bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-site rapid detection of aging of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae using multispectral imaging
Authors: Guo Yuchen , Yu Xiangyang , Hong Weibin , Cai Yefan , Xu Wanbang , Gu Hongyu
Published: August 2023

Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae is a traditional Chinese medicine with high medicinal value, and its storage age has a great impact on its ethno-pharmaceutical relevance. At present, there is a situation in the market place where Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae with short storage age is fraudulently sold as Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae with long storage age, and some unaged orange peels dyed with tea are sold as Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae at a high price. In this study, a rapid, on-site method for identifying the storage age of Xinhui Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae based on spectral imaging technology was described. The image features and spectral features were extracted respectively from the surface reflection spectral images of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, and a machine learning model was established to identify the storage age. This study explored the classification effect of the combination of different spectral pre-processing methods and machine learning models, and finally selected the combination of standard normal variate and random forest models, to achieve 95% accuracy on the test dataset, showing excellent generalization performance. The result shows that the spectral imaging technology can rapidly identify the storage age of Xinhui Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae in real time, which has a great application prospect in the detection of the properties of medicinal materials.
Losing a job and (dis)incentives to move: Interregional migration in Finland
Authors: Maczulskij Terhi , Böckerman Petri
Published: August 2023

Traditional theories of migration frequently fail to fully explain the real-world patterns of interregional mobility. Empirical studies indicate that individuals may not always migrate for economic reasons such as poor employment and income prospects. Which characteristics drive people to stay or move after job displacement? Using information on establishment closures, we analyse the economic and social determinants of interregional mobility following job loss. We base our empirical analysis on nationwide individual-level register data from Finland for 1997–2015. We find that receiving earnings-based unemployment benefits substantially weakens the economic incentives for interregional mobility. This negative association is particularly strong for the lower educated and those living in more rural areas. Moreover, our results show that the migration decisions of displaced workers are strongly affected by homeownership, differences in regional housing prices, and social connections, as measured by childhood family relations.
A novel multiplex RT-qPCR assay for simultaneous detection of bovine norovirus, torovirus, and kobuvirus in fecal samples from diarrheic calves
Authors: Han Mina , Han Seongtae
Published: August 2023

Calf diarrhea results in significant economic loss and is caused by a variety of pathogens, including enteric viruses. Many of these viruses, including bovine norovirus (BNoV), bovine torovirus (BToV), and bovine kobuvirus (BKoV), are recognized as the causative agents of diarrhea; however, they remain understudied as major pathogens. We developed a multiplex reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) assay for rapid and simple detection of BNoV, BToV, and BKoV. Our method had high sensitivity and specificity, with detection limits of 1 × 102 copies/μL for BNoV, BToV, and BKoV, which is a lower detection limit than conventional RT-PCR for BNoV and BKoV and identical for BToV. We tested fecal samples from 167 diarrheic calves with our multiplex RT-qPCR method. Viral detection was superior to conventional RT-PCR methods in all samples. The diagnostic sensitivity of the multiplex RT-qPCR method (100%) is higher than that of the conventional RT-PCR methods (87%). Our assay can detect BNoV, BToV, and BKoV in calf feces rapidly and with high sensitivity and specificity.
Parental Resilience in Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Hsiao Yun-Ju
Published: August 2023

Parenting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging, demanding, and overwhelming to parents and families. Understanding parental resilience can help develop appropriate support for parents of children with ASD and their families. This article discusses parental resilience by exploring what is known about parental resilience in families of children with ASD and examining factors that may contribute to parental resilience for practitioners to work on with these parents. This article focuses on three strong predictors of parental resilience in families of children with ASD: (a) locus of control of parents, (b) cognitive appraisal of parents, and (c) informal support for families. Implications for practitioners to help parents build resilience from the above three aspects are discussed.
Efficacy and Safety of Topical Flutamide 1% Gel as an Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Patients With Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Nassar Amany , Sayed Ayman El , Samy Afnan , Essam Reham
Published: August 2023

Background

Acne vulgaris is a worldwide dermatological condition that has a complex pathophysiology in which androgens play an important role. Flutamide is a first-generation non-steroidal antiandrogen that can be used for acne treatment.

Aim

To evaluate the potential therapeutic efficacy and safety of topical flutamide in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Methods

A andomized controlled study included two equal groups, each had 27 patients, with a total of 54 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris having inflammatory (papules and pustules) and non-inflammatory (comedones) lesions. For eight weeks, Group (A) received 1% Flutamide topical gel on the face twice daily, whereas Group (B) served as the control group.

Result

After 8 weeks of topical Flutamide 1% gel application twice daily, there was a significant reduction in papules count, and a highly significant reduction in pustules number from baseline.

Limitations

We recommend that topical Flutamide 1% gel be tried on a larger number of patients with acne vulgaris, for longer therapeutic duration and follow up periods after treatment.

