bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lopsided lobbying? Regulatory opportunism and the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying
Authors: Fry Noah
Published: February 2022

This article traces the institutional trajectory of the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying (OCL). It is argued that political elites’ electoral prioritization, foremost demonstrated within theLobbying Act, has undermined the OCL in its mission toward a balanced and transparent lobbying system. Politicians have demonstrated a form of regulatory opportunism in which change is filtered by electoral calculations. Gaps in the Commissioner’s authority, the registration floor, and the scope of communication reporting stand out as enabling features. The article’s findings suggest greater attention should be devoted to monitoring the minutiae of regulations and the gravity of electoral calculations in regulatory reform.
Exploring the experiences of black, indigenous and racialized graduate students: The classroom as a space of alterity, hostility and pedagogical labour
Authors: Park Augustine SJ , Bahia Jasmeet
Published: February 2022

Based on 22 semi‐structured interviews, this article explores the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) graduate students in the social sciences and humanities at a medium‐sized comprehensive university in Canada. This article explores how racialization and colonialism shape the experiences of BIPOC graduate students in the graduate‐level classroom. BIPOC students may experience the classroom as a space of alterity, where they are made to feel alien and are pushed to represent their entire group; as a space of hostility where they encounter stereotypes and microaggressions; and, as a space in which they are burdened with emotionally‐taxing pedagogical labour to educate peers and faculty on issues of race and colonialism. However, BIPOC students also engage in resistance, especially refusing the burdens associated with racism and colonialism and find strength in solidarity with other BIPOC students.
Lung adenocarcinoma–derived vWF promotes tumor metastasis by regulating PHKG1‐mediated glycogen metabolism
Authors: Gu Jiayi , Qi Yingxue , Lu Yuxin , Tao Qianying , Yu Die , Jiang Chunchun , Liu Jianwen , Liang Xin
Published: February 2022

Tumor metastasis is a series of complicated biological events. Hematogenous metastasis mediated by von Willebrand factor (vWF) is critical in tumor metastasis. However, the source of vWF and its role in tumor metastasis are controversial, and the further mechanism involved in mediating tumor metastasis is still unclear. In this study, we first demonstrated that lung adenocarcinoma cells could express vWF de novo and promotes tumor metastasis. Through the analysis of transcriptome sequencing, the metastasis promotion effect of vWF may be related to phosphorylase kinase subunit G1 (PHKG1), a catalytic subtype of phosphorylase kinase (PhK). PHKG1 was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma patients and led to poor prognosis. Further experiments found that lung adenocarcinoma–derived vWF induced the upregulation of PHKG1 through the PI3K/AKT pathway to promote glycogenolysis. Glycogen was funneled into glycolysis, leading to increased metastasis. Tumor metastasis assayed in vitro and in vivo showed that knockdown of PHKG1 or synergistic injection of phosphorylase inhibition based on the overexpression of vWF could inhibit metastasis. In summary, our research proved that lung adenocarcinoma–derived vWF may mediate tumor metastasis by regulating PHKG1 to promote glycogen metabolism and suggested potential targets for inhibition of lung adenocarcinoma metastasis.
Porocarcinoma: a review
Authors: Joshy Jilse , Mistry Khaylen , Levell Nick J. , Bodegraven Birgitta , Vernon Sally , Rajan Neil , Craig Paul , Venables Zoe Claire
Published: February 2022

From the first report in 1969 to the present day, diagnosis of eccrine porocarcinoma, also known simply as porocarcinoma (PC), remains a challenge. This review presents a concise update of the history, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, management and prognosis of this rare sweat gland neoplasm. PC differentiates towards the intraepidermal spiral ducts in the eccrine gland, is more common in people aged > 60 years and often affects the head, neck and legs. PC presents as a dome-shaped papule, plaque or nodule growing over weeks to months. The exact incidence of PC is unknown but appears to be rising. Diagnosis is difficult because of variable presentations and similar clinical and histological features to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Management involves removal of the tumour, usually using wide local excision or Mohs micrographic surgery. Prognosis is poor, with PC recurring after surgery in 35% of cases. Given the lack of standardized protocols and risk profiles, further studies would help improve the understanding of PC.
Celebrating 20 years of the UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network. Part 2: education, training and capacity building
Authors: Layfield Carron P. , Williams Hywel C. ,   On behalf of the UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network
Published: February 2022

