bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between cognitive and affective processes, and willingness to pay for pesticide‐free and GMO‐free labeling
Authors: Grebitus Carola , Van Loo Ellen J.
Published: March 2022

Research has suggested to not solely include cognitive processes but also affective processes in economic choice modeling. Studying Medjool dates, we conducted a laboratory experiment combining choice experiments and eye‐tracking to account for cognitive processes. In addition, participants indicated their level of worry related to production practices to account for affective processes. Our results show that consumers worry more about pesticide residues than genetic modification in foods. They also pay more attention to labels related to these production practices compared to other labels; and the production practice labels received the highest willingness to pay (WTP). Results from linear regressions show that both cognitive and affective processes are associated with WTP. Especially in the full model for WTP for pesticide‐free labeling an increase of attention by 1 s increases WTP on average by $0.10 and an increase of the level of worry from one category to the next increases WTP on average by $0.17. Overall, results show that including both cognitive and affective processes as explanatory variables is important when determining factors associated with WTP.
A new prognostic model including platelet/lymphocyte ratio and International Prognostic Score 3 for freedom from progression in patients with previously untreated advanced classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Tao Yunxia , Chen Haizhu , Zhou Yu , He Xiaohu , Qin Yan , Liu Peng , Zhou Shengyu , Yang Jianliang , Zhou Liqiang , Zhang Changgong , Yang Sheng , Gui Lin , Shi Yuankai
Published: March 2022

Purpose

We aimed to develop a new risk stratification tool to predict freedom from progression (FFP) for newly diagnosed advanced classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).

Methods

We collected data from 386 patients with advanced cHL diagnosed between December 8, 2000 and October 29, 2018, and treated with curative intent with ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) or an ABVD‐equivalent regimen. Cases were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. The new model was constructed based on the results of Cox proportional hazards model in the training cohort. Comparisons of discrimination between the new model and other models in the training and validation cohorts for FFP prediction were measured by time‐dependent area under curve (tAUC) and Harrell's C‐index. Calibration plots were constructed to compare the consistency between the predicted and observed estimates of survival probability for the new model in the training and validation cohorts.

Results

The new model (IPSPLR) composed of International Prognostic Score (IPS)‐3 and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) provided four distinct risk groups. The IPSPLR showed better discriminative ability when compared with IPS‐3 and IPS‐7. The AUC of IPSPLR was consistently higher than that of IPS‐3 and IPS‐7 between 12 and 120 months. The C‐index of the IPSPLR was higher than that of IPS‐7 and IPS‐3. The calibration plots showed an excellent agreement between the IPSPLR‐predicted and observed estimates of 5‐year FFP.

Conclusion

The IPSPLR is an easily used tool for FFP prediction for newly diagnosed advanced cHL. Validation of this tool in other large datasets is needed.
Intuitive eating is positively associated with indicators of physical and mental health among rural Australian adults
Authors: Van Dyke Nina , Drinkwater Eric J.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Rural Australians have comparatively higher rates of overweight and obesity, as well as some mental health issues. Intuitive eating has been shown to be positively associated with an array of physical and mental health indicators. Few studies, however, have been conducted with general populations, and none has explicitly examined intuitive eating among rural residents.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of intuitive eating, and associations between intuitive eating and indicators of physical and mental health, among a general population of rural adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional telephone survey of 200 randomly selected, non‐metropolitan, English‐speaking Australian residents aged 18 or older.

Findings

The prevalence of intuitive eating in the sample was 17.6%, with a higher level of intuitive eating among men than women (26.1% vs 9.1%). Bivariate associations between intuitive eating and each of the six health indicators were all positive and mostly statistically significant. Particularly strong was the correlation between intuitive eating and self‐esteem for women (r = 0.53). After controlling for indication of an eating disorder and demographics, the associations between intuitive eating and the outcome variables held for body mass index (BMI), psychological distress and body esteem for men, and for BMI and self‐esteem for women. Post hoc analyses found that BMI did not moderate the relationship for women between intuitive eating and self‐esteem and that body esteem mediates the relationships between intuitive eating and BMI and psychological distress for men, and between intuitive eating and self‐esteem for women.

Discussion

Consistent with most prior research, this study finds that intuitive eating is positively associated with several indicators of both physical and mental health among non‐metropolitan residents in Australia. Practice of intuitive eating in this population, however, is low. These findings may help allied health professionals guide rural populations to better health, and may be a particularly effective approach for people for whom the barriers to seeking out health services are high.