Conclusion

Patients with acne vulgaris may find topical Flutamide 1% gel to be a viable, efficient, and safe solution with few adverse effects.
Baseline Characteristics of Canadian Patients in the Psoriasis Longitudinal Assessment and Registry (PSOLAR)
Authors: Gooderham Melinda J. , Bissonnette Robert , Kalia Sunil , Papp Kim A. , Guenther Lyn C. , Gulliver Wayne P. , Ho Vincent , Shear Neil H. , Vender Ron , Gniadecki Robert , Prajapati Vimal H. , Turchin Irina , Langholff Wayne , Parnell Kim , Simpson Scott D. , Abbarin Nastaran , Lakhani Omair , Alhusayen Raed
Published: August 2023

Background

The Psoriasis Longitudinal Assessment and Registry (PSOLAR) is a global, prospective, longitudinal, disease-based registry. It serves as a post-marketing safety commitment with a focus on patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Objectives

To describe the baseline disease demographics and clinical characteristics of a Canadian subgroup of participants enrolled in PSOLAR.

Methods

Baseline demographic/disease characteristics, medical histories, and previous psoriasis treatments for Canadian patients in PSOLAR were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

There were 1896 patients analyzed in the Canadian subgroup at 37 clinical sites, accounting for 15.7% of the global PSOLAR population. Baseline disease and clinical characteristics were as expected for a moderate to severe psoriasis population and were generally similar to the global PSOLAR population. Two distinctions were noted in the Canadian subgroup versus those enrolled globally: a higher proportion of patients were overweight/obese (84.7% vs. 80.4%) and male (61.4% vs. 54.7%). In addition, the Canadian subgroup had numerically higher historical peak disease activity (PGA score 3.35 vs. 3.1) and longer disease duration (22.3 years vs. 17.5 years). Canadian PSOLAR patients reported a variety of comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis (31.5%), hypertension (34.6%), hyperlipidemia (24.3%), mental illness (24.1%), and inflammatory bowel disease (1.6%).

Conclusion

The Canadian subgroup of PSOLAR patients was generally similar to those enrolled globally with respect to baseline disease demographics and clinical characteristics. Multiple comorbidities are noted in the Canadian subgroup, underscoring the need for a holistic approach to the treatment of psoriatic patients.
Asymmetries in responses to group-based relative deprivation: The moderating effects of group status on endorsement of right-wing ideology
Authors: Lilly Kieren J. , Sibley Chris G. , Osborne Danny
Published: August 2023

Feelings of group-based relative deprivation (GRD) motivate collective responses to defend the ingroup. As such, there may be status-based asymmetries in the associations GRD has with ideologies that perpetuate inequality—namely, right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO). Study 1 examined this hypothesis using a national sample of adults ( N = 41,007) and revealed that the correlations GRD had with RWA and SDO were positive among members of a high-status group but negative among members of low-status groups. Study 2 examined these associations longitudinally ( N = 22,083) across eight annual assessments. Although a traditional cross-lagged panel analysis identified status-based asymmetries in the longitudinal associations between our variables of interest, analyses partitioning between-person stability from within-person change found no evidence that GRD leads to differences in RWA or SDO (or vice versa). The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Symmetry-breaking and pull-down motion for the Helmholtz–Duffing oscillator
Authors: Niu Jing-Yan , He Chun-Hui , Alsolami Abdulrahman Ali
Published: August 2023

An accurate frequency of the Helmholtz–Duffing oscillator is obtained by a sophisticated modification of He’s frequency formulation. The pull-down instability existing in the symmetric breaking phenomenon is a newly discovered dynamic motion for oscillators with even nonlinearities. A criterion for predicting the asymmetrical amplitude motion and the pull-down instability is built by measuring the amplitude change. The good matching performance between the analytic results and numerical ones indicates that the criterion offers a starting point for future research into the pull-down phenomenon, and opens a new path for studying more complex nonlinear oscillators with even nonlinearities.
Returning empty-handed or going somewhere? Tales from social division networks of re-migrants in the polarized post-COVID-19 era: A phenomenological study
Authors: Daovisan Hanvedes , Charoenratana Sayamol , Akitsu Motoki
Published: August 2023

This study poses the following questions: What are the reasons for cross-border re-migration? How are social division networks formed? We conducted a phenomenological study of social division networks for Laotian re-migrants in polarized post-COVID-19 Thailand. Chain referral sampling was used to recruit participants in 20 online semi-structured interviews, which were conducted from December 2021 to April 2022. Thematic saturation (codebook development, codebook refinement, code saturation, emerging themes, and confirming theory) was used to analyze the interview transcripts. Three themes emerged from the participants’ responses: the reasons for re-migration, the role of network capital, and social divisions of re-migrants in polarized post-COVID-19 Thailand. Our findings provide useful insights into the importance of group connections with strong supply network ties to promote transnational mobility; this facilitates the movement of cross-border re-migrants between home-sending and host-receiving countries.
Virtual Delivery of Stepped-Care Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Cancer Related Fatigue: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Williams Lauren K. , Ftanou Maria , Pearson Elizabeth J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

About 1 in 3 people experience persistent fatigue after cancer treatment. People with severe fatigue describe a disabling lack of stamina, anxiety, depression and distressing cognitive changes. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is recommended for people with severe fatigue after cancer treatment, however due to limited resources and lack of available clinicians very few people with cancer have access. This study explored feasibility of a virtual stepped-care CBT program.

