bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling Children's participation: Putting the ‘good dialogues’ model into practice
Authors: Eriksson Maria
Published: February 2023

A growing interest in children's participation has led to an increased need for methods for communicating with children. Empirical knowledge on ways to secure children's participation in encounters with welfare professionals and in decisions regarding their life is, however, scarce. One example of a practice model intended to enable children's participation is ‘Good Dialogues’. Presenting results from an evaluation study of the feasibility and practical use of the Good Dialogues model, this article explores the ways in which practitioners manage to put the agenda of child‐centred and child‐guided dialogues with children underpinning this model into practice. The ways in which children's participation is undermined are also discussed as well as the need for further knowledge development.
Creating a high‐quality wool‐oriented Turkish merino herd and investigation of mechanical and dyeability properties of fabrics produced from Turkish merino in comparison with Australian merino
Authors: Atav Rıza , Buğdaycı Bürhan , Şen Ayşe , Ergünay Uğur , Gürkan Ünal Pelin , Özkan Ünal Emel , Karagöz Gökmen , Işık Raziye , Soysal M. İhsan , Özder Muhittin , Arat Sezen , Eroğlu Büşra
Published: February 2023

Today, the need for quality wool suitable for worsted fabric production in the world is mainly met by Australian merino wool. In Turkey, which has a significant sheep population, in addition to domestic breeds, approximately 10% of the total sheep population (around four million head) is composed of merino cross breeds. However, the fleece quality is far from meeting Australian merino wool standards. Therefore, the aim of this study is to ensure a merino herd with high‐quality wool in Turkey. For this aim, by carrying out field studies in the Thrace region of Turkey where Turkish Merino sheep are widely bred, sheep with fleece that can meet the demands of the worsted industry were determined. As a result of field studies in which thousands of sheep were examined, it was determined that 43 female and 10 male sheep had fleece that would meet these standards. Then the breeders of the sheep, which had quality fleece, were persuaded and these sheep were purchased, and “Turkey's wool‐oriented Turkish (Karacabey) Merino Herd” consisting of 30 sheep and three rams was formed in the farm of Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University. In the second part of this study, a 100% wool fabric produced by using Australian merino was taken as a reference and it was aimed to produce the same fabric from Turkish merino wool. For this aim, the wool‐oriented Turkish Merino herd, which was bred at the university farm for 1 year, was shorn in May 2022. Then, Turkish and Australian merino wools were first converted into worsted yarn and then into woven fabric. The results of mechanical (tensile strength, pilling, abrasion resistance, felting shrinkage, Hofmann dimensional change, bending stiffness) and dyeability (dye‐uptake, CIE L*a*b* and colour yield (K/S) values; washing, rubbing and light fastness values) properties of fabrics produced from Turkish and Australian merino wool is presented.
Evaluation of cases with hypersensitivity pneumonia: 10 year analysis
Authors: Koyuncu Adem , Sarı Gülden , Şimşek Ceprail
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical features of hypersensitivity pneumonia (HP) cases, diagnostic methods, and related conditions in our hospital, which is a reference clinic in Turkey for chest disease.

Methods

The population of this retrospective cross‐sectional study consists of all hypersensitivity pneumonia patients followed in a tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2019. The data of 78 patients were included in the analysis. Data were grouped by source of exposure (occupational, environmental, and cryptogenic) by examining the files of the patients.

Results

Occupational risk factors were detected in 29 (37.2%) of the cases, environmental risk factors were found in 24 (30.8%) cases, neither occupational nor environmental risk factors were detected in 25 (32%) cases, and they were evaluated as cryptogenic. The time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 15.8 ± 26.6 months. The time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was found to be longer in the group with occupational risk factors compared with the other groups and was statistically significant (0.044).

Conclusion

HP is a immune‐mediated interstitial lung disease induced by repeated exposure to environmental and occupational antigens. Etiological agent can be detected in HP patients by detailed questioning of occupational and environmental exposure that may be associated with the onset of symptoms in cases with suspected HP.
Case of intracholecystic papillary neoplasm diagnosed by directly inserting cholangioscope into the gallbladder
Authors: Katsukura Nobuhiro , Doi Shinpei , Tsujikawa Takayuki
Published: February 2023

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A cross‐sectional study of the prevalence and clinical management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes across the Middle East and Africa (PACT‐MEA): Study design and rationale
Authors: Verma Subodh , Sabbour Hani , Alamuddin Naji , Alawadi Fatheya , Alkandari Hessa , Almahmeed Wael , Assaad‐Khalil Samir H. , Haddad Jihad , Lombard Landman , Malik Rayaz A. , Mashaki Ceyhan Emel , Prasad Preethy , Tombak Gamze , Salek Sam
Published: February 2023

Aim

To investigate the epidemiology and clinical management of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (eASCVD) or high/very high ASCVD risk, defined by the 2021 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines, in seven countries in the Middle East and Africa (PACT‐MEA; NCT05317845), and to assess physicians' attitudes and the basis for their decision‐making in the management of these patients.

