use.

Aim

To investigate colorectal polyp risk according to the original trial treatment allocation, up to 6 years after trial participation.

Methods

All seAFOod trial participants were scheduled for further BCSP surveillance and provided informed consent for the collection of colonoscopy outcomes. We linked BCSP colonoscopy data to trial outcomes data.

Results

In total, 507 individuals underwent one or more colonoscopies after trial participation. Individuals grouped by treatment allocation were well matched for clinical characteristics, follow‐up duration and number of surveillance colonoscopies. The polyp detection rate (PDR; the number of individuals who had ≥1 colorectal polyp detected) after randomization to placebo aspirin was 71.1%. The PDR was 80.1% for individuals who had received aspirin (odds ratio [OR] 1.13 [95% confidence interval 1.02, 1.24]; p = 0.02). There was no difference in colorectal polyp outcomes between individuals who had been allocated to EPA compared with its placebo (OR for PDR 1.00 [0.91, 1.10]; p = 0.92).

Conclusion

Individuals who received aspirin in the seAFOod trial demonstrated increased colorectal polyp risk during post‐trial surveillance. Rebound elevated neoplastic risk after short‐term aspirin use has important implications for aspirin cessation driven by age‐related bleeding risk. ISRCTN05926847.
Beyond as bridges: The role of the Chinese voluntary associations in Chinese outward foreign direct investment in Southeast Asia
Authors: Liang Yutian , Zhou Zhengke
Published: July 2023

With the implementation of the ‘Go Global’ strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese enterprises have gradually grown into the main force of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) around the world. Overseas and domestic Chinese voluntary associations (CVAs) have actively promoted inward foreign direct investment in China, while their role in helping Chinese enterprises invest abroad has not been fully revealed. To address this lacuna, we explore the role of CVAs in the foreign direct investment of Chinese enterprises in Southeast Asia and the heterogeneity of their roles based on different types of associations. Our main argument is that CVAs play an intermediary role in shaping Chinese OFDI by facilitating bilateral information exchange and resource matching to enable enterprises' global–local interactions. This research contributes to verifying the impact of CVAs on Chinese enterprises' OFDI and providing implications for both host countries to attract investment and multinational enterprises from China and other developing countries to achieve internationalisation.
Exploring the role of ex vivo metabolism on blood and plasma measurements of oxytocin among women in the third stage of labour: A post hoc study
Authors: Oliver Victoria L. , Siederer Sarah , Cahn Anthony , Gajewska‐Knapik Katarzyna , Gibson Rachel A. , Goodall Cleo , Kirkpatrick Carl , Murray Jack , Nguyen Tri‐Hung , Schneider Ian , Lambert Pete , McIntosh Michelle P. , Parry Simon
Published: July 2023

Aims

To examine the role of ex vivo oxytocin metabolism in post‐dose peptide measurements.

Methods

The stability of oxytocin (Study 1) and oxytocinase activity (Study 2) in late‐stage pregnancy blood was quantified using liquid‐chromatography tandem mass‐spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and a fluorogenic assay, respectively. Analyses were conducted using blood from pregnant women (>36 weeks gestation) evaluated in lithium heparin (LH), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and BD P100 blood collection tubes with or without protease inhibitors. In addition, plasma oxytocin concentrations following administration of oxytocin 240 IU inhaled, 5 IU intravenous or 10 IU intramuscular in women in third stage of labour (TSL) were analysed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and LC–MS/MS to understand how quantified peptide concentrations differ between these analytical methods (Study 3).

Results

Study 1: Oxytocin was stable in blood collected into EDTA tubes with or without protease inhibitors but not in LH tubes. Study 2: Blood collected into all EDTA‐containing collection tubes led to near‐complete inhibition of oxytocinase (≤100 min). In plasma, a 35% reduction in oxytocinase activity was observed in LH tubes with EDTA added. In plasma from late‐stage pregnancy compared to nonpregnant participants, the oxytocinase activity was approximately 11‐fold higher. Study 3: Plasma oxytocin concentrations from nonpregnant or women in TSL following exogenous oxytocin administration were ≤33 times higher when analysed using ELISA vs. LC–MS/MS methods.

