bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development and validation of the Worries About Recurrence or Progression Scale (WARPS)
Authors: Sharpe Louise , Menzies Rachel E. , Richmond Bethany , Todd Jemma , MacCann Carolyn , Shaw Joanne
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Worry about recurrence or progression is a common concern among people with chronic physical illnesses. Although there are options to measure the fear of cancer recurrence and other illness‐specific measures, there is only one transdiagnostic measure of fear of progression, which does not assess the fear of recurrence or relapse.

Design

A multi‐phase study outlining the development and validation of a novel transdiagnostic measure of fear of recurrence or progression, the Worries About Recurrence and Progression Scale (WARPS).

Method

From a prior systematic review, we used quotes from people with lived experience to generate 55 items. Next, we piloted the items with 10 people with a range of chronic conditions, leading to a final total of 57 items. We then recruited four groups of people with cardiac disease, rheumatic disease, diabetes and respiratory disease (n = 804). An exploratory factor analysis in a randomly split sample resulted in an 18 item, single factor scale. We then performed confirmatory factor analysis on these 18 items in the remaining sample.

Results

The 18‐item WARPS demonstrated good construct validity, internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Specifically, the WARPS was strongly correlated with the Fear of Progression Questionnaire, and with illness‐specific fears. Significant, moderate correlations were observed with depression, anxiety, stress, and death anxiety. The WARPS demonstrated the validity and reliability amongst people with four of the most common chronic conditions and the factor structure was invariant across genders.

Conclusion

The WARPS is a valid and reliable tool to measure transdiagnostic worries about recurrence and progression.
Early Jurassic initiation of the modern drainage pattern of the Dabie orogen (East China) revealed by a multi‐proxy provenance approach
Authors: Deng Tao , Hu Xiumian , Chew David , Schönig Jan , Ma Anlin , Liang Wendong , Drakou Foteini
Published: December 2023

The timing of the initiation of the present‐day tectonic architecture and drainage systems in eastern China remains debated. This study presents a comprehensive provenance study of the Early Jurassic peripheral basins surrounding the Dabie orogen including framework petrography, heavy‐mineral analysis, single‐grain chronology and chemistry. Clasts of high‐grade schist, muscovite grains, rare gneissic fragments, abundant metamorphic garnet and phengite (Si > 3.3 pfu), combined with a main 216–256 Ma rutile U–Pb population found in these Early Jurassic sandstones, indicate a source from the Triassic (U)HP belt in the Dabie orogen. Sedimentary lithics and ultra‐stable heavy‐mineral assemblages indicate an additional source of recycled sedimentary rocks. Combined with the continuous shift of the youngest detrital rutile age population toward younger ages toward the north that mimics the pattern of metamorphic bedrock ages in the Dabie orogen, we infer that the present surface tectonic architecture and paleodrainage patterns of the Dabie orogen were established in the Early Jurassic. Thus, the Early Jurassic exhumation of the Dabie orogen marked the development of the watershed between Northern and Southern China, namely the Huai River and several principal tributary systems of the middle‐lower Yangtze River.
Trajectoires et visées de l'hydrogéomorphologie au Québec
Authors: Buffin‐Bélanger Thomas , Lachapelle Félix , Biron Pascale , Boivin Maxime
Published: December 2023

L'hydrogéomorphologie étudie la dynamique des rivières en se concentrant sur les interactions liant la structure des écoulements, la mobilisation et le transport des sédiments et les morphologies qui caractérisent les cours d'eau et leur bassin‐versant. Elle offre un cadre d'analyse et des outils pour une meilleure intégration des connaissances sur la dynamique des rivières pour la gestion des cours d'eau au sens large, et plus spécifiquement, pour leur restauration, leur aménagement et pour l'évaluation et la prévention des risques liés aux aléas fluviaux. Au Québec, l'hydrogéomorphologie émerge comme contribution significative dans les approches de gestion et d'évaluation du risque et se trouve au cœur d'un changement de paradigme dans la gestion des cours d'eau par lequel la restauration des processus vise à augmenter la résilience des systèmes et des sociétés et à améliorer la qualité des environnements fluviaux. Cette contribution expose la trajectoire de l'hydrogéomorphologie au Québec à partir des publications scientifiques de géographes du Québec et discute des visées de la discipline en recherche et en intégration des connaissances pour la gestion des cours d'eau.
Progress report of a cross‐organ and biomarker‐based basket‐type clinical trial: BELIEVE Trial
Authors: Ando Yayoi , Shimoi Tatsunori , Sunami Kuniko , Okita Natsuko , Nakamura Kenichi , Shibata Taro , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: December 2023

