bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Sampling for Positive Only Electronic Health Record Data
Authors: Lee Seong-H. , Ma Yanyuan , Wei Ying , Chen Jinbo
Published: January 2023

Identifying a patient's disease/health status from electronic medical records is a frequently encountered task in electronic health records (EHR) related research, and estimation of a classification model often requires a benchmark training data with patients' known phenotype statuses. However, assessing a patient's phenotype is costly and labor intensive, hence a proper selection of EHR records as a training set is desired. We propose a procedure to tailor the best training subsample with limited sample size for a classification model, minimizing its mean-squared phenotyping/classification error (MSE). Our approach incorporates “positive only” information, an approximation of the true disease status without false alarm, when it is available. In addition, our sampling procedure is applicable for training a chosen classification model which can be misspecified. We provide theoretical justification on its optimality in terms of MSE. The performance gain from our method is illustrated through simulation and a real-data example, and is found often satisfactory under criteria beyond MSE.
The beneficial effects of chick embryo extract preconditioning on hair follicle stem cells: A promising strategy to generate Schwann cells
Authors: Pandamooz Sareh , Jurek Benjamin , Dianatpour Mehdi , Haerteis Silke , Limm Katharina , Oefner Peter J. , Dargahi Leila , Borhani‐Haghighi Afshin , Miyan Jaleel A. , Salehi Mohammad Saied
Published: January 2023

The beneficial effects of hair follicle stem cells in different animal models of nervous system conditions have been extensively studied. While chick embryo extract (CEE) has been used as a growth medium supplement for these stem cells, this is the first study to show the effect of CEE on them. The rat hair follicle stem cells were isolated and supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum plus 10% CEE. The migration rate, proliferative capacity and multipotency were evaluated along with morphometric alteration and differentiation direction. The proteome analysis of CEE content identified effective factors of CEE that probably regulate fate and function of stem cells. The CEE enhances the migration rate of stem cells from explanted bulges as well as their proliferation, likely due to activation of AP‐1 and translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) by thioredoxin found in CEE. The increased length of outgrowth may be the result of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation triggered by active CamKII contained in CEE. Further, CEE supplementation upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor. The elevated expression of target genes and proteins may be due to CREB, AP‐1 and c‐Myc activation in these stem cells. Given the increased transcript levels of neurotrophins, VEGF, and the expression of PDGFR‐α, S100B, MBP and SOX‐10 protein, it is possible that CEE promotes the fate of these stem cells towards Schwann cells.
Correlations between preclinical BJAB assay ranking of antisense drugs and clinical trial adverse events
Authors: Partridge Wesley , Burel Sebastien A. , Ferng Annie , Xia Shuting , Kwoh T. Jesse , Henry Scott P. , Baker Brenda F.
Published: January 2023

This analysis sought to assess the clinical predictivity of an in vitro assay which utilized the human B‐lymphoma BJAB cell line, for identification of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with the potential to elicit innate immune activation in humans. Adverse events (AEs) from clinical trial data were analyzed based on prior clinical knowledge and network analysis of the clinical data to identify correlations with the BJAB assay. Clinically evaluated ASOs were ranked by the BJAB assay's mean log‐fold increase in TNF expression levels. Flu‐like reactions (FLRs) and injection site reactions (ISRs), were chosen as AEs of interest, along with those Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities preferred terms identified using AE network analysis. Fifteen different 2'‐O‐methoxyethyl (2'MOE) modified ASOs were ranked by the incidence of each AE group in the integrated safety data from 35 clinical trials. ISRs are considered to be local to the injection site, whereas FLRs are reflected by systemic constitutional symptoms. The correlations identified in this analysis of integrated clinical data provide evidence that the ASO sequences selected by the BJAB assay have a lower likelihood of causing systemic inflammatory AEs associated with FLRs, but not ISRs.
More Rights but Less Gains: Relaxed Birth Control Policy and the Loss for Women
Authors: Zhao Ying , Zhang Lin , Lu Yuanping , Wen Bo
Published: January 2023

In view of its aging population, China initiated in 2012 a relaxed birth control policy after a three‐decades‐long implementation of the restrictive one‐child policy. This paper examines how China's relaxed birth control policy leads to gender inequality. It specifically focuses on migrant workers because they account for a significant portion of the working group. Using the National Migrant Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey from 2014 to 2016, we found that China's two‐child pilot policy reduced female labor force participation by 1.4 percentage points. This negative effect was more pronounced for women with higher educational levels or working in the private sector because employers foresee greater risks of productivity decline. We demonstrated that the gender pay gap increased from RMB956 to RMB1,053 during this same period. Pinpointing these unintended consequences brought about by the relaxation of the one‐child policy helps provide a more complete picture of inequality and make sense of persistent relative poverty in Chinese society. To counteract gender discrimination, females are advised to work outside their home jurisdictions and take advantage of positive peer effects.
Sexual and reproductive health education for patients with myelomeningocele
Authors: Lutz Carley M. , Onwuka Amanda , Fuchs Molly E. , Carey Margaret , Griffey Judy , Hobensack Victoria L. , Sharpe Scandinaro Joanne , McCracken Kate
Published: January 2023

Aim

To evaluate the sexual and reproductive health education received by patients with myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida.