Conclusions

Collection of blood from late‐stage pregnant women into tubes containing EDTA inhibits oxytocinase effectively stabilizing oxytocin, suggesting low concentrations of oxytocin after dose administration reflect rapid in vivo metabolism.
Individual‐level brain morphological similarity networks: Current methodologies and applications
Authors: Cai Mengjing , Ma Juanwei , Wang Zirui , Zhao Yao , Zhang Yijing , Wang He , Xue Hui , Chen Yayuan , Zhang Yujie , Wang Chunyang , Zhao Qiyu , Xue Kaizhong , Liu Feng
Published: July 2023

Aims

The human brain is an extremely complex system in which neurons, clusters of neurons, or regions are connected to form a complex network. With the development of neuroimaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based brain networks play a key role in our understanding of the intricate architecture of human brain. Among them, the structural MRI‐based brain morphological network approach has attracted increasing attention due to the advantages in data acquisition, image quality, and in revealing the structural organizing principles intrinsic to the brain. This review is to summarize the methodology and related applications of individual‐level morphological networks.

Background

There have been a growing number of studies related to brain morphological similarity networks. Conventional morphological networks are intersubject covariance networks constructed using a certain morphological indicator of a group of subjects; individual‐level morphological networks, on the other hand, measure the morphological similarity between brain regions for individual brains and can reflect the morphological information of single subjects. In recent years, individual morphological networks have demonstrated significant worth in exploring the topological changes of the human brain under both normal and disease conditions. Such studies provided novel perspectives for understanding human brain development and exploring the pathological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Conclusion

This paper mainly focuses on the studies of brain morphological networks at the individual level, introduces several ways for network construction, reviews representative work in this field, and finally points out current problems and future directions.
Moving beyond eat less, move more using willpower: Reframing obesity as a chronic disease impact of the 2020 Canadian obesity guidelines reframed narrative on perceptions of self and the patient–provider relationship
Authors: English Sara , Vallis Michael
Published: July 2023

Obesity is becoming recognized as a complex, chronic medical condition. However, the dominant treatment narrative remains that goal weight can be achieved by eating less, moving more using willpower, placing responsibility for change on the person with obesity (PwO). This study evaluated the impact of revising this narrative, to viewing obesity as a treatable medical condition, on internalized weight bias and perceived patient–provider relationship. PwO were recruited into an online study in which two videos were presented; the first showing a traditional doctor endorsing the eat less, move more approach, and the second showing a doctor describing obesity as a treatable medical condition. After each video participants were asked to imagine that they were being treated by that doctor and completed the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) and the Patient–Health Care Provider Communication Scale (PHCPCS). A total of 61 PwO (52% response rate) completed the protocol. Compared to the traditional narrative video, the revised narrative video resulted in significant reductions in WBIS scores and significant increases in the PHCPCS scores and was preferred by participants. Within the context of this small‐scale study evidence supports that the revised narrative promoting obesity as a complex, chronic but treatable medical condition that is not the result of personal failure has a positive impact on the perceived patient–provider relationship and is associated with reductions in internalized weight bias. This evidence supports the need to help PwO reframe obesity from a personal failure to a legitimate medical condition worthy of care.
Rubber's inclusion in zero‐deforestation legislation is necessary but not sufficient to reduce impacts on biodiversity
Authors: Warren‐Thomas Eleanor , Ahrends Antje , Wang Yunxia , Wang Maria M. H. , Jones Julia P. G.
Published: July 2023

Agricultural commodity production is a major driver of tropical deforestation and biodiversity loss. Natural rubber from Hevea brasiliensis, a valuable commodity without viable substitutes, has recently been included in the European Union (EU) deforestation regulation that aims to halt imports of goods containing embedded deforestation. Sustained growth in demand for rubber is driven by increasing tire production, caused by rising transport flows and personal car ownership. We show that average natural rubber yields remain static, meaning 2.7–5.3 million ha of additional plantations could be needed by 2030 to meet demand. A systematic literature search identified 106 case studies concerning transitions to and from rubber, revealing that substantial rubber plantation area expansion since 2010 has occurred at the expense of natural forest. Eliminating deforestation from rubber supply chains requires support for millions of smallholder growers to maintain or increase production from existing plantations, without land or water degradation. Supply chain traceability efforts offer opportunities to deliver such support. While the inclusion of rubber in EU legislation is a positive step, it is critical to ensure that smallholders are not marginalized to avoid exacerbating poverty, and that other markets follow suit to avoid displacement of rubber‐driven deforestation to unregulated markets.
Transfusion requirements and complication rate in β‐thalassemia intermedia due to heterozygous β‐globin gene mutation and triplicated α‐globin genes
Authors: Bonello‐Palot Nathalie , Benoit Audrey , Agouti Imane , Hamouda Ilyes , Brousse Valentine ,   NaThalY Network, Badens Catherine
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The heterozygous condition for β‐thalassemia mutation associated with an extra functional α‐globin gene can produce a Thalassemia Intermedia (TI) phenotype. This genotype is the second in frequency in the French Thalassemia Registry NaThalY that prospectively collects laboratory and clinical data.

