bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a model for measuring alcohol consumption from transdermal alcohol content data among college students
Authors: Kianersi Sina , Ludema Christina , Agley Jon , Ahn Yong‐Yeol , Parker Maria , Ideker Sophie , Rosenberg Molly
Published: May 2023

Background and aims

Transdermal alcohol content (TAC) data collected by wearable alcohol monitors could potentially contribute to alcohol research, but raw data from the devices are challenging to interpret. We aimed to develop and validate a model using TAC data to detect alcohol drinking.

Design

We used a model development and validation study design.

Setting

Indiana, USA

Participants

In March to April 2021, we enrolled 84 college students who reported drinking at least once a week (median age = 20 years, 73% white, 70% female). We observed participants’ alcohol drinking behavior for 1 week.

Measurements

Participants wore BACtrack Skyn monitors (TAC data), provided self‐reported drinking start times in real time (smartphone app) and completed daily surveys about their prior day of drinking. We developed a model using signal filtering, peak detection algorithm, regression and hyperparameter optimization. The input was TAC and outputs were alcohol drinking frequency, start time and magnitude. We validated the model using daily surveys (internal validation) and data collected from college students in 2019 (external validation).

Findings

Participants (N = 84) self‐reported 213 drinking events. Monitors collected 10 915 hours of TAC. In internal validation, the model had a sensitivity of 70.9% (95% CI = 64.1%–77.0%) and a specificity of 73.9% (68.9%–78.5%) in detecting drinking events. The median absolute time difference between self‐reported and model‐detected drinking start times was 59 min. Mean absolute error (MAE) for the reported and detected number of drinks was 2.8 drinks. In an exploratory external validation among five participants, number of drinking events, sensitivity, specificity, median time difference and MAE were 15%, 67%, 100%, 45 minutes and 0.9 drinks, respectively. Our model’s output was correlated with breath alcohol concentration data (Spearman’s correlation [95% CI] = 0.88 [0.77, 0.94]).

Conclusion

This study, the largest of its kind to date, developed and validated a model for detecting alcohol drinking using transdermal alcohol content data collected with a new generation of alcohol monitors. The model and its source code are available as Supporting Information (https://osf.io/xngbk).
The growth of patenting in New Zealand, 1860–99
Authors: Gibbons Matthew , Oxley Les
Published: May 2023

Patent applications by male New Zealand inventors sharply increased in the early 1880s after initial official fees were reduced, and the requirement to advertise applications in newspapers abolished. Increasingly, however, applications lapsed, while applications by unskilled workers remained low. Non‐fee costs were crucially important, with the 1870 reduction in fees failing to increase patenting, as hoped, because the doubling of mandatory advertising costs negated the fees reduction. Patenting by overseas inventors was less affected by fees, and steadily grew. Only one application was by an indigenous Māori person, while even in 1899 women made just 2.5% of applications.
Conservative management of dens in dente
Authors: Castelo‐Baz Pablo , Gancedo‐Gancedo Tania , Pereira‐Lores Patricia , Mosquera‐Barreiro Carolina , Martín‐Biedma Benjamín , Faus‐Matoses Vicente , Ruíz‐Piñón Manuel
Published: May 2023

Dens Invaginatus (DI) or dens in dente is an uncommon anomaly which mostly affects permanent lateral incisors, and it is very rare in molars. This article presents the conservative endodontic management of four different cases of DI and a discussion of the endodontic literature for this malformation. Three upper lateral incisors Type II, IIIa and IIIb, and an upper first molar Type II are shown. The most conservative approach possible was carried out. Three of the cases were obturated using the continuous wave technique. In one of the cases, it was possible to treat only the invagination with MTA and preserve the pulp vitality of the main canal. To make a correct diagnosis and to treat in the most conservative way possible, a DI is necessary to know its classification and use tools such as CBCT and magnification.
Misdiagnosis of primary dumbbell chordoma of the cervical spine
Authors: Zhou Hua , Yang Xiaoxiong , Wang Renji , Liu Xiaoguang , Liu Zhongjun , Wei Feng
Published: May 2023

Aim

This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with primary dumbbell chordoma of the cervical spine and to summarize the causes of misdiagnosis.

Methods

The clinical data of patients were retrospectively collected. The diagnostic process, surgical procedures, and outcomes were analyzed, then the difference was compared between dumbbell and non‐dumbbell chordomas of the cervical spine.

Results

This study included six patients with primary dumbbell chordoma (one male and five females) with a mean age of 32.2 ± 24.5 years (range: 5–61 years). Five cases with no computed tomography (CT) examination before the first operation were misdiagnosed, and on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), primary dumbbell chordoma showed the following specific features: extensive invasion of the surrounding soft tissues with an obscure boundary (≥5 cm), intervertebral disc sparing, and hemorrhagic necrosis, furthermore, the CT features included atypical destructive vertebral lesions, minimal intralesional calcification, and neural foraminal enlargement. After comparison with non‐dumbbell chordomas, it show statistical difference (p < 0.05) in terms of calcification, foramen enlargement, FNA, misdiagnosis rate but with different recurrent rate.