Methods:

English speaking adults experiencing persistent fatigue who had either completed cancer treatment, or with stable disease on maintenance therapies were recruited. All participants engaged in a 6-week supported self-help program using a CBT workbook targeting fatigue (STEP 1). After the self-help program, participants with severe ongoing fatigue were stepped-up to a telehealth CBT group focused to fatigue led by a Clinical Psychologist (STEP 2). Feasibility and perceived changes were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks.

Results:

Of 19 participants, 17 completed STEP 1 and 8 completed STEP 2. Remotely delivered CBT was feasible with high retention, adherence, participant feasibility and satisfaction scores. Cost to deliver STEP 1 was AUD $145 and STEP 2, AUD $280 per participant. Overall, fatigue and self-efficacy improved significantly following STEP 1. Participants with higher baseline fatigue achieved limited improvements with self-help alone, requiring guidance to set achievable goals and reframe cognitions. Fatigue, self-efficacy and mood improved with STEP 2.

Conclusions:

Remotely delivered CBT for cancer fatigue was feasible. The effectiveness of stratified rather than stepped CBT approach, based on fatigue severity should be trialed.

Trial Registration:

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN # 11 12622000420741).
Age and Red Blood Cell Parameters Mainly Explain the Differences Between HbA1c and Glycemic Management Indicator Among Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Using Intermittent Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Azcoitia Pablo , Rodríguez-Castellano Raquel , Saavedra Pedro , Alberiche María P. , Marrero Dunia , Wägner Ana M. , Ojeda Antonio , Boronat Mauro
Published: August 2023

Background:

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is the gold standard to assess glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Glucose management indicator (GMI), a metric generated by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), has been proposed as an alternative to HbA1c, but the two values may differ, complicating clinical decision-making. This study aimed to identify the factors that may explain the discrepancy between them.

Methods:

Subjects were patients with type 1 diabetes, with one or more HbA1c measurements after starting the use of the Freestyle Libre 2 intermittent CGM, who shared their data with the center on the Libreview platform. The 14-day glucometric reports were retrieved, with the end date coinciding with the date of each HbA1c measurement, and those with sensor use ≥70% were selected. Clinical data prior to the start of CGM use, glucometric data from each report, and other simultaneous laboratory measurements with HbA1c were collected.

Results:

A total of 646 HbA1c values and their corresponding glucometric reports were obtained from 339 patients. The absolute difference between HbA1c and GMI was <0.3% in only 38.7% of cases. Univariate analysis showed that the HbA1c-GMI value was associated with age, diabetes duration, estimated glomerular filtration rate, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), and time with glucose between 180 and 250 mg/dL. In a multilevel model, only age and RDW, positively, and MCV, negatively, were correlated to HbA1c-GMI.

Conclusion:

The difference between HbA1c and GMI is clinically relevant in a high percentage of cases. Age and easily accessible hematological parameters (MCV and RDW) can help to interpret these differences.
Use of a Hindfoot Nail Without Separate Subtalar and Tibiotalar Joint Preparation to Treat Geriatric Ankle and Distal Tibia Fractures: A Case Series
Authors: Duvvuri Priya , Trout Sally May , Bub Christine Decker , Goldman Ariel Tenny
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Ankle fractures in geriatric patients can be devastating injuries, as they limit an individual’s mobility, autonomy, and quality of life. This study examines the functional outcomes and complications related to hindfoot nails (HFN) in geriatric patients who have suffered an ankle malleolar or distal tibia fracture.

Materials and Methods

This is a single-surgeon case-series of patients who underwent HFN for acute fixation or delayed reconstruction after an ankle or distal tibia fracture. Demographic information, comorbidities, baseline functional status, AO/OTA classification, surgical indications, need for external fixation, total operative time, length of stay (LOS), ambulation at discharge, and discharge disposition were recorded. Primary outcomes included 30-day complications, ambulation at follow-up, and time to fracture union and fusion.

Results

There were 22 patients, with average age 80.8 years. Mean LOS was 7.0 days, and 68.2% were discharged to subacute rehabilitation. Within 30 days, 1 patient developed a deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, and 2 experienced wound dehiscence requiring antibiotics. At 6-weeks, 1 patient sustained a fall with periprosthetic fracture requiring HFN revision, and another developed cellulitis necessitating hardware removal. Fracture healing was seen in 72.7% at 19.4 weeks, while radiographic fusion occurred in 18.2% at 43.0 weeks. 72.7% were ambulating with an assistive device at discharge, and 100.0% at 12-weeks post-operatively or last follow-up. Upon final examination, all patients were ambulating without pain.

Discussion

HFNs provide a reliable alternative to traditional open reduction internal fixation and have the ability to improve quality of life for geriatric patients through a faster return to weight-bearing. Additionally, radiographic fusion rates show that patients have favorable functional outcomes even without formal arthrodesis.