Materials and Methods

The present report analyses transfusion needs, iron overload (ferritin, hepatic and cardiac iron concentrations), and complication rates in 45 patients included in NaThalY and presenting a heterozygous β0 or β+‐thalassemia mutation associated with a triplication at HBA locus. This cohort was compared to a cohort of patients with TI due to mutations in the beta‐globin gene only and included in the French registry.

Results

Patients with an extra functional α‐globin gene showed a less severe anemia, lower transfusion needs and lower complication rates than those with TI related to the β‐globin gene only. Nevertheless, some of them displayed complications such as cholelithiasis or extramedullary hematopoiesis. In addition, one third of the cohort needed transfusions and another third was under iron chelation.

Conclusion

The genotype associating a heterozygous β0 or β+‐thalassemia mutation with a triplication at HBA locus should be accurately diagnosed as it could lead to symptomatic anemia and to potential iron overload and iron‐related complications even in patients with no transfusion need.
Persistence of a proinflammatory status after treatment of the acute myocardial infarction
Authors: da Silva Leandro Santos , Germano Danielle Borges , Fonseca Francisco Antonio Helfenstein , Shio Marina Tiemi , da Silva Nali Luiz Henrique , Tuleta Izabela Dorota , Juliano Yára , de Oliveira Izar Maria Cristina , Ribeiro Ana Paula , Kato Juliana Tieko , do Amaral Jônatas Bussador , França Carolina Nunes
Published: July 2023

Aim

To evaluate the lipid‐lowering and antiplatelet combined strategies on the expression of the receptors CCR2, CCR5, and CX3CR1 and the percentage of CCR2, CCR5, and CX3CR1 cells in monocyte subtypes after acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, open‐label study, with blinded analyses of endpoints (PROBE,ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier: NCT02428374, registration date: April 28, 2015). Participants were treated with rosuvastatin 20 mg or simvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg, as well as ticagrelor 90 mg or clopidogrel 75 mg. The chemokine receptors CCR2, CCR5, and CX3CR1 were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction as well as the percentages of CCR2, CCR5, and CX3CR1 cells in the monocyte subtypes (classical, intermediate, and non‐classical), which were quantified by flow cytometry, at baseline, and after 1 and 6 months of treatment.

Results

After comparisons between the three visits, regardless of the treatment arm, there was an increase in CCR2 expression after treatment, as well as an increase in intermediate monocytes CCR2+ and a reduction in non‐classical monocytes CCR2+ at the end of treatment. There was also a lower expression of CCR5 after treatment and an increase in classical and non‐classical monocytes CCR5+. Concerning CX3CR1, there were no differences in the expression after treatment; however, there were reductions in the percentage of intermediate and non‐classical monocytes CX3CR1+ at the end of treatment.

Conclusions

The results suggest the persistence of the inflammatory phenotype, known as trained immunity, even with the highly‐effective lipid‐lowering and antiplatelet therapies.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 700–707.
Predictive model containing gene signature and shear wave elastography to predict patient outcomes after Kasai surgery in biliary atresia
Authors: Wang Guotao , Chen Huadong , Sun Panpan , Zhou Wenying , Jiang Hong , Zhong Zhihai , Chen Meixi , Xie Xiaoyan , Luo Zhenhua , Zhou Luyao
Published: July 2023

Aims

Infants with biliary atresia (BA) are treated with Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) surgery, but many BA patients need subsequent salvage liver transplants. The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive gene‐clinical model based on two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2DSWE), liver gene expression, and other clinical parameters to predict response to KPE for BA patients.

Methods

Differentially expressed gene patterns between liver samples of BA (n = 102) and non‐BA control (n = 14) were identified using RNA sequencing analysis. Biliary atresia patients were then randomly assigned to training and validation cohorts. Gene classifier based on the differentially expressed genes was built in the training cohort. Nomogram models with and without gene classifier were further constructed and validated for predicting native liver survival of BA patients. The utility of the nomograms was compared by C‐index.