Conclusion

Primary dumbbell chordomas of the cervical spine can easily be misdiagnosed as neurogenic tumors. Preoperative CT‐guided fine‐needle aspiration puncture biopsy helps make an accurate diagnosis. Gross total excision with postoperative radiotherapy has been proven effective in reducing the recurrence rate.
The archaeology of decay: Ruinous knowledge and the violence of urban planning
Authors: Pérez Fernández Federico
Published: May 2023

Renewal plans for downtown Bogotá have been closely tied to “urban decay,” a notion that experts conceptualize as a natural trajectory to be reversed through demolition and reconstruction. Yet for residents on the west side of Bogotá’s city center, planning regulations and official systems of valuation deteriorated their neighborhoods long before the arrival of eviction notices and bulldozers. Drawing on the local analytic of “archaeology of decay,” I develop the concept of ruinous knowledge to explore urban dwellers’ archaeological sensibilities as they sift through the traces and remains of collapsing urban worlds. Shaped by the imaginaries of Colombia's history of warfare, such grounded and intimate knowledges point to the banal materialities and protracted temporalities of urban destruction and dispossession. Ultimately, they emerge as an ambiguous subaltern epistemology and political practice that uncovers the destructive violence at the core of urban planning, while remaining entangled with the normative orders of citizenship and belonging.
Advanced skills for general surgeons and carving out a niche: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in regional Australia
Authors: Sabat Nestor , McSweeney William , Konno Takuma , Gilberd Matthew A. , Molloy Charles , Pretorius Casper
Published: May 2023

Background

The provision of high‐quality healthcare in rural Australian hospitals has necessitated general surgeons to take up the challenge and expand their expertise to advanced endoscopy techniques including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This study examines the utility of ERCP in a regional setting especially in decreasing patient transfers and associated costs while achieving exceptional safety by measuring key indicators of safety and efficacy.

Methods

A single‐centre retrospective cross‐sectional cohort review in a rural Queensland hospital of patients who underwent ERCP (emergent and elective) from January 2019 until July 2022. Standardized international ERCP performance indicators were collected and compared to benchmark literature values including the rate of cannulation, stone extraction, successful stent placement, and post‐ERCP pancreatitis.

Results

The majority of the ERCP performance indicator benchmarks were met. 100% of patients had an appropriate indication for the procedure and consent. 98.95% successful CBD cannulation with only 14.14% requiring multiple attempts. 92.22% successful stone retrieval with 100% stent placement, well above guideline targets. The post‐procedural complication rate was 6.81% (2.09% pancreatitis; 1.05% pancreatitis; 1.05% duodenal perforation). Antibiotic prophylaxis adherence was identified to require improvement (12.57%).

Conclusion

High‐quality ERCP procedures can be performed in a regional hospital by general surgeons in a safe and cost‐effective manner, significantly decreasing the costs associated with patient transfer. This study reflects strong evidence for consistently achieving international ERCP performance benchmarks and the provision of high‐quality healthcare by a regional hospital and provides a strong argument for increasing access to ERCP in rural and remote hospitals.
Prospective longitudinal comparative study showed that breastfeeding outcomes were comparable in preterm twins and singleton infants
Authors: Tandberg Bente Silnes , Grundt Hege , Moen Atle , Niela‐Vilén Hannakaisa , Flacking Renée
Published: May 2023

Aim

We compared milk volumes, skin‐to‐skin contact and breastfeeding by the mothers of very preterm twins and singleton infants born at 28–32 weeks of gestation.

Methods

This Norwegian longitudinal prospective comparative study was carried out in two neonatal intensive care units: one with single family rooms and one open bay unit. It comprised 49 singleton infants, 28 twins and their mothers. The mothers' milk volume and direct breastfeeding were recorded from birth until 4 months' of corrected age. They also answered the breastfeeding self‐efficacy scale and skin‐to‐skin contact was recorded.

Results

The mothers of preterm twins produced doubled the volume of expressed milk at day 14, compared to the mothers of singletons (mean 816 ± 430 mL vs. 482 ± 372 mL, p < 0.05) and this difference was still sustained at 34 + 0 weeks/days (p < 0.02). Mothers of twins had their first breastfeeding attempt later than mothers of singletons (median of 133 h compared to 56 (p < 0.002). Preterm twins received less daily skin‐to‐skin contact (mean 157 ± 66 min each vs. 244 ± 109) (p < 0.001). There were no differences in receiving mother's own milk, exclusively direct breastfeeding or perceived breastfeeding self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding was initiated as successfully in preterm twins as singletons as the mothers' milk production doubled.
A heptadeca amino acid peptide subunit of cathelicidin LL‐37 has previously unreported antifungal activity
Authors: Kalimuthu Shanthini , Pudipeddi Akhila , Braś Grażyna , Tanner Julian A. , Rapala‐Kozik Maria , Leung Yiu Yan , Neelakantan Prasanna
Published: May 2023

