bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving outcome measures in late onset Pompe disease: Modified Rasch‐Built Pompe‐Specific Activity scale
Authors: van Kooten Harmke A. , Horton Mike C. , Wenninger Stephan , Babačić Haris , Schoser Benedikt , Lefeuvre Claire , Taouagh Najib , Laforêt Pascal , Segovia Sonia , Díaz‐Manera Jordi , Claeys Kristl G. , Mongini Tiziana , Musumeci Olimpia , Toscano Antonio , Hundsberger Thomas , Brusse Esther , van Doorn Pieter A. , van der Ploeg Ans T. , van der Beek Nadine A. M. E. ,   European Pompe Consortium study group on outcome measures
Published: August 2024

Background and purpose

The Rasch‐Built Pompe‐Specific Activity (R‐PAct) scale is a patient‐reported outcome measure specifically designed to quantify the effects of Pompe disease on daily life activities, developed for use in Dutch‐ and English‐speaking countries. This study aimed to validate the R‐PAct for use in other countries.

Methods

Four other language versions (German, French, Italian, and Spanish) of the R‐PAct were created and distributed among Pompe patients (≥16 years old) in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland and pooled with data of newly diagnosed patients from Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the USA, and the UK and the original validation cohort (n = 186). The psychometric properties of the scale were assessed by exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis.

Results

Data for 520 patients were eligible for analysis. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that the items separated into two domains: Activities of Daily Living and Mobility. Both domains independently displayed adequate Rasch model measurement properties, following the removal of one item ("Are you able to practice a sport?") from the Mobility domain, and can be added together to form a "higher order" factor as well. Differential item functioning (DIF)‐by‐language assessment indicated DIF for several items; however, the impact of accounting for DIF was negligible. We recalibrated the nomogram (raw score interval‐level transformation) for the updated 17‐item R‐PAct scale. The minimal detectable change value was 13.85 for the overall R‐PAct.

Conclusions

After removing one item, the modified‐R‐PAct scale is a valid disease‐specific patient‐reported outcome measure for patients with Pompe disease across multiple countries.
“Of All Nations … ”: For the Catholicity of the Churches
Authors: Parmentier Elisabeth
Published: August 2024

In November 2023, the Groupe des Dombes, a Francophone ecumenical group, published its new study “De toutes les nations … ”: Pour la catholicité des Églises (“Of All Nations … ” For the Catholicity of the Churches). Its central affirmation, following a common reading of history, and as a result of the biblical exploration that group has undertaken together, is that “it is possible to affirm that the Catholic Church and the Churches of the Reformation form One Church, although in imperfect communion.” This article recalls the history of the Groupe des Dombes, as a group gathering equal numbers of Roman Catholic and Protestant members, and sets out the main elements of the new study on catholicity. It concludes by discussing the central affirmation and returns to the calls for conversion, so important to the Groupe des Dombes, as a way to live together according to the gift of God: “For beyond themselves, the Churches have the common mission of bearing witness to the unity of humanity. The lived catholicity of the Church can be a sign of this.”
Anti‐Racism and the Fight against Discrimination Today
Authors: Pillay Jerry , Gunda Masiiwa Ragies
Published: August 2024

This article explores the efforts of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in combating racism and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of anti‐racism rather than non‐racism. The article underlines the intersection of racism with climate change and economic inequality, including its compounded impact on marginalized groups. It highlights an epistemology that gave primacy to Western knowledge and ways of knowing and that became a fundamental tool in making enslavement and colonization acceptable to enslaving and colonizing empires. The article outlines the WCC's commitment to anti‐racism – which includes awareness campaigns, capacity building, and global advocacy against systemic racism – and underlines the WCC's role in fostering justice and reconciliation within diverse communities.
PELO regulates erythroid differentiation through interaction with MYC to upregulate KLF10
Authors: Hao Jinglan , Han Guiqin , Liang Xin , Ruan Yongtong , Huang Chen , Sa Naer , Hu Hang , Hu Bixi , Li Zhongqi , Zhang Kai , Gao Ping , Dong Xiaoming
Published: August 2024

Erythropoiesis is a multistep process of erythroid cell production that is controlled by multiple regulatory factors. Ribosome rescue factor PELO plays a crucial role in cell meiotic division and mice embryonic development. However, the function of PELO in erythroid differentiation remains unclear. Here, we showed that knockdown of PELO increased hemin‐induced erythroid differentiation of K562 and HEL cells, exhibiting a higher number of benzidine‐positive cells and increased mRNA levels of erythroid genes. PELO knockdown inhibited the proliferation and cell cycle progression and promoted apoptosis of K562 cells. Mechanistically, PELO could regulate the expression of KLF10 through interaction with MYC. Moreover, KLF10 knockdown also enhanced erythroid differentiation of K562 and HEL cells induced by hemin. Collectively, our results demonstrated that PELO regulates erythroid differentiation and increases KLF10 expression levels by interacting with MYC.
Weeping without tears: Kurdish female kolbers and gendered necropolitics of state in Iran
Authors: Mohammadpour Ahmad , Javaheri Aso
Published: August 2024