Method

A survey designed to assess the sexual and reproductive health education given by a healthcare provider to patients with myelomeningocele was offered to all English‐speaking patients aged 12 years or older with a myelomeningocele clinic visit.

Results

In total, 67 surveys were completed. Menstruation and menstrual management were discussed at a rate of 85% in females. Few patients had discussions with a provider about fertility (42%), sexuality (37%), risk of sexually transmitted infections (45%), or had a relationship with a reproductive healthcare provider (54%). Differences by sex were observed for contraceptive education. The rate of discussions increased with age. A total of 67% of female patients and 33% of male patients requested a referral to a reproductive healthcare provider.

Interpretation

Sexual and reproductive health education is part of comprehensive care for all patients and those with disabilities should not be excluded. The lack of consistent education received by patients supports the need for increased attention to this topic. We encourage multidisciplinary myelomeningocele clinics to establish a process for delivering complete and patient‐specific sexual and reproductive health education.
Effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and their combination on albuminuria in diabetic patients
Authors: Morita Ryutaro , Tsukamoto Shunichiro , Obata Shota , Yamada Takayuki , Uneda Kazushi , Uehara Tatsuki , Rehman Muhammad Ebad , Azushima Kengo , Wakui Hiromichi , Tamura Kouichi
Published: January 2023

Aims

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Albuminuria is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2‐Is) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) protect against albuminuria; however, their combined effects on albuminuria are unclear. We performed a network meta‐analysis to investigate the effects of SGLT2‐Is, MRAs and their combination on albuminuria in type 2 DM.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception up to 20 November 2022. We selected randomized control and crossover trials that compared MRAs, SGLT2‐Is, MRAs + SGLT2‐Is, or a placebo in patients with type 2 DM with a urinary albumin‐creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g creatinine. The primary outcome was the change in the UACR.

Results

This meta‐analysis analysed 17 studies with 34 412 patients. The use of combination treatment with SGLT2‐Is and MRAs was associated with lower albuminuria compared with the use of SGLT2‐Is, MRAs, or the placebo alone [mean difference (95% CI): −34.19 (−27.30; −41.08), −32.25 (−24.53; −39.97) and −65.22 (−57.97; −72.47), respectively]. Treatment with SGLT2‐Is or MRAs alone caused a significant reduction in UACR compared with the placebo [mean difference (95% CI): −31.03 (−28.35; −33.72) and −32.97 (−29.68; −36.27), respectively]. The effects of MRAs on the UACR are comparable with those of SGLT2‐Is. Sensitivity analyses showed similar results.

Conclusion

Combination therapy with SGLT2‐Is and MRAs was associated with lower albuminuria in patients with type 2 DM compared with monotherapy with SGLT2‐Is or MRAs alone.
Hyperechoic mass of the right ventricle in adults: A rare presentation of an intracardiac teratoma
Authors: Ye Na , Wang Xiaofeng , Li Jing , Yang Shaoqing , Han Xuefang
Published: January 2023

Cardiac teratomas are very rare primary tumors; most are intrapericardial, while a few are intracardiac. Furthermore, most reported intracardiac teratomas are in the pediatric population, with few cases of secondary metastases from testicular teratomas reportedly manifesting in adults. Here, we report a rare case of a mature cystic teratoma in the right ventricle complicated by a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) in an adult. Echocardiography and enhanced computed tomography (CT) were performed, and the mass was surgically excised. A pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a mature cystic teratoma. Meanwhile, mechanical valve replacement of the aortic valve was performed. No tumor recurrence or symptoms occurred in the 2‐year follow‐up. This is the first report of an adult primary intracardiac teratoma with solid hyperechoic findings on echocardiography and a BAV.
The Hong Kong youth epidemiological study of mental health (HK‐YES)—A population‐based psychiatric epidemiology study of youth mental health in Hong Kong: A study protocol
Authors: Wong Corine Sau‐man , Hui Christy Lai‐ming , Suen Yi‐nam , Wong Stephanie Ming‐yin , Chang Wing‐chung , Chan Sherry Kit‐wa , Lee Edwin Ho‐ming , Lui Simon Sai‐yu , Chan Kai‐tai , Wong Michael Tak‐hing , Chen Eric Yu‐hai
Published: January 2023

Aim

Young people in Hong Kong have been facing numerous population‐level events over the past year, including social unrest and the COVID‐19 pandemic. Representative data concerning the mental health of youths, however, is limited. The Hong Kong Youth Epidemiological Study of Mental Health (HK‐YES) is commissioned to provide the first representative prevalence estimates and correlates of mental disorders among young people in Hong Kong. It will also examine the help‐seeking behaviours, treatment rates, quality of life, and functional outcomes of the young people. More importantly, the direct and indirect economic costs of mental disorders in youths will be estimated.