In Part 1 of this 2-part review of the 20th anniversary of the UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network (UK DCTN), we described its role in developing and supporting clinical trial proposals, elaborating on structure, process and clinical trials activity. This review describes the diverse educational and training activities that the UK DCTN supports. Although not primarily set up as an educational organization, an education and training function emerged organically as the network grew. Education and training also embodies the democratization principle that drove the formation of the UK DCTN, allowing participation from a much wider group of individuals than just senior academics. Far from being a sideline, education and training has now become a major component of the UK DCTN that evolves constantly through changing training curricula and trial methodology developments. Formal UK DCTN training opportunities started in 2007 with competitively awarded annual fellowships for dermatology trainees, followed by similar schemes for general practitioners, Staff and Associate Specialist clinicians and dermatology nurses. These were followed in 2013 by larger groups of trainees who work up specific trial proposals with senior mentors. Finally, a virtual journal club emerged during the pandemic in 2020 in order to reach trainees with little access to academic training. Focused activities with dermatological nurses and patients/carers also take place. Such activities require considerable organization and volunteerism from the co-ordinating centre and former fellows. Education and training has become an essential component for capacity building to develop clinical trials and succession planning for the UK DCTN.
Method of Assessing Skin Cancerization and KeratosesTM (MASCK™): development and photographic validation in multiple anatomical sites of a novel assessment tool intended for clinical evaluation of patients with extensive skin field cancerization
Authors: Baker Christopher , James Amelia , Supranowicz Madeleine , Spelman Lynda , Shumack Stephen , Cole Judith , Weightman Warren , Sinclair Robert , Foley Peter
Published: February 2022

Background

A range of ‘field-directed’ treatments is available for the management of extensive skin field cancerization (ESFC), but to date, the only validated objective quantitative tools are limited to assessment of actinic keratoses (AKs) affecting the head.

Aims

To develop a versatile quantitative instrument for objective clinical assessment of ESFC and perform initial internal validation across multiple anatomical zones.

Methods

The study comprised instrument development, pilot testing and instrument refinement and two rounds of reliability and inter-rater validation testing. The study was noninterventional and used a convenience sample of de-identified patient photographs selected based on preset criteria. An expert panel developed the instrument and scoring system via a modified Delphi voting process. A sample of 16 healthcare professionals from multiple specialties undertook the pilot testing, and a panel of seven dermatologists were involved in validation testing. Validation was determined by assessment of overall inter-rater agreement using Gwet chance-corrected agreement coefficients (ACs).

Results

The instrument produced, called the Method for Assessing Skin Cancer and Keratoses™ (MASCK™), comprises the Skin Field Cancerization Index (SFCIndex), derived from area of skin involvement and AKs (number and thickness), a global assessment score and a cancer-in-zone score, and uses Likert scales for quantitative scoring. The SFCIndex is a composite score comprising the number and thickness of AKs multiplied by area of skin involvement. ACs for the SFCIndex components, the overall SFCIndex score and the global assessment score were > 0.80 (rated ‘almost perfect’) while the AC for the cancer-in-zone metric was lower (0.33, rated ‘fair’). Internal consistency was demonstrated via positive correlation between the overall SFCIndex score and the global assessment score.

Conclusions

Our study found near-perfect agreement in inter-rater reliability when using MASCK to assess the severity of ESFC in multiple anatomical sites. Further validation of this novel instrument is planned to specifically assess its reliability, utility and feasibility in clinical practice.
Persistent weight gain between 0 and 4 years of age is associated with higher dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels at 7 years old: Data from the Generation XXI birth cohort
Authors: Santos‐Silva Rita , Fontoura Manuel , Guimarães João T. , Severo Milton , Barros Henrique , Santos Ana Cristina
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess the influence of longitudinal weight gain from 0 to 4 years old on dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels at 7 years old.

Design

DHEAS levels were measured at 7 years old in a subsample of 587 children from the Generation XXI birth cohort. Weight trajectories (0–4 years of age) were identified using model‐based clustering and categorized as “normal weight gain,” “weight gain during infancy,” “weight gain during childhood” and “persistent weight gain.”

Measurements

Differences in DHEAS levels at age 7 between the four weight trajectories were analysed through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusted for birth weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI).

Results

In the crude analysis, compared with the “normal weight gain” trajectory (5.53 (95% CI: 5.10–5.98] µmol/L), DHEAS levels were significantly higher in children in the “persistent weight gain” (8.75 [95% CI: 7.23–10.49] µmol/L, p < .001] and in children in the “weight gain during infancy” trajectories (7.68 [95% CI: 6.22–9.49] µmol/L, p = .021] and marginally significantly higher in children in the “weight gain during childhood” trajectory (6.89 (95% CI: 5.98–8.00) µmol/L; p = .052). In BW‐ and BMI‐adjusted model, a statistically significant difference in DHEAS levels was found between the “persistent weight gain” (7.93 [95% CI: 6.43–9.86] µmol/L) and the “normal weight gain” trajectories ([5.75 [95% CI: 5.32–6.23] µmol/L; p = .039).