This article disentangles the nexus between coloniality, territoriality, and gendered necropolitics of state in Iran and how it shapes the lives of the Kurdish female cross‐border laborers (kolbers, in Kurdish) in Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhelat, in Kurdish). Drawing on Achille Mbembe's notion of “necropolitics,” we conceptualize kolberi as a work of death that subjects Kurds to indiscriminate and collective punishment through necro‐disciplinary measures, exposing them constantly to precarious conditions. The necropolitics of Kurdish female kolberi underlines how the meaning of death, like the meaning of life (in biopolitics), is produced and managed through elements of embodiment―bodies, of who kills, and of who is marked for death and for taking life. We interviewed 13 Kurdish women in Rojhelat who have been involved in kolberi over the last few years. By bringing the gendered dimension of kolberi to the forefront, our article theorizes the experiences of women kolbers as occurring in a “death world”―a world where female kolbers' lives are perpetually endangered by the state apparatus of death and silenced by the patriarchal regime of “truth.” Our analysis reveals a form of state violence that highlights the gendered expression of “colonized subjects.”
Increased incidence of diabetes in people living with HIV treated with first‐line integrase strand transfer inhibitors: A French multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Ursenbach Axel , Sireyjol Antoine , Delpierre Cyrille , Duvivier Claudine , Hocqueloux Laurent , Rey David ,   the Dat'AIDS Study Group
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Prevention of cardiovascular disease is a major issue in the current management of people living with HIV. Concern is growing about the metabolic impact of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), which could lead to an increased risk of diabetes, but the data are conflicting. This is an updated version of our previous analysis, with longer follow‐up and new molecules.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the incidence of new‐onset diabetes in people living with HIV starting combined antiretroviral therapy with an INSTI compared with non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors. Data were collected from the Dat'AIDS cohort study, a collaboration of 30 HIV treatment centres in France. We used a propensity score‐based inverse probability of treatment weighting approach to adjust for baseline characteristics between the two groups (INSTI and non‐INSTI).

Results

Between 2009 and 2021, a total of 12 150 people living with HIV were included. The incidence of diabetes was higher in the INSTI group than in the non‐INSTI group (hazard ratio 1.38; 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.77; p = 0.012). Regardless of the third drug, but to a greater extent for INSTIs, we observed a peak of new‐onset diabetes in the year following initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy.

Conclusions

The incidence of diabetes was higher in people treated with integrase inhibitors than in those receiving other third agents. This increased risk occurred both during the first year of treatment and in the longer term.
Analytical advances in the determinations of dietary sphingolipids in milk, dairy products, and infant formula and impacts on human health
Authors: Karrar Emad , Usman Muhammad , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Brennan Charles S. , Xu Minwei , Jin Zhao
Published: August 2024

Sphingolipids (SL) are bioactive compounds in milk, dairy products, and infant formula. SL has been found to have different health benefits, such as anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and cholesterol‐lowering characteristics. SL requires careful extraction, separation, and identification due to their unique characteristics. This review discusses the importance of extracting, purifying, and analysing SL from milk and dairy products. OE (Organic extraction), SPE (solid‐phase extraction), and SFE (supercritical CO2) techniques, as well as dispersive OE and SPE, are the most common methods. In addition, this review discussed various analytical techniques that can be used to determine and quantify SL classes, including TLC (thin‐layer chromatography), HPLC (high‐performance liquid chromatography), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. These techniques are crucial for understanding the amounts of SL dairy products and infant formula. The paper also focuses on the different types of SL present in milk, dairy products, and infant formula and their concentrations. SL has the potential to be applied to the development of functional foods, and further research in this area is needed. This article sheds light on the extract, purification, and analysis of SL dairy products and infant formula, as well as their potential health benefits.
The effect of Orem's Self‐Care Deficit Theory–based care during pregnancy and postpartum period on health outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tümkaya Maide Nur , Eroğlu Kafiye , Karaçam Zekiye
Published: August 2024

Aim

To examine the effect of the provision of care on health outcomes when provided based on Orem's Self‐Care Deficit Theory during perinatal period.

Background

The perinatal period is a process with multidimensional care needs for the mother, baby and family. Care based on nursing theories can improve the quality of perinatal care.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Review methods

Studies on this topic from 2006 to 2020 have been accessed by nine database searches. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklists for experimental and quasi‐experimental studies, developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. This study was conducted by following the Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses.