Methods

A total of 4500 community‐dwelling participants aged 15–24 years from Hong Kong will be surveyed. Participants will be selected using a multistage stratified sampling design to provide representative estimates of the youth population in Hong Kong. All interviews will be conducted using computer‐assisted personal interviewing methods for assessments covering areas of psychiatric diagnoses, symptomatology, functioning, quality of life, disability, service utilization, health economic costs of mental disorders, and sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. A population‐weighted prevalence will be estimated using survey weights. Methods such as multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses will be used to calculate the risks and odds of factors that might be associated with different mental disorders.

Conclusion

As the first population‐based youth study in Hong Kong, HK‐YES collects extensive and representative data on different mental conditions and their associated factors among young people. The information gathered will be important for future planning on youth mental health services in Hong Kong and will offer the opportunity for a more meaningful comparison of data with other youth populations.
Identifying individuals at risk of developing psychosis: A systematic review of the literature in primary care services
Authors: Radez Jerica , Waite Felicity , Izon Emma , Johns Louise
Published: January 2023

Aim

Psychosis and related disorders are a major public health issue. Early identification and prevention for those at high risk (at‐risk‐mental‐state, ARMS) is important. General practitioners (GPs) are often the first point of contact for health services. In this review we aim to identify (1) the most common methods for identifying individuals with an ARMS in primary care, (2) the methods for improving identification of individuals with an ARMS in primary care, and (3) the most common barriers that prevent GPs from screening for individuals with an ARMS.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO 42021245095) of quantitative and qualitative studies with no date restriction. Searches were performed in September 2021. Studies' quality was appraised using Mixed Methods Appraisal tool (MMAT).

Results

We identified 16 eligible studies, and all but one provided quantitative data. Nearly two‐thirds of studies were classified as ‘medium’ quality. Employing narrative synthesis, we identified three themes relating to (1) improving GP knowledge and confidence in identifying individuals with an ARMS, (2) balancing the over‐ and under‐identification of individuals with an ARMS in primary care, and (3) supporting GPs as significant stakeholders in early diagnosis and treatment of individuals with an ARMS.

Conclusions

Improved identification of individuals with an ARMS is needed. We identified various strategies, including development and implementation of identification methods (e.g., screening measures), educational interventions for GPs (e.g., workshops), and systemic interventions (e.g., simplifying referrals to secondary care, developing integrated services). When implemented successfully, these interventions may help facilitate the access to appropriate care for individuals with an ARMS.
Genetic architecture of terpene chemistry and growth traits and the impact of inbreeding on these traits in western redcedar (Thuja plicata)
Authors: Shalev Tal J. , Gamal El‐Dien Omnia , Yuen Macaire M. S. , van der Merwe Lise , Kirst Matias , Yanchuk Alvin D. , Ritland Carol , Russell John H. , Bohlmann Joerg
Published: January 2023

Western redcedar (WRC; Thuja plicata) is a conifer of the Pacific Northwest of North America prized for its durable and rot‐resistant wood. WRC has naturally low outcrossing rates and readily self‐fertilizes in nature. Challenges faced in WRC breeding and propagation involve selecting trees for accelerated growth while also ensuring enhanced heartwood rot resistance and resistance to ungulate browsing, as well as mitigating potential effects of inbreeding depression. Terpenes, a large and diverse class of specialized metabolites, confer both rot and browse resistance in the wood and foliage of WRC, respectively. Using a Bayesian modelling approach, we isolated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers estimated to be associated with three different foliar terpene traits and four different heartwood terpene traits, as well as two growth traits. We found that all traits were complex, being associated with between 1700 and 3600 SNPs linked with putatively causal loci, with significant polygenic components. Growth traits tended to have a larger polygenic component while terpene traits had larger major gene components; SNPs with small or polygenic effect were spread across the genome, while larger‐effect SNPs tended to be localized to specific linkage groups. To determine whether there was inbreeding depression for terpene chemistry or growth traits, we used mixed linear models for a genomic selection training population to estimate the effect of the inbreeding coefficient F on foliar terpenes, heartwood terpenes and several growth and dendrochronological traits. We did not find significant inbreeding depression for any assessed trait. We further assessed inbreeding depression across four generations of complete selfing and found that not only was inbreeding depression not significant but that selection for height growth was the only significant predictor for growth during selfing, suggesting that inbreeding depression due to selfing during operational breeding can be mitigated by increased selection intensity.
Investigation of the Ablation Behaviour of Andradite‐Grossular Garnets and Rutile with Implications for U‐Pb Geochronology
Authors: Jenkins Kate , Goemann Karsten , Belousov Ivan , Morissette Maxwell , Danyushevsky Leonid
Published: January 2023