Conclusion

HFN is beneficial for elderly patients with low functional demand and complex medical comorbidities, as it allows for early mobility after sustaining an ankle or distal tibia fracture.
Female Hero-Seekers in Folk Fairy Tales From XIX Century: Feminist Stories for Reading in Education
Authors: Vučković Dijana
Published: August 2023

The aim of the paper is to present several fairy tales from Giuseppe Pitrè’s collection as a potentially interesting reading material for children. Since classical fairy tales in some cases depict traditional gender roles, they can present an obstacle to children’s gender construction. Therefore, it is also important to read those stories which do not have a stereotypical gender discourse. We found such stories in Pitrè’s collection of folk fairy tales from the 19th century. In the paper we present the analysis of the structure of several folk fairy tales from Pitrè’s collection. The analysis has been performed according to Propp’s structuralist method, while the task was to determine the morphology of those fairy tales dealing with female hero-seekers. Such heroines correspond to the feminist perspective and they are convenient for reading in education for the purpose of children’s constructions of gender not exclusively provided by normative canons. The model of critical reading, which we suggest for reading the analyzed fairy tales, has been founded on reader-response criticism.
Quantification of macroplastic litter in fallow greenhouse farmlands: case study in southeastern hungary
Authors: Saadu Ibrahim , Farsang Andrea , Kiss Timea
Published: August 2023

Background

Plastic greenhouse farming has become widespread worldwide because of its contributions to various agricultural production. However, it also generates plastic waste in large quantities and pollutes farmlands. Contrary to studies on microplastics, few studies have quantified macroplastic contamination in agricultural farmlands despite its contribution to the production of microplastics through fragmentation. Thus, there is a paucity of knowledge on the levels and characteristics of macroplastics in greenhouse environments. Thus, this study aimed to quantify and examine the macroplastic litter on soil surfaces under fallow greenhouse farmlands.

Results

The study was conducted at three sites in Southern Hungary, where the usage of plastic greenhouses is very common for cultivating vegetables. On the studied fallow plots, the overall mean abundance of macroplastics was 431 pieces/ha or 6 kg/ha. Most of the fragments had 0.5- to 5-cm sizes. The macroplastic fragmentation in the area was well detected and was an ongoing process. The dominant plastic types were polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride in the form of films and fragments. The results showed that agricultural litter comprised 90% of the total contamination, whereas nonagricultural litter (10%) due to illegal littering also appeared on the plots.

Conclusions

Given that macroplastics were found in the studied greenhouse farmlands, we recommend the following: (1) careful cleaning and disposal of plastics on greenhouse farmlands and (2) prevention of greenhouse farmland contamination by external and nonagricultural contaminants. Besides, further research is needed to elucidate the duration of macroplastic fragmentation to microplastic contaminants in greenhouse environments.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Green synthesis of oncolytic Newcastle disease virus-loaded thiolated chitosan nanoformulation for CD44 targeted delivery and sustained release of virus in cervical cancer xenografts
Authors: Kousar Kousain , Naseer Faiza , Abduh Maisa S. , Anjum Sadia , Ahmad Tahir
Published: August 2023

Background

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) Lasota strain has proven oncolytic activity. One shortcoming associated with this treatment modality is the immune neutralization of the virus in body, mediated by natural killer cells and macrophages. This study aims at encapsulating the oncolytic virus in thiolated chitosan nanoparticles, surface functionalized with hyaluronic acid for CD44 targeted delivery and sustained release of NDV in cervical cancer tumors. These nanoparticles were tested for oncolytic potential in HeLa cells and cervical cancer xenograft model.

Results

NDV-loaded nanoparticles were prepared using TCs concentration of 1.0 mg/mL, HA at 0.5 mg/mL, with a half dose (not less than 500 TCID units) of NDV by using green synthesis approach through ionic gelation method. Viral quantification in nanoparticles was done by TCID50 (50% tissue culture infectious dose) and MOI (multiplicity of infection) determination. Ex vivo NK cell activity was analyzed by quantifying levels of IFN-γ. In vivo analysis was performed on wistar rats, immunocompromised by using ketoconazole (10 mg/kg) and cyclosporin (30 mg/kg) along with 0.1 μg/mL of amoxicillin. WBC profiling on day 7 confirmed immunosuppression, which was followed by tumor implantation. Zeta analysis of NDV nanoparticles showed that nanoparticles are 286.9 nm in size with a zeta potential of 18.1 mV and PDI of 0.241. For estimation of anticancer potential, MTT and trypan blue exclusion assay revealed a higher cytotoxic potential of the encapsulated virus, while TCID50 of HA-TC-NDV was 4.1 as compared to naked NDV virus which had TCID50 of 6.0 on HeLa cells. Histopathology of organs from NDV nanoparticle-treated rats showed syncytia formation in tumors, immunohistochemical analysis showed decrease in expression of TNF-α, COX-II and NF-ƙB which was also confirmed by ELISA. RT-PCR showed high viral copy number in tumor tissue and viral accumulation in lungs and liver. Lower IFN-γ in nanoparticles treated rats showed suppression in immunoreactivity of virus-loaded nanoparticles.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that encapsulation of the virus in thiolated chitosan and CD44 targeting enhanced retention and sustained release of the virus in tumors as compared to pure NDV, with increased oncolytic effect both in vitro and in vivo.
Boxwood phyllosphere fungal and bacterial communities and their differential responses to film-forming anti-desiccants
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Omolehin Olanike , Hemmings Ginger , Tseng Hsien Tzer , Taylor Amanda , Taylor Chad , Kong Ping , Daughtrey Margery , Luster Douglas , Gouker Fred , Hong Chuanxue
Published: August 2023

