bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral desensitization therapy for peanut allergy induces dynamic changes in peanut‐specific immune responses
Authors: Bajzik Veronique , DeBerg Hannah A. , Garabatos Nahir , Rust Blake J. , Obrien Kimberly K. , Nguyen Quynh‐Anh , O’Rourke Colin , Smith Alex , Walker Alex H. , Quinn Charlie , Gersuk Vivian H. , Farrington Mary , Jeong David , Vickery Brian P. , Adelman Daniel C. , Wambre Erik
Published: March 2022

Background

The PALISADE study, an international, phase 3 trial of peanut oral immunotherapy (POIT) with AR101, resulted in desensitization in children and adolescents who were highly allergic to peanut. An improved understanding of the immune mechanism induced in response to food allergen immunotherapy would enable more informed and effective therapeutic strategies. Our main purpose was to examine the immunological changes in blood samples from a subset of peanut‐allergic individuals undergoing oral desensitization immunotherapy with AR101.

Methods

Blood samples obtained as part of enrollment screening and at multiple time points during PALISADE study were used to assess basophil and CD4+ T‐cell reactivity to peanut.

Results

The absence of clinical reactivity to the entry double‐blinded placebo‐controlled peanut challenge (DBPCFC) was accompanied by a significantly lower basophil sensitivity and T‐cell reactivity to peanut compared with DBPCFC reactors. At baseline, peanut‐reactive TH2A cells were observed in many but not all peanut‐allergic patients and their level in peripheral blood correlates with T‐cell reactivity to peanut and with serum peanut‐specific IgE and IgG4 levels. POIT reshaped circulating peanut‐reactive T‐cell responses in a subset‐dependent manner. Changes in basophil and T‐cell responses to peanut closely paralleled clinical benefits to AR101 therapy and resemble responses in those with lower clinical sensitivity to peanut. However, no difference in peanut‐reactive Treg cell frequency was observed between groups.

Conclusion

Oral desensitization therapy with AR101 leads to decreased basophil sensitivity to peanut and reshapes peanut‐reactive T effector cell responses supporting its potential as an immunomodulatory therapy.
A novel phenotype‐based drug‐induced liver injury causality assessment tool (DILI‐CAT) allows for signal confirmation in early drug development
Authors: Hermann Richard P. , Rockey Don C. , Suzuki Ayako , Merz Michael , Tillmann Hans L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) requires accurate case adjudication, with expert opinion being the current best practice.

Aim

We utilised a novel DILI causality assessment tool (DILI‐CAT), which uses drug‐specific liver injury phenotypes, to examine potential DILI in early phase ximelagatran clinical development.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of liver injury events from four Stroke Prevention using an ORal Thrombin Inhibitor in Atrial Fibrillation (SPORTIF) trials, in which patients were randomised to receive oral ximelagatran or adjusted‐dose warfarin. A stepwise process was used with iterative adjustments. The DILI phenotype was characterised by latency, R‐value, and AST/ALT ratio. A scoring algorithm was applied to liver events to assess how closely the liver events matched the Interquatile‐Range for the working phenotype for each of the three parameters.

Findings

Data from 3115 patients included in the SPORTIF trials as above were available. The initial ximelagatran phenotype was developed based on five liver injury cases from the ximelagatran arm and was then validated against an additional eight cases (5 ximelagatran, 3 warfarin); in these eight cases, there was a statistically significant difference in the total DILI‐CAT scores of the two drugs (p = 0.016) between ximelagatran and warfarin. Together, these ten ximelagatran cases generated a second, refined ximelagatran phenotype, which was validated against an additional 75 cases (53 ximelagatran/22 warfarin)—again with statistically significant different DILI‐CAT ximelagatran vs. warfarin scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

DILI‐CAT, a clinically intuitive, data‐driven, computer‐assisted scoring algorithm, is a useful tool for early detection of drug’s hepatotoxicity in clinical drug development.
Deubiquitinase ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 10 maintains cysteine rich angiogenic inducer 61 expression via Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator to augment immune escape and metastasis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Xun , Chen Bobo , Chen Jiahui , Su Zuoyuan , Sun Shaolong
Published: March 2022

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) remains an extremely fatal malignancy with a high mortality rate worldwide. This study focuses on the roles of ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 10 (USP10) and cysteine rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61) in macrophage polarization, immune escape, and metastasis of PAAD. USP10 showed a positive correlation with Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1), which, according to the TCGA‐PAAD database, is highly expressed in PAAD and indicates poor patient prognosis. USP10 knockdown increased ubiquitination and degradation of YAP1, which further decreased the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and Galectin‐9 expression, suppressed immune escape, and reduced the proliferation and metastasis of PAAD cells in vitro and in vivo. Cyr61, a downstream factor of YAP1, was overexpressed in PAAD cells after USP10 silencing for rescue experiments. Overexpression of Cyr61 restored the PD‐L1 and Galectin‐9 expression in cells and triggered M2 polarization of macrophages, which enhanced the immune escape and maintained the proliferation and metastasis ability of PAAD cells. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that USP10 inhibits YAP1 ubiquitination and degradation to promote Cyr61 expression, which induces immune escape and promotes growth and metastasis of PAAD.
Neuroendocrine tumor theranostics
Authors: Ichikawa Yasushi , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Takano Shoko , Kato Ikuma , Endo Keigo , Inoue Tomio
Published: March 2022