U‐Pb dating of andradite‐grossular garnet (grandite) and rutile by LA‐ICP‐MS can be used to constrain various metamorphic, metasomatic and igneous geological processes. In this study, we examine and compare the impact of different analytical conditions (fluence, pulse width, laser beam size and ablation frequency) on the ablation crater morphology, ablation rates, down‐hole fractionation and U‐Pb ages of grandite and rutile samples of different compositions. The shapes of grandite ablation craters suggest the mineral ablates by classical evaporation with significant melting that cannot be eliminated even at fluences just above the ablation threshold. Grandite garnets with higher andradite proportions have faster ablation rates. The overall low U contents of grandite require using large laser beam sizes to obtain acceptable precision of U‐Pb ages. At such conditions and crater depths < 10 μm, fluences of 2.1 and 3.5 J cm‐2, laser pulse width of 5 ns and 20 ns, and ablation frequencies between 3.5 and 6.5 Hz, obtain similar and reproducible ages when the proportion of grossular is < 35%. Rutile ablation crater morphology shows evidence of melt splashing and thermal stress cracking. They have significant crater bottom features, which increase in relief with lower fluences and a higher number of laser shots, indicating the features are probably energy‐related and making higher fluences, such as 5 J cm‐2, necessary for uniform ablation when using 193 nm excimer lasers. The slow ablation rate at low fluences and then steep increase at around 2.0 J cm‐2 suggests a transition in the ablation mechanism from exfoliation to classical vaporisation. Crater bottom features and other ablation behaviour vary between samples, which could be related to their difference in colour. Although the down‐hole fractionation patterns of the samples are similar at 5 J cm‐2, the U‐Pb ages of some samples vary significantly with different analytical conditions and/or measurement sessions, particularly when using laser beam sizes of 30 μm, suggesting differences in mass bias and more variable ablation behaviour. A laser beam size of at least 60 μm is recommended for reproducible U‐Pb dating of rutile.
Experiences of human papillomavirus self‐sampling by women >60 years old: A qualitative study
Authors: Blomberg Karin , Hälleberg‐Nyman Maria
Published: January 2023

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) self‐sampling has shown to be acceptable and feasible across cultures and effective in reaching women who do not participate in regular cervical cancer screening. However, most of these studies have included younger women. There is a lack of knowledge of how older women reason about HPV self‐sampling.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe how women (>60 years old) experience the offering of self‐sampling of HPV, compared to having a sample collected by a healthcare professional.

Design and Participants

The study had a qualitative explorative design. Four focus group discussions were conducted with women 60–69 years old (n = 22). Data were analysed using principles of interpretive description.

Results

Five themes were identified: self‐sampling—convenient and without pain, lack of knowledge, worries related to HPV self‐sampling, need for information and taking a societal perspective.

Conclusion

Women aged >60 years found that HPV self‐sampling was convenient and easy to perform. Further, they stressed the importance of being able to remain in the screening programme in advanced age and that self‐sampling could be a possible solution. This study also revealed a lack of knowledge among women in this age group regarding HPV infection, how the disease is transmitted and its relation to cervical cancer.

Public Contribution

Women who had performed HPV self‐sampling participated in the focus group discussion.
Evaluation oncotype DX® 21‐gene recurrence score and clinicopathological parameters: a single institutional experience
Authors: Lashen Ayat , Toss Michael S , Fadhil Wakkas , Oni Georgette , Madhusudan Srinivasan , Rakha Emad
Published: January 2023

Aims

Oncotype DX recurrence score (RS) is a clinically validated assay, which predicts the likelihood of disease recurrence in oestrogen receptor‐positive/HER2‐negative (ER+/HER2−) breast cancer (BC). In this study we aimed to compare the performance of Oncotype DX against the conventional clinicopathological parameters using a large BC cohort diagnosed in a single institution.

Methods and results

A cohort (n = 430) of ER+/HER2− BC patients who were diagnosed at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and had Oncotype DX testing was included. Correlation with the clinicopathological and other biomarkers, including the proliferation index, was analysed. The median Oncotype DX RS was 17.5 (range = 0–69). There was a significant association between high RS and grade 3 tumours. No grade 1 BC or grade 2 tumours with mitosis score 1 showed high RS. Low RS was significantly associated with special tumour types where none of the patients with classical lobular or tubular carcinomas had a high RS. There was an inverse association between RS and levels of ER and progesterone receptor (PR) expression and a positive linear correlation with Ki67 labelling index. Notably, six patients who developed recurrence had an intermediate RS; however, four of these six cases (67%) were identified as high‐risk disease when the conventional clinical and molecular parameters were considered.