Yeasts such as Candida albicans, albeit being ubiquitous members of the skin, oral and vaginal microbiome, can cause superficial to life‐threatening infections. Human cathelicidin LL‐37‐based peptides have antibacterial activity and yet, their antifungal activity remains to be thoroughly characterized. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the activity of LL‐37‐based peptides against C. albicans. LL‐37 and its derivatives were tested for their ability to kill C. albicans planktonic cells in the presence of various biological matrices (serum, plasma, saliva and urine), that have been reported to inactivate peptides. The antibiofilm activity, resistance development and biocompatibility were investigated for the lead peptide. GK‐17, a 17 amino acid peptide, showed remarkable stability to fungal aspartyl proteases and rapidly killed planktonic C. albicans despite the presence of biological matrices. GK‐17 also inhibited adhesion to biotic and abiotic substrates, inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated preformed biofilms in the presence of biological matrices. Compared to nystatin, GK‐17 had a lower propensity to allow for resistance development by C. albicans. The peptide showed concentration‐dependent biocompatibility to red blood cells, with only 30% hemolysis even at 4× the fungicidal concentration. Taken together, GK‐17 is a novel antifungal peptide with promising effects against C. albicans.
Cancer detection and complications of transperineal prostate biopsy with antibiotics when indicated
Authors: Boevé Liselotte M.S. , Bloemendal Floride T. , de Bie Katelijne C.C. , van Haarst Ernst P. , Krul Eveline J.T. , de Bruijn Julia J. , Beems Sophie , Vanhommerig Joost W. , Hovius Marina C. , Ruiter Annebeth E.C. , Lagerveld Brunolf W. , van Andel George
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To describe the prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate, including clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), in a large cohort of patients who underwent transperineal ultrasonography‐guided systematic prostate biopsy (TPB‐US) using a probe‐mounted transperineal access system, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cognitive fusion in case of a Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System grade 3–5 lesion, under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. Additionally, to compare the incidence of procedure‐related complications with a cohort of patients undergoing transrectal ultrasonography‐guided (TRB‐US) and transrectal MRI‐guided biopsies (TRB‐MRI).

Patients and Methods

This was an observational cohort study in men who underwent TPB‐US prostate biopsy in a large teaching hospital. For each participant, prostate‐specific antigen level, clinical tumour stage, prostate volume, MRI parameters, number of (targeted) prostate biopsies, biopsy International Society of Uropathology (ISUP) grade and procedure‐related complications were assessed. csPCa was defined as ISUP grade ≥2. Antibiotic prophylaxis was only given in those with an increased risk of urinary tract infection.

Results

A total of 1288 TPB‐US procedures were evaluated. The overall detection rate for PCa in biopsy‐naive patients was 73%, and for csPCa it was 63%. The incidence of hospitalization was 1% in TPB‐US (13/1288), compared to 4% in TRB‐US (8/214) and 3% in TRB‐MRI (7/219; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Contemporary combined systematic and target TPB‐US with MRI cognitive fusion is easy to perform in an outpatient setting, with a high detection rate of csPCa and a low incidence of procedure‐related complications.
A moment of autonomy support brightens adolescents' mood: Autonomy support, psychological control and adolescent affect in everyday life
Authors: van der Kaap‐Deeder Jolene , Bülow Anne , Waterschoot Joachim , Truyen Isabel , Keijsers Loes
Published: May 2023

This experience sampling study examined whether autonomy‐supportive and psychologically controlling interactions with parents are intertwined with adolescents' momentary affect. For 7 days (in 2020), 143 adolescents (Mage = 15.82; SDage = 1.75; 64% girls; 95% European, 1% African, 3% unknown) reported 5 or 6 times a day how they felt and how interactions with parents were experienced. Preregistered dynamic structural equation models on 1439 (including 532 adjacent) parent–adolescent interactions revealed significant within‐family associations: Adolescents experienced more positive affect during and following autonomy‐supportive interactions, and vice versa. Adolescents felt more negative affect during and 3 h before psychologically controlling interactions. Between‐family associations showed significant linkages between parenting and affect. These findings show that a moment of autonomy support can alter adolescents' everyday well‐being.
Criminal responsibility of older children: The failings of doli incapax in Australia
Authors: Tuomi Mac , Moritz Dominique
Published: May 2023

Criminal law balances community protection from children who commit criminal offences against supporting children to behave appropriately. Existing Australian law applies the rebuttable presumption of doli incapax to children from 10 years of age and then applies full criminal responsibility to children from 14 years of age. Imposing full criminal responsibility on older children is problematic because it does not account for their cognitive development, social and environmental risk factors and maturity. Extending doli incapax to older children is one response to address the challenges of older children's criminal culpability but it does not go far enough to protect children from the harms of the criminal justice system.
Impact of physician performed point of care ultrasound (POCUS) during first outpatient cardiology consultation on patient management and downstream testing
Authors: Aladham Raed , Liu Shuang , Naqvi Tasneem Z.
Published: May 2023

Background

Goal directed point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a bedside tool to assist with clinical diagnosis. We examined the impact of POCUS performed by consulting cardiologist (CC) during initial cardiology consult on clinical management and downstream testing.