Background

Anti-desiccant is a class of agrochemicals widely used to protect plants from water stresses, rapid temperature variations, heat and sunburn, frost and freeze damages, transplant shock, and pathogen and pest attack. Although anti-desiccants are generally considered non-toxic to organisms, it is unclear whether they may impact the phyllosphere microbial communities. In this study, three film-forming anti-desiccant products, TransFilm, Vapor Gard, and Wilt-Pruf were applied to the canopy of two boxwood cultivars ‘Vardar Valley’ and ‘Justin Brouwers’ on April 13 and August 26, 2021. Shoot samples were collected from boxwood plants treated with each of the three products, as well as nontreated control on June 16, August 26 (before the second treatment), and October 18. Microbial and plant genomic DNA was isolated together and 16S rRNA gene and the extended internal transcribed spacer regions were amplified with PCR and sequenced on a Nanopore MinION platform for bacterial and fungal identification.

Results

Bacterial communities were more diverse than fungal communities. At the phylum level, the boxwood phyllosphere was dominated byProteobacteriaandAscomycota; at the genus level,MethylobacteriumandShiraiawere the most abundant bacteria and fungi, respectively. Among the three film-forming anti-desiccants, Vapor Gard and Wilt-Pruf had more impact than TransFilm on the microbial communities. Specifically, broader impacts were observed on fungal than bacterial community composition and structure, with most affected fungi being suppressed while bacteria promoted.

Conclusion

This study addressed several major knowledge gaps regarding boxwood phyllosphere microbiota and the impact of anti-desiccants on plant microbiome. We identified diverse microbial communities of boxwood, a major evergreen woody crop and an iconic landscape plant. We also found differential effects of three film-forming anti-desiccants on the composition and structure of bacterial and fungal communities. These findings advanced our understanding of the associated microbiome of this landmark plant, enabling growers to fully utilize the potentials of microbiome and three anti-desiccants in improving boxwood health and productivity.
A five year descriptive analysis of potentially preventable hospitalisations for Ear, Nose, and Throat conditions in regional Victoria, Australia, from 2015 to 2020
Authors: O’Neill Susan , Begg Stephen , Spelten Evelien
Published: August 2023

Background

Potentially preventable hospitalisations of ear, nose, and throat conditions in the Murray Primary Health Network region have been found to be higher than the state average of Victoria, Australia. This study aimed to examine the association between selected patient-level characteristics and the likelihood of residing in a Murray PHN postcode with higher than expected numbers of potentially preventable ENT hospitalisations.

Methods

Unit record hospital separation data were obtained from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset. Postcodes were classified as having higher than expected numbers of potentially preventable hospitalisations across three subgroups of ENT using indirect standardisation techniques. Differences between patients from ‘higher than expected’ postcodes and ‘other’ postcodes with respect to the distribution of demographic and other patient characteristics were determined using chi-squared tests for each ENT subgroup. The results were confirmed by logistic regression analyses using resident of a postcode with higher than expected hospitalisations as the outcome variable.

Results

Of the 169 postcodes located in the catchment area, 15 were identified as having higher than expected numbers of upper respiratory tract infection hospitalisations, 14 were identified for acute tonsillitis, and 12 were identified for otitis media. Patients from postcodes with ‘higher than expected’ hospitalisations for these conditions were more likely than others to be aged between 0 and 9 years, Indigenous, or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

Conclusion

Further investigation of the identified postcodes is warranted to determine access to and utilisation of primary healthcare services in the management of PPH ENT conditions in the region.
Exploring patient treatment decision making for osteoarthritis in the UAE: a cross-sectional adaptive choice-based conjoint study
Authors: Al-Omari Basem , Farhat Joviana , Khan Mumtaz , Grancharov Hristo , Zahr Zaki Abu , Hanna Sammy , Alrahoomi Abdulla
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess osteoarthritis (OA) patients’ preferences for pharmaceutical treatment via Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC) method.

Methods

A United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group designed the ACBC questionnaire with 10 attributes and 34 levels. The questionnaire was developed using Sawtooth Software and analyzed through Hierarchical Bayesian (HB). Results were standardized using Z-score via SPSS.

Results

Study participants were 1030 OA patients, 83.6% aged 50 or older and 83.4% female. The avoidance of medication’s side effects accounted for 66% relative importance compared to 6% relative importance for the medication’s benefits. The “way of taking the medicine” attribute had the highest coefficient of variation (70%) and the four side effect attributes “risk of gastric ulcer, addiction, kidney and liver impairment, and heart attacks and strokes” had a coefficient of variation from 18 to 21%.

