bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of food security, body mass index, micronutrient adequacy and adherence to Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 among Iranian households
Authors: Moosavian Seyedeh Parisa , Feizi Awat , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Azadbakht Leila
Published: October 2020

Purpose

There is limited knowledge about the association of food insecurity and dietary quality among the Iranian households. The purpose of this study is to determine diet quality among the Iranian households and to investigate whether dietary quality is associated with food security status in this population.

Design/methodology/approach

The 18-item household food security questionnaire was administered to 200 households from different parts of Isfahan, Iran. Households were selected by two-stage cluster randomized sampling. Households were categorized into four groups based on their score on the questionnaire; food secure (total score 0), mild food insecure (total score 1–2), moderate food insecure (total score 3–7) and severe food insecure (total score 8–18). In the second stage of the study, 25 households were selected from each food security status group to evaluate the micronutrient adequacy and assess the adherence to Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010).

Findings

Food-secure households had higher adherence to the AHEI-2010 than food-insecure households (p < 0.001). Food-secure households consistently achieved higher value of the nutrient adequacy ratio for most of the micronutrients than food-insecure households, with the greatest differences seen for zinc (p < 0.001) in households (father, mother and first child), vitamin D (p < 0.001), vitamin A (father: p = 0.05, mother: p = 0.04), calcium (p < 0.001) and iron (father: p = 0.02, mother: p < 0.001) in mother and father.

Originality/value

Low dietary quality was associated with food insecurity. Food-secure households had higher micronutrient adequacy ratio for most of the nutrients.
Parallels between retinal and brain pathology and response to immunotherapy in old, late‐stage Alzheimer's disease mouse models
Authors: Doustar Jonah , Rentsendorj Altan , Torbati Tania , Regis Giovanna C. , Fuchs Dieu‐Trang , Sheyn Julia , Mirzaei Nazanin , Graham Stuart L. , Shah Prediman K. , Mastali Mitra , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Black Keith L. , Gupta Vivek K. , Mirzaei Mehdi , Koronyo Yosef , Koronyo‐Hamaoui Maya
Published: October 2020

Despite growing evidence for the characteristic signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the neurosensory retina, our understanding of retina–brain relationships, especially at advanced disease stages and in response to therapy, is lacking. In transgenic models of AD (APPSWE/PS1∆E9; ADtg mice), glatiramer acetate (GA) immunomodulation alleviates disease progression in pre‐ and early‐symptomatic disease stages. Here, we explored the link between retinal and cerebral AD‐related biomarkers, including response to GA immunization, in cohorts of old, late‐stage ADtg mice. This aged model is considered more clinically relevant to the age‐dependent disease. Levels of synaptotoxic amyloid β‐protein (Aβ)1–42, angiopathic Aβ1–40, non‐amyloidogenic Aβ1–38, and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratios tightly correlated between paired retinas derived from oculus sinister (OS) and oculus dexter (OD) eyes, and between left and right posterior brain hemispheres. We identified lateralization of Aβ burden, with one‐side dominance within paired retinal and brain tissues. Importantly, OS and OD retinal Aβ levels correlated with their cerebral counterparts, with stronger contralateral correlations and following GA immunization. Moreover, immunomodulation in old ADtg mice brought about reductions in cerebral vascular and parenchymal Aβ deposits, especially of large, dense‐core plaques, and alleviation of microgliosis and astrocytosis. Immunization further enhanced cerebral recruitment of peripheral myeloid cells and synaptic preservation. Mass spectrometry analysis identified new parallels in retino‐cerebral AD‐related pathology and response to GA immunization, including restoration of homeostatic glutamine synthetase expression. Overall, our results illustrate the viability of immunomodulation‐guided CNS repair in old AD model mice, while shedding light onto similar retino‐cerebral responses to intervention, providing incentives to explore retinal AD biomarkers.
miRNAs and radiotherapy response in prostate cancer
Authors: Konoshenko Maria Yu , Bryzgunova Olga E. , Laktionov Pavel P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Gaining insight into microRNAs (miRNAs) and genes that regulate the therapeutic response of cancer diseases in general and prostate cancer (PCa) in particular is an important issue in current molecular biomedicine and allows the discovery of predictive miRNA targets.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze the available data on the influence of radiotherapy (RT) on miRNA expression and on miRNA involved in radiotherapy response in PCa.

Materials and methods

The data used in this review were extracted from research papers and the DIANA, STRING, and other databases with a special focus on the mechanisms of radiotherapy PCa response and the miRNA involved and associated genes.

Results and Discussion

A search for miRNA prognostic and therapeutic effectiveness markers should rely on both the data of recent experimental studies on the influence of RT on miRNA expression and miRNAs involved in regulation of radiosensitivity in PCa and on bioinformatics resources. miRNA panels and genes targeted by them and involved in radioresponse regulation highlighted by meta‐analysis and cross‐analysis of the data in the present review have.

