bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐level competition exercise and related fatigue are associated with stride and jumping characteristics in eventing horses
Authors: Burger Dominik , Vidondo Beatriz , Gerber Vinzenz , Deillon David , Müller Antonia , Scheidegger Milena , Käser Rebekka , Ramseyer Alessandra
Published: September 2023

Background

Fatigue and related injuries to the musculoskeletal system are among the most frequent reasons for the withdrawal of high‐level eventing horses from the sport. The safety of both horse and rider is very important, and early detection of fatigue is crucial.

Objectives

To investigate elite eventing horses in competitive events focusing on biomechanical, cardiovascular and metabolic variables across the cross‐country test and to identify their potential associations with fatigue.

Study design

Prospective observational exploratory field study.

Methods

Observations on 54 cross‐country tests of 33 horses at five competitive, high‐level events were evaluated using sternal accelerometric analysis of stride parameters between and at the jumps. Blood lactate concentration and heart rate were determined 10 min after finishing. The differences in kinematic parameters between the course start and end were analysed with mixed models for repeated measures. Associations between blood lactate and heart rate recovery with the kinematic variables were quantified with Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

We observed numerous stride characteristics between the jumps and the jumps changing over time during the courses. Blood lactate concentrations were positively correlated with the mean maximal strike power at the jumps in the last minute of the course (r = 0.41; p < 0.001), and the latter was negatively correlated with the mean stride height over the jumps (r = −0.41; p = 0.003).

Main limitations

The sample contained horses of varying breeds, sexes and ages, and different horses participated in different events.

Conclusions

We identified several kinematic changes during a cross‐country test depending on event, speed and fatigue.
Local neutrophil and eosinophil extracellular traps formation in pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans
Authors: Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: September 2023

Pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans is a rare inflammatory condition, affecting the skin and/or mucous membrane. Some cases include both skin and mucous involvement, whereas others develop either skin or mucous lesions only. The typically affected areas are the scalp, face, trunk and extremities, including the flexural areas and umbilicus. Clinical features show erosive granulomatous plaques, keratotic plaques with overlying crusts and pustular lesions. Among mucous lesions, oral mucosa is most frequently involved, and gingival erythema, shallow erosions, cobblestone‐like papules on the buccal mucosa or upper hard palate of the oral cavity are also observed. Some of the lesions assume a ‘snail track’ appearance. Although there are several similarities between pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans and other diseases, that is pyoderma gangrenosum, pemphigus vegetans and pemphigoid vegetans, the histopathological features of pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans are unique in that epidermal hyperplasia, focal acantholysis and dense inflammatory infiltrates with intraepidermal and subepidermal eosinophilic microabscesses are observed. Direct immunofluorescence findings are principally negative. Activated neutrophils are supposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans. The expression of IL‐36 and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was observed in the lesional skin, and additionally, eosinophil extracellular traps (EETs) was detected in pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans. A possible pathogenic role of NETs and EETs in the innate immunity and autoinflammatory aspects of pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans was discussed.
Young adults' perceptions of morality‐based messages from parents about sex: An exploratory study
Authors: Payne Pamela B. , Mitchell Sarah N. , Lopez Cristina , DeCount Te'Airra , Shrout M. Rosie , Russell Kristan N. , Weigel Daniel J. , Evans William P. , Weiser Dana A.
Published: September 2023

Objective

The goal of this study was to explore the messages young adults received from their parents about sexual morality.

Background

Research on parent–child communication about sexuality has shown that parents are likely to convey moral messages about sex, however, little is known about the content of these messages.

Method

Young adults (N = 350) were surveyed about parent–child communication as part of a larger study (N = 425). This paper focuses on perceptions of messages about sexual morality young adults believe they received from their parents while growing up.

Results

Results indicate parents may unknowingly be providing gendered information reinforcing sexual scripts. Specifically, women are differentially taught about relationship structures (e.g., marriage), abstinence, consent, avoidance of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, and autonomy, while also receiving disproportionately more mixed, unclear messages than men.

Conclusions

Emerging adult recollections on parent–child discussions tended to be general in scope and lacked the specificity that could inform sexual knowledge and behaviors.

Implications

These thematic messages related to sexual morality can be utilized to inform sexual education and parent education programs related to sexuality, sexual knowledge, and communication. Lack of comprehensive sexual education and parent–child discussions may have implications for health and well‐being.
Shouldering the burden: Intensive mothering and autism
Authors: Dembosky Jacob W. , Heckert D. Alex , Boser Susan , Migyanka Joann M.
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify the degree to which intensive mothering ideology corresponds to the perspectives and roles of mothers of young adults with autism.

Background

Previous research suggests that intensive mothering ideology shapes the perspectives and roles of mothers in general. However, few studies have examined how the ideology specifically relates to mothers of young adults with autism. Research is needed to understand the roles that mothers of young adults with autism assume within the context of intensive mothering.