Conclusion

Higher DHEAS levels are found in 7‐year‐old children following a trajectory of persistent weight gain from 0 to 4 years, independently of their BW or current BMI, highlighting the impact of exposure to overweight in the first years of life on prepubertal adrenal androgen production.
Preoperative imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism: Are 11C‐Choline PET/CT and 99mTc‐MIBI/123Iodide subtraction SPECT/CT interchangeable or do they supplement each other?
Authors: Christensen Julie W. , Ismail Afefah , Søndergaard Susanne B. , Bennedbæk Finn N. , Nygaard Birte , Jensen Lars T. , Trolle Waldemar , Holst‐Hahn Christoffer , Zerahn Bo , Kristensen Bent , Krakauer Martin
Published: February 2022

Objective

Preoperative location of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands (HPGs) is vital when planning minimally invasive surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Dual‐isotope subtraction scintigraphy with 99mTc‐MIBI/123Iodide using SPECT/CT and planar pinhole imaging (Di‐SPECT) has shown high sensitivity, but is challenged by high radiation dose, time consumption and cost. 11C‐Choline PET/CT (faster with a lower radiation dose) is non‐inferior to Di‐SPECT. We aim to clarify to what extent the two are interchangeable and how often there are discrepancies.

Design

This is a prospective, GCP‐controlled cohort study.

Patients and Measurements

One hundred patients diagnosed with PHPT were included and underwent both imaging modalities before parathyroidectomy. Clinical implications of differences between imaging findings and negative imaging results were assessed. Surgical findings confirmed by biochemistry and pathology served as reference standard.

Results

Among the 90 patients cured by parathyroidectomy, sensitivity was 82% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74%–88%) and 87% (95% CI: 79%–92%) for Choline PET and Di‐SPECT, respectively, p = .88. In seven cases at least one imaging modality found no HPG. Of these, neither modality found any true HPGs and only two were cured by surgery. When a positive finding in one modality was incorrect, the alternative modality was correct in approximately half of the cases.

Conclusion

Choline PET and Di‐SPECT performed equally well and are both appropriate as first‐line imaging modalities for preoperative imaging of PHPT. When the first‐line modality fails to locate an HPG, additional preoperative imaging with the alternate modality offers no benefit. However, if parathyroidectomy is unsuccessful, additional imaging with the alternate modality has merit before repeat surgery.
Cosmetic preservative labeling in Philippine products in accordance with Philippine regulations
Authors: Lim Sharon Osmena , Isaksson Marléne , Persson Lena , Dahlin Jakob , Bruze Magnus
Published: February 2022

Background

Preservatives are usually added to a wide array of consumer products to prevent growth of microbes and to prevent product destabilization and degradation. However, many of these preservatives are common skin sensitizers and may cause allergic contact dermatitis. The amount of preservatives may vary per country or region according to their respective legislation and may be reported in differences in prevalence rates of contact dermatitis.

Objective

To examine and identify preservatives in consumer products in accordance with Philippine legislation. To verify the accuracy of the list of ingredients of Philippine cosmetic products as legislated by the Philippine Bureau of Food and Drug Administration.

Methods

A total of 65 commonly used Philippine consumer products ranging from liquid facial and body washes, bar soaps, laundry detergents, feminine hygiene washes and wipes, shampoos and conditioners, sunblock, and moisturizers were selected. Ingredients noted on labels were documented. Products were subsequently investigated chemically for the presence of methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, or formaldehyde.

Results

The preservatives most commonly used in cosmetic products in the Philippine market are methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), methylisothiazolinone (MI), and/or formaldehyde. In accordance with Philippine legislation, almost all products provided a detailed ingredient list as printed on the packaging. Measurements of MCI/MI ranged from less than 1 ppm to 16 ppm, and MI ranged from only less than 1 ppm to 66 ppm, whereas formaldehyde was noted to range from less than 2.5 ppm to greater than 40 ppm in the products tested. Most products are manufactured by international brands, with a few products being manufactured locally.

Conclusions

The preservatives found in cosmetic products were MCI, MI, and formaldehyde. Discrepancies were found in the preservatives and labeling of these products, with a majority of investigated Philippine products labeled inaccurately with varying concentrations of preservatives.
Growth factor dependence of the proliferation and survival of cultured lacrimal gland epithelial cells isolated from late‐embryonic mice
Authors: Karasawa Yoko , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Takeuchi Masaru , Ito Masataka
Published: February 2022

