bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open‐label, drug–drug interaction study between the HIV‐1 maturation inhibitor GSK3640254 and a metabolic probe cocktail in healthy participants
Authors: Zhang Ying , Johnson Mark , Joshi Samit , Yazdani Parto , Zhan Joyce , Wen Bo , Bainbridge Veronica , Gartland Martin , Lataillade Max
Published: February 2023

Aims

GSK3640254 (GSK'254) is an HIV‐1 maturation inhibitor with pharmacokinetics (PK) supporting once‐daily dosing. GSK'254 will be co‐administered with cytochrome P450 enzyme substrates and drug transporters, including other antiretrovirals, in people living with HIV‐1 (PLWH).

Methods

In this open‐label study, healthy participants received a single dose of a cocktail of eight cytochrome P450 and transporter probe substrates on Day 1, followed by a 10‐day washout before receiving GSK'254 200 mg once daily from Days 11 to 20 and a single dose of cocktail + GSK'254 200 mg on Day 21. Geometric least‐squares mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals were obtained using linear mixed‐effects models. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored.

Results

Of 20 participants enrolled, 19 completed the study. Plasma concentrations of all cocktail substrates were generally similar with or without GSK'254 co‐administration. All 90% confidence intervals around geometric least‐squares mean ratios for cocktail substrate PK parameters indicated no to weak interactions. Steady‐state plasma GSK'254 concentrations were achieved by Day 17 and maintained through Day 21. Nine participants (45%) reported 17 AEs; most (88%) were grade 1. Two grade 2 treatment‐related AEs (maculopapular rash [leading to withdrawal] and papular rash) were reported during GSK'254 administration alone.

Conclusions

Co‐administration of GSK'254 with a metabolic probe cocktail in healthy participants indicated very low risk of clinically relevant effect on PK of any substrates or associated metabolites. No new safety/tolerability concerns were identified. These results support ongoing phase IIb and planned phase III studies of GSK'254 in people living with HIV‐1.
Dostarlimab, an anti‐programmed death‐1 monoclonal antibody, does not cause QT prolongation in patients with solid tumours: A concentration‐QT analysis
Authors: Kuchimanchi Mita , Dabrowski Christine , Lu Sharon , Melhem Murad
Published: February 2023

Aims

Patients with solid tumours were treated with the anti‐PD‐1 antibody dostarlimab in the Phase I GARNET trial. This study aimed to examine dostarlimab's effect on corrected QT (QTc) interval and the systemic concentration–QTc interval relationship.

Methods

In GARNET Part 2B, patients received 500 mg dostarlimab every 3 weeks (Q3W) for four cycles, then 1000 mg Q6W. Triplicate 12‐lead ECGs were recorded and time‐matched pharmacokinetic (PK) samples collected at screening, on Day 1 of Cycles 1, 4, 5, 8, 12 (pre‐dose and 0.5 h after infusion end), and at treatment end. Concentration–change from baseline QTcF (ΔQTcF) analysis using a linear mixed effects model, summary statistics, incidence of clinically noteworthy ECG values and rhythm abnormalities were evaluated.

Results

A total of 377 patients were considered for evaluation (n = 15 excluded from concentration–ΔQTcF). There was a non‐significant concentration–ΔQTcF relationship (0.001589 ms/μg/mL; P = .5906). Mean ΔQTcF increase was <6 ms (upper‐bound two‐sided 90% confidence interval [CI], <10 ms at all post‐dose timepoints). Highest geometric mean concentration was 414.1 μg/mL (Cycle 5 Day 1, 0.5 h) with predicted mean ∆QTcF of 3.064 ms (upper‐bound two‐sided 90% CI: 5.071). Mean QTcF prolongation (all concentrations) was 2.4 ms. QTcF prolongation ≥500 ms occurred in five patients (1.3%); 51 (13.6%) and nine patients (2.4%) had ΔQTcF ≥30 ms and ≥60 ms, respectively. Ten patients (2.7%) reported rhythm abnormalities. No U‐wave abnormalities, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation/flutter were observed.

Conclusions

Dostarlimab does not cause clinically significant QTcF prolongation exceeding the regulatory concern threshold.
Development and testing of a decision aid to achieve shared decision‐making for routine labor induction
Authors: Peralta Ann , Drainoni Mari‐Lynn , Declercq Eugene R. , Belanoff Candice M. , Radoff Kari , Bearse Emily , Iverson Ronald E.
Published: February 2023

Background

This quality improvement project aimed to create a decision aid for labor induction in healthy pregnancies at or beyond 39 weeks that met the needs of pregnant people least likely to experience shared decision‐making and to identify and test implementation strategies to support its use in prenatal care.

Methods

We used quality improvement and qualitative methods to develop, test, and refine a patient decision aid. The decision aid was tested in three languages by providers across obstetrics, family medicine, and midwifery practices at a tertiary care hospital and two community health centers. Outcomes included patients' understanding of their choices, pros and cons of choices, and the decision being theirs or a shared one with their provider.