Method

In‐depth interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 19 mothers of adult children with autism. Interview data were analyzed using a constructivist grounded theory approach.

Results

Mothers devoted much time and effort to caring for or otherwise assisting their adult children with autism, assuming the roles of protector, advocate, and case manager. Mothers struggled to live up to the expectations of intensive mothering but, simultaneously, resented the degree to which they had to advocate and manage services for their adult children.

Conclusion

Mothers may feel added pressure to meet the needs of adult children with autism. Many are susceptible to self‐blame and internalizing others' negative judgments of their parenting abilities, but some view themselves as good mothers based on the challenges they have overcome.

Implications

Service providers can adopt a family‐based approach to services for adults with autism and their families. Policymakers could explore opportunities to make the adult service system more attentive to the needs of caregivers.
Honey, let's have a date night! Actor and partner effects in crafting work–life balance
Authors: Dreyer Romana , Busch Christine
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study investigates intra‐ and interindividual effects of couple quality‐time crafting (CQTC) on satisfaction with work–life balance (WLB) and whether CQTC is influenced by a person's state of recovery in the morning.

Background

Couples who run their own small family business (copreneurs) often have extremely blurred work–life boundaries. Applying conservation of resource theory, we research daily individual efforts to create WLB within couples.

Method

The validity of CQTC was tested cross‐sectionally. Using matched diary data over 5 days from 41 copreneurs, actor–partner interdependence models were used to analyze the effects of state of recovery on CQTC and CQTC on WLB.

Results

Both men's and women's WLB were shown to benefit from their own CQTC on a general and daily basis. However, on days when men show CQTC, women's WLB is decreased. Only when men feel recovered in the morning do both partners report more CQTC on that day.

Conclusions

CQTC could be an important gateway for enhancing WLB. The gender‐specific mixed partner effects may be explained by traditional gender roles.

Implications

Our findings provide family business counsellors with approaches for enhancing WLB. Couples could improve the organization of their valuable shared time together for the sake of their private relationship as well as their business.
A systematic strategy for investigating the pharmacological effects and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicinal formula: Guilin Xiguashuang as a case
Authors: Zhang Jianing , Ren Yue , Liu Yanan , Wang Zian , Li Yingying , Li Chun , Chang Hua , Zhang Yanling
Published: September 2023

Background

Traditional Chinese medicinal formula (TCMF) has specific advantages in treating diseases. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanism of TCMF composed of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) with unclear active components or targets have not yet been fully elucidated.

Objectives

This research proposed a strategy for elucidating the pharmacological effects and mechanism to address this issue systematically.

Methods

With Guilin Xiguashuang (GLXGS) taken as a case, this study newly provided the multi‐level assays, which decomposes TCMF into components, TCM, and TCMF levels. The main pharmacological effects were acquired through a comprehensive analysis based on the active components, pharmacological effects of TCM, and clinical efficacy of TCMF, respectively. The core targets and pathways were further identified and verified to elucidate the mechanism.

Results

The main pharmacological effects of GLXGS were anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, immunoregulatory, and wound healing. Moreover, the mechanism analysis demonstrated that GLXGS was involved in the regulation of NF‐κB and VEGF signaling pathways and core targets, such as IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Finally, unproven immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory mechanism were verified using RAW264.7 and THP‐1 cells. GLXGS was verified to down‐regulate IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and CD86 in lipopolysaccharides‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells, while enhancing polarization in both RAW264.7 and THP‐1 cells, which were consistent with analysis results.

Conclusion

The present research provides a systematic strategy for the pharmacological effect prediction and mechanism analysis of TCMF, which is of great significance for studying complex TCMF.
Rural recovery or rural spatial justice? Responding to multiple crises for the British countryside
Authors: Woods Michael
Published: September 2023

This commentary proposes the adoption of a spatial justice approach to understanding the multiple crises facing rural Britain and developing policy responses. It introduces spatial justice as a concept rooted in urban studies but recently extended by an emerging literature on rural spatial justice, and outlines a multidimensional framework in which spatial justice may be concerned with the actual and perceived distribution of resources and opportunities and the power dynamics behind these patterns, with the right of individuals to access, live in and shape spaces, or with normative models for a fair future. The remainder of the paper explores the potential for applying this framework to challenges for the British countryside, briefly considering three resulting statements: first, that there are internal disparities and injustices in the geographical impact of contemporary challenges within rural Britain that are obscured by political and media discourses of a ‘rural crisis’; second, that the capacity of rural communities to respond to challenges is uneven and has been eroded by recent socioeconomic pressures and policy decisions; and third, that we need an open discussion about what spatial justice looks like for the countryside of the future.
Electrolysed oxidising water as a multi‐purpose biocide in dental healthcare—A scoping review
Authors: Krishnan Chitra S. , Tompkins Geoffrey R. , Lyons Karl M. , Cannon Richard D.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The objective of this scoping review was to map evidence of electrolysed oxidising water (EOW) as a biocide for dental applications of relevance to older people and identify research gaps.

