bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The estimated impact of state‐level support for expanded delivery of substance use disorder treatment during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Nesoff Elizabeth D. , Marziali Megan E. , Martins Silvia S.
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

To prevent COVID‐19 transmission, some United States (US) federal regulations on substance use disorder (SUD) treatment were suspended in March 2020. This study aimed to quantify the extent of state‐level policy uptake and the potential number of people with SUD affected by these policy changes across the US, as well as to assess if policy uptake correlated with rates of people with SUD already in treatment or needing treatment.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of policies implemented as of April 13, 2020.

Setting and Participants

A total of 50 US states and the District of Columbia

Measurements

State‐level implementation of: oral schedule II controlled substances emergency prescription, extended take‐home doses for medication for opioid use disorders (MOUD), home‐delivery of take‐home medications, telemedicine for schedule II‐IV prescriptions, telemedicine for buprenorphine prescribing initiation, and waiver of out‐of‐state Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration. Rates per 100 000 population of: adults in treatment for SUD, MOUD treatment at facilities with opioid treatment programs, SUD based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)‐IV criteria, and needing, but not receiving treatment.

Findings

Half of the states (n = 24) enacted no policies, leaving ~460 955 people in treatment and 114 370 people on MOUD pre‐pandemic uncovered by any policy expansion. Only telemedicine for buprenorphine initiation was marginally associated with pre‐pandemic rate of SUD treatment (OR = 1.003, 95% CI = [1.001, 1.006]) and rate of MOUD therapy (OR = 1.006, 95% CI = [1.002, 1.011]) in univariable analysis, but these associations were no longer significant when controlling for state‐level demographics. No policies were associated with state‐wide SUD prevalence or rate of unmet treatment need (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Twenty‐four United States states did not implement at least one federal policy for substance use disorder treatment expansion as of April 2020, leaving approximately half a million people in treatment pre‐pandemic potentially without access to treatment or risking exposure to COVID‐19 to continue in‐person therapies.
Noninvasive risk factors for the prediction of inducibility on programmed ventricular stimulation in post‐myocardial infarction patients with an ejection fraction ≥40% at risk for sudden cardiac arrest: Insights from the PRESERVE‐EF study
Authors: Trachanas Konstantinos , Sideris Skevos , Arsenos Petros , Tsiachris Dimitrios , Antoniou Christos‐Konstantinos , Dilaveris Polychronis , Triantafyllou Konstantinos , Xenogiannis Iosif , Tsimos Konstantinos , Efremidis Michalis , Kanoupakis Emmanuel , Flevari Panagiota , Vassilikos Vassilios , Sideris Antonios , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Gatzoulis Konstantinos
Published: December 2021

Background

In the PRESERVE‐EF study, a two‐step sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification approach to detect post‐myocardial infarction (MI) patients with left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40% at risk for major arrhythmic events (MAEs) was used. Seven noninvasive risk factors (NIRFs) were extracted from a 24‐h ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) and a 45‐min resting recording. Patients with at least one NIRF present were referred for invasive programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) and inducible patients received an Implantable Cardioverter ‐ Defibrillator (ICD).

Methods

In the present study, we evaluated the performance of the NIRFs, as they were described in the PRESERVE‐EF study protocol, in predicting a positive PVS. In the PRESERVE‐EF study, 152 out of 575 patients underwent PVS and 41 of them were inducible. For the present analysis, data from these 152 patients were analyzed.

Results

Among the NIRFs examined, the presence of signal averaged ECG‐late potentials (SAECG‐LPs) ≥ 2/3 and non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) ≥1 eposode/24 h cutoff points were important predictors of a positive PVS study, demonstrating in the logistic regression analysis odds ratios 2.285 (p = .027) and 2.867 (p = .006), respectively. A simple risk score based on the above cutoff points in combination with LVEF < 50% presented high sensitivity but low specificity for a positive PVS.

Conclusion

Cutoff points of NSVT ≥ 1 episode/24 h and SAECG‐LPs ≥ 2/3 in combination with a LVEF < 50% were important predictors of inducibility. However, the final decision for an ICD implantation should be based on a positive PVS, which is irreplaceable in risk stratification.
Supplemental magnolol improves the antioxidant capacity and intestinal health of broiler chickens
Authors: Du Encun , Fan Qiwen , Zhao Na , Zhang Wei , Wei Jintao , Chen Fang , Huang Shaowen , Guo Wanzheng
Published: December 2021

