bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive nomogram models for unfavorable prognosis after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Analysis from a prospective, observational cohort in China
Authors: Li Sijia , Zhang Jia , Li Ning , Wang Dandan , Zhao Xingquan
Published: June 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to identify predictors for 3‐month poor functional outcome or death after aSAH and develop precise and easy‐to‐use nomogram models.

Methods

The study was performed at the department of neurology emergency in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. A total of 310 aSAH patients were enrolled between October 2020 and September 2021 as a derivation cohort, while a total of 208 patients were admitted from October 2021 to March 2022 as an external validation cohort. Clinical outcomes included poor functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) of 4–6 or all‐cause death at 3 months. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, as well as multivariable regression analysis, were applied to select independent variables associated with poor functional outcome or death and then to construct two nomogram models. Model performance were evaluated through discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness in both derivation cohort and external validation cohort.

Results

The nomogram model to predict poor functional outcome included seven predictors: age, heart rate, Hunt‐Hess grade on admission, lymphocyte, C‐reactive protein (CRP), platelet, and direct bilirubin levels. It demonstrated high discrimination ability (AUC, 0.845; 95% CI: 0.787–0.903), satisfactory calibration curve, and good clinical usefulness. Similarly, the nomogram model combining age, neutrophil, lymphocyte, CRP, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and treatment methods to predict all‐cause death also revealed excellent discrimination ability (AUC, 0.944; 95% CI: 0.910–0.979), satisfactory calibration curve, and clinical effectiveness. Internal validation showed the bias‐corrected C‐index for poor functional outcome and death was 0.827 and 0.927, respectively. When applied to the external validation dataset, both two nomogram models exhibited high discrimination capacity [poor functional outcome: AUC = 0.795 (0.716–0.873); death: AUC = 0.811 (0.707–0.915)], good calibration ability, and clinical usefulness.

Conclusions

Nomogram models constructed for predicting 3‐month poor functional outcome or death after aSAH are precise and easily applicable, which can help physicians to identify patients at risk, guide decision‐making, and provide new directions for future studies to explore the novel treatment targets.
Christianity, settler colonialism, and resource extraction
Authors: Pranger Jan H.
Published: June 2023

This article explores the relationship between Christianity, extractivism, and Amer‐European settler colonialism. It argues that Amer‐European Christianity is an extractivist religion, with beliefs and practices that are deeply intertwined with an extractivist relationship to the natural world and Indigenous peoples. In conversation with the work of Willie Jennings and exploring the impact of the doctrine of Christian discovery, the extractivist theology of John Locke, and the supersessionist use of divine election and covenant, this article exemplifies how Amer‐European Christianity has shaped and been shaped by settler colonial extractivism. It raises the question whether and how Amer‐European settler Christians may decolonize their extractivist relationship to Indigenous peoples and the natural world by learning from Indigenous peoples in dialogue with the work of the Osage theologian “Tink” Tinker.
Generalized anxiety disorder in Brazilian undergraduate dental students during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fernandez Matheus dos Santos , da Silva Nathalia Ribeiro Jorge , Bielavski Camilla Hubner , da Silva Jandilson Avelino , Silva Alexandre Emidio Ribeiro
Published: June 2023

Objective

Explore the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and associated factors in undergraduate dental students during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Brazil.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional study. A semi‐structured questionnaire addressing the variables of interest was shared with dental students between July 8 and 27 2020. The outcome was determined using the seven‐item generalized anxiety disorder (GAD‐7) scale. A ‘positive’ diagnosis was defined as a total of ≥10 points on the scale. Statistical analysis involved descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses, with the significance level set at 5%.

Results

Among the 1050 students evaluated, 53.8% had a positive diagnosis for GAD. The multivariate analysis revealed that the prevalence of symptoms was higher among individuals who resided with more than three people, those enrolled at teaching institutions that suspended all clinical and laboratory activities, those who did not have an adequate home situation to maintain distance learning, those who had been diagnosed with COVID‐19, those who felt anxious about having to see patients with a suspicion or diagnosis of COVID‐19 and those who preferred to interrupt in‐person academic activities until the population is vaccinated for the COVID‐19 virus.

Conclusion

The prevalence of GAD was high. Aspects related to the composition and organization of the home, the suspension of academic activities, a history of COVID‐19 contamination, feelings of anxiety in providing dental care to patients with symptoms/suspected of COVID‐19 infection and the preference to interrupt in‐person academic activities until the population is vaccinated for COVID‐19 were factors predisposing the students to anxiety during the first wave of the pandemic.
Cyclosporine plus eltrombopag in the treatment of aplastic anemia with or without antithymocyte immunoglobulin: A multicenter real‐world retrospective study
Authors: Chen Miao , Liu Qingchi , Gao Yan , Suo Xiaohui , Ding Xiaoqing , Wang Ling , Li Lihong , Shao Yingqi , Gao Da , Sun Wanling , Tan Yehui , Wang Wei , Ye Fang , Han Bing
Published: June 2023

Aims

To compare cyclosporine (CSA) combining eltrombopag (EPAG) with or without antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in aplastic anemia (AA) patients in the real world.