Theranostics is a term coined by combining the words “therapeutics” and “diagnostics,” referring to single chemical entities developed to deliver therapy and diagnosis simultaneously. Neuroendocrine tumors are rare cancers that occur in various organs of the body, and they express neuroendocrine factors such as chromogranin A and somatostatin receptor. Somatostatin analogs bind to somatostatin receptor, and when combined with diagnostic radionuclides, such as gamma‐emitters, are utilized for diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy when combined with therapeutic radionuclides, such as beta‐emitters, are effective in treating neuroendocrine tumor as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy are some of the most frequently used and successful theranostics for neuroendocrine tumor. In Japan, radiopharmaceuticals are regulated under a complex law system, creating a significant drug lag, which is a major public concern. It took nearly 10 years to obtain the approval for somatostatin receptor scintigraphy and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy use by the Japanese government. In 2021, 111Lu‐DOTATATE (Lutathera), a drug for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, was covered by insurance in Japan. In this review, we summarize the history of the development of neuroendocrine tumor theranostics and theranostics in general, as therapeutic treatment for cancer in the future. Furthermore, we briefly address the Japanese point of view regarding the development of new radiopharmaceuticals.
Surgical guides for guided bone augmentation: An in vitro study
Authors: Tarce Mihai , Merheb Joe , Meeus Marc , de Faria Vasconcelos Karla , Quirynen Marc
Published: March 2022

Aim

To validate in vitro the accuracy of a novel method for bone augmentation of horizontal alveolar bone defects with the help of a surgical guide.

Material and methods

Six cone‐beam computed tomography scans of patients requiring horizontal bone augmentation were segmented and 3D printed. Two surgeons performed the bone augmentation surgery twice for each case on 3D‐printed models, using either a conventional or guided protocol. Each surgeon virtually planned the desired graft shape beforehand. The resulting grafts were compared linearly and volumetrically to the plan; graft density and surgical time were also analyzed.

Results

There was significantly less graft volume outside the planned volume with the guided protocol (36.8% ± 14.1 vs. 19.6% ± 12.3, p < .01). The use of a guide increased graft accuracy at several measurement points, resulting in less overfill when using the guided protocol (1.7 ± 1.7 mm at the most coronal point, 0.2 mm ± 1.4 at 25%, 0.0 mm ± 0.9 at 50%, 0.1 mm ± 1.1 at 75%, and 0.4 mm ± 1.4 apically). Graft thickness was increased 1 mm coronally from the planned graft (2.8 mm ± 2.3 vs. 1.8 mm ± 2.2, p = .04). Surgical time increased significantly when using a guide (a difference of 2 m 26 s).

Conclusion

The technique, tested here in vitro, allows surgeons to improve the accuracy of the resulting graft shape, to better compact material in the coronal portion of the graft, and to reduce the amount of graft material placed outside the planned volume.
Evaluation of the potential for pharmacokinetic interaction between tirabrutinib and levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol in healthy female volunteers
Authors: Cherala Ganesh , Nelson Cara , Guo Ying , Mathur Anubhav , Tarnowski Thomas , Othman Ahmed A.
Published: March 2022

Tirabrutinib (TIRA), a potent and nonreversible oral Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is evaluated for treatment of certain hematological malignancies and inflammatory diseases. A drug–drug interaction study to evaluate the effect of TIRA on the pharmacokinetics of the oral contraceptive levonorgestrel (LEVO)/ethinyl estradiol (EE) was conducted in healthy female participants (N = 26). Participants received a single dose of LEVO (150 mcg)/EE (30 mcg) alone (reference), and on day 12 of a 15‐day regimen of TIRA 160 mg once‐daily (test). Intensive blood sampling for determination of LEVO, EE, and TIRA plasma concentrations was conducted, and safety was assessed throughout the study. Pharmacokinetic interactions were evaluated using 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric least squares mean (GLSM) ratios of the test versus reference treatments. The GLSM (90% CI) ratios of area under the concentration‐time curve from zero to infinity (AUCinf; LEVO: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.88–1.03, EE: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.05–1.16) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax; LEVO: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74–0.98, EE: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.98–1.18) were within the prespecified 0.70 to 1.43 no effect bounds; and the AUC ratios met the stricter 0.80 to 1.25 equivalence bounds. Study treatments were generally well‐tolerated. In conclusion, co‐administration with TIRA did not alter the exposure of LEVO/EE, and accordingly LEVO/EE containing oral contraceptives can serve as a contraception method for participants on TIRA 160 mg (or lower) daily doses.
Machine learning approach to identify adverse events in scientific biomedical literature
Authors: Wewering Sonja , Pietsch Claudia , Sumner Marc , Markó Kornél , Lülf‐Averhoff Anna‐Theresa , Baehrens David
Published: March 2022