Magnolol is a multifunctional polyphenol rich in Magnolia officinalis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of magnolol on growth performance, carcass traits, antioxidant capacity, and gut health of broiler chickens. A total of 240 1‐day‐old broilers were randomly allocated into five dietary treatments: control (Ctrl); control diet supplemented with 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg of magnolol (M100, M200, and M300); and control diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg of bacitracin zinc (PC). The results showed that magnolol linearly decreased the feed conversion ratio between d 0 and d 14, linearly decreased the amount of malondialdehyde and increased the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) in both serum and ileal mucosa on d 42 with increasing magnolol levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, the ileal villus height, the ileal villus height to crypt depth ratio, and the jejunal gene expressions of SOD1, glutathione peroxidase, and Claudin1 were linearly up‐regulated with increasing magnolol levels (p < 0.05). The supplementation of magnolol had no effect on carcass traits or cecal short chain fatty acids (p > 0.05). The results indicated that magnolol could be applied in the diet of broiler chickens to benefit their antioxidant capacity and intestinal health.
Efficacy and safety of heterologous booster vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine in haemato‐oncological patients with no antibody response
Authors: Reimann Patrick , Ulmer Hanno , Mutschlechner Beatrix , Benda Magdalena , Severgnini Luciano , Volgger Andreas , Lang Theresia , Atzl Michele , Huynh Minh , Gasser Klaus , Grabher Claudia , Mink Sylvia , Fraunberger Peter , Petrausch Ulf , Hartmann Bernd , Winder Thomas
Published: December 2021

Patients with haemato‐oncological malignancies are one of the high‐risk groups for a severe course in case of COVID‐19 infections. Furthermore, vaccination results in significantly lower response rates in haematological malignancies and lower antibody levels in patients with solid cancer. We investigated efficacy and safety of a heterologous booster vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S DNA vector vaccine in haemato‐oncological patients without antibody response after double‐dose BNT162b2 messenger (m‐)RNA COVID‐19 vaccine. A total of 32 haemato‐oncological non‐responders to double‐dose BNT162b2 received a heterologous booster vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S. Blood samples were assessed directly before the vaccination (T0) and four weeks after (T1). Safety assessment was performed using a standardised questionnaire. The overall response rate was 31%, with a mean (SD) antibody titre of 693·79 (1 096·99) binding activity units (BAU)/ml. Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or lymphoma showed a significantly lower response rate (P = 0·048). Adverse events were reported in 29·6% of patients, of which 7·1% were graded as severe, including grade III and IV events following the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (CTCAE). The heterologous booster vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S led to a serological response in nine out of 29 patients without response after double‐dose BNT162b2. Furthermore, the vaccination was safe in our cohort, leading to mainly mild local and systemic reactions. Overall, this vaccination regimen should be further evaluated to increase the response rate in the highly vulnerable population of haemato‐oncological patients.
Epidermal growth factor/epidermal growth factor receptor signaling blockage inhibits tumor cell‐derived exosome uptake by oral squamous cell carcinoma through macropinocytosis
Authors: Sasabe Eri , Tomomura Ayumi , Liu Hangyu , Sento Shinya , Kitamura Naoya , Yamamoto Tetsuya
Published: December 2021

Various cell types secrete exosomes into their surrounding extracellular space, which consequently affect the function and activity of recipient cells. Numerous studies have showed that tumor cell‐derived exosomes play important roles in tumor growth and progression. Although a variety of endocytic pathways are reportedly involved in the cellular uptake of exosomes, detailed mechanisms remain unknown. The present study demonstrated that treatment with recombinant epidermal growth factor (EGF) time‐ and dose‐dependently promoted cellular uptake of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell‐derived exosomes into OSCC cells themselves. Conversely, EGF receptor (EGFR) knockdown and treatment with EGFR inhibitors, including erlotinib and cetuximab, abrogated OSCC cell uptake of exosomes. The macropinocytosis inhibitor 5‐(N‐ethyl‐N‐isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA) blocked the effects of active EGF/EGFR signaling on uptake of OSCC cell‐derived exosomes. These EGFR inhibitors also suppressed OSCC cell‐derived exosome‐induced proliferation, migration, invasion, stemness, and chemoresistance of OSCC cells. Taken together, the data presented herein suggest that EGFR inhibitors might inhibit the malignant potential of OSCC cells through direct inhibition of not only EGFR downstream signaling pathway but also cellular uptake of OSCC cell‐derived exosomes through macropinocytosis.
‘Teenagers are into perfect‐looking things’: Dating, sexual attitudes and experiences of adolescents with severe obesity
Authors: Walsh Órla , Dettmer Elizabeth , Regina Andrea , Dentakos Stella , Christian Jennifer , Hamilton Jill , Toulany Alene
Published: December 2021

Background

This qualitative study explored the dating and sexual health attitudes and behaviours among adolescents with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 99th%) attending a multidisciplinary weight‐management programme.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants (12 females, 7 males; Mage = 16.8) and analysed through reflective thematic analysis.

Results

Participants described polarized dating behaviours in which dating and sexual relationships were either avoided due to this not being a priority, lack of time, feared rejection, and/or body size as perceived barrier or in contrast, when approached, involved greater sexual risk.