Methods

AA patients who received ATG combining CSA and EPAG (Group A) and CSA + EPAG (Group B) as front‐line treatment in 13 medical centers in China were enrolled. The efficacy and safety were compared.

Results

A total of 89 patients were enrolled with 51 patients in Group A and 38 patients in Group B. The 6‐month overall response (OR)/complete response (CR) was 73.3%/24.4% and 60.6%/27.3% in Groups A and B (p > .1). For severe AA patients, the 6‐month OR was 74.1% versus 50% and 6‐month CR was 25.9% versus 20% in Groups A and B (p > 0.1). Multivariate analysis showed gender affects the 6‐month OR with females better OR (p = .017, OR 6.045, 95% CI: 1.377–26.546) and time from disease onset to treatment affected the 12‐month CR (p = .026, OR 0.263, 95% CI: 0.081–0.852). No difference was found in side effects except ATG infusion reaction and serum sickness. Mortality was 7.8% in Group A and no patient died in Group B.

Conclusions

CSA + EPAG had a similar response and less side effects compared with standard immunosuppressive therapy + EPAG in newly diagnosed AA.
Cognitive deficits in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Obermann Mark , Gebauer Alexander , Arweiler‐Harbeck Diana , Lang Stephan , Seilheimer Bernd , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Diener Hans‐Christoph , Holle Dagny , Naegel Steffen
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

Previous studies demonstrated cognitive deficits in patients with peripheral vestibulopathy (PVP) with dysfunction of spatial navigation and orientation, but also documented cognitive decline in nonspatial abilities. This study evaluates cognitive deficits in patients with unilateral vestibulopathy (UVP) as well as bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) in multiple cognitive domains using common screening tests to reliably detect these deficits in clinical practice.

Methods

This prospective study compared patients with UVP and BVP to age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC). Tests included the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS), Mini‐Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test Part A and B, Clock Drawing Task, Executive Interview‐25 (EXIT25), Dementia Detection (DemTect), and the Judgment of Line Orientation (JLO). The Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale was used to control for depression. Videonystagmography objectively reconfirmed PVP. The Vertigo Symptoms Scale and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory were used to assess for symptom severity and restrictions of activities of daily living.

Results

Eighty‐one patients (65 UVP, 16 BVP) were compared to 55 HC. Patients showed impairment in ADAS, MMSE, DemTect, EXIT25, and JLO. No differences between UVP and BVP were detected. The relative risk (RR) estimates of developing cognitive deficits following PVP were increased. The RR for the ADAS was higher in BVP (RR = 4.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.87–12.9, p = 0.001) than in UVP (RR = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.65–8.51, p = 0.002), but was similar for the MMSE and DemTect between groups.

Conclusions

Patients with PVP showed deficits in multiple cognitive domains including nonspatial cognitive abilities. Vestibulopathy could be a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment.
Safety of intravenous lacosamide in hospitalized children and neonates
Authors: Fong Susan L. , Utidjian Levon , Kaur Moninder , Abend Nicholas S. , Wainwright Mark S. , Grande Krista M. , Foskett Nadia , Roebling Robert , Guerriero Réjean M. , Jain Badal , Rao Suchitra , Stoltenberg Meredin , Williams Paulette , Yuen Nancy , Dickinson Kimberley , McDonald Jill , Maltenfort Mitchell , Forrest Christopher B.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Seizures are common in critically ill children and neonates, and these patients would benefit from intravenous (IV) antiseizure medications with few adverse effects. We aimed to assess the safety profile of IV lacosamide (LCM) among children and neonates.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter cohort study examined the safety of IV LCM use in 686 children and 28 neonates who received care between January 2009 and February 2020.

Results

Adverse events (AEs) were attributed to LCM in only 1.5% (10 of 686) of children, including rash (n = 3, .4%), somnolence (n = 2, .3%), and bradycardia, prolonged QT interval, pancreatitis, vomiting, and nystagmus (n = 1, .1% each). There were no AEs attributed to LCM in the neonates. Across all 714 pediatric patients, treatment‐emergent AEs occurring in >1% of patients included rash, bradycardia, somnolence, tachycardia, vomiting, feeling agitated, cardiac arrest, tachyarrhythmia, low blood pressure, hypertension, decreased appetite, diarrhea, delirium, and gait disturbance. There were no reports of PR interval prolongation or severe cutaneous adverse reactions. When comparing children who received a recommended versus a higher than recommended initial dose of IV LCM, there was a twofold increase in the risk of rash in the higher dose cohort (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 2.11, 95% confidence interval = 1.02–4.38).