Results

Patient interview data indicated that shared decision‐making on labor induction was achieved. Across three Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycles, we interviewed a diverse group of 24 pregnant people: 20 were people of color, 16 were publicly insured, and 15 were born outside the United States. All but one (23/24) reported feeling the decision was theirs or a shared one with their provider. The majority could name induction choices they had along with pros and cons. Interviewees described the decision‐making experience as empowering and positive. Nine medical providers tested the decision aid and gave feedback. Providers stated the tool helped improve the quality of their counseling and reduce bias.

Conclusion

This project suggests that using an evidence‐based and well‐tested decision aid can help achieve shared decision‐making on labor induction for a diverse group of pregnant people.
Implant connection and abutment selection as a predisposing and/or precipitating factor for peri‐implant diseases: A review
Authors: Laleman Isabelle , Lambert France
Published: February 2023

Peri‐implant mucosal integration is becoming a critical aspect for long term implant health and can be triggered the selection of implant components. The aim of this review is therefore to investigate the evidence concerning implant connection and abutment characteristics (abutment materials, design, handling) as predisposing or precipitating factor for peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis. Although the evidence that these features can directly predispose/precipitate peri‐implant diseases is limited, there are ‐few‐ studies showing a potential role of the implant connection, trans‐mucosal configuration, and handling in the development of early bone loss and/or peri‐implantitis. With bone level implants, conical internal connections (with inherent platform switching) might be preferred over internal flat‐flat and external connections to decrease the risk of early bone loss and potentially the risk of peri‐implant disease. Moreover, there is a trend suggesting moving the prosthetic interface coronally (to the juxta‐mucosal level) as soon as possible to reduce the number of disconnections and to limit the risk of cements remnants. This can be achieved by choosing a tissue‐level implant or to place a trans‐mucosal abutment (one abutment‐one time approach) to optimize the peri‐implant soft tissue seal. In absence of evidence for the biocompatibility regarding several restorative materials, biocompatible materials such as titanium or zirconia should be preferred in the trans‐mucosal portion. Finally, higher implants (≥2mm) with an emergence angle below 30° seem more favourable. It should however be noted that some of this information is solely based on indirect information (such as early bone loss) and more research is needed before making firm recommendations about abutment choice. [Correction added on 13 March 2023, after first online publication: ‘longer implants (≥2mm)’ was changed to ‘higher implants (≥2mm)’ in this version.]
Clinical differences in sirolimus treatment with low target levels between children and adults with vascular malformations – A nationwide trial
Authors: Harbers Veroniek E. M. , Zwerink Lilly G. J. M. , Rongen Gerard A. , Klein Willemijn M. , van der Vleuten Carine J. M. , van Rijnsoever Ingrid M. P. , Gerdsen‐Drury Lynda , Flucke Uta E. , Verhoeven Bas H. , de Laat Peter C. J. , van der Horst Chantal M. A. M. , Schultze Kool Leo J. , te Loo D. Maroeska W. M.
Published: February 2023

The clinical presentation of patients with slow‐flow vascular malformations is very heterogeneous. High clinical burden and subsequent reduced health‐related quality of life is something they have in common. There is an unmet medical need for these patients for whom regular treatments like surgery and embolization are either insufficient or technically impossible. Sirolimus has been reported to be effective and overall well‐tolerated in most patients. However, the main limitation of sirolimus is the reported high toxicity, especially when target levels of 10–15 ng/mL are being used. We report the results of a phase IIB single‐arm open‐label clinical trial consisting of 68 (67 in the challenge phase and 68 in the rechallenge phase) evaluable patients (children n = 33 and adults n = 35) demonstrating that treatment with low sirolimus target levels (4–10 ng/mL) is effective in 79.1% of the patients. When sirolimus treatment was stopped, the majority of patients experienced a recurrence of symptoms, supporting prolonged or even lifelong treatment requirement. Adults experienced a higher baseline pain score compared with children, having an estimated marginal mean of 6.2 versus 4.1, p < 0.05; however, they showed a similar decrease to children. Furthermore, the pediatric population experienced less often a sirolimus‐related grade I–IV adverse event (35.9% vs. 64.1%, p > 0.05) compared with adults. Additionally, response rates were higher in children compared with adults (93.8% vs. 65.7%, p < 0.05), and children responded faster (28 vs. 91 days, p < 0.05). These results suggest benefits of sirolimus in patients with slow‐flow vascular malformations and support its initiation as young as possible.
Prophylaxis with recombinant von Willebrand factor in patients with type 3 von Willebrand disease: Results of a post hoc analysis from a phase 3 trial
Authors: Leebeek Frank W. G. , Peyvandi Flora , Tiede Andreas , Castaman Giancarlo , Escobar Miguel , Wang Michael , Zülfikar Bulent , Susen Sophie , Miesbach Wolfgang , Wang Scarlett , Wang Yi , Zhang Jingmei , Özen Gülden
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To describe efficacy/safety of recombinant von Willebrand factor (rVWF) prophylaxis in patients with type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD).