Materials and Methods

PACT‐MEA is a cross‐sectional, observational study undertaken in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates based on a medical chart review of approximately 3700 patients with T2D in primary and secondary care settings, and a survey of approximately 400 physicians treating patients with T2D.

Results

The primary and secondary objectives are to determine the prevalence of eASCVD and high/very high ASCVD risk in patients with T2D. Current treatment with cardioprotective antidiabetic medication, the proportion of patients meeting the treatment criteria for reimbursement in the study countries where there is an applicable reimbursement guideline, and physician‐reported factors in clinical decision‐making in T2D management, will also be assessed.

Conclusions

This large cross‐sectional study will establish the estimated prevalence and management of eASCVD and high/very high ASCVD risk in patients with type 2 diabetes across the Middle East and Africa.
Epidemiological characteristics and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in China: A narrative review
Authors: Lu Ran , Liu Ye , Hong Tianpei
Published: February 2023

Aim

With industrialization and spread of the westernized lifestyle, the number of people affected by non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is growing rapidly in China; this has become a major public health concern. To better understand the burden and characteristics of NAFLD/NASH in China, we aim to perform a narrative review of the literature published in this field.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a comprehensive electronic search of five English‐language and three Chinese‐language databases, to identify studies regarding NAFLD or NASH published from inception to November 30, 2022. Epidemiological studies of NAFLD/NASH in China were particularly noticed and summarized. We also searched the www.clinicaltrials.gov and www.chictr.org.cn websites for the registered trials on the treatment of the disease led by Chinese investigators or located in China.

Results

The increasing rate of NAFLD prevalence in China is strikingly high, reaching more than twice that in western countries. The prevalence of NAFLD is nearly 30% of the general Chinese population, making it the leading cause of chronic liver diseases. The prevalence of NAFLD/NASH varies between provinces/regions, age groups, sexes, and individuals with different metabolic profiles. NAFLD co‐exists in many Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B. Since 2020, more Chinese studies have used the term metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), emphasizing the underlying metabolic disorders that occur concurrently with this disease. Several clinical trials involving lifestyle interventions, antidiabetic drugs, or traditional Chinese medicines, registered by Chinese investigators, have been completed or are ongoing. Moreover, several innovative targeted therapies developed in China are revolutionizing the treatment of NAFLD/NASH.

Conclusions

NAFLD has cast a heavy burden on the Chinese healthcare system. Chinese scholars are making efforts to achieve the optimal management of this disease.
Environment–ichthyofauna relations in a neotropical reservoir through a joint remote sensing/field sampling approach
Authors: Schmitz Marcelo Henrique , dos Santos Natália Carneiro Lacerda , Severi William , Gentil Eduardo , Gomes Luiz Carlos
Published: February 2023

The damming of rivers for the formation of reservoirs causes a discontinuity in the physical and biological characteristics of the aquatic ecosystem. Changes in processes related to sedimentation and nutrients create a longitudinal gradient in water characteristics and productivity. Both the zonation and the differential distribution of primary production exert a strong influence on the other communities of these ecosystems. We hypothesised that spatiotemporal dynamics of chlorophyll‐a and turbidity, driven by a longitudinal gradient, influence the ichthyofauna distribution in Sobradinho Reservoir. Using field surveys and geospatial tools, we tested the presence of a longitudinal concentration gradient for these variables, and then, its association with fish abundance (total and by trophic guilds). We used field samples between April 2008 and July 2009 and the reflectance data of Landsat 5 bands 2 and 3 to perform interpolations for each variable. The gradient was tested by extracting longitudinal profiles from the interpolation products. We tested the associations between ichthyofauna abundance and chlorophyll‐a and turbidity concentrations using Spearman correlation. Sobradinho exhibited a longitudinal zonation consistent with the typical pattern of large reservoirs. Furthermore, our results highlighted the seasonal instability of this zonation. In the lacustrine zone, fish abundance was associated with seasonal productivity increase, caused by floods, whereas the fluvial zone showed lower abundances in these periods. Despite that, the fluvial zone exhibited higher fish abundance, demonstrating the common pattern for large reservoirs. The presence of favourable characteristics in this zone, such as seasonal flooding and higher environmental heterogeneity, may have corroborated the results.
The effects of age, genotype and diet on hippocampal subfield iron dysregulation and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in an ApoE mouse model
Authors: Black Elisabeth , Rasch Abbey , Wimmer Tyler , Li Alivia , Araujo Amanda , Cieslak Steve , Steed Kevin S. , Adhikari Rajan D. , Wisco Jonathan J. , Hutchinson Bre Anna
Published: February 2023