Conclusions

Arab OA patients are similar to other ethnic groups in trading-off benefits and side effects and consistently prioritizing the avoidance of medications’ side effects. Although the “Way of taking medicine” was the least important attribute it was associated with the highest variation amongst patients. OA patients also prefer prescribed medications to internet-purchased and over-the-counter options.
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw using periodontitis-induced rat before tooth extraction
Authors: Park Kyeong-Mee , Cheong Jieun , Pang Nan-Sim , Kim Kee-Deog , Lee Jung-Seok , Park Wonse
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) after tooth extraction due to periodontitis in ovariectomized rats.

Methods

Twenty-four osteoporosis-induced rats were administered with zoledronic acid (ZA; ZA group) or saline (CONT group). In both groups, tooth extraction was performed after inducing periodontitis, and all animals were sacrificed 8-week after tooth extraction.

Results

Micro-CT of the tibia showed that the bone volume fraction, bone surface density, trabecular number, and bone mineral density were significantly higher in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Histologically, the proliferative zone on the growth plate was thicker in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Micro-CT of the extraction sites revealed that the bone volume fraction was significantly higher in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Radiologically, the ZA group showed partial healing and delayed healing. Histological analysis revealed normal bone healing status with completely healed epithelium in the extraction sites of the CONT group, whereas abnormal empty osteocytes in the necrotic bone and inflammatory infiltration were observed in the ZA group.

Conclusion

The incidence of MRONJ increased in the rats administered with ZA.
Psychometric evaluation of the Japanese version of the fear of pain questionnaire-III and its association with dental anxiety: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ogawa Mika , Sago Teppei , Furukawa Hirokazu , Saito Akihiro
Published: August 2023

Background

Fear of pain is a significant concern related to chronic pain and its impact on daily functioning. It is also associated with dental anxiety, highlighting its relevance in dental practice. This study aimed to validate the Japanese version of the Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III (FPQ-III) and explore its relationship with dental anxiety.

Methods

400 participants completed the Japanese version of the FPQ-III, with 100 participants re-evaluated after one month. Convergent validity was tested against dental anxiety and pain catastrophizing, while discriminant validity was assessed by examining general anxiety and depression correlations. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factorial validity of the FPQ-III and a shortened version of the FPQ-III (FPQ-9). Item response theory was applied for each subscale to estimate the discriminative power of each item and draw a test information curve. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to investigate the relationship between fear of pain and dental anxiety.

Results

Data from 400 participants (200 women, 44.9 ± 14.5 years) were analyzed. The FPQ-III showed good internal validity, intra-examiner reliability, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis results supported a three-factor structure, and the FPQ-9 showed a good fit. Test information curves demonstrated that the FPQ-9 maintained high accuracy over a similarly wide range as the FPQ-III. SEM revealed that fear of minor pain was associated with dental anxiety via fear of medical pain even in individuals without painful medical or dental experiences (indirect effect 0.48 [95% CI: 0.32–0.81]). Fear of severe pain tended to be higher in individuals with chronic pain compared to those without (latent mean values 0 vs. 0.27, p = 0.002) and was also associated with dental anxiety via fear of medical pain in women (indirect effect 0.15 [95% CI: 0.01–0.34]).

Conclusion

The Japanese version of the FPQ-9 demonstrated high reliability and validity, making it a valuable tool in dental clinical and research settings. It provides insights into the fear of pain among individuals with chronic pain and dental anxiety, informing potential intervention strategies.
Effects of home visiting programmes on community-dwelling older adults with chronic multimorbidity: a scoping review
Authors: Chica-Pérez Anabel , Dobarrio-Sanz Iria , Ruiz-Fernández María Dolores , Correa-Casado Matías , Fernández-Medina Isabel María , Hernández-Padilla José Manuel
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic ultimorbidity is the most frequent and serious health problem in older adults. Home visiting programmes could be a strategy with potential benefits. However, there are no scoping reviews to date that examine the effects of home visiting programmes on community-dwelling older adults with chronic multimorbidity.

Objective

To examine the effects of home visiting programmes on community-dwelling older adults with chronic multimorbidity.

Methods

A scoping review was carried out following PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. The search was conducted in six databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE) between October 2021 and April 2022.

Results

Four RCTs with 560 patients were included. The visits were carried out by nurses, nursing students, volunteers, and other healthcare professionals. The interventions varied in the number of visits, frequency, duration of follow-up, and whether or not they were combined with other strategies such as telephone calls. Discrepancies were found in the effects of the interventions on quality of life, self-efficacy, self-rated health, and use and cost of health and social services.

Conclusion

This review shows that home visiting programmes could have potential benefits for older adults with chronic multimorbidity. However, its results have been inconclusive. There is a need for high quality studies involving a larger number of patients, in which home visits are the main intervention.
Race-specific spirometry equations may overestimate asthma control in Black children and adolescents
Authors: Burbank Allison J. , Atkinson Claire E. , Espaillat Andre E. , Schworer Stephen A. , Mills Katherine , Rooney Jennifer , Loughlin Ceila E. , Phipatanakul Wanda , Hernandez Michelle L.
Published: August 2023