Conclusion

Selected miRNA and gene panel has good potential as prognostic and radiotherapy effectiveness markers for PCa and, moreover, as radiotherapy effectiveness markers in other types of cancer, as the proposed model is not specific to PCa, which opens up opportunities for the development of a universal diagnostic system (or several intersecting systems) for oncology radiotherapy in general.
Left ventricular assist device driveline infections in three contemporary devices
Authors: Schlöglhofer Thomas , Michalovics Peter , Riebandt Julia , Angleitner Philipp , Stoiber Martin , Laufer Günther , Schima Heinrich , Wiedemann Dominik , Zimpfer Daniel , Moscato Francesco
Published: October 2020

Driveline infections (DLI) are common adverse events in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), leading to severe complications and readmissions. The study aims to characterize risk factors for DLI readmission 2 years postimplant. This single‐center study included 183 LVAD patients (43 HeartMate II [HMII], 29 HeartMate 3 [HM3], 111 HVAD) following hospital discharge between 2013 and 2017. Demographics, clinical parameters, and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed and 12.6% of patients were readmitted for DLI, 14.8% experienced DLI but were treated in the outpatient setting, and 72.7% had no DLI. Mean C‐reactive protein (CRP), leukocytes and fibrinogen were higher in patients with DLI readmission (P < .02) than in outpatient DLI and patients without DLI, as early as 60 days before readmission. Freedom from DLI readmission was comparable for HMII and HVAD (98% vs. 87%; HR, 4.52; 95% CI, 0.58‐35.02; P = .15) but significantly lower for HM3 (72%; HR, 10.82; 95% CI, 1.26‐92.68; P = .03). DLI (HR, 1.001; 95% CI, 0.999‐1.002; P = .16) or device type had no effect on mortality. DLI readmission remains a serious problem following LVAD implantation, where CRP, leukocytes, and fibrinogen might serve as risk factors already 60 days before. HM3 patients had a higher risk for DLI readmissions compared to HVAD or HMII, possibly because of device‐specific driveline differences.
Letter: diabetes mellitus increases the risk of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Liu Rongqiang , Ye Linsen , Shao Yi
Published: October 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Labenz et al and Labenz and Wörns papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15915 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16018
Effect of Action‐Based Cognitive Remediation on cognitive impairment in patients with remitted bipolar disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ott Caroline V. , Vinberg Maj , Kessing Lars V. , Bowie Christopher R. , Forman Julie L. , Miskowiak Kamilla W.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Cognitive impairment affects many patients with bipolar disorder (BD), and treatments with replicated pro‐cognitive effects are lacking. This study aimed to assess the effect of Action‐Based Cognitive Remediation (ABCR) vs control treatment on cognitive impairment in patients with BD.

Methods

Patients with remitted BD with objective cognitive impairment were randomized to 10 weeks of ABCR vs control treatment, and assessed at baseline, after 2 weeks of treatment, at treatment completion and at 6 months follow‐up. The primary outcome was a cognitive composite score. Secondary outcomes were executive function and observer‐rated functional capacity. Tertiary measures included additional neuropsychological tests, performance‐based functional capacity and quality of life. Data were analysed with linear mixed effects models.

Results

In total, 64 participants were randomized; given three dropouts before the baseline assessments, data were analysed for 61 participants (ABCR: n = 32, control: n = 29). There was no effect on ABCR vs control on the primary cognitive composite score (P‐values ≥.60). At treatment completion, there was a large effect of ABCR vs control on the secondary executive function measure (treatment effect= −0.16, 95% CI [−0.27, −0.05], P ≤ .01, d = 0.65), and on subjective cognitive functioning (treatment effect = −5.38, 95% CI [−8.13, −2.67], P ≤ .001, d = 0.80), which disappeared at follow‐up. There was no treatment‐effect on functioning, and no association between cognitive and functional change.

Conclusions

There was no effect of ABCR on the cognitive composite score. However, there was an effect on executive function and subjective cognitive functioning suggesting that ABCR may be relevant for patients with executive dysfunction.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03295305.
Nudging for others’ sake: An ethical analysis of the legitimacy of nudging healthcare workers to accept influenza immunization
Authors: van den Hoven Mariette
Published: October 2020

A core idea underlying nudging is that it helps individuals to achieve their own goals, yet many nudges actually aim at collective goals or specifically target the benefit of others. An example is nudging healthcare workers to be vaccinated against influenza. I distinguish between self‐regarding nudges, which primarily benefit the nudgee, and other‐regarding nudges, which mainly benefit others, and argue that the default justificatory reason to legitimize self‐regarding nudges, namely the ‘as judged by themselves’ standard, does not apply and that we need to look for other justifications. I examine several possible moral justifications to support strong other‐regarding nudges, namely beneficence, the harm principle and solidarity.
Overexpression of the ubiquitin‐editing enzyme A20 in the brain lesions of Multiple Sclerosis patients: moving from systemic to central nervous system inflammation
Authors: Perga Simona , Montarolo Francesca , Martire Serena , Bonaldo Brigitta , Bono Gabriele , Bertolo Jessica , Magliozzi Roberta , Bertolotto Antonio
Published: October 2020