Conclusion

Oncotype DX RS is correlated strongly with the conventional clinicopathological parameters in BC. Some tumour features such as tumour grade, type, PR status and Ki67 index can be used as surrogate markers in certain scenarios.
A formulation design and preparation of gold‐free purple of Cassius based on the doped malayaite
Authors: Wu Guohua , Jiang Haiyun , Li Jiacheng , Zhang Weiran , Wu Ruomei , Zhang Weili
Published: January 2023

Malayaite (CaSnSiO5) doped with Cr may be used as a cheap gold‐free purple red pigment to substitute the purple of Cassius. Different molar ratios of Ca/Sn malayaite doped with Cr were prepared and various characrizations were employed. The results indicate that the pigment is composed of CaSnSiO5 and SnO2 when the molar ratio of Ca/Sn is 0.8, and the color is close to agate red color. When the molar ratio of Ca/Sn is 1.25, the phases CaSnSiO5, SnO2, and Ca3SnSi2O9 exist simultaneously, while the color is yellow or yellowish colors. Excessive Ca(II) increases the normal calcination temperature of pigment, from 1080°C to 1130°C. The distribution of chromium ions on the sample surface varies greatly with the change in Ca/Sn molar ratio. The theoretical formulation was obtained based on the stoichiometric formula of CaCrxSn1–xSiO5 by using response surface methodology (RSM). According to the RSM model, the relationship between the molar ratio of Cr/Sn/Ca and the color property was established. The desired pigment formulation (rendering agate red) color is that the molar ratio of Cr/Sn/Ca is 0.010:1.003:0.800. The accuracy of the models was confirmed with analysis of variance, the simulation results were verified again by experiments.
Influence of additive contents on the properties of SiC ceramic membranes and their performance in oil‐water separation
Authors: Das Dulal , Kayal Nijhuma
Published: January 2023

The high processing cost is the key challenge for the economic industrial use of SiC membrane The aim of this research was to fabricate mullite bonded porous SiC ceramic membrane at low temperature from novel combinations of fly ash and alumina (FA) in weight ratio 44.5:55.5 as sintering additives. The influences of FA and pore former content on the porosity, morphology, crystalline phase composition, mechanical performance, permeability properties were investigated. The membrane prepared at 1300°C using 20 wt% FA showed pure water permeability 3690 Lm−2h−1bar−1 and exhibited high oil removal efficiency of ∼ 98% from the synthetic oil‐water emulsion having oil concentration of 1000 mg/L. The corrosion behaviour of silicon carbide membrane in the strong acid and alkali solution and its mechanism were investigated. The utilization of fly ash successfully reduced the raw material cost and sintering temperature and the use of alumina reduced the amount of oxidation of SiC as well as increased the amount of mullite bond phase which resulted excellent mechanical strength to the final ceramics.
Nursing workforce characteristics and effect on life expectancy and under‐five mortality in the ASEAN
Authors: Koy Virya , Yunibhand Jintana , Henker Richard , Bircher Nicholas , Miner Laurel , Prak Manila , Deslandes Brittney
Published: January 2023

Aim

To assess the effects of the nursing workforce and advanced nursing practice on the outcomes of patients and life expectancy, including mortality rates of under‐five children in Cambodia, and to develop policy recommendations to increase the influence of the nursing workforce.

Background

In low–middle‐income nations, life expectancy and under‐five mortality are important measures of public health. However, there is still a dearth of literature related to the nursing workforce in Southeast Asia.

Method

The authors retrieved the data from the World Nursing Report produced by the World Health Organization 2020 for 10 member states. The transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis checklist has guided this study. The univariate linear regression model was applied to categorize the potential predictors for each outcome assessment. In addition, the Spearman rank correlation test was selected to assess the potential predictors, and a multivariate statistical analysis was carried out for each of the five outcomes.

Results

According to the study's findings, nurse density and advanced practice nursing improve both female and male life expectancy. The existence of advanced nursing roles is associated with decreased under‐five mortality.

Conclusions

There are great opportunities to improve the nursing workforce within Cambodia and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states to increase patient outcomes. Investment in nursing is essential for improved patient outcomes.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Health policy investments in these projects and future initiatives intended to advance nurse density, education, and practice are based on this study's results. Policy initiatives should focus on increasing density because nursing appears to impact life expectancy and other outcomes.
Longevity of teeth in patients susceptible to periodontitis: Clinical outcomes and risk factors associated with tooth loss after active therapy and 30 years of supportive periodontal care
Authors: Agudio Giancarlo , Buti Jacopo , Bonaccini Daniele , Pini Prato Giovanpaolo , Cortellini Pierpaolo
Published: January 2023

Aim

(i) To evaluate the efficacy of active periodontal therapy supplemented by supportive periodontal care (SPC) in retaining dentition during a 30‐year follow‐up period in patients susceptible to periodontitis, and (ii) to assess the prognostic factors associated with tooth loss.

Materials and Methods

One‐hundred and fifty‐four patients with periodontitis, retrospectively classified as stage I–IV and grade B–C periodontitis, treated between 1984 and 1986 in a private practice, were enrolled in this study. After periodontal assessment, patients received non‐surgical treatment followed by surgical periodontal therapy, orthodontic treatment, and tooth‐splinting, where appropriate. SPC consisted of a strict recall programme every 3–6 months over a 30‐year period. Recurrences were treated either with subgingival root planing or flap surgery. Dental and periodontal variables were measured at baseline (T0), end of active therapy (T1), and after 25 (T2) and 30 (T3) years. Generalized mixed models were analysed to assess the prognostic factors associated with and survival analyses for tooth loss.

