bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health information technology to improve care for people with multiple chronic conditions
Authors: Samal Lipika , Fu Helen N. , Camara Djibril S. , Wang Jing , Bierman Arlene S. , Dorr David A.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To review evidence regarding the use of Health Information Technology (health IT) interventions aimed at improving care for people living with multiple chronic conditions (PLWMCC) in order to identify critical knowledge gaps.

Data Sources

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Compendex, and IEEE Xplore databases for studies published in English between 2010 and 2020.

Study Design

We identified studies of health IT interventions for PLWMCC across three domains as follows: self‐management support, care coordination, and algorithms to support clinical decision making.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Structured search queries were created and validated. Abstracts were reviewed iteratively to refine inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search was supplemented by manually searching the bibliographic sections of the included studies. The search included a forward citation search of studies nested within a clinical trial to identify the clinical trial protocol and published clinical trial results. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers.

Principal Findings

The search yielded 1907 articles; 44 were included. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 35 other studies including quasi‐experimental, usability, feasibility, qualitative studies, or development/validation studies of analytic models were included. Five RCTs had positive results, and the remaining four RCTs showed that the interventions had no effect. The studies address individual patient engagement and assess patient‐centered outcomes such as quality of life. Few RCTs assess outcomes such as disability and none assess mortality.

Conclusions

Despite a growing body of literature on health IT interventions or multicomponent interventions including a health IT component for chronic disease management, current evidence for applying health IT solutions to improve care for PLWMCC is limited. The body of literature included in this review provides critical information on the state of the science as well as the many gaps that need to be filled for digital health to fulfill its promise in supporting care delivery that meets the needs of PLWMCC.
Aligning care with the personal values of patients with complex care needs
Authors: Tuzzio Leah , Berry Andrew L. , Gleason Kathy , Barrow Jennifer , Bayliss Elizabeth A. , Gray Marlaine Figueroa , Delate Thomas , Bermet Zoe , Uratsu Connie S. , Grant Richard W. , Ralston James D.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To identify opportunities to align care with the personal values of patients from three distinct groups with complex medical, behavioral, and social needs.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Between June and August 2019, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with individuals with complex care needs in two integrated health care delivery systems.

Study Design

Qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews.

Data Collection Methods

We interviewed three groups of patients at Kaiser Permanente Washington and Kaiser Permanente Colorado representing three distinct profiles of complex care needs: Group A (“obesity, opioid prescription, and low‐resourced neighborhood”), Group B (“older, high medical morbidity, emergency department, and hospital use”), and Group C (“older, mental and physical health concerns, and low‐resourced neighborhood”). These profiles were identified based on prior work and prioritized by internal primary care stakeholders. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Principal Findings

Twenty‐four patients participated; eight from each complex needs profile. Mean age across groups was 71 (range 48–86) years. We identified five themes common across the three groups that captured patients' views regarding values‐aligned care. These themes focused on the importance of care teams exploring and acknowledging a patient's values, providing access to nonphysician providers who have different perspectives on care delivery, offering values‐aligned mental health care, ensuring connection to community‐based resources that support values and address needs, and providing care that supports the patient plus their family and caregivers.

Conclusions

Our results suggest several opportunities to improve how care is delivered to patients with different complex medical, behavioral, and social needs. Future research is needed to better understand how to incorporate these opportunities into health care.
Improving evaluation of nonlethal tools for carnivore management and conservation: evaluating fladry to protect an endangered species from a generalist mesocarnivore
Authors: Windell R. M. , Bailey L. L. , Young J. K. , Livieri T. M. , Eads D. A. , Breck S. W.
Published: August 2021

Carnivore conservation and management are global research priorities focused on reversing population declines of imperiled species and identifying more effective and humane management of generalist carnivores with thriving populations. Nonlethal methods to mitigate conflict are increasingly used to advance conservation objectives; however, there is limited knowledge about the effectiveness of many nonlethal methods. We tested a nonlethal tool (fladry), that serves as a barrier to deter wolves Canis lupus and coyotes Canis latrans, for its efficacy at preventing coyotes from using prairie dog Cynomys ludovicianus colonies, the primary prey for critically endangered black‐footed ferrets Mustela nigripes. We used camera trap data and an occupancy approach to evaluate the tool’s efficacy. We measured coyote response to fladry at both a coarse monthly scale (via use, attraction and avoidance probabilities) and a fine scale (via daily activity). Overall, use of areas inside exclosures declined by 60% after 60 days of fladry application and coyotes avoided some previously used areas both within and outside exclosures. Interestingly, coyotes were attracted to previously unused areas surrounding exclosures and increased activity around the periphery of fladry exclosures by 170% immediately after fladry installation, suggesting coyotes actively explored these areas and may have responded to fladry in a way that is counterintuitive to management expectations. Occupancy models provided more robust evaluation of fladry and revealed important behavioral responses relative to other common evaluation techniques (i.e. time until first detected crossing). Our results have implications for future development and evaluation of nonlethal tools for carnivore conservation and management globally.
Roflumilast treatment during forced abstinence reduces relapse to methamphetamine seeking and taking
Authors: Baek James J. , Kline Hannah , Deveau Carmen M. , Yamamoto Bryan K.
Published: August 2021

Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant with high abuse potential. Currently, there are no pharmacological treatments specific for METH abuse or stimulant use disorder generally. Although phosphodiesterase inhibitors have shown some promise, current animal models have not examined their use in abstinence from stimulant abuse. We employed a METH self‐administration model in the rat followed by a forced abstinence period during which roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, was administered. A detailed behavioral analysis of chronic treatment with roflumilast during 7 days of forced abstinence showed that roflumilast reduced METH seeking and METH taking upon subsequent relapse test. Roflumilast treatment during 7 days of forced abstinence did not affect sucrose seeking and sucrose taking behaviors. These data suggest that roflumilast may be a treatment for METH use disorder that is effective when administered only during abstinence.
Expression of the alternative splicing regulator Rbfox2 during placental development is differentially regulated in preeclampsia mouse models
Authors: Freitag Nancy , Xie Yiran , Adam Lisa‐Marie , Borowski Sophia , Blois Sandra M. , Barrientos Gabriela
Published: August 2021

Problem

Proper placental development is pivotal to ensure healthy pregnancy outcomes. Among the multiple cellular mechanisms involved in the orchestration of this process, little is known on the role of alternative splicing events in the modulation of trophoblast cell biology. Here, we evaluated the expression of the alternative splicing regulator Rbfox2 in the pre‐ and post‐placentation period in mouse pregnancies in both healthy and pathological settings.

Method of study

Immunofluorescence analysis of Rbfox2 expression in mouse implantation sites collected during the pre‐placentation period (E5‐E7) and post‐placentation (E13).

Results

We identified a progressive increase of Rbfox2 levels throughout the peri‐implantation period with a shift from a cytoplasmatic expression on E5‐E6 to a predominantly nuclear expression on E7, together with a prominent expression of this factor in both subcellular compartments of the primitive placenta. Our results further showed that in contrast to healthy gestations, Rbfox2 expression decreased in preeclamptic models during the post‐placentation period. Finally, we further demonstrated enhanced expression of Rbfox2 proteins in allogeneic pregnancy compared to syngeneic models.

Conclusions

Our findings uncover a novel role for Rbfox2‐controlled splicing events in the modulation of trophoblast function, with potential implications for the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications originated from defective placentation.
The bile acid‐activated retinoic acid response in dendritic cells is involved in food allergen sensitization
Authors: Wu Renlan , Yuan Xiefang , Li Xingjie , Ma Ning , Jiang Hongyu , Tang Hongmei , Xu Guofeng , Liu Zhigang , Zhang Zongde
Published: August 2021

Background

Alteration of commensal microbiota is highly correlated with the prevalence of allergic reactions to food in the gastrointestinal tract. The mechanisms by which microbiota modulate food allergen sensitization in the mucosal site are not fully understood.

Methods

We generate DCs specific knockout of retinoic acid receptor α (Rara) gene mice (DC KO Rara) to evaluate food sensitization. The bile acid‐activated retinoic acid response was evaluated by flow cytometry, real‐time RT‐PCR and Illumina transcriptome sequencing. The global effect of Abx treatment on BA profiles in the mucosal lymph tissue mLN in mice was examined by UPLC‐MS analysis.

Results

In this study, we demonstrate that depletion of commensal gut bacteria leads to enhanced retinoic acid (RA) signaling in mucosal dendritic cells (DCs). RA signaling in DCs is required for the production of food allergen‐specific IgE and IgG1. Antibiotics induced an enlarged bile acid (BA) pool, and dysregulated BA profiles contributed to enhanced RA signaling in mucosal DCs. BA‐activated RA signaling promoted DC upregulation of interferon I signature, RA signature, OX40L, and PDL2, which may lead to T helper 2 differentiation of CD4+ T cells. BA‐activated RA signaling involved the farnesoid X receptor and RA receptor α (RARa) interaction. Depletion of bile acid reduces food allergen specific IgE and IgG1 levels in mice.

Conclusion

Our research unveils a mechanism of food sensitization modulated by BA‐RA signaling in DCs, which suggests a potential new approach for the intervention of food allergic reactions.
Clinical benefit for cryopreservation of single human spermatozoa for ICSI: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Chuan , Gan Run‐Xin , Hu Jian‐Lin , Liu Feng , Hong Yan , Zhu Wen‐Bing , Li Zheng
Published: August 2021

Background

Systematic reviews have focused on sperm recovery and post‐thaw parameters after cryopreservation, but there is no information on the associated clinical outcomes. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have reported cryopreservation of a single sperm due to the importance of fertility preservation.

Objectives

To assess whether the cryopreservation of single human spermatozoa improves clinical outcomes in patients with azoospermia or severe oligospermia.

Materials and methods

We conducted an extensive literature search using the following databases: CENTRAL, CNKI, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PUBMED, and Web of Science for relevant studies published through December 31, 2019. We calculated the pooled proportions of cryopreservation of a single human spermatozoon to assess the recovery, survival, fertilization, pregnancy, miscarriage, and delivery rates. Subgroup analyses were performed for the following covariates, (a) different carriers, (b) year of publication, and (c) source of sperm.