Results

Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model, we generated a nine‐gene prognostic classifier. The nomogram based on the nine‐gene classifier, age, preoperative 2DSWE, and albumin had the better C‐index compared to gene classifier alone in the training cohort (0.83 [0.76–0.90] vs. 0.69 [0.61–0.77], p = 0.003) and the validation cohort (0.74 [0.67–0.82] vs. 0.62 [0.55–0.70], p = 0.001). Using risk scores developed from the nomogram, the 12‐month survival rates of BA patients with native liver were 35.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.7–56.3) in the high‐risk group and 80.8% (95% CI, 63.4–100.0) in the low‐risk group in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The comprehensive genetic‐clinical nomogram based on preoperative 2DSWE, liver gene expression, and other clinical parameters can accurately predict response to KPE.
Aroma of peach fruit: a review on aroma volatile compounds and underlying regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Gao Peng , Zhang Chenguang , Xiao Xiao , Chen Caixia , Song Fuhang
Published: July 2023

Peach is a highly significant economic fruit renowned for its juicy flesh, delectable taste, and pleasant aroma, which has made it a consumer favourite. Improving fruit quality often involves enhancing its aroma, as it is widely acknowledged that the aroma of a fruit plays a crucial role. However, the formation of aroma volatiles is dynamic and varies with fruit development and ripening and is closely linked to genetic background, cultivation management, and post‐harvest treatment. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to investigate the biosynthetic pathways involved in generating fruit aroma. However, the understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms remains limited. With the advancement in molecular biology and multi‐omics techniques, researchers have gained fresh insights into the molecular functions of peach genes, which holds significant implications for enhancing fruit flavour and advancing modern breeding programs. This review aims to summarise the most recent findings pertaining to aroma volatile compounds, shed light on the underlying regulatory mechanisms, and dissect the primary fields of peach fruit aroma research. Its purpose is to provide critical information that will facilitate a profound investigation into the specific components responsible for peach aroma and the mechanisms by which they are regulated.
Eras of designer Tregs: Harnessing synthetic biology for immune suppression
Authors: Tuomela Karoliina , Salim Kevin , Levings Megan K.
Published: July 2023

Since their discovery, CD4+CD25hiFOXP3hi regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been firmly established as a critical cell type for regulating immune homeostasis through a plethora of mechanisms. Due to their immunoregulatory power, delivery of polyclonal Tregs has been explored as a therapy to dampen inflammation in the settings of transplantation and autoimmunity. Evidence shows that Treg therapy is safe and well‐tolerated, but efficacy remains undefined and could be limited by poor persistence in vivo and lack of antigen specificity. With the advent of new genetic engineering tools, it is now possible to create bespoke “designer” Tregs that not only overcome possible limitations of polyclonal Tregs but also introduce new features. Here, we review the development of designer Tregs through the perspective of three ‘eras’: (1) the era of FOXP3 engineering, in which breakthroughs in the biological understanding of this transcription factor enabled the conversion of conventional T cells to Tregs; (2) the antigen‐specificity era, in which transgenic T‐cell receptors and chimeric antigen receptors were introduced to create more potent and directed Treg therapies; and (3) the current era, which is harnessing advanced genome‐editing techniques to introduce and refine existing and new engineering approaches. The year 2022 marked the entry of “designer” Tregs into the clinic, with exciting potential for application and efficacy in a wide variety of immune‐mediated diseases.
An alternative assessment approach to global logistics performance evaluation: Common weight H‐DEA approach
Authors: Yu Ming‐Miin , Rakshit Ipsita
Published: July 2023

The goal of this study is to investigate the objective importance of the categories and sub‐indicators constituting the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and try to answer which of these LPI's indicators has the most significant importance and to provide a guidance tool for policymakers to devise policies in logistics and transportation. Hence, this study puts forth an integrated multi‐attribute decision‐making technique coalesced with the hierarchical data envelopment analysis and assurance region. For different income groups and regions, this model is employed to reassess the scores and rankings of LPI that are obtained from the World Bank. Displaying a higher objectivity than World Bank's method, the results demonstrate no substantial difference in the rankings obtained under both the proposed and World Bank's methods. Moreover, service delivery performance was found to be more vital to LPI than policy regulations. In terms of global weighting, of the six sub‐indicators, timeliness is the most important. These findings provide a guidance tool for policymakers to devise policies in logistics as well as in transportation. With the common weights that have been utilized, the results may direct toward different priorities in terms of policies, compared to World Bank.
Multicultural personality and intergroup forgiveness between United States political parties
Authors: Perez Michael J. , Kenworthy Jared B. , Salter Phia S.
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this research was to investigate whether multicultural personality orientation as measured by the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire short form (MPQ) predicted intergroup forgiveness, decisions to forgive, revenge intentions, and avoidance intentions in the context of U.S. political conflict. We conducted three replicated studies across three different political, contextual samples. Study 1 was collected from a majority liberal, majority People of Color sample (N = 301), Study 2 was a majority liberal, majority White sample (N = 125), and Study 3 was a majority conservative, majority White sample (N = 160). Participants in these studies completed items from the MPQ short form and read a hypothetical political violence event committed against their political ingroup by a political outgroup. Overall, we found that the cultural empathy subscale of the MPQ short form was a consistent positive predictor of forgiveness even in the presence of other relevant predictors such as strength of ingroup identification and political ideology. We also performed a mini meta‐analysis across our three collected studies which further supported cultural empathy as a consistent positive predictor of intergroup forgiveness.
A comparative study of the two leadless pacemakers in clinical practice
Authors: Shantha Ghanshyam , Brock Jonathan , Singleton Matthew J. , Schmitt Alexander Joseph , Kozak Patrick , Bodziock George , Bradford Natalie , Whalen Patrick , Bhave Prashant
Published: July 2023