Results

Data on 154 patients (4083 teeth) were available at baseline (T0). Teeth considered unworthy of treatment were extracted during active therapy (160, 3.9%) and at re‐assessment (13, 0.3%; T1). After 25 years of SPC, 140 teeth out of 3910 in 154 patients (3.6%) were lost (24 in 18 patients for periodontal reasons). Between 25 and 30 years, 20 patients (482 teeth) dropped out, and 61 teeth (2%) were lost (15 in 14 patients for periodontal reasons). Overall, 201 teeth (5.1%) were lost (39 for periodontal reasons) in 30 years of SPC. Generalized mixed models showed that stage III or stage IV periodontitis was associated with greater tooth loss during SPC compared to stage I or stage II (OR = 2.10; p = .048). Generalized periodontitis showed a statistically significant OR = 3.24 (p = .016) compared to the localized one. In SPC (T1–T3), age (p = .011), gender (male; p = .038), molar teeth (p = < .001), T0 and T1 pocket depth (p = < .001), tooth mobility grades 2 (p = .018) and 3 (p = .050), T0 and T1 bone loss (p = < .001), and presence of a root canal treatment (p = < .001) and a crown (p = .009) were statistically significantly associated with tooth loss.

Conclusion

(i) Periodontal therapy and a stringent SPC are effective in maintaining most of the teeth in patients with moderate/advanced periodontitis for 30 years, and (ii) age, gender, molar teeth, pocket depth, bone loss, and the presence of a root canal treatment and a crown are prognostic factors associated with tooth loss.
Barriers to palliative care in hepatocellular carcinoma: A review of the literature
Authors: Abasseri Mostafa , Hoque Shakira , Slavica Kochovska BA , Caldwell Kim , Sheahan Linda , Zekry Amany
Published: January 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly and burdensome form of liver cancer with an increasing global prevalence. Its course is unpredictable as it frequently occurs in the context of underlying end‐stage liver disease, and the associated symptoms and adverse effects of treatment cause severe suffering for patients. Palliative care (PC) is a medical specialty that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their carers in the context of life‐limiting illness. In other cancers, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that the early introduction of PC at diagnosis improves patient and carer outcomes. Despite this, the integration of palliative care at the diagnosis of HCC remains suboptimal, as patients usually receive PC only at the very terminal phase of their disease, even when diagnosed early. Significant barriers to the uptake of palliative care in the treatment algorithm of hepatocellular carcinoma fall under four main themes: data limitations, disease, clinician, and patient factors. Barriers relating to data limitations mainly encapsulated the risk of bias inherent in published work in the field of PC. Clinician‐reported barriers related to negative attitudes towards PC and a lack of time for PC discussions. Barriers related to the disease align with prognostic uncertainty due to the unpredictable course of HCC. Significantly, there exists a paucity of evidence exploring patient‐perceived barriers to timely PC implementation in HCC. Given that patients are often the underrepresented stakeholder in the delivery of PC, future research should explore the patient perspective in adequately designed qualitative studies as the first step.
A pair of G‐type lectin receptor‐like kinases modulates nlp20‐mediated immune responses by coupling to the RLP23 receptor complex
Authors: Bao Yazhou , Li Yixin , Chang Qin , Chen Rubin , Wang Weijie , Zhang Qian , Chen Shuxian , Xu Guangyuan , Wang Xiaodan , Cui Fuhao , Dou Daolong , Liang Xiangxiu
Published: January 2023

Plant cells recognize microbial patterns with the plasma‐membrane‐localized pattern‐recognition receptors consisting mainly of receptor kinases (RKs) and receptor‐like proteins (RLPs). RKs, such as bacterial flagellin receptor FLS2, and their downstream signaling components have been studied extensively. However, newly discovered regulatory components of RLP‐mediated immune signaling, such as the nlp20 receptor RLP23, await identification. Unlike RKs, RLPs lack a cytoplasmic kinase domain, instead recruiting the receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) BAK1 and SOBIR1. SOBIR1 specifically works as an adapter for RLP‐mediated immunity. To identify new regulators of RLP‐mediated signaling, we looked for SOBIR1‐binding proteins (SBPs) in Arabidopsis thaliana using protein immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, identifying two G‐type lectin RLKs, SBP1 and SBP2, that physically interacted with SOBIR1. SBP1 and SBP2 showed high sequence similarity, were tandemly repeated on chromosome 4, and also interacted with both RLP23 and BAK1. sbp1 sbp2 double mutants obtained via CRISPR‐Cas9 gene editing showed severely impaired nlp20‐induced reactive oxygen species burst, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, and defense gene expression, but normal flg22‐induced immune responses. We showed that SBP1 regulated nlp20‐induced immunity in a kinase activity‐independent manner. Furthermore, the nlp20‐induced the RLP23–BAK1 interaction, although not the flg22‐induced FLS2–BAK1 interaction, was significantly reduced in sbp1 sbp2. This study identified SBPs as new regulatory components in RLP23 receptor complex that may specifically modulate RLP23‐mediated immunity by positively regulating the interaction between the RLP23 receptor and the BAK1 co‐receptor.
Experimental approaches for altering the expression of Abeta‐degrading enzymes
Authors: Loeffler David A.
Published: January 2023