Cancer genomic medicine using next‐generation sequencers has been developing. However, the number of patients who could receive genomically matched therapy is limited because off‐label use or patient‐oriented compassionate use was not permitted under National Health Insurance in Japan. To improve patient drug accessibility, we initiated a biomarker‐based basket‐type clinical trial (NCCH1901) in October 2019 under patient‐proposed healthcare services. We listed the drugs that had high medical needs but were not covered by National Healthcare Insurance. Then we included these drugs before patient proposal so that they could access off‐label drugs soon after they had the results of CGP tests. All drugs were provided free of charge by pharmaceutical companies. The objective was to administer off‐label drugs and to collect efficacy and safety data for these drugs. The primary endpoint was the response rate based on the best overall response for up to 16 weeks. As of January 31, 2022, we included 18 drug cohorts and 295 patients were treated in this study. The most common cancer was brain tumor, followed by carcinoma of endocrine organs and colorectal cancer. BRAF mutations and ERBB2 amplifications were the frequent genomic abnormalities to be enrolled. This study was one way to access off‐label drugs, and contributed significantly to providing treatment opportunities for patients in Japan.
The outsider within: The agentic practices of Family Group Conference coordinators in the context of families with children at risk
Authors: Shaibe Jordan , Shemer Orna
Published: December 2023

Family Group Conference (FGC) is a participatory decision‐making process for families with children at risk, for whom concerns were recognized by the family, the professionals and/or the community. In its initial stages, FGC is organized, and the families are accompanied, by independent coordinators. The study used a qualitative, action‐oriented methodology to explore what practices coordinators use to foster FGC's family‐led dynamic. The data collection included 13 semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews and two research group discussions with coordinators to learn about their perspectives and practices. The study found that these practices were guided by three main principles of action: to affirm the family's control and responsibility, to highlight the family's ability and to orient the family towards the future. The article explores how these practices contribute to the family‐led dynamic of FGC and situates them within the context of the welfare system and the positioning of the coordinators as ‘outsiders‐within’ to both the family and the welfare services. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on participatory child welfare models and agentic practices and offers implications for policy and implementation of FGC in a manner that recognizes and respects families' agency.
Pancreatic steatosis is an independent risk factor for post‐transplant diabetes mellitus in kidney transplant patients
Authors: Hasbal Nuri Baris , Copur Sidar , Peltek Ibrahim B. , Mutlu Ali , Atalay Hande Ozen , Kesgin Yavuz E. , Karakaya Afak Durur , Siriopol Dimitrie , Koçak Burak , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is associated with an increased risk of post‐transplant cardiovascular diseases, and several risk factors of PTDM have been shown in the literature. Yet, the relationship between hepatic and pancreatic steatosis with post‐transplant diabetes mellitus remains vague. We aimed to evaluate pancreatic steatosis, a novel component of metabolic syndrome, and hepatic steatosis association with post‐transplant diabetes mellitus in a single‐center retrospective cohort study conducted on kidney transplant recipients.

Method

We have performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study involving all kidney transplant recipients. We have utilized pretransplant Fibrosis‐4, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score, and abdominal computed tomography for the assessment of visceral steatosis status.

Results

We have included 373 kidney transplant recipients with a mean follow‐up period of 32 months in our final analysis. Post‐transplant diabetes mellitus risk is associated with older age (p < .001), higher body‐mass index (p < .001), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease‐fibrosis score (p = .002), hepatic (p < .001) or pancreatic (p < .001) steatosis on imaging and higher pre‐transplant serum triglyceride (p = .003) and glucose levels (p = .001) after multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Our study illustrates that recipients’ pancreatic steatosis is an independent predictive factor for post‐transplant diabetes mellitus including in kidney transplant patients.
Predictability of human exposure by human‐CYP3A4‐transgenic mouse models: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Damoiseaux David , Schinkel Alfred H. , Beijnen Jos H. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Dorlo Thomas P. C.
Published: December 2023

First‐in‐human dose predictions are primarily based on no‐observed‐adverse‐effect levels in animal studies. Predictions from these animal models are only as effective as their ability to predict human results. To narrow the gap between human and animals, researchers have, among other things, focused on the replacement of animal cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes with their human counterparts (called humanization), especially in mice. Whereas research in humanized mice is extensive, the emphasis has been particularly on qualitative rather than quantitative predictions. Because the CYP3A4 enzyme is most involved in the metabolism of clinically used drugs, most benefit was expected from CYP3A4 models. There are several applications of these mouse models regarding in vivo CYP3A4 functionality, one of which might be their capacity to help improve first‐in‐human (FIH) dose predictions for CYP3A4‐metabolized drugs. To evaluate whether human‐CYP3A4‐transgenic mouse models are better predictors of human exposure compared to the wild‐type mouse model, we performed a meta‐analysis comparing both mouse models in their ability to accurately predict human exposure of small‐molecule drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. Results showed that, in general, the human‐CYP3A4‐transgenic mouse model had similar accuracy in the prediction of human exposure compared to the wild‐type mouse model, suggesting that there is limited added value in humanization of the mouse Cyp3a enzymes if the primary aim is to acquire more accurate FIH dose predictions. Despite the results of this meta‐analysis, corrections for interspecies differences through extension of human‐CYP3A4‐transgenic mouse models with pharmacokinetic modeling approaches seems a promising contribution to more accurate quantitative predictions of human pharmacokinetics.
Performance of handheld ultrasound devices in diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and right heart dysfunction in ICU patients
Authors: Dayıoğlu Mürüvvet , Gürsel Gül , Özercan Seçil , Aydın Eda Macit , Nadastepe Özge
Published: December 2023

Aim

The use of handheld ultrasonography devices (HHUD) has increased recently but there are limited data about their performance in the evaluation of right heart dysfunction (RHD) and pulmonary hypertension (PHT). The aim of the study is to compare the performance of a HHUD with a conventional ultrasound device (CUD) in assessing PHT and RHD.