Significance

This large observational study provides novel evidence demonstrating the tolerability of IV LCM in children and neonates.
Engineering the IL‐4/IL‐13 axis for targeted immune modulation
Authors: Bernstein Zachary J. , Shenoy Anjali , Chen Amy , Heller Nicola M. , Spangler Jamie B.
Published: June 2023

The structurally and functionally related interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐13 cytokines play pivotal roles in shaping immune activity. The IL‐4/IL‐13 axis is best known for its critical role in T helper 2 (Th2) cell‐mediated Type 2 inflammation, which protects the host from large multicellular pathogens, such as parasitic helminth worms, and regulates immune responses to allergens. In addition, IL‐4 and IL‐13 stimulate a wide range of innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as non‐hematopoietic cells, to coordinate various functions, including immune regulation, antibody production, and fibrosis. Due to its importance for a broad spectrum of physiological activities, the IL‐4/IL‐13 network has been targeted through a variety of molecular engineering and synthetic biology approaches to modulate immune behavior and develop novel therapeutics. Here, we review ongoing efforts to manipulate the IL‐4/IL‐13 axis, including cytokine engineering strategies, formulation of fusion proteins, antagonist development, cell engineering approaches, and biosensor design. We discuss how these strategies have been employed to dissect IL‐4 and IL‐13 pathways, as well as to discover new immunotherapies targeting allergy, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Looking ahead, emerging bioengineering tools promise to continue advancing fundamental understanding of IL‐4/IL‐13 biology and enabling researchers to exploit these insights to develop effective interventions.
Surface decontamination of explanted peri‐implantitis‐affected implants
Authors: Ichioka Yuki , Derks Jan , Larsson Lena , Berglundh Tord
Published: June 2023

Aim

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of air‐polishing (AP) and a combination of AP and alkaline electrolysed water (AEW) in surface decontamination of explanted peri‐implantitis‐affected implants.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐five patients with 34 dental implants scheduled for explantation due to severe peri‐implantitis were included. Following implant removal, the apical part of each implant was embedded in acrylic blocks. Implants were randomly allocated to surface decontamination using AP with or without AEW. Four implants were left untreated and used as negative controls. Specimens were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Area of residual bacteria was the primary outcome.

Results

SEM analysis revealed that both treatment protocols were effective in biofilm removal and only small proportions of target areas of the implants showed residual bacterial or mineralized deposits. Although differences between the treatment protocols were small, implant thread loci (top/flank/valley), zones of the implant (apical/middle/coronal), implant surface characteristics and gender influenced the results. In addition, EDS analysis showed that zones influenced the atomic% of carbon and calcium and that implant surface characteristics affected the atomic% of titanium.

Conclusions

AP, with or without AEW, is an effective method in removing biofilm from peri‐implantitis‐affected implants.
Recent advances in the immunomodulation mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in liver diseases
Authors: Liu Pingji , Yao Lichao , Hu Xue , Wang Zheng , Xiong Zhiyu , Jiang Yingan
Published: June 2023

Liver fibrosis, acute liver injury or liver failure, liver tumors, and immune rejection after liver transplantation are common clinical liver diseases. Immune responses are the key to determining the prognosis of liver diseases. Liver transplantation could be the last resort for patients with liver failure. However, the use of liver transplantation is limited because of the scarcity of organ donors, immunological rejection in recipients, and high cost. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent adult stem cells with extensive anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulation effects. MSCs can be effectively used for treating liver diseases but without the limitations that are associated with liver transplantation. Therefore, several clinical trials have utilized MSCs for the treatment of refractory liver diseases and the related mechanism is increasingly being elucidated. We have mainly summarized the recent studies that focus on the immunomodulation mechanism of MSC therapy in liver diseases. Further, we have presented our insights on the prospects of using MSCs in the treatment of liver diseases.
Aspects of degradation and translation of the expanded C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat RNA
Authors: Mori Kohji , Gotoh Shiho , Ikeda Manabu
Published: June 2023

An hexanucleotide repeat expansion mutation in the non‐coding region of C9orf72 gene causes frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This mutation is estimated to be the most frequent genetic cause of these currently incurable diseases. Since the mutation causes autosomal dominantly inherited diseases, disease cascade essentially starts from the expanded DNA repeats. However, molecular disease mechanism is inevitably complex because possible toxic entity for the disease is not just functional loss of translated C9ORF72 protein, if any, but potentially includes bidirectionally transcribed expanded repeat containing RNA and their unconventional repeat‐associated non‐AUG translation products in all possible reading frames. Although the field learned so much about the disease since the identification of the mutation in 2011, how the expanded repeat causes a particular type of fronto‐temporal lobe dominant neurodegeneration and/or motor neuron degeneration is not yet clear. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current understandings of molecular mechanism of this repeat expansion mutation with focuses on the degradation and translation of the repeat containing RNA transcripts.

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CYBA allelic variants are associated with severity and recovery in Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Törnell Andreas , Lagerström Nina , Mossberg Natalia , Kiffin Roberta , Farman Helen , Lycke Jan , Andersen Oluf , Axelsson Markus , Hellstrand Kristoffer , Martner Anna
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare, acute neuropathy characterized by ascending muscle weakness. Age, axonal GBS variants, and antecedent Campylobacter jejuni infection are associated with severe GBS, but the detailed mechanisms of nerve damage are only partly explored. Pro‐inflammatory myeloid cells express NADPH oxidases (NOX) that generate tissue‐toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. This study analyzed the impact of variants of the gene encoding the functional NOX subunit CYBA (p22phox) on acute severity, axonal damage, and recovery in adult GBS patients.

Methods

Extracted DNA from 121 patients was genotyped for allelic variation at rs1049254 and rs4673 within CYBA using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Serum neurofilament light chain was quantified by single molecule array. Patients were followed for severity and motor function recovery for up to 13 years.