Methods

This post hoc analysis of a phase 3 open‐label trial provides a more detailed analysis of adults with type 3 VWD, categorized based on prior treatment at screening: “Prior On‐Demand (OD)” (OD VWF; ≥3 documented spontaneous bleeding events [BEs] requiring VWF in previous 12 months) or “Switch” (plasma‐derived [pd] VWF prophylaxis for ≥12 months). Annualized bleeding rates (ABRs) were evaluated during 12 months of rVWF prophylaxis versus historical data from medical records.

Results

In the Prior OD group (n = 10), mean spontaneous ABR (sABR) for treated BEs was reduced by 91.6% (ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.02–0.45) versus mean historical sABR. In the Switch group (n = 8), mean sABR for treated BEs was reduced by 47% (ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.08–3.62). One non‐serious adverse event (AE) was considered possibly related to rVWF. No treatment‐related, fatal, or life‐threatening serious AEs were reported, and no patient developed VWF inhibitors.

Conclusions

rVWF prophylaxis reduced sABR in type 3 VWD patients previously treated with OD VWF therapy, and maintained a similar level of hemostatic control in those switching from pdVWF prophylaxis to rVWF prophylaxis.
Discovery of unknown new ponds occupied by the endangered giant water bug Kirkaldyia deyrolli (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) by combining environmental DNA and capture surveys
Authors: Ogata Shigeki , Nishiwaki Atsuhiro , Yamazoe Kanji , Sugai Kyoko , Takahara Teruhiko
Published: February 2023

Basic ecological information (e.g. habitat or distribution) is indispensable for conserving endangered species. The giant water bug Kirkaldyia deyrolli is an aquatic insect in the large stink bug family (Belostomatidae). It inhabits ponds and is a critically endangered species. In this study, we developed a species‐specific primer–probe set (the cytochrome c oxidase I region in mitochondrial DNA) that was used in real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect K. deyrolli environmental DNA (eDNA). Next, using eDNA analysis, we investigated the presence of K. deyrolli in 89 study ponds (including one pond that had already been identified as the habitat of this species) in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. The eDNA of K. deyrolli was detected in 11 of these 89 ponds. Furthermore, when the traditional method of direct capture survey was carried out in four of the 10 ponds where K. deyrolli eDNA had been detected and no prior occupancy information for this species was available, the capture of one K. deyrolli (female) was successful in only one pond. This study showed that combining eDNA analysis and direct capture methods can lead to discovering previously unknown habitats essential for conserving an endangered species.
Herbivorous cladoceran essential fatty acid and cholesterol content across a phosphorous and DOC gradients of boreal lakes—Importance of diet selection
Authors: Keva Ossi , Litmanen Jaakko J. , Kahilainen Kimmo K. , Strandberg Ursula , Kiljunen Mikko , Hämäläinen Heikki , Taipale Sami J.
Published: February 2023

Eutrophication has been shown to increase production of nutritionally low‐quality cyanobacteria and decrease the long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of seston. Contrarily, lake browning inhibits cyanobacteria contribution in seston and favours poorly grazable mixotrophic algal species. These environmental changes have probable impacts on the diet and long‐chain PUFA content of primary consumers. However, herbivorous zooplankton may preferentially retain PUFAs through diet selection for optimal growth and reproduction, but such selective feeding is challenging to document in nature owing to the difficulties in quantifying zooplankton diet.

Here, we sampled seston and herbivorous cladocerans (Daphnia sp. and Bosmina sp.) from lakes (n = 23) in Finland along eutrophication (total phosphorous) and browning gradients (dissolved organic carbon [DOC]). We analysed the fatty acid content of seston (mg FA/g POC [particular organic content]) and cladocerans (mg FA/g C), and estimated available and consumed diet biomass percentages with quantitative fatty acid signature analysis. Cladoceran diet preference was evaluated as the difference between consumed and available food sources, to understand if they preferentially retain high nutritional quality diet.

Generally, lake chemistry and morphometry poorly explained seston and cladoceran long‐chain PUFA contents. However, multiple linear models for shorter chain PUFAs (linoleic acid [LA] and alpha‐linolenic acid [ALA]) performed better in explaining variation in the LA and ALA content of seston (20% and 11%) and cladocerans (36% and 46%, respectively). The factors most strongly and positively associated with the LA and ALA content of seston and cladocerans were phosphorus and DOC concentrations, respectively.

Seston and cladoceran PUFA contents were clearly uncorrelated. In most of the sampled lakes, high‐quality diet (i.e., diatoms and cryptomonads) was preferred by cladocerans and low‐quality diet (cyanobacteria) was avoided. Lake chemistry poorly explained cladoceran diet preference, but high‐quality preference was positively associated with lake average depth.

