bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of hypertensive outcomes after the implementation of self-management program for older adults with uncontrolled hypertension in Krabi, Thailand: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Sukpattanasrikul Saowaluck , Monkong Supreeda , Leelacharas Sirirat , Krairit Orapitchaya , Viwatwongkasem Chukiat
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of a self-management program (SMP) on self-care behavior, blood pressure and quality of life among older adults with uncontrolled hypertension.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was conducted in two primary care units in Krabi, Thailand. One hundred and fifty-six older adults with uncontrolled hypertension were selected based on the inclusion criteria and divided into experimental and control groups with 78 participants in each. The experimental group received the SMP, including the intervention related to the self-management process (from the 1st to 4th weeks) and a follow-up phase (from the 5th to 16th weeks). The control group received standard care. The outcomes were measured over time, including self-care behavior (baseline, 4th and 16th weeks), blood pressure (baseline, 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th weeks) and quality of life (baseline and 16th week).

Findings

The generalized estimating equations showed that the SMP, compared with the control group, statistically significantly improved self-care behavior (p < 0.001), decreased blood pressure (p < 0.001) and improved quality of life (p < 0.001) at the 16th week.

Originality/value

The SMP improved the self-care behavior, decreased blood pressure and improved the quality of life among older adults with uncontrolled hypertension. Registered nurses could administer this program for long-term benefits and help reduce the burden on primary care services.
Assessment of the history and trends of “The Journal of Intellectual Capital”: a bibliometrics, altmetrics and text mining analysis
Authors: Esmaeili Givi Mohammadreza , Saberi Mohammad Karim , Talafidaryani Mojtaba , Abdolhamid Mahdi , Nikandish Rahim , Fattahi Abbas
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The Journal of Intellectual Capital (JIC) celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020. Therefore, the present study aims to provide a general overview of the history and key trends in this journal during 2000–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

Two types of citation and textual data during a 20-year journal period were retrieved from the Scopus database. The citation structures and contents were explored based on a combination of bibliometric analysis, altmetric analysis and text mining. The journal themes and trends of their changes were analyzed through citation bursts, mapping and topic modeling. To make a better comparison, the text mining process for the topic modeling of the IC field was performed in addition to the topic modeling of JIC.

Findings

Bibliometric analysis indicated that JIC has experienced a remarkable growth in terms of the number of publications and citations over the last 20 years. The results indicated that JIC plays a significant role among IC researchers. Additionally, a large number of researchers, institutes and countries have made contributions to this journal and cited its research papers. Altmetric analysis showed that JIC has been shared in different social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Wikipedia, Mendeley, Citeulike, news and blogs. Text mining abstract of JIC articles indicated that “measurement,” “financial performance” and “IC reporting” have the relative prevalence with increasing trends over the past 20 years. In addition, “research trends” and “national and international studies” had a stable trend with low thematic share.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have important implications for the JIC editorial team in order to make informed decisions about the further development of JIC as well as for IC researchers and practitioners to make more valuable contributions to the journal.

Originality/value

Using bibliometric analysis, altmetric analysis and text mining, this study provided a systematic and comprehensive analysis of JIC. The simultaneous use of these methods provides an interesting, unique and suitable capacity to analyze the journals by considering their various aspects.
Medicaid expansions, preconception insurance, and unintended pregnancy among new parents
Authors: Geiger Caroline K. , Sommers Benjamin D. , Hawkins Summer S. , Cohen Jessica L.
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess the relationship between recent changes in Medicaid eligibility and preconception insurance coverage, pregnancy intention, health care use, and risk factors for poor birth outcomes among first‐time parents.

Data Source

This study used individual‐level data from the national Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (2006‐2017), which surveys individuals who recently gave birth in the United States on their experiences before, during, and after pregnancy.

Study Design

Outcomes included preconception insurance status, pregnancy intention, stress from bills, early prenatal care, and diagnoses of high blood pressure and diabetes. Outcomes were regressed on an index measuring Medicaid generosity, which captures the fraction of female‐identifying individuals who would be eligible for Medicaid based on state income eligibility thresholds, in each state and year.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The sample included all individuals aged 20‐44 with a first live birth in 2009‐2017.