Results

CYBA genotypes linked to reduced formation of ROS, i.e. rs1049254/G and rs4673/A, were significantly associated with unassisted ventilation, shorter time to normalization of serum neurofilament light chain and shorter time to regained motor function. Residual disability at follow‐up was confined to patients carrying CYBA alleles associated with high formation of ROS.

Interpretation

These findings implicate NOX‐derived ROS in GBS pathophysiology and CYBA alleles as biomarkers of severity.
Exploring the impact of nursing home managers' leadership on staff job satisfaction, health and intention to leave in nursing homes
Authors: Backman Annica , Lindkvist Marie , Lövheim Hugo , Sjögren Karin , Edvardsson David
Published: June 2023

Aims and Objectives

To explore the impact of nursing home leadership and staffing characteristics on staff job satisfaction, health and intention to leave.

Background

The number of older people has outpaced growth in the nursing home workforce worldwide. Identifying predictors with the potential to positively impact staff job satisfaction, health and intentions to leave are important. Leadership of the nursing home manager can be one such predictor.

Design

Cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A sample of 2985 direct care staff in 190 nursing homes in 43 randomly selected municipalities in Sweden completed surveys on leadership, job satisfaction, self‐rated health and intention to leave (response rate 52%). Descriptive statistics and Generalised Estimating Equations were conducted. The STROBE reporting checklist was applied.

Results

Nursing home managers' leadership was positively related to job satisfaction, self‐rated health and low intention to leave. Lower staff educational levels were related to poorer health and lower job satisfaction.

Conclusions

Nursing home leadership plays a significant role in the job satisfaction, self‐reported health and intention to leave of direct care staff. Low education levels among staff seem to negatively influence staff health and job satisfaction, suggesting that educational initiatives for less‐educated staff could be beneficial for improving staff health and job satisfaction.

Relevance to clinical practice

Managers seeking to improve staff job satisfaction can consider how they support, coach and provide feedback. Recognising staff achievement at work can contribute to high job satisfaction. One important implication for managers is to offer continuing education to staff with lower or no education, given the large amount of uneducated direct care workers in aged care and the impact this may have on staff job satisfaction and health.

No patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution was required to outcome measures in this study. Direct care staff and managers contributed with data.
Revisiting the maintenance of wakefulness test: from intra‐/inter‐scorer agreement to normative values in patients treated for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Tankéré Pierre , Taillard Jacques , Armeni Marc‐Antoine , Petitjean Thierry , Berthomier Christian , Strauss Mélanie , Peter‐Derex Laure
Published: June 2023

The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test is widely used to objectively assess sleepiness and make safety‐related decisions, but its interpretation is subjective and normative values remain debated. Our work aimed to determine normative thresholds in non‐subjectively sleepy patients with well‐treated obstructive sleep apnea, and to assess intra‐ and inter‐scorer variability. We included maintenance of wakefulness tests of 141 consecutive patients with treated obstructive sleep apnea (90% men, mean (SD) age 47.5 (9.2) years, mean (SD) pre‐treatment apnea–hypopnea index of 43.8 (20.3) events/h). Sleep onset latencies were independently scored by two experts. Discordant scorings were reviewed to reach a consensus and half of the cohort was double‐scored by each scorer. Intra‐ and inter‐scorer variability was assessed using Cohen's kappa for 40, 33, and 19 min mean sleep latency thresholds. Consensual mean sleep latencies were compared between four groups according to subjective sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score < versus ≥11) and residual apnea–hypopnea index (< versus ≥15 events/h). In well‐treated non‐sleepy patients (n = 76), the consensual mean (SD) sleep latency was 38.4 (4.2) min (lower normal limit [mean – 2SD] = 30 min), and 80% of them did not fall asleep. Intra‐scorer agreement on mean sleep latency was high but inter‐scorer was only fair (Cohen's kappa 0.54 for 33‐min threshold, 0.27 for 19‐min threshold), resulting in changes in latency category in 4%–12% of patients. A higher sleepiness score but not the residual apnea–hypopnea index was significantly associated with a lower mean sleep latency. Our findings suggest a higher than usually accepted normative threshold (30 min) in this context and emphasise the need for more reproducible scoring approaches.
Role of EpCAM+ CD133+ extracellular vesicles in steatosis to steatohepatitis transition in NAFLD
Authors: Muñoz‐Hernández Rocío , Gato Sheila , Gil‐Gómez Antonio , Aller Rocío , Rojas Angela , Morán Laura , Gallego Javier , Blázquez‐López Elena , Gallego‐Durán Rocío , Montero‐Vallejo Rocío , García‐Fernández Vanessa , Maya‐Miles Douglas , Rico María del C , Cubero Francisco J , Vaquero Javier , Ampuero Javier , Bañares Rafael , Romero‐Gómez Manuel
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a potential source of circulating biomarkers in liver disease. We evaluated circulating AV+ EpCAM+ CD133+ EVs as a potential biomarker of the transition from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis.