Results

We included 25 studies, which included 13 carriers. The pooled proportion of recovery rate of spermatozoa cryopreserved was 92% (95% CI, 87%–96%), and the survival, fertilization, pregnancy, miscarriage, and delivery rates were 76% (95% CI, 69%–83%), 63% (95% CI, 58%–67%), 57% (95% CI, 39%–74%), 12% (95% CI, 0%–33%), and 40% (95% CI, 12%–71%), respectively. Based on the subgroup analysis, the recovery and survival rates of frozen spermatozoa in a subgroup of different carriers were statistically significant. In the past decade, frozen single human spermatozoon technology has improved the recovery rates of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa. However, the differences in clinical outcomes of frozen spermatozoa in subgroups of different sources of sperm were not statistically significant.

Discussion and conclusion

The techniques for single human spermatozoa are feasible and efficient and may benefit patients with severe oligospermia or azoospermia.
Apatinib combined with Keytruda treatment induces apoptosis of gastric carcinoma cells through CES4/miR‐616‐5p/DUSP2 axis
Authors: Zhang Fengli , Yin Yanfen , Xu Wenwen , Zhou Zhou , Sun Xin , Li Ping
Published: August 2021

Gastric carcinoma (GC) is a highly malignant and heterogeneous tumour. Long non‐coding RNA CES4 is down‐regulated in GC. However, whether CES4 can participate in GC remains unclear; we have carried out research on this topic. GC cells (HGC‐27 and MKN‐7) were treated with anti‐tumour drugs: apatinib combined with Keytruda. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by CCK‐8 assay and flow cytometry. Gene and protein expression were examined by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the relationship among CES4, miR‐616‐5p and dual‐specificity phosphatase‐2 (DUSP2). CES4 was highly expressed in the apatinib combined with Keytruda‐treated HGC‐27 and MKN‐7 cells. Apatinib combined with Keytruda treatment repressed cell viability and promoted apoptosis of HGC‐27 and MKN‐7 cells, which was abrogated by CES4 knockdown. Furthermore, CES4 promoted DUSP2 expression by sponging miR‐616‐5p in HGC‐27 and MKN‐7 cells. CES4 knockdown promoted cell viability and inhibited apoptosis of drug‐treated HGC‐27 and MKN‐7 cells by regulating miR‐616‐5p/DUSP2 axis. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that apatinib combined with Keytruda treatment induces apoptosis of GC cells through CES4/miR‐616‐5p/DUSP2 axis. Thus, this work provides the experimental basis for the combination of apatinib and Keytruda as a treatment for GC.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy – the puncture
Authors: Alken Peter
Published: August 2021

Objective

To determine what importance is given to the puncture and assistive technologies in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in the current urological literature.

Methods

PubMed was searched for English publications and reviews for the keywords: ‘percutaneous nephrolithotomy’, ‘percutaneous nephrostomy’, ‘puncture’. The search was limited to the last 5 years, January 2016 until February 2021. Based on 183 abstracts, 121 publications were selected, read, and reviewed. References, older or seminal papers were read and cited if they contributed to a better understanding. A total of 198 references form the basis of this narrative review.

Results

The puncture is frequently referred to as the most crucial part of PNL. In contrast, the influence of the puncture on the failure rate of PNL and the specific puncture‐related complications seems to be low in the single‐digit percentage range. However, there are no universally accepted definitions and standards measuring the quality of puncture. Consequently, the impact of the puncture on general PNL complications, on stone scores predicting success rates and on learning curves evaluating surgeons’ performance have not been systematically studied. Assistive technologies rely on fluoroscopy and ultrasonography, the latter of which is becoming the preferred imaging modality for monitoring the entire procedure. Needle bending, a problem relevant to all puncture techniques, is not addressed in the urological literature.

Conclusions

The importance attached to puncture in PNL in the current urological literature is subjectively high but objectively low. Some basics of puncture are not well understood in urology. Disciplines other than urology are more actively involved in the development of puncture techniques.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 in diabetes care: Can glycaemic control be achieved without nausea and vomiting?
Authors: Borner Tito , Tinsley Ian C. , Doyle Robert P. , Hayes Matthew R. , De Jonghe Bart C.
Published: August 2021

Introduced less than two decades ago, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists rapidly reshaped the field of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) care by providing glycaemic control in tandem with weight loss. However, FDA‐approved GLP‐1 receptor agonists are often accompanied by nausea and emesis and, in some lean T2DM patients, by undesired anorexia. Importantly, the hypophagic and emetic effects of GLP‐1 receptor agonists are caused by activation of central GLP‐1 receptors. This review summarizes two different approaches to mitigate the incidence and severity of nausea and emesis related to GLP‐1 receptor agonists: conjugation with vitamin B12, or related corrin ring‐containing compounds (‘corrination’), and development of dual agonists of GLP‐1 receptors with glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Such approaches could lead to the generation of GLP‐1 receptor agonists with improved therapeutic efficacy, thus decreasing treatment attrition, increasing patient compliance and extending treatment to a broader population of T2DM patients. The data reviewed show that it is possible to pharmacologically separate the emetic effects of GLP‐1 receptor agonists from their glucoregulatory action.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on GLP1 receptor ligands (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.4/issuetoc
Metabolomics reveals biomarkers in human urine and plasma to predict cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity
Authors: Magliocco Gaëlle , Desmeules Jules , Matthey Alain , Quirós‐Guerrero Luis M. , Bararpour Nasim , Joye Timothée , Marcourt Laurence , Queiroz Emerson F. , Wolfender Jean‐Luc , Gloor Yvonne , Thomas Aurélien , Daali Youssef
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