Introduction

AVEIR‐VR leadless pacemaker (LP) was recently approved for clinical use. Although trial data were promising, post‐approval real world data with regard to its effectiveness and safety is lacking. To report our early experience with AVEIR‐VR LP with regard to its effectiveness and safety and compare it with MICRA‐VR.

Methods

The first 25 patients to undergo AVEIR‐VR implant at our institution between June and November 2022, were compared to 25 age‐ and sex‐matched patients who received MICRA‐VR implants.

Results

In both groups, mean age was 73 years and 48% were women. LP implant was successful in 100% of patients in both groups. Single attempt deployment was achieved in 80% of AVEIR‐VR and 60% of MICRA‐VR recipients (p = 0.07). Fluoroscopy, implant, and procedure times were numerically longer in the AVEIR‐VR group compared to MICRA‐VR group (p > 0.05). No significant periprocedural complications were noted in both groups. Incidence of ventricular arrhythmias were higher in the AVEIR‐VR group (20%) compared to the MICRA‐VR group (0%) (p = 0.043). At 2 and 8 weeks follow‐up, device parameters remained stable in both groups with no device dislodgements. The estimated battery life at 8 weeks was significantly longer in the AVEIR‐VR group (15 years) compared to the MICRA‐VR group (8 years) (p = 0.047). With 3−4 AVEIR‐VR implants, the learning curve for successful implantation reached a steady state.

Conclusion

Our initial experience with AVEIR‐VR show that it has comparable effectiveness and safety to MICRA‐VR. Larger sample studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Genotypic and phenotypic analysis ofElizabethkingia meningosepticain bullfrogRana catesbeianaisolated in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Ming‐An , See Ming She , Chiu Cheng‐Hsun , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu
Published: July 2023

Elizabethkingia meningosepticais a hazardous bacterium for agriculture production and human health. The present study identifiedE. meningosepticafrom the bullfrog, human and reference strain BCRC 10677 by API 20NE, 50S ribosome protein L27 sequencing and pulse field gel electrophoresis to differentiate isolates ofE. meningosepticafrom aquatic animals and humans. All isolates from bullfrogs and humans were identified asE. meningosepticaby DNA sequencing with 98.8%–100% sequence identity.E. meningosepticadisplayed significant genetic diversity when analysed using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). There were six distinct pulsotypes, including one pulsotype found in bullfrog isolates and five pulsotypes found in human isolates. However,E. meningosepticafrom bullfrog exhibited one genotype only by PFGE. Overall, molecular epidemiological analysis of PFGE results indicated that the frogE. meningosepticaoutbreaks in Taiwan were produced by genetically identical clones. The bullfrog isolates were not genetically related to otherE. meningosepticafrom human and reference isolates. This research provided the first comparisons of biochemical characteristics and genetic differences ofE. meningosepticafrom human and bullfrog isolates.
Establishing a time‐varying flood‐wave impulse function combined with a dynamic machine‐learning technique in response to the disturbance of boundary conditions
Authors: Huang Pin‐Chun
Published: July 2023