Methods

EpCAM and CD133 liver proteins and EpCAM+ CD133+ EVs levels were analysed in 31 C57BL/6J mice fed with a chow or high fat, high cholesterol and carbohydrates diet (HFHCC) for 52 weeks. The hepatic origin of MVs was addressed using AlbCrexmT/mG mice fed a Western (WD) or Dual diet for 23 weeks. Besides, we assessed plasma MVs in 130 biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients.

Results

Hepatic expression of EpCAM and CD133 and EpCAM+ CD133+ EVs increased during disease progression in HFHCC mice. GFP+ MVs were higher in AlbCrexmT/mG mice fed a WD (5.2% vs 12.1%) or a Dual diet (0.5% vs 7.3%). Most GFP+ MVs were also positive for EpCAM and CD133 (98.3% and 92.9% respectively), suggesting their hepatic origin. In 71 biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients, EpCAM+ CD133+ EVs were significantly higher in those with steatohepatitis compare to those with simple steatosis (286.4 ± 61.9 vs 758.4 ± 82.3; p < 0.001). Patients with ballooning 367 ± 40.6 vs 532.0 ± 45.1; p = 0.01 and lobular inflammation (321.1 ± 74.1 vs 721.4 ± 80.1; p = 0.001), showed higher levels of these EVs. These findings were replicated in an independent cohort.

Conclusions

Circulating levels of EpCAM+ CD133+ MVs in clinical and experimental NAFLD were increased in the presence of steatohepatitis, showing high potential as a non‐invasive biomarker for the evaluation and management of these patients.
Trade Competitiveness, Constituency Interests, and Legislators' Attitudes Towards Trade Agreements
Authors: Dür Andreas , Huber Robert A. , Stiller Yannick
Published: June 2023

We argue that legislators’ trade attitudes reflect constituents’ economic interests. Concretely, we expect that legislators from districts that are highly competitive in international trade should be more supportive of trade agreements than legislators from noncompetitive districts. The strength of this relationship should be lower in multimember districts and for right‐wing legislators. Data based on surveys with 3,576 legislators from 16 Latin American countries and 48 legislative periods between 2005 and 2019 allow us to test these expectations. The surveys captured legislators’ attitudes towards trade agreements between their countries and the United States and the European Union, respectively, and the Pacific Alliance. We measure districts’ trade competitiveness with an innovative combination of household survey and trade data. The evidence supports all three expectations. The findings contribute to research on trade policymaking, public opinion towards trade, and legislator behavior.
Comparative prevalence of oral bacteria and protozoa in patients with periodontitis in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yu Chun , Huang Jian Ming , Chang Ying‐Ying , Yuan Kuo , Lin Wei Chen , Ting Chun Chan
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by bacteria present in the dental biofilm. However, the presence of two oral protozoans, Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax, in patients with the periodontal disease remains largely unknown in Taiwan. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of oral microbial infections between the sites with mild gingivitis and chronic periodontitis in patients.

Materials and Methods

We collected 60 dental biofilm samples from sites with mild gingivitis (probing depth <5 mm) and chronic periodontitis (probing depth ≥5 mm) from 30 patients at the National Cheng Kung University Hospital. The samples were analyzed via polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis.

Results

Among oral protozoans, E. gingivalis and T. tenax were detected in 44 (74.07%) and 14 (23.33%) of all samples, respectively. Among oral bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia were detected in 50 (83.33%), 47 (78.33%), and 48 (80.0%) samples, respectively.

Conclusions

This study, which is the first to analyze E. gingivalis and T. tenax presence among patients with periodontitis in Taiwan, revealed an association between periodontitis and oral microbes.
Ethics of care in technology‐mediated healthcare practices: A scoping review
Authors: Ramvi Ellen , Hellstrand Ingvil , Jensen Ida Bruheim , Gripsrud Birgitta Haga , Gjerstad Brita
Published: June 2023

Background

Introducing new technologies into healthcare practices may challenge professionals' traditional care cultures. The aim of this review was to map how the ‘ethics of care’ theoretical framework informs empirical studies of technology‐mediated healthcare.

Method

A scoping review was performed using eight electronic databases: CINAHL with full text, Academic Search Premier, MEDLINE, the Philosopher's Index, SocINDEX with Full Text, SCOPUS, APA PsycInfo and Web of Science. This was followed by citation tracking, and articles were assessed against the inclusion criteria.

Results

Of the 443 initial articles, 18 met the criteria and were included. We found that nine of the articles used the concept of ‘ethics of care’ (herein used interchangeably with the terms ‘feminist ethics’ or ‘relational ethics’) insubstantially. The remaining nine articles deployed care ethics (or its equivalent) substantially as an integrated theoretical framework and analytical tool. We found that several articles suggested an expansion of ethics of care to encompass technologies as part of contemporary care. Furthermore, ethics of care contributed to the empirical research by recognising both new relationships between patients and healthcare professionals as well as new ethical challenges.