Conclusion

Intuitive eating appears to have substantial correlations with mental health indicators, and to some extent, physical health indicators, among rural Australians and therefore should be further investigated for its potential to inform public health policy targeted to similar populations.
PD‐L1 and PD‐1 expression in thyroid follicular epithelial dysplasia: Hashimoto thyroiditis related atypia and potential papillary carcinoma precursor
Authors: Pakkanen Emma , Kalfert David , Ahtiainen Maarit , Ludvíková Marie , Kuopio Teijo , Kholová Ivana
Published: March 2022

Programmed cell death ligand (PD‐L1)/PD‐1 expression has been studied in a variety of cancers and blockage of PD‐L1/PD‐1 pathway is a cornerstone of immunotherapy. We studied PD‐L1/PD‐1 immunohistochemical expression in 47 thyroid gland specimens in groups of (1) Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) only; (2) HT and follicular epithelial dysplasia (FED); and (3) HT, FED, and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). PD‐1 positivity was found in immune cells, namely in lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells with mean values for lymphocytes and macrophages 9% in HT group, 4% in FED group, and 4% in PTC group. PD‐L1 positivity was identified in both immune cells and in the normal epithelial cells. In the HT group, mean PD‐L1 staining on immune cells was 6%, in FED group 5%, and in PTC group 7%. The mean PD‐L1 staining on the epithelial cells in the inflammatory parenchyma was 11.7% in HT, 13.4% in FED, and 8.3% in PTC group. The mean PD‐L1 staining of FED foci was 47.2% in FED group and 33.6% in PTC group. The mean tumor proportion score (TPS) was 10.4%, and the mean combined positive score (CPS) was 15.5. At the moment, PTC is not a target of immunotherapy. However, understanding the complex issue of concurrent inflammation and autoimmunity can importantly influence the cancer treatment in future.
Shared survival and cooperation in India and Australia
Authors: Chitranshi Bhavya , Healy Stephen
Published: March 2022

Eka Nari Sanghathan (ENS), an Indigenous single women farmer's collective in Odisha, India and Norco Dairy in regional NSW, Australia are cooperatives undertaking collective action to ‘survive well’, securing agrarian livelihoods in the face of climate change. Striking differences in affluence and poverty separate these place‐based cooperatives while other things connect them: an Earth unsettled by climate change and extractivist/capitalist interventions. Both cooperatives transform place in practice by engaging similar survival strategies and non‐exploitative forms of cooperation. In this paper we seek to articulate the transformative nature of these places and practices in a way that goes beyond easy binaries of local/global, while enabling recognition of different affiliations between lands, related climate crisis and sustainable and shared surviving mechanisms. We develop a ‘two‐thirds’ perspective building upon Bruno Latour's third attractor, the Terrestrial, together with another third, Chakrabarti, Dhar and Cullenberg's idea of the World of the Third (WOT). Their interventions open our thinking to the ecological particularities, uncertainties, and postcapitalist possibilities of surviving well in place.
Linking ethnic/racial discrimination to adolescent mental health: Sleep disturbances as an explanatory pathway
Authors: Yip Tiffany , Xie Mingjun , Cham Heining , El Sheikh Mona
Published: March 2022

Ethnic/racial discrimination is associated with negative psychosocial outcomes, and this study considered sleep disturbance as a mediating pathway. Employing a combination of daily diary and biannual surveys, multilevel structural equation models estimated the indirect effects of sleep/wake concerns on negative, anxious, and positive mood, rumination, and somatic symptoms. In a sample of 350 urban Asian (74% Chinese, 8% Korean, 4% Indian, 1% Filipinx, 1% Vietnamese, and 12% other), Black, and Latinx (25% Dominican, 24% South American, 22% Mexican, 15% Puerto Rican, 5% Central American, and 9% other) youth (M = 14.27 years, 69% female, 77% U.S. born, 76% monoethnic/racial, data collected from 2015 to 2018), there was evidence for sleep disturbances mediating the impact of ethnic/racial discrimination on adjustment. Nighttime disturbance, daytime dysfunction, and daytime sleepiness evidenced partial or full mediation for daily‐ and person‐level outcomes (υ = 0.1%–17.9%). Reciprocal associations between sleep disturbances and negative mood and rumination were also observed.
Reporting of absolute and relative risk measures in oral health and cardiovascular events studies: A systematic review
Authors: Raittio Eero , Ashraf Javed , Farmer Julie , Nascimento Gustavo G. , Aldossri Musfer
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To understand the magnitude of risk of health events, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), related to poor oral health, both relative and absolute risk measures should be reported. Our aim was to investigate the extent to which absolute and relative measures of risk are reported in longitudinal studies that assess the association between oral health indicators (OHIs) and CVD.

Methods

A systematic search of longitudinal studies investigating the association of any OHI with CVD was carried out using the Embase, Medline and Cochrane library databases. The search covered each database from its inception date to August 2021. Data about reporting relative and absolute risks of the relationship between CVD and OHI from the abstract were extracted. If the relative risk for OHIs and CVD was reported in the abstract, then the underlying absolute risks were searched from the full text, and it was assessed whether it was similarly adjusted for confounding than was the relative risk in the abstract.