In summary, our space‐for‐time study approach did not reveal that eutrophication or browning downgraded the seston nor cladoceran PUFA quality. We found no correlation with seston and cladoceran PUFA content, but a clear mismatch between available and consumed diet. Our results suggest a selective feeding strategy of cladocerans, possibly through foraging in high‐quality algae patches or selective assimilation of PUFAs.
Insights on surface analysis techniques to study glass primary packaging
Authors: Pintori Giovanna , Panighello Serena , Pinato Odra , Cattaruzza Elti
Published: February 2023

During the forming process of a vial by tubing glass, temperatures of up to 1200°C are applied to adjust the glass viscosity. This process causes the release of volatile components such as alkali borates. Consequently, the percentage of sodium and boron measured on the inner surface of the vial can be higher than that measured on the corresponding glass tube. This study aimed to characterize the inner surface of two different borosilicate glass tubes of type I before and after the vial forming process at the nanoscale level. Quantitative elemental analysis of the surface along the vertical axis of glass tubes and vials was performed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, whereas the topographical investigation was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the near‐bottom region of a vial, which is usually the area most prone to corrosion, the SEM micrographs showed the appearance of bulges on the surface. The latter were then analyzed by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry to characterize their molecular composition. The purpose of this work is to identify possible new strategies for faster identification of factors that eventually influence chemical resistance of pharmaceutical glasses and to provide useful information needed to improve industrial processes.
Household food insecurity and childhood obesity/overweight among children with special healthcare needs: Results from a nationally representative sample of 10–17 years old U.S. children
Authors: Khanijahani Ahmad , Pawcio Sheridyn
Published: February 2023

Background

Food insecurity is linked to an increased risk of childhood obesity and other adverse health issues.

Objectives

To examine the disproportionate impact of food insecurity on childhood obesity among children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we pooled data from 4 years (2016 to 2019) of the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) for a nationally representative sample of 10 to 17 years old noninstitutionalized U.S. children (N = 68 942). Using logistic regression models, we examined the odds of childhood obesity or overweight by including an interaction between family food situation and CSHCN status.

Results

Among 10–17 years old U.S. children, 31% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.1%–31.9%) had obesity or overweight, 24.1% had special healthcare needs, 27.2% were from families with food insecurity, and 6.4% were from families with food insufficiency. CSHCN were more likely to be impacted by obesity or overweight than non‐CSHCN (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.18–1.141). Moreover, children living in food insecurity (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.52–1.92) and food insufficiency (OR = 2, 95% CI = 1.67–2.4) were more likely than those living in food‐secure families to be impacted by obesity or overweight. CSHCN living in food insecurity were significantly more likely to be impacted by obesity or overweight than non‐CSHCN in similar households.

Conclusions

It appears that food insecurity can put CSHCN at disproportionately greater risk of obesity or overweight than non‐CSHCN. The findings underscore considering CSHCN status in conjunction with household food insecurity in designing and implementing medical interventions or public policies targeted at childhood obesity or overweight.
Should DEI statements be included in faculty selection? Exploring legal, diversity, and validity issues
Authors: Ficht Linda S. , Levashina Julia
Published: February 2023

Many public and private employers have been using Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements during the selection process as part of their mission of having a diverse workforce. This paper focuses on the use of DEI statements in public and private higher education. The paper reviews several key issues relative to the use of DEI statements ranging from the First Amendment to management considerations. We explore several dilemmas that arise due to the use of DEI statements. We note that although the First Amendment is uniquely a US issue, the paper addresses the growth of DEI internationally and the need for international academics to be aware of the issues addressed in this manuscript. We also make recommendations for future research and practice.
Prevalence and morphological features of molar‐root incisor malformation in children attending a specialist paediatric dental unit
Authors: Jensen Emilija D. , Smart Gabrielle , Lee Nara , Tan Jenny , Oliver Kelly , Ha William N. , Ranjitkar Sarbin
Published: February 2023

Background

Molar‐root incisor malformation (MRIM) is a rare dental anomaly featuring constricted cervical margins and tapered, narrow root and pulp morphology, often associated with severe toothache and infection.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MRIM in children seen in a specialist paediatric dental unit of a tertiary referral hospital and to describe the characteristics of affected individuals.

Design

This study was an audit of children attending from November 2020 to November 2021. Radiographs were used to identify individuals with MRIM, and clinical data were collated. In addition, histology and microcomputed tomography (microCT) imaging were performed on teeth extracted from an affected individual.

Results

The prevalence of MRIM was five cases of 1054 children examined (0.47% or 1:210). The permanent first molars were affected in all five children and the primary second molars in two children; all children had medical comorbidities and multiple exposures to general anesthesia before 4 years of age. In addition, histological and microCT analyses displayed numerous microchannels connecting the pulp chamber to the external surface of the tooth at the furcation.

Conclusions

Molar‐root incisor malformation is an uncommon dental anomaly affecting paediatric patients with multiple comorbidities and is characterized by porosities extending from the pulp chamber to the external tooth surface, predisposing the risk of bacterial ingress from the oral cavity into the pulp chamber. Early detection may prevent atypical odontogenic facial pain and infection.
Addressing systemic racism and intergenerational transmission of anxiety using Bowenian family therapy with African American populations: A Discursive paper
Authors: Josiah Nia , Shoola Hakeem , Rodney Tamar , Arscott Joyell , Ndzi Maureen , Bush Ashley D. , Wilson Patty R. , Jacques Keilah , Baptiste Diana‐Lyn , Starks Shaquita
Published: February 2023

Aim

To examine the intergenerational impact of systemic racism on mental health, depicting the evolution and patterns of anxiety symptoms and the application of the Bowenian family therapy to understand the interrelatedness and long‐standing impact of intergenerational trauma in African American families. This article highlights interventions that increase awareness of and promotes physical and mental health for African American populations.