Conclusion

Ethics of care is sparsely used as a theoretical framework in empirical studies of technology‐mediated healthcare practices. The use of ethics of care in technology‐mediated care brings new dilemmas, relational tensions and vulnerabilities to the foreground. For ethics of care to be used more explicit in empirical studies, it is important that it is recognised by research community as an adequate, universal ethical theory.
Do we practice what we preach? Dialysis modality choice among healthcare workers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hamer Rizwan , Hameed Awais , Damery Sarah , Jenkins Karen , Dasgupta Indranil , Baharani Jyoti
Published: June 2023

Background

In the United Kingdom, over 80% of end‐stage kidney disease patients receive in‐center hemodialysis. We conducted a survey of UK renal healthcare workers on their preferred dialysis modality if they needed dialysis themselves.

Methods

An anonymized online survey was disseminated to all renal healthcare workers in the United Kingdom. We asked “Assume you are an otherwise well 40‐year‐old (and, separately, 75‐year‐old) person approaching end stage kidney disease, you have no living kidney donor options at present. There are no contraindications to any dialysis options. Which dialysis therapy would you choose?” We also asked about factors influencing their choice.

Results

858 individuals with a median age of 44.3 years responded. 70.2% were female, 37.4% doctors, and 31.1% were senior nurses. There was a preference for peritoneal dialysis over in‐center hemodialysis (50.47% v. 6.18%; p < 0.001 for 40‐year‐old and 49.18% v. 17.83%; p < 0.001 for 75‐year‐old assumption) and home hemodialysis (50.47% v. 39.28%; p < 0.001 for 40‐year‐old and 49.18% v. 18.41% for 75‐year‐old assumption). There was a preference for home hemodialysis over in‐center hemodialysis for 40‐year‐old (39.28% v. 6.18%; p < 0.001) but not for 75‐year‐old. On logistic regression, senior doctors were more likely to opt for PD when compared to nurses. Nurses, allied healthcare professionals, and those of Asian/British Asian ethnicity were more likely to choose in‐center hemodialysis.

Conclusions

Most healthcare workers in renal medicine would choose home‐based treatment for themselves although the majority of end‐stage kidney disease patients receive in‐center hemodialysis in the United Kingdom; the reasons for the discrepancy need to be explored.
Efficacy of topical versus oral analgesic medication compared to a placebo in injured athletes: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Nudo Stefania , Jimenez‐Garcia John Alexander , Dover Geoffrey
Published: June 2023

Background

Athletes are injured frequently and often take analgesic medication. Moreover, athletes commonly use non‐prescription topical and oral medications with little guidance. Despite wide use, relatively few studies exist on the efficacy of pain medication in injured athletes compared to a placebo.

Objective

To determine efficacy of topical or oral medications in pain reduction compared to a placebo in injured athletes.

Study Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

We conducted an electronic search using Medline/Pubmed, Web of Science, Ovid, and SportDiscus for all literature relating to topical or oral medications in athletes for pain management post‐injury. Two reviewers screened the studies and measured their quality. To determine efficacy, we calculated the Hedges' g value.

We created forest plots with 95% CI to graphically summarize the meta‐analyses.

Results

There was a significant pooled effect size reflecting a reduction in pain outcomes for the topical treatment versus placebo (g = −0.64; 95% CI [−0.89, −0.39]; p < 0.001). There was not a significant reduction in pain outcomes for the oral treatment versus placebo (g = −0.26; 95% CI [−0.60, 0.17]; p = 0.272).

Conclusion

Topical medications were significantly better at reducing pain compared to oral medications versus a placebo in injured athletes. These results are different when compared to other studies that used experimentally induced pain versus musculoskeletal injuries. The results from our study suggest that athletes should use topical medications for pain reduction, as it is more effective, and there are less reported adverse effects compared to oral medication.
Opportunities for Advancing Relationship Marketing and Social Media Research
Authors: Achen Rebecca M.
Published: June 2023

Since the creation of social media platforms, sport researchers have used relationship marketing as a conceptual and theoretical framework for studies on social media in sport. While many of these studies have contributed to our understanding of relationship building on social media, there is much room for advancement. This special-issue commentary provides a brief overview of the scholarship on relationship marketing and social media in sport and then suggests areas for advancement. It ends with specific recommendations for moving from using relationship marketing as a framework to testing the theory in sport social media research and expanding on its application to understanding relationship building on social media in sport.
Social Media Scholarship in Sport Studies and College Athletes’ Name, Image, and Likeness Opportunities
Authors: Kian Edward M. , Zimmerman Matthew
Published: June 2023

The passage of name, image, and likeness (NIL) laws in individual states within the United States has provided intercollegiate athletes opportunities to potentially profit from their personal NIL in a free marketplace. Concurrently, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) also allowed college athletes to utilize their NIL rights. Thus far, most college athletes’ NIL deals for payments are for posts on the athletes’ own social media channels for products, including their own self-promotion in relation to brands, or promotion of brands such as fast food and auto dealerships. Notably, published scholarly work on NIL itself is sparse since it was not until 2021 that the NCAA enacted NIL rules for college athletes. Published scholarship on NIL and social media is even rarer. Therefore, this commentary provides recommendations for potential future scholarship related to NIL and social media, focusing on three potential frameworks: (a) agenda setting, (b) relationship marketing, and (c) personal branding.
Longitudinal Analysis of Stakeholder Attitudes Toward External Review of Sport Management Master’s Degree Programs
Authors: Dane-Staples Emily , Burakowski Katharine A.
Published: June 2023