Methods

This single‐center prospective study was performed in a seven‐bed teaching hospital intensive care unit (ICU). PHT and RHD criteria were compared by HHUD and CUD. Additional PHT criteria and right ventricle (RV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction criteria were also measured.

Results

Forty‐six patients were included in the study. There was no significant difference between the imaging rates and mean values of the parameters measured by both devices. When the positivity rates for additional PHT parameters and RHD criteria were compared, there were no significant differences between the devices. In Bland‐Altman's analysis, there was good agreement and there was no bias between the measurements of the two devices but left ventricular end‐systolic eccentricity index (LVSEI), right atrium area (RAA), and pulmonary artery diameter (PAD). Ninety percent of the patients had PHT probability, of whom 43% had a low, 37% had intermediate and 10% had a high probability of PHT. Ninety‐two percent of the patients had RHD and there was no significant difference between the devices in the diagnosis of RHD (p = .212). When RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction evaluations of the devices were compared according to the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) criteria there was no significant difference between the devices’ measurements in the evaluation of systolic and diastolic function.

Conclusion

The imaging and measurement capabilities of the HHUDs for PHT and RHD parameters were similar to CUDs, and considering the inconsistent parameters, the HHUD can be useful in diagnosing these problems.
“Long GFC”? The global financial crisis, health care, and COVID‐19 deaths
Authors: Moreno Antonio , Ongena Steven , Ventula Veghazy Alexia , Wagner Alexander F.
Published: December 2023

Do financial crises affect long‐term public health? To answer this question, we examined the relationship between the 2007–2009 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the 2020–2022 COVID‐19 pandemic. Specifically, we examined the relationship between the financial losses derived from the GFC, and the health outcomes associated with the first wave of the pandemic. European countries that were more affected by the financial crisis had more deaths relative to coronavirus cases. An analogous relationship emerged across Spanish provinces and US states. Part of the transmission from finances to health outcomes appears to have occurred through cross‐sectional differences in health care facilities.
Global biogeographical regions reveal a signal of past human impacts
Authors: Rueda Marta , González‐Suárez Manuela , Revilla Eloy
Published: December 2023

Ecologists have long documented that the world's biota is spatially organised in regions with boundaries shaped by processes acting on geological and evolutionary timescales. Although growing evidence suggests that historical human impact has been key in how biodiversity is currently assembled, its role as a driver of the geographical organisation of biodiversity remains unclear. Using non‐volant terrestrial mammals we set up a bioregionalization procedure focused on two datasets, one describing the current ranges of terrestrial mammals, and another describing their potential natural ranges in absence of historic anthropogenic land use. We then quantified the relative importance of anthropogenic land use (5000 and 2000 years ago, and present time) to predict the current and natural biogeographical regions across the Earth. In general, past and present human land use were important predictors of current bioregions but did not largely contribute to predict natural bioregions. Past anthropogenic land use seems to have left an imprint on the taxonomic differentiation of some of the largest biogeographical realms, whereas land use at present stands out as a driver of the taxonomic differences between medium‐sized subregions, i.e. within and among continents. Our findings suggest that anthropogenic actions during the last millennia have had a far‐reaching effect on the spatial organisation of the Earth's non‐volant mammals.
Let's give a voice to young soil researchers
Authors: Panagos Panos , Orgiazzi Alberto
Published: December 2023

Young soil researchers represent a generation that will respond to future soil challenges and implement connected policy developments. They will deal with emerging challenges and opportunities for soil protection, such as climate change, land use change, scenario analysis, big data, modelling integration, one health aspects, and soil living laboratories. In this context, the EU Soil Observatory (EUSO) provides an inclusive forum for participatory research in the EU and beyond. In 2021, at the first gathering of the EUSO Stakeholders Forum, young researchers were actively engaged through the establishment of the EU Young Soil Researchers Forum. This resulted in interesting presentations, discussions, and research outputs, which have been brought together in this virtual thematicissue. Similar support for young soil researchers is expected at the 2024 EUSO Stakeholders Forum.
Neurological morbidity of surgery for suprasylvian operculoinsular epilepsy
Authors: d'Orio Piergiorgio , Squarza Silvia , Revay Martina , Cardinale Francesco , Castana Laura , Sartori Ivana , Tassi Laura , Lo Russo Giorgio , Cossu Massimo
Published: December 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with surgery‐related neurological morbidity in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy undergoing suprasylvian operculoinsular resections. As secondary outcomes, we also analyzed the risk factors for ischemic lesion (IL) of corona radiata and seizure recurrence.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent suprasylvian operculoinsular resections for drug‐resistant epilepsy. The association of several presurgical, surgical, and postsurgical factors with both primary (persistent neurological deficits) and secondary (structural abnormalities on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and seizure recurrence) postoperative outcomes was investigated with univariate and multivariate statistical analysis.