Cerebral clearance of amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) is decreased in early‐onset and late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ is cleared from the brain by enzymatic degradation and by transport out of the brain. More than 20 Aβ‐degrading enzymes have been described. Increasing the degradation of Aβ offers an opportunity to decrease brain Aβ levels in AD patients. This review discusses the direct and indirect approaches which have been used in experimental systems to alter the expression and/or activity of Aβ‐degrading enzymes. Also discussed are the enzymes' regulatory mechanisms, the conformations of Aβ they degrade, where in the scheme of Aβ production, extracellular release, cellular uptake, and intracellular degradation they exert their activities, and changes in their expression and/or activity in AD and its animal models. Most of the experimental approaches require further confirmation. Based upon each enzyme's effects on Aβ (some of the enzymes also possess β‐secretase activity and may therefore promote Aβ production), its direction of change in AD and/or its animal models, and the Aβ conformation(s) it degrades, investigating the effects of increasing the expression of neprilysin in AD patients would be of particular interest. Increasing the expression of insulin‐degrading enzyme,endothelin‐converting enzyme‐1,endothelin‐converting enzyme‐2,tissue plasminogen activator,angiotensin‐converting enzyme,and presequence peptidase would also be of interest. Increasing matrix metalloproteinase‐2, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, cathepsin‐B, and cathepsin‐D expression would be problematic because of possible damage by the metalloproteinases to the blood brain barrier and the cathepsins' β‐secretase activity. Many interventions which increase the enzymatic degradation of Aβ have been shown to decrease AD‐type pathology in experimental models. If a safe approach can be found to increase the expression or activity of selected Aβ‐degrading enzymes in human subjects, then the possibility that this approach could slow the AD progression should be examined in clinical trials.

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Lake eutrophication: Control of phytoplankton overgrowth and invasive aquatic weeds
Authors: Geletu Temesgen Tola
Published: January 2023

This brief review describes the major causes of lake cultural eutrophication and assesses different strategies applied to control or reduce the negative consequences of this eutrophication. Excessive nutrient inputs, particularly from agricultural lands through non‐point source runoff, are among the main causes of cultural eutrophication on a global scale. Reducing nutrient inputs from agricultural lands through management of lake catchment areas, therefore, is an integral part of any effort to control lake eutrophication. Nutrient enrichment results in algal blooms and creates favourable condition for the invasion of a lake by alien aquatic weeds, making this invaluable freshwater resource unsuitable for many purposes, including drinking, agricultural and industrial water resources, fishing, transportation and recreational purposes. A major part of this review addresses attempts made to address the negative impacts of eutrophication by restoring water quality. Several research outputs discussing bottom‐up and top‐down control mechanisms were utilized for the present review. Much emphasis has been given in the literature regarding the use of biomanipulation as a promising and sustainable solution for controlling eutrophication. Biomanipulation tools used to control cyanobacteria and algal bloom have involved zooplanktivorous fish removal, piscivorous fish stocking, daphnia stocking, benthivorous fish removal, planktivorous fish stocking and mussel stocking. Further, some insect and fungal species have been used as biological control agents in an effort to control invasive aquatic weeds in tropical lakes. Although this review is limited in its analysis and explanation of the drawbacks associated with each described biomanipulation method, it can be deduced that biomanipulation generally exhibits considerable potential for controlling or reducing phytoplankton overgrowth and aquatic weed invasions, assuming it is also integrated with strategies to control external nutrient loadings to lakes.
Assessing the spatial variability of the ~3 μm OH/H2O absorption feature in CM2 carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Schultz Cody , Anzures Brendan A. , Milliken Ralph E. , Hiroi Taki , Robertson Kevin
Published: January 2023

H2O and OH are readily detected in hydrated minerals in CM chondrites via reflectance spectroscopy due to their characteristic vibration absorptions at infrared wavelengths. Previous spectroscopic work on bulk powdered CM chondrites has shown that spectral parameters, like the wavelength position of the “3 μm absorption feature,” vary systematically with the extent to which the samples have been aqueously altered. However, it is yet unclear how these spectral features may vary across an intact meteorite chip when measured at spatial scales smaller than that of the individual components of the meteorite. Here, we explore the spatial variability of this spectral feature and others on intact CM2 chips which, unlike powders, retain their petrologic and textural characteristics. We also model the modal mineralogy of the bulk meteorite powders and correlate this with key spectral features, demonstrating that microscope Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic mapping provides a powerful, rapid, and non‐destructive technique for assessing compositional diversity and variations in water–rock interactions in chondritic planetary materials. In all CM2 chondrites studied here, we find that variations in the position, shape, and strength of the 3 μm absorption feature reveal a single chondrite can exhibit as much spectral variation as the entire suite of CM2 chondrites. The observed variations in the position and shape of the 3 μm feature within individual CM2 chondrite chips suggest a range of alteration products (e.g., Mg‐rich to Fe‐rich phyllosilicates) are present and record sub‐mm scale variations in the amount and/or chemistry of the altering fluids. The samples having experienced the most progressive aqueous alteration show the least amount of variability in features like the 3 μm absorption band minimum position, whereas the least altered samples exhibit the most variability. We also find that the bulk spectral signatures in the least altered samples appear to be biased toward the spectral signatures of clasts versus matrix. By extension, asteroid reflectance spectra exhibiting 3 μm absorption features consistent with those measured here may be interpreted in a similar framework in which the spectrum of what may appear to be the least altered asteroids represents an average that belies the true diversity of mineralogy and chemistry of the body.
Methane emission from stems of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) offsets as much as half of methane oxidation in soil
Authors: Machacova Katerina , Warlo Hannes , Svobodová Kateřina , Agyei Thomas , Uchytilová Tereza , Horáček Petr , Lang Friederike
Published: January 2023