The trio of assessment, accreditation, and accountability is at the forefront of higher education today. National organizations serving specific disciplines often establish curricular elements, review degree programs, and provide external accountability of program quality. Sport management has had two external review options in its history, yet few studies have addressed stakeholder attitudes toward these options. Using longitudinal data, this study explored attitudes and familiarity of external review and the impact that formalized accreditation has had on sport management master’s programs. Reasons for seeking or refraining from external review remained consistent, as did familiarity with external-review standards. Results suggested a general satisfaction with the evolution from the Sport Management Program Review Council to the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).
Enterococcus faecalis Strains with Compromised CRISPR-Cas Defense Emerge under Antibiotic Selection for a CRISPR-Targeted Plasmid
Authors: Huo Wenwen , Price Valerie J. , Sharifi Ardalan , Zhang Michael Q. , Palmer Kelli L.
Published: June 2023

Enterococcus faecalis
is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections and disseminator of antibiotic resistance plasmids among Gram-positive bacteria. We have previously shown that
E. faecalis
strains with an active CRISPR-Cas system can prevent plasmid acquisition and thus limit the transmission of antibiotic resistance determinants.
Hyperphosphorylation of the Group A Streptococcal Control of Virulence Regulator Increases Promoter Occupancy Specifically at Virulence Factor-Encoding Genes
Authors: Horstmann Nicola , Tran Chau Nguyen , Flores Anthony R. , Shelburne Samuel A.
Published: June 2023

Given its key role in pathogenesis of Gram-positive bacteria, CovR is one of the most important members of the OmpR/PhoB family of transcriptional regulators. Herein we extend recent GAS CovR global binding analyses done in
emm1
to a non-
emm1
strain, which is important considering the known inter-
emm
-type heterogeneity in GAS CovRS function.
Microbiomes of Blood-Feeding Triatomines in the Context of Their Predatory Relatives and the Environment
Authors: Tarabai Hassan , Floriano Anna Maria , Zima Jan , Filová Natalia , Brown Joel J. , Roachell Walter , Smith Robert L. , Beatty Norman L. , Vogel Kevin J. , Nováková Eva
Published: June 2023

This study places microbiomes of blood-feeding North American
Triatoma
vectors (Reduviidae) into a broader evolutionary and ecological context provided by related predatory assassin bugs (Reduviidae), another unrelated vector species (soft tick
Ornithodoros turicata
), and the environment these arthropods coinhabit. For both vectors, microbiome analyses suggest three interrelated sources of bacteria, i.e., the microbiome of vertebrate nests as their natural habitat, the vertebrate skin microbiome, and the pathobiome circulating in vertebrate blood.
A Saliva-Based Serological and Behavioral Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Prevalence in Howard County, Maryland
Authors: Brown Alan C. , Koshute Phillip T. , Cowley Hannah P. , Robinette Michael S. , Gravelyn Sarah R. , Patel Shraddha V. , Ju Eunice Y. , Frommer Carolyn T. , Zambidis Alexander E. , Schneider Eric J. , Zhao Martina Y. , Mugo Benny K. , Clarke William , Kruczynski Kate , Pisanic Nora , Heaney Christopher D. , Colella Teresa A.
Published: June 2023

We employed a highly innovative noninvasive multiplex oral fluid SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay to ascertain our seroprevalence estimates. This laboratory-developed test has been applied in NCI’s SeroNet consortium, possesses high sensitivity and specificity according to FDA Emergency Use Authorization guidelines, correlates strongly with SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody responses, and is Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-approved by the Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Pathology.
Comparative Analysis of Antimicrobial Antibodies between Mild and Severe COVID-19
Authors: Qiu Ji , Engelbrektson Anna , Song Lusheng , Park Jin , Murugan Vel , Williams Stacy , Chung Yunro , Pompa-Mera Ericka Nelly , Sandoval-Ramirez Jorge Luis , Mata-Marin Jose Antonio , Gaytan-Martinez Jesus , Troiani Eliana , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Roncada Paola , Urbani Andrea , Moretti Giacomo , Torres Javier , LaBaer Joshua
Published: June 2023

The clinical presentations of COVID-19 range from asymptomatic to critical illness that may lead to intensive care or even death. The health of the immune system, as partially shaped by past infections or vaccinations, is critical to control and resolve the infection.
Traversable wormhole models supported by a string cloud in rainbow gravity
Authors: Sheikh Umber , Arshad Sana , Pincak Richard
Published: June 2023

The traversable wormholes are fascinating as the shortcuts in space–time. This work discusses the geometry of a traversable wormhole with a string cloud as a source in rainbow gravity. The field equations are developed and solved to obtain the wormhole’s shape function, cloud’s mass density, and string tension. We have calculated the shape function and made it specific to study the dynamics for toy model. Based on the three well-known pairs of rainbow functions (mentioned by Ali and Khalil), the string cloud’s dynamical variables including mass density and string tension are graphically presented. The corresponding energy conditions are also visually depicted. It is found that the source matter (string cloud) of the traversable wormhole must be exotic. However, the positive values of the string tension led to the presence of Casimir and dark energy effects. It is found that the toy model respects the null energy condition for a single pair of rainbow functions, i.e., Rainbow Function Type II. We have concluded that in rainbow gravity theory, the traversable wormhole solutions originating from a string cloud requires the presence of exotic matter to achieve a stable structure.
Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration associated with Integrated Crop–Livestock–Forestry (ICLF) systems
Authors: Leite Fernanda Figueiredo Granja Dorilêo , Nóbrega Gabriel Nuto , Baumgärtner Lana Cristina , Alecrim Fabiano Barbosa , da Silveira Júlia Graziela , Cordeiro Renato Campello , Rodrigues Renato de Aragão Ribeiro
Published: June 2023