Methods

Sixty‐nine study patients (pts) seen in a general cardiology outpatient clinic of a tertiary center by an expert imaging CC were compared to a control group of 65 pts seen by three different CCs without POCUS during the same time‐period, in whom the first standard echo (SE) was performed after the initial visit.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups for age, cardiac risk factors, and referral diagnoses. Echo findings on POCUS and by SE (mean delay of 17.2 days after visit) in the control group were comparable for RV size and function and for valvular heart disease. More patients with lower LVEF, higher LV filling pressures, new regional wall motion abnormalities, and increased aortic root size were present among POCUS group resulting in greater yield of echo abnormalities. There were more cardiovascular medication changes at the first visit (15.3% vs. 5.7%, p < .01), less referral for noninvasive stress testing (10% vs. 29%, p < .01), more advanced cardiac testing and subspecialty referrals (29% vs. 18% pts, p = .06), in the study compared to the control group after cardiology visit.

Conclusion

POCUS at time of consultation detects more abnormal echo findings, results in more medication adjustments, less referral for noninvasive stress testing, earlier referral for advanced cardiac diagnostic imaging, and subspecialty cardiac referrals.
Antifeedant effects of crofton weed,Ageratina adenophoraextracts and their phytochemical compounds against three cabbage insect pest species
Authors: Mayanglambam Saini , Rajashekar Yallappa
Published: May 2023

Given that synthetic pesticides used in agricultural fields have negative side effects, safer alternatives such as botanical insecticides are required for insect pest management. Here, solvent extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, acetone, and methanol) of crofton weed,Ageratina adenophora(Spreng.) King & H.Rob. (Asteraceae), were studied for antifeedant activity against third instars of large cabbage white butterfly,Pieris brassicaeL. (Pieridae), diamondback moth,Plutella xylostellaL. (Plutellidae), and cabbage cluster caterpillar,Crocidolomia pavonanaFabricius (Crambidae, all Lepidoptera). Among the solvent extracts tested,A. adenophorahexane extract at 5% concentration exhibited maximum antifeedant activity againstP. xylostella(92.1%),C. pavonana(87.4%), andP. brassicae(81.7%). The effective concentration (EC50) values were 1.4, 2.1, and 2.8%, respectively. The hexane extract was characterised using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and it was determined that its main compounds were 9,11‐octadecadiynoic acid, 8‐oxo‐, methyl ester (27.5%), 2(3H)‐naphthalenone, 4,4a,5,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐4a, (R)‐7,7‐trimethyl‐ (20.4%), germacrene D (6.1%), 2(1H)‐naphthalenone (5.8%), 5,6‐decadien‐3‐yne, 5,7‐diethyl (5%), and α‐bisabolene (2.1%). The results suggest that hexane extract ofA. adenophoracould be used for the development of botanical insecticides.
Mechanisms of sustained perceptual entrainment after stimulus offset
Authors: Aharoni Moran , Breska Assaf , Müller Matthias M. , Schröger Erich
Published: May 2023

Temporal alignment of neural activity to rhythmic stimulation has been suggested to result from a resonating internal neural oscillator mechanism, but can also be explained by interval‐based temporal prediction. Here, we investigate behavioural and brain responses in the post‐stimulation period to compare an oscillatory versus an interval‐based account. Hickok et al.'s (2015) behavioural paradigm yielded results that relate to a neural oscillatory entrainment mechanism. We adapted the paradigm to an event‐related potential (ERP) suitable design: a periodic sequence was followed, in half of the trials, by near‐threshold targets embedded in noise. The targets were played in various phases in relation to the preceding sequences' period. Participants had to detect whether targets were played or not, and their EEG was recorded. Both behavioural results and the P300 component of the ERP were not only partially consistent with an oscillatory mechanism but also partially consistent with an interval‐based attentional gain mechanism. Instead, data obtained in the post‐entrainment period can best be explained with a combination of both mechanisms.
Living by her laws: Jacqueline Pascal and women's autonomy
Authors: Collette Daniel , Lewis Dwight K.
Published: May 2023

As a Catholic nun, to suggest Jacqueline Pascal as autonomous might at first glance seem contradictory. We show that her moral deference to the divine is not at all forfeiting her autonomy, but that aligning her own law with God's law is to align her own law with rationality itself, that is, the laws of nature. Her theoretical structure begins with a theory of virtue—viz., how and to whom we have an obligation to be moral. For her, acting in accordance with cultural restrictions or following church orders against her own conscience would be living by the laws of another and so not acting autonomously. Pascal would not live by other's laws, regardless of whether her actions conform to the categories by which society expected her to act. The framework for her laws laid in Pascal's understanding of self‐governance: if she wants to act virtuously then she must autonomously follow God's law by making it her own through the sentiments of her heart. Thus, she cannot live by the laws of men, but by the laws of her human nature and in alignment with a rightly ordered universe, that is, God's law, which we show parallels with a Stoic framework of autonomy.
Pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis damage and repair: Linking cerebral hypoperfusion to the development of irreversible tissue loss in multiple sclerosis using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mascali Daniele , Villani Alessandro , Chiarelli Antonio M. , Biondetti Emma , Lipp Ilona , Digiovanni Anna , Pozzilli Valeria , Caporale Alessandra S. , Rispoli Marianna G. , Ajdinaj Paola , D'Apolito Maria , Grasso Eleonora , Sensi Stefano L. , Murphy Kevin , Tomassini Valentina , Wise Richard G.
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