Results

The study included a total of 65 patients; 46.2% of patients exhibited postoperative neurological deficits, but only 12.3% experienced persistent deficits. On postoperative MRI, IL in the corona radiata and corticospinal tract Wallerian degeneration (CSTWd) were seen in 68% and 29% of cases, respectively. Only CSTWd was significantly associated with persistent neurological deficits (relative risk [RR] = 2.6). Combined operculoinsular resection (RR = 3.62) and surgery performed on the left hemisphere (RR = .37) were independently associated with IL in the corona radiata. Variables independently associated with CSTWd were the presence of malacic components in the IL (RR = 1.96), right central operculum resection (RR = 1.79), and increasing age at surgery (RR = 1.03). Sixty‐two patients had a postoperative follow‐up > 12 months (median = 56, interquartile range = 30.75–73.5), and 62.9% were in Engel class I at last outpatient control. The risk of seizure recurrence was reduced by selective opercular resection (RR = .25) and increased by the histological diagnosis of aspecific gliosis (RR = 1.39).

Significance

This study provides insights into the risk factors associated with surgery‐related neurological morbidity, as well as further evidence on the postoperative occurrence of subcortical injury and seizure recurrence in epileptic patients undergoing suprasylvian operculoinsular resections. The findings highlighted in this study may be useful to better understand the processes supporting the increased surgical risk in the operculoinsular region.
The long‐term outcomes of standing superficial keratectomy as the sole treatment of corneal B‐cell lymphoma in five horses in the UK: Clinical, histopathology, immunohistochemical and molecular findings
Authors: De Oliveira Francesca , Scurrell Emma J. , Dixon Samantha , Lowe Rob
Published: December 2023

This case report describes five horses with solitary corneal B‐cell lymphoma treated with superficial keratectomy as a sole treatment and their long‐term follow‐up. All five cases had a presumed clinical diagnosis of immune‐mediated keratitis (IMMK) which was initially responsive to immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory treatment. Between 6 and 71 months from the start of clinical disease, these cases became refractory to treatment. All five horses underwent superficial keratectomy under standing sedation and regional anaesthesia. A focal superficial keratectomy was performed in one horse to remove the affected area, and in the remaining four horses, the superficial cornea was removed in its entirety. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangements (PARR testing) were performed on all five keratectomy specimens. The histopathological and immunohistochemical findings indicated a florid stromal infiltrate of mitotically active, intermediate to large B‐lymphocytes amidst a variable background of chronic keratitis. In three of the five cases, the lymphocytes displayed prominent epitheliotropism. PARR testing confirmed rearrangements of, specifically, IGH2, IGH3 and KDE, indicating B‐cell clonal expansion consistent with B‐cell lymphoma. There has been no local recurrence in any of the five horses over 24–84 months of follow‐up and no clinical evidence of multicentric lymphoma. No adjunctive treatment was given post‐keratectomy and all eyes have remained comfortable and off treatment. Results of this report show that standing superficial keratectomy is a viable diagnostic tool and a long‐term treatment option for diffuse intermediate to large corneal B‐cell lymphoma.
Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 2 deficiency associates with autism‐like behavior via dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction
Authors: Ishikawa Masaki , Yamamoto Yasuko , Wulaer Bolati , Kunisawa Kazuo , Fujigaki Hidetsugu , Ando Tatsuya , Kimura Hiroki , Kushima Itaru , Arioka Yuko , Torii Youta , Mouri Akihiro , Ozaki Norio , Nabeshima Toshitaka , Saito Kuniaki
Published: December 2023

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 2 (IDO2) is an enzyme of the tryptophan–kynurenine pathway that is constitutively expressed in the brain. To provide insight into the physiological role of IDO2 in the brain, behavioral and neurochemical analyses in IDO2 knockout (KO) mice were performed. IDO2 KO mice showed stereotyped behavior, restricted interest and social deficits, traits that are associated with behavioral endophenotypes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). IDO2 was colocalized immunohistochemically with tyrosine‐hydroxylase‐positive cells in dopaminergic neurons. In the striatum and amygdala of IDO2 KO mice, decreased dopamine turnover was associated with increased α‐synuclein level. Correspondingly, levels of downstream dopamine D1 receptor signaling molecules such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and c‐Fos positive proteins were decreased. Furthermore, decreased abundance of ramified‐type microglia resulted in increased dendritic spine density in the striatum of IDO2 KO mice. Both chemogenetic activation of dopaminergic neurons and treatment with methylphenidate, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, ameliorated the ASD‐like behavior of IDO2 KO mice. Sequencing analysis of exon regions in IDO2 from 309 ASD samples identified a rare canonical splice site variant in one ASD case. These results suggest that the IDO2 gene is, at least in part, a factor closely related to the development of psychiatric disorders.
3D numerical analysis of stability and onset of hydraulic fracture in the vertical‐oblique‐horizontal wells under wide range of in situ stresses
Authors: Shan Zhigang , Zhao Liuyuan , Ni Weida , Wu Jie , Zhang Fang , Aliha M. R. M.
Published: December 2023