Results

This systematic review included nine studies with a total sample size of 839 women. These studies showed that care based on Orem's theory significantly helped prolong the mean duration of pregnancy, reduced the incidence of preterm labor, improved hygiene behaviour and increased empowerment. Concerning the perinatal period, this intervention significantly improved self‐care and readiness for hospital discharge, adaptation and breastfeeding self‐efficacy and reduced nipple pain and pain due to abdominal distension.

Conclusions

The implementation of this theory into care during the perinatal period can contribute to improved health outcomes.

Summary statement

What is already known about this topic?

The quality of pregnancy and postpartum care is important for the maternal health.

The use of nursing theories—which nursing knowledge is produced—improves care quality and ensures that care is organized systematically.

What this paper adds?

There is insufficient research that supports Orem's theory of self‐care deficit in pregnancy and postpartum care and also no systematic review about this topic, but the current meta‐analysis showed that postnatal and prenatal treatments based on Orem's theory have a positive impact on the self‐care agency.

The implications of this paper:

The use of Orem's theory helps nurses understand women and their needs during pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Integrating Orem's theory of self‐care deficit into pregnancy and postpartum nursing care services can help increase women's self‐care power.
The Australian Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction (AusTAPER) hospital study: effect of a collaborative medication review on the number of current regular medicines for older hospital inpatients
Authors: Etherton‐Beer Christopher , Page Amy , Criddle Deirdre , Somers George , Parkinson Lynne , Clifford Rhonda , Mangin Dee
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Potentially harmful polypharmacy is a growing public health concern. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction (AusTAPER) framework.

Methods

We recruited patients at metropolitan hospitals for a randomised controlled trial with 12 months of follow‐up. The intervention included a comprehensive medicines history, multidisciplinary meeting and medicines review prior to discharge, with engagement with the participants' general practitioner extending after discharge. The primary outcome was the change in the number of regular medicines used at 12 months from baseline. A cost consequence was performed to estimate costs per participant during the study period.

Results

There were 98 participants enrolled in the study. The number of regular medicines was significantly reduced from baseline in both groups (−1.7 ± 4.3, t = 2.38, P = 0.02 in the control group vs −2.7 ± 3.6, t = 4.48, P = 0.0001 in the intervention group), although there was no statistical difference detected between the two groups (1.0 (SE 0.9), t = 1.03, P = 0.31). The intervention was estimated to cost AU$644.17 and was associated with cost savings of AU$552.53 per participant in sustained reduced medicines cost. Health outcomes and healthcare costs were similar in both groups.

Discussion

Medicines were significantly reduced in both groups, with a trend to a larger reduction in medicines at 12 months in the intervention group. The intervention cost was approximately offset by sustained reduced medicines cost, although these results should be regarded cautiously because of the absence of significance in the differences in outcomes between groups.
Influence of cerium addition and redox state on silicate structure and viscosity
Authors: Donatini Adrien , Pereira Luiz , Dingwell Donald B. , Hess Kai‐Uwe , Müller Dirk , Cormier Laurent , Neuville Daniel R.
Published: August 2024

The viscosities of Ce‐free and Ce‐bearing (∼1.3 mol%, ∼6.5 wt.% Ce2O3) soda lime silicate (window glass) melts were measured with respect to oxidation state. Experiments were performed isothermally using a concentric‐cylinder viscometer on melts equilibrated with successively reducing CO–CO2 gas mixtures within a gas tight vertical tube furnace at 1 atm. Viscosity measurement and sampling were performed at the end of each melt reduction step. Further, viscosities in the glass transition temperature range were estimated using the shift factor method applied to glass transition temperature values determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements on quenched glasses. The Ce speciation at each stepwise melt reduction was probed using Ce L3‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, while structural information upon Ce addition and reduction was provided by Raman spectroscopy. The viscosities of these materials remain constant at this level of Ce addition and do not vary significantly with redox state at high temperature. Conversely, viscosity values in the glass transition temperature range increase upon both Ce addition and reduction. Our analysis, based on the glass composition analyses obtained via electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), viscosity calculations, and observations of silicate structural changes, leads to the conclusion that the observed viscosity increase around the glass transition temperature is explained by the high ionic field strength of Ce ions as well as the polymerization behavior of the silicate matrix occurring during reduction of Ce. Because of its low concentration, resulting from its low solubility, Ce redox changes exert only minimal effects on the viscosity of this melt.
Social‐ecological barriers and facilitators to seeking inpatient psychiatric care among transgender and nonbinary people: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Boutilier Ava J. , Clark Kristen D. , Bosse Jordon D. , Jackman Kasey B. , Jewell Jaylyn , Dawson‐Rose Carol
Published: August 2024

Aim(s)

To assess barriers and facilitators to seeking inpatient psychiatric treatment among transgender and nonbinary people.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted from March 2019 to June 2022 with transgender and nonbinary people admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital in the United States during the past 5 years. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and constructed within a modified social‐ecological model of stigma. Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research were used for this study.