Monitoring the occurrence of adverse events in the scientific literature is a mandatory process in drug marketing surveillance. This is a very time‐consuming and complex task to fulfill the compliance and, most importantly, to ensure patient safety. Therefore, a machine learning (ML) algorithm has been trained to support this manual intellectual review process, by automatically providing a classification of the literature articles into two types. An algorithm has been designed to automatically classify “relevant articles” which are reporting any kind of drug safety relevant information, and those which are not reporting an adverse drug reaction as “not relevant.” The review process is consisted of many rules and aspects which needed to be taken into consideration. Therefore, for the training of the algorithm, thousands of documents from previous screenings have been used. After several iterations of adjustments and fine tuning, the ML approach is definitively a great achievement in pre‐sorting the articles into “relevant” and “non‐relevant” and supporting the intellectual review process.
Health service utilisation and access for people who inject drugs during COVID‐19
Authors: Efunnuga Henrietta , Higgs Peter , Walker Shelley , O'Keefe Daniel
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The wide‐spread implementation of interventions to limit transmission and public health consequences of COVID‐19 in the Australian state of Victoria had flow‐on consequences for people who use and inject drugs. Consequences included the interruption of illicit drug supply and drug procurement, and the disruption to the delivery of health services. To inform strategies that can minimise the adverse outcomes of similar future disruptive events, this study explored how COVID‐19 restrictions impacted access to harm reduction and drug treatment services for people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Victoria.

Methods

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted via an online calling app, with 11 participants of a broader cohort study (the SuperMIX study) in April 2020. Interviews were focused on participants experiences of accessing and using harm reduction and drug treatment services. Data were thematically analysed using a process of blended coding.

Results

Findings revealed how disruptions in the delivery of harm reduction and drug treatment services—in response to COVID‐19 restrictions—created barriers accessing sterile injecting equipment, increased risk of arrest by police and exacerbated social isolation. Participants reported difficulties adapting to changes in services access, with some increases in injecting risk behaviours. However, improvements in opioid agonist therapy prescriptions were noted as a beneficial outcome.

Discussion

By examining the impacts of COVID‐19 and the resultant restrictions on people who inject drugs' access to health services in Melbourne, Victoria, findings provide guidance for future responses to the unanticipated large‐scale effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and similar disruptive events.
Cardiorenal outcomes with ertugliflozin assessed according to baseline glucose‐lowering agent: An analysis fromVERTIS CV
Authors: Dagogo‐Jack Samuel , Cannon Christopher P. , Cherney David Z. I. , Cosentino Francesco , Liu Jie , Pong Annpey , Gantz Ira , Frederich Robert , Mancuso James P. , Pratley Richard E.
Published: March 2022

Aim

To assess selected cardiorenal outcomes with ertugliflozin according to use of baseline glucose‐lowering agent.

Materials and Methods

VERTIS CV was a cardiovascular (CV) outcome trial for ertugliflozin versus placebo, conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic CV disease. The primary outcome was time to the first event of CV death, myocardial infarction or stroke (major adverse CV events [MACE]), with other CV outcomes also assessed. Outcomes were analysed using Cox proportional hazards models stratified by baseline use of metformin, insulin, sulphonylureas (SUs) and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, with interaction testing to assess for treatment effect modification. Changes from baseline in glycaemic, metabolic and haemodynamic variables were also assessed.

Results

Of 8246 randomized patients, at baseline 6286 (76%) were on metformin, 3898 (47%) were on insulin, 3383 (41%) were on SUs and 911 (11%) were on DPP‐4 inhibitors, alone or in combination therapy (67% used >1 glucose‐lowering agent at baseline). For each glucose‐lowering agent evaluated, no evidence for effect modification was observed for MACE by baseline use of metformin (with: hazard ratio [HR] 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.790, 1.073; without: 1.13, 95% CI 0.867, 1.480), insulin (with: HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.765, 1.092; without: 1.06, 95% CI 0.867, 1.293), SUs (with: HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.890, 1.388; without: 0.90, 95% CI 0.761, 1.060) or DPP‐4 inhibitors (with: HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.502, 1.173; without: 1.00, 95% CI 0.867, 1.147) (allPinteraction > 0.05). Similar results were observed for all secondary outcomes analysed.