Reduced cerebral perfusion has been observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) and may contribute to tissue loss both acutely and chronically. Here, we test the hypothesis that hypoperfusion occurs in MS and relates to the presence of irreversible tissue damage.

Methods

In 91 patients with relapsing MS and 26 healthy controls (HC), gray matter (GM) cerebral blood flow (CBF) was assessed using pulsed arterial spin labeling. GM volume, T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense lesion volumes (T1LV and T2LV, respectively), and the proportion of T2‐hyperintense lesion volume that appears hypointense on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T1LV/T2LV) were quantified. GM CBF and GM volume were evaluated globally, as well as regionally, using an atlas‐based approach.

Results

Global GM CBF was lower in patients (56.9 ± 12.3 mL/100 g/min) than in HC (67.7 ± 10.0 mL/100 g/min; p < 0.001), a difference that was widespread across brain regions. Although total GM volume was comparable between groups, significant reductions were observed in a subset of subcortical structures. GM CBF negatively correlated with T1LV (r = −0.43, p = 0.0002) and T1LV/T2LV (r = −0.37, p = 0.0004), but not with T2LV.

Conclusions

GM hypoperfusion occurs in MS and is associated with irreversible white matter damage, thus suggesting that cerebral hypoperfusion may actively contribute and possibly precede neurodegeneration by hampering tissue repair abilities in MS.
Longitudinal stability of progression‐related microglial activity during teriflunomide treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lehto Jussi , Nylund Marjo , Matilainen Markus , Sucksdorff Marcus , Vuorimaa Anna , Rajander Johan , Wahlroos Saara , Hariri Parisa , Airas Laura
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

The aim was to study brain innate immune cell activation in teriflunomide‐treated patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.

Methods

Imaging with 18‐kDa translocator protein positron emission tomography (TSPO‐PET) using the [11C]PK11195 radioligand was employed to assess microglial activity in the white matter, thalamus and areas surrounding chronic white matter lesions in 12 patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis who had been treated with teriflunomide for at least 6 months before inclusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure lesion load and brain volume, and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) was used to detect iron rim lesions. These evaluations were repeated after 1 year of inclusion. Twelve age‐ and gender‐matched healthy control subjects were imaged for comparison.

Results

Half of the patients had iron rim lesions. In TSPO‐PET, the proportion of active voxels indicating innate immune cell activation was slightly greater amongst patients compared with healthy individuals (7.7% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.033). The mean distribution volume ratio of [11C]PK11195 was not significantly different in the normal‐appearing white matter or thalamus amongst patients versus controls. Amongst the treated patients, no significant alteration was observed in positron emission tomography distribution volume ratio, the proportion of active voxels, the number of iron‐rim‐positive lesions, lesion load or brain volume during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Compared to controls, treated patients exhibited modest signs of diffuse innate immune cell activity, which was unaltered during follow‐up. Lesion‐associated smoldering inflammation was negligible at both timepoints. To our knowledge, this is the first study applying both TSPO‐PET and QSM‐MRI to longitudinally evaluate smoldering inflammation.
Emancipatory approaches in couples' intervention research
Authors: Daire Andrew P. , Carlson Ryan G. , Pointer Ashley
Published: May 2023

A lack of diversity exists in couples research with an overrepresentation of white, middle to upper income couples. Additionally, researchers often do not reflect the study sample, particularly when studying underrepresented minority and historically marginalized (URM‐HM) populations. Emancipatory research practices focus on language, processes, and practices to ensure that researchers and the research they conduct honor and contribute to the empowerment of the URM‐HM research participants. Therefore, in this paper, we discuss five critical considerations with recommendations for emancipatory research practices for including couples from URM‐HM populations. The aim is to provide a framework for researchers to critically reflect on their work with URM‐HM populations. The research practices include: (a) research positionality and reflexivity; (b) understanding of the population being served; (c) power and empowerment; (d) accountability, voice, and participant engagement; and (e) research that benefits URM‐HM populations and challenges the systems that perpetuate inequities. Additionally, we present practical strategies to implement these five considerations based on our own experiences conducting community‐effectiveness studies with low‐income and diverse couples.
Caspase cleavesDrosophilaBubR1to modulate spindle assembly checkpoint function and lifespan of the organism
Authors: Shinoda Natsuki , Horikoshi Misuzu , Taira Yusuke , Muramoto Masaya , Hirayama Shoshiro , Murata Shigeo , Miura Masayuki
Published: May 2023