Influence of the depth and location of perforation, direction and magnitudes of in situ stresses, wellbore angle, and pumping pressure is investigated numerically for the hydraulic fracture. 3D models of rock formation with vertical, inclined or horizontal wells containing semi‐circular crack are analyzed to obtain both KI and the minimum pumping pressure. By computing the magnitude and sign of the T‐stress it is demonstrated that hydraulic fracture path is generally stable except for a very limited situations in which the vertical well is subjected to the lowest in situ stresses. The minimum horizontal in situ stress has the most dominant role in controlling the hydraulic fracture. A direct relationship between KI and T was obtained for different ranges of in situ stresses and some relations were presented for estimating the critical stress intensity factor at the onset of hydraulic fracture and minimum injection pressure in terms of the applied in situ stresses.
The role of roasting on changes in bioactive properties, fatty acid and phenolic compound profiles in the free and bound fraction of black quinoa seeds
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Uslu Nurhan , Mohammed Belal M. , Adiamo Oladipupo
Published: December 2023

In present investigation, the effect of roasting in microwave and oven on bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, fatty acid profiles and phenolic constituents of quinoa seeds for free and conjugated phenolic profile fractions are studied. The oil contents of seeds roasted in both roasting systems were recorded between 4.25% (microwave) and 4.80% (oven).Total phenolic amounts of free and bound fractions of quinoa seeds were measured to be between 1668.1 (control) and 2037.5 mg/100 g (microwave) to 638.9 (microwave) to 1615.3 mg/100 g (oven), respectively. Antioxidant activities of free and bound fractions of quinoa seeds were recorded to be between 36.86% (microwave) and 39.28% (oven) to 74.83% (control) and 77.18% (microwave), respectively. Oleic and linoleic acid results of quinoa seed oils roasted in microwave and oven were identified between 17.26% (oven) and 22.41% (control) to 48.39% (oven) and 59.92% (microwave), respectively. 3,4‐Dihydroxybenzoic acid results of raw and roasted quinoa seeds for free and bound fractions were identified to be between 2.84 (microwave) and 4.01 mg/100 g (oven) to 7.43 (oven) and 12.60 mg/100 g (control), respectively. K results of roasted quinoa seeds were recorded between 8701.17 (oven) and 9638.45 (microwave). Results showed some changes depending on roasting systems and fraction types.
Tuning the thermal and insulation properties of bismuth borate glass for SiC power electronics packaging
Authors: Chen Junwei , Chen Wei , Zhang Liangzhu , Yan Xuyang , Fan Jiajie , Zeng Huidan
Published: December 2023

Silicon carbide (SiC) power devices are attracting significant attention due to their outstanding stability in high‐voltage, high‐temperature, and high‐frequency environments. To replace toxic Pb‐based glass, there is an urgent need to develop Pb‐free glass for SiC power device encapsulation, considering its superior electrical insulation properties and processing capabilities. Here, we developed a Bi‐based glass for effective encapsulation practical of SiC power devices. By increasing the content of glass modifier BaO, the structure of bismuth borate glass can be tuned to reduce glass network density, leading to the transition of structural units from [BO4] to [BO3]. The softened temperature is reduced to 363.4°C with the BaO content increasing to 15 mol%. After encapsulating the SiC power devices using Bi‐based glass, the glass demonstrated a reverse breakdown voltage of 650 V and an extremely low leakage current. Therefore, our work provided a route for adapting Pb‐free‐based low‐melting glass for encapsulating SiC devices and offered potential for advanced semiconductor packaging.
Parental presence, participation, and engagement in paediatric hospital care: A conceptual delineation
Authors: Harlow Ashleigh B. , Ledbetter Leila , Brandon Debra H.
Published: December 2023

Aim

To delineate between the concepts of parental presence, participation, and engagement in paediatric hospital care.

Design

The concepts' uses in the literature were analysed to determine attributes, influences, and relationships.

Methods

Delineations of each concept are established and conceptual definitions are proposed following Morses' methods.

Data Sources

MEDLINE (PubMed); CINAHL, PsycINFO, Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCOhost); Embase, Scopus (Elsevier); Google Scholar. Search dates October 2021, February 2023.

Results

Multinational publications dated 1991–2023 revealed these concepts represent a range of parental behaviours, beliefs, and actions, which are not always perceptible to nurses, but which are important in family‐integrated care delivery. Parental presence is the state of a parent being physically and/or emotionally with their child. Parental participation reflects parents' performing caregiving activities with or without nurses. Parental engagement is a parents' state of emotional involvement in their child's health and the ways they act on their child's behalf.

Conclusion

These concepts' manifestations are important to parental role attainment but may be inadequately understood and considered by healthcare providers.

Implications

Nurses have influence over parents' parental presence, participation, and engagement in their child's care but need support from healthcare institutions to ensure equitable family‐integrated care delivery.

Impact

Problem: Lack of clear definition among these concepts results in incomplete and at times inequitable family‐integrated care delivery. Findings: Parental presence is an antecedent to parental participation, and parental presence and participation are elements of parental engagement. The concepts interact to influence one another. Impact: Hospitalized children, their families, nurses, and researchers will benefit through a better understanding of the concepts' attributes, interactions, and implications for enhanced family‐integrated care delivery.
Perceived barriers and facilitators to preventing hospital‐acquired pressure injury in paediatrics: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Dimanopoulos Tanesha A. , Chaboyer Wendy , Plummer Karin , Mickan Sharon , Ullman Amanda J. , Campbell Jill , Griffin Bronwyn R.
Published: December 2023

Aim

This qualitative study aimed to identify nurses' and allied health professionals' perceptions and experiences of providing hospital‐acquired pressure injury (HAPI) prevention in a paediatric tertiary hospital in Australia, as well as understand the perceived barriers and facilitators to preventing HAPI.