Conclusion

In VERTIS CV, the effects of ertugliflozin on cardiorenal outcomes were consistent across subgroups of patients stratified by baseline glucose‐lowering agent.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01986881
The effect of female representation on political budget cycle and public expenditure: Evidence from Italian municipalities
Authors: Ordine Patrizia , Rose Giuseppe , Giacobbe Pasquale
Published: March 2022

This study analyzes the impact of the gender composition of political institutions on the political budget cycle (PBC) and on the size and structure of public expenditure. An instrumental variable approach is implemented to evaluate the influence of female politicians in municipal councils. The introduction of gender quotas for Italian municipalities is used as an exogenous variation in female participation in politics. The results show that: (i) fluctuations in local public spending are only slightly affected by the presence of a wider female representation; (ii) an increase in the number of elected women reduces the overall amount of public expenditure; (iii) this reduction involves fields typically affected by PBC (e.g., roads' maintenance) except those related to females' needs (e.g., kindergarten, primary education, and social care).
Thirty‐six years of the journal of Financial Accountability & Management: Scientometric review
Authors: Atayah Osama F. , Marashdeh Hazem , Nasrallah Nohade , Hamdan Allam Mohammed
Published: March 2022

The journal of Financial Accountability & Management (FAM) is a reputable journal that started its publication in March 1985. We conduct a retrospective review to analyze the journal's impact and temporal development in terms of publications, authors, affiliated institutions and countries, citation patterns. We shed light on its major theoretical and empirical contribution, conduct a peer‐benchmarking analysis and conceptual structure. A thorough database search of Scopus was performed to retrieve FAM publications during the period 1985–2020. The analysis relies on bibliometric techniques and bibliographic coupling, keyword analysis, and content analysis. A total of 625 documents was analyzed using R‐Studio, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel. Using the hybrid approach “bibliometric and content analysis,” we group FAM publications into four main clusters. Our study shows that FAM has significantly experienced a pivotal rise in publication activities and citations, reflecting its impactful presence and relevant contribution to different research fields.
Moult chronology and strategies of sympatric Great (Ardenna gravis) and Sooty (A. grisea) Shearwaters based on stable isotope analysis
Authors: Carvalho Paloma C. , Ronconi Robert A. , Bugoni Leandro , Davoren Gail K.
Published: March 2022

Moult is an energetically demanding period, during which flight may be impaired and foraging ranges may become constrained. During the non‐breeding period, GreatArdenna gravisand SootyArdenna griseaShearwaters migrate from South Atlantic breeding colonies to aggregate at North Atlantic feeding grounds. We investigated whether both shearwater species used coastal Newfoundland, Canada, as a moulting area and used stable isotope ratios (δ15N, δ13C) of recently moulted primary feathers (P1, P5, P10) to infer moult location/diet for both species. Moult scores indicated that both species finished their moult (i.e. P6–10) in coastal Newfoundland, which was further corroborated with similar stable isotope ratios for Great (δ15N = 15.17 ± 1.13‰; δ13C = −18.66 ± 0.54‰) and Sooty Shearwaters (15.54 ± 0.74‰; −18.43 ± 0.78‰); however, Sooty Shearwater moult was more advanced relative to that of Great Shearwater. In contrast, isotopic ratios of P1 and P5, which were grown before arriving in coastal Newfoundland, differed between and within species, suggesting divergent locations/diet during early moult. For Great Shearwaters, P1/P5 isotopic ratios were more variable (broader niche breadth) than P10, suggesting that some individuals started moulting in the South Atlantic prior to trans‐equatorial migration, whereas others start moulting in the North Atlantic Ocean. Sooty Shearwaters had two distinct groupings of either higher or lower δ15N in P1/P5, suggesting that individuals began moulting either on the Newfoundland Shelf or further offshore based on comparisons to reference shearwater feathers grown in known locations. These findings illustrate distinct locations and/or diets at the start of primary feather moult, both within and between species, but diets converged when aggregated together at the end of moult in coastal North America, where growing feathers of both species were sampled. More importantly, we identified an important area for both Sooty and Great Shearwaters to complete their moult in coastal Newfoundland. Protecting this moulting area would minimize disturbance and the impacts of threats (e.g. by‐catch) to both species during this energetically demanding period. The area has been suggested previously to be an important candidate area for protection due to annually persistent prey aggregations that can be spatiotemporally delimited based on specific prey habitat requirements.
The dynamics of remittance behaviour among Senegalese men and women in Spain
Authors: Carrasco José Ignacio , Obućina Ognjen
Published: March 2022

This article explores the conditions under which Senegalese immigrants in Spain send remittances home, beginning with the premise that remittances are intertwined with migration histories and migrants’ incorporation into host societies. Given the strong gender norms in Senegal, we perform separate analyses for men and women. We use a longitudinal approach to analyse how remittance behaviour is affected by immigrants’ characteristics, their economic integration, and their ties to origin and destination. Our data come from the MAFE and MESE surveys, which were implemented in 2008 and 2011, respectively. The results indicate that remitters constitute a clear majority among Senegalese immigrants in Spain. The Kaplan–Meier analysis shows that they rarely stop remitting once they start doing so, and the multivariate analysis reveals a strong positive association between employment and remittance sending. Although most coefficients in the full model are similar for men and women, some important differences emerge as well.
Synergetic integrations of bone marrow stem cells and transforming growth factor‐β1 loaded chitosan nanoparticles blended silk fibroin injectable hydrogel to enhance repair and regeneration potential in articular cartilage tissue
Authors: Zheng Dong , Chen Tong , Han Long , Lv Songwei , Yin Jianjian , Yang Kaiyuan , Wang Yuji , Xu Nanwei
Published: March 2022