Caspases cleave over 1500 substrates in the human proteome in both lethal and non‐lethal scenarios. However, reports of the physiological consequences of substrate cleavage are limited. Additionally, the manner in which caspase cleaves only a subset of substrates in the non‐lethal scenario remains to be elucidated. BubR1, a spindle assembly checkpoint component, is a caspase substrate in humans, the physiological function of which remains unclear. Here, we found that caspases, especially Drice, cleaveDrosophilaBubR1 between the N‐terminal KEN box motif and C‐terminal kinase domain. By using proximity labelling, we found that Drice, but not Dcp‐1, is in proximity to BubR1, suggesting that protein proximity facilitates substrate preference. The cleaved fragments displayed altered subcellular localization and protein–protein interactions. Flies that harboured cleavage‐resistant BubR1 showed longer duration of BubR1 localization to the kinetochore upon colchicine treatment. Furthermore, these flies showed extended lifespan. Thus, we propose that the caspase‐mediated cleavage of BubR1 limits spindle assembly checkpoint and organismal lifespan. Our results highlight the importance of the individual analysis of substratesin vivoto determine the biological significance of caspase‐dependent non‐lethal cellular processes.
Middle Low German thieves’ tales: Ambivalent narratives and cultural adaptations
Authors: Standke Matthias
Published: May 2023

The article deals with the medieval reception of a story originating in the Histories of Herodotus about an Egyptian thief who wins recognition from the pharaoh for his skill. It focuses on late medieval Middle Low German texts (an exemplum from the Historia septem Sapientium and the Deif van Brugghe), in which the ancient narrative was not only translated into the vernacular but also adapted to explore contemporary cultural concerns. For example, a narrative of failing knights thematizes the rejection of the idea of chivalry, and a narrative of a thief's steep social ascent through assimilating behavior reveals ambivalent attitudes toward the hegemonic courtly culture. Inasmuch as the narratives were primarily translated in Middle Low German, they reflect cultural peculiarities of the North German cultural area that are rarely considered in recent medievalist research.
Tapping into the power of coproduction and knowledge mobilisation: Exploration of a facilitated interactive group learning approach to support equity‐sensitive decision‐making in local health and care services
Authors: Cloke Jane , Hassan Shaima , Goodall Mark , Ring Adele , Saini Pooja , Tahir Naheed , Gabbay Mark
Published: May 2023

Background

We report on a study of a facilitated interactive group learning approach, through Collaborative Implementation Groups (CIGs), established to enhance capacity for equity‐sensitive evaluation of healthcare services to inform local decision‐making: (1) What was the experience of participants of the CIGs? (2) How was knowledge mobilisation achieved? (3) What are the key elements that enhance the process of coproducing equity‐sensitive evaluations?

Methods

A thematic analysis of qualitative data obtained from focus group (FG) discussions and semistructured interviews exploring the experiences of participants. All FGs included representation of participants from different projects across the programme. Interviews were conducted with a member from each of the teams participating in the first cohort after their final workshop.

Results

We identified four themes to illustrate how the approach to delivering intensive and facilitated training supported equity‐sensitive evaluations of local healthcare services: (1) Creating the setting for coproduction and knowledge mobilisation; (2) establishing a common purpose, meaning and language for reducing health inequalities; (3) making connections and brokering relationships and (4) challenging and transforming the role of evaluation.

Conclusion

We report on the implementation of a practical example of engaged scholarship, where teams of healthcare staff were supported with resources, interactive training and methodological advice to evaluate their own services, enabling organisations to assemble timely practical and relevant evidence that could feed directly into local decision‐making. By encouraging mixed teams of practitioners, commissioners, patients, the public and researchers to work together to coproduce their evaluations, the programme also aimed to systematise health equity into service change. The findings of our study illustrate that the approach to delivering training gave participants the tools and confidence to address their organisation's stated aims of reducing health inequalities, coproduce evaluations of their local services and mobilise knowledge from a range of stakeholders.

Patient or Public Contribution

The research question was developed collaboratively with researchers, partner organisations and public advisers (PAs). PAs were involved in meetings to agree on the focus of this research and to plan the analysis. N. T. is a PA and coauthor, contributing to the interpretation of findings and drafting of the paper.
How culture influences the strengthening of market principles in conservative welfare states: The case of long‐term care policy
Authors: Eggers Thurid , Grages Christopher , Pfau‐Effinger Birgit
Published: May 2023