Results

Participants (N = 15) described barriers and facilitators across all three social‐ecological levels. i) Individual themes included distrust of the mental healthcare system, feeling unsafe, loss of autonomy, minimizing one's own mental health needs, and feelings of accountability to others. ii) Interpersonal themes included: lack of support for transgender/nonbinary identity, limited transgender/nonbinary knowledge among mental healthcare professionals, and allyship. iii) Structural themes included: carceral setting, financial costs, and availability of non‐profit treatment options.

Conclusion

Multi‐level themes were identified as barriers and facilitators to seeking inpatient psychiatric care for transgender and nonbinary people, providing opportunities among inpatient settings to improve care delivery and engagement. Greater health equity can be achieved by addressing barriers to care.

Implications

Incorporating inclusive and affirming practices in inpatient psychiatric services presents an opportunity to reduce barriers to seeking care.

Impact

The present study describes the experiences of transgender and nonbinary people as they determine whether to voluntarily seek inpatient psychiatric treatment. This perspective allows nurses, health systems, and policymakers to integrate transgender and nonbinary people's needs to improve healthcare delivery.

Patient/Public Contribution

Transgender and nonbinary participants were recruited in collaboration with community organizations. Members of the transgender and nonbinary community participated in study design development and analysis and were part of the study team.
Mediating Role of Evidence‐Based Nursing Competence Between Specialist Nurses' Information Literacy and Innovative Behaviour: A Multicentre Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Wang Zeen , Wen Na , Ren Yuanpeng , Liang Wei , Ding Yaping , Ji Minghui , Xu Min , Chen Chunyan , Song Yan , Chen Xian
Published: August 2024

Aim

To investigate the levels of information literacy, evidence‐based nursing competence and innovative behaviour in specialist nurses, determine the impact of information literacy and evidence‐based nursing competence on the innovative behaviour of specialist nurses and to analyse the mediating role of evidence‐based nursing competence between information literacy and innovative behaviour among specialist nurses.

Design

A multicenter cross‐sectional design.

Methods

In March 2024, a survey was conducted on 313 specialist nurses in four tertiary Grade A comprehensive hospitals in China. Data collection involved the utilization of general demographic questionnaire, the Information Literacy Questionnaire, the Evidence‐Based Nursing Competence Scale and the Nurse Innovation Behaviour Scale. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS26 and Amos28 software.

Results

Specialist nurses scored above average in information literacy, evidence‐based nursing competence and innovative behaviour. Information literacy significantly positively correlated with innovative behaviour. Evidence‐based nursing competence also positively affected innovative behaviour and partially mediated the relationship between information literacy and innovative behaviour.

Conclusion

This research indicated that specialist nurses exhibited above‐average levels of evidence‐based nursing competence, information literacy and innovative behaviour. Both information literacy and evidence‐based nursing competence positively impacted innovative behaviour, with evidence‐based nursing competence playing a significant mediating role between information literacy and innovative behaviour.

Impact

The findings suggest that nursing managers should focus on enhancing information literacy and evidence‐based nursing competence in specialist nurses. Improving these abilities will support the implementation of innovative practices and advance the nursing field.

Reporting Method

The research findings were presented in strict accordance with the STROBE statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable.

Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community

It provides reference guidance and theoretical basis for global nursing managers to formulate targeted interventions, so as to effectively enhance the innovative behaviour of specialist nurses.
Understanding capabilities, opportunities and motivations to engage in physical activity for adults with intellectual disabilities: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Westrop Sophie C. , Maenhout Laura , Melville Craig A. , McGarty Arlene M.
Published: August 2024

Background

There is a paucity of theory‐informed physical activity research with adults with intellectual disabilities. This study aimed to address this by synthesising existing literature and applying the COM‐B model to understand capabilities, opportunities and motivations.

Methods

A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and the ENTREQ. Three databases were systematically searched up to and including February 2022. Qualitative research relating to the physical activity of adults with intellectual disabilities were included. Thematic synthesis was conducted with themes mapped onto the COM‐B model.

Results

Twenty‐five studies were included. Influences of physical activity were identified and mapped onto the COM‐B model, which also included COM‐B influences of social support provided by caregivers.