Results

One hundred‐six articles were included. From these, 85 (80%) studies reported the association of OHIs and CVD with one or more relative risks in the abstract. Of those 85 studies, the underlying absolute risks were accessible or calculable from the abstract or full text of 60 studies. However, of these 60 studies, in only 10 (12%), the underlying absolute risks were similarly adjusted, as were the relative risks in the abstract. The absolute risks of CVD by OHIs were rarely reported without corresponding relative risks in the abstract (n = 2, 2%). Median absolute risk difference in the CVD risk between exposure levels to which the first relative risk in the abstract referred was 1.8% (interquartile range 0.6–4.6, n = 63).

Conclusions

Focusing on relative risks over absolute risks was a common practice in literature. Reporting similarly adjusted underlying absolute risks of relative risks was rare in most studies, despite those being helpful for comprehending the magnitude of CVD‐risk increase related to poor oral health. Current reporting practices could lead to an overinterpretation of risk increase of CVD related to poor oral health.
‘Childhood in the shadow of prison bars’: How school counselors cope while counseling children of incarcerated parents
Authors: Levkovich Inbar , Ne'emani Hagit
Published: March 2022

This qualitative study examines how school counsellors perceive children aged 14–18 whose fathers are incarcerated. Three main themes emerged from the in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews: (1) The school counsellors perceived feelings of vulnerability, shame, anger and lack of trust amongst the adolescents. (2) The father's incarceration was a turning point in the lives of families and served as a catalyst for major economic decline, forcing the adolescents to fend for themselves. (3) The school counsellors often felt frustrated and unsuccessful in dealing with the complex issues these students faced. In addition, helping these adolescents affected their personal lives outside work.
Non‐surgical peri‐implantitis treatment with or without systemic antibiotics: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Polymeri Angeliki , van der Horst Joyce , Anssari Moin David , Wismeijer Daniel , Loos Bruno G. , Laine Marja L.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To assess the adjunctive effect of systemic amoxicillin (AMX) and metronidazole (MTZ) in patients receiving non‐surgical treatment (NST) for peri‐implantitis (PI).

Materials and methods

Thirty‐seven patients were randomized into an experimental group treated with NST plus AMX + MTZ (N = 18) and a control group treated with NST alone (N = 19). Clinical parameters were evaluated at 12 weeks post‐treatment. The primary outcome was the change in peri‐implant pocket depth (PIPD) from baseline to 12 weeks, while secondary outcomes included bleeding on probing (BoP), suppuration on probing (SoP), and plaque. Data analysis was performed at patient level (one target site per patient).

Results

All 37 patients completed the study. Both groups showed a significant PIPD reduction after NST. The antibiotics group showed a higher mean reduction in PIPD at 12 weeks, compared with the control group (2.28 ± 1.49 mm vs. 1.47 ± 1.95 mm), however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant effect of various potential confounders on PIPD reduction. Neither treatment resulted in significant improvements in BoP at follow‐up; 30 of 37 (81%) target sites still had BoP after treatment. Only two implants, one in each group, exhibited a successful outcome defined as PIPD < 5 mm, and absence of BoP and SoP.

Conclusions

Non‐surgical treatment was able to reduce PIPD at implants with PI. The adjunctive use of systemic AMX and MTZ did not show statistically significant better results compared to NST alone. NST with or without antibiotics was ineffective to completely resolve inflammation around dental implants.
Antiemetic effects of baclofen in a shrew model of postoperative nausea and vomiting: Whole‐transcriptome analysis in the nucleus of the solitary tract
Authors: Konno Daisuke , Sugino Shigekazu , Shibata Tomoko F , Misawa Kazuharu , Imamura‐Kawasawa Yuka , Suzuki Jun , Kido Kanta , Nagasaki Masao , Yamauchi Masanori
Published: March 2022

Aims

The molecular genetic mechanisms underlying postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in the brain have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the changes in whole transcriptome in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in an animal model of PONV, to screen a drug candidate and to elucidate the molecular genetic mechanisms of PONV development.

Methods

Twenty‐one female musk shrews were assigned into three groups: the Surgery group (shrew PONV model, n = 9), the Sham group (n = 6), and the Naïve group (n = 6). In behavioral studies, the main outcome was the number of emetic episodes. In genetic experiments, changes in the transcriptome in the NTS were measured. In a separate study, 12 shrews were used to verify the candidate mechanism underlying PONV.

Results

A median of six emetic episodes occurred in both the Sham and Surgery groups. Whole‐transcriptome analysis indicated the inhibition of the GABAB receptor‐mediated signaling pathway in the PONV model. Baclofen (GABAB receptor agonist) administration eliminated emetic behaviors in the shrew PONV model.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the GABAB receptor‐mediated signaling pathway is involved in emesis and that baclofen may be a novel therapeutic or prophylactic agent for PONV.
Does managerial ability matter for corporate climate change disclosures?
Authors: Daradkeh Hussein , Shams Syed , Bose Sudipta , Gunasekarage Abeyratna
Published: March 2022

Research Question/Issue

This study examines the association between managerial ability and the extent of firm‐level climate change disclosures and the moderating role of corporate governance in this association.