Conclusions

These findings have numerous implications including the need for increased education on the romantic developmental challenges faced by adolescents with severe obesity, the importance of ongoing screening of high‐risk sexual behaviours and body dissatisfaction from frontline care providers, and the ability to support referrals to psychosocial services when appropriate.
The development of children’s prospective memory: Lessons for developmental science
Authors: Mahy Caitlin E. V.
Published: December 2021

The study of children’s prospective memory has gained new momentum over the past 20 years and is now an active area of research in cognitive development. Yet, this resurgence has been accompanied by significant challenges that offer important lessons and insights for other areas of developmental science. In this article, I provide an overview and theoretical accounts of the development of children’s prospective memory. I then describe three puzzling findings that remain unresolved in children’s development of this kind of memory: (1) the contradictory effects of delay length on prospective memory performance, (2) why reminders sometimes fail to improve prospective memory performance, and (3) why parent reports and behavioral measures of prospective memory might fail to correlate. I discuss how each challenge can be applied broadly to other areas of children’s development. I conclude by highlighting challenges and opportunities as the field moves forward.
Retracted: Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system to enhance the classification performance in smart irrigation system
Authors: Vivekanandhan VijayaRangan , Sakthivel Subramaniam , Manikandan Muthaiyan
Published: December 2021

Traditional agricultural systems require huge amounts of money for on‐site irrigation power. Irrigation is the process of giving water to plants for growth and development. The cost of global warming creates the potential effects of water adaptation measures to ensure food production and water availability for consumption. It requires continuous monitoring of soil moisture content at the root zone and initiating irrigation as per the pre‐programmed schedule depending upon the plant's nature, growth, soil type, and environment. Thus, the cost to farmers using conventional drip irrigation has become so high that they have to go manually and monitor the land frequently. So when the previous method was used for irrigation, it did not give correct classification results. Agricultural data mining technology provides the best crops for travel water to increase the number of crops produced. Agricultural data can be collected more efficiently using data collection and capable analytics sensors. This proposed work introduces an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) technique for analyzing agricultural plant growth based on soil, water level, temperature, and moisture conditions. The proposed technique has three phases: environment data collection using sensor node, preprocessing, feature selection, and classification. The initial phase captures the plant's environment condition via a sensor device, then transmits data to servers with the help of an edge node or gateway. This recursive adaptive filter method normalizes the data and removes irrelevant noise data from the sensor node. The feature selection method to extract the environment feature value with the help of a linear regression model. The ANFIS method's plant environment feature value has trained the neurons with the help of the stochastic gradient descent method. The classification method introduces a fuzzy rule to compute and validate the input parameters (e.g., soil moisture, temperature, and humidity) to predict any environment value changes. The comparison results prove that efficient monitoring is obtained through the proposed smart irrigation system.
‘Super googs on a Zoom, are you kidding me?’: The pleasures and constraints of digitally‐mediated alcohol and other drug consumption
Authors: Duncan Tristan , Dwyer Robyn , Savic Michael , Pennay Amy , MacLean Sarah
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic and associated social restrictions have profoundly shaped the routines, practices and space‐times of alcohol and other drug (AOD) consumption. As a part of these transformations, video conferencing services (e.g. Zoom, Whereby) have emerged as popular mediums for socialising and AOD consumption. In this article, we adopt a more‐than‐human theoretical framework to explore how these online contexts re‐shape experiences of AOD consumption.

Methods

Data were gathered using a case‐study approach, guided by principles of digital ethnography. We ‘staged’ the online gatherings of three established friendship clusters of adults in Melbourne, Australia, and drew on a discussion guide to elicit accounts of past online AOD encounters during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our thematic analysis was sensitised to the dynamic composition of these encounters and the kinds of relations, practices and affects they enabled and constrained.

Results

Composed via video conferencing services, AOD consumption afforded distinct pleasures, including enhanced sociality, excitement and momentary reprieves from isolation. Importantly, these effects were not uniform or stable. Participants also navigated various constraints of online AOD consumption while establishing for themselves what substances and associated practices ‘fit’ within these novel encounters.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our study conveys the importance of digitally‐mediated AOD consumption as a site of socialising and pleasure. In so doing, it demonstrates the ways in which AOD consumption was drawn on in the everyday negotiation of health and wellbeing under lockdown conditions. We call for research and policy approaches that are sensitive to the affirmative potentials of digitally=mediated AOD encounters.
The Moral Economy of Microfinance in Rural Bangladesh: Dharma, Gender and Social Change
Authors: Maîtrot Mathilde
Published: December 2021

Microfinance is widely portrayed as a tool that empowers poor women to challenge constraining social institutions and make better, rational choices that will enable them to escape poverty. At the same time, the reported impact of microfinance is underwhelming, and scandals and poor practices are widely documented. This then poses a puzzle: why do people still borrow from microfinance institutions? This article seeks to answer that question through an ethnographic examination of the moral economy of microfinance in rural Bangladesh, investigating how morality shapes the remit of legitimate economic activity and social change locally. For men, microfinance fieldworkers use stories of moral ‘idols’ to embed narratives of microfinance within existing rural social institutions as a way to legitimize and normalize microfinance. For women, borrowing is presented as a means to perform dharma — the ‘correct order of things’ — a moral imperative to protect, retain or compete for male guardianship. The moral economy of microfinance is one that motivates people living in poverty to imitate and conform to prevalent gendered and hierarchical norms and values. These arguments highlight the significance of conformity to social and moral obligations in economic behaviour, and bear important implications for understanding the remits of social change.
The Business of Abolition: Marketizing ‘Anti‐slavery’
Authors: McGrath Siobhan , Mieres Fabiola
Published: December 2021