How much, and in what ways, do cultural ideas contribute to understanding cross‐national differences in the extent of long‐term care (LTC) policy marketisation? We argue that differences in cultural ideas in the political sphere about ‘ideal’ ways of organising the provision of care shed light on these differences, relatively independently of the governing parties' positions on the left/right spectrum. Our comparative case study of two conservative welfare states, Germany and Austria, supports this argument. LTC policy marketisation in the mid‐1990s was, in both cases, based on left‐libertarian ideas. While these ideas gained strong political support from parties across the left/right spectrum in Austria, they were combined with etatist ideas in Germany, resulting in a substantially lower potential for marketisation in Germany's LTC policy. Our study also shows that, by contrast with neo‐liberal ideas, left‐libertarian ideas address care recipients' self‐determination and divert attention away from social problems associated with LTC marketisation.
A novel Canadian multidisciplinary acute care pathway for people hospitalised with a diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Zamzam Abdelrahman , McLaren Ann‐Marie , Ram Emily , Syed Muzammil H. , Rave Sreenath , Lu Suzanne H. , Al‐Omran Mohammed , de Mestral Charles
Published: May 2023

This manuscript describes the implementation and initial evaluation of a novel Canadian acute care pathway for people with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). A multidisciplinary team developed and implemented an acute care pathway for patients with a DFU who presented to the emergency department (ED) and required hospitalisation at a tertiary care hospital in Canada. Processes of care, length of stay (LOS), and hospitalisation costs were considered through retrospective cohort study of all DFU hospitalizations from pathway launch in December 2018 to December 2020. There were 82 DFU‐related hospital admissions through the ED of which 55 required invasive intervention: 28 (34.1%) minor amputations, 16 (19.5%) abscess drainage and debridement, 6 (7.3%) lower extremity revascularisations, 5 (6.1%) major amputations. Mean hospital LOS was 8.8 ± 4.9 days. Mean hospitalisation cost was $20 569 (±14 143): $25 901 (±15 965) when surgical intervention was required and $9279 (±7106) when it was not. LOS and hospitalisation costs compared favourably to historical data. An acute care DFU pathway can support the efficient evaluation and management of patients hospitalised with a DFU. A dedicated multidisciplinary DFU care team is a valuable resource for hospitals in Canada.
The role of family in supporting adherence to diabetes self‐care management practices: An umbrella review
Authors: Busebaia Toqa Jameel Abbas , Thompson Jill , Fairbrother Hannah , Ali Parveen
Published: May 2023

Aims

Synthesize a review of reviews of the family's role in supporting adherence to diabetes self‐care management practices (DSMP) for adults with type 2 diabetes (DM2).

Design

An umbrella review.

Data sources

Scopus, Web of Science including MEDLINE, CINAHL via EBSCO, PubMed and Science Direct were searched for systematic reviews from their year of establishment until June 2021.

Review methods

The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for umbrella reviews. The JBI data extraction form for systematic reviews and research syntheses was used for data extraction. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic reviews and Research Syntheses.

Results

Nineteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. The key findings were summarized using a narrative and thematic analysis methods. Four main themes were identified: family interactions and diabetes self‐management, family support as informal social support, factors affecting families’ roles, and tailoring culturally sensitive family‐based interventions.

Conclusion

There appears to be a consensus regarding the impact of family on adults' self‐management of DM2. Additional research is needed to comprehend the role of the family in underrepresented populations and examine what constitutes a family and the diverse family functions in different groups.

Impact

Enhancing adherence to self‐care management practices is crucial for the well‐being of adults with DM2. Family support is a key to successful self‐care management at home. However, understanding the unique needs of adults with DM2 and their families can help healthcare professionals plan appropriate support strategies and sustainable family‐based interventions.

No Patient or public contribution

This review did not incorporate direct patients or public input as it summarizes evidence from previously published systematic reviews.
Conserved H3K27me3‐associated chromatin looping mediates physical interactions of gene clusters in plants
Authors: Sun Linhua , Cao Yuxin , Li Zhu , Liu Yi , Yin Xiaochang , Deng Xing Wang , He Hang , Qian Weiqiang
Published: May 2023

Higher‐order chromatin organization is essential for transcriptional regulation, genome stability maintenance, and other genome functions. Increasing evidence has revealed significant differences in 3D chromatin organization between plants and animals. However, the extent, pattern, and rules of chromatin organization in plants are still unclear. In this study, we systematically identified and characterized long‐range chromatin loops in the Arabidopsis 3D genome. We identified hundreds of long‐range cis chromatin loops and found their anchor regions are closely associated with H3K27me3 epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these chromatin loops are dependent on Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, suggesting that the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) complex is essential for establishing and maintaining these novel loops. Although most of these PcG‐medicated chromatin loops are stable, many of these loops are tissue‐specific or dynamically regulated by different treatments. Interestingly, tandemly arrayed gene clusters and metabolic gene clusters are enriched in anchor regions. Long‐range H3K27me3‐marked chromatin interactions are associated with the coregulation of specific gene clusters. Finally, we also identified H3K27me3‐associated chromatin loops associated with gene clusters in Oryza sativa and Glycine max, indicating that these long‐range chromatin loops are conserved in plants. Our results provide novel insights into genome evolution and transcriptional coregulation in plants.
Self‐marked preparation of site‐specific transmission electron microscope lamellae of nanodevices using focusing ion beam technique
Authors: Zhang Zixuan , Lu Haozhe , Jin Chuanhong
Published: May 2023