Research Findings/Insights

Results based on a sample of 2298 firm‐year observations from the United States (US) from 2005 to 2019 suggest that firms with more capable managers tend to make more climate change disclosures. This significant positive association is weakened when firms suffer from weak corporate governance. These findings remain robust after addressing omitted time‐invariant variable bias, observable heterogeneity bias, sample selection bias, and reverse causality and when using alternative climate change disclosure proxies. Further analysis shows that climate change disclosures have a mediating role in the association between managerial ability and firm valuation.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Given the growing importance of integrating climate change‐related information into a firm's operations and the pressure exerted by various stakeholders, understanding the drivers of climate change disclosures has emerged as an important area of research in the accounting and finance literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine any link between managerial ability and climate change disclosures.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Considering the recent pressure imposed on companies by regulatory authorities for more climate change disclosures, our study's findings have important implications for regulators, policy makers, investors, financial analysts, researchers, and firms.
What is the optimal management of thromboprophylaxis after liver transplantation regarding prevention of bleeding, hepatic artery, or portal vein thrombosis? A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Kirchner Varvara A. , O'Farrell Bryan , Imber Charles , McCormack Lucas , Northup Patrick G. , Song Gi‐Won , Spiro Michael , Raptis Dimitri A. , Durand François ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: March 2022

Background

A key tenet of clinical management of patients post liver transplantation (LT) is the prevention of thrombotic and bleeding complications. This systematic review investigated the optimal management of thromboprophylaxis after LT regarding portal vein thrombosis (PVT) or hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and prevention of bleeding.

Methods

Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel. Seven databases were used to conduct extensive literature searches focusing on the use of anticoagulation in LT and its impact on the following outcomes: PVT, HAT, and bleeding (CRD42021244288).

Results

Of the 2478 articles/abstracts screened, 16 studies were included in the final review. All articles were critically appraised by a panel of independent reviewers. There was wide variation regarding the anticoagulation protocols used. Thromboprophylaxis with therapeutic doses of heparin/Vitamin K antagonist combination did not decrease the risk of de novo or the recurrence of PVT but was associated with an increased risk of bleeding in some studies. Only the use of aspirin resulted in a small but significant decrease in the incidence of HAT post‐LT, yet it did not increase the risk of bleeding.

Conclusions

Based on existing data and expert opinion, thromboprophylaxis at therapeutic or prophylactic dose is not recommended for prevention of de novo PVT following LT in patients not at high risk. Aspirin should be considered as the standard of care following LT to prevent HAT. Thromboprophylaxis should be strongly considered in recipients at risk of HAT and PVT following LT.
The tension between the language of literature and the language of clinical practice/research in Brazilian medical publications
Authors: Giordano Vincenzo
Published: March 2022

This letter to the editor is on the Scoping Review by Furtado et al. on pages 550–560 of this issue.

Portuguese translation of this letter to the editor is available in the online issue.
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes: Barriers and solutions for improving uptake in routine clinical practice
Authors: Khunti Kamlesh , Jabbour Serge , Cos Xavier , Mudaliar Sunder , Mende Christian , Bonaca Marc , Fioretto Paola
Published: March 2022

Recent advances in type 2 diabetes (T2D) research have highlighted the benefits of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors, including cardiovascular and renal protection. However, uptake rates of these drugs remain low in patients with T2D, particularly in subpopulations most likely to benefit from them. This review considers the potential barriers to prescribing SGLT‐2 inhibitors in T2D in clinical practice and outlines potential multidisciplinary recommendations to overcome these barriers. Safety concerns and a lack of clarity in and divergence of guidelines around the introduction of SGLT‐2 inhibitors into treatment regimens may represent a barrier to uptake from the clinicians' perspective, including a general lack of understanding of the benefits associated with SGLT‐2 inhibitors. Patient characteristics, such as socioeconomic status, may influence uptake because of the cost of SGLT‐2 inhibitors, especially in the United States, where health insurance coverage could be a concern. SGLT‐2 inhibitor prescription rates vary between clinical specialty (endocrinology, primary care, cardiology, and nephrology) and country, with cardiologists the lowest prescribers, and endocrinologists the highest. Primary care practitioners may experience more challenges in following SGLT‐2 inhibitor‐related guidelines than diabetes specialists as there may be fewer opportunities for education on how this drug class improves cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with T2D. Uptake rates appear to vary between countries because of differences in guidelines and health insurance systems. The amendment of SGLT‐2 inhibitor‐related guidelines for more multidisciplinary use and the implementation of patient and clinician education may encourage uptake of these drugs, potentially improving long‐term health outcomes among patients with T2D.
Abrupt formation of intracardiac thrombus during patent foramen ovale closure by three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Zhang Chunquan , Li Xia , Li He , Xie Mingxing
Published: March 2022

We report a rare case of abrupt formation of intracardiac thrombus during patent foramen ovale closure by three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. This case highlights transesophageal echocardiography allows timely detection and management of intracardiac thrombus formation.
Preclinical dental training: Association between fine motor skills and compliance with ergonomic posture techniques
Authors: Neves Tamíris da Costa , Carrer Hallak Julia , Margato Pazos Júlia , Garcia Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dental students' fine motor skills and their compliance with ergonomic posture techniques over the course of a preclinical training year. The correlation between fine motor skills and compliance was also assessed.