Current theories regarding accumulation of Alzheimer's disease‐related deposits of abnormal intra‐ and extracellular proteins include reactions to inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this study, we explored whether age, genotype and inflammation via diet have a greater effect on dysregulatory protein accumulation in any particular subfield of the hippocampus. We stained for ferritin, ferroportin, hyperphosphorylated tau and β‐amyloid proteins in the hippocampal region of Apolipoprotein E2 (ApoE2), ApoE3 or ApoE4 mice fed a control diet or a hypothesized inflammation‐inducing methionine diet and euthanized at 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. We analysed stains based on hippocampal subfield and compared the protein accumulation levels within each group. We found significantly decreased ferritin expression in ApoE4 mice in the CA1 and Hi regions and decreased ferroportin expression in ApoE4 mice in the Hi region. There was also a significant effect on hyperphosphorylated tau protein levels based upon a given mouse genotype and diet interaction. Additionally, there were nonsignificant trends in each hippocampal subfield of increasing ferroportin and hyperphosphorylated tau after 6 months of age and decreasing β‐amyloid and ferritin with age. This study identified that there are changes in iron regulatory molecules based on genotype in the Hi and CA1 regions. Our findings also suggest a diet‐genotype interaction, which affects levels of specific Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in the hippocampus. Additionally, we identified a trend toward increased ability to clear β‐amyloid and decreased ability to clear hyperphosphorylated tau with age in all subfields, in addition to evidence of increasing iron load with time.
Tranexamic acid may promote melanocores clustering in keratinocytes through upregulation of Rab5b
Authors: Hu Yebei , Chen Yi , Zhao Yan , Geng Qingwei , Guan Cuiping , Xu Jinhui , Xie Bo , Song Xiuzu
Published: February 2023

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a promising therapeutic agent in melasma that can act on multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms of melasma. However, it is unclear whether TXA affects melanin in keratinocytes. To explore the effect of TXA on melanocores in keratinocytes. The melanocore‐incorporated keratinocytes were constructed by co‐incubating normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) with melanocores. After being treated with TXA, autophagy‐ and melanin‐related protein expressions were detected. Then, transcriptome sequencing was used to compare the genetic changes in melanocore‐incorporated keratinocytes before and after TXA treatment and further verified the differentially expressed genes. At the same time, the distribution of melanocores in human keratinocytes was observed by transmission electron microscopy. We found that TXA does not promote melanin degradation in primary keratinocytes by inducing autophagy. Protein transport and intracellular protein transport‐related genes were enriched after TXA treatment, and Rab5b was significantly upregulated. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the percentage of melanocores distributed in clusters increased after treatment with TXA, which was reduced after Rab5b silencing. In addition, results suggested that melanocores could colocalize with Rab5b and lysosome‐associated membrane protein1 (LAMP1). Our study found that Rab5b may be involved in the melanocore distribution in keratinocytes. TXA may promote the clustering distribution of endocytic melanocores through upregulation of Rab5b, representing a potential mechanism of TXA treatment against melasma.
Climate mediates roles of pollinator species in plant–pollinator networks
Authors: Saunders Manu E. , Kendall Liam K. , Lanuza Jose B. , Hall Mark A. , Rader Romina , Stavert Jamie R.
Published: February 2023

Aim

Understanding how climate conditions influence plant–pollinator interactions at the global scale is crucial to understand how pollinator communities and ecosystem function respond to environmental change. Here, we investigate whether climate drives differences in network roles of the main insect pollinator orders: Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera.

Location

Global.

Time period

1968–2020.

Major taxa studied

Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera.

Methods

We collated plant–pollinator networks from 26 countries and territories across the five main Köppen–Geiger climate zones. In total, we compiled data from 101 networks that included >1500 plant species from 167 families and >2800 pollinator species from 163 families. We assessed differences in the composition of plant–pollinator interactions among climate zones using a permutational ANOVA. We calculated standard network metrics for pollinator taxonomic groups and used Bayesian generalized mixed models to test whether climate zone influenced the proportion of pollinator network links and the level of pollinator generalism.

Results

We found that climate is a strong driver of compositional dissimilarities between plant–pollinator interactions. Relative to other taxa, bees and flies made up the greatest proportion of network links across climate zones. When network size was accounted for, bees were the most generalist pollinator group in the tropics, whereas non‐bee Hymenoptera were the most generalist in arid zones, and syrphid flies were the most generalist in polar networks.

Main conclusions

We provide empirical evidence at the global scale that climate strongly influences the roles of different pollinator taxa within networks. Importantly, non‐bee taxa, particularly flies, play central network roles across most climate zones, despite often being overlooked in pollination research and conservation. Our results identify the need for greater understanding of how global environmental change affects plant–pollinator interactions.
Measuring accountability in interlocal agreements between Indigenous and local governments
Authors: Spicer Zac , Girard Tyler , Nelles Jen , Alcantara Christopher
Published: February 2023