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) regulate the growth and morphogenesis of various exocrine glands with branched morphologies. Their roles in lacrimal gland (LG) development remain unknown, but fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 10 is crucial for early LG organogenesis. To clarify the roles of EGF, HGF, and FGF10 in LG development, LG epithelial cells were isolated from late‐embryonic and neonatal mice; cultured; and treated with EGF, HGF, or FGF10 and their respective receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors AG1478, PHA665752, or SU5402. EGF and HGF increased the number of viable cells by enhancing DNA synthesis, FGF10 and SU5402 showed no such effect, and RTK inhibitors exhibited the opposite effect. EGF and HGF receptors were immunostained in cultured late‐embryonic LG epithelial cells and terminal LG acini from late embryos and adult mice. HGF was detected in neonatal LG epithelial cell culture supernatants by western blotting. In the absence of EGF and HGF RTK inhibitors, growth factor addition increased the number of viable cells and suppressed cell death. However, when one RTK was inhibited and a growth factor targeting an intact RTK was added, the number of dead cells increased as the number of viable cells increased. No cells survived when both RTKs were inhibited. In explant cultures of LGs from embryos, AG1478 or PHA665752 decreased the number of Ki67‐positive proliferating epithelial cells in terminal acini. Thus, EGF and HGF may function in a cooperative autocrine manner, supporting cell proliferation and survival during LG development in late‐embryonic and neonatal mice.
A multicentric prospective analysis of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly population
Authors: Bojino Alessandro , Roccia Fabio , Carlaw Kirsten , Aquilina Peter , Rae Euan , Laverick Sean , Romeo Irene , Iocca Oreste , Copelli Chiara , Sobrero Federica , Segura‐Pallerès Ignasi , Ganasouli Dimitra , Zanakis Stelios N. , de Oliveira Gorla Luis Fernando , Pereira‐Filho Valfrido Antonio , Gallafassi Daniel , Perez Faverani Leonardo , Alalawy Haider , Kamel Mohammed , Samieirad Sahand , Jaisani Mehul Rajesh , Rahman Sajjad Abdur , Rahman Tabishur , Aladelusi Timothy , Hassanein Ahmed Gaber , Duran‐Valles Francesc , Bescos Coro , Goetzinger Maximilian , Bottini Gian Battista
Published: February 2022

Background/Aims

The growth of the global elderly population will lead to an increase in traumatic injuries in this group, including those affecting the maxillofacial area, with a heavier load on health systems. The aim of this multicentric prospective study was to understand and evaluate the incidences, causes and patterns of oral and maxillofacial injuries in patients aged over 60 years admitted to 14 maxillofacial surgical departments around the world.

Methods

The following data were collected: gender, cause and mechanism of maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score, associated injury, day of trauma, timing and type of treatment and length of hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using non‐parametric and association tests, as well as linear regression.

Results

Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 348 out of 2387 patients (14.6%), 197 men and 151 women (ratio 1.3:1; mean age 72.7 years), were hospitalized. The main causes of the maxillofacial fractures were falls (66.4%), followed by road traffic accidents (21.5%) and assaults (5.2%). Of the 472 maxillofacial fractures, 69.7% were in the middle third of the face, 28% in the lower third and 2.3% in the upper third. Patients with middle third fractures were on average 4.2 years older than patients with lower third fractures (95% CI 1.2–7.2). Statistical analysis showed that women were more involved in fall‐related trauma compared with males (p < .001). It was also shown that road traffic accidents cause more fractures in the lower third (p < .001) and in the middle third‐lower third complex compared with upper third (p < .001).

Conclusions

Maxillofacial fractures in the elderly were more frequent in European and Australian centres and affected men slightly more than women. Falls were the leading cause of fractures, especially among women. The middle third of the face was most often affected, and conservative treatment was the most common choice for the management of such patients.
Are neurocognitive abilities and social cognition related to social and role functioning in familial high risk group for psychosis?
Authors: Yazkan‐Akgül Gözde , Perdahlı‐Fiş Neşe
Published: February 2022

Aims

In this study, we aimed to compare neurocognitive abilities and social cognitive features among adolescent offspring of psychotic individuals and healthy controls.

Methods

The study sample was composed of offspring of patients with psychotic disorders (n = 30), the high risk group (HR), and age and sex matched healthy controls (n = 32) the Control Group (CG). The psychiatric diagnoses were established by using the KD‐SADS. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire adolescent and parent forms (SDQ‐A, SDQ‐P) were used. General functioning status were evaluated by The Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) and Global Functioning Scale: Social and Role Functioning. Wisconsin Cart Sorting Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, California Verbal Learning Test, Stroop Colour and Word Test and Trail Making Tests A and B were used to assess neurocognitive abilities; to assess social cognition and empathy skills DANVA‐2 and Bryant Empathy Scale were used, respectively.

Results

Among HR 53.33% had at least one psychopathology. SDQ‐A, SDQ‐P scores were significantly higher, and CGAS, social and role functioning scores were significantly lower in HR. Neurocognitive test scores were significantly worse except for SCWT scores in the HR. No significant differences were obtained in social cognition. A variety of the neurocognitive abilities were significantly correlated with the role functioning. In regression analyses, the most predictive scores were WCST total correct scores and role functioning score.