Methods

The ergonomic posture of students enrolled in the second year of a five‐year undergraduate dental degree programme (n = 62) was assessed using the Compliance Assessment of Dental Ergonomic Posture Requirements (CADEP). This assessment relied on photographs of the students performing preclinical laboratory procedures during the school year. The photographs of each procedure received a score, and the final score obtained (0 to 10) corresponded to the extent of the student's compliance with ergonomic posture techniques. Initial compliance was calculated during the first two months of the training programme, whilst final compliance was calculated during the last two months. Fine motor skills were evaluated using the modified Dental Manual Dexterity Assessment (DMDA), which was also applied at the beginning and the end of the school year. Data were assessed statistically by Student's paired t test, and the correlation between fine motor skills and compliance with ergonomic posture techniques was estimated by Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and Student's t test (α = 0.05).

Results

The compliance scores were higher at the end of the academic year than at the beginning of year (p < 0.001; t = −5.300). Fine motor skills improved significantly with time (p < 0.001; t = −10.975). Non‐significant correlations were found between students’ fine motor skills and their economic posture compliance both at the beginning (r = −0.197; p = 0.126) and at the end of the training year (r = 0.226; p = 0.078).

Conclusion

The students' manual dexterity and compliance with ergonomic posture techniques increased over the course of the preclinical training year, and the correlation between students’ fine motor skills and their ergonomic posture compliance was not significant.
Clinico‐genetic spectrum of limb‐girdle muscular weakness in Austria: A multicentre cohort study
Authors: Krenn Martin , Tomschik Matthias , Wagner Matias , Zulehner Gudrun , Weng Rosa , Rath Jakob , Klotz Sigrid , Gelpi Ellen , Bsteh Gabriel , Keritam Omar , Colonna Isabella , Paternostro Chiara , Jäger Fiona , Lindeck‐Pozza Elisabeth , Iglseder Stephan , Grinzinger Susanne , Schönfelder Martina , Hohenwarter Christina , Freimüller Manfred , Embacher Norbert , Wanschitz Julia , Topakian Raffi , Töpf Ana , Straub Volker , Quasthoff Stefan , Zimprich Fritz , Löscher Wolfgang N. , Cetin Hakan
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

Hereditary myopathies with limb‐girdle muscular weakness (LGW) are a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders, in which molecular diagnosis remains challenging. Our aim was to present a detailed clinical and genetic characterization of a large cohort of patients with LGW.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study included patients with LGW suspected to be associated with hereditary myopathies. Parameters associated with specific genetic aetiologies were evaluated, and we further assessed how they predicted the detection of causative variants by conducting genetic analyses.

Results

Molecular diagnoses were identified in 62.0% (75/121) of the cohort, with a higher proportion of patients diagnosed by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) than by single‐gene testing (77.3% vs. 22.7% of solved cases). The median (interquartile range) time from onset to genetic diagnosis was 8.9 (3.7–19.9) and 17.8 (7.9–27.8) years for single‐gene testing and NGS, respectively. The most common diagnoses were myopathies associated with variants in CAPN3 (n = 9), FKRP (n = 9), ANO5 (n = 8), DYSF (n = 8) and SGCA (n = 5), which together accounted for 32.2% of the cohort. Younger age at disease onset (p = 0.043), >10× elevated creatine kinase activity levels (p = 0.024) and myopathic electromyography findings (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with the detection of causative variants.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that an earlier use of NGS in patients with LGW is needed to avoid long diagnostic delays. We further present parameters predictive of a molecular diagnosis that may help to select patients for genetic analyses, especially in centres with limited access to sequencing.
Using nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in patients with epilepsy: An update from the Israeli chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy
Authors: Noyman Iris , Ekstein Dana , Fahoum Firas , Herskovitz Moshe , Linder Ilan , Ben Zeev Bruria , Eyal Sara
Published: March 2022

Presented herein are recommendations for use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in patients with epilepsy, as issued by the Steering Committee of the Israeli chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy. The recommendations suggest that patients on moderate‐to‐strong enzyme‐inducing antiseizure medications (ASMs) and everolimus should not be treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir; rectal diazepam may be used as an alternative to buccal midazolam; doses of ASMs that are cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) substrates might be adjusted; and patients treated with combinations of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and ASMs that are CYP3A4 substrates or lamotrigine should be monitored for drug efficacy and adverse drug reactions.
Pattern, function and constraint of infant handling in wild Japanese macaques
Authors: Sekizawa Maisa , Kutsukake Nobuyuki
Published: March 2022