Interlocal agreements are becoming a popular policy tool for facilitating intergovernmental coordination and cooperation in Canada and the United States. Indigenous and local governments are also turning to these agreements despite long histories of colonialism, exploitation and dispossession by the settler State toward Indigenous communities. To what extent do interlocal agreements between Indigenous and municipal governments require stringent accountability measures to facilitate intergovernmental coordination? Using a hierarchical Bayesian item response theory model, we explore this question by analyzing 317 interlocal agreements between Indigenous and municipal communities in Canada. We find that accountability strength varies significantly across agreements, contrary to our expectation that accountability requirements would be strong across agreements due to the long history of colonialism. We also find that some of the variation may be a function of the policy area addressed by each agreement, although this finding is likely the result of measurement uncertainty in our estimates.
Measuring cancer burden in prostatic needle core biopsies: simplified assessments outperform complex measurements in assessing outcome: evidence to assist pathologist efficiency and minimize datasets
Authors: Berney Daniel M , Finnegan Kier , Chu Kim , Fine Samson W , Varma Murali , Cuzick Jack , Beltran Luis ,   the Transatlantic Prostate Group
Published: February 2023

Aims

The optimal method of measuring cancer extent in prostate cancer (PCa) biopsies is unknown.

Methods and Results

Nine hundred eighty‐one men with clinically localised PCa managed conservatively were reviewed with follow up. The number of positive cores (NPC), the Maximum Cancer Length in a core (MCL), Total Cancer Length (TCL), and percentage of positive cores (%+cores) was calculated and univariate and multivariate analysis performed using prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), T‐stage, and Gleason score. The presence of stromal gaps (SG) was recorded. Univariate models were run where SG made a difference to the MCL.

All variables showed significant association with PCa death in univariate models. In multivariate models, incorporating PSA, T‐stage, and Gleason score, only %+cores was a significant predictor of outcome, with a 10% increase in %+cores resulting in a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.07 (likelihood‐ratio test P > Χ2 = 0.01). There were 120 patients where SG made a difference to the MCL and a total of 20 events in this group. Including SG, on univariate analysis the median MCL was 10 mm and HR was 1.16 (P = 0.007), not including SG, the median MCL was 6 mm and HR was 1.23 (P = 6.3 × 10−4). Inclusion or exclusion of SG made no significant difference to TCL as a predictor of outcome.

Conclusion

Cancer extent is a strong predictor of PCa death but only %+cores added to the multivariate model. Expressed as a fraction of NPC/total number of cores, this is the simplest method of assessment, which we favour over more complicated methods in nontargeted biopsies.
Combined proliferation and apoptosis index provides better risk stratification in breast cancer
Authors: Ibrahim Asmaa , Toss Michael S , Atallah Nehal M , Al Saleem Mansour , Green Andrew R , Rakha Emad A
Published: February 2023

Aims

Breast cancer (BC) risk stratification is critical for predicting behaviour and guiding management decision‐making. Despite the well‐established prognostic value of cellular proliferation in BC, the interplay between proliferation and apoptosis remains to be defined. In this study, we hypothesised that the combined proliferation and apoptosis indices can provide a more accurate in‐vivo growth rate measure and a precise prognostic predictor.

Methods and results

Apoptotic and mitotic figures were counted in whole slide images (WSI) generated from haematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections of 1545 BC cases derived from two well‐defined BC cohorts. Counts were carried out visually within defined areas. There was a significant correlation between mitosis and apoptosis scores. High apoptotic counts were associated with features of aggressive behaviour, including high grade, high pleomorphism score and hormonal receptor negativity. Although the mitotic index (MI) and apoptotic index (AI) were independent prognostic indicators, the prognostic value was synergistically higher when combined. BC patients with a high combined AI and MI had the shortest survival. Replacing the mitosis score with the mitosis–apoptosis index in the Nottingham grading system revealed that the modified grade with the new score had a higher significant association with BC‐specific survival with a higher hazard ratio.

Conclusion

Apoptotic figures count provides additional prognostic value in BC when combined with MI; such a combination can be implemented to assess the behaviour of BC and provides an accurate prognostic indicator. This can be considered when using artificial intelligence algorithms to assess proliferation in BC.
Synthesis of Ti3SiC2 MAX phase powder through molten salt method
Authors: Etebarian Soroush , Sarpoolaky Hossein , Rezaie Hamid Reza , Velashjerdi Mohammad
Published: February 2023

Titanium silicon carbide (Ti3SiC2) MAX phase powder was synthesized from elemental reactants using the molten salt synthesis (MSS) method. Optimum experimental parameters were also investigated to determine the purity and synthesis pathway of the Ti3SiC2 MAX phase. The results showed that Ti3SiC2 was not synthesized using carbon black as the carbon source in the starting materials because of the high quantity of TiC formed along with the TiSi2 silicide phase. However, Ti3SiC2 was successfully synthesized in a relatively high purity (93%) at 1200°C for 2 h using graphite as the source of carbon because of the formation of TiC and Ti5Si3 intermediate phases. The Ti5Si3 silicide phase was found to play a crucial role in the formation of the Ti3SiC2 MAX phase using the MSS method. Moreover, applying a pressure of 150 MPa to the prepared samples and using the eutectic mixture of NaCl–KCl (molar ratio: 1:1) instead of NaCl also resulted in the higher formation of the Ti3SiC2 MAX phase. The formation mechanism of Ti3SiC2 was determined to be the reaction among Ti5Si3, TiC, and residual carbon through the template‐growth and dissolution–precipitation mechanisms that occurred at different stages of the synthesis process.
Sleep quality mediates the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and health‐related quality of life in women with type‐II diabetes
Authors: Su Ching‐Chieh , Yang Chiu‐Yueh , Lin Pi‐Chu , Hwang Jawl‐Shan , Liao Chun‐Hou , Lin Yen‐Kuang , Liao Yuan‐Mei
Published: February 2023