Trees are known to be atmospheric methane (CH4) emitters. Little is known about seasonal dynamics of tree CH4 fluxes and relationships to environmental conditions. That prevents the correct estimation of net annual tree and forest CH4 exchange.

We aimed to explore the contribution of stem emissions to forest CH4 exchange. We determined seasonal CH4 fluxes of mature European beech (Fagus sylvatica) stems and adjacent soil in a typical temperate beech forest of the White Carpathians with high spatial heterogeneity in soil moisture.

The beech stems were net annual CH4 sources, whereas the soil was a net CH4 sink. High CH4 emitters showed clear seasonality in their stem CH4 emissions that followed stem CO2 efflux. Elevated CH4 fluxes were detected during the vegetation season. Observed high spatial variability in stem CH4 emissions was neither explicably by soil CH4 exchange nor by CH4 concentrations, water content, or temperature studied in soil profiles near each measured tree. The stem CH4 emissions offset the soil CH4 uptake by up to 46.5% and on average by 13% on stand level.

In Central Europe, widely grown beech contributes markedly to seasonal dynamics of ecosystem CH4 exchange. Its contribution should be included into forest greenhouse gas flux inventories.
Reverse of left ventricular remodeling in heart failure patients with left bundle branch area pacing: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Siranart Noppachai , Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Prasitlumkum Narut , Huntrakul Anurut , Phanthong Tanattida , Sowalertrat Walit , Navaravong Leenhapong , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Jongnarangsin Krit
Published: January 2023

Background

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has recently become a promising option for the near‐natural restoration of electrical activation. However, the clinical relevance of therapeutic effects in individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and dyssynchrony remains unknown.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until June 2022. Data from each study was combined using a random‐effects model, the generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird, to calculate standard mean differences and pooled incidence ratio, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 772 HFrEF patients were analyzed from 15 observational studies per protocol. The success rate of LBBAP implantation was 94.8% (95% CI 89.9–99.6, I2 = 79.4%), which was strongly correlated with shortening QRS duration after LBBAP implantation, with a mean difference of −48.10 ms (95% CI −60.16 to −36.05, I2 = 96.7%). Over a period of 6–12 months of follow‐up, pacing parameters were stable over time. There were significant improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) with mean difference of 16.38% (95% CI 13.13–19.63, I2 = 90.2%), −46.23 ml (95% CI −63.17 to −29.29, I2 = 86.82%), −7.21 mm (95% CI −9.71 to −4.71, I2 = 84.6%), and −44.52 ml (95% CI −64.40 to −24.64, I2 = 85.9%), respectively.

Conclusions

LBBAP was associated with improvements in both cardiac function and electrical synchrony. The benefits of LBBAP in individuals with HFrEF and dyssynchrony should be further validated by randomized studies.
The Chinese version of informant AD8 for mild cognitive impairment and dementia screening in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Liu Tingting , Cai Yan , Wu Yue , Nie Yunbo , Kuang Weihong , Qiu Peiyuan , Wan Yang
Published: January 2023

Background

Conducting routine mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia screening for older adults in the community is important, which not only can improve our understanding of these diseases but also can increase early detection and treatment.

Methods

To analyze the reliability and validity of the informant AD8 and explore the cut‐off values for screening MCI and dementia in the community‐dwelling older adults, this study adopted a multi‐stage cluster sampling method to recruit 327 participants aged 60 and over in communities. The informant AD8 and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scales were used to evaluate cognitive function of the subjects, and the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) was conducted to test the screening efficacy.

Results

Among the 327 participants, 33.0% of them met the criteria of MCI, and 3.4% of them met the criteria of dementia. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the informant AD8 for screening dementia was 0.974, with a screening cut‐off of three, sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 89.0%. But it has a poor discriminability in MCI screening [AUC = 0.645, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.578–0.711].

Conclusions

This study suggests that the informant AD8 is an ideal and useful tool for dementia screening in community‐dwelling older adults. However, it is less capable to distinguish older adults with MCI from those with normal cognitive function.