Principal Findings

Among all first‐time parents, a 10‐percentage point (ppt) increase in Medicaid generosity was associated with a 0.7 ppt increase (P = 0.017) in any insurance coverage and a 1.5 ppt increase (P < 0.001) in Medicaid coverage in the month before pregnancy. We also observed significant increases in insurance coverage and early prenatal care and declines in stress from bills and unintended pregnancies among individuals with a high‐school degree or less.

Conclusions

Increasing Medicaid generosity for childless adults has the potential to improve insurance coverage in the critical period before pregnancy and help improve maternal outcomes among first‐time parents.
The impact of creatinine reference value: Normalization of urinary drug concentrations
Authors: Aydoğdu Melike , Oral Sema , Akgür Serap Annette
Published: April 2021

Many illicit drug users attempt to manipulate urine drug testing; dilution is one of the methods. In screening tests, false‐negative results below the cut‐off values can create positive results after creatinine normalization. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a creatinine reference value on the normalization of the drug concentration in diluted urine. The study focused on 25 630 cases and the following information: gender, age, urine collection time, drug screening test results, creatinine concentration (CR), and confirmation analysis result. Mean CR value was 143.71 ± 83.68 mg/dl. There was a significant difference between CR and gender (p = 0.03). The mean CR for women was lower than that for men. The correlation between age and CR was not significant (r = −0.08, p = 0.00). However, after grouping the sample into age groups of 10 years, there was a significant difference between age groups and mean CR (p = 0.00). The mean CR was significantly lower in the 0–9 year age group (n = 34) than in the 20–29 year age group (n = 10 943). According to the urine specimen collection time, CR levels during the early hours of the day (06:00–06:59) were lower than those during the remaining hours (p = 0.00). The highest converted drug‐negative to drug‐positive results were obtained from 153.23 mg/dl CR reference value. Reference CR values were evaluated according to gender, age, and urine collection time. Different rates of positive results were obtained for each reference value. There is no published local creatinine value for spot urine samples in many countries, including Turkey. This will be useful to develop appropriate normalization models when reporting drug test results.
Assessment of current taxonomic assignment strategies for metabarcoding eukaryotes
Authors: Hleap Jose S. , Littlefair Joanne E. , Steinke Dirk , Hebert Paul D. N. , Cristescu Melania E.
Published: April 2021

The effective use of metabarcoding in biodiversity science has brought important analytical challenges due to the need to generate accurate taxonomic assignments. The assignment of sequences to genus or species level is critical for biodiversity surveys and biomonitoring, but it is particularly challenging as researchers must select the approach that best recovers information on species composition. This study evaluates the performance and accuracy of seven methods in recovering the species composition of mock communities by using COI barcode fragments. The mock communities varied in species number and specimen abundance, while upstream molecular and bioinformatic variables were held constant, and using a set of COI fragments. We evaluated the impact of parameter optimization on the quality of the predictions. Our results indicate that BLAST top hit competes well with more complex approaches if optimized for the mock community under study. For example, the two machine learning methods that were benchmarked proved more sensitive to reference database heterogeneity and completeness than methods based on sequence similarity. The accuracy of assignments was impacted by both species and specimen counts (query compositional heterogeneity) which ultimately influence the selection of appropriate software. We urge researchers to: (i) use realistic mock communities to allow optimization of parameters, regardless of the taxonomic assignment method employed; (ii) carefully choose and curate the reference databases including completeness; and (iii) use QIIME, BLAST or LCA methods, in conjunction with parameter tuning to better assign taxonomy to diverse communities, especially when information on species diversity is lacking for the area under study.
Obtaining deeper insights into microbiome diversity using a simple method to block host and nontargets in amplicon sequencing
Authors: Mayer Teresa , Mari Alfredo , Almario Juliana , Murillo‐Roos Mariana , Syed M. Abdullah Hafiz , Dombrowski Nina , Hacquard Stephane , Kemen Eric M. , Agler Matthew T.
Published: April 2021