Aim

To examine the mediating effect of sleep quality on the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and health‐related quality of life in women with type‐II diabetes.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A study questionnaire comprising three valid instruments was used to obtain data about lower urinary tract symptoms, sleep quality and physical and mental component summary health‐related quality of life between July 2017 and December 2018 (n = 343). Pearson's correlation coefficients were estimated initially to examine the relationships between the three variables. Multiple regression models were tested using a regression‐based approach Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS to examine the significance of proposed mediation effects.

Results

Most participants experienced at least one urinary symptom (n = 268, 78.1%). The total number of types of lower urinary tract symptoms experienced by participants was significantly inversely correlated with physical and mental component summary health‐related quality of life, and sleep quality. Participants' sleep quality was significantly correlated with physical and mental component summary health‐related quality of life. The relationships of lower urinary tract symptoms with physical and mental component summary health‐related quality of life were, respectively, fully and partially mediated by sleep quality.

Conclusion

Sleep quality played a mediating role on the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and health‐related quality of life. Our findings could lead to improvements of diabetes care in nursing and healthcare practices.

Impact

Understanding the role of sleep quality in the adverse effects of lower urinary tract symptoms on health‐related quality of life contributes to the development and delivery of appropriate strategies to promote optimal health‐related quality of life. We recommended including assessments of lower urinary tract symptoms, sleep and health‐related quality of life in routine diabetes management. Nurses and healthcare professionals should concurrently reduce lower urinary tract symptoms and improve sleep to achieve this population's optimal health‐related quality of life.

Patients or public contribution

We recruited a sample of older women with type‐II diabetes at the endocrinology and metabolism outpatient departments of two hospitals. Study participants provided responses on the study questionnaires. The two hospitals provided needed supports (e.g., height/weight scales, suitable places for interview) during the data collection process.
Life‐space mobility and post‐hospitalization outcomes among older Mexican American Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Pappadis Monique R. , Chou Lin‐Na , Howrey Bret , Al Snih Soham
Published: February 2023

Background

Older adults with limited mobility are at an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, an outcome inadequately investigated in older Mexican Americans. We explored whether pre‐admission life‐space mobility predicts post‐hospitalization outcomes among hospitalized Mexican American Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods

Life‐space mobility, using the Life‐Space Assessment (LSA), was analyzed using quartiles and 5‐point intervals. Using the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (HEPESE) Waves 7 and 8 data linked to Medicare claims data, 426 older Mexican Americans with at least 2 months of Medicare coverage who were hospitalized within 2 years of completing the LSA were included. Logistic and Cox Proportional regression analyses estimated the association of pre‐admission LSA with post‐hospitalization outcomes.

Results

Prior to hospitalization, 85.4% reported limited life‐space mobility. Most patients (n = 322, 75.6%) were hospitalized for medical reasons. About 65% were discharged to the community. Pre‐admission LSA scores were not associated with community discharge (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.02, 0.95–1.10). Higher pre‐admission LSA scores were associated with 30‐day readmission (OR = 1.11, 1.01–1.22). Patients in the highest pre‐admission LSA quartile (i.e., greatest life‐space mobility) were less likely to die within 2 years after hospital discharge (OR = 0.61, 0.39–0.97) compared to those with lower pre‐admission LSA scores.

Conclusions

Among older Mexican American Medicare beneficiaries, greater pre‐admission LSA scores were associated with an increased risk of 30‐day readmission and a decreased risk of mortality within 2 years following hospitalization. Future work should further investigate the relationship between LSA and post‐hospitalization outcomes in a larger sample of Mexican American older adults.
Patterns and disparities in prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines for older adults in North Carolina
Authors: Niznik Joshua D. , Hughes Tamera , Armistead Lori T. , Kashyap Jayanth , Roller Jessica , Busby‐Whitehead Jan , Ferreri Stefanie P.
Published: February 2023

Background

We characterized real‐world prescribing patterns of opioids and benzodiazepines (BZDs) for older adults to explore potential disparities by race and sex and to characterize patterns of co‐prescribing.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation was conducted using electronic health data for adults ≥65 years old who presented to one of 15 primary care practices between 2019 and 2020 (n = 25,141). Chronic opioid and BZD users had ≥4 prescriptions in the year prior, with at least one in the last 90 or 180 days, respectively. We compared demographic characteristics between all older adults versus chronic opioid and BZD users. We used logistic regression to identify characteristics (age, sex, race, Medicaid use, fall history) associated with opioid and BZD co‐prescribing.