Design

Discursive Paper.

Method

Searching literature published between 2012 and 2022 in PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCO Host and Google Scholar, we explored factors associated with systemic racism and generational anxiety.

Discussion

Evidence‐based literature supports the application of the Bowenian family therapy theoretical framework to understand the intergenerational impact of systemic racism and to address the transmission of anxiety symptoms in African American  populations.

Conclusion

Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to decrease anxiety symptoms in an attempt to heal intergenerational trauma and to improve family dynamics in African American populations.

Impact to Nursing Practice

Nurses play an integral role in providing holistic quality patient‐centred care for African American populations who have experienced racial trauma. It is critical for nurses to implement culturally responsive and racially informed care with patients that focuses on self‐awareness, health promotion, prevention and healing in efforts to address racial trauma. Application of Bowenian family therapy can aid in the reduction of both intergenerational transmission of racial trauma and generational anxiety.

No Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public involvement in the design or drafting of this discursive paper. The authors reviewed the literature to develop a discussion.
Intermittent hypoxia treatments cause cellular priming in human microglia
Authors: De Felice Martina , Germelli Lorenzo , Piccarducci Rebecca , Da Pozzo Eleonora , Giacomelli Chiara , Baccaglini‐Frank Anna , Martini Claudia
Published: February 2023

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a sleep‐disordered breathing characterized by nocturnal collapses of the upper airway resulting in cycles of blood oxygen partial pressure oscillations, which lead to tissue and cell damage due to intermittent hypoxia (IH) episodes. Since OSAS‐derived IH may lead to cognitive impairment through not fully cleared mechanisms, herein we developed a new in vitro model mimicking IH conditions to shed light on its molecular effects on microglial cells, with particular attention to the inflammatory response. The in vitro model was set‐up and validated by measuring the hypoxic state, HIF‐1α levels, oxidative stress by ROS production and mitochondrial activity by MTS assay. Then, the mRNA and protein levels of certain inflammatory markers (NF‐κB and interleukin 6 (IL‐6)) after different IH treatment protocols were investigated. The IH treatments followed by a normoxic period were not able to produce a high inflammatory state in human microglial cells. Nevertheless, microglia appeared to be in a state characterized by increased expression of NF‐κB and markers related to a primed phenotype. The microglia exposed to IH cycles and stimulated with exogenous IL‐1β resulted in an exaggerated inflammatory response with increased NF‐κB and IL‐6 expression, suggesting a role for primed microglia in OSAS‐driven neuroinflammation.
Prograde zircon growth in migmatites
Authors: Yakymchuk Chris
Published: February 2023

Empirical studies of zircon in migmatites document features compatible with growth during heating at suprasolidus conditions. However, numerical modelling of zircon behaviour suggests that suprasolidus zircon is expected to grow only during cooling and melt crystallization. Here, phase equilibrium modelling coupled with mineral–melt Zr partitioning is used in an attempt to reconcile the observations from migmatites with the predictions of previous numerical models of zircon behaviour in anatectic systems. In general, an equilibrium‐based model that includes Zr partitioning does not allow prograde suprasolidus zircon growth. However, melting of metapelites at temperatures just above the wet solidus may allow limited zircon growth because of the low solubility of zircon in melt coupled with a source of Zr from minor garnet and ilmenite breakdown. Preservation of this zircon requires entrapment in growing peritectic minerals during subsequent heating and further melting. Heating above muscovite exhaustion in metapelites is unlikely to grow zircon because of the progressive increase in zircon solubility as well as an increasing compatibility of Zr in the residual mineral assemblage. The modelled compatibility of Zr in the residue of a metabasite decreases during heating, but an increase in zircon solubility in melt counteracts this; prograde suprasolidus zircon growth in metabasites is unlikely. Infiltration of Zr‐rich melt into a migmatite during open‐system anatexis provides an additional potential mechanism for prograde suprasolidus zircon growth during high‐temperature metamorphism.
Shape variation in the limb long bones of modern elephants reveals adaptations to body mass and habitat
Authors: Bader Camille , Delapré Arnaud , Houssaye Alexandra
Published: February 2023