Profiling diverse microbiomes is revolutionizing our understanding of biological mechanisms and ecologically relevant problems, including metaorganism (host + microbiome) assembly, functions and adaptation. Amplicon sequencing of multiple conserved, phylogenetically informative loci has therefore become an instrumental tool for many researchers. Investigations in many systems are hindered, however, since essential sequencing depth can be lost by amplification of nontarget DNA from hosts or overabundant microorganisms. Here, we introduce “blocking oligos”, a low‐cost and flexible method using standard oligonucleotides to block amplification of diverse nontargets and software to aid their design. We apply them primarily in leaves, where exceptional challenges with host amplification prevail. A. thaliana‐specific blocking oligos applied in eight different target loci reduce undesirable host amplification by up to 90%. To expand applicability, we designed universal 16S and 18S rRNA gene plant blocking oligos for targets that are conserved in diverse plant species and demonstrate that they efficiently block five plant species from five orders spanning monocots and dicots (Bromus erectus, Plantago lanceolata, Lotus corniculatus, Amaranth sp., Arabidopsis thaliana). These can increase alpha diversity discovery without biasing beta diversity patterns and do not compromise microbial load information inherent to plant‐derived 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data. Finally, we designed and tested blocking oligos to avoid amplification of 18S rRNA genes of a sporulating oomycete pathogen, demonstrating their effectiveness in applications well beyond plants. Using these tools, we generated a survey of the A. thaliana leaf microbiome based on eight loci targeting bacterial, fungal, oomycete and other eukaryotic microorganisms and discuss complementarity of commonly used amplicon sequencing regions for describing leaf microbiota. This approach has potential to make questions in a variety of study systems more tractable by making amplicon sequencing more targeted, leading to deeper, systems‐based insights into microbial discovery. For fast and easy design for blocking oligos for any nontarget DNA in other study systems, we developed a publicly available R package.
Effect of different final irrigation protocols on pulp tissue dissolution from an isthmus model
Authors: Iandolo Alfredo , Amato Massimo , Abdellatif Dina , Barbosa Ana Flávia A. , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Blasi Andrea , Franco Vittorio , Silva Emmanuel J.N.L.
Published: April 2021

This study assessed the pulp tissue dissolution from isthmus of a two‐rooted maxillary premolar using different final irrigation protocols. After root canal preparation, the surface of the tooth was reduced to an extent that the isthmus could be observed, and 1 mg of pulp tissue was introduced into the isthmus which was covered with a glass slide. Following six groups were tested: syringe and needle; subsonic activation; sonic activation; ultrasonic activation; heating followed by sonic activation; and heating followed by ultrasonic activation. Before and after each experiment a photograph of the isthmus was taken at 30× to register the area of the pulp tissue. Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests (P < 0.05). Syringe and needle group showed the lower value of pulp tissue dissolution followed by subsonic irrigation procedures. Pulp tissue dissolution was significantly higher when heating was followed by sonic or ultrasonic activation.
Strengthening paediatric competencies and educational skills among general paediatricians
Authors: Wekell Per , Kullberg‐Lindh Carola , Vallo Hult Helena , Velander Helena , Holmgren Daniel
Published: April 2021

Aim

To develop a coherent programme that addresses the need for continuing professional development in general paediatrics and educational skills for senior paediatricians at outpatient clinics in Sweden today.

Methods

Educational needs in the target group were investigated using a questionnaire. Themes and sub‐themes extracted from responses informed the curriculum formulation of the continuing professional development (CPD) programme, which was completed using a variety of learning, assessment and evaluation methods.

Results

Forty‐six paediatricians identified 355 clinical situations. Competencies in general paediatrics and educational skills were incorporated in a CPD programme, implemented in western Sweden between 13 October 2016 and 23 May 2019, with 23 learning modules and 18 participants (male/female 3/15, median age 55 years). The participants’ evaluation emphasised the importance of adult learning principles. Their responses to open reflective questions on 23 May 2109 suggested that the programme offered a learning environment in which they could develop their paediatric and educational practices and improve their mentorship, networks and work‐based learning environment. They also described an enhanced feeling of joy at work.

Conclusion

The involvement of experienced paediatricians in the programme formulation may be inspirational to clinicians and contribute to the definition, revitalisation and prioritisation of general paediatrics in Sweden in the future.
Top 100 most‐cited oral health‐related quality of life papers: Bibliometric analysis
Authors: Clementino Luna Chagas , de Souza Kethlen Sara Correa , Castelo‐Branco Millaine , Perazzo Matheus França , Ramos‐Jorge Maria Letícia , Mattos Flávio Freitas , Paiva Saul Martins , Martins‐Júnior Paulo Antônio
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study assessed the features of the 100 most‐cited papers on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Methods

The 100 most‐cited OHRQoL papers were collected from Web of Science, adopting a combined keyword search strategy. Google Scholar and Scopus databases were searched to compare citations. The following data were extracted from papers: title of the paper, number of citations, authorship, country, year of publication, title of the journal, study design, sample size, topic and OHRQoL instruments used. Graphical bibliometric networks were created using VOSviewer software.