This article conceptualizes contemporary abolitionism as a commodifying cause characterized by multiple processes of marketization. It demonstrates how concerns about the unethical commodification of labour form the basis of a variety of marketization projects and processes. Three processes of marketization in this arena are identified: making relations of advocacy and activism more market‐like; seeking to rehabilitate and/or reform markets in the face of ‘supply chain slavery’; and pursuing abolitionism through commodification. Drawing on project data, and supplemented with empirical observations, interventions to address ‘slavery’, human trafficking and/or forced labour in supply chains are identified and analysed. Marketization is employed as a lens to understand the diverse field of contemporary abolitionism and its relationships to (ideas of) the market. The article highlights how ongoing efforts to reconcile ‘slavery’ and the market posit ethical markets as the solution to the unethical commodification of labour. These efforts are marked by tensions and contradictions, however, necessitating discursive work to position ‘slavery’ as emerging from outside the market.
The development of selective stopping: Qualitative and quantitative changes from childhood to early adulthood
Authors: Albert Jacobo , Rincón‐Pérez Irene , Sánchez‐Carmona Alberto J. , Arroyo‐Lozano Susana , Olmos Ricardo , Hinojosa José A. , Fernández‐Jaén Alberto , López‐Martín Sara
Published: December 2021

Although progress has been made in elucidating the behavioral and neural development of global stopping across the lifespan, little is known about the development of selective stopping. This more complex form of inhibitory control is required in real‐world situations where ongoing responses must be inhibited to certain stimuli but not others, and can be assessed in laboratory settings using a stimulus selective stopping task. Here we used this task to investigate the qualitative and quantitative developmental changes in selective stopping in a large‐scale cross‐sectional study with three different age groups (children, preadolescents, and young adults). We found that the ability to stop a response selectively to some stimuli (i.e., use a selective strategy) rather than non‐selectively to all presented stimuli (i.e., use a global, non‐selective strategy) is fully mature by early preadolescence, and remains stable afterwards at least until young adulthood. By contrast, the efficiency or speed of stopping (indexed by a shorter stop‐signal reaction time or SSRT) continues to mature throughout adolescence until young adulthood, both for global and selective implementations of stopping. We also provide some preliminary findings regarding which other task variables beyond the strategy and SSRT predicted age group status. Premature responding (an index of “waiting impulsivity”) and post‐ignore slowing (an index of cognitive control) were among the most relevant predictors in discriminating between developmental age groups. Although present results need to be confirmed and extended in longitudinal studies, they provide new insights into the development of a relevant form of inhibitory control.
Comparative feasibility of dobutamine stress echocardiography performed with and without intravenous contrast in patients with class III obesity
Authors: Carlino Carl , Kuppuswamy Saravanan , McCray Lerin , Aggarwal Kul , Alpert Martin A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Concern exists regarding adequacy of visualization of stress echocardiograms performed without intravenous contrast in persons with Class III obesity (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2).

Methods

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) was performed on 128 candidates for bariatric surgery with class III obesity without chest pain or pre‐existent coronary artery disease (CAD). DSE without intravenous contrast was initially performed on 62 patients with class III obesity, then was subsequently was performed with intravenous contrast on 66 patients with class III obesity. Left ventricular (LV) regional wall motion was assessed at baseline and peak stress using the 16‐segment model.

Results

In the intravenous contrast group, 1046 of 1056 LV segments studied (99.1%) were well‐visualized and interpretable at baseline and 1044 of 1056 LV segments studied (98.9%) were well‐visualized and interpretable at peak stress. In the non‐contrast group, 905 of 992 segments studied (91.2%) were well‐visualized and interpretable at baseline and 886 of 992 segments studied (89.3%) were well‐visualized and interpretable at peak stress. A significantly greater number of LV segments were well‐visualized and interpretable in the intravenous contrast group than in the group compared to the non‐contrast group, at baseline and at peak stress (p < 0.00001 for both). DSE was positive for ischemia in one patient. All patients underwent bariatric surgery without cardiovascular complications. Six months after surgery, all patients were alive; none developed cardiovascular events.

Conclusion

The use of intravenous contrast during DSE significantly improves visualization and interpretability of LV segments in patients with class III obesity.
English farmers’ wheat storage and sales in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries
Authors: Brunt Liam , Cannon Edmund
Published: December 2021