Background

EOW is an emerging, “green,” and cost‐effective biocide. There are no reviews on the landscape of EOW research as either an antiseptic or disinfectant in dental healthcare or its suitability for the oral healthcare of older people.

Materials and Methods

The review follows the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines. Database searches (Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Scopus and Science Direct) were undertaken using MESH terms and Boolean operators with no date restrictions, to identify full‐text, original reports published in English‐language peer‐reviewed journals.

Results

The search yielded 114 papers that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Dental applications of EOW include its use as an endodontic irrigant (39%); mouth rinse/surgical irrigant (21%); disinfectant for dental unit water lines (19%) and dental biomaterials (17%); and for antimicrobial efficacy, effects on oral tissues and on dental material properties. Most studies (83%) evaluated a single EOW formulation (acidic, moderately acidic or neutral) that was either generated at ‘point‐of‐use’ (POU; 72%), bottled (‘ready‐to‐use’, RTU; 24%) or from unspecified (3%) sources. Six reports evaluated storage‐related parameters and 25 evaluated clinical applications; 89 were in vitro studies and one investigated the cost‐effectiveness of POU EOW.

Conclusions

Neutral‐pH, EOW is effective as an antimicrobial agent without deleterious effects on oral tissues. However, research on the impact of storage conditions, anti‐Candida biofilm efficacy and mechanism of action against yeasts, long‐term effects on denture materials and cost‐effectiveness is required to establish the suitability of EOW as a multipurpose biocide for dental healthcare, including infection‐control requirements relating to older people.
Orofacial dysfunction after stroke—A multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Skott Pia , Åkesson Elisabet , Johansson Kerstin , Dalum Jesper , Persson Emmelie , Karlsson Åsa , Seiger Åke , McAllister Anita , Sandborgh‐Englund Gunilla
Published: September 2023

Objective

This paper describes the study protocol in an ongoing clinical trial evaluating oral screen training as part of a post‐stroke rehabilitation programme. Baseline data were related to four domains: dysphagia, lip function, masticatory performance and patient‐related outcome measures (PROM).

Background

Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability‐adjusted life years, and dysphagia is a common remaining problem after stroke. Rehabilitation using oral screen training has been suggested to improve swallowing, but evidence is still insufficient.

Materials and Methods

Patients diagnosed with stroke with persisting objective and/or subjective swallowing dysfunction after primary rehabilitation were assessed for eligibility. In total, 25 patients were included. Objective function was assessed by swallowing capacity test (SCT), lip force and masticatory performance, subjective function by EAT‐10 and NOT‐S and PROM by LiSat‐11 and ESAS.

Results

Baseline data presented a heterogeneous pattern with no significant association between objective and subjective dysfunction. Most of the participants (20/25) showed impaired swallowing capacity in SCT, and 23/24 revealed orofacial dysfunction according to NOT‐S. The most common subjective item reported was chewing and swallowing problems (19/24).

Conclusion

The heterogenous findings in the included tests and the lack of correlations emphasise the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to identify objective and subjective orofacial post‐stroke dysfunction in clinical practice to be able to offer evidence‐based individualised care. The included participants were representative of stroke patients with dysphagia, which supports proceeding with the planned intervention.
Wnt10b knockdown promotes UCP1 expression in brown adipose tissue in mice
Authors: Jia Yanxin , Liu Yan , Liu Shuang , Chang Yaxin , Xu Longfei , Li Haifang
Published: September 2023

The effect of Wnt10b overexpression on adipose tissue development has been reported. However, the impact of Wnt10b knockdown on the function of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is yet largely unknown. Here, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to generate Wnt10b‐knockdown (Wnt10b+/−) mice. We compared the development and thermogenic gene expression of interscapular BAT (iBAT) between Wnt10b+/− and Wnt10b+/+ mice under a chow diet, high‐fat diet (HFD), and cold exposure conditions. Moreover, the effect of Wnt10b knockdown on brown adipocyte function was tested via in vitro experiments. Results indicated that Wnt10b knockdown decreased the iBAT mass and the brown adipocyte size and enhanced thermogenic gene expression, including UCP1, under chow diet conditions. In addition, Wnt10b+/− mice appeared to be able to maintain their body temperature better than the control in a cold environment, accompanied by higher UCP1 protein expression. Intriguingly, even under HFD conditions, Wnt10b+/− mice still showed higher UCP1 expression, which was associated with an alleviated obesity phenotype. In vitro studies further evidenced the Wnt10b knockdown stimulation of UCP1 expression and suppression of the adipogenic program. This study indicates that Wnt10b knockdown enhances UCP1 expression and inhibits the adipogenic differentiation of brown adipocytes, providing a novel option for therapeutic interventions in adiposity.
Lumicrine signaling: Extracellular regulation of sperm maturation in the male reproductive tract lumen
Authors: Kiyozumi Daiji
Published: September 2023