In group‐living primates, non‐mother individuals frequently contact and handle an infant. Although previous studies showed that the function of this behaviour varies among and within species, few have considered a possibility the handlers’ accessibility to an infant may be restricted by a social relationship between the handlers and infants’ mothers. Considering this proximate constraint on the choice and handling of an infant, we aimed to clarify the function of infant handling in wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). We collected behavioural data on infant handling from 24 mother–infant pairs over three years on Kinkazan Island, Japan. We tested the predictions of three functional hypotheses: learning‐to‐mother, kin selection and reproductive competition among females. We found that handling by males rarely occurred. The proximity between mother and a potential handler positively affected the frequency of infant handling, and its effect interacted with the handler's parity, kinship and relative dominance relationship with the mother. Hence, the effects of handlers’ proximity were prominent for nulliparous, related and relatively lower‐ranked females relative to parous, unrelated and higher‐ranked females. We also found that infants were handled positively in most cases. These results fit the predictions of the learning‐to‐mother hypothesis and kin selection hypothesis, indicating that the functions of infant handling varied with the attributes of the handlers. This study provides rare results clarifying the function of infant handling in wild primates, based on the fact that handler behaviour is constrained by accessibility to the mother.
Whole‐genome analysis reveals the hybrid formation of Chinese indigenous DHB pig following human migration
Authors: Wang Yuzhan , Zhang Chunyuan , Peng Yebo , Cai Xinyu , Hu Xiaoxiang , Bosse Mirte , Zhao Yiqiang
Published: March 2022

Hybridization is widespread in nature and is a valuable tool in domestic breeding. The DHB (DaHuaBai) pig in South China is the product of such a breeding strategy, resulting in increased body weight compared with other pigs in the surrounding area. We analyzed genomic data from 20 Chinese pig breeds and investigated the genomic architecture after breed formation of DHB. The breed showed inconsistency in genotype and body weight phenotype, in line with selection after hybridization. By quantifying introgression with a haplotype‐based approach, we proposed a two‐step introgression from large‐sized pigs into small‐sized pigs to produce DHB, consistent with the human migration events in Chinese history. Combining with gene prioritization and allele frequency analysis, we identify candidate genes that showed selection after introgression and that may affect body weight, such as IGF1R, SRC, and PCM1. Our research provides an example of a hybrid formation of domestic breeds along with human migration patterns.
Risk of diabetes in haemophilia patients compared to clinic and non‐clinic control cohorts
Authors: Pandey Braj , Barnes Richard F.W. , Sun Haowei (Linda) , Jackson Shannon , Kruse‐Jarres Rebecca , Quon Doris V. , von Drygalski Annette
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Ageing patients with haemophilia (PWH) develop cardiovascular risk factors impacting care. Little is known about the prevalence of diabetes in PWH and its relation to other comorbidities.

Aim

To examine the risk of diabetes for adult PWH compared to men from the general United States population (National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys [NHANES]) and outpatients attending a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) clinic.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional design. PWH from four haemophilia centres (n = 690) were matched with random samples from NHANES and VAMC. Diabetes (yes/no) was the outcome, while age, body mass index (BMI), race and Hepatitis C (HCV; by serology) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity were covariates. We fitted semiparametric generalized additive models (GAMs) in order to compare diabetes risk between cohorts.

Results

Younger PWH were at lower risk of diabetes than NHANES or VAMC subjects irrespective of BMI. However, the risk of diabetes rose in older PWH and was closely associated with HCV. For HCV‐negative subjects, the risk of diabetes was considerably lower for PWH than NHANES and VAMC subjects. The difference persisted after controlling for BMI and age, indicating that the low risk of diabetes in PWH cannot be explained by lean body mass alone.

Conclusion

Since many ageing PWH are HCV positive and therefore at heightened risk for diabetes, it is important to incorporate diabetes screening into care algorithms in Haemophilia Treatment Centers, especially since PWH are not always followed in primary care clinics.
Renal cell carcinoma in children and adolescents: a retrospective study of a French–Italian series of 93 cases
Authors: Denize Thomas , Massa Simona , Valent Alexander , Militti Lucia , Bertolotti Alessia , Barisella Marta , Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , Malouf Gabriel G , Spreafico Filippo , Verschuur Arnauld , van der Beek Justine , Tytgat Lieve , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M , Vujanic Gordan , Collini Paola , Coulomb Aurore
Published: March 2022

Aims

Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) represent 2–5% of kidney malignancies in children and adolescents. Appropriate diagnostic and classification are crucial for the correct management of the patients and in order to avoid inappropriate pre‐operative chemotherapy, which is usually recommended if a Wilms' tumour is suspected.