Results

We identified 833 (3.3%) chronic opioid and 959 chronic BZD users (3.8%) among all older adults seen in these practices. Chronic opioid users were less likely to be Black (12.7% vs. 14.3%) or other non‐White race (1.4% vs. 4.3%), but more likely to be women (66.8% vs. 61.3%). A similar trend was observed for BZD users, with less prescribing among Black (5.4% vs. 14.3%) and other races (2.2% vs. 4.3%) older adults and greater prescribing among women (73.6% vs. 61.3%). Co‐prescribing was observed among 15% of opioid users and 13% of BZD users. Co‐prescribing was largely driven by the presence of relevant co‐morbid conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia rather than demographic characteristics.

Conclusions

We observed notable disparities in opioid and BZD prescribing by sex and race among older adults in primary care. Future research should explore if such patterns reflect appropriate prescribing or are due to disparities in prescribing driven by biases related to perceived risks for misuse.
CT perfusion extended window ischemic core estimation: Bayesian algorithm versus oscillation index singular value decomposition
Authors: Morelli Nicola , Immovilli Paolo , Giacopazzi Elena , Rota Eugenia , Spallazzi Marco , Zaino Domenica , Colombi Davide , Guidetti Donata , Michieletti Emanuele
Published: February 2023

Background and Purpose

Ischemic core estimation by CT perfusion (CTp) is a diagnostic challenge, mainly because of the intrinsic noise associated with perfusion data. However, an accurate and reliable quantification of the ischemic core is critical in the selection of patients for reperfusion therapies. Our study aimed at assessing the diagnostic accuracy of two different CTp postprocessing algorithms, that is, the Bayesian Method and the oscillation index singular value decomposition (oSVD).

Methods

All the consecutive stroke patients studied in the extended time window (>4.5 hours from stroke onset) by CTp and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), between October 2019 and December 2021, were enrolled. The agreement between both algorithms and DWI was assessed by the Bland‐Altman plot, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Twenty‐four patients were enrolled (average age: 72 ± 15 years). The average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 14.42 ± 6.75, the median Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score was 8.50 (interquartile range [IQR] = 7.75‐9), and median time from stroke onset to neuroimaging was 7.5 hours (IQR = 6.5‐8). There was an excellent correlation between DWI and oSVD (ρ = .87, p‐value < .001) and DWI and Bayesian algorithm (ρ = .94, p‐value < .001). There was a stronger ICC between DWI and Bayesian algorithm (.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .92‐.99, p‐value < .001) than between DWI and oSVD (.59, 95% CI: .26‐.8, p‐value < .001).

Discussion

The agreement between Bayesian algorithm and DWI was greater than between oSVD and DWI in the extended window. The more accurate estimation of the ischemic core offered by the Bayesian algorithm may well play a critical role in the accurate selection of patients for reperfusion therapies.
Reverse scan body: A complete digital workflow for prosthesis prototype fabrication
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , Bedrossian Armand , Kudara Yukio , Ntovas Panagiotis , Bokhary Abdullah , Chochlidakis Konstantinos
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To assess the accuracy of fit of prosthesis prototypes fabricated via a complete digital workflow protocol with a reverse scan body skipping intraoral scanning for implant data acquisition.

Materials and methods

A maxillary stone cast with four multiunit abutment implant analogs (Screw‐Retained Abutments, Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) with adequate anteroposterior spread simulated a common clinical patient situation. This stone cast served as the master cast and an interim screw‐retained prosthesis was fabricated on it. Novel reverse scan bodies were connected to the interim prosthesis, and extraoral scanning was performed with a white light intraoral scanner. The produced standard tessellation language (STL) files were then imported to computer‐assisted design software and after the digital design, the STL file was exported to a computer‐assisted machining milling machine and a three‐dimensional (3D) printer to produce a total of 50 milled and 50 printed fixed complete denture prototypes, respectively. Two clinicians assessed the accuracy of fit of each digitally fabricated prosthesis prototype on the master cast, utilizing the screw‐resistance test and radiographic evaluation. Out of the 100 prototypes, 94% (94/100) were fitting accurately. Fisher's exact test was used to test the difference among the groups. The test revealed statistically significant results (p = 0.027).

Results

Out of the 50 digitally fabricated milled prosthesis prototypes, 50 (100%) presented with accurate fit under in vitro assessment. Out of the 50 digitally fabricated 3D printed prototypes, 44 (88%) presented with accurate fit under in vitro assessment.

Conclusions

Accurately fitting digitally fabricated prosthesis prototypes can be milled after extraoral scanning with reverse scan bodies without intraoral implant data acquisition.
In vitro measurement of the retention force of two stud attachment systems during cyclic load
Authors: Friedrichsen Momme , Dirksen Dieter , Runte Christoph
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To investigate the retentive behavior of the Locator legacy and Novaloc attachment systems with different retention inserts both within and across systems under cyclic load.