Conclusions

HR group showed more impairments in neurocognition, social, role and overall functioning, whereas there was no significant difference in terms of social cognition. Disturbances in neurocognition were correlated with impairments in role functioning.
Genomic divergence and a lack of recent introgression between commercial and wild bumblebees (Bombus terrestris)
Authors: Kardum Hjort Cecilia , Paris Josephine R. , Olsson Peter , Herbertsson Lina , de Miranda Joachim R. , Dudaniec Rachael Y. , Smith Henrik G.
Published: February 2022

The global movement of bees for agricultural pollination services can affect local pollinator populations via hybridization. When commercial bumblebees are of the same species but of different geographic origin, intraspecific hybridization may result in beneficial integration of new genetic variation, or alternatively may disrupt locally adapted gene complexes. However, neither the existence nor the extent of genomic introgression and evolutionary divergence between wild and commercial bumblebees is fully understood. We obtained whole‐genome sequencing data from wild and commercial Bombus terrestris collected from sites in Southern Sweden with and without long‐term use of commercially imported B. terrestris. We search for evidence of introgression, dispersal and genome‐wide differentiation in a comparative genomic analysis of wild and commercial bumblebees. Commercial B. terrestris were found in natural environments near sites where commercial bumblebees were used, as well as drifting wild B. terrestris in commercial bumblebee colonies. However, we found no evidence for widespread, recent genomic introgression of commercial B. terrestris into local wild conspecific populations. We found that wild B. terrestris had significantly higher nucleotide diversity (Nei's pi, π), while the number of segregating sites (Watterson's theta, θw) was higher in commercial B. terrestris. A highly divergent region on chromosome 11 was identified in commercial B. terrestris and found to be enriched with structural variants. The genes present in this region are involved in flight muscle contraction and structure and pathogen immune response, providing evidence for differing evolutionary processes operating in wild and commercial B. terrestris. We did not find evidence for recent introgression, suggesting that co‐occurring commercial B. terrestris have not disrupted evolutionary processes in wild B. terrestris populations.
The impact of Strong Families, Strong Communities on relationship functioning in low‐income African American and Hispanic individuals: Findings from a federally funded randomized control trial
Authors: Jennings Sheara W. , Torres‐Hostos Luis R. , Rose Roderick A. , Leal Roberta M.
Published: February 2022

Low‐income minorities face many complex barriers to building stable and healthy relationships. AVANCE Houston, a non‐profit community‐based organization in Houston, Texas, developed the Strong Families, Strong Communities (SFSC) program to address such barriers by providing interactive healthy marriage and relationship skills workshops to low‐income English‐ and Spanish‐speaking Hispanic and English‐speaking African American individuals. Using a randomized control trial (RCT) design with random assignment to the 7‐week treatment group (n = 649) or a 12‐month wait‐list control group (n = 600), we examined the impact of the program on four dimensions of relationship functioning: relationship satisfaction, connectedness, and quality; and conflict resolution, at post‐test and then 6 and 12 months later. Using a repeated measure multilevel model with a difference‐in‐difference impact estimate, we found that all four dimensions of relationship functioning improved with small effect sizes that were larger than those found in previous relationship education programs for low‐income individuals (Cohen's d's of 0.18 for relationship satisfaction, 0.24 for connectedness, 0.19 for quality, and 0.20 for conflict resolution). Findings from this study provide evidence of program effectiveness on dimensions of relationship functioning for low‐income minorities, comparable to or better than those seen in other healthy marriage program RCTs. The findings of this impact evaluation are promising regarding the impact of programs like SFSC on dimensions of relationship functioning in low‐income Hispanic and African American participants.
The rise of education‐featured gated communities in Chinese cities: (Re)producing the enterprising self via the entrepreneurial local state–capital nexus
Authors: He Shenjing
Published: February 2022

Since the 1990s, an emerging form of gated communities (GCs) packaging K‐12 schools with tailor‐made residential services, termed education‐featured gated communities (edu‐featured GCs) by the author, has transformed the residential and education landscapes in Chinese cities. Encapsulating fundamental issues of urban entrepreneurialism, privatisation of public goods, social reproduction, education and housing inequalities, the rise of edu‐featured GCs poses a series of unexplored research questions beyond education and housing/GCs per se. Drawing on an empirical investigation mainly in the birthplace of edu‐featured GCs, Guangzhou, this research examines how the entrepreneurial local state leverages private investments and orchestrates the (re)production of the enterprising self to give rise to edu‐featured GCs. Specially, the entrepreneurial state strategically forms a nexus with private capital at different stages to serve different (re)development priorities and thus gives rise to various types of edu‐featured GCs. Meanwhile, the enterprising self is forged by a process of neoliberal responsibilisation of individuals to produce a competitive labour force feeding into the needs of domestic economic restructuring and global capitalism. Middle‐class households seemingly harvest a great fortune through their investment in education and housing markets, yet they are involuntarily being mired in a vicious circle of “involution” that reproduces the enterprising self in a hypercompetitive manner. Foregrounding the indispensable role of the state in shaping the new residential form entwining housing and education choices, this study epitomises how education and housing offer critical prisms to examine broader and more profound urban and geographical issues. It enriches the scholarship of critical geographies of education through introducing a four‐dimensional — upward‐, downward‐, outward‐ and inward‐looking — prism. Specifically, edu‐featured GCs is shaped by both the powerful state–capital nexus (upward‐looking) and individual choices for social reproduction (downward‐looking), and links middle‐class parents' expectations and choices of schooling (inward‐looking) with the wider impacts on urban (re)development (outward‐looking).
Need for standardization and harmonization of Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Authors: Li Hong , Shen Yalin , Song Xiaona , Tang Xiaoqiong , Hu Renwei , Marshall Barry James , Tang Hong , Benghezal Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Background and aims