Design

A qualitative, exploratory study of hospital professionals was undertaken using semi‐structured interviews between February 2022 and January 2023.

Methods

Two frameworks, the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Model of Behaviour (COM‐B) and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), were used to give both theoretical and pragmatic guidance. Participants included 19 nursing and allied health professionals and data analysis was informed by the framework approach.

Results

Analysis revealed nine core themes regarding professionals' beliefs about the barriers and facilitators to HAPI prevention practices across seven TDF domains. Themes included HAPI prevention skills and education, family‐centred care, automated feedback and prompts, allocation and access to equipment, everybody's responsibility, prioritizing patients and clinical demands, organizational expectations and support, integrating theory and reality in practice and emotional influence.

Conclusion

These findings provide valuable insights into the barriers and facilitators that impact paediatric HAPI prevention and can help identify and implement strategies to enhance evidence‐based prevention care and prevent HAPI in paediatric settings.

Impact

Overcoming barriers through evidence‐based interventions is essential to reduce HAPI cases, improve patient outcomes, and cut healthcare costs. The findings have practical implications, informing policy and practice for improved preventive measures, education, and staffing in paediatric care, ultimately benefiting patient well‐being and reducing HAPIs.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution. The focus of the study is on healthcare professionals and their perspectives and experiences in preventing HAPIs in paediatric patients. Therefore, the involvement of patients or the public was not deemed necessary for achieving the specific research objectives.
Rural hospital and obstetric unit closures as social determinants of racial and ethnic maternal health disparities: A scoping review
Authors: Smith Jessica G. , Brown Kyrah K.
Published: December 2023

Aims

To synthesize literature examining (1) rural hospital or obstetric unit closures as a social determinant of maternal/infant health outcomes and (2) closures as a social determinant of racial/ethnic disparities in maternal/infant health outcomes.

Design

Scoping review.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, OVID/Embase and CINAHL were searched systematically to identify sources from 31 July 2003 to 31 July 2023. The Arksey and O'Malley methodology for scoping reviews was used.

Results

Four studies from the United States and Australia documented the impact of rural hospital or obstetric unit closures on maternal/infant health outcomes, such as increased births in hospitals without obstetric units, out‐of‐hospital births or babies born before arrival, preterm birth, infant mortality and sociocultural risks that contribute to clinical risk. No eligible studies investigated hospital or obstetric unit closure as a social determinant of racial disparities in rural maternal/infant health outcomes.

Conclusion

Despite significant racial and ethnic rural maternal health disparities, associations between rural closures and maternal health outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities are understudied. More research is needed to understand the extent to which rural closures, a social determinant of health, could disproportionately, negatively affect the health of racially and ethnically minoritized women.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

Rural women have a greater risk of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity compared with urban women, and the impact of rural closures on racial and ethnic maternal health disparities is not well documented. Research about the impact of rural closures on maternal health disparities could inform policy to assure essential obstetric care is available for rural populations globally.

Impact

Findings provide a call to action for research to understand relationships between rural closures and racial and ethnic maternal health disparities, which is especially important for serving rural Non‐Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Cardioneuroablation for pediatric patients with functional sinus node dysfunction and paroxysmal atrioventricular block
Authors: Choi Nak Hyun , Hong Jeff , Moak Jeffrey P.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Severe transitory episodes of bradycardia with subsequent syncope in children are common, and generally portend a benign prognosis. Rarely, patients may experience prolonged asystolic episodes secondary to significant sinus pauses (SP) or paroxysmal atrioventricular block (AVB). Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is a catheter‐based intervention, used to identify and ablate the epicardial ganglionated plexi (GP), which results in disruption of the vagal‐mediated parasympathetic input to the sinus and atrioventricular node.

Objective

Describe the methodology and role of CNA for treatment of pediatric patients with functional AVB or SP.

Methods

This is a single‐center, case series study. Patients with SP or AVB, 21 years of age or younger, who underwent CNA between 2015 and 2021 were included. CNA was performed via anatomically guided and high‐frequency stimulation methods.

Results

Six patients were included. The median age was 18.9 years (range 12.3–20.9 years), 33% female. Two patients had prolonged SP, two had paroxysmal AVB, and two had both SP and AVB. Four patients had prior syncope. The median longest pause was 8.9 s (range 3.9–16.8) with 11 total documented pauses (range 2–231) during the 6 months pre‐CNA. Post‐CNA, the median longest pause was 1.3 s (range 0.8–2.2) with one documented SP after termination of atrial tachycardia at the 3‐month follow‐up. At 6 months, the median longest pause was 1.1 s (0.8–1.3) with 0 documented pauses. No patients had syncope post‐CNA.