Conclusions

There are many complex influences of physical activity for adults with intellectual disabilities. Researchers should consider the influences contributing to caregivers' capacity to support physical activity.
Crebanine mitigates glucocorticoid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by restoring bone remodelling homeostasis via attenuating oxidative stress
Authors: Dong Shankun , Ge Jianxun , Meng Qi , Yuan Tao , Wang Yi , Li Yi , Lu Qizhen , Song Wenao , Li Ziqing , Sun Shui
Published: August 2024

The onset of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is intimately associated with the extensive administration of glucocorticoids (GCs). Long‐term stimulation of GCs can induce oxidative stress in both osteoclasts (OCs) and osteoblasts (OBs), resulting in the disturbance of bone remodelling. An alkaloid named crebanine (CN) demonstrates pharmacological properties including anti‐inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation. Our objective is to assess the therapeutic potential of CN in treating ONFH and elucidate the associated underlying mechanisms. The network pharmacology analysis uncovered that CN played a role in regulating ROS metabolism. In vitro, CN demonstrated its ability to reduce the dexamethasone (DEX)‐stimulated generation of OCs and suppress their resorptive function by downregulating the level of osteoclast marker genes. Concurrently, CN also mitigated DEX‐induced damage to OBs, facilitating the restoration of osteoblast marker gene expression, cellular differentiation and function. These effects were achieved by CN augmenting the antioxidant system to reduce intracellular ROS levels. Furthermore, in vitro results were corroborated by micro‐CT and histological data, which also showed that CN attenuated MPS‐induced ONFH in mice. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of CN in counteracting GCs‐induced ONFH.
Emerging ways to extract lycopene from waste of tomato and other fruits, a comprehensive review
Authors: Chaudhary Kashmala , Khalid Samran , Zahid Muqaddas , Ansar Sadia , Zaffar Mahnoor , Hassan Syed Ali , Naeem Muhammad , Maan Abid Aslam , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Lycopene is a coloring substance with significant value as a natural food color, along with recognized medicinal and therapeutic properties. Fruit waste is produced in huge amounts by fruit processing industries. The extraction of lycopene from this waste is a promising strategy, for its application in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This review summarizes the innovative techniques utilized for extracting lycopene from the waste of tomato, papaya, pink guava, seabuckthorn berries, and apricots. The goal is to assess the effectiveness of contemporary methods and underscore their ability to improve the sustainability and extraction efficiency of this valuable substance. Conventional extraction techniques have long been utilized for extracting this pigment from fruit waste materials, but these techniques have several drawbacks. Novel techniques such as ultrasound‐assisted extraction, microwave‐assisted extraction, pulsed electric field‐assisted extraction, enzyme‐assisted extraction, high hydrostatic pressure‐assisted extraction, and super‐critical fluid extraction provide higher extraction yields as compared to conventional extraction techniques, by using a smaller amount of solvents. These techniques offer improved efficiency, reduced extraction time, increased selectivity, minimized degradation, preserved bioactivity of lycopene, and environmental friendliness.
Adjusting to living with chronic liver disease among patients who continue regular healthcare visits for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: A grounded theory study
Authors: Hatanaka Keiko , Sasaki Yoshiko , Tanaka Makoto
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore patients' process of living with chronic liver disease while continuing regular healthcare visits for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance.

Methods

Semistructured interviews and participant observations were conducted in this qualitative constructivist grounded theory study. The participants included 11 patients undergoing regular hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance every 1–6 months for 2–30 years. Data were analyzed using coding, memo‐writing, theoretical sampling, and constant comparison.

Results

The participants incorporated regular healthcare visits into their living cycle. The cycle's core comprised two categories (“inferring my liver condition” and “desiring status quo”). The cycle underwent a transition described by three phases (“seeking ways to live with my chronic liver disease,” “being overwhelmed by living with my chronic liver disease,” and “reconstructing my life to live with my chronic liver disease”). This transition involved adjusting to living with chronic liver disease while continuing regular healthcare visits. The relative importance of the cycle's core progressively shifted from “inferring my liver condition” to “desiring status quo.”

Conclusions

This study revealed the transition phases of patients' living cycles in adjusting to living with chronic liver disease while continuing regular healthcare visits. Understanding the different phases in which patients are and the psychological impact of healthcare visits can help them look forward to recuperative actions. Furthermore, patients who have a sense of ownership experience loneliness because of regular healthcare visits. A support system including nurses as part of regular hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance should be established to help ease patients' sense of loneliness by utilizing their sense of ownership.
Safety and efficacy of intralesional bleomycin for keloids and hypertrophic scars: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: You Shun Jie , Li Si , Hu Chen Ming , Zhong Fang Yu , Gan Shi Han , Cai Yan , Xiang Xiao Yan
Published: August 2024

Background

Bleomycin, originally an antitumor drug, was explored as a pathological scar treatment in the mid‐1990s. However, its efficacy and safety profile varies among individuals.

Aims

This study aimed to assess topical bleomycin's efficacy and safety in treating hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Methods

We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) published in English, comparing intralesional bleomycin to placebos or common intralesional scar treatments. Primary outcomes included percentage change in scar improvement, pigmentation, recurrence, atrophy, pain, telangiectasia, ulceration, patient self‐assessment, and observer assessment (>50%).