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in which inflammation plays a key pathological role. Recent evidences showed that systemic inflammation induces increasing cell infiltration within meninges and perivascular spaces in the brain parenchyma, triggering resident microglial and astrocytic activation. The anti‐inflammatory enzyme A20, also named TNF associated protein 3 (TNFAIP3), is considered a central gatekeeper in inflammation and peripheral immune system regulation through the inhibition of NF‐kB. The TNFAIP3 locus is genetically associated to MS and its transcripts is downregulated in blood cells in treatment‐naïve MS patients. Recently, several evidences in mouse models have led to hypothesize a function of A20 also in the CNS. Thus, here we aimed to unveil a possible contribution of A20 to the CNS human MS pathology. By immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and biomolecular techniques on post‐mortem brain tissue blocks obtained from control cases (CC) and progressive MS cases, we demonstrated that A20 is present in CC brain tissues in both white matter (WM) regions, mainly in few parenchymal astrocytes, and in grey matter (GM) areas, in some neuronal populations. Conversely, in MS brain tissues, we observed increased expression of A20 by perivascular infiltrating macrophages, resident‐activated astrocytes, and microglia in all the active and chronic active WM lesions. A20 was highly expressed also in the majority of active cortical lesions compared to the neighboring areas of normal‐appearing grey matter (NAGM) and control GM, particularly by activated astrocytes. We demonstrated increased A20 expression in the active MS plaques, particularly in macrophages and resident astrocytes, suggesting a key role of this molecule in chronic inflammation.
Examining the public's awareness of bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidae: Anthophila) conservation in Canada
Authors: van Vierssen Trip Nyssa , MacPhail Victoria J. , Colla Sheila R. , Olivastri Beatrice
Published: October 2020

Understanding the general public's knowledge and perceptions of an issue can help drive action on the part of decision‐makers. Such understanding is critical when decision‐makers are faced with multiple stakeholders, which is the case with biodiversity conservation issues. We surveyed the Canadian general public using a telephone questionnaire to assess the level of knowledge and perceptions of native wild bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) health and conservation. We found that the general level of bee knowledge among participants was low. Half of participants named the non‐native managed European honeybee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758) as a wild bee, native to Canada. Over two‐thirds of participants stated the provisioning of ecosystem services (ES) is the most important reason to conserve bees. Half of participants thought the Canadian federal and provincial government should be principally responsible for bee conservation. One‐third of participants perceived no personal barriers to bee conservation and nearly one‐quarter stated they did not know how to help bee conservation efforts. Our results highlight that scientific researchers can play an important role in outreach and education and environmental non‐governmental organizations (ENGOs) can take an active lobbying role at the provincial and federal levels with respect to bee conservation.
An artful contribution to our planetary concerns
Authors: Losch Andreas
Published: October 2020

Adam Pryor's fresh understanding of the imago Dei as a refraction of the Divine is much needed in an age of science and climate change. Well informed by astrobiological insights, his approach presents what I would call a deep reconceptualization of the imago Dei as a planetary phenomenon. The human planetary phenomenon, however, currently faces its own limitations. This is an ethical reality, which is touched upon by Pryor, but could have been expressed more clearly and deliberately. The review attempts to develop some of Pryor's thoughts in dialoue with Hans Jonas, and with my own thoughts on “planetary sustainability.”
Clinical and radiological profile of patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 4
Authors: Souza P. V. S. , Pinto W. B. V. R. , Ricarte A. , Badia B. M. L. , Seneor D. D. , Teixeira D. T. , Caetano L. , Gonçalves E. A. , Chieia M. A. T. , Farias I. B. , Bertini E. , Oliveira A. S. B.
Published: October 2020

Background and purpose

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most important cause of motor neuron disease in childhood, and continues to represent the leading genetic cause of infant death. Adulthood‐onset SMA (SMA type 4) is rare, with few isolated cases reported. The objective of the present study was to describe a cohort of patients with SMA type 4.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted to characterize clinical, genetic, radiological and neurophysiological features of patients with adulthood‐onset SMA. Correlation analysis of functional assessment with genetic, radiological and neurophysiological data was performed.

Results

Twenty patients with SMA type 4 were identified in a Brazilian cohort of 227 patients with SMA. The most common clinical symptom was limb‐girdle muscle weakness, observed in 15 patients (75%). The most frequent neurological findings were absent tendon reflexes in 18 (90%) and fasciculations in nine patients (45%). Sixteen patients (80%) had the homozygous deletion of exon 7 in the SMN1 gene, with 12 patients (60%) showing four copies of the SMN2 gene. The functional scales Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale Revised, Revised Upper Limb Module and Spinal Muscular Atrophy Functional Rating Scale, as well as the six‐minute walk and the Time Up and Go tests showed a correlation with duration of disease. Motor Unit Number Index was correlated both with duration of disease and with performance in functional assessment. Radiological studies exhibited a typical pattern, with involvement of biceps femoris short head and gluteus minimus in all patients.