During evolution, several vertebrate lineages have shown trends towards an increase in mass. Such a trend is associated with physiological and musculoskeletal changes necessary to carry and move an increasingly heavy body. Due to their prominent role in the support and movement of the body, limb long bones are highly affected by these shifts in body mass. Elephants are the heaviest living terrestrial mammals, displaying unique features allowing them to withstand their massive weight, such as the columnarity of their limbs, and as such are crucial to understand the evolution towards high body mass in land mammals. In this study, we investigate the shape variation of the six limb long bones among the modern elephants, Elephas maximus and Loxodonta africana, to understand the effect of body mass and habitat on the external anatomy of the bones. To do so, we use three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics (GMMs) and qualitative comparisons to describe the shape variation, at both the intraspecific and interspecific levels. Our results reveal that the two species share similar negative ontogenetic allometric patterns (i.e. becoming stouter with increased length) in their humerus and femur, but not in the other bones: the proximal epiphyses of the stylopod bones develop considerably during growth, while the distal epiphyses, which are involved in load distribution in the elbow and knee joints, are already massive in juveniles. We attribute this pattern to a weight‐bearing adaptation already present in young specimens. Among adults of the same species, bone robustness increases with body mass, so that heavier specimens display stouter bones allowing for a better mechanical load distribution. While this robustness variation is significant for the humerus only, all the other bones appear to follow the same pattern. This is particularly visible in the ulna and tibia, but less so in the femur, which suggests that the forelimb and hindlimb adapted differently to high body mass support. Robustness analyses, while significant for the humerus only, suggest more robust long bones in Asian elephants than in African savanna elephants. More specifically, GMMs and qualitative comparisons indicate that three bones are clearly distinct when comparing the two species: in E. maximus the humerus, the ulna and the tibia display enlarged areas of muscular insertions for muscles involved in joint and limb stabilization, as well as in limb rotation. These results suggest a higher limb compliance in Asian elephants, associated with a higher dexterity, which could be linked to their habitat and foraging habits.
Using the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) to assess the impact of unit atmosphere on violence risk assessment
Authors: Simmons Melanie L. , Maguire Tessa , Ogloff James R. P. , Gabriel Jessica , Daffern Michael
Published: February 2023

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject

Research suggests that the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) is a useful risk assessment instrument to identify individuals who might be at risk of aggression in mental health inpatient units.

Although, risk assessment research has typically focused on an individual's risk of aggression, recent research has begun exploring whether the DASA could be used to assess the likelihood that a group of patients would be aggressive.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge

While the DASA was useful for assessing whether an individual was likely to be aggressive, the group average score was not a useful indicator for the likelihood of aggression once the individual DASA score was taken into consideration.

Unexpectedly, patients who were assessed as high risk on the DASA were more likely to be aggressive on settled units compared to unsettled units, which included other individuals whose risk was elevated.

What are the implications for practice

There is not enough evidence to suggest that the group DASA average improves the identification of aggression above the individual DASA score.

Introduction

The Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) is an inpatient aggression risk assessment instrument. Recently, research explored whether the unit atmosphere, as indicated by a unit's average DASA score, was related to inpatient aggression risk, but failed to control for individual risk.

Aim

Investigate whether the DASA unit average score or an interaction between the unit average and an individual patient's DASA score was related to the likelihood that an individual would act aggressively.

Method

Cox regression with repeated assessments and recurrent events was used to analyse 11,243 DASA risk assessments of 113 inpatients collected via retrospective file review.

Results

The unit DASA average score was not related to aggression towards staff. There was a negative interaction between the individual and the unit DASA average scores when identifying patient‐to‐patient aggression; high‐risk patients engaged in less aggression when the unit average was heightened relative to units with lower DASA average scores.

Discussion

It is possible that there were more nursing interventions and/or patients engaged in greater self‐regulation on unsettled units, thus reducing aggression.

Implications for Practice

Currently, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that the unit average score should be used to supplement individual DASA scores to identify aggression risk.
Geopolitics of the Li‐ion battery value chain and the Lithium Triangle in South America
Authors: Sanchez‐Lopez Maria Daniela
Published: February 2023

Climate change and the low‐carbon transition are drastically changing the energy paradigm. A critical aspect is the burgeoning demand for lithium‐ion batteries and the massive amount of minerals and metals that will be required to create them. How and where these resources will be extracted, transformed, and manufactured, involve contested geopolitical interests that are currently reshaping the global energy map. This article explores the geopolitical relations and interdependencies emerging in the lithium extraction and manufacturing of lithium‐ion batteries. It discusses the characteristics of the lithium‐ion battery supply value chain to argue that lithium is not just a strategic resource. It has become a material that is part of a much larger geopolitical energy transformation, with China emerging as the primary global force in terms of technology and battery manufacturing. The article then analyzes the governance frameworks of the South American salt flats of Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, which show a heterogeneous panorama in terms of economic structures and business strategies. Both condition new forms of interdependencies with China in terms of business networks and market access.
Global treatment rate and barriers to direct‐acting antiviral therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of 146 studies and 1 760 352 hepatitis C virus patients
Authors: Nguyen Vy H. , Huang Daniel Q. , Le Michael H. , Jin Michelle , Lee Eunice Y. , Henry Linda , Nerurkar Sanjna N. , Ogawa Eiichi , Thin Khin N. , Teng Margaret L. P. , Goh Kang S. , Kai Justin C. Y. , Wong Connie , Tan Darren J. H. , Thuy Le T. T. , Hai Hoang , Enomoto Masaru , Cheung Ramsey , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: February 2023

Background

Global data on the treatment rate with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are sparse. We aimed to evaluate the CHC treatment rate and barriers to treatment in the DAA era.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane from inception to 5 August 2021, for relevant articles. Patients treated with DAAs without interferon (IFN) therapy were categorized as IFN‐free DAAs. Patients receiving DAA with IFN or unclear IFN status were categorized as DAA/IFN.