Methods and results

A French–Italian series of 93 renal cell carcinomas collected from 1990 to 2019 in patients aged less than 18 years was reclassified according to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification and the latest literature. TFE3 and TFEB fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) analyses and a panel of immunohistochemical stains were applied. The median age at diagnosis was 11 years (range = 9 months–17 years). MiT family (MiTF) translocation RCCs accounted for 52% of the tumours, followed by papillary (20%) and unclassified RCCs (13%). Other subtypes, such as SDHB‐deficient and fumarate hydratase‐deficient RCCs, represented 1–3% of the cases. We also described a case of ALK‐rearranged RCC with a metanephric adenoma‐like morphology.

Conclusion

A precise histological diagnosis is mandatory, as targeted therapy could be applied for some RCC subtypes, i.e. MiTF‐translocation and ALK‐translocation RCC. Moreover, some RCC subtypes may be associated with a predisposition syndrome that will impact patients' and family's management and genetic counselling. A precise RCC subtype is also mandatory for the clinical management of the patients and inclusion in new prospective clinical trials.
Redressing the fundamental conflict of interest in public company audits
Authors: Salterio Steven E.
Published: March 2022

The goal of various audit industry reforms is to better align the interests of the auditor with external stakeholders. These proposed reforms ignore the fundamental conflict of interest—‘the client’ hires, fires and determines the compensation for the auditor. This problem is fundamental in that ‘the client’ is normally the management or board of the firm who, on occasion, have reason to want to take advantage of the inherent imprecision in accounting for their benefit and subtlety pressure the auditor to achieve this. My evidence‐based proposal takes advantage of the well‐known aversion of managers and boards to government intervention. It incentivizes management and boards to demand rigorous audits by requiring regulatory bodies impose their choice of auditor on public companies that meet well‐specified criteria that indicate poor‐quality reporting (e.g., restatement of financial statements). This proposed reform retains the ‘on average’ benefits that extant research shows the current system of private sector auditing provides while stimulating greater managerial and director self‐interest in high‐quality financial reporting.
Enzymatically hydrolysed asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) hard‐stem exhibits the ability to inhibit angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)
Authors: Huang Yu‐Chun , Sridhar Kandi , Tsai Pi‐Jen
Published: March 2022

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) hard‐stem, woody bottom of the asparagus stalk, is a rich source of bioactive compounds and is discarded as an eco‐friendly agricultural waste. Therefore, we intended to explore the antioxidant, amino acid composition, and antihypertensive potentials of enzymatically hydrolysed asparagus hard‐stem. The treated samples exhibited higher total free amino acids (11437 mg 100 g−1), total phenolics (1749 mg 100 g−1), and ability to inhibit (78.38%) angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) compared to control (ACE inhibition of 46.88%). Hydrophobic amino acids (39%) and gallic acid (48%) were the highly eluted bioactive compounds. The ability to inhibit ACE had been positively correlated with hydrophobic amino acids (r = 0.959–0.987) and gallic acid (r = 0.966), indicating the role of amino acids and phenolics in controlling ACE reactions. Thus, asparagus hard‐stem can be a potential source to develop natural health supplements for the management of hypertension and related health risks.
Sustainable production of eicosapentaenoic acid-rich oil from microalgae: Towards an algal biorefinery
Authors: Sivakumar Rohith , Sachin Sharika , Priyadarshini Rajashri , Ghosh Sanjoy
Published: March 2022