Results

Six trials met the criteria. Bleomycin significantly improved scar reduction compared to triamcinolone (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in pigmentation (p = 0.05) and recurrence (p = 0.21) compared to other treatments. In terms of safety, bleomycin caused less skin atrophy (p < 0.01) and telangiectasia (p < 0.01) but more pain (p = 0.03) than other treatments.

Conclusions

Bleomycin was more effective than TAC, 5‐FU, or TAC combined with 5‐FU for treating keloids and hypertrophic scars with lower skin atrophy and telangiectasia risks. However, it may cause more pain than 5‐FU or TAC. Further comprehensive studies, including RCTs, are required for objective analysis.
Electoral consequences of globalization for social democratic parties across European regions
Authors: Mádr Michal
Published: August 2024

The paper investigates the influence of regional import shocks from low‐wage countries on electoral support for European social democratic parties in 289 NUTS2 regions (2002–2022). The estimates suggest that a one standard deviation increase in the import shock from low‐wage countries over an election period may lead to a decline in support for social democratic parties between 0.6 and 1.2 percentage points. Similar results also apply to imports from Asian economies, such as China and India. The negative impact on electoral support for social democratic parties is amplified in moderately industrial and predominantly rural regions. For the former, the decline in industrial employment led to a shift of social democratic voters to the radical right. In contrast, in the latter case, the relatively slower growth of employment in the tertiary and quaternary sectors and the peripheral position of these regions caused a shift to the radical left.
Influence of sleep on motor skill acquisition in children: a systematic review
Authors: Filho José Messias Vieira Marques , de Oliveira Antônio Anderson Ramos , de Bruin Veralice Meireles Sales , Viana Ricardo Borges , de Bruin Pedro Felipe Carvalhedo
Published: August 2024

Effects of sleep on procedural (implicit) memory consolidation in children remain controversial. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the evidence on the influence of sleep on motor skills acquisition in children. Four electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Original studies, published until October 17, 2023, on motor skill acquisition in children aged ≤12 years, in which the intervention group slept after motor skill training, while the control group remained awake, were considered for inclusion. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2 tool. The review protocol was pre‐registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO protocol number: CRD42022363868) and all reported items followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Of the 7241 articles initially retrieved, nine met the primary criteria and were included in this review. Of these, six studies reported that daytime or night‐time sleep intervention improved motor skill acquisition, as compared to wakefulness. All studies presented a high risk of bias. In conclusion, the evidence summarised suggests that sleep may enhance motor skills acquisition and could be important for motor development in childhood. However, due to the high risk of bias in the included studies, future randomised controlled trials with high methodological quality are necessary to better clarify this topic.
Time to resolution of airway inflammation caused by bronchoalveolar lavage in healthy horses
Authors: Woodrow Jane S. , Hopster Klaus , Palmisano Megan , Payette Flavie , Kulp Jeaneen , Stefanovski Darko , Nolen‐Walston Rose
Published: August 2024

Background

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a common procedure for evaluation of the equine lower airways. Time to resolution of post‐BAL inflammation has not been clearly defined.

Hypothesis

Residual inflammation, evident by changes in immune cell populations and inflammatory cytokines, will resolve by 72 hours after BAL.

Animals

Six adult, healthy, institution‐owned horses.

Methods

Randomized, complete cross‐over design. Each horse underwent 3 paired BALs, including a baseline and then 48, 72, and 96 hours later, with a 7‐day washout between paired BALs. Each sample underwent cytological evaluation and cytokine concentrations were determined by a commercially available multiplex bead immunoassay. Statistical analysis was performed by multilevel mixed‐effects Poisson regression analysis. Data are reported as marginal means and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Neutrophil, eosinophil and mast cell percentages were not significantly different at any time points. Macrophage percentages were higher at 72 hours (45.0 [95% CI, 41.6‐48.4]%) and 96 hours (45.3 [95% CI, 42.9‐47.7]%) vs baseline (37.4 [95% CI, 33.5‐41.4]%; P < .001 and P = .01, respectively), and at 72 hours and 96 hours vs 48 hours (31.9 [95% CI, 28.1‐35.6]%; P < .001). Neutrophil percentage was not significantly increased at 48 hours (P = .11). Interleukin (IL)‐6 concentration was increased at 72 hours (5.22 [95% CI, 3.44‐6.99] pg/mL) vs 48 hours (4.38 [95% CI, 2.99‐5.78] pg/mL; P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Significant lung inflammation was not detected at 72 and 96 hours, suggesting that repeating BAL at 72 hours or more can be done without concern of residual inflammation.
Urothelial carcinoma associated with a long‐term indwelling cystostomy component of a subcutaneous ureteral bypass device in a domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Lackeyram‐Owen Samantha , Gibson Erin , Reetz Jennifer , Chan Taylor , Assenmacher Charles‐Antoine , Clarke Dana L.
Published: August 2024