As with other infectious diseases, Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens should be guided by susceptibility testing to achieve excellent success rate, especially in the era of high antibiotic resistance. However, susceptibility testing for H. pylori is rarely performed, which can be partly ascribed to the current lack of standardization of testing methods and the lack of unified consensus on the antibiotic resistance breakpoints. The aim of this review was to call for an international consensus on standardization and harmonization of H. pylori susceptibility testing.

Methods

We summarize and compare the advantages and disadvantages of four different phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods (agar dilution, E‐test, disk diffusion, and broth microdilution) and the molecular susceptibility testing method for H. pylori.

Results

The standard phenotypic testing methods and the molecular testing methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Compared to the standard phenotypic methods, the molecular testing method does not require successful H. pylori culture, and therefore, is much more rapid and convenient for clinical use. However, the currently available molecular testing method is only suitable for detecting clarithromycin and quinolone susceptibility profiles in H. pylori. Although the standard AST is time‐consuming, it is currently the only way to test the susceptibility of H. pylori to all the commonly used antibiotics.

Conclusion

To make H. pylori susceptibility testing become a clinical routine, an international consensus on standardization and harmonization of H. pylori AST is needed. Future efforts are needed for optimizing broth culture of H. pylori, and developing commercial AST plates for achieving high throughput and automated susceptibility testing for H. pylori.
Effects of enhanced education for patients with the Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zha Jing , Li Yue‐yue , Qu Jun‐yan , Yang Xiao‐xiao , Han Zhong‐xue , Zuo Xiuli
Published: February 2022

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections are of serious concern due to the associated risk of gastric cancer. However, many patients have poor medication and therapy compliance, which makes it difficult to eradicate their infections. This points to the need for stronger educational interventions aimed at enhancing compliance, thus increasing the potential for treatment success. As such, this study conducted a meta‐analysis to clarify the effects of enhanced patient education (EPE) programs for H. pylori.

Materials and Methods

We searched electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on health education for patients infected with H. pylori from inception to June 2021. The primary outcome was the eradication rate of H. pylori, while the secondary outcomes included the incidence of individual adverse symptoms, treatment compliance, clinical symptom remission after treatment, and patient satisfaction. We used the fixed or random‐effects model to pool the risk ratio (RR), with 95% confidence interval. We also conducted sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

Results

Our search returned seven relevant studies across a total of 1,433 patients. Compared with controls, EPE was significantly associated with improved H. pylori eradication rates (RR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.04–1.29, p = 0.006) and patient compliance (RR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.14–1.93, p = 0.003). A subgroup analysis also showed that EPE benefits were consistent across patients with different eradication programs, WeChat intervention plans, and intervention frequencies (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the total adverse effects, common side effects (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, taste disorder, and skin rash), or discontinuation rate (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Patient education is inexpensive, safe, and convenient. In this context, our findings suggest that enhanced educational interventions have positive effects on both the H. pylori eradication rate and adherence among infected patients, and thus constitute promising complements to clinical treatment regimens.
Needs assessment for health service design for people with back pain in a hospital setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Gorgon Edward , Maka Katherine , Kam Andrew , Nisbet Gillian , Sullivan Justin , Regan Gerard , Pourkazemi Fereshteh , Lin Jianhua , Mohamed Mahmoud , Leaver Andrew
Published: February 2022

Background

There is a need for effective health service solutions to provide greater structure and support for implementing evidence‐based practice in back pain care. Patient involvement in developing these solutions is crucial to increase relevance, acceptability and uptake.

Objectives

To determine patients' perceived needs and barriers to best‐practice back pain care, and potential solutions to better address care needs. The study is the third in a series of needs assessment studies feeding into the ‘idea generation’ for service design in a large teaching hospital in a culturally and linguistically diverse community in metropolitan Sydney, Australia.

Design

We conducted a combination of focus groups and in‐depth interviews using an interpretive description approach. We used inductive thematic analysis to identify the main themes.

Setting and Participants

We purposively sampled patients with diverse characteristics from the neurosurgery and physiotherapy outpatient clinics, in particular those whose primary language was English, Arabic, Persian or Mandarin. Non‐English audio recordings were translated and transcribed by bilingual researchers.