Individualized assessment of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity is usually performed through phenotyping following administration of a probe drug to measure the enzyme's activity. To avoid any iatrogenic harm (allergic drug reaction, dosing error) related to the probe drug, the development of non‐burdensome tools for real‐time phenotyping of CYP2D6 could significantly contribute to precision medicine. This study focuses on the identification of markers of the CYP2D6 enzyme in human biofluids using an LC‐high‐resolution mass spectrometry‐based metabolomic approach.

Experimental Approach

Plasma and urine samples from healthy volunteers were analysed before and after intake of a daily dose of paroxetine 20 mg over 7 days. CYP2D6 genotyping and phenotyping, using single oral dose of dextromethorphan 5 mg, were also performed in all participants.

Key Results

We report four metabolites of solanidine and two unknown compounds as possible novel CYP2D6 markers. Mean relative intensities of these features were significantly reduced during the inhibition session compared with the control session (n = 37). Semi‐quantitative analysis showed that the largest decrease (−85%) was observed for the ion m/z 432.3108 normalized to solanidine (m/z 398.3417). Mean relative intensities of these ions were significantly higher in the CYP2D6 normal–ultrarapid metabolizer group (n = 37) compared with the poor metabolizer group (n = 6). Solanidine intensity was more than 15 times higher in CYP2D6‐deficient individuals compared with other volunteers.

Conclusion and Implications

The applied untargeted metabolomic strategy identified potential novel markers capable of semi‐quantitatively predicting CYP2D6 activity, a promising discovery for personalized medicine.
The survival and proliferation of osteosarcoma cells are dependent on the mitochondrial BIG3‐PHB2 complex formation
Authors: Toki Shunichi , Yoshimaru Tetsuro , Matsushita Yosuke , Aihara Hitoshi , Ono Masaya , Tsuneyama Koichi , Sairyo Koichi , Katagiri Toyomasa
Published: August 2021

Previous studies reported the critical role of the brefeldin A–inhibited guanine nucleotide exchange protein 3–prohibitin 2 (BIG3‐PHB2) complex in modulating estrogen signaling activation in breast cancer cells, yet its pathophysiological roles in osteosarcoma (OS) cells remain elusive. Here, we report a novel function of BIG3‐PHB2 in OS malignancy. BIG3‐PHB2 complexes were localized mainly in mitochondria in OS cells, unlike in estrogen‐dependent breast cancer cells. Depletion of endogenous BIG3 expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment led to significant inhibition of OS cell growth. Disruption of BIG3‐PHB2 complex formation by treatment with specific peptide inhibitor also resulted in significant dose‐dependent suppression of OS cell growth, migration, and invasion resulting from G2/M‐phase arrest and in PARP cleavage, ultimately leading to PARP‐1/apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) pathway activation–dependent apoptosis in OS cells. Subsequent proteomic and bioinformatic pathway analyses revealed that disruption of the BIG3‐PHB2 complex might lead to downregulation of inner mitochondrial membrane protein complex activity. Our findings indicate that the mitochondrial BIG3‐PHB2 complex might regulate PARP‐1/AIF pathway–dependent apoptosis during OS cell proliferation and progression and that disruption of this complex may be a promising therapeutic strategy for OS.
Inflammatory cytokine responses in children with asymptomatic malaria infection living in rural, semi-urban and urban areas in south-eastern Gabon
Authors: Mbani Mpega Ntigui Chérone Nancy , Oyegue-Liabagui Sandrine Lydie , Kouna Lady Charlene , Imboumy Karl Roméo , Tsafack Tegomo Nathalie Pernelle , Okouga Alain Prince , Ontoua Seinnat , Lekana-Douki Jean-Bernard
Published: August 2021

Cytokines are soluble mediators of the immune response, and their evolution influences the disease outcome. Gaining knowledge on cytokines has become important, as they can constitute biomarkers allowing the diagnosis of malaria and preventing severe forms of the disease. Here, we investigated 10 cytokines and their circulating levels in asymptomatic Gabonese children with Plasmodium falciparum infection living in urban, semi-urban and rural areas. Blood samples were collected from 273 schoolchildren (153 uninfected and 120 infected) aged 6 to 192 months. Hematological parameters were determined and P. falciparum diagnosis was performed using a rapid diagnosis test, microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasma pro- [interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12p70, IL-17A and IL-22] and anti-inflammatory [IL-10, IL-4, IL-13 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β] cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared between asymptomatic-infected and uninfected children. Results revealed that without distinction of area, IL-10 and IL-6 levels were higher in infected compared to uninfected children; however, the pro- and anti-inflammatory ratios (IL-6/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10) were similar. Furthermore, with area distinction significantly elevated levels of IL-10 in these asymptomatic children were always accompanied by either significantly low or high levels of a proinflammatory cytokine. Also, comparison between asymptomatic-infected children from the three areas showed significantly lower IL-17A, IL-22 and TGF-β levels in urban area compared to semi-urban and rural areas. These results suggest that asymptomatic malaria infections induce significantly high inflammatory cytokine levels without modifying the balanced between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and underline the higher exposure to infections of children in rural areas.
Prospects of antibodies targeting CD47 or CD24 in the treatment of glioblastoma
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Jialin , Wang Zhifei , Yuan Wen , Chen Ling
Published: August 2021