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) occurs uncommonly in cats and no association has previously been observed with long‐term indwelling urinary implants. An 18‐year‐old male castrated domestic shorthair cat initially was presented for hematuria, leading to the diagnosis of a right‐sided ureterolithiasis and severe pyelectasia on ultrasound examination, prompting right‐sided subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device placement. The cat subsequently had intermittent hematuria and dysuria, without ultrasonographic abnormality of the bladder or positive urine culture. Thirteen months later the patient developed refractory lower urinary tract signs, azotemia, a proliferative mass in the region of the cystostomy tube component of the SUB device and evidence of left ureteral obstruction. Cystostomy tube revision and left‐sided SUB device placement were performed, as well as a partial cystectomy for removal of the mass. Upon histopathology, the mass was diagnosed as a UC. To our knowledge, UC associated with a long‐term indwelling cystostomy catheter component of a SUB device has not been reported in veterinary medicine.
Grass layer limits tree seedling survival but not tree seedling growth in African and South American savannas
Authors: Mochi Lucía S. , Morrison Thomas A. , Stevens Nicola , Mazía Noemí , Anderson T. Michael , Holdo Ricardo M.
Published: August 2024

Questions

How does the grass layer affect seedlings across large environmental gradients in savannas?

Location

Savanna sites in Argentina, Tanzania, and South Africa.

Methods

We carried out a joint analysis of three grass removal experiments in which seedlings of various Fabaceae species were transplanted into plots with native grass and companion plots where grass had been removed. First, we estimated the effect of grasses on tree seedling mortality and seedling growth rate at each site. Then, we used the resulting coefficient estimates from site‐level models to examine the impact of two climate (monthly precipitation and aridity index) and two soil (soil organic carbon content and clay content) variables on the direction and magnitude of the grass effects.

Results

Grasses increased the risk of mortality, but there was no evidence for a global effect of grasses on tree seedling rate of height growth. The best model fit indicated a high mortality risk of tree seedlings in response to grasses at intermediate aridity index values. No other climate or soil variable influenced tree seedling survival or growth (monthly precipitation, soil organic carbon content and clay content).

Conclusions

Our results support the notion that the grass layer consistently creates a bottleneck to tree seedling establishment in African and South American savannas beyond climate and soil conditions, mainly by affecting tree seedling survival. The negative effect of grasses on seedling survival was lower in dry conditions compared to intermediate aridity levels. These results suggest that grass–seedling interaction is less intense in drier conditions, possibly due to reduced total grass biomass, which leads to decreased site evapotranspiration and improved soil water retention capacity.
Estimating link flow through link speed with sparse flow data sampling
Authors: Qiu Jiandong , Fu Sicheng , Ou Jushang , Tang Kai , Qu Xinming , Liang Shixiao , Wang Xin , Ran Bin
Published: August 2024

In modern transportation systems, network‐wide traffic flow estimation is crucial for informed decision making, strategic infrastructure planning, and effective traffic management. While the limited availability of observed road‐segment traffic flow data presents a significant challenge, the emerging collection of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) speed data across the entire network provides an alternative method for estimating the missing traffic flow information. To this end, this paper introduces a novel approach to estimating network‐wide road‐segment traffic flow. This approach takes advantage of the abundantly available GNSS speed data, coupled with only sparsely observed traffic flow samples. By integrating the principles of dynamic traffic assignment models with sparse recovery techniques, we formulate the problem of traffic flow estimation as a Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) optimization task. The efficacy and practical applicability of our proposed method are validated through evaluations using both hypothetical and real‐world case studies. The experimental findings exhibit a close alignment between the estimated and ground‐truth link flows across different time periods. Additionally, the method consistently produces low mean estimation errors for the majority of road segments, underlining the potential for our approach in effectively managing traffic flow estimation for large‐scale road networks, particularly in situations characterized by data scarcity.
Contraceptive effect of a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone vaccine on captive male brown bears (Ursus arctos)
Authors: Matsumoto Naoya , Tomiyasu Jumpei , Hagino Kyogo , Matsui Motozumi , Yanagawa Yojiro
Published: August 2024