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests that use of race terms in spirometry reference equations underestimates disease burden in Black populations, which may lead to disparities in pulmonary disease outcomes. Data on asthma-specific health consequences of using race-adjusted spirometry are lacking.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of 163 children from two observational asthma studies to determine the frequencies of participants with ppFEV1 < 80% (consistent with uncontrolled asthma) or ppFEV1 ≥ 80% using race-specific (GLI-African American or Caucasian) vs. race-neutral (GLI-Global) spirometry and their alignment with indicators of asthma control (Asthma Control Test™, ACT). Comparisons of mean ppFEV1 values were conducted using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. Two group comparisons were conducted using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

Results

Data from 163 children (100 Black, 63 White) were analyzed. Mean ppFEV1 was 95.4% (SD 15.8) using race-specific spirometry and 90.4% (16.3) using race-neutral spirometry (p < 0.0001). Among 54 Black children with uncontrolled asthma (ACT ≤ 19), 20% had ppFEV1 < 80% using race-specific spirometry compared to 40% using race-neutral spirometry. In Black children with controlled asthma (ACT > 19), 87% had ppFEV1 ≥ 80% using race-specific compared to 67% using race-neutral spirometry. Children whose ppFEV1 changed to ≤ 80% with race-neutral spirometry had lower FEV1/FVC compared to those whose ppFEV1 remained ≥ 80% [0.83 (0.07) vs. 0.77 (0.05), respectively; p = 0.04], suggesting greater airway obstruction. Minimal changes in alignment of ppFEV1 with ACT score were observed for White children.

Conclusions

Use of race-specific reference equations in Black children may increase the risk of inappropriately labeling asthma as controlled.
Apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM)/CD5L is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD
Authors: Takimoto-Sato Michiko , Suzuki Masaru , Kimura Hiroki , Ge Haiyan , Matsumoto Munehiro , Makita Hironi , Arai Satoko , Miyazaki Toru , Nishimura Masaharu , Konno Satoshi
Published: August 2023

Background

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) and AM-produced matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-12 are known to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The apoptosis inhibitor of the macrophages (AIM)/CD5 molecule-like (CD5L) is a multifunctional protein secreted by the macrophages that mainly exists in the blood in a combined form with the immunoglobulin (Ig)M pentamer. Although AIM has both facilitative and suppressive roles in various diseases, its role in COPD remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated the role of AIM in COPD pathogenesis using porcine pancreas elastase (PPE)-induced and cigarette smoke-induced emphysema mouse models and an in vitro model using AMs. We also analyzed the differences in the blood AIM/IgM ratio among nonsmokers, healthy smokers, and patients with COPD and investigated the association between the blood AIM/IgM ratio and COPD exacerbations and mortality in patients with COPD.

Results

Emphysema formation, inflammation, and cell death in the lungs were attenuated in AIM−/− mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice in both PPE- and cigarette smoke-induced emphysema models. The PPE-induced increase in MMP-12 was attenuated in AIM−/− mice at both the mRNA and protein levels. According to in vitro experiments using AMs stimulated with cigarette smoke extract, the MMP-12 level was decreased in AIM−/− mice compared with WT mice. This decrease was reversed by the addition of recombinant AIM. Furthermore, an analysis of clinical samples showed that patients with COPD had a higher blood AIM/IgM ratio than healthy smokers. Additionally, the blood AIM/IgM ratio was positively associated with disease severity in patients with COPD. A higher AIM/IgM ratio was also associated with a shorter time to the first COPD exacerbation and higher all-cause and respiratory mortality.

Conclusions

AIM facilitates the development of COPD by upregulating MMP-12. Additionally, a higher blood AIM/IgM ratio was associated with poor prognosis in patients with COPD.

Trial Registration

This clinical study, which included nonsmokers, healthy smokers, and smokers with COPD, was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hokkaido University Hospital (012–0075, date of registration: September 5, 2012). The Hokkaido COPD cohort study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hokkaido University School of Medicine (med02-001, date of registration: December 25, 2002).
Copper biosorption by Bacillus pumilus OQ931870 and Bacillus subtilis OQ931871 isolated from Wadi Nakheil, Red Sea, Egypt
Authors: Danial Amal William , Dardir Fatma Mohamed
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite being necessary, copper is a toxic heavy metal that, at high concentrations, harms the life system. The parameters that affect the bioreduction and biosorption of copper are highly copper-resistant bacteria.

Results

In this work, the ability of the bacterial biomass, isolated from black shale, Wadi Nakheil, Red Sea, Egypt, for Cu2+ attachment, was investigated. Two Cu2+ resistance Bacillus species were isolated; Bacillus pumilus OQ931870 and Bacillus subtilis OQ931871. The most tolerant bacterial isolate to Cu2+ was B. pumilus. Different factors on Cu2+ biosorption were analyzed to estimate the maximum conditions for Cu biosorption. The qmax for Cu2+ by B. pumilus and B. subtilis determined from the Langmuir adsorption isotherm was 11.876 and 19.88 mg. g−1, respectively. According to r2, the biosorption equilibrium isotherms close-fitting with Langmuir and Freundlich model isotherm. Temkin isotherm fitted better to the equilibrium data of B. pumilus and B. subtilis adsorption. Additionally, the Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm suggested that adsorption mechanism of Cu2+ is predominately physisorption.