Glioma is a malignant tumor with the highest incidence among all brain tumors (about 46% of intracranial tumors) and is the most common primary intracranial tumor. Among them, glioblastoma (GBM) is highly malignant and is one of the three refractory tumors with the highest mortality rate in the world. The survival time from glioblastoma diagnosis to death is only 14–16 months for patients with standard treatment such as surgery plus radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Due to its high malignancy and poor prognosis, in‐depth studies have been conducted to explore effective therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma. In addition to the conventional surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the glioblastoma treatments also include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and electric field treatment. However, current treatment methods provide limited benefits because of the heterogeneity of glioblastoma and the complexity of the immune microenvironment within a tumor. Therefore, seeking an effective treatment plan is imperative. In particular, developing an active immunotherapy for glioblastoma has become an essential objective in the field. This article reviews the feasibility of CD47/CD24 antibody treatment, either individually or in combination, to target the tumor stem cells and the antitumor immunity in glioblastoma. The potential mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of CD47/CD24 antibodies are also discussed.
Interposition of a biological mesh may not affect the rate of rectovaginal fistula after excision of large rectovaginal endometriotic nodules: a pilot study of 209 patients
Authors: Roman Horace , Pontré Jennifer , Braund Sophia , Khalil Haitham , Klapczynski Clemence , Hennetier Clotilde , Bridoux Valérie , Tuech Jean‐Jacques
Published: August 2021

Aim

The aim of this work was to assess whether placement of a biological mesh (Permacol®) between the vaginal and rectal sutures reduces the rate of rectovaginal fistula in patients with deep rectovaginal endometriosis.

Method

We report a retrospective, comparative study enrolling patients with vaginal infiltration of more than 3 cm in diameter and rectal involvement in two centres. They benefited from complete excision of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules with or without a biological mesh placed between the vaginal and rectal sutures. The rate of rectovaginal fistula was compared between the two groups.

Results

Two hundred and nine patients were enrolled: 42 patients underwent interposition of biological mesh (cases) and 167 did not (controls). Ninety‐two per cent of cases and 86.2% of controls had rectal infiltration more than 3 cm in diameter. Cases underwent rectal disc excision more frequently (64.3% vs. 49.1%) and had a smaller distance between the rectal staple line and the anal verge (4.4 ± 1.4 cm vs. 6 ± 2.9 cm). Rectovaginal fistulas occurred in 4 cases (9.5%) and 12 controls (7.2%). Logistic regression analyses revealed no difference in the rate of rectovaginal fistula following the use of mesh (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.3–9.5). A distance of less than 7 cm between the rectal staple line and the anal verge was found to be an independent risk factor for the development of rectovaginal fistula (adjusted OR 15.1, 95% CI 1.7–132).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the placement of a biological mesh between the vagina and rectal sutures may not affect the rate of formation of postoperative rectovaginal fistula following excision of deep infiltrating rectovaginal endometriosis.
Advanced heart failure and heart transplantation in adult congenital heart disease in the current era
Authors: de la Rosa Angelo L. , Singer‐Englar Tahli , Tompkins Rose O. , Patel Jignesh K. , Kobashigawa Jon A. , Kittleson Michelle M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) may undergo heart transplantation (HTx) despite increased risk of poor short‐term outcomes due to factors including surgical complexity and antibody sensitization. We assessed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with ACHD in the current era referred for HTx at a single high‐volume transplant center.

Methods

From 2010 to 2020, 37 ACHD patients were evaluated for HTx. ACHD HTx recipients were compared to non‐ACHD HTx recipients matched for age, sex, listing status, and prior cardiac surgery.

Results

Of the 37 patients with ACHD, eight (21.6%) were declined for HTx. Of 29 ACHD patients listed, 19 (65.5%) underwent HTx. Compared with non‐ACHD HTx controls, the ACHD HTx recipients had more treated cellular (21.1% vs. 15.8%, P = .010) and antibody‐mediated (15.8% vs. 10.5%, P = .033) rejection. There was no difference in hospital readmission or allograft vasculopathy at 1 year. There was a nonsignificant higher 1‐year mortality in ACHD HTx recipients (21.1% vs. 7.9%, P = .21).