Conclusion

CNA may be an effective alternative to pacemaker implantation in pediatric patients with syncope or significant symptoms secondary to functional SP or AVB.
FOXP3‐regulated lncRNA NONHSAT136151 promotes colorectal cancer progression by disrupting QKI interaction with target mRNAs
Authors: Huang Handong , Liang Xiaoxiang , Wu Weizheng , Yuan Tao , Chen Zhengquan , Wang Lin , Wu Zhenyu , Zhang Tao , Yang Kai , Wen Kunming
Published: December 2023

The role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC), has repeatedly been demonstrated. However, very few lncRNAs have been well annotated functionally. Our study identified a novel lncRNA upregulated in CRC, NONHSAT136151, which was correlated with clinical progression. In functional assays, NONHSAT136151 significantly enhanced CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, NONHSAT136151 interacted with RNA‐binding protein (RBP) QKI (Quaking) to interfere with QKI binding to target mRNAs and regulate their expression. As well, FOXP3 may be causally related to the dysregulation of NONHSAT136151 in CRC cells through its transcriptional activity. In conclusion, our findings identified a novel lncRNA regulated by FOXP3 participates in CRC progression through interacting with QKI, indicating a novel lncRNA‐RBP interaction mechanism is involved in CRC pathogenesis.
Scabies in French Guiana: Quantitative and qualitative factors associated with therapeutic failure
Authors: Blaizot R. , Armanville F. , Michaud C. , Boceno C. , Dupart O. , Pansart C. , Niemetzky F. , Couppie P. , Nacher M. , Adenis A. , Chosidow O. , Duvignaud A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Strategies for the control of scabies should be adapted to local settings. Traditional communities in French Guiana have non‐Western conceptions of disease and health.

Objectives

The objectives for this study were to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices to identify potential factors associated with the failure of scabies treatment in these communities.

Methods

Patients with a clinical diagnosis of scabies, seen at either the Cayenne Hospital or one of 13 health centres between 01 April 2021 and 31 August 2021, were included as participants, and were seen again after 6 weeks to check for persistence of lesions. Factors associated with treatment failure were looked for both at inclusion and at 6 weeks. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a diversified subsample of participants.

Results

In total, 164 participants were included in the quantitative component, and 21 were interviewed for the qualitative component. Declaring that the second treatment dose had been taken was associated with therapeutic success. Western treatments were not always affordable. Better adherence was observed with topical treatments than with oral ivermectin, whereas permethrin monotherapy was associated with failure. Scabies‐associated stigma was high among Amerindians and Haitians but absent in Ndjuka Maroons. Participants reported environmental disinfection as being very complex.

Conclusions

The treatment of scabies in traditional Guianan communities may vary depending on local perceptions of galenic formulations, disease‐associated stigma and differences in access to health care. These factors should be taken into account when devising strategies for the control of scabies aimed at traditional communities living in remote areas, and migrant populations.
Assessing the importance of H2O content in the tectono‐metamorphic evolution of shear zones: A case study from the Dora‐Maira Massif (Western Alps)
Authors: Nerone Sara , Petroccia Alessandro , Caso Fabiola , Dana Davide , Maffeis Andrea
Published: December 2023

Metamorphic reactions are commonly driven to completion within shear zones thanks to fluid circulation, making the re‐equilibration of the mineral assemblage one of the dominant processes. Despite the important role of H2O in such processes, forward thermodynamic modelling calculations commonly assume either H2O‐saturated conditions or only fluid loss during prograde evolution to peak conditions. These assumptions influence the understanding of shear zones during the retrograde evolution. Here, we investigate the P–T–MH2O retrograde evolution of the Mt. Bracco Shear Zone (MBSZ), an Alpine ductile tectonic contact which marks the boundary between two HP units in the Dora‐Maira Massif (Western Alps, Italy). After the eclogite‐facies peak (at 500–520°C and 1.8–2.2 GPa), the subsequent mylonitic event is constrained at amphibolite‐facies conditions, continuing its evolution at decreasing pressure and temperature during rock exhumation, from ~590°C, 1.0 GPa down to ~520°C, 0.7 GPa. The P/T–MH2O forward modelling highlights different behaviour for the two analysed samples. After reaching a minimum H2O content at the transition from eclogite‐ to amphibolite‐facies conditions, a significant fluid gain is modelled for only one of the two analysed samples just before the mylonitic event. The MBSZ then evolves towards H2O‐undersaturated conditions. This work thus underlines the necessity of investigating the H2O evolution within shear zones, as the H2O content is susceptible to change through the P–T path, due to dehydration reactions or fluid infiltration events. Furthermore, lithological heterogeneities influence possible different fluid circulation regimes in shear zones, resulting in externally or internally derived fluid gain.
Differences in use of Veterans Health Administration and non‐Veterans Health Administration hospitals by rural and urban Veterans after access expansions
Authors: Dizon Matthew P. , Kizer Kenneth W. , Ong Michael K. , Phibbs Ciaran S. , Vanneman Megan E. , Wong Emily P. , Zhang Yue , Yoon Jean
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To examine changes in rural and urban Veterans’ utilization of acute inpatient care in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and non‐VHA hospitals following access expansion from the Veterans Choice Act, which expanded eligibility for VHA‐paid community hospitalization.