Harnessing previously unused farm inventories and corn books, we provide data on wheat storage and sales by English farmers, 1750–1850. Wheat was predominantly stored outdoors in thatched stacks (or ‘ricks’)—often for more than a year, sometimes for multiple years—although carryover volumes were generally small. Farm stocks tended to be threshed and sold evenly across the year to meet demand. Storage costs were low, and carried over wheat sold at a premium as the natural drying process raised its quality. Wheat was frequently sold directly to millers, bypassing the open market, but private sale prices tracked market prices closely.
Long‐term hydrolytic stability of CAD/CAM composite blocks
Authors: Alamoush Rasha A. , Salim Nesreen A. , Silikas Nick , Satterthwaite Julian D.
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to assess water sorption and solubility of CAD/CAM composite blocks compared to CAD/CAM ceramic after 8 months storage in water and artificial saliva. Eight CAD/CAM blocks were investigated: Five resin‐composite blocks (RCBs), one polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) block, one ceramic‐filled polyetheretherketone (PEEK) block, and one feldspathic ceramic block. One hundred and twelve specimens were prepared comprising 14 specimens of each of the eight materials. From each group of specimens, seven randomly selected specimens were immersed in 10 mL of water, while the other seven specimens were immersed in artificial saliva. All specimens were stored at 37°C and weighed at various time intervals. The data were analysed via repeat measures ANOVA, one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05 for all tests). Sorption values (mean [SD]) in water were within the range ‐1.21 (0.4) to 39.3 (2.1) μg/mm3 and in artificial saliva between ‐0.7 (0.2) and 41.6 (1.3) μg/mm3. Solubility values in water were between ‐0.43 (0.08) and 0.34 (0.18) μg/mm3 and in artificial saliva between ‐0.53 (0.07) μg/mm3 and 0.33 (0.2) μg/mm3. CAD/CAM composite blocks were hydrolytically stable under long‐term storage (according to ISO 4949:2009), although not as stable as ceramic. Water sorption of CAD/CAM composite blocks was dependent on the resin‐matrix and was influenced by the filler weight %.
Misconduct risks, legal enforcement and venture capital networks
Authors: Cumming Douglas J. , Mohammadi Ali , Zambelli Simona
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the differing role of enforcement on the formation of venture capital (VC) syndication networks. We conjecture that public enforcement, with strong investigative powers against any syndicate member, discourages the formation of denser syndication networks due to misconduct risk by a member. By contrast, private enforcement, with strong disclosure and liability standards, enables denser syndication networks, through clear liability rules, standardized securities contracts and cost‐sharing amongst syndicate members. Our VC data from 31 countries show a negative impact of public enforcement on VC networks and partially support the positive impact of private enforcement depending on cultural conditions.
Impact of obesity on factor VIII and von Willebrand factor levels in patients with Type 1 von Willebrand disease and low von Willebrand factor: An analysis of the ATHNdataset
Authors: Schaefer Beverly A. , Cheng Dunlei , Kouides Peter
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction, haemostatic and fibrinolytic disturbances, however the impact of obesity on von Willebrand factor (VWF) is unclear.

Aim

The aim of this study was to test our hypothesis that the prevalence of obesity is higher among participants with low VWF (LVWF) compared to type 1 von Willebrand disease (T1VWD).

Methods

A retrospective review of the ATHNdataset as of March 2018 was performed. Participants were categorized as T1VWD if their VWF ristocetin cofactor activity was 30 IU/dL and LVWF if the values were 30–50 IU/dL, and by the NIH definitions for body mass index (BMI) for adult participants (≥ 18 years of age) or BMI z‐score for paediatric participants (< 18 years).

Results

The prevalence of obesity was not significantly different between adults with T1VWD (n = 186) and LVWF (n = 362) (32% vs 36%; p = .345). The mean factor VIII (FVIII) increased with increasing BMIs in both groups. In the paediatric cohort (T1VWD, n = 583; LVWF, n = 1702), there was no difference in the prevalence of obesity, but BMI was positively correlated with mean FVIII (p < .001). Children < 10 years were 27.6% more likely to be diagnosed with T1VWD compared to > 10 years.

Conclusion

Among participants in the ATHNdataset, the prevalence of obesity was similar among those with LVWF and T1VWD. However, higher BMI levels were associated with elevated FVIII. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of obesity on bleeding phenotype and treatment practices.
Circadian rhythmicity on red ear syndrome in a patient with migraine: A case report
Authors: Oliveira Americo Danúzio Pereira , Silva‐Néto Raimundo Pereira
Published: December 2021

Background

Red ear syndrome (RES) was first described by Lance in 1994. It is characterized by recurrent attacks of redness of the ear, accompanied by burning pain, increased temperature, dysesthesia, and nosological relationship with headache.

Case

We report the case of a 43‐year‐old woman with migraine who developed RES. Redness episodes occurred at the same time of the day. She had a good therapeutic response to gabapentin.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of RES in which redness episodes occurred at the same time of the day.
Improved mechanical properties and toughening mechanism of mullite ceramics reinforced by introducing Ti3AlC2 particles
Authors: Mao Fuzhou , Pi Weiqiang , Li Yuqi , Xu Xu , Wen Ping , Zhou Wei
Published: December 2021