The behaviors of cells, tissues, and organs are controlled by the extracellular environment in addition to their autonomous regulatory system. Dysfunction of extracellular regulatory mechanisms affects not only the development and survival of organisms but also successful reproduction. In this review article, a novel extracellular regulatory mechanism regulating the mammalian male reproductive ability will be briefly summarized. In terrestrial vertebrates, spermatozoa generated in the testis are transported through the lumen of the male reproductive tract and become functionally mature during the transport. Recent studies with gene‐modified animals are unveiling the luminal extracellular environment of the reproductive tract to function not only as the pathway of sperm transport and the site of sperm maturation but also as the channel for cellular communication to regulate sperm maturation. Of special interest is the molecular mechanism of lumicrine signaling, a transluminal secreted signal transduction in the male reproductive tract lumen as a master regulator of sperm maturation and male reproductive ability. The general significance of such transluminal signaling in the context of cell biology will also be discussed.
The role of toll‐like receptors in immune tolerance induced by Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Zhang Xiulin , Zhang Ke , Yan Linlin , Wang Pengfei , Zhao Fan , Hu Shoukui
Published: September 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram‐negative, microaerobic bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa in about half of the world's population. H. pylori infection can lead to various diseases. Chronic infection by H. pylori exposes the gastric mucosa to bacterial components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), and several toxic proteins. Infected with H. pylori activates the release of pro‐inflammatory factors and triggers inflammatory responses that damage the gastric mucosa. As the only microorganism that permanently colonizes the human stomach, H. pylori can suppress host immunity to achieve long‐term colonization. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in T‐cell activation, promoting innate immune responses and immune tolerance during H. pylori infection. Among the 10 TLRs found in humans, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR9 have been thoroughly investigated in relation to H. pylori‐linked immune regulation. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the various mechanisms employed by different TLRs in the induction of immune tolerance upon H. pylori infection, which will contribute to the research of pathogenic mechanism of H. pylori.
Development and validation of machine learning model for predicting treatment responders in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Kimura Naruhiro , Takahashi Kazuya , Setsu Toru , Horibata Yusuke , Kaneko Yusuke , Miyazaki Haruka , Ogawa Kohei , Kawata Yuzo , Sakai Norihiro , Watanabe Yusuke , Abe Hiroyuki , Kamimura Hiroteru , Sakamaki Akira , Yokoo Takeshi , Kamimura Kenya , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Terai Shuji
Published: September 2023

Aims

Ursodeoxycholic acid is the first‐line treatment for primary biliary cholangitis, and treatment response is one of the factors predicting the outcome. To prescribe alternative therapies, clinicians might need additional information before deciphering the treatment response to ursodeoxycholic acid, contributing to a better patient prognosis. In this study, we developed and validated machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict treatment responses using pretreatment data.

Methods

This multicenter cohort study included collecting datasets from two data samples. Data 1 included 245 patients from 18 hospitals for ML development, and was divided into (i) training and (ii) development sets. Data 2 (iii: test set) included 51 patients from our hospital for validation. An extreme gradient boosted tree predicted the treatment response in the ML model. The area under the curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of the algorithm.

Results

Data 1 showed that patients complying with the Paris II treatment response had significantly lower serum alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels than those who did not respond. Three factors, total bilirubin, total protein, and alanine aminotransferase levels were selected as essential variables for prediction. Data 2 showed that patients complying with the Paris II criteria had significantly high prothrombin time and low total bilirubin levels. The area under the curve of extreme gradient boosted tree was good for (ii) (0.811) and (iii) (0.856).

Conclusions

We demonstrated the efficacy of ML in predicting the treatment response for patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Early identification of cases requiring additional treatment with our novel ML model may improve prognosis.
Dutch dental hygiene students' knowledge of HPV‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and HPV vaccination
Authors: Poelman Marcella R. , Brand Henk S. , de Jong Deborah G. , van den Berg Iris , Dool Rosalie , de Visscher Jan G. A. M. , Jager Derk H. Jan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related oropharyngeal cancer is rising, thus the understanding of HPV infection and vaccination among oral healthcare professionals is becoming increasingly important. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of Dutch dental hygiene students on HPV infection and vaccination and assessed various aspects of HPV‐related oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods

This descriptive cross‐sectional study invited the entire Dutch dental hygiene student population registered in September 2016 to complete an online questionnaire concerning the knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination, including the aspects of HPV‐related Oro‐Pharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC). Data were analysed using t‐tests, Mann–Whitney U tests and Chi‐square tests.