Conclusion

At a high‐volume transplant center, ACHD patients undergoing HTx appear to have a marginally higher risk of rejection, but no significant increase in 1‐year mortality. With careful selection and management, HTx for patients with ACHD may be feasible in the current era.
Clinical and histopathological evaluation of 50 acantholytic cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas: Analysis outcome in a retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Conde‐Ferreirós Alberto , Moyano‐Bueno David , Santos‐Briz Ángel , Revelles‐Peñas Leonor , Revilla‐Nebreda David , Becerril‐Andrés Sara , Román‐Curto Concepción , Cañueto Javier
Published: August 2021

Background

Acantholytic cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (aCSCCs) have been classically considered as a high‐risk variant of CSCC. However, more recent studies show that aCSCC does not confer more aggressiveness. This study aims to establish whether the prognosis of the aCSCC is worse than that of the non‐acantholytic (naCSCC) or not.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study with 50 aCSCCs and 50 naCSCCs. For each aCSCC, an naCSCC with similar high‐risk features to the aCSCC but with no acantholysis was selected. Prognosis between both groups was compared.

Results

The mean age was 86 years (SD 9.61). Sixty‐one patients were men. Thirty‐nine CSCCs were located in high‐risk head and neck areas. Twenty CSCCs exhibited a poor degree of differentiation, and 36 showed an infiltrative growth pattern. The tumor diameter was 18.71 mm (interquartile range, IQR 35), and the tumor thickness was 6.72 mm (IQR 15.50). Twelve CSCCs exhibited perineural infiltration, and eight CSCCs exhibited invasion beyond the subcutaneous fat. Positive margins after excision of the tumor in 22 aCSCCs vs eight naCSCCs (P < 0.02). Nineteen poor‐prognosis events were observed (local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, and death from CSCC). However, no differences were observed between both groups when comparing poor‐prognosis events.

Conclusion

The proportion of unfavorable events is similar in aCSCC and naCSCC. The acantholytic histopathological subtype is not associated with a poorer prognosis than the non‐acantholytic CSCC in our cohort.
Patterns of smoking and injecting methamphetamine and their association with health and social outcomes
Authors: McKetin Rebecca , Sutherland Rachel , Peacock Amy , Farrell Michael , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: August 2021

Introduction

We examine how smoking and injecting methamphetamine change over time and correlate with specific health and social outcomes.

Methods

Panel data from a longitudinal cohort dependent on methamphetamine (N = 444; 891 months). Random effects regression models examined the relationship between smoking and/or injecting methamphetamine and past month outcomes (substance use, ≥daily injection, needle/syringe sharing, psychological distress, poor mental and physical health, sexual behaviour, psychotic symptoms, violent behaviour and crime). Effects were adjusted for between‐group differences at baseline.

Results

At baseline, 56% of participants only injected methamphetamine in the past month, 18% only smoked and 26% both injected and smoked (concurrent injecting and smoking). Compared to injecting only, concurrent injecting and smoking was associated with more days of methamphetamine use (b = 1.3, P < 0.001; adjusted [A] b = 1.2, P < 0.001), more frequent injection [odds ratio (OR) 1.8, P = 0.013; adjusted OR (AOR) 1.6, P = 0.042], violent behaviour (OR 2.1, P = 0.001; AOR 1.8, P = 0.013] and crime (OR 3.1, P < 0.001; AOR 2.5, P < 0.001). Non‐injecting related outcomes did not differ significantly for only smoking versus only injecting. There was no significant transition from injecting methamphetamine at baseline to non‐injecting methamphetamine use at follow up, or from exclusively smoking methamphetamine at baseline to any methamphetamine injection at follow up.

Discussion and Conclusion

Efforts are needed to address heavier methamphetamine use, more frequent drug injection and elevated violent behaviour and crime among people who concurrently smoke and inject methamphetamine.
On the prediction of neuronal microscale topology descriptors based on mesoscale recordings
Authors: Bonzanni Mattia , Kaplan David L.
Published: August 2021

The brain possesses structural and functional hierarchical architectures organized over multiple scales. Considering that functional recordings commonly focused on a single spatial level, and because multiple scales interact with one another, we explored the behaviour of in silico neuronal networks across different scales. We established ad hoc relations of several topological descriptors (average clustering coefficient, average path length, small‐world propensity, modularity, network degree, synchronizability and fraction of long‐term connections) between different scales upon application and empirical validation of a Euclidian renormalization approach. We tested a simple network (distance‐dependent model) as well as an artificial cortical network (Vertex; undirected and directed networks) finding the same qualitative power law relations of the parameters across levels: their quantitative nature is model dependent. Those findings were then organized in a workflow that can be used to predict, with approximation, microscale topologies from mesoscale recordings. The present manuscript not only presents a theoretical framework for the renormalization of biological neuronal network and their study across scales in light of the spatial features of the recording method but also proposes an applicable workflow to compare real functional networks across scales.
Global trends in symptomatic medication use against dementia in 66 countries/regions from 2008 to 2018
Authors: Ju Chengsheng , Wong Ian C. K. , Lau Wallis C. Y. , Man Kenneth K. C. , Brauer Ruth , Ma Tian‐Tian , Alsharif Alaa , Alwafi Hassan , Lau Kui Kai , Chan Esther W. , Chui Celine S. L. , Li Xue , Wei Li
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

The aim was to determine trends and patterns of symptomatic medication used against dementia in 66 countries and regions.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study that used the wholesale data from the IQVIA Multinational Integrated Data Analysis System database. Sale data for symptomatic medication against dementia from 66 countries and regions from 2008 to 2018 were analysed and stratified by income level (low/middle‐income countries [LMICs], n = 27; high‐income countries [HICs], n = 37; regions, n = 2). The medication use volume was estimated by defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day (World Health Organization DDD harmonized the size, strength and form of each pack and reflects average dosing). Changes in medication use over time were quantified as percentage changes in compound annual growth rates (CAGRs).