Conclusion

This study represents the largest cohort of patients with SMA type 4 and provides functional, genetic, radiological and neurophysiological features that can be used as potential biomarkers for the new specific genetic therapies for SMA.
Effectiveness of osteoporosis medication on site‐specific fracture‐risk attenuation among adults with epilepsy
Authors: Whitney Daniel G.
Published: October 2020

Objective

The objective of this propensity score‐matched, observational cohort study was to determine the effectiveness of osteoporosis medication on reducing the risk of non‐trauma fracture (NTFx) among adults with epilepsy.

Methods

Data from 01/01/2012 to 09/30/2015 was extracted from Optum Clinformatics Data Mart. NTFx risk attenuation from 12 months prior to 12 months after the individual's index date was examined for each group of adults ≥50 years of age as risk ratios (RRs with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]). Groups were stratified based on: (1) epilepsy status, as with vs without epilepsy (EP); and (2) if and when osteoporosis medication was first prescribed, as new users (treatment naive), consistent users (osteoporosis medication prescribed in pre‐index period), and no users. Comparison groups were matched 1:1 to EP new users (n = 828/group) for demographics, glucocorticoid and antiseizure medication, and the Elixhauser comorbidity index. Difference‐in‐difference analysis compared the change in pre‐ to post‐index NTFx risk among groups as the ratio of the RR (RRR).

Results

The pre‐ to post‐index NTFx risk at any site was reduced for EP new users (RR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.40‐0.61) and EP consistent users (RR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.38‐0.98), but nonsignificantly elevated for EP no users (RR = 1.39; 95% CI = 0.93‐2.07)—findings were consistent for most sites (eg, vertebral column). EP new users had a larger NTFx risk attenuation at any site compared to EP no users (RRR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.23‐0.54) and EP consistent users (RRR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.51‐0.97). EP consistent users had a larger NTFx risk attenuation at any site compared to EP no users (RRR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.32‐0.79). The extent of NTFx risk attenuation at any site was similar for new users with vs without epilepsy (RRR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.73‐1.34) and consistent users with vs without epilepsy (RRR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.55‐1.17). There was evidence of site‐specific effects (eg, hip).

Conclusion

Osteoporosis medication is associated with a clinically meaningful 12‐month NTFx risk attenuation for adults with epilepsy, especially for those just starting osteoporosis medication.
Internationalisation and the ASEM Education Process: The Malaysian higher education experience
Authors: Munusamy M.Miandy , Hashim Azirah
Published: October 2020

Internationalisation is an important component in the transformation of higher education globally. Since 2007, the Malaysian higher education system has had a strong focus on internationalisation in positioning Malaysia as a hub for higher education. Malaysia is a member of the ASEM Education Process (AEP) and an active participant in several initiatives focusing on mobility and quality assurance since 2008. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the internationalisation of higher education efforts in Malaysia and the AEP. The AEP has influenced higher education development in Asia and Europe and received rising consideration for strategic cooperation and networking. Data were collected through a Likert style questionnaire with 170 respondents who were selected by employing total population sampling. The empirical findings indicate that the support of the AEP corresponded positively with the internationalisation process and has had a significant impact on Malaysian higher education internationalisation. Evidence shows that Malaysia's participation in the AEP needs to be encouraged, and that existing and new internationalisation policies should be updated and formulated.
Islamic marketing: A literature review and research agenda
Authors: Mamun Md. Abdullah Al , Strong Carolyn A. , Azad Md. Abul Kalam
Published: October 2020

This study adopts a novel approach by combining two complementary tools: bibliometric method of scientific mapping and content analysis of 113 published articles on Islamic Marketing (IM) to provide a comprehensive review of IM literature and pinpoints potential research areas. Results reveal that earlier studies have only examined multiple facets of IM while keeping theoretical perspective almost untouched. Results also highlight the concentration of publications to Islamic‐specific journals, restricting its focus to minimum issues of IM, thereby exerting limited influence on greater business community. This study reveals five distinct areas within IM research: (a) Theoretical aspects of IM and Muslim consumers, (b) IM ethics and practices, (c) Halal logistics and Consumer behaviour, (d) IM Communications, and (e) IM strategies & Globalization. Thus far, studies have predominantly investigated these IM aspects while the other areas remain relatively under‐researched. Potential research agenda in the IM literature emerge that present avenues for future research, namely to: (a) examination of process, physical evidence and performance elements of marketing mix and (b) examination of IM mix for ensuring customer and religious satisfaction apart from other future research areas identified in this study.
Peripheral T helper cell profiles during management of periodontitis
Authors: Medara Nidhi , Lenzo Jason C. , Walsh Katrina A. , O’Brien‐Simpson Neil M. , Reynolds Eric C. , Darby Ivan B.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Periodontitis has been associated with other systemic diseases with underlying inflammation responsible for the shared link. This study evaluated longitudinal variation in peripheral T helper cells in periodontitis patients undergoing management over 1 year.

Materials and methods

Periodontal parameters and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 54 periodontitis patients at baseline, and 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐months post‐treatment and 40 healthy controls. IFN‐γ+, IL‐4+, IL‐17+ and Foxp3+ and their double‐positive expression were identified in CD4+ and TCRαβ+ cells using flow cytometry. PBMCs were incubated with P. gingivalis, and IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐17 and IL‐10 in cell supernatant were measured by ELISA. Cells and cytokines were also assessed based on clinical response to treatment where good (<10% of sites), moderate (10–20%) and poor (>20%) treatment outcome (TxO) groups had probing depths of ≥5 mm at study conclusion.