Conclusion

Therefore, the present work indicated that the biomass of two bacterial strains is an effective adsorbent for Cu2+ removal from aqueous solutions.
STAT3/LKB1 controls metastatic prostate cancer by regulating mTORC1/CREB pathway
Authors: Pencik Jan , Philippe Cecile , Schlederer Michaela , Atas Emine , Pecoraro Matteo , Grund-Gröschke Sandra , Li Wen , Tracz Amanda , Heidegger Isabel , Lagger Sabine , Trachtová Karolína , Oberhuber Monika , Heitzer Ellen , Aksoy Osman , Neubauer Heidi A. , Wingelhofer Bettina , Orlova Anna , Witzeneder Nadine , Dillinger Thomas , Redl Elisa , Greiner Georg , D’Andrea David , Östman Johnny R. , Tangermann Simone , Hermanova Ivana , Schäfer Georg , Sternberg Felix , Pohl Elena E. , Sternberg Christina , Varady Adam , Horvath Jaqueline , Stoiber Dagmar , Malcolm Tim I. , Turner Suzanne D. , Parkes Eileen E. , Hantusch Brigitte , Egger Gerda , Rose-John Stefan , Poli Valeria , Jain Suneil , Armstrong Chris W. D. , Hoermann Gregor , Goffin Vincent , Aberger Fritz , Moriggl Richard , Carracedo Arkaitz , McKinney Cathal , Kennedy Richard D. , Klocker Helmut , Speicher Michael R. , Tang Dean G. , Moazzami Ali A. , Heery David M. , Hacker Marcus , Kenner Lukas
Published: August 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common and fatal type of cancer in men. Metastatic PCa (mPCa) is a major factor contributing to its lethality, although the mechanisms remain poorly understood. PTEN is one of the most frequently deleted genes in mPCa. Here we show a frequent genomic co-deletion of PTEN and STAT3 in liquid biopsies of patients with mPCa. Loss of Stat3 in a Pten-null mouse prostate model leads to a reduction of LKB1/pAMPK with simultaneous activation of mTOR/CREB, resulting in metastatic disease. However, constitutive activation of Stat3 led to high LKB1/pAMPK levels and suppressed mTORC1/CREB pathway, preventing mPCa development. Metformin, one of the most widely prescribed therapeutics against type 2 diabetes, inhibits mTORC1 in liver and requires LKB1 to mediate glucose homeostasis. We find that metformin treatment of STAT3/AR-expressing PCa xenografts resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth accompanied by diminished mTORC1/CREB, AR and PSA levels. PCa xenografts with deletion of STAT3/AR nearly completely abrogated mTORC1/CREB inhibition mediated by metformin. Moreover, metformin treatment of PCa patients with high Gleason grade and type 2 diabetes resulted in undetectable mTORC1 levels and upregulated STAT3 expression. Furthermore, PCa patients with high CREB expression have worse clinical outcomes and a significantly increased risk of PCa relapse and metastatic recurrence. In summary, we have shown that STAT3 controls mPCa via LKB1/pAMPK/mTORC1/CREB signaling, which we have identified as a promising novel downstream target for the treatment of lethal mPCa.
Is myocardial fibrosis appropriately assessed by calibrated and 2D strain derived integrated backscatter?
Authors: Lima Maria Rita , Abecasis João , Santos Rita Reis , Maltês Sérgio , Lopes Pedro , Ferreira António , Ribeiras Regina , Andrade Maria João , Abecasis Miguel , Gil Victor , Ramos Sância , Cardim Nuno
Published: August 2023

Aims

Increased collagen content of the myocardium modifies tissue reflectivity and integrated backscatter (IBS) indexes are suggested as markers of myocardial fibrosis (MF). We sought to assess the correlation between calibrated (c) IBS and bidimensional (2D) strain derived IBS with left ventricular (LV) MF in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and results

We made a prospective observational cohort study including 157 patients with severe AS referred for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), with complete preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) obtained from the anterior basal septum at the time of surgery. Two groups of 30 patients were specifically evaluated, with and without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at CMR. IBS was obtained at QRS peak from both parasternal long axis (PLAX) and apical-three-chamber (AP3C) views and measured in decibels (dB). Whole-cardiac cycle IBS at basal anterior septum was obtained from 2D longitudinal strain. Correlation analysis of reflectivity indexes was performed with global and segmental (anterior basal septum) values of native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV), and EMB collagen volume fraction (CVF) (Masson´s Trichrome). IBS values were compared in both group of patients (LGE + vs. LGE –). 60 patients (74 [36–74] years, 45% male) with high gradient (mean gradient: 63 ± 20mmHg), normal flow (45 ± 10mL/m2) AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (60 ± 9%) were included. Basal septum cIBS was − 17.45 (–31.2–10.95) and − 9.17 ± 9.45dB from PLAX and A3C views, respectively. No significant correlations were found between IBS and both non-invasive CMR tissue characterization and CVF: median MF of 9.7(2.1–79.9)%. Acoustic indexes were not significantly different according to the presence of pre-operative LGE.

Conclusion

In this group of patients with classical severe AS, IBS reflectivity indexes are of no added value to discriminate the presence of MF.

Graphical Abstract