Results

Total symptomatic medication against dementia sales increased from 0.85 to 1.33 DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day between 2008 and 2018 (LMICs 0.094–0.396; HICs 3.88–5.04), which is an increase of CAGR of 4.53% per year. The increase was mainly driven by the LMICs (CAGR = 15.42%) in comparison to the HICs (CAGR = 2.65%). The overall medication use from 2008 to 2018 increased for all four agents: memantine (CAGR = 8.51%), rivastigmine (CAGR = 6.91%), donepezil (CAGR = 2.72%) and galantamine (CAGR = 0.695%). In 2018, the most commonly used medication globally was donepezil, contributing to 49.8% of total use volume, followed by memantine (32.7%), rivastigmine (11.24%) and galantamine (6.36%).

Conclusion

There was an increasing trend in the use of symptomatic medications against dementia globally, but the use remained low in LMICs. Interventions may be needed to support the medication use in some countries.
Toward a better understanding of persistent headache after mild COVID‐19: Three migraine‐like yet distinct scenarios
Authors: Caronna Edoardo , Alpuente Alicia , Torres‐Ferrus Marta , Pozo‐Rosich Patricia
Published: August 2021

One year after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), referrals for persistent headache, often defined as “post‐COVID headache,” have become increasingly common in outpatient headache clinics. However, it is important to take into consideration that this term may include a spectrum of clinically different headache types. We describe three cases of migraine‐like headaches in individuals with a history of mild COVID‐19 infection to demonstrate some of the different phenotypes of persistent headaches seen. These cases highlight the importance of a careful evaluation when assessing the complexities of “post‐COVID headache” as well as the need to further investigate the different, underlying, pathophysiological mechanisms.
Geologic age of the lower Josoji Formation, Shimane Peninsula, Southwest Honshu, Japan: Implications for an abrupt change to deep‐water during the earlier opening stage of the Japan Sea
Authors: Nomura Ritsuo
Published: August 2021

The lower part of the Josoji Formation, Shimane Peninsula, contains clues for figuring out changes in deep‐water characteristics during the opening of the Japan Sea. The foraminiferal assemblage includes early to middle Miocene biostratigraphic index taxa such as planktonic foraminiferalGloborotalia zealandicaandGloborotaloides suteri. The occurrence of these two species, together with the absence of praeorbulinids, suggests that the lower part of the Josoji Formation is assigned to the top of planktonic foraminiferal Zone N7/M4 (16.39 Ma). The benthic foraminiferal assemblage, which is characterized byCyclammina cancellataandMartinottiella communis, clearly suggests that the lower Josoji Formation was deposited at bathyal depths, and that it developed in association with the abrupt appearance of deep‐sea calcareous forms. Such bathyal taxa are the main constituents of theSpirosigmoilinella compressa–Globobulimina auriculataZone of the Josoji Formation and also of theGyrodina–GyroidinoidesZone at Ocean Drilling Program Site 797 in the Japan Sea. The base of these benthic foraminiferal zones can be correlated with the base of the nannofossilSphenolithus heteromorphusBase Zone (= CNM6/CN3); thus, its estimated age is 17.65 Ma. This biostratigraphic information suggests that the lower Josoji Formation was deposited from shortly before 17.65–16.39 Ma in upper limit age. Evidence that fresh to brackish and shallow‐water basins formed in the rifting interval of 20–18 Ma in the Japan Sea borderland suggests that the abrupt appearance of deep‐sea calcareous foraminifera occurred about 1 my earlier in this area than in other sedimentary basins and suggests that a significant paleoceanographic change occurred in the proto‐Japan Sea at 17.65 Ma.
Food and habitats requirements of the Eurasian Scops Owl (Otus scops) in Switzerland revealed by very high‐resolution multi‐scale models
Authors: Theux Coralie , Klein Noëlle , Garibaldi Elodie , Jacot Alain , Eichhorn Sylvain , Guisan Antoine , Pradervand Jean‐Nicolas
Published: August 2021