Fertility control has traditionally been applied in zoos to control captive populations, and reversible contraception is important. However, contraceptive methods for male bears have not been reported. We aimed to establish a reversible contraceptive for male brown bears by investigating the effects of a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine (Improvac®) that was developed for the immune castration of pigs. We vaccinated six bears with two sequential doses of 400 (n = 2) or 600 μg Improvac® (n = 4) with a 1‐month interval during the pre‐breeding season (February to April). We compared the reproductive parameters (testosterone levels and semen parameters) of the six vaccinated and four non‐vaccinated (control) bears once during the breeding season (May or June). To investigate whether the reproductive performance could be restored in the following year of contraception, we also compared the reproductive parameters once during the breeding season in two bears between the year with GnRH vaccination and the following year without vaccination. Vaccination treatments suppressed reproductive parameters in 5 bears, although vaccination with 400 μg of Improvac® was not effective in one bear. Testosterone levels and the rate of progressive sperm motility were significantly lower, and total sperm count and testis size tended to be lower in vaccinated bears, compared with the controls. Blood biochemical findings and direct observations after Improvac® vaccination did not reveal side effects. Moreover, testosterone levels and spermatogenic scores of two bears were restored in the following year. We confirmed that the Improvac® vaccine elicited a reversible contraceptive effect in male brown bears.
Agency independence and credibility in primary bond markets
Authors: Sadeh Tal , Rubinson Eyal
Published: August 2024

Vast literature studies Independent Regulatory Agencies (IRAs). We contribute by studying the benefits of independence when the agent's work is relational and by studying developing and developed democracies worldwide and over many years. We do this by studying national Debt Management Offices (DMOs)—the state agencies that plan, issue, and manage national debt. DMOs define the benchmark assets on which capital markets and monetary policy depend—industry standards—and their decisions have allocative implications. We argue that formal independence of DMOs from political decision‐makers is a costly signal to large financial institutions on the government's potential to service and repay its debts. We introduce a new country‐year dataset of DMO legislation for 75 developing and developed democratic countries in the period 1950–2013. We find that DMO independence is likelier following debt defaults, war, high inflation, and high debts, and that DMO independence increases sovereign debt credibility.
A comparison of the safety and efficacy of tapinarof and roflumilast topical therapies in the management of mild‐to‐moderate plaque psoriasis
Authors: Ghani Hira , Podwojniak Alicia , Tan Isabella J. , Parikh Aarushi K. , Sanabria Bianca , Rao Babar
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Psoriasis is an immune‐mediated inflammatory skin disease. First‐line topical treatments include steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, vitamin D analogs, and anthralin. Recently, novel topical therapeutics like tapinarof and roflumilast have emerged with unique anti‐inflammatory mechanisms and promising efficacy profiles.

Materials and methods

This review utilized PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases to identify recent studies on tapinarof and roflumilast. Criteria focused on efficacy, safety profiles, and therapeutic roles in psoriasis treatment.

Results

Four primary literature articles were identified for tapinarof and five for roflumilast. Both drugs demonstrated strong efficacy with minimal adverse events in treating mild‐to‐moderate plaque psoriasis. Tapinarof showed more frequent but mild adverse effects, while roflumilast had less frequent but more severe side effects.

Discussion

Tapinarof and roflumilast offer once‐daily dosing and successful treatment in restricted areas, potentially enhancing patient adherence. Cost remains a limiting factor, necessitating future comparative studies to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost‐effectiveness between the two drugs.

Conclusion

Tapinarof and roflumilast present promising topical treatments for psoriasis, showing efficacy and manageable safety profiles. Further research is crucial to fully elucidate their comparative benefits and drawbacks in clinical practice.
Alternative splicing of CsbHLH133 regulates geraniol biosynthesis in tea plants
Authors: Cheng Long , Tu Gefei , Ma Huicong , Zhang Keyi , Wang Xinyu , Zhou Haozhe , Gao Jingwen , Zhou Jie , Yu Youben , Xu Qingshan
Published: August 2024

Geraniol is one of the most abundant aromatic compounds in fresh tea leaves and contributes to the pleasant odor of tea products. Additionally, it functions as an airborne signal that interacts with other members of the ecosystem. To date, the regulation of the geraniol biosynthesis in tea plants remains to be investigated. In this study, a correlation test of the content of geraniol and its glycosides with gene expression data revealed that nudix hydrolase, CsNudix26, and its transcription factor, CsbHLH133 are involved in geraniol biosynthesis. In vitro enzyme assays and metabolic analyses of genetically modified tea plants confirmed that CsNudix26 is responsible for the formation of geraniol. Yeast one‐hybrid, dual‐luciferase reporter, and EMSA assays were used to verify the binding of CsbHLH133 to the CsNudix26 promoter. Overexpression of CsbHLH133 in tea leaves enhanced CsNudix26 expression and geraniol accumulation, whereas CsbHLH133 silencing reduced CsNudix26 transcript levels and geraniol content. Interestingly, CsbHLH133‐AS, produced by alternative splicing, was discovered and proved to be the primary transcript expressed in response to various environmental stresses. Furthermore, geraniol release was found to be affected by various factors that alter the expression patterns of CsbHLH133 and CsbHLH133‐AS. Our findings indicate that distinct transcript splicing patterns of CsbHLH133 regulate geraniol biosynthesis in tea plants in response to different regulatory factors.