Results

Invited were all 1248 Dutch dental hygiene students and 232 (18.6%) students completed the questionnaire. More than 95% of the students indicated HPV infection as a risk factor for OPSCC and 48.7% was aware of the availability of HPV vaccination. Additionally, students considered it important to discuss HPV as a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer with their patients. In general, the students scored highest on the questions about risk factors for OPSCC and poorest on the questions about general HPV knowledge and HPV vaccination. Although the mean overall knowledge score was significantly higher in senior compared with junior students, knowledge scores of senior students remained insufficient.

Conclusion

This study identified deficits in knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination among Dutch dental hygiene students. Future research should focus on improving the content of dental hygiene curricula and development of ongoing educational tools for dental hygienists.
“Hurdles race for CAR T‐cell therapy in digestive tract cancer”
Authors: Kronig Marie‐Noelle , Wehrli Marc , Salas‐Benito Diego , Maus Marcela V.
Published: September 2023

Digestive tract cancers (DTC) belong to the most investigated family of tumors. The incidence, prevalence, and mortality rate of DTC remain high, especially for patients with pancreatic cancer. Even though immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the treatment of solid cancer types, ICI are still restricted to a very small group of patients and seem to be more efficacious in combination with chemotherapy. Cellular immunotherapy such as CAR T‐cell therapy has entered clinical routine in hematological malignancies with outstanding results. There is growing interest on translating this kind of immunotherapy and success into patients with solid malignancies, such as DTC. This review attempts to describe the major advances in preclinical and clinical research with CAR T cells in DTC, considering the most relevant hurdles in each subtype of DTC.
Chinese Brand Naming: From General Principles to Specific Rules
Authors: Huang Yue Yuan , Chan Allan K. K.
Published: September 2023

The linguistic aspect is the essence of branding and of particular importance for the success of a product. This article adopts a linguistic approach in an attempt to investigate Chinese branding rules, both the general branding principles and the specific rules for different categories of products. The four generalized branding principles based on the analysis of 527 Chinese award‐winning products in general specify the requirements in syllable structure, tonic structure, compounding structure and semantic structure. In terms of specific rules, a sample of 151 top brands of two product categories, bicycles and cosmetic products, are analysed. The difference in branding the different products is determined by the semantic field.
Career development of doctorally prepared nurses
Authors: van Dongen Lisa , Hafsteinsdottir Thóra B. , Broome Marion E. , Suhonen Riitta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: September 2023

Aim

To integrate research literature regarding careers, career development and factors influencing the career development of doctorally prepared nurses.

Design

An integrative review.

Data Sources

Medline, CINAHL and Embase were searched in June 2022 without time restrictions.

Methods

Peer‐reviewed empirical publications written in English with different types of study designs were included. Two researchers independently applied eligibility criteria, selected studies and conducted quality appraisals using Joanna Briggs checklists. Data were extracted and analysed using a convergent integrated approach with thematic analysis. Themes were established within three categories based on the research questions: career, career development and factors influencing career development.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were included. Nine themes were identified. One theme regarding careers describes that doctorally prepared nurses need to prioritize work within different positions. The two themes focusing on career development described the need to determine career goals after the doctorate and further develop competencies. Six themes described factors influencing career development: ‘Intrinsic motivation to improve health care and nursing education’, ‘Available support sources’, ‘Professional development programmes’, ‘Work–life balance’, ‘Organizational infrastructures for career advancement’ and ‘Competition and hostile treatment among colleagues’.

Conclusion

Limited knowledge of the careers and career development of doctorally prepared nurses was found. Doctorally prepared nurses need to balance work with various part‐time positions. Careers and career development could be supported by the development of structures for career advancement as well as supportive working environments.

Impact

Doctorally prepared nurses with strong careers are important to health care and nursing as they generate and implement new knowledge into clinical practice and thereby support the improvement of (nursing) care and patient outcomes. This study provides considerations towards strengthening the careers of doctorally prepared nurses.

Reporting Method

PRISMA.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Transition readiness and anxiety among adolescents with a chronic condition and their parents: A cross‐sectional international study
Authors: Tornivuori Anna , Kallio Mira , Culnane Evelyn , Pasanen Miko , Salanterä Sanna , Sawyer Susan , Kosola Silja
Published: September 2023

Aims

To evaluate associations of age, transition readiness and anxiety in adolescents with chronic conditions and to compare perceptions of adolescents and their parents regarding health self‐management and transition readiness.

Design

Cross‐sectional international study, reported following STROBE guidelines.

Methods

Adolescents and young adults (N = 512, mean age 17.7) with a chronic medical condition and their parents (N = 322) from Finland and Australia. Data were collected through surveys (between September 2017 and December 2020).

Adolescents reported the duration of their condition. Age at survey was defined by the response date of the questionnaires. Validated questionnaires were used to measure transition readiness (Am I ON TRAC? for Adult Care) and anxiety related to transition of care (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory short form). Perceptions of health self‐management and transition readiness were compared in adolescent/parent dyads. Associations were explored using Spearman's correlation.