The cartilage repair and regeneration show inadequate self‐healing capability and have some complications, which are inordinate challenges in clinical therapy. Biopolymeric injectable hydrogels, a prominent type of cell‐carrier as well tissue engineering scaffolding materials, establish promising therapeutic potential of stem cell‐based cartilage‐regeneration treatment. In addition, injectable scaffolding biomaterial should have rapid gelation properties with adequate rheological and mechanical properties. In the present investigation, we developed and fabricated the macromolecular silk fibroin blended with polylysine modified chitosan polymer (SF/PCS) using thermal‐sensitive glycerophosphate (GP), which contains effective gelation ability, morphology, porosity and also has enhanced mechanical properties to induce physical applicability, cell proliferation and nutrient exchange in the cell‐based treatment. The developed and optimised injectable hydrogel group has good biocompatibility with human fibroblast (L929) cells and bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Additionally, it was found that SF/PCS hydrogel group could sustainably release TGF‐β1 and efficiently regulate cartilage‐specific and inflammatory‐related gene expressions. Finally, the cartilage‐regeneration potential of the hydrogel groups embedded with and without BMSCs were evaluated in SD rat models under histopathological analysis, which showed promising cartilage repair. Overall, we conclude that the TGF‐β1‐SF/PCS injectable hydrogel demonstrates enhanced in vitro and in vivo tissue regeneration properties, which lead to efficacious therapeutic potential in cartilage regeneration.
Global emotional and spiritual well‐being and resilience of Advanced Practice Nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rogers Melanie , Lamarche Kimberley , Miller Minna , Moore Karen S. , Spies Lori A. , Taylor John , Staempfli Sabina
Published: March 2022

Aim

To evaluate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the emotional and spiritual well‐being and resilience of a global sample of Advanced Practice Nurses.

Design

A web‐based cross‐sectional mixed methods study. Survey data were collected from Advanced Practice Nurses globally over a 2‐month period ending on 31 August 2020.

Methods

The Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale, FACIT‐12 Spiritual Well‐being Scale and Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale 10 were used to quantify emotional and spiritual well‐being and resilience of Advanced Practice Nurses' globally. The survey was distributed internationally using snowball sampling via a secure platform (Qualtrics). Results were analysed using various bivariate tests for associations and group differences.

Results

Nine hundred and twenty‐eight Advanced Practice Nurses from 53 countries participated in the study. Study participants reported meaningfully lower scores in resilience and emotional well‐being compared with non‐pandemic scores. Participants from countries with well‐developed Advanced Practice Nurses roles reported lower resilience and well‐being scores compared with those from countries where Advanced Practice Nurses roles are still being developed. Each scale revealed significant positive associations with the other scales.

Conclusions

Emotional and spiritual well‐being and resilience of Advance Practice Nurses has been significantly impacted during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Regardless of their work location, work hours, credential or demographics, the APNs in our study reported lower levels of resilience and mental well‐being compared with typical scores on the instruments.
Defining midwifery autonomy in Belgium: Consensus of a modified Delphi study
Authors: Vermeulen Joeri , Buyl Ronald , Luyben Ans , Fleming Valerie , Fobelets Maaike
Published: March 2022

Aims

Although there is substantial literature on autonomy of midwifery, the concept remains vague, and what it exactly constitutes is little clear. Attempts to define this have been carried out, but did not result in a communal understanding. The aim of this study therefore was to define a consistent definition of midwifery autonomy in Belgium.

Design

A modified Delphi survey with content experts.

Methods

Critical components of the available definitions on midwifery autonomy were retrieved from the literature, and translated into Dutch and French. An online Delphi panel of content expert assessed components of autonomy in midwifery on clarity and relevance between June and October 2021. From the validated components, a preliminary consolidated definition was generated, which was validated in a final Delphi round.

Results

After round one, content experts (n = 27) evaluated 10 out of 17 components to be clear and relevant. Two components were judged inappropriate and therefore removed. After further adaptation four additional components were identified appropriate after the second round, and one component after a third Delphi round. Experts' suggestions for improving the clarity and relevance were taken into account. Finally, experts assessed the preliminary definition. After minor modifications the definition of midwifery autonomy in Belgium was confirmed valid.

Conclusion

We established a communal definition of midwifery autonomy in Belgium, the creation of such a definition results in a joint understanding of the concept of midwifery autonomy.

Impact

If midwives internationally want to successfully achieve autonomy, a clear understanding of the concept of midwifery autonomy is needed. The consensus definition of midwifery autonomy in Belgium comprises 15 components related to midwives' work content, professionalism and relationship with others. Our definition of midwifery autonomy has the potential to encourage an international dialogue, grounded in a common understanding of autonomy, enabling stakeholders in maternity care to strengthen professional midwifery autonomy.
Association between sarcopenia and the severity of diabetic polyneuropathy assessed by nerve conduction studies in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mikura Kentaro , Kodama Eriko , Iida Tatsuya , Imai Hideyuki , Hashizume Mai , Kigawa Yasuyoshi , Tadokoro Rie , Sugisawa Chiho , Endo Kei , Iizaka Toru , Otsuka Fumiko , Nagasaka Shoichiro
Published: March 2022

Aims/Introduction

This study examined the association between the severity of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) based on the Baba classification, and sarcopenia and its related factors.