Ti3AlC2, as a toughening phase, was introduced into mullite ceramics for the first time by the pressureless sintering process aiming at improving the mechanical properties. Significant enhancement in density and mechanical performance of mullite ceramics was achieved through the introduction of Ti3AlC2 particles. The density of as‐prepared mullite–Ti3AlC2 composites was increased by 23% (from 2.86 g/cm3 to 3.51 g/cm3) with Ti3AlC2 increasing from 0 wt% to 20 wt%. The formation of the liquid phase and decomposed particles from Ti3AlC2 are supposed to be responsible for the densification of mullite–Ti3AlC2 composites. The optimal mechanical properties were obtained in the mullite–Ti3AlC2 composites with 15 wt% Ti3AlC2. The bending strength, fracture toughness as well as Vickers hardness were reached 214.36 MPa, 4.84 MPa·m1/2, and 9.21 GPa, which are 40%, 74%, and 113% higher than pure mullite ceramics, respectively. The improved mechanical performance was mainly attributed to the synergetic action of crack deflection, crack branching and bridging, and strengthened grain boundary.
Comparing infrared transmission of zinc sulfide nanostructure ceramic produced via hot pressure and spark plasma sintering methods
Authors: Zahabi Saeed , Jamali Hossein , Bakhshi Saeed Reza , Ashkian Amin , Loghman‐Estarki Mohammadreza
Published: December 2021

This research has investigated the optical properties of zinc sulfide commercial powder sintered via hot pressure (HP) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) methods. SEM images indicated that zinc sulfide commercial powder had spherical morphology, whereby nano rods smaller than 100 nm formed on spherical particles. Investigation of optical properties indicated that the zinc sulfide transparent ceramic prepared via HP (75%) had higher infrared transmission as compared to SPS (69%) within 8–12 micrometer. The stoichiometric ratio of S to Zn in the commercial powder was 1.5, which decreased to 1.1–1.3 after the sintering process.
Impact of high‐pressure treatments on enzyme activity of fruit‐based beverages: an overview
Authors: Roobab Ume , Abida Afeera , Afzal Rehan , Madni Ghulam Muhammad , Zeng Xin‐An , Rahaman Abdul , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: December 2021

With an ever‐increasing demand for clean label products, there is a greater need for efficient and environmentally friendly processes to compete the conventional thermal or chemical treatments. For instance, high‐pressure processing (HPP) has been widely studied in the fruit industry from the last two decades. HPP can inactivate or activate different enzymes in fruit juices, pulp, and purées. HPP treatment inactivates the enzymes by the alterating the conformation of the protein structure and the active site. Depending on the enzyme, pressure, pH, temperature and treatment time, HPP can increase enzyme activity due to the release of membrane‐bound enzymes and also due to changes in protein conformation and active site that facilitate interaction with the substrate. Furthermore, the combination of high pressure, temperature and reduced treatment times offered greater inactivation of enzymes in fruit beverages. This study aimed to investigate the inactivation kinetics of endogenous enzymes in fruit beverages.
Soybean protein isolate‐rice starch interactions during the simulated gluten‐free rice bread making process
Authors: Hu Liang‐shu , Yang Yang , Chen Feng‐lian , Fan Jing , Wang Bing , Fu Yu , Bian Xin , Yu De‐hui , Wu Na , Shi Yan‐guo , Zhang Xiu‐min , Zhang Na
Published: December 2021

Gluten‐free bread (GFB) is usually of poor quality due to lack of gluten. Addition of exogenous protein is one of the important ways to improve the quality of GFB products. In this study, different levels of soybean protein isolate (SPI) mixed with rice starch (RS) system were prepared to simulate different processing stages during bread making. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), rapid viscosity analysis (RVA), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), texture analyser and rheometer were used to analyse the effects of SPI on the structural, microstructure and functional properties of RS. The results showed that: hydrogen bonds could be formed between SPI and RS, thus improving the stability of RS; compared with RS, the ∆H and setback values of the blend were reduced by 43.79% and 34.53%, respectively, when SPI was added at 12%; and the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G") reached the minimum value at 9% SPI content. CLSM and texture analysis show that the addition of protein inhibits the leaching of starch, reduces the hardness, chewiness and gumminess of the system, which is conducive to the quality of GFB.
High pressure‐based hurdle interventions for raw and processed meat: a clean‐label prospective
Authors: Roobab Ume , Afzal Rehan , Ranjha Muhammad Modassar Ali Nawaz , Zeng Xin‐An , Ahmed Zahoor , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: December 2021

Today's consumers demand clean‐label healthy products to which no artificial preservatives have been added. Distribution of fresh, safe raw meat or meat products requires reduced numbers of bacteria on its surface when it leaves the processing plant under strict maintenance of low temperatures throughout the supply chain. Means of controlling or even improving the food integrity aim to decontaminate the carcasses or products during or at the end of the production line. In the past decades, high‐pressure processing (HPP) has been investigated as an alternative non‐thermal preservation technology to match all these demands without compromising safety. HPP treatments could efficiently inactivate the vegetative microorganisms (related to foodborne diseases), but not spores. However, the combination of several non‐thermal and conventional preservation techniques under the so‐called hurdle technology has been explored to enhance their efficiency.
Low‐dose thioguanine guided by therapeutic drug monitoring is a safe and effective alternative in inflammatory bowel disease patients intolerant to conventional thiopurines
Authors: Eqbal Ali , Martin Alicia , Doecke James D. , Patrick Desmond
Published: December 2021

Background

Thioguanine is an alternative thiopurine for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Aims

To evaluate the short‐term efficacy and safety of low‐dose therapeutic drug‐monitored (TDM) thioguanine.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of IBD patients intolerant to conventional thiopurines started on thioguanine from 2017 to 2019 with dosing guided by TDM was conducted. Clinical response was defined for ulcerative colitis (UC) as a reduction of partial Mayo score ≥3 with reduction in rectal bleeding score of at least 1 and a final rectal bleeding subscore of 0–1 at Week 12 of therapy. Crohn disease (CD) response was defined as a reduction of Harvey‐Bradshaw index ≥3 (HBI) at Week 12 of therapy. Remission was defined in UC as partial Mayo score of <2 and in CD as HBI score of <5.