Results

The number of citations of the top 100 most‐cited OHRQoL papers ranged from 73 to 949. Fifty‐six papers received at least 100 citations and two received more than 400 citations. Most papers were from Canada (23%) and had been published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology (37%). David Locker was the most‐cited author (25 papers; 3,521 citations). The cross‐sectional study design was the most common (68%). The impact of oral health conditions on OHRQoL (43%) was the most frequent topic, and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) was the most commonly used OHRQoL instrument (48%).

Conclusions

This bibliometric analysis highlighted the characteristics of the 100 most‐cited OHRQoL papers, demonstrating that this field is far from saturated. This list of the most‐cited articles can provide a reference point to guide oral health research, education and services.
Protein kinase D1 variant associated with human epilepsy and peripheral nerve hypermyelination
Authors: Omer Salma , Jin Sheng Chih , Koumangoye Rainelli , Robert Stephanie M. , Duran Daniel , Nelson‐Williams Carol , Huttner Anita , DiLuna Michael , Kahle Kristopher T. , Delpire Eric
Published: April 2021

We report the case of a patient with severe progressive epilepsy and peripheral neuropathy and a novel de novo inactivating variant (p.E79X) in Protein Kinase D1 (PKD1). Using CRISPR/Cas9, we engineered the homologous variant in mice and showed that in the homozygote mouse, it recapitulated the patient peripheral nerve hypermyelination pathology. The lethality of the homozygote mouse prevented us from performing an assessment of locomotor behavior. The mutant heterozygote mouse; however, exhibited a significant increase in kainate‐induced seizure activity over wild‐type mice, supporting the hypothesis that the PKD1 variant is a candidate for the cause of the patient epilepsy. Because PKD1 was previously identified in a kinomic screen as an interacting partner of the K‐Cl cotransporter 3 (KCC3), and since KCC3 is involved in peripheral nerve disease and brain hyperexcitability, one possible mechanism of action of PKD1 in disease is through KCC3. We show that catalytically inactive PKD1 stimulates KCC3 activity, consistent with tonic relief of inhibitory phosphorylation. Our findings implicate a novel role for PKD1 in the human nervous system, and uncover a mechanism that could serve as a potential target to promote nervous system myelination.
The need to rethink African “Ideas of Christ” in the search for human flouring in post‐Covid‐19 era
Authors: Kaunda Chammah J.
Published: April 2021

This article argues that if the African church is to make a meaningful contribution to human survival, livelihood, and dignity in post‐Covid‐19, it must reclaim and reconstitute the Christ of the marginalized and excluded who joins them in their suffering, struggles, and hopes for a liberated and emancipated post‐Covid‐19 Africa. This requires a passionate commitment to rethinking the idea of Christ as a critical resource to mobilize the masses for transformation and bettering their social contexts. The article concludes that the apparent contradiction between Christocapitalist Christian faith and the historical struggles of the masses reveals the underlying contradiction within most churches’ conceptions of Christ.
The COVID‐19 pandemic and the internationalization of production: A review of the literature
Authors: Kersan‐Škabić Ines
Published: April 2021

Motivation

The COVID‐19 pandemic has substantially altered the context for cross‐border business. This is reflected in trade flows but the conditions for conducting dispersed production functions across countries are also affected. This “new normal” period presents the need to examine the main problems and challenges in international trade and business.

Purpose

The article aims to establish the scope, aspects, and implications of the COVID‐19 pandemic on international trade and on international production by reviewing recent articles which deal with international trade and global value chain (GVC) issues, encompassing both changes that were already taking place and the challenges that began in 2020.

Methods and approach

The findings of recent articles on trade flows and changes in GVCs (mainly the period 2019–2021) are described in theoretical terms, compared, and systematically reviewed. Special focus is given to the impact of the pandemic on GVCs, renationalization, and GVCs and the impact of the pandemic on GVC governance, and GVCs in the production of vaccines for the COVID‐19 virus.