Materials and Methods

The participants were 261 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. DPN was classified as stages 0–4 according to the Baba classification. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on measurements of the skeletal mass index, grip strength and walking speed, using the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 diagnostic criteria.

Results

The median age of the participants was 67 years, the proportion of men was 58.6%, the median estimated duration of diabetes was 10 years and the median values for glycated hemoglobin were 10.3%. With regard to DPN, the prevalence of Baba classification stages 0–2 was 90.8% (n = 237), and that of stage 3 or 4 was 9.2% (n = 24). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 19.9%. A trend toward an increase in the frequency of slow walking speed was seen as the stage of DPN progressed. The frequencies of sarcopenia and slow walking speed were higher in the group with the Baba classification stages 3 and 4 than in the group with stages 0–2. On multiple logistic regression analyses, however, DPN was not significantly related to sarcopenia and walking speed.

Conclusions

Although severe DPN might be related to sarcopenia, the frequency of severe DPN is low in the clinical setting, indicating that its contribution to sarcopenia is modest.
Influence of ultrasound‐assisted extraction techniques on the valorization of agro‐based industrial organic waste – A review
Authors: Buvaneshwaran Malini , Radhakrishnan Mahendran , Natarajan Venkatachalapathy
Published: March 2022

One of the world's promising sectors is food processing. A huge amount of waste is generated during the handling and value addition of agricultural commodities. So researches focus on extracting valuable compounds from organic waste to increase the economical value. On the other hand, the amount of debris is also reduced, which helps sustainable development and carbon footprints. Extractable compounds can be used as an alternative to synthetic compounds in food applications. For this, Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction (UAE) captures the researcher's attention because of its advantages like less solvent utilization, low‐temperature operation, and eco‐friendly end products. This review recapitulates the mechanism and the factors affecting the extraction and possibility of compounds extracted from waste. The green separation ultrasound‐aided technique has been proven to provide higher extractable compounds. Usage of water as a solvent further reduces environmental and economic problems. By considering all of these advantages, this article discusses the mechanism, elements affecting the extraction, and the effect of combination treatment on properties and the outcome of extraction. It presents the details about the application of the UAE in the valorization of waste compounds.

Practical application

Food processing is one of the most promising sectors globally; the agricultural organic waste created by this sector plays a significant part in waste generation. Extracting valuable active compounds from this waste can improve the utilization of natural compounds in other foods, help obtain extra income, and help reuse industrial waste. Ultrasound‐assisted extraction is a suitable technology for extracting valuable compounds from organic waste. Optimum process conditions must be identified, which vary based on process conditions and extractable material nature to obtain the maximum extraction.
Red cell folate status among a subset of Canadian children with Down Syndrome post‐fortification
Authors: Jory J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome (DS) is associated with altered methylation pathways. Children with DS may therefore represent a population subgroup with vulnerability to increased exposures to folic acid, which is involved in one‐carbon metabolism. Folic acid (FA) fortification of flour and maternal FA supplementation are intended to reduce neural tube defects related to folate deficiency. The interventions have been widely successful in Canada. Emerging evidence suggests that higher FA exposures may also have potential negative consequences, including implications for DNA methylation. This retrospective chart review provides insight on the red blood cell (RBC) folate status of a subset of Canadian children and infants with DS, post‐fortification.

Methods

Children with DS in two Canadian provinces were assessed in the community. Access to RBC folate testing was variable, limiting sample size to 39 (n = 27 for children ≤6 years; n = 12 for children 6–18 years). All children with DS and an RBC folate result were included. The use of FA‐containing supplements and formula was documented.

Results

Among children 6–18 years, 100% had RBC folates >1000 nmol/L, 50% were >2000 nmol/L and 25% had levels above the upper laboratory reporting limit. Among the younger children (<6 years), 52% had RBC folates >2000 nmol and 2 children exceeded 3000 nmol/L. Among exclusively breast‐fed infants (<12 months), 100% had RBC folates >1000 nmol/L and 50% had levels >2000 nmol/L, suggestive of in‐utero or maternal exposures. RBC folate status among this subset of Canadian children with DS is higher than documented for the larger Canadian population, and higher than among US children with DS.