The precise extraction of a thin slice (lamellae) from nano electronic devices using a focused ion beam (FIB) is crucial for transmission electron microscopy analysis, but it remains a challenge for 100 nm and beyond scale device components. In this study, we introduce a new method that utilises the device's own features as markers during FIB thinning process by continuously monitoring the intermediate structures with secondary electron scanning electron microscopy (SE‐SEM) imaging. This allows for the targeted extraction of the desired device component with high precision. We successfully demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach by extracting lamellae from 100 nm length channel in arrayed carbon nanotube film field‐effect transistors using FIB lift‐out.
A polygenic risk score to help discriminate primary adrenal insufficiency of different etiologies
Authors: Aranda‐Guillén Maribel , Røyrvik Ellen Christine , Fletcher‐Sandersjöö Sara , Artaza Haydee , Botusan Ileana Ruxandra , Grytaas Marianne A. , Hallgren Åsa , Breivik Lars , Pettersson Maria , Jørgensen Anders P. , Lindstrand Anna , Vogt Elinor ,   The Norwegian Addison Registry Study Group, The Swedish Addison Registry Study Group, Husebye Eystein S. , Kämpe Olle , Wolff Anette S. Bøe , Bensing Sophie , Johansson Stefan , Eriksson Daniel
Published: May 2023

Background

Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI). Despite its exceptionally high heritability, tools to estimate disease susceptibility in individual patients are lacking. We hypothesized that polygenic risk score (PRS) for AAD could help investigate PAI pathogenesis in pediatric patients.

Methods

We here constructed and evaluated a PRS for AAD in 1223 seropositive cases and 4097 controls. To test its clinical utility, we reevaluated 18 pediatric patients, whose whole genome we also sequenced. We next explored the individual PRS in more than 120 seronegative patients with idiopathic PAI.

Results

The genetic susceptibility to AAD—quantified using PRS—was on average 1.5 standard deviations (SD) higher in patients compared with healthy controls (p < 2e − 16), and 1.2 SD higher in the young patients compared with the old (p = 3e − 4). Using the novel PRS, we searched for pediatric patients with strikingly low AAD susceptibility and identified cases of monogenic PAI, previously misdiagnosed as AAD. By stratifying seronegative adult patients by autoimmune comorbidities and disease duration we could delineate subgroups of PRS suggesting various disease etiologies.

Conclusions

The PRS performed well for case‐control differentiation and susceptibility estimation in individual patients. Remarkably, a PRS for AAD holds promise as a means to detect disease etiologies other than autoimmunity.
Comparison of oxidative stress markers in the saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, and serum samples of pregnant women with gestational diabetes and healthy pregnant women
Authors: Şimşek Oya Kaya , Baser Ulku , Özgünler Özgür , Demirci Oya , Aydin Abdurrahman Fatİh , Kucukgergin Canan , Yalcin Funda
Published: May 2023

Background and Objective

To compare oxidative stress (OS) markers in the saliva, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and serum samples of pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and healthy pregnant women and to investigate the association between periodontal health/diseases and OS and GDM.

Method

Eighty women with GDM and 80 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Medical and clinical anamnesis was obtained from all the pregnant women included in the study, and their plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements were performed. GCF, saliva, and serum samples were collected for the measurements of the local and systemic total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS).

Results

Clinical periodontal parameters were found to be significantly higher in the GDM group compared to the control group. The serum and saliva TAS, TOS, and TAS/TOS values were significantly lower in the GDM group than in the control group. In the analysis of the GCF samples, the mean TAS and TAS/TOS values were significantly lower and the TOS value was significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group. The multivariate reduced model indicated that gravidity, salivary TAS/TOS, and GCF TAS were significant independent variables in the development of GDM (p < .05).

Conclusion

Our results indicated that the OS of serum, saliva, and GCF samples increased in patients with GDM compared to healthy pregnant women. The role of local OS parameters in GDM may be associated with elevated clinical periodontal parameters.
Explaining the Relationship between Religiosity and Political Participation: The Mediating Roles of Transcendent Accountability and Religiopolitical Awareness
Authors: Jang Sung Joon , Brown Brandon M. , Witvliet Charlotte V. O. , Leman Joseph , Johnson Byron R. , Bradshaw Matt
Published: May 2023

Prior research tends to find a positive relationship between religiosity and political participation. Explanations of this relationship have focused mostly on religiosity‐generated organizational resources (e.g., civic skills), while paying less attention to psychological resources. We simultaneously examined different aspects of religiosity (belief, behavior, and belonging) and political participation (electoral and nonelectoral) in a structural equation model with two psychological resources as mediators: (1) “transcendent accountability”—seeing oneself as responsible to God or a higher power for one's impact on other people and the environment, and (2) “religiopolitical awareness”—perceiving the influence of one's religion and/or spirituality on one's political views and activities. Results from analyzing survey data from a US representative sample showed that transcendent accountability and religiopolitical awareness, whether together or awareness only, mediated positive relationships between religiosity (belief, private and public behaviors, and membership) and political participation (voting and other political activity), highlighting key psychological motivators of political participation.