Results

We identified and analysed data from 146 studies (1 760 352 CHC patients). DAA/IFN treatment rate was 16.0% (95% CI: 9.9–23.3, 49 studies, 886 535 patients). IFN‐free DAA treatment rate was 52.3% (95% CI: 46.2–58.4, 123 studies, 1 276 754 patients): 45.4% in North America, 64.2% in South America (1 study), 90.4% in Africa (most data from Egypt), 54.4% in Europe, 60.7% in Australia and 60.5% in Asia, (p < .0001); 49% with hepatitis B co‐infection and 32.3% with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment was not a priority in 22.8% of patients in Europe and 16.7% in Australia, compared to only 4.8% in North America and 2.1% in Asia (p < .0001). Poor adherence to clinical follow‐up was the cause of no treatment in 74.7% of patients in Australia, 37.0% in North America, 7.9% in Europe and 14.3% in Asia (p < .0001).

Conclusion

Though a marked improvement from IFN/DAA, the treatment rate with IFN‐free DAA remains suboptimal (52.3% overall, 32.3% in HCC patients). Non‐adherence to clinical follow‐up and lack of disease awareness were treatment barriers.
Supportive and collaborative interdependence: Distinguishing residents’ contributions within health care teams
Authors: Sebok‐Syer Stefanie S. , Lingard Lorelei , Panza Michael , Van Hooren Tamara A. , Rassbach Caroline E.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Individual assessments disregard team contributions, while team assessments disregard an individual's contributions. Interdependence has been put forth as a conceptual bridge between our educational traditions of assessing individual performance and our imminent challenge of assessing team‐based performance without losing sight of the individual. The purpose of this study was to develop a more refined conceptualisation of interdependence to inform the creation of measures that can assess the interdependence of residents within health care teams.

Methods

Following a constructivist grounded theory approach, we conducted 49 semi‐structured interviews with various members of health care teams (e.g. physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and patients) across two different clinical specialties—Emergency Medicine and Paediatrics—at two separate sites. Data collection and analysis occurred iteratively. Constant comparative inductive analysis was used, and coding consisted of three stages: initial, focused and theoretical.

Results

We asked participants to reflect upon interdependence and describe how it exists in their clinical setting. All participants acknowledged the existence of interdependence, but they did not view it as part of a linear spectrum where interdependence becomes independence. Our analysis refined the conceptualisation of interdependence to include two types: supportive and collaborative. Supportive interdependence occurs within health care teams when one member demonstrates insufficient expertise to perform within their scope of practice. Collaborative interdependence, on the other hand, was not triggered by lack of experience/expertise within an individual's scope of practice, but rather recognition that patient care requires contributions from other team members.

Conclusion

In order to assess a team's collective performance without losing sight of the individual, we need to capture interdependent performances and characterise the nature of such interdependence. Moving away from a linear trajectory where independence is seen as the end goal can also help support efforts to measure an individual's competence as an interdependent member of a health care team.
Metabolic surgery and oral health: A register‐based study
Authors: Marsk Richard , Freedman Freja , Yan Jacinth , Karlsson Lena , Sandborgh‐Englund Gunilla
Published: February 2023

Objective

The impact of weight loss surgery on oral health is not clear. The aim of the present study was to investigate its impact on the risk for dental interventions.

Materials and Methods

All adults who underwent metabolic surgery in Sweden between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018 were identified in the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg; n = 53,643). A control cohort from the general population was created, matched 10:1 on sex, age and place of residence (n = 536,430). All individuals were followed in the Swedish Dental Register regarding event rates for four types of dental intervention: restorative, endodontic and periodontal interventions, and tooth extractions.

Results

The surgical cohort had increased interventional rates postoperatively regarding all studied outcomes except periodontal interventions. Dental interventions were more common in the surgical cohort both pre‐ and postoperatively. The difference between the groups increased markedly in the postoperative period. The between‐group comparison postoperatively showed increased event rates for restorations (IRR 1.8; 95% CI 1.7–1.8), extractions (1.9; 95% CI 1.9–2.0) and endodontics (2.1; 95% CI 2.0–2.1).

Conclusion

The surgical intervention might cause a substantial negative impact on oral health. These results imply an important role for counselling metabolic surgery patients regarding preventive oral health measures.
Retrospective study of oral lesions biopsied in babies and toddlers
Authors: Rezende Karla Mayra , de Barros Gallo Camila , Nogueira Giovanna Pareja , Corraza Ana Carolina , Haddad Ana Estela , Gallottini Marina , Bönecker Marcelo
Published: February 2023