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Agriculture, Forest, and Other Land Use sector account for 23% of net global anthropogenic emissions. However, effective conservation agriculture practices can sequester carbon (C) up to 1 m in soil depth and vegetation biomass. Integrated Crop–Livestock–Forestry (ICLF) systems attempt to ensure sustainable agricultural production by combining various agricultural, livestock, and forestry production systems. This bibliographic review aims to present and discuss ICLF systems and their advantages and disadvantages compared with conventional systems, achieving a better understanding of the sources and sinks of GHGs (CH4, N2O, and CO2). Integrated systems exist in tropical and temperate climates with different practices, arrangements, designs, and modalities. Intercropping species with different root structures provides more ecological interactions that enhance biodiversity, soil quality, and C sequestration while reducing GHG emissions. Yet, ICLF systems are complex and require technical assistance and support for being implemented, besides an extensive initial investment that increases the cost of operation. A relevant carbon sink in ICLF systems is carbon from tree biomass, where the wood can be used for various purposes. Timber for sawmills and general construction has a longer C immobilization time. Methane from enteric fermentation is the greatest contributor to GHG emissions in livestock and ICLF systems. Nitrous oxide is released primarily from synthetic fertilizers (when applied), manure deposited on pastures, and the decomposition of plant residues. Carbon dioxide is emitted to a lesser extent from the application of lime and urea. Many studies do not include all compartments in the C balance and often focus on only one GHG or compartment of C. Accordingly, more studies on the sources and sinks of C and their potential to offset GHG emissions in terms of CO2 equivalent are urged.
Compactified extra dimension and entanglement island as clues to quantum gravity
Authors: Hung Tran N. , Nam Cao H.
Published: June 2023

We show that the compactified extra dimension and the emergence of the island can provide clues about quantum gravity because their combination can solve the deepest puzzles of black hole physics. Suppose that the time dimension and the extra dimension compactified on a circle are symmetric under double Wick rotation, the curvature singularity would be removed due to the end of spacetime as a smooth bubble hidden behind the event horizon. The smooth bubble geometries can also be interpreted as microstates leading to the Bekenstein–Hawking entropy because the smooth bubble geometries live in the same region of mass and charge as the black string. In addition, by applying the quantum extremal surface prescription, we show the emergence of the island at late times of the black string evaporation where it is located slightly outside the event horizon. Due to the dominant contribution of the island configuration, the entanglement entropy of the radiation grows no longer linearly in time but it reaches a finite value that is twice the Bekenstein–Hawking entropy at the leading order. This transition shows the information preservation during the black string evaporation. Furthermore, we calculate the Page time which determines the moment of the transition between the linearly growing and constant behaviors of the entanglement entropy as well as the scrambling time corresponding to the information recovery time of the signal falling into the black string.
Polarised neutron scattering from dynamic polarised nuclei 1972–2022
Authors: Stuhrmann Heinrich B.
Published: June 2023

With the inauguration of the small-angle instrument D11 of the Institute Laue–Langevin (ILL) in September 1972 neutron scattering revolutionized methods of contrast variation. Very soon D11 was oversubscribed by proposals relying on isotopic substitution of hydrogen isotopes. At the same time in Oxford first experiments of polarised neutron diffraction from dynamic polarised protons in lanthanum magnesium nitrate crystals demonstrated the great utility of this approach. In the early eighties a new type of polarised target material led to a boom of contrast variation by nuclear polarisation. The new samples of frozen solutions of macromolecules lent themselves to small-angle scattering. Often in collaboration with research centres of High Energy Physics various groups in Europe and Japan started experiments of polarized neutron scattering from dynamic polarised protons. Techniques of NMR and EPR considerably enlarged the spectrum of nuclear contrast variation. This is shown with time-resolved polarised neutron scattering from dynamic polarized proton spins of a free radical and of tyrosyl doped catalase using D22 at the ILL.

Graphical abstract
Planck formula for the gluon parton distribution in the proton
Authors: Bellantuono Loredana , Bellotti Roberto , Buccella Franco
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we describe the gluon parton distribution function (PDF) in the proton, deduced by data from the ATLAS and HERA experiments, in the framework of the parton statistical model. The best fit parameters involved in the Planck formula that describes the gluon distribution are consistent with the results obtained from analysis of LHC deep inelastic proton–proton scattering processes. Remarkably, the agreement between the statistical model and the experimental gluon distributions is obtained with the same value of the “temperature” parameter [Formula: see text] found by fitting the valence parton distributions from deep inelastic scattering. This result corroborates the validity of the statistical approach in the gluon sector.