Results

There were 24 participants (focus groups = 9; individual interviews = 15) when data saturation was reached. The analysis identified three key themes with several subthemes around what service designers needed to understand in helping people with back pain in this setting: (1) This is who I am; (2) It's not working for me; and (3) What I think I need.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study highlights that perceived unmet needs of patients are underpinned by unhelpful beliefs about the causes of and solutions for back pain, misaligned care expectations, unclear expectations of the hospital role and fragmentations in the health system. To design and implement a service that can deliver better back pain care, several solutions need to be integrated around: developing new resources that challenge unhelpful beliefs and set realistic expectations; improving access to education and self‐management resources; focusing on individualized care; using a collaborative multidisciplinary approach within the hospital; and better connecting with and directing primary health care services.

Patient or Public Contribution

A consumer representative of the Western Sydney Local Health District provided input during study conceptualisation and is duly recognized in the Acknowledgements section.
Barriers and facilitators of implementing an information system for health grey literature in Iran: Experts’ views and perspectives
Authors: Mirzaei Abbas , Panahi Sirous , Langarizadeh Mostafa , Sedghi Shahram
Published: February 2022

Background

Despite the importance of health grey literature, there is not a comprehensive information system for managing these valuable resources in Iran.

Objectives

This study aimed at identifying the barriers to and facilitators of implementing a comprehensive national information system for health grey literature.

Material and method

This study applied the qualitative research method. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted among 19 experts in related fields. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data in MAXQDA. The data were codified and revised constantly and classified in some selected main and sub‐categories based on their relative similarities and differences.

Results

Data analysis identified some barriers to the implementation of an information system for health grey literature in Iran, including two main categories (and some sub‐categories): managerial issues (performance related issues, coordination issues, monitoring and supervision issues and attitudinal issues) and issues on data integration (data collecting issues, data recording issues, quality control issues, and issues on data organization, dissemination and use).

Conclusion

Designing a national system for health grey literature in Iran needs a powerful authority, removing possible intersectional conflicts, a selection committee, written policies and strict quality control criteria, and protocols for storage, access, retrieval and metadata evaluation.
Hepatitis C virus micro‐elimination within a clinic for people with HIV: challenges in the home stretch
Authors: Hanna Jaklin , Sufian Jihan , Suh Jin S. , Jimenez Humberto R.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To describe a pharmacist‐led campaign aimed at reducing the proportion of people with HIV with ongoing chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and delineating barriers to HCV care in this patient population.

Methods

An electronic report and retrospective chart review were used to identify patients who remained with HCV infections after a previous treatment initiative. A clinical pharmacist and pharmacy resident approached the remaining HCV patients during their routine visits for HIV care to offer and coordinate direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. The primary end‐point was to compare the prevalence of chronic HCV before and after the intervention period. Barriers to care were also evaluated, with logistic regression performed to identify predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR) attainment.

Results

Forty‐six patients were included in the analysis (4.2% of clinic population), with HCV prevalence falling to 0.6% (six patients) by the end of the study (p < 0.0001). The HCV care cascade in the cohort was as follows: 70% agreed to and received DAA therapy, 63% initiated therapy, and 50% achieved SVR. The top barriers to care at baseline included recreational drug use (67%), poor engagement in care (61%), and mental health disorders (28%). Poor engagement in care and active recreational drug use were associated with decreased odds of achieving SVR in bivariate analysis.

Conclusions

A coordinated effort can make strides towards reducing the overall burden of HCV in this challenging population. The HCV care cascade remains tied to the HIV continuum of care, with poor engagement in care remaining an important rate‐limiting step impeding micro‐elimination.
Ex vivo study of IL‐6 expression and function in immune cell subsets from human periapical lesions
Authors: Džopalić Tanja , Tomić Sergej , Bekić Marina , Vučević Dragana , Mihajlović Dušan , Eraković Mile , Čolić Miodrag
Published: February 2022

Aim

Even though IL‐6 is a key inflammatory cytokine in periapical lesions (PLs), its function in stable periapical disease is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the following: first, the ex vivo production of IL‐6 by clinically different PLs; next, subsets of immune cells expressing IL‐6 in PLs according to their inflammatory status and finally, modulatory effect of IL‐6 on T‐cell cytokine production in cell cultures.

Methodology

Inflammatory cells were isolated from a total of 95 human PLs. Detection of IL‐6+ cells within the myeloid and lymphoid populations was performed by multicolour flow cytometry. ELISA and FlowCytomix Microbeads Assay were used to measure cytokine levels in culture supernatants. To study the role of IL‐6 in PLs, mononuclear cells (MNC) from symptomatic (Sy) or asymptomatic (Asy) PLs were treated with IL‐6 or Tocilizumab, an IL‐6R blocking antibody. The differences between groups were tested by unpaired t‐test, Mann–Whitney or Friedman tests.