Epidemiological data on the distribution of oral and maxillofacial diseases present in early childhood are scarce in the literature. This study analyzed the frequency of lesions biopsied in this region in children aged 0 to 3 years and sent for histopathological analysis in a reference oral pathology laboratory . Histopathological diagnostic data, lesion location, sex, and age were collected. Of the total of 93,950 records, 250 cases (0.27%) belonged to the age group from 0 to 3 years old. The most frequently diagnosed oral alterations were: mucocele (34/250; 13.6%); papilloma (11/250; 4.4%), giant cell fibroma (6/250; 2.4%), pyogenic granuloma (5/250; 2%) and hemangioma (3/250; 1.2%). The lip was the most affected site, followed by the gingiva and the tongue. These results generate information on the lesions most frequently diagnosed in early childhood, which facilitates the process of diagnosis and, consequently, treatment.
Germinating seedlings and mature shoots of Cuscuta campestris respond differently to light stimuli during parasitism but not during circumnutation
Authors: Yokoyama Toshiya , Watanabe Akira , Asaoka Mariko , Nishitani Kazuhiko
Published: February 2023

Seedlings of the parasitic plant genus Cuscuta (dodder) locate hosts by circumnutation, coil around the host near soil level and form a haustorium, establishing a primary parasitism beneath the canopy. Mature shoots elongating from the parasitic region parasitize other hosts on the upper surfaces of their canopy. Although parasitism by dodder is stimulated by blue and far‐red light, and inhibited by red light, the responses to light signals during the developmental stages are not comprehensively understood. Therefore, we compared the effects of different types of light on both circumnutation and parasitism by germinating seedlings and mature shoots of Cuscuta campestris. Seedlings established parasitism under blue and far‐red light, but not under red light, as has been reported repeatedly. By contrast, mature shoots exhibited coiling around the host and haustoria formation even under a red light as well as under blue and far‐red light. These findings indicate that C. campestris modified its response to red light during the transition from young seedlings to mature shoots, facilitating parasitism. Light quality did not affect the circumnutation of either seedlings or mature shoots, indicating that circumnutation and the coiling movement that leads to parasitism were regulated by different environmental signals.
A New Method to Easily Assess Bacteriostatic and Bactericidal Activity of Ultraviolet Radiation Using Quantitative Image Analysis
Authors: Sandri Angela , Lleò Maria M. , Bontempi Pietro , Boschi Federico
Published: February 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can elicit both bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity depending on light parameters and targeted bacteria. Current methods based on bacterial growth on solid medium allow measurement of only bactericidal but not bacteriostatic activity, while liquid cultures exhibit low light penetration. Here, we propose a method to quantify both bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity of radiation based on (a) bacterial cultures on solid medium, (b) acquisition and quantitative analysis of photographic images of plates containing bacterial colonies, (c) application of two mathematical equations to evaluate bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity. The proposed method considers the differences in growth on test and control (unexposed) plates. The measurements performed on the plates image are the independent variables of the mathematical equations returning the values of bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity. Experimentally, a test was performed using Escherichia coli grown on a solid medium and exposed to UVA (365 nm) radiation. The standard method allowed quantifying bactericidal activity and evaluating only qualitatively bacteriostatic activity of the radiation. Differently, the new method here proposed allowed quantification of both activities. The proposed method proved to be simple, enabling deep assessment of the antibacterial effects of UV radiation directly on the solid medium through image acquisition and analysis.
Examining soil organic carbon in the mountainous peat swamps of the Zoigê Plateau in China's Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Zhao Cheng‐Zhang , Bai Xuqian , Li Qun , Ma Min
Published: February 2023

Mountainous peatlands are one of the most important terrestrial ecosystems for carbon storage and play an important role in the global carbon cycle. An insight into the carbon cycle of peat swamps located in mountainous regions can be obtained by studying the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its relationships with environmental factors. This study focused on the development conditions of peat swamps in the Gahai wetlands, located on the Zoigê Plateau, China, with four different altitudinal gradients as experimental sample sites. The distribution of SOC and its relationship with environmental factors were analysed through vegetation surveys and a generalized additive model (GAM). The results show that with increasing altitude, soil temperature decreased while the soil pH and bulk density initially decreased then increased. On the contrary, the topographic wetness index (TWI), SOC content, above‐ground biomass and litter count initially increased then decreased. The SOC content of the 0–30 cm soil layer was in the range 226–330 g·kg−1 (coefficient of variation (CV) = 21.4%), and the 30–60 cm layer was 178–257 g·kg−1 (CV = 17.5%) and was significantly correlated (p < .05) with above‐ground biomass and litter count. Meanwhile, the SOC content in the 60–90 cm soil layer was in the range 132–167 g·kg−1 (CV = 9.2%) with a significant correlation (p < .05) with soil temperature, pH, bulk density and topographic moisture index. The study showed that the SOC content exhibited more pronounced spatial patterns with increasing altitude, with the peak value in the shallow soil layer appearing in lower elevation areas compared with the deep soil layer. The level of variation changed from medium to low, reflecting the stable mechanism for maintaining SOC within the heterogeneous peat swamp environment.
The novel HLA‐B*13:176 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Liu Cong , Zheng Zhong‐Zheng , Du Ke‐Ming , An Lin , Li Guo‐Hui
Published: February 2023

HLA‐B*13:176 differs from HLA‐B*13:02:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 1.