Results

Duration of condition and age at survey correlated weakly with transition readiness knowledge and behaviour. Higher transition readiness knowledge scores correlated with higher behaviour scores. Higher transition readiness behaviour scores were associated with lower levels of anxiety. Adolescents were less anxious than their parents and adolescents and parents mostly agreed about health self‐management and transition readiness.

Conclusion

Transition readiness should be determined by an assessment of knowledge, self‐management and psychosocial skills instead of age alone. Further research should address how well transition readiness predicts positive health outcomes after the transfer of care.

Implications for Patient Care

Transition readiness and self‐management skills should be formally assessed because positive feedback may decrease the anxiety of both adolescents and their parents regarding the transfer of care.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to the STROBE statement, using STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies.

Patient or Public Involvement Statement

No patient or public involvement.

Trial and Protocol Registration

ClinicalTrials.org NCT04631965.
The economic consequences of IPO sales growth management: Evidence from ChiNext‐listed companies in China
Authors: Hu Ning , Huang Wan , Liu Ying , Zhang Limin
Published: September 2023

Based on a sample of Chinese ChiNext (Growth Enterprise Market) firms during their initial public offerings (IPOs) from 2009 to 2019, this study explores whether these firms engage in sales growth management and examines its economic consequences. We provide evidence that ChiNext firms tend to manage their sales growth to influence issuance prices during IPOs. Further, the study identifies several indicators that suggest growth‐managing firms engage in more aggressive and riskier promotional strategies, such as longer turnover days of receivables, lower gross profit margins and higher allowance ratios for doubtful accounts. The study also finds that growth‐managing firms are more likely to have higher price‐to‐earnings ratios, offer prices, overfund ratios, first‐day closing prices and a higher percentage of positive posts, suggesting that these firms aim to inflate their growth to attract more funds from financial markets by influencing investors' expectations. Additionally, we find a negative relationship between sales management and post‐IPO stock returns, indicating that investors cannot effectively identify sales management by ChiNext IPO firms. Cross‐sectional analysis also shows that growth‐managing ChiNext IPO firms are likely to have depressed post‐IPO performance, whereas the market intermediary (brokers, auditors and asset appraisal institutions) with a good reputation helps to alleviate future performance reversals.
Venture capital and methods of payment in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Nguyen Giang , Pham Hung
Published: September 2023

We find evidence that venture capital (VC)‐backed targets receive more stock as the method of payment in mergers and acquisitions than non‐VC‐backed targets do, even after controlling for self‐selection bias, differences of characteristics between transactions of VC‐backed and non‐VC‐backed targets and VC information bridge‐building. VC‐backed targets prefer stock of acquirers that are small, young, risky or invest intensively. In addition, we document that the ratio of stock is larger when the targets are financed by reputable VCs, a syndicate of VCs or VCs with low fund maturity. Overall, our findings suggest that VCs strategically hold shares of the acquirers that meet their investment preferences.
Tree height, leaf thickness and seed size drive Caatinga plants' sensitivity to climate change
Authors: Carvalho Carlos E. , Sfair Júlia C. , Eller Cleiton B. , Menezes Bruno S. , Menezes Marcelo O. T. , Araújo Francisca S.
Published: September 2023

Aim

The Anthropocene climate crisis may shift the distribution range of various species. Global Climate Models predict an increase in temperature and changes in precipitation across the Brazilian tropical semiarid region. Based on the joint analysis of functional traits and plant distribution models, we aim to identify which functional traits define the vulnerability of plants to climate change.

Location

Caatinga, Brazil.

Taxon

Trees‐shrub plants.

Methods

We selected 36 species common to at least 25% of the floristic and phytosociological surveys made in the Brazilian semiarid region. We modelled both the current and future spatial distribution of these species and investigated whether functional traits, such as plant height, leaf area, leaf thickness, specific leaf area, stem specific density, and seed size can explain the range shifts of these species.

Results

Models indicate that 58.4% of the species are expected to expand their distribution range in the future. These species tend to be shorter and produce large seeds and thin leaves, which confer higher hydraulic safety and resistance of seeds to prolonged droughts. Meanwhile, 41.6% of the species are expected to reduce their distribution ranges in the future. Most of these are characterized as tall individuals with thick leaves and small seeds.