Results

IFN‐γ+ cells were lower at baseline, and 3‐ and 6‐months compared to health, whereas Foxp3+ cells were increased at 12‐months compared to all preceding timepoints and health. The good TxO group showed treatment‐related variation in IFN‐γ+ and Foxp3+ cells, whereas the poor TxO group did not. IFN‐γ and IL‐17 cytokine expression in cell supernatants was significantly lower at baseline compared to health, and IFN‐γ and IL‐10 showed treatment‐related decrease.

Conclusion

This study suggests that IFN‐γ+ and Foxp3+ cells may have a role in the systemic compartment in periodontitis. Periodontal management has local and systemic effects, and thus, assessment and management of periodontitis should form an integral part of overall systemic health.
Molecular mechanisms for the photoperiodic regulation of flowering in soybean
Authors: Lin Xiaoya , Liu Baohui , Weller James L. , Abe Jun , Kong Fanjiang
Published: October 2020

Photoperiodic flowering is one of the most important factors affecting regional adaptation and yield in soybean (Glycine max). Plant adaptation to long‐day conditions at higher latitudes requires early flowering and a reduction or loss of photoperiod sensitivity; adaptation to short‐day conditions at lower latitudes involves delayed flowering, which prolongs vegetative growth for maximum yield potential. Due to the influence of numerous major loci and quantitative trait loci (QTLs), soybean has broad adaptability across latitudes. Forward genetic approaches have uncovered the molecular basis for several of these major maturity genes and QTLs. Moreover, the molecular characterization of orthologs of Arabidopsis thaliana flowering genes has enriched our understanding of the photoperiodic flowering pathway in soybean. Building on early insights into the importance of the photoreceptor phytochrome A, several circadian clock components have been integrated into the genetic network controlling flowering in soybean: E1, a repressor of FLOWERING LOCUS T orthologs, plays a central role in this network. Here, we provide an overview of recent progress in elucidating photoperiodic flowering in soybean, how it contributes to our fundamental understanding of flowering time control, and how this information could be used for molecular design and breeding of high‐yielding soybean cultivars.
Application of an in vitro reconstructed human skin on cosmetics in skin irritation tests
Authors: Ma Xiao , Wang Feifei , Wang Bo
Published: October 2020

Background

At present, it is no longer possible to use animal testing for ingredients and cosmetic products in the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) member states. However, in vitro tests are widely used to determine the safety and efficacy of ingredients and medicines.

Objective

Obviously, 3D skin models with natural human features can be used to analyze cosmetic ingredients and formulations. Skin irritation by cosmetic products is studied less than ingredients on 3D skin models. Therefore, it is necessary for us to explore using 3D skin models to detect skin irritation with resident and cleaning cosmetic products.

Methods

We used HE staining to observe the structure of reconstructed skin models, the MTT assay to analyze tissue activity, and the ELISA to detect the relative expression of IL‐1α release to evaluate skin irritation with cosmetic products.

Results

We found that 0.3% SLS treatment and 1% Triton X‐100 in 3D skin models resulted in a tissue activity of <20% and increased IL‐1α release. We suggest that 0.3% SLS be used as a positive control for resident cosmetics and 1% Triton X‐100 be used for cleaning products. After a comprehensive analysis of the relative expression of tissue activity and IL‐1α, we found that 4 cosmetic products were skin irritants. Compared with multiple skin irritation tests using rabbit irritancy evaluation, we find that skin models can objectively respond to skin irritation with reliability.

Conclusion

We may redefine the exposure method time for cosmetics. For resident cosmetic products, the exposure time is 18 hours. For cosmetic cleaning products, the exposure time is 1 hour, with 10% dilution. We suggest that skin irritation evaluation in 3D skin models have a tissue activity of <50% and, at the same time, have a relative expression of IL‐1α that is 3‐fold greater than baseline.
Involvement of informal carers in discharge planning and transition between hospital and community mental health care: A systematic review
Authors: Petkari Eleni , Kaselionyte Justina , Altun Sukran , Giacco Domenico
Published: October 2020

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject

Family members and friends (informal carers) are very important for providing support to people with mental health difficulties.

When these carers are included to care planning patients seem to benefit, as they are less likely to relapse.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge

There are three types of interventions including carers in the patients'transition 1) programmes that offer education in hospital; 2) programmes that involve carers in planning the patients discharge; and 3) programmes that involve carers in hospital care, discharge planning and also follow‐up in the community.

Interventions including carers that take place both in the hospital and the community have the clearest evidence for benefit on relapse reduction.

What are the implications for practice

Comprehensive interventions have the best evidence for effectiveness but challenges in their implementation and resourcing should be considered.

It might worth trying to identify and test simpler interventions focusing on discharge planning that can be used in busy services and require more limited resources whilst providing opportunities for the participation of carers.

Introduction

Involving informal carers (family and friends of patients) in mental health interventions can lead to positive clinical and psychosocial outcomes such as relapse prevention or treatment adherence.