To seek other alternative approaches besides numerical methods, the linearized Saint Venant equations were utilized to derive the channel response functions for simulating streamflow. This study advocates developing a new approach to make the temporal distribution of response functions more flexible by introducing time‐varying reference parameters which depend on both the upstream inflow and the downstream boundary conditions. Moreover, to expand the model applicability in natural channels with irregular cross‐sectional shapes affected by the unsteady inflow, lateral flow, and the variation of tide level, a dynamic neural network algorithm is jointly applied to determine more appropriate time‐varying hydraulic parameters which are adopted in the channel flow response functions respectively derived from upstream and downstream boundary conditions. The tidal level at the estuary and the upstream inflow discharge are simultaneously considered influential factors to determine an optimal set of reference parameters by applying a machine learning technique, and this prediction can further be provided for updating the channel response functions. The novelty of this study is to propose a complete methodology to combine channel response functions with the machine learning algorithm for ameliorating the accuracy of channel flow simulation and resolving the uncertainty of model parameters. Therefore, by using the proposed method, not only the physical mechanism of Saint Venant equations can be preserved, but also the optimal hydraulic parameters can be specified. The problem of numerical instability during channel flow routing can be eliminated by using the proposed new model and therefore the reliability of real‐time flood forecasting can be reinforced.
The Effects of the Jump‐In Whole‐School Intervention on the Weight Development of Children in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: Busch Vincent , Steenkamer Ilona , van Nassau Femke , van Opdorp Paul , van Houtum Lieke , Verhoeff Arnoud , Twisk Jos
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the effects of the “Jump‐in” whole‐school intervention in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on children's weight development by comparing children exposed to the intervention and controls from 3 other large Dutch cities. Jump‐in is a comprehensive intervention that aims to stimulate healthy nutrition and physical activity in children at primary schools in Amsterdam. In addition, the relationship between the intervention's implementation degree and its effectiveness was studied.

METHODS

Demographic and anthropometric data, collected by youth health care professionals via routine health checks at T0 (2014) and T1 (2019), were used to analyze possible intervention effects by comparing the weight development of children exposed to the Jump‐in intervention versus unexposed controls. Implementation logs from health promotion professionals were used to determine intervention effects per implementation degree. Multilevel regression analyses were used for all analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 4299 children were included mean age ± 5.5 years (T0), 10.6 years (T1), and ≈50% boys/girls at both times. Receiving the fully implemented intervention resulted in a decline in standardized body‐mass index (zBMI) compared to the controls (−0.23, confidence interval [CI] −0.33, −0.13). It also led to higher odds to move into a healthier weight category over time (odds ratio [OR] 1.36, CI 1.06, 1.74), yet no statistically significant shift towards a healthy weight was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Relative to the controls, children exposed to the intervention showed positive zBMI developments, with stronger effects when the implementation degree was higher. Despite positive results, creating more impact might require the further integration of school‐based programs into whole‐systems approaches that include other energy‐balance behaviors.
Cigarette smoke exposure of hospitalised children: Prevalence of smoking in parents or carers and admission practices of health services
Authors: Slattery Breanna , Dimond Renee , Went Grace , Ugalde Anna , Wong Shee Anna
Published: July 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to understand the exposure to second‐hand tobacco smoke in the homes of hospitalised children through: (i) understanding the prevalence of smoking in adults or carers and (ii) examining the health services' approach to identifying parental smoking status.

Methods

This prospective observational study consisted of two surveys: one administered to parents/carers of hospitalised children and one to health services. The first cross‐sectional survey aimed to elicit the proportion of children requiring admission to a regional Victorian general paediatric unit who live with adults who smoke cigarettes. The survey was delivered to participating parents/carers during the standard nursing admission process. The second survey was administered across 15 public health services to determine if identification of parent/carer's smoking status is a routine part of their standard paediatric admission practice.

Results

For the parental survey, 453 responses were obtained from 782 consecutive new admissions. Nearly a third (n = 136, 30%) requiring hospital admission were found to be living with at least one parent/carer who identified as a current cigarette smoker. Of the 15 health services surveyed, only four (27%) nursing units reported routinely asking parents/carers about their smoking status as part of their standard admission process.