Materials and methods

Three retention inserts of each system (green, yellow, and white for Novaloc; green, orange, and red inserts for extended range for legacy Locator) were tested on abutments of both systems with a sample number of 10 per force and 10,000 cycles of insertion and removal. The loading was applied in the axial direction of the abutments, which were placed in artificial saliva. The retention force was measured in each cycle. The results were compared with the manufacturer's specifications and evaluated for a simulated period of use of 10 years. Characteristic time constants were determined, and subsequently, the two systems were compared regarding their wear behavior.

Results

The manufacturer's specifications could only be confirmed for the green Novaloc retention insert on a Novaloc abutment (t‐test: p = 0.50); for all other inserts, the baseline exceeded the manufacturer's specifications by 30%–75% (Novaloc; t‐test: p < 0.001) and 75%–550% (Locator; t‐test: p < 0.001). After 10,000 cycles performed, the manufacturer's specifications were confirmed on a Novaloc abutment for the white Novaloc retention insert (t‐test: p = 0.86) and on a Locator abutment for the green Novaloc retention insert (t‐test: p = 0.32). Both systems lost retention force during the experiment. Overall, Novaloc inserts on both abutments showed less wear (decrease to 56%–85% of initial force) and a slower decrease in retention force compared to Locator inserts (decrease to 6%–31% of initial force).

Conclusions

In both systems, wear leads to a varying loss of retention; therefore, regular checks with possible replacement of the inserts are necessary in clinical use. Novaloc attachments seem to be more resistant to the loss of retention than Locator attachments. A cross‐combination may be clinically useful in some cases.
Multiple mutations in the Nav1.4 sodium channel of New Guinean toxic birds provide autoresistance to deadly batrachotoxin
Authors: Bodawatta Kasun H. , Hu Haofu , Schalk Felix , Daniel Jan‐Martin , Maiah Gibson , Koane Bonny , Iova Bulisa , Beemelmanns Christine , Poulsen Michael , Jønsson Knud A.
Published: February 2023

Toxicity has evolved multiple times across the tree of life and serves important functions related to hunting, defence and parasite deterrence. Toxins are produced either in situ by the toxic organism itself or associated symbionts, or acquired through diet. The ability to exploit toxins from external sources requires adaptations that prevent toxic effects on the consumer (autoresistance). Here, we examine genomic adaptations that could facilitate autoresistance to the diet‐acquired potent neurotoxic alkaloid batrachotoxin (BTX) in New Guinean toxic birds. Our work documents two new toxic bird species and shows that toxic birds carry multiple mutations in theSCN4Agene that are under positive selection. This gene encodes the most common vertebrate muscle Nav channel (Nav1.4). Molecular docking results indicate that some of the mutations that are present in the pore‐forming segment of the Nav channel, where BTX binds, could reduce its binding affinity. These mutations should therefore prevent the continuous opening of the sodium channels that BTX binding elicits, thereby preventing muscle paralysis and ultimately death. Although these mutations are different from those present in NeotropicalPhyllobatespoison dart frogs, they occur in the same segments of the Nav1.4 channel. Consequently, in addition to uncovering a greater diversity of toxic bird species than previously known, our work provides an intriguing example of molecular‐level convergent adaptations allowing frogs and birds to ingest and use the same neurotoxin. This suggests that genetically modified Nav1.4 channels represent a key adaptation to BTX tolerance and exploitation across vertebrates.
Markedly prolonged compound muscle action potential duration in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 related critical illness myopathy
Authors: Mizoi Yoshikazu , Ikeda Kei , Sonoo Masahiro , Hatanaka Yuki , Yamamoto Toshimasa
Published: February 2023

A 56‐year‐old man admitted with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) became severely ill, required ventilator support and intensive care unit management. After ventilator weaning, he was found to have quadriparesis. Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) was suspected and administration of high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was considered. However, markedly prolonged compound muscle action potential (CMAP) duration was observed, leading to a diagnosis of critical illness myopathy (CIM). Therefore, IVIg was not given at all, and supportive care was continued. A good functional recovery was obtained. Prolonged CMAP duration is a characteristic finding to CIM. CIM following severe COVID‐19 infection is probably common, although the diagnostic value of prolonged CMAP duration is not widely recognized. This characteristic finding deserves more attention because it contributes to early differentiation between CIM and GBS and the use of IVIg in patients with COVID‐19 may cause thrombotic complications and worsen the prognosis.
Transcriptome analysis of drought‐responsive and drought‐tolerant mechanisms in maize leaves under drought stress
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Su Shengzhong , Chen Hao , Li Shipeng , Shan Xiaohui , Li He , Liu Hongkui , Dong Haixiao , Yuan Yaping
Published: February 2023