Aim/Question

To explore the evidence on the effectiveness of different models that involve carers in the transition between hospital and community mental health care.

Methods

Five electronic databases (PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus) and Grey literature (Open Grey and Grey Literature report) were systematically searched. The results were analysed using a narrative synthesis.

Results

Fourteen papers were identified. They described twelve interventions that were categorized into three groups: 1) purely educational programmes in preparation of discharge; 2) programmes that involved carers in planning the transition from the mental health inpatient treatment to community mental health services; and 3) programmes that bridged into the aftercare involving carers in community follow‐up. The most comprehensive interventions, i.e. those including psychoeducation, care planning and aftercare follow‐up were better evaluated and showed a clearer benefit in improving long‐term outcomes and, in particular, reduce re‐hospitalization.

Implications for practice

Comprehensive interventions showed the clearest benefit in improving long‐term clinical outcomes of patients. Future research should explore implementation, costs and cost‐effectiveness, as comprehensive interventions delivered across different settings are likely to require wide‐ranging organizational changes and significant resources.
The land plant‐specific MIXTA‐MYB lineage is implicated in the early evolution of the plant cuticle and the colonization of land
Authors: Xu Bo , Taylor Lin , Pucker Boas , Feng Tao , Glover Beverley J. , Brockington Samuel F.
Published: October 2020

The evolution of a lipid‐based cuticle on aerial plant surfaces that protects against dehydration is considered a fundamental innovation in the colonization of the land by the green plants. However, key evolutionary steps in the early regulation of cuticle synthesis are still poorly understood, owing to limited studies in early‐diverging land plant lineages.

Here, we characterize a land plant specific subgroup 9 R2R3 MYB transcription factor MpSBG9, in the early‐diverging land plant model Marchantia polymorpha, that is homologous to MIXTA proteins in vascular plants.

The MpSBG9 functions as a key regulator of cuticle biosynthesis by preferentially regulating expression of orthologous genes for cutin formation, but not wax biosynthesis genes. The MpSBG9 also promotes the formation of papillate cells on the adaxial surface of M. polymorpha, which is consisitent with its canonical role in vascular plants.

Our observations imply conserved MYB transcriptional regulation in the control of the cutin biosynthesis pathway as a core genetic network in the common ancestor of all land plants, implicating the land plant‐specific MIXTA MYB lineage in the early origin and evolution of the cuticle.
Surgical complications in pediatric kidney transplantation—Incidence, risk factors, and effects on graft survival: A retrospective single‐center study
Authors: Beetz Oliver , Weigle Clara A. , Nogly Rabea , Klempnauer Jürgen , Pape Lars , Richter Nicolas , Vondran Florian W. R.
Published: October 2020

The field of pediatric kidney transplantation remains challenging due to an ongoing lack of size‐matched grafts and anatomical peculiarities. In the current study, we investigated the incidence of surgical complications in pediatric recipients, with a focus on risk factors and effects on graft outcome. We retrospectively reviewed all 2386 kidney transplantations at our institution from January 2005 until December 2018. Of these, 221 transplants were performed in pediatric recipients, defined as under the age of 18 years. Donor‐recipient body surface area ratios were calculated to evaluate the effects of size mismatching. Regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for surgical complications and graft survival, respectively. Perioperative surgical complications requiring revision were observed in 34 (15.4%) cases. Leading cause for revision were vascular complications such as thrombosis or stenosis (n = 15 [6.8%]), which were significantly more frequent in case of young donors, (ie, donor age <6 years; OR: 4.281; CI‐95%:1.385‐13.226; P = .012), previous nephrectomy (OR: 3.407; CI‐95%:1.019‐11.387; P = .046), and en‐bloc grafts (OR: 4.923; CI‐95%:1.355‐17.884; P = .015), followed by postoperative hemorrhage (n = 10 [4.5%]), ureteral complications (n = 8 [3.6%]), and lymphoceles (n = 7 [3.2%]). Median follow‐up was 84.13 (0.92‐175.72) months. One‐, 5‐, and 10‐year graft survival rates were 97.1%, 88.9%, and 65.1%, respectively. Except for vascular complications (HR: 4.727; CI‐95%:1.363‐16.394; P = .014), none of the analyzed surgical morbidities significantly influenced graft survival. In conclusion, pediatric kidney transplantation achieves excellent long‐term results. However, meticulous surgical technique and continuous postoperative monitoring are imperative for early detection and treatment of imminent vascular complications, especially in case of young donors and en‐bloc grafts.
What Influences Work Engagement Among Registered Nurses: Implications for Evidence‐Based Action
Authors: Pericak Arlene , Hogg Cameron W. , Skalsky Kris , Bourdeanu Laura
Published: October 2020

Background

Previous studies evaluating work engagement of nurses revealed work‐related factors and nurse demographics affecting work engagement. Low work engagement yields a decrease in productivity, high turnover, loss of revenue, and, most importantly, patient safety concerns.

Aim

To investigate the relationship between nurse‐related and work‐related variables associated with work engagement and provide a model that explains work engagement.