Conclusion

Admission to hospital provides an opportunity to enhance care for children by addressing nicotine dependence within their families. Findings suggest routine recording of smoking status can be improved, to drive smoking cessation and brief intervention conversations with parents and carers of children admitted to hospital.
Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity During Measures of Volitional Self‐regulation Predicts School Readiness
Authors: Holochwost Steven J. , Coffman Jennifer L. , Wagner Nicholas J. , Gomes Lindsay A. , Propper Cathi B.
Published: July 2023

Self‐regulation is an essential component of school readiness. Although in educational contexts self‐regulation is typically defined in terms of volitional processes, it also encompasses the activity of neurophysiological systems, including the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). In a prospective longitudinal study, 102 preschoolers (Mage = 4.82 years; 52% female) completed two measures of volitional self‐regulation (the gift‐wrap task and a battery of EF tasks) at the beginning of their final preschool year, and then completed the Bracken School Readiness Assessment (BSRA) at year's end. Larger increases in parasympathetic function (indexed by respiratory sinus arrythmia, or RSA) during both the gift‐wrap and EF tasks were correlated with better performance on the BSRA at levels approaching significance, and subsequent regression models that controlled for relevant covariates revealed robust associations between increases in RSA and improved BSRA performance (gift wrap: B = 5.49, p = .012; EF: B = 7.77, p = .001). We interpret these results in light of polyvagal theory and discuss their implications for incorporating measures of parasympathetic activity into future educational neuroscience research.
Addendum: Central‐Auckland rainfall, 1853–2020—Sites histories and implications for developing a long‐term rainfall record
Authors: Fowler Anthony M.
Published: July 2023

Fowler (2021a, New Zealand Geographer, 77, 16–31) supplemented the site histories of four central‐Auckland climate observatories by mining two searchable online historical archives (Papers Past, DigitalNZ). Photographic and map evidence was found for three of the sites, but not for the Auckland Domain observatory. Additional information (a map) has now been found which allows a more accurate determination of that site's location. The new information is presented here and the implications for the central‐Auckland rainfall record are noted.
Does Immediate Postoperative Early Ambulation Affect Clinical Results of Full‐Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy? A Historical Control Study of Daytime Operation with a 8‐Hour Hospital Stay versus Inpatient Operation
Authors: Yu Lingjia , Zhu Bin , Dong Huajun , Li Xiang , Liu Xiaoguang , Yang Yong , Yi Zuling
Published: July 2023

Objective

Full‐endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) is a popular operation for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and day surgery mode is increasingly popular. However, only a few studies have reported about day surgery patients undergoing Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). This retrospective study was to evaluate and analyze the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing FELD for LDH as day surgery versus inpatient surgery.

Methods

From January 2020 to January 2022, a retrospective analysis of LDH patients treated with FELD either in day surgery unit (within 8‐h hospital stay) or inpatient unit was carried out. All these patients were followed‐up for at least 12 months, and were categorized into a FELD‐I (inpatient surgery) group or a FELD‐D (day surgery) group, according to where the surgical procedures were performed. We assessed and compared the postoperative stand and walk time, postoperative hospitalization stays, time of return to work, modified MacNab criteria, willingness to recommend surgery, complications, revision rate, as well as the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index score (ODI). Student t‐test was used for continuous variables and chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in demographic data and baseline characteristics between two groups. And no significant differences were found in MacNab criteria between two groups. Postoperative VAS and ODI scores at one‐day postoperation and final follow‐up both improved significantly in both groups, as compared to the preoperative data (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups on the pre, postoperative, or the last follow‐up score for VAS and ODI (p > 0.05). The postoperative first ambulation time and postoperative hospital stays was much longer in FELD‐I group than FELD‐D group (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the perioperative complications, revision rate as well as satisfaction rate between two groups (p > 0.05). The overall time of return to work of young patients (<60 years‐old) in the FELD‐D group was significantly shorter than that in the FELD‐I group (p = 0.001). Patients in the FELD‐D group were more likely to recommend this kind of surgical model.

Conclusion

These data suggest that FELD‐D can be effectively performed as day surgery (within 8 h hospital stay). Early ambulation after FELD‐D did not affect the clinical outcomes and the revision rates. Day surgery patients are more likely to recommend this surgery mode to other patients and younger patients may be able to return to work earlier.
Arthroscopy Confers Favorable Clinical Outcomes in Asian Patients with Borderline Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhou Zheng , Zhang Xin , Huang Hongjie , Ju Xiaodong , Wang Jianquan
Published: July 2023

Objective

Hip arthroscopy has recently appeared as a successful therapy in treating borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip (BDDH). This study aimed to describe the minimal 2‐year follow‐up after hip arthroscopy for patients with BDDH in the Asian population and use the combination of lateral center edge angle (LCEA) and alpha angles to detect the appearance of impingement in the BDDH population.