Maize is a major crop essential for food and feed, but its production is threatened by various biotic and abiotic stresses. Drought is one of the most common abiotic stresses, causing severe crop yield reduction. Although several studies have been devoted to selecting drought‐tolerant maize lines and detecting the drought‐responsive mechanism of maize, the transcriptomic differences between drought‐tolerant and drought‐susceptible maize lines are still largely unknown. In our study, RNA‐seq was performed on leaves of the drought‐tolerant line W9706 and the drought‐susceptible line B73 after drought treatment. We identified 3147 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these two lines. The upregulated DEGs in W9706 were enriched in specific processes, including ABA signaling, wax biosynthesis, CHO metabolism, signal transduction and brassinosteroid biosynthesis‐related processes, while the downregulated DEGs were enriched in specific processes, such as stomatal movement. Altogether, transcriptomic analysis suggests that the different drought resistances were correlated with the differential expression of genes, while the drought tolerance of W9706 is due to the more rapid response to stimulus, higher water retention capacity and stable cellular environment under water deficit conditions.
Valence precedes value in neural encoding of prediction error
Authors: Stewardson Harry , Sambrook Thomas D.
Published: February 2023

Event‐related potentials that follow feedback in reinforcement learning tasks have been proposed to reflect neural encoding of prediction errors. Prior research has shown that in the interval of 240–340 ms multiple different prediction error encodings appear to co‐occur, including a value signal carrying signed quantitative prediction error and a valence signal merely carrying sign. The effects used to identify these two encoders, respectively a sign main effect and a sign × size interaction, do not reliably discriminate them. A full discrimination is made possible by comparing tasks in which the reinforcer available on a given trial is set to be either appetitive or aversive against tasks where a trial allows the possibility of either. This study presents a meta‐analysis of reinforcement learning experiments, the majority of which presented the possibility of winning or losing money. Value and valence encodings were identified by conventional difference wave methodology but additionally by an analysis of their predicted behavior using a Bayesian analysis that incorporated nulls into the evidence for each encoder. The results suggest that a valence encoding, sensitive only to the available outcomes on the trial at hand precedes a later value encoding sensitive to the outcomes available in the wider experimental context. The implications of this for modeling computational processes of reinforcement learning in humans are discussed.
Influences of glycine supplementation during vitrification on the developmental potential of vitrified/warmed immature dromedary camel oocytes
Authors: Yaqout Karim A. , Bard Magdy R. , El‐Wishy Abou Bakr A. , Moawad Adel R. , El‐Shalofy Amr S.
Published: February 2023

Oocytes experience detrimental osmotic stress during vitrification and warming procedures because of the osmolality imbalance between the vitrification‐warming fluids and the intracellular environment. Cellular osmotic homeostasis can be preserved by glycine, a powerful osmolyte with antioxidant properties. We aimed to examine the influences of supplementing glycine to the vitrification solutions (VS) on the developmental potential of vitrified/warmed immature dromedary camel oocytes following IVM/IVF and in vitro embryo culture (IVC). Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from dromedary camel ovaries and randomly allocated into two groups namely control (oocytes subjected directly to IVM) and vitrified (COCs were vitrified into VS supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mM glycine). For vitrification, COCs were equilibrated for 3 min in 12.5% ethylene glycol; EG plus 12.5% dimethyl sulfoxide; DMS and then they were vitrified for 60 s in VS composed of 25% EG + 25% DMSO using solid surface vitrification (SSV). Warming of vitrified oocytes was conducted in decreasing concentrations of trehalose solution. Following vitrification and warming, the morphologically viable oocytes were subjected to IVM for 36 h. Matured oocytes were then fertilized in vitro by epididymal spermatozoa and cultured for seven days. The results showed that the percentage of viable oocytes assessed by trypan blue stain was significantly higher (p ≤ .05) in the 1.0 mM glycine‐supplemented group than 0.0‐ and 2.0‐mM glycine‐supplemented ones (90.0 % vs. 80.0% and 76.6%, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed between 0.5 mM glycine and other vitrified groups. Nuclear maturation rates, cleavage (48‐h post‐insemination; pi) and blastocyst rate (7‐days pi) were significantly lower in vitrified groups than control ones (p ≤ .05). Among vitrified groups, these parameters were the highest in the 1.0 mM glycine‐supplemented group. Taken together, supplementation of vitrification solutions with 1.0 mM glycine could enhance the developmental potential of vitrified/warmed immature dromedary camel oocytes.
The Potential of Religion for Promoting Sustainability: The Role of Stewardship
Authors: Eom Kimin , Ng Shu Tian
Published: February 2023

The present paper discusses how religious, theistic stewardship—the belief that humans have a responsibility to take care of the world that God created and has entrusted to humankind—promotes pro‐environmental support among religious individuals. Reviewing the existing literature, we describe how religious stewardship belief may shape cognitions and emotions regarding various environmentally relevant objects (i.e., natural environment, environmental problems, and pro‐environmental behaviors) and how these cognitions and emotions lead to motivation to engage in pro‐environmental action. We also discuss religious beliefs that may suppress the positive effects of stewardship belief as well as key factors that may moderate the effects of stewardship belief. Last, we discuss potential ways of leveraging religious stewardship in messaging and communications for behavioral change toward sustainability. Although the existing evidence on whether religion helps or hinders environmental protection is mixed, our review suggests that stewardship belief clearly provides great potential for environmental support among religious communities.