Method

This study employed an observational, cross‐sectional study design, with 201 registered nurses working in acute care hospitals in the United States participating in the study. Four work‐related and five nurse‐related variables were evaluated and used in the work engagement model. A standard multiple regression was performed using the work‐ and nurse‐related factors regressed onto work engagement. Structural equation model procedures were performed to examine the association between predictive variables and work engagement.

Results

Of the 201 participants, just over a third of the participants were over 50 years of age (33.5%), female (91.6%), married (68%), had a bachelor of science in nursing (58.1%), and have been a nurse <5 years (42.4%). Five of the variables were found to make a unique statistically significant contribution to the variance in work engagement, age (β = .31, p = .001), workload (β = .30, p < .001), Core Self‐Evaluation Scale (β = 0 .22, p = .002), Coping with Change Scale (β = .20, p = .001), and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)‐General Scale score (β = −.17, p = .03). The work engagement model indicated a satisfactory overall model fit of the model (GFI = .996; χ2 (2, N = 201) = 4.02, p = .135; RMSEA = .07; CFI = .983; NFI = .976).

Linking Evidence to Action

The results of this study confirm a work engagement model that incorporates both nurse‐ and work‐related factors. Overall, the results indicate that the level of work engagement is predicted more by nurse‐related factors than by work‐related factors.
Toward a Big Data-Based Approach: A Review on Degradation Models for Prognosis of Critical Infrastructure
Authors: Prakash Guru , Yuan Xian-Xun , Hazra Budhaditya , Mizutani Daijiro
Published: October 2020

Safety and reliability of large critical infrastructure such as long-span bridges, high-rise buildings, nuclear power plants, high-voltage transmission towers, rotating machinery, and so on, are important for a modern society. Research on reliability and safety analysis started with a “small data” problem dealing with relative scarce lifetime or failure data. Later, degradation modeling that uses performance deterioration, or, condition data collected from in-service inspections or online health monitoring became an important tool for reliability prediction and maintenance planning of highly reliable engineering systems. Over the past decades, a large number of degradation models have been developed to characterize and quantify the underlying degradation mechanism using direct and indirect measurements. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, remote sensing, big data analytics, and Internet of things are making far-reaching impacts on almost every aspect of our lives. The effect of these changes on the degradation modeling, prognosis, and safety management is interesting questions to explore. This paper presents a comprehensive, forward-looking review of the various degradation models and their practical applications to damage prognosis and management of critical infrastructure. The degradation models are classified into four categories: physics-based, knowledge-based, data-driven, and hybrid approaches.
Tissue engineered autologous cartilage-bone grafts for temporomandibular joint regeneration
Authors: Chen David , Wu Josephine Y. , Kennedy Kelsey M. , Yeager Keith , Bernhard Jonathan C. , Ng Johnathan J. , Zimmerman Brandon K. , Robinson Samuel , Durney Krista M. , Shaeffer Courtney , Vila Olaia F. , Takawira Catherine , Gimble Jeffrey M. , Guo X. Edward , Ateshian Gerard A. , Lopez Mandi J. , Eisig Sidney B. , Vunjak-Novakovic Gordana
Published: October 2020

Bioengineered autologous cartilage-bone ramus-condyle grafts enable temporomandibular joint regeneration in a clinically sized porcine model.
Health system redesign for maternal and newborn survival: rethinking care models to close the global equity gap
Authors: Roder-DeWan Sanam , Nimako Kojo , Twum-Danso Nana A Y , Amatya Archana , Langer Ana , Kruk Margaret
Published: October 2020

Large disparities in maternal and neonatal mortality exist between low- and high-income countries. Mothers and babies continue to die at high rates in many countries despite substantial increases in facility birth. One reason for this may be the current design of health systems in most low-income countries where, unlike in high-income countries, a substantial proportion of births occur in primary care facilities that cannot offer definitive care for complications. We argue that the current inequity in care for childbirth is a global double standard that limits progress on maternal and newborn survival. We propose that health systems need to be redesigned to shift all deliveries to hospitals or other advanced care facilities to bring care in line with global best practice. Health system redesign will require investing in high-quality hospitals with excellent midwifery and obstetric care, boosting quality of primary care clinics for antenatal, postnatal, and newborn care, decreasing access and financial barriers, and mobilizing populations to demand high-quality care. Redesign is a structural reform that is contingent on political leadership that envisions a health system designed to deliver high-quality, respectful care to all women giving birth. Getting redesign right will require focused investments, local design and adaptation, and robust evaluation.
Trial of remote ischaemic preconditioning in vascular cognitive impairment (TRIC-VCI): protocol
Authors: Ganesh Aravind , Barber Philip , Black Sandra E , Corbett Dale , Field Thalia S , Frayne Richard , Hachinski Vladimir , Ismail Zahinoor , Mai Lauren M , McCreary Cheryl R , Sahlas Demetrios , Sharma Mukul , Swartz Richard H , Smith Eric E
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) accounts for 20%–25% of strokes and is the most common cause of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). In an animal VCI model, inducing brief periods of limb ischaemia-reperfusion reduces subsequent ischaemic brain injury with remote and local protective effects, with hindlimb remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) improving cerebral blood flow, decreasing white-matter injury and improving cognition. Small human trials suggest RIC is safe and may prevent recurrent strokes. It remains unclear what doses of chronic daily RIC are tolerable and safe, whether effects persist after treatment cessation, and what parameters are optimal for treatment response.