Results

The levels of IL‐6 in PL MNC culture supernatants were significantly higher compared with total PL cells and PL granulocytes (p < .001). MNC from Sy PLs produced significantly higher levels of IL‐6 than MNC from Asy PLs (p < .001). Flow cytometry analysis showed that NKT cells, CD8+ T cells and M2 macrophages (MØ), were dominant IL‐6+ cells, in contrast to CD4+ T cells. However, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells contributed the most to IL‐6 production. IL‐6hi producing MNC cultures had higher levels of Th1 (IFN‐γ), Th17 (IL‐17A), Tfh (IL‐21) and RANKL, whereas Th2 (IL‐4) and Tregs cytokines (IL‐10, TGF‐β) were lower compared with IL‐6low‐producing cultures. Exogenous IL‐6 stimulated 17A, IL‐21 and RANKL, independently of PL activation status, but decreased IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐33 levels in IL‐6hi‐producing cultures. Tocilizumab increased IL‐10 and TGF‐β in IL‐6low‐producing cultures. All differences were p < .05.

Conclusions

Most immune cells from Sy PLs expressed higher levels of IL‐6 compared with Asy PLs, which correlated with IL‐6 production in culture. Analysis of cytokines suggested a dominant pro‐inflammatory T‐cell response and osteodestructive function of IL‐6 in PLs judging by Th17/Tfh cell activation, Tregs inhibition and increased RANKL/OPG ratio. Excessive IL‐6 production decreased Th1/Th2 responses.
Preparation and characterization of Nextel 720/alumina ceramic matrix composites via an improved prepreg process
Authors: Li Hao , Yang Fucai , Zhang Bo‐xing , Guo Ying , Han Weijian , Zhao Tong , Qiu Wenfeng
Published: February 2022

In this work, the Nextel 720 continuous fiber reinforced alumina ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) were prepared by an improved prepreg process. The alumina matrix was derived from aqueous slurry, which consisted of organic glue, alumina sol, nanometer alumina powders, and micrometer alumina powders. This design provided a densely packed matrix for the CMC, and made the whole process relatively simple. The ratio of different alumina components in aqueous slurry was optimized to obtain good sintering activity, high thermal resistance, and excellent mechanical properties simultaneously. Furthermore, a preceramic polymer of mullite was used to strengthen the ceramic matrix through a multiple infiltration process. The final CMC sample achieved a high flexural strength of 255 MPa and a good high‐temperature stability. After 24 h of heat treatment at 1100°C, 85% of the maximum flexural strength still had been retained.
Consumers’ brand personality perceptions in a digital world: A systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Ghorbani Mijka , Karampela Maria , Tonner Andrea
Published: February 2022

In a digital world, it is becoming increasingly important for marketing researchers and practitioners to understand how consumers attribute humanlike characteristics and personality traits to brands, as the brand's personality has a significant influence on consumers’ behavior and their brand relationships. However, despite a growth in research interest over the past two decades, the literature on consumers’ digital brand personality perceptions remains fragmented and dispersed across digital contexts. Thus, now is an opportune time to take stock of the field and build a knowledge foundation for future research to establish the domain of digital brand personality. To this end, this systematic literature review, based on the TCCM framework, identifies dominant theories, contexts, characteristics, and methodologies used to study consumers’ digital brand personality perceptions by systematically reviewing 107 peer‐reviewed journal articles published between 2005 and 2021. Using an in‐depth content analysis of the articles, this review integrates research findings from different digital contexts and provides a new conceptual framework of digital brand personality. The review concludes with a comprehensive research agenda that highlights the need to broaden the theoretical groundings of the field (theory); identifies numerous digital touchpoints and new technologies that remain underexplored (context); reveals inconsistencies and knowledge gaps regarding dimensions, antecedents, and consequences of digital brand personality (characteristics); and suggests diverse, digital‐based research approaches (methodology) to further advance the study of consumers’ digital brand personality perceptions.
The mediating role of parental embodied mentalizing in the longitudinal association between prenatal spousal support and toddler emotion recognition
Authors: Afek Einav , Lev‐Wiesel Rachel , Federman Dita , Shai Dana
Published: February 2022

Emotion recognition is an important developmental achievement in early childhood. Grounded in theoretical concepts of family systems theory and the spillover effect, the goal of the current study was to examine whether prenatal spousal support predicts toddler emotion recognition at 24 months, and whether this association is mediated by parental embodied mentalizing (PEM) at 6 months. PEM refers to the parent's capacity to understand the infant's mental states from his or her whole‐body kinesthetic expressions and adjust their own kinesthetic patterns accordingly. One hundred and five families expecting their first child were included in the study. Results indicated that maternal PEM mediated the relationship between prenatal dyadic positive and overall support and toddler emotion recognition. Paternal PEM was not found to be related to either dyadic support or to toddler emotion recognition, and it did not mediate the relationship between the two. The findings of the current study support the importance of including both parents’ embodied mentalizing and a systemic approach to illuminate child development. A significant clinical implication from this study is the usefulness of prenatal couple interventions to improve mutual support and communication as it can promote parents’ parental mentalizing and ultimately the child's emotion recognition capacity.