Methods

Using repeated cross‐sectional data of VHA enrollees’ hospitalizations in 9 states (AZ, CA, CT, FL, LA, MA, NY, PA, and SC) between 2012 and 2017, we compared rural and urban Veterans’ probability of admission in VHA and non‐VHA hospitals by payer over time for elective and nonelective hospitalizations using multinomial logistic regression to adjust for patient‐level sociodemographic features. We also used generalized linear models to compare rural and urban Veterans’ travel distances to hospitals.

Findings

Over time, the probability of VHA‐paid community hospitalization increased more for rural Veterans than urban Veterans. For elective inpatient care, rural Veterans’ probability of VHA‐paid admission increased from 2.9% (95% CI 2.6%‐3.2%) in 2012 to 6.5% (95% CI 5.8%‐7.1%) in 2017. These changes were associated with a temporal trend that preceded and continued after the implementation of the Veterans Choice Act. Overall travel distances to hospitalizations were similar over time; however, the mean distance traveled decreased from 39.2 miles (95% CI 35.1‐43.3) in 2012 to 32.3 miles (95% CI 30.2‐34.4) in 2017 for rural Veterans receiving elective inpatient care in VHA‐paid hospitals.

Conclusions

Despite limited access to rural hospitals, these data demonstrate an increase in rural Veterans’ use of non‐VHA hospitals for acute inpatient care and a small reduction in distance traveled to elective inpatient services.
Inhibition of PQS signaling by the Pf bacteriophage protein PfsE enhances viral replication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Schwartzkopf Caleb M. , Taylor Véronique L. , Groleau Marie‐Christine , Faith Dominick R. , Schmidt Amelia K. , Lamma Tyrza L. , Brooks Diane M. , Déziel Eric , Maxwell Karen L. , Secor Patrick R.
Published: December 2023

Quorum sensing, a bacterial signaling system that coordinates group behaviors as a function of cell density, plays an important role in regulating viral (phage) defense mechanisms in bacteria. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a model system for the study of quorum sensing. P. aeruginosa is also frequently infected by Pf prophages that integrate into the host chromosome. Upon induction, Pf phages suppress host quorum sensing systems; however, the physiological relevance and mechanism of suppression are unknown. Here, we identify the Pf phage protein PfsE as an inhibitor of Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) quorum sensing. PfsE binds to the host protein PqsA, which is essential for the biosynthesis of the PQS signaling molecule. Inhibition of PqsA increases the replication efficiency of Pf virions when infecting a new host and when the Pf prophage switches from lysogenic replication to active virion replication. In addition to inhibiting PQS signaling, our prior work demonstrates that PfsE also binds to PilC and inhibits type IV pili extension, protecting P. aeruginosa from infection by type IV pili‐dependent phages. Overall, this work suggests that the simultaneous inhibition of PQS signaling and type IV pili by PfsE may be a viral strategy to suppress host defenses to promote Pf replication while at the same time protecting the susceptible host from competing phages.
Short‐term effects of cyclopentolate and tropicamide eye drops on macular choroidal thickness in myopic children
Authors: Kobia‐Acquah Emmanuel , Flitcroft Daniel Ian , Lingham Gareth , Kerin Eoin , Loughman James
Published: December 2023

Background

To investigate the short‐term effects of cyclopentolate and tropicamide eyedrops on choroidal thickness (ChT) in myopic children using placebo or low‐dose atropine eyedrops.

Methods

The analysis included 242 myopic individuals (7–19 years) enrolled in two randomised placebo‐controlled clinical trials of low‐dose atropine eyedrops. Cycloplegia was induced using either one drop of 1% cyclopentolate (n = 161), two drops of 1% cyclopentolate (n = 32) or two drops of 1% tropicamide (n = 49). ChT measurements were taken using swept‐source optical coherence tomography before and 30 min after administering the cycloplegic eye drops. A subset of 51 participants underwent test–retest measurements prior to cycloplegia.

Results

Mean changes in subfoveal ChT after two drops of tropicamide and one and two drops of cyclopentolate were −2.5 μm (p = 0.10), −4.3 μm (p < 0.001) and −9.6 μm (p < 0.001), respectively. Subfoveal ChT changes after one and two drops of cyclopentolate were significantly greater than the test–retest changes (test–retest mean change: −3.1 μm; p < 0.05), while the tropicamide group was not significantly different (p = 0.64). Choroidal thinning post‐cyclopentolate was not significantly different between atropine and placebo treatment groups (p > 0.05 for all macular locations). The coefficient of repeatability (CoR) in the tropicamide group (range: 8.2–14.4 μm) was similar to test–retest (range: 7.5–12.2 μm), whereas greater CoR values were observed in the cyclopentolate groups (one drop: range: 10.8–15.3 μm; two drops: range: 12.2–24.6 μm).

Conclusions

Cyclopentolate eye drops caused dose‐dependent choroidal thinning and increased variation in pre‐ to post‐cycloplegia measurements compared with test–retest variability, whereas tropicamide did not. These findings have practical implications for ChT measurements when cyclopentolate is used, particularly for successive measurements.