Conclusions

Young Canadian children with DS demonstrated high post‐fortification RBC folate status. RBC folate status was higher than reported for the larger Canadian population, and higher than for US children with Down Syndrome. Consumption of folic acid‐containing formula and/or supplements was relatively low among these Canadian children with DS, suggesting maternal FA supplements and/or FA‐fortified foods may be important etiological factors. A larger, prospective study is needed to validate these results, and to explore potential health implications among this vulnerable population.
Diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy in preeclampsia in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and treatment by cesarean section
Authors: Kim Jong‐Min , Kwak Jina , Kim Joo‐Il , Kim Donghun , Kang Byeong‐Cheol
Published: March 2022

A pregnant common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) showed tachypnea, hypothermia, and anorexia at close to the expected delivery date. Severe anemia and thrombocytopenia, schistocytes, and high levels of LDH and D‐dimer were observed. Three days after the onset of clinical signs, a cesarean section was conducted due to stillbirth. Marmoset immediately recovered after surgery, and the abnormal CBC and blood chemistry parameters before surgery returned to the normal ranges. Diagnosis of pregnancy‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy was made because removal of infant and placenta is curative. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of thrombotic microangiopathy in a marmoset with preeclampsia.
Reducing information asymmetry and increasing health value co‐creation in a rural healthcare context
Authors: Dahl Andrew J. , Peltier James W. , Milne George R.
Published: March 2022

Digital platforms offer emerging opportunities for disseminating information to improve decision‐making, motivate behavior changes, and enhance outcomes. However, consumer‐physician asymmetry and traditional service delivery principles create resource utilization conflicts that may hinder health value co‐creation efforts. We address how expert service contexts with high levels of information asymmetry may maximize value co‐creation by encouraging consumers' digital information usage to close the consumer‐physician information gap. Structural equation modeling of rural consumer surveys demonstrates the ancillary value created by supporting consumers' digital resource integration. The results identify how physicians may increase rural consumers' co‐creation of health outcomes by helping consumers utilize digital information to facilitate their activation in value co‐creation. However, physicians and consumers first need to share value perceptions of the digital inputs to maximize consumers' resource integration and co‐creation efforts.
Effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on premenstrual syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Mehdi , Dehghan Nayeri Nahid , Mashhadi Monireh , Varaei Shokoh
Published: March 2022

Introduction

To date, no definitive results have been reported on the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Therefore, this systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on PMS.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, the databases were searched. In this regard, randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on PMS were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. Meta‐analysis was done based on random effects model and calculation of standardized mean difference (SMDs).

Results

The results of meta‐analysis showed that omega‐3 fatty acids were efficient in reducing the severity of PMS in women (SMD = −0.968, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.471 to −0.464). In addition, the results showed that the studies were heterogeneous (I2 = 89.11%, p <0.001). Based on meta‐regression analysis, aging (β = −0.150, 95% CI −0.202 to −0.098, p <0.001) and increasing the duration of intervention (β = −0.579, 95% CI −0.781 to −0.378, p <0.001) had a significant effect on the severity of PMS. We also found that omega‐3 fatty acids could significantly reduce the somatic (SMD = −0.800, 95% CI: −1.126 to −0.474) and psychological (SMD = −0.373, 95% CI: −0.686 to −0.061) symptoms of PMS.

Conclusion

Omega‐3 fatty acids could reduce the severity of PMS. However, we should caution in the conclusion in affirming the beneficial effects of n‐3 PUFAs on PMS, since the heterogeneity is evident in the analysis. The efficacy of the treatment was enhanced by increase of the treatment duration.
The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on New York City real estate: First evidence
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey P. , Friedt Felix L. , Lautier Jackson P.
Published: March 2022

We investigate whether pandemic‐induced contagion disamenities and income effects arising due to COVID‐related unemployment adversely affected real estate prices of one‐ or two‐family owner‐occupied properties across New York City (NYC). First, ordinary least squares hedonic results indicate that greater COVID case numbers are concentrated in neighborhoods with lower‐valued properties. Second, we use a repeat‐sales approach for the period 2003–2020, and we find that both the possibility of contagion and pandemic‐induced income effects adversely impacted home sale prices. Estimates suggest sale prices fell by roughly $60,000 or around 8% in response to both of the following: 1000 additional infections per 100,000 residents and a 10‐percentage point increase in unemployment in a given Modified Zip Code Tabulation Area (MODZCTA). These price effects were more pronounced during the second wave of infections. On the basis of cumulative MODZCTA infection rates through 2020, the estimated COVID‐19 price discount ranged from approximately 1% to 50% in the most affected neighborhoods, and averaged 14%. The contagion effect intensified in the more affluent, but less densely populated NYC neighborhoods, while the income effect was more pronounced in the most densely populated neighborhoods with more rental properties and greater population shares of foreign‐born residents. This disparity implies the pandemic may have been correlated with a wider gap in housing wealth in NYC between homeowners in lower‐priced and higher‐priced neighborhoods.
The Cultural Variance Model of Organizational Shame and its Implications on Health and Well‐Being1
Authors: Akutsu Satoshi , Krishnan Ramesh , Lee Jinju
Published: March 2022