Conclusion

Species with traits that confer resistance to drought are likely to increase distribution towards the coast and to areas where the Caatinga borders with other domains. Also, these species with low height, thin leaves and large seeds may expand their distribution to the slopes and plateaus. The retraction of taller plants and with thicker leaves may have profound implications for the structure and functioning of Brazilian semiarid ecosystems, given their role in ecosystem processes and carbon cycle. Retractions can result in a reduction in the number of local species, which will impact regional biodiversity.
ModularImageAnalysis (MIA): Assembly of modularised image and object analysis workflows in ImageJ
Authors: Cross Stephen J. , Fisher Jordan D. J. R. , Jepson Mark A.
Published: September 2023

ModularImageAnalysis (MIA) is an ImageJ plugin providing a code‐free graphical environment in which complex automated analysis workflows can be constructed and distributed. The broad range of included modules cover all stages of a typical analysis workflow, from image loading through image processing, object detection, extraction of measurements, measurement‐based filtering, visualisation and data exporting. MIA provides out‐of‐the‐box compatibility with many advanced image processing plugins for ImageJ including Bio‐Formats, DeepImageJ, MorphoLibJ and TrackMate, allowing these tools and their outputs to be directly incorporated into analysis workflows. By default, modules support spatially calibrated 5D images, meaning measurements can be acquired in both pixel and calibrated units. A hierarchical object relationship model allows for both parent‐child (one‐to‐many) and partner (many‐to‐many) relationships to be established. These relationships underpin MIA's ability to track objects through time, represent complex spatial relationships (e.g. topological skeletons) and measure object distributions (e.g. count puncta per cell). MIA features dual graphical interfaces: the ‘editing view’ offers access to the full list of modules and parameters in the workflow, while the simplified ‘processing view’ can be configured to display only a focused subset of controls. All workflows are batch‐enabled by default, with image files within a specified folder being processed automatically and exported to a single spreadsheet. Beyond the included modules, functionality can be extended both internally, through integration with the ImageJ scripting interface, and externally, by developing third‐party Java modules that extend the core MIA framework. Here we describe the design and functionality of MIA in the context of a series of real‐world example analyses.
Muscle forces acting on the greater trochanter lead to a dorsal warping of the apophyseal growth plate
Authors: Ziegler Christian Max , Wagner Ferdinand , Alleborn Karoline , Geith Tobias , Holzapfel Boris Michael , Heimkes Bernhard
Published: September 2023

The apophyseal growth plate of the greater trochanter, unlike most other growth plates of the human body, exhibits a curved morphology that results in a divergent pattern resembling an open crocodile mouth on plain antero‐posterior radiographs. To quantify the angular alignment of the growth plate and to draw conclusions about the function of the muscles surrounding it, we analyzed 57 MRI images of 51 children and adolescents aged 3–17 years and of six adults aged 18–52 years. We measured the angulation of the plate relative to the horizontal plane (AY angle) and the trajectories of the muscles attaching to the greater trochanter of the proximal femur. From anterior to posterior, the AY angle shows a decrease of 33.44°. In the anterior third, the cartilage is angled at a mean of 51.64°, and in the posterior third, the mean angulation is 18.6°. This indicates that the cartilage in the anterior region of the greater trochanteric apophysis is subject to more vertically oriented force vectors compared to the posterior region, as the growth plates align perpendicular to the force vectors acting on them. Combining the measured muscle trajectories with the physiological cross‐sectional areas (PCSA) available from the literature revealed that, in addition to the known internal and external lateral traction ligament systems, a third, dorsally located traction ligament system exists that may be responsible for the dorsal deformation of the AY angle.
Management strategies for vascular complications in hyaluronic acid filler injections: A case series analysis
Authors: Choi Sun Young , Shin Sun Hye , Seok Joon , Yoo Kwang Ho , Kim Beom Joon
Published: September 2023

Background

As hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injections have become increasingly popular in the esthetic field, so have their side effects. Vascular complications, which can lead to skin necrosis or permanent scarring, are a particularly dangerous complication and occur when the filler is injected directly into a blood vessel or when an adjacent blood vessel is compressed by the filler material.

Objective

To assess the clinical prognosis based on post‐procedural management and clinical findings of HA filler vascular complications.

Methods

Herein, we present a case series of vascular complications due to HA filler and evaluate their clinical prognosis based on post‐procedural management and clinical findings. Clinical assessments were performed using Doppler ultrasound, thermography, and laboratory tests.

Results

Factors including white blood cell count, the time of treatment initiation, and time of hyaluronidase injection influenced the clinical outcomes. Early recognition and prompt hyaluronidase injection proved crucial in preventing further damage and improving prognosis.

Conclusion

This case series highlights the importance of early detection and appropriate management of HA filler complications. Physicians should be aware of the potential risks associated with fillers and promptly address any adverse effects to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and refine treatment strategies for the HA filler complications.
Evaluation of 3‐dimensional stereotactic surface projection rendering of arterial spin labeling data in a clinical cohort
Authors: Andre Jalal B. , Oztek Murat Alp , Anzai Yoshimi , Wilson Gregory J. , Mossa‐Basha Mahmud , Hippe Daniel S. , Hoff Michael N. , Cross Donna J. , Minoshima Satoshi
Published: September 2023

Background and Purpose

To assess the feasibility of 3‐dimensional stereotactic surface projection (3D‐SSP) as applied to arterial spin labeling (ASL) in a clinical pilot study.