Methods and analysis

This prospective, open-label, randomised controlled trial (RCT) with blinded end point assessment and run-in period, will recruit 24 participants, randomised to one of two RIC intensity groups: one arm treated once daily or one arm twice daily for 30 consecutive days. RIC will consistent of 4 cycles of blood pressure cuff inflation to 200 mm Hg for 5 min followed by 5 min deflation (total 35 min). Selection criteria include: age 60–85 years, evidence of cSVD on brain CT/MRI, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score 13–24 and preserved basic activities of living. Outcomes will be assessed at 30 days and 90 days (60 days after ceasing treatment). The primary outcome is adherence (completing ≥80% of sessions). Secondary safety/tolerability outcomes include the per cent of sessions completed and pain/discomfort scores from patient diaries. Efficacy outcomes include changes in cerebral blood flow (per arterial spin-label MRI), white-matter hyperintensity volume, diffusion tensor imaging, MoCA and Trail-Making tests.

Ethics and dissemination

Research Ethics Board approval has been obtained. The results will provide information on feasibility, dose, adherence, tolerability and outcome measures that will help design a phase IIb RCT of RIC, with the potential to prevent VCI. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, organisations and meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT04109963.
Public perception of COVID-19 management and response in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Oleribe Obinna , Ezechi Oliver , Osita-Oleribe Princess , Olawepo Olatayo , Musa Adesola Z , Omoluabi Anddy , Fertleman Michael , Salako Babatunde L , Taylor-Robinson Simon D
Published: October 2020

Objectives

A study designed to assess the public perception of the response of government and its institutions to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Setting

Self-selecting participants throughout Nigeria completed a self-administered questionnaire through an online cross-sectional survey.

Participants

495.

Results

The majority of respondents were married (76.6%), were males (61.8%), had tertiary level education (91.0%), were public servants (36.8%), Christians (82.6%), and resident either in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) (49.1%) or in the South-East Region of Nigeria (36.6%). Over 95% of the respondents had heard of COVID-19 (98.8%) and knew it is a viral disease (95.4%). The government and its institutions response to the pandemic were rated as poor, with the largest rating as poor for Federal President’s Office (57.5%). Communication (50.0%) and prevention messages (43.7%) received the highest perception good rating. Female respondents and those less than 40 years generally rated the governmental responses as poor.

Conclusions/recommendations

It is recommended that as a public–private partnership approached was efficiently used to more effectively disseminate public health communication and prevention messages, the Nigerian Government should expand this collaboration to improve the quality of services provided in other areas of COVID-19 outbreak management.
Early palliative care in haematological patients: a systematic literature review
Authors: Tanzi Silvia , Venturelli Francesco , Luminari Stefano , Merlo Franco Domenico , Braglia Luca , Bassi Chiara , Costantini Massimo
Published: October 2020

Background

Early palliative care together with standard haematological care for advanced patients is needed worldwide. Little is known about its effect. The aim of the review is to synthesise the evidence on the impact of early palliative care on haematologic cancer patients’ quality of life and resource use.

Patients and methods

A systematic review was conducted. The search terms were early palliative care or simultaneous or integrated or concurrent care and haematological or oncohaematological patients. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINHAL and Scopus. Additional studies were identified through cross-checking the reference articles. Studies were in the English language, with no restriction for years. Two researchers independently reviewed the titles and abstracts, and one author assessed full articles for eligibility.

Results

A total of 296 studies titles were reviewed. Eight articles were included in the synthesis of the results, two controlled studies provided data on the comparative efficacy of PC interventions, and six one-arm studies were included. Since data pooling and meta-analysis were not possible, only a narrative synthesis of the study results was performed. The quality of the two included comparative studies was low overall. The quality of the six non-comparative studies was high overall, without the possibility of linking the observed results to the implemented interventions.

Conclusions

Studies on early palliative care and patients with haematological cancer are scarce and have not been prospectively designed. More research on the specific population target, type and timing of palliative care intervention and standardisation of collected outcomes is required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020141322.
Modification to tunneling radiation of arbitrary spin fermions in stationary axisymmetric Sen black hole space–time
Authors: Liu YuZhen , Sha Bei , Tan Xia , Liu Zhie , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2020

Considering the modified Lorentz dispersion relation, combined with the Dirac equation and Rarita–Schwinger equation of fermions in stationary axisymmetric Sen black hole space–time, the fermion tunneling radiation of the black hole is modified accurately, and meaningful physical quantities such as the modified fermion tunneling rate, event horizon temperature, and entropy of the black hole are obtained. The discussion of the conclusions shows that the effect of the Lorentz dispersion relation and Lorentz violation theory on particle dynamics must be considered in curved space–time during the study of quantum theory and Hawking tunneling radiation.