Results

Forty‐six patients were included in the study. The median thioguanine dose was 20 mg/day (standard deviation 7.3; range: 10–40 mg/day) with a median 6‐thioguanine nucleotide level of 577 pmol/8 × 108 (interquartile range (IQR) IQR 378.5‐878.75) for CD and 677.5 pmol/8 × 108 (IQR 523.25‐842.25) for UC. The overall clinical response rate was 62% (13/21), intention to treat (ITT). Maintenance of remission was 76% (19/25, ITT). Thirty‐seven percent (17/46) of patients experienced an adverse effect. No early cases of nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) were seen.

Conclusion

Thioguanine was tolerated well in 63% of patients. A clinical response was seen in 62% of patients, and maintenance of remission was high at 76%. No cases of early NRH were seen. Longer‐term follow up is required to ensure safety and to assess durability of response.
Mutuality in nursing: A conceptual framework on the relationship between patient and nurse
Authors: Cilluffo Silvia , Bassola Barbara , Pucciarelli Gianluca , Vellone Ercole , Lusignani Maura
Published: December 2021

Aims

To describe and develop a conceptual framework for the process of mutuality between nurse and patient.

Design

This was a qualitative study with a grounded theory (GT) design following the constructivist approach of Charmaz (SAGE handbook of research, 2014).

Methods

A sample of 33 patients with one or more chronic diseases and 35 nurses were interviewed between July and October 2020. Comparative and simultaneous data analyses were conducted. Theoretical sampling and saturation of categories were used to define the sample size.

Results

A conceptual framework for mutuality between nurse (mean age 42 SD ±7 years, 89% female) and patient (mean age 63 SD ±8 years, 42% female) was developed, including the mutuality process, potential influencing factors for both nurses and patients, and outcomes. The mutuality process was characterised by three dimensions: developing and going beyond, being a reference, and deciding and sharing care. Influencing factors for nurses were personal characteristics and professional organisation, while for patients these were age and past experiences. Nurse outcomes were satisfaction and quality of life; patient outcomes were improved self‐care and reduction of hospitalisation and emergency admissions.

Conclusion

This study described a new conceptual framework for mutuality between nurse and patient, which could improve our understanding of the relationship between nurses and patients, thus enhancing both nurse and patient outcomes.
Reproductive dynamics of the invasive lionfish (Pterois miles) in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Mouchlianitis Foivos A. , Kalaitzi Georgia , Kleitou Periklis , Savva Ioannis , Kletou Demetris , Ganias Kostas
Published: December 2021

The lionfish Pterois miles invaded the Mediterranean Sea in 2012 and spread fast to the entire eastern basin. This study provides evidence of successful spawning and the first detailed analysis of P. miles ovarian dynamics in the Mediterranean Sea. The ovarian reproductive phases of mature females collected from Cyprus (eastern Mediterranean) between September 2017 and August 2018 were analysed, both macroscopically and histologically. The results suggested a prolonged oocyte recruitment and development season, and a spawning season that primarily occurred during summertime, even though spawning‐capable females were caught also in autumn. A year‐round spawning activity may have been inhibited due to seasonal variations in water temperature. Multiple oocyte developmental stages co‐occurred in females at different reproductive phases, indicating that more than one oocyte batches were released per spawning season. The analysis of the spawning batch formation enabled the batch fecundity estimation at 3225–63149 oocytes. The oocyte development pattern described in this study shared characteristics with the indeterminate fecundity type, where new oocytes are recruited to the secondary growth phase in parallel with spawning activity. Climate change is likely to extend the spawning season of lionfish in the Mediterranean Sea and further favour its invasion. The information provided in this study is vital for the design of strategic and effective management plans to restrain the expansion of this highly invasive fish.
A structural equation modeling of reproductive health promoting behaviors among female adolescents in the Philippines
Authors: Choi Yoona , Lee Taewha
Published: December 2021

Aims

Integrated reproductive health promoting behaviors, including safe sexual intercourse, preventing sexually transmitted diseases, sexual responsibility, and genital health management, are essential for adolescents in developing countries. The Philippines is currently facing several reproductive health threats. The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting reproductive health promoting behaviors based on a theoretical model using structural equation modeling.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study and a structural equation modeling, a total of 227 female adolescents in the Philippines participated in a self‐reported questionnaire survey.