Methods

This retrospective investigation was conducted utilizing information from arthroscopically treated BDDH patients in 2018 and 2019. The following patient‐reported outcomes were reported: modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score‐Activities of Daily Living, International Hip Outcome Tool 12‐component form, and Visual Analog Scale. We also considered the clinical data regarding radiological measurements, intraoperative findings, interventions, complications, and subsequent surgical revisions, in the analysis of combination angles in detecting the occurrence of impingement. Patients with asymptomatic contralateral hips from traumatic hip injury (pelvic fracture) served as the control group. A 2:1 propensity score matching was based on age, sex, and BMI. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to identify the thresholds of combination angles and their accuracies.

Results

A total of 77 hips met the inclusion and exclusion requirements. After the follow‐up period, most patients showed a considerable improvement in patient‐reported outcomes compared to their preoperative values (P < 0.001 for all). The overall rate of complications was 5.2%, whereas the rate of revisions was 3.9%. Increasing preoperative alpha angle age was significantly positively correlated with improving patient‐reported outcomes. The combined angle cut‐off was determined to be 80.5° (AUC, 0.858; 95% CI: 0.757–0.938; sensitivity (SE), 98.1%; specificity (SP), 74.1%; P < 0.001) for the occurrence of impingement in BDDH population.

Conclusion

Good patient‐reported outcomes and low revision rates can be expected in the BDDH population with careful selection of patients in Asian populations. A combination angle >80.5° could be a reliable predictive factor of impingement in BDDH populations.
Plantar keratoderma‐like crusted scabies in an immunocompetent infant after topical steroids
Authors: Segado Sánchez Marta , Lova Navarro Miguel , Martínez Ortega Francisco José , Parra García José Juan , López Martínez Diego , Sánchez‐Pedreño Guillén Paloma
Published: July 2023

A healthy 6‐month‐old girl presented with plantar keratoderma‐like lesions unresponsive to topical corticosteroids. Nocturnal pruritus in 13 relatives, presence of burrows on clinical exam, and the positive scabies preparation led to the diagnosis of crusted scabies. She was successfully treated with topical and oral scabicides. Crusted scabies is a severe form of Sarcoptes scabiei infection uncommon in immunocompetent subjects, in whom previous corticosteroid use may favor its occurrence.
Increased incidence of mitral valve prolapse in children with pectus chest wall deformity
Authors: Karabulut Muhammed
Published: July 2023

Background

Pectus anomalies constitute 95% of chest anomalies. Pectus carinatum (PC) and excavatum (PE) are often asymptomatic in childhood. However, symptoms and signs such as chest pain, dyspnea, and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) can be seen in pectus anomalies. Demographic characteristics and accompanying cardiac signs in children with pectus deformity were investigated.

Methods

In this study, the clinical findings for children with pectus deformity, and the incidence of MVP and other concomitant heart diseases detected in echocardiographic examinations were evaluated.

Results

Eighty‐two children with PE, 27 with PC, and 107 healthy children were included in this study. In the echocardiographic examination of PE, PC patients, and healthy children, MVP was detected with frequencies of 25%, 33%, and 2% respectively.

Conclusions

The study showed that pectus anomalies were associated with an increased incidence of MVP. All patients with pectus deformity should therefore undergo a screening echocardiogram in adolescence to assess for the presence of MVP.
ABA spray on Arabidopsis seedlings increases mature plants vigor under optimal and water‐deficit conditions partly by enhancing nitrogen assimilation
Authors: Khoshniat Parisa , Rafudeen Muhammad Suhail , Seifi Alireza
Published: July 2023

Here, we report the effects of a single abscisic acid (ABA) spray on Arabidopsis seedlings on growth, development, primary metabolism, and response to water‐deficit stress in adult and next‐generation plants. The experiments were performed over 2 years in two different laboratories in Iran and South Africa. In each experiment, fifty 7‐day‐old Arabidopsis seedlings were sprayed with 10 μM ABA, 1 mM H2O2, distilled water, or left without spraying as priming treatments. Water‐deficit stress was applied on half of the plants in each treatment by withholding water 2 days after spraying. Results showed that a single ABA spray at the cotyledonary stage significantly increased plant biomass and delayed flowering. The ABA spray significantly enhanced drought tolerance so that the survival rate after rehydration was 100 and 33% in the first and the second experiments, respectively, for ABA‐treated plants compared to 35 and 0% for water‐sprayed plants. This enhanced drought tolerance was not inheritable. Metabolomics analyses suggested that ABA probably increases the antioxidant capacity of the plant cells and modulates tricarboxylic acid cycle toward enhanced nitrogen assimilation. Strikingly, we also observed that the early water spray decreases mature plant resilience under water‐deficit conditions and cause substantial transient metabolomics perturbations.