Methods

A retrospective sample of 10 consecutive patients who underwent ASL as part of a clinically indicated MR examination was collected during this pilot study. Five additional subjects with normal cerebral perfusion served as a control group. Following voxel‐wise M0‐correction, cerebral blood flow (CBF) quantification, and stereotactic anatomic standardization, voxel‐wise CBF from an individual's ASL dataset was extracted to a set of predefined surface pixels (3D‐SSP). A normal database was created from averaging the extracted CBF datasets of the control group. Patients’ datasets were compared individually with the normal database by calculating a Z‐score on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis and were displayed in 3D‐SSP views for visual inspection. Independent, two‐expert reader assessment, using a 3‐point scale, compared standard quantitative CBF images to the 3D‐SSP maps.

Results

Patterns and severities of regionally reduced CBF were identified, by both independent readers, in the 3D‐SSP maps. Reader assessment demonstrated preference for 3D‐SSP over traditionally displayed standard quantitative CBF images in three of four evaluated imaging metrics (p = .026, .031, and .013, respectively); 3D‐SSP maps were never found to be inferior to the standard quantitative CBF images.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional SSP maps are feasible in a clinical population and enable quantitative data extraction and localization of perfusion abnormalities by means of stereotactic coordinates in a condensed display. The proposed method is a promising approach for interpreting cerebrovascular pathophysiology.
Applicant reactions to algorithm‐ versus recruiter‐based evaluations of an asynchronous video interview and a personality inventory
Authors: Oostrom Janneke K. , Holtrop Djurre , Koutsoumpis Antonis , van Breda Ward , Ghassemi Sina , de Vries Reinout E.
Published: September 2023

In two studies, we examined the effects of algorithm‐based (vs. recruiter‐based) evaluations of an asynchronous video interview and a personality inventory on applicant reactions. In line with our expectations, we found several negative applicant reactions to the use of algorithms. Specifically, in Study 1 (N = 172), informing participants that an algorithm, rather than a recruiter, had analysed their interview and personality inventory increased feelings of emotional creepiness, and reduced fairness perceptions, perceived predictive validity and feedback acceptance. In Study 2 (N = 276), we were able to replicate these effects for fairness perceptions and perceived predictive validity. Furthermore, in both studies, algorithm‐based evaluations negatively affected feedback acceptance, organizational attraction and job acceptance intentions through fairness perceptions. However, in contrast with our expectations, selection decision favourability did not influence the impact of evaluation source (recruiter vs. algorithm) on applicant reactions. In Study 2, we also found some tentative evidence that applicant reactions to algorithm‐based evaluations are not affected by the type of information source (i.e. verbal vs. nonverbal cues) on which the algorithm is based.
Supplemental impact of silymarin in growing pig diet on the growth performance, total tract digestibility, faecal microflora, faecal noxious gas emission and absorption rate in blood
Authors: Hossain Md Mortuza , Hwang Hyung Suk , Jang Se Yeon , Yu Sungu , Kim In Ho
Published: September 2023

The research was done to examine the impact of dietary silymarin on growth performance, total tract digestibility, faecal microbial, faecal gas emission and absorption rate in blood of growing pigs. Experiment 1: a total of 140 growing pigs (24.47 ± 2.49 kg) were used in a 6‐week trial. There were four dietary treatment groups (seven replicate pens/treatment, five pigs/pen) and treatment diets composed of corn, soybean meal (SBM), distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and rapeseed meal‐based basal diets with 0%, 0.025%, 0.050% and 0.10% of micelle silymarin respectively. Experiment 2: A total of 18 pigs were divided into six treatment groups. Treatment diets: TRT1, TRT2 and TRT3 were basal diets with 30, 150 and 300 g powdered silymarin respectively; and TRT4, TRT5 and TRT6 were basal diets with 30, 150 and 300 g micelle‐type silymarin respectively. Average daily gain (ADG) tended to increase (p < 0.10) at Week 3 and overall experiment after silymarin addition. Overall ADG and average daily feed intake are also intended to improve (p < 0.10) linearly in this study. During Week 6, growing pigs fed silymarin showed linearly increased (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, nitrogen and energy. Dietary silymarin supplementation increased (p < 0.10) linearly the faecal Lactobacillus count at Week 3 while Escherichia coli count was linearly decreased at both the 3rd week (p < 0.05) and 6th week (p < 0.10). Silymarin supplementation showed no effect on faecal gas emissions. A higher (p < 0.05) absorption rate in the blood was found in micelle‐type silymarin compared to powdered silymarin after the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th and 24th h of feeding. Results suggest that silymarin in a corn‐SBM‐DDGS‐rapeseed meal‐based diet may help to improve ADG, FI, ATTD and faecal microflora in growing pigs. And absorption rate in the blood of pig is higher in micelle‐type silymarin.