Results

The results indicated that reproductive health knowledge (β = .14, p = .033), attitudes regarding reproductive health behaviors (β = .31, p = .027), and reproductive health self‐efficacy (β = .31, p = .002) influenced participants' reproductive health promoting behaviors. Social norms (β = .31, p = .021) influenced reproductive health self‐efficacy and indirectly influenced reproductive health promoting behaviors. Attitude toward gender roles (β = .20, p = .020) was associated with reproductive health knowledge.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the direct effect of reproductive health knowledge, attitudes regarding reproductive behaviors, and reproductive health self‐efficacy, as well as the indirect effect of social norms, on reproductive health promoting behaviors using structural equation modeling.
Effects of telehealth interventions on performing activities of daily living and maintaining balance in stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled studies
Authors: Saragih Ita Daryanti , Tarihoran Dame Elysabeth Tuty Arna Uly , Batubara Sakti Oktaria , Tzeng Huey‐Ming , Lin Chia‐Ju
Published: December 2021

Background

Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide. In recent years, diverse telehealth programmes for stroke survivors have suggested that this mode of rehabilitation could improve stroke survivors’ abilities to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and maintain balance. Although increasingly utilised in clinical and community settings, the effectiveness of telehealth interventions in stroke survivors remains inconclusive. This warrants investigation so that telehealth interventions are evidence‐based and are not merely modalities of convenience.

Aim

To identify the effects of telehealth interventions on the ability to perform ADLs and maintain balance in stroke survivors.

Design

A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using seven databases for literature dated up to April 25, 2021. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model to calculate the pooled effects of telehealth interventions. Stata 16.0 was used for the statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 14 studies with 1,367 participants were included in the analysis. Overall, telehealth interventions were effective in improving stroke survivors’ abilities to carry out their ADLs (standardised mean difference: .45; 95% confidence interval: .12 to .78); however, no significant effects were found on balance.

Conclusion

Telehealth interventions are beneficial for improving stroke survivors’ performance of their ADLs. Future telehealth intervention trials should focus on identifying essential intervention delivery components that facilitate intervention adoption by clinicians and stroke survivors and sustain the positive effects on stroke survivors’ performance of their ADLs in different settings.

Relevance to clinical practice.

It is essential to build flexibility in the telehealth‐based intervention delivery protocol to meet individual stroke survivors’ needs to motivate and enhance their ADL performance.
Seeing the complete picture: A systematic review of mental health consumer and health professional experiences of diagnostic overshadowing
Authors: Molloy Renee , Brand Gabrielle , Munro Ian , Pope Nicole
Published: December 2021

Aim

To systematically identify, explore and synthesise qualitative data related to mental health consumer and health professional experiences of diagnostic overshadowing.

Background

Mental health consumers experience significantly high rates of physical illness, poorer health outcomes and are more likely to die prematurely of physical illnesses than the general population. Diagnostic overshadowing is a complex and life‐threatening phenomenon that occurs when physical symptoms reported by mental health consumers are misattributed to mental disorders by health professionals. This typically occurs in general healthcare settings.

Methods

Drawing on JBI methodology for systematic reviews, four scholarly databases and grey literature was searched, followed by eligibility screening and quality assessment using JBI QARI frameworks, resulting in six studies for inclusion. Findings were synthesised using meta‐aggregation. The PRISMA checklist was adhered to throughout this process.

Findings

Five synthesised findings emerged. Three from the health professional experience: working in ill‐suited healthcare systems, missing the complete diagnostic picture, and misunderstanding the lived experience of mental illness. Two from the mental health consumer experience: not knowing if the cause is physical or mental, and surviving and ill‐suited health care system.

Conclusions

Diagnostic overshadowing is a multidimensional experience of interconnecting factors including systematic healthcare system issues, health professionals limited mental health knowledge and skills, stigmatic attitudes and mental health consumers miscommunicating their physical healthcare needs. Further research is needed to make diagnostic overshadowing visible and mitigate against this phenomenon that deprives mental health consumers of equitable access to quality healthcare.

Relevance to clinical practice

Those who govern healthcare systems have an obligation to recognise and address the unique needs of mental health consumers who seek help for physical illnesses to ensure they receive quality and safe care. Forming collaborative partnerships with mental health consumers in the development of knowledge translation initiatives targeting healthcare policy, practice and education are urgently required.
Theories and definitions of the informal economy: A survey
Authors: Dell'Anno Roberto
Published: December 2021

This paper surveys the literature on the definitions and theories of the informal economy (IE). It outlines the main differences in the definitional approaches of informality and proposes a definition for the IE that may be consistent with measurement and policy. The literature review distinguishes three, not mutually exclusive, approaches to the IE: the “neoclassical,” the “macro‐econometric,” and the “conceptual” perspectives. I conclude the survey by outlining a framework that points out the main differences and similarities among the schools of thought on the nature of the IE. From a normative perspective, a leading recommendation emerges: a “one‐size‐fits‐all” policy response is inadequate to deal with the heterogeneous nature of the IE. Policy measures should be tailored around the distinct segments of the IE grounded in terms of characteristics, contexts, and needs of the informal units.