In Europe, agricultural practices have progressively evolved towards high productivity leading either to the intensification of productive and accessible areas or to the abandonment of less profitable sites. Both processes have led to the degradation of semi‐natural habitats like extensive grasslands, threatening species such as the Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops that rely on extensively managed agricultural landscapes. In this work, we aimed to assess the habitat preferences of the Scops Owl using habitat suitability models combined with a multi‐scale approach. We generated a set of multi‐scale predictors, considering both biotic and abiotic variables, built on two newly developed vegetation management and orthopteran abundance models. To select the variables to incorporate in a ‘best multi‐scale model’, we chose the best spatial scale for each variable using univariate models and by calculating their relative importance through multi‐model inference. Next, we built ensembles of small models (ESMs) at 10 different scales from 50 to 1000 m, and an additional model with each variable at its best scale (‘best multi‐scale model’). The latter performed better than most of the other ESMs and allowed the creation of a high‐resolution habitat suitability map for the species. Scops Owls showed a preference for dry sites with extensive and well‐structured habitats with 30–40% bush cover, and relied strongly on semi‐extensive grasslands covering at least 30% of the surface within 300 m of the territory centre and with high orthopteran availability near the centre (50‐m radius), revealing a need for good foraging grounds near the nest. At a larger spatial scale within a radius of 1000 m, the habitat suitability of Scops Owls was negatively related to forest cover. The resulting ESM predictions provide valuable tools for conservation planning, highlighting sites in need of particular conservation efforts together with offering estimates of the percentage of habitat types and necessary prey abundance that could be used as targets in future management plans to ensure the persistence of the population.
Elevational plumage divergence in the Rufous‐capped Babbler (Cyanoderma ruficeps) on a mountainous island
Authors: Fang Yi‐Ting , Yao Cheng‐Te , Hsu Yu‐Cheng , Hung Chih‐Ming
Published: August 2021

Environment plays an important role in the evolution of plumage coloration in birds and may also lead to sexual dichromatism if males and females face different selection pressures. Mountains exhibit varying ecological conditions along their elevation gradient that may impose divergent selection on elevationally widespread species, causing intraspecific plumage divergence. For example, UV light environments often vary between montane and lowland habitats, which could potentially cause differences in plumage UV reflection between birds occurring in the two types of habitats. However, few studies have examined the effects of elevation on plumage evolution. In this study, we quantified the plumage coloration of the Rufous‐capped Babbler Cyanoderma ruficeps from montane and lowland habitats on a mountainous island, Taiwan. We aimed to examine whether their plumage showed differences associated with changing ecological environments across the elevational gradient. The results supported that the plumage of babblers occupying montane habitats had higher UV‐reflectance and brightness than that of lowland birds, corresponding to the higher UV intensity in montane than lowland background light environments. The elevational differences were mainly found across the ventral parts of babblers that had relatively higher levels of UV reflectance compared with their dorsal parts. Alternatively, the brighter plumage, with higher UV‐reflectance in montane than lowland birds, might be mediated by physiological adaptation to other ecological factors, such as parasite pressures. The elevational differences in plumage UV‐reflectance and brightness were more dramatic in males than in females. However, we found significant sexual dichromatism in different body parts between montane and lowland babblers in which females had brighter or stronger UV‐associated coloration than males, suggesting that sexual selection has little impact on babbler plumage. Our study suggests the importance of elevational divergent selection associated with UV light or other ecological environments on avian plumage evolution.
Influences of mullite fibers on mechanical and thermal properties of silica‐based ceramic cores
Authors: Pan Wenxuan , Xuan Weidong , Duan Fangmiao , Bai Xiaolong , Wang Baojun , Ren Zhongming
Published: August 2021

Mullite fibers composite silica‐based ceramic cores were successfully prepared by injection molding. The effects of mullite fibers on the mechanical and thermal properties of ceramic cores were investigated. The results indicated that the linear shrinkage was significantly decreased and the porosity was gradually increased with the increase of mullite fibers. In addition, the flexural strength for the room temperature and the simulated casting temperature of 1500°C was increased to a maximum value when the content of mullite fibers was about 1 wt.%, and then decreased with the increase of mullite fibers. The mullite fibers of 1 wt.% presented excellent mechanical properties with a linear shrinkage of .65%, a porosity of 6.96%, and a flexural strength of 17 MPa at room temperature and 34.83 MPa at the simulated casting temperature of 1500°C. Besides, the change in microstructure and properties in various contents of mullite fibers were analyzed.
Undergraduate nursing student knowledge and attitudes of healthcare consumers with problematic alcohol and other drug use: A scoping review
Authors: Smyth Darren , Wilson Cate , Searby Adam
Published: August 2021

Problematic alcohol and other drug use has a significant societal, personal, and financial burden. Nurses are key in responding to problematic alcohol and other drug use; however, research indicates many nurses hold negative attitudes towards people with substance and alcohol use disorders. Further, little content exists in most undergraduate degrees to address stigma held by new nurses. The objective of this scoping review, structured using Arksey and O'Malley's (International Journal of Social Research Methodology: Theory and Practice, 8 (1), 19–32, 2005) framework, is to examine studies that either explore or attempt to improve the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate nurses caring for people who use alcohol and other drugs. Our initial search located 610 articles, and after screening, 14 articles were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and included in this review. Most of the papers appraised were small, localized studies using evaluation methods considered low quality, but showed promising results in addressing stigma and confidence in providing care to people who use alcohol and other drugs. This review indicates that a consistent direction for improving knowledge and attitudes among undergraduate nursing students working with people who use alcohol and other drugs is urgently needed. Further studies of interventions, tested with more rigorous evaluation methodologies, are required to extend existing work in this area.