Utilization of sustainable natural resources such as microalgae has been considered for the production of biofuels, aquaculture feed, high-value bioactives such as omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, etc. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid present in fish oil, which is of physiological importance to both humans and fish. Marine microalgae are sustainable sources of lipid rich in EPA, and different species have been explored for the production of EPA as a single product. There has been a rising interest in the concept of a multi-product biorefinery, focusing on the maximum valorization of the algal biomass. Targeting one or more value-added compounds in a biorefinery scenario can improve the commercial viability of low-value products such as triglycerides for biofuel. This approach has been viewed by technologists and experts as a sustainable and economically feasible possibility for the large-scale production of microalgae for its potential applications in biodiesel and jet fuel production, nutraceuticals, animal and aquaculture feeds, etc. In this review paper, we describe the recent developments in the production of high-value EPA-rich oil from microalgae, emphasizing the upstream and downstream bioprocess techniques, and the advantages of considering an EPA-rich oil-based biorefinery.
The relationship of endothelial function and arterial stiffness with subclinical target organ damage in essential hypertension
Authors: Sun Yancui , Liu Fei , Zhang Ying , Lu Yan , Su Zhuolin , Ji Haizhe , Cheng Yunpeng , Song Wei , Hidru Tesfaldet H. , Yang Xiaolei , Jiang Yinong
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to explore whether brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) or the interaction of both parameters are associated with subclinical target organ damage (STOD) indices in patients with essential hypertension. A total of 4618 patients registered from January 2015 to October 2020 were included. baPWV and FMD were measured to evaluate arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Whereas left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), urine albumin‐creatinine ratio (UACR), and carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) were obtained as STOD indicators. On multivariable logistic regression analysis with potential confounders, higher quartiles of baPWV and FMD were significantly associated with an increased risk of STOD. In patients <65 years of age, the odds ratio (OR) of LVH, UACR, and CIMT ≥.9 mm for the fourth versus the first quartile of baPWV were 1.765 (1.390–2.240), 2.832 (2.014–3.813), and 3.075 (2.315–4.084), respectively. In interaction analysis, an increase in baPWV shows a progressively higher risk of STOD across the quartiles of FMD. Also, the estimated absolute risks of LVH, UACR, and CIMT ≥.9 mm for the first to fourth quartile of baPWV increased from 1.88 to 2.75, 2.35 to 4.44, and 3.10 to 6.10, respectively, in patients grouped by FMD quartiles. The addition of baPWV to FMD slightly improved risk prediction for STOD. BaPWV and FMD were independently associated with an increased risk of STOD in patients with essential hypertension especially among patients <65 years of age. Patients with elevated baPWV and decreased FMD parameters are at increased risk of STOD.
JAK/STAT: Why choose a classical or an alternative pathway when you can have both?
Authors: Puigdevall Léna , Michiels Camille , Stewardson Clara , Dumoutier Laure
Published: March 2022

A subset of cytokines triggers the JAK‐STAT pathway to exert various functions such as the induction of inflammation and immune responses. The receptors for these cytokines are dimers/trimers of transmembrane proteins devoid of intracellular kinase activity. Instead, they rely on Janus kinases (JAKs) for signal transduction. Classical JAK‐STAT signalling involves phosphorylation of cytokine receptors' intracellular tyrosines, which subsequently serve as docking sites for the recruitment and activation of STATs. However, there is evidence to show that several cytokine receptors also use a noncanonical, receptor tyrosine‐independent path to induce activation of STAT proteins. We identified two main alternative modes of STAT activation. The first involves an association between a tyrosine‐free region of the cytokine receptor and STATs, while the second seems to depend on a direct interaction between JAK and STAT proteins. We were able to identify the use of noncanonical mechanisms by almost a dozen cytokine receptors, suggesting they have some importance. These alternative pathways and the receptors that employ them are discussed in this review.
Psoriasis and metabolic syndrome: implications for the management and treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Wu J.J. , Kavanaugh A. , Lebwohl M.G. , Gniadecki R. , Merola J.F.
Published: March 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder associated with several comorbidities in addition to the characteristic skin lesions. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the most frequent comorbidity in psoriasis and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a major cause of death among patients with psoriasis. Although the exact causal relationship between these two disorders is not fully established, the underlying pathophysiology linking psoriasis and MetS seems to involve overlapping genetic predispositions and inflammatory pathways. Dysregulation of the IL‐23/Th‐17 immune signalling pathway is central to both pathologies and may be key to promoting susceptibility to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in individuals with and without psoriasis. Thus, biological treatments for psoriasis that interrupt these signals could both reduce the psoriatic inflammatory burden and also lessen the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic diseases. In support of this hypothesis, improvement of skin lesions was associated with improvement in vascular inflammation in recent imaging studies, demonstrating that the beneficial effect of biological agents goes beyond the skin and could help to prevent cardiovascular disease. This review will summarize current knowledge on underlying inflammatory mechanisms shared between psoriasis and MetS and discuss the most recent clinical evidence for the potential for psoriasis treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Overweight, obesity and excessive weight gain in pregnancy as risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes: A narrative review
Authors: Langley‐Evans Simon C. , Pearce Jo , Ellis Sarah
Published: March 2022

The global prevalence of overweight and obesity in pregnancy is rising and this represents a significant challenge for the management of pregnancy and delivery. Women who have a pre‐pregnancy body mass index greater than 25 kg m–2are more likely than those with a body mass index in the ideal range (20–24.99 kg m–2) to have problems conceiving a child and are at greater risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. All pregnancy complications are more likely with overweight, obesity and excessive gestational weight gain, including those that pose a significant threat to the lives of mothers and babies. Labour complications arise more often when pregnancies are complicated by overweight and obesity. Pregnancy is a stage of life when women have greater openness to messages about their lifestyle and health. It is also a time when they come into greater contact with health professionals. Currently management of pregnancy weight gain and the impact of overweight tends to be poor, although a number of research studies have demonstrated that appropriate interventions based around dietary change can be effective in controlling weight gain and reducing the risk of pregnancy complications. The development of individualised and flexible plans for avoiding adverse outcomes of obesity in pregnancy will require investment in training of health professionals and better integration into normal antenatal care.