Drawing on various studies, we provide a holistic view incorporating different nested cultural contexts, organizational shame, and health outcomes. We introduce the concept of organizational shame and explain its two key domains: conformity and status/competition. Then, we comprehensively review prior studies on cultural approaches to shame and propose our cultural variance model of organizational shame. Our model illustrates an equilibrium, exhibiting dominant and stable patterns of shame domains formed by reinforcing relationships among three key nested contextual layers: individuals (workers), organizations (firms), and the labor market. We apply our model to discuss general and occupational implications and outline future research directions. Thus, we hope to conceptualize organizational shame within the dynamic contexts of organizations and cultures.
Numerous spindle‐shaped lymphoma cells in lymphomatosis cerebri: An autopsy case report
Authors: Mori Yu , Tomita Minoru , Hattori Naoki , Ujihira Nobuko , Narita Michihiko , Yoshida Mari
Published: March 2022

Lymphomatosis cerebri (LC) is a rare variant of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). It is characterized by diffuse infiltration of atypical lymphoid cells with no mass formation and little or no contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Interestingly, some lymphoma cells form characteristic spindle shapes; these cells are found in some variants of malignant lymphoma, such as primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, but they have not been reported in PCNSL or LC. Here, we provide an autopsy case report of LC in a 69‐year‐old immunocompetent man who developed rapidly progressive cognitive decline and died on day 68 after the episode despite treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone administration. MRI revealed high signal intensities on T2‐weighted images of the cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord without gadolinium enhancement on T1‐weighted images. On autopsy, diffuse infiltrative atypical cells were seen; these cells were positive for CD20 and CD79a and negative for GFAP, CD3, and CD5 on immunohistochemistry, resulting in a diagnosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, specifically LC. We found characteristic spindle‐shaped cells, especially in the cerebral cortex. This is the first report showing that lymphoma cells in PCNSL can take on a spindle‐shaped form. It is difficult to recognize these spindle‐shaped cells as lymphoma cells on hematoxylin and eosin staining and diagnose them correctly with small biopsy specimens without immunohistochemistry. This case suggests that we should add atypical, spindle‐shaped cells to the differential diagnosis of PCNSL.
Caries in children with and without orofacial clefting: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Grewcock Rebecca E. , Innes Nicola P. T. , Mossey Peter A. , Robertson Mark D.
Published: March 2022

This systematic review compared children's primary dentition caries experience for those with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and without. Four databases were searched without date restriction for; cross‐sectional studies comparing caries experience for children with CL/P to those without. Screening, data extraction and risk assessment were carried out independently (in duplicate). Meta‐analyses used a random‐effects model. Twenty studies (21 reports) fitting the inclusion criteria comprised 4647 children in primary dentition from 12 countries. For dmft (n = 3016 children; 15 groups), CL/P mean = 3.2; standard deviation = 2.22 and no CL/P mean dmft = 2.5; sd 1.53. For dmfs (n = 1095 children; 6 groups), CL/P mean = 4; sd = 3.5 and no CL/P mean = 3; sd = 2.8. For % caries experience (n = 1094 children; 7 groups), CL/P mean = 65%; sd = 20.8 and no CL/P mean = 52%; sd = 28.1. Meta‐analysis showed higher caries experience in children with CL/P, standardised mean difference = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.15, 0.77. Studies' risk of bias was high (n = 7), medium (n−10) and low (n = 3). Children with CL/P had higher caries experience compared to those without CLP.
Nutritional grouping of marine forage species reveals contrasted exposure of high trophic levels to essential micro‐nutrients
Authors: Chouvelon Tiphaine , Gilbert Lola , Caurant Florence , Méndez‐Fernandez Paula , Bustamante Paco , Brault‐Favrou Maud , Spitz Jérôme
Published: March 2022

By transferring energy and nutrients from plankton to top predators, forage species play a major ecological role in marine food webs. While large differences in energy densities have been demonstrated among these species, other determinants of their quality remain poorly explored. We analysed 78 forage species from the Bay of Biscay, NE Atlantic, for their concentrations in various chemical elements with a documented biological role (i.e. micro‐nutrients). Species encompassed jellyfish, crustaceans, cephalopods, cartilaginous and bony fish. Elements included two essential macro‐minerals (nitrogen and phosphorous) and nine trace elements (arsenic (As), cobalt, copper (Cu), chromium, iron, manganese, nickel, selenium (Se), zinc). We showed a broad range of elemental composition values across forage species, partly driven by taxonomy (fish versus crustaceans/cephalopods) or their habitat (coastal versus oceanic, pelagic versus benthic). Some elements (As, Cu or Se) were more variable than others, especially in fish for Cu and Se. The 78 forage species were then classified by hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) into different nutritional groups, based on their composition in eleven elements. Mean concentrations of each element in the diet of eight cetacean species was finally calculated, as well as the importance of each nutritional group (as defined by HCA including all elements) for each predator species. We revealed contrasting diets in terms of exposure to elements. Neritic common dolphins and harbour porpoises but also minke whales were thus mainly supplied by the Se‐enriched nutritional group composed of small (pelagic) schooling fish (including sandeels, (horse) mackerel and also some Clupeids), while the diets of pilot whales or Risso's dolphins that mostly consume benthic cephalopods were clearly Cu‐enriched. This study raises the issue of essential element composition as another determinant of food quality, and the risk associated with changes in forage species' availability for the proper functioning of marine food webs and ecosystems.