Findings

A drop in trade was recorded in 2020, alongside the introduction of protective trade policy measures. Reduced GVC activities had a negative impact on welfare and the “renationalization” of GVC‐related activities is not a real solution. For the development of GVCs it is important to find a trade‐off between efficiency and resilience, starting with reorganization (re‐engineering) of GVCs, and probably focusing on regional frameworks. Liberal trade policies are essential to ensure the involvement of GVCs in producing the COVID‐19 vaccines, since the various inputs are produced in different countries.

Policy implications

The possible directions for the future development of GVCs are elaborated: reshoring, resilience in supply chains, adjustments in governance, diversification, and development of risk‐management strategies. The process of internationalization is not in question, but presents challenges which create the need for adjustments in its future development. Current problems with vaccine production arise in part from the erection of trade barriers and rising nationalism. There is a need for greater cross‐country co‐operation to avoid placing national short‐term interests before long‐term and broader objectives.
Dexmedetomidine protects SH‐SY5Y cells against MPP+‐induced declining of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle deficits
Authors: Chen Yaohua , Chen Cheng , Song Dan , Liu Tingting , Cheng Oumei
Published: April 2021

Dexmedetomidine (Dex), an adrenergic α2 receptor agonist, is commonly used in deep‐brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is evidence that the use of anaesthetics may accelerate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The effect of Dex on PD remains unclear. Here, we cultured the all‐trans‐retinoicacid (ATRA) differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells in vitro and then treated with MPP+ (1.5mM) with or without Dex (10nM) or Dex combined with Atipamezole (Ati,100nM, adrenergic α2 receptor inhibitor). The ratio of apoptotic cells, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle and apoptotic markers (Cleaved caspase‐3, 9) were analysed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. We found that the levels of apoptotic ratio and cleaved caspase‐3, 9 increased, ROS accumulated, and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased after MPP+treatment, while these changes were partially reversed by Dex. Dex also prevented MPP+ induced cell arrest by increasing G1 phase cells, decreasing S phase cells, and decreasing the expression of cyclinD1 and Cdk4. Moreover the effects of Dex were partially reversed by Ati. These findings reveal that Dex attenuated MPP+‐induced apoptosis of SH‐SY5Y cells by preventing the loss of Δψm, reducing ROS, and regulating the cell cycle. Our findings indicated that Dex is more likely to be a potential drug for the treatment of PD.
Effect of high phosphate diet on the formation of dentin in Fam20c‐deficient mice
Authors: Zhang Hua , Xu Qian , Lu Yongbo , Qin Chunlin
Published: April 2021

FAM20C (family with sequence similarity 20‐member C), a kinase that phosphorylates secretory proteins, plays essential roles in various biological processes. In humans, mutations in FAM20C gene cause Raine syndrome, an autosomal recessive hereditary disease manifesting a broad spectrum of developmental defects including skeletal and craniofacial deformities. Our previous studies revealed that inactivation of Fam20c in mice led to hypophosphatemic rickets and that high phosphate (hPi) diet significantly improved the development of the skeleton in Fam20c‐deficient mice. In this study, we evaluated the effects of hPi diet on the formation of dentin in Fam20c‐deficient mice, using plain x‐ray radiography, micro–computed tomography (µCT), histology, and immunohistochemistry. Plain x‐ray radiography and µCT analyses showed that the hPi diet improved the dentin volume fraction and dentin mineral density of the Fam20c‐deficient mice. Histology analyses further demonstrated that the hPi diet dramatically improved the integrity of the mandibular first molars and prevented pulp infection and dental abscesses in Fam20c‐deficient mice. Our results support that the hPi diet significantly increased the formation and mineralization of dentin in Fam20c‐deficient mice, implying that hypophosphatemia is a significant contributor to the dentin defects in Fam20c‐deficient subjects.
Contribution of ethology to evolutionary medicine
Authors: Bender Nicole
Published: April 2021

Evolutionary medicine is a concept that arose mainly in the 1990s, and which applies evolutionary biological principles to human medical fields. For instance, evolutionary medicine proposed that there is an evolutionary mismatch between the human anatomy and physiology and novel, man‐made environments, leading to the so‐called diseases of civilization. Constraints exist on the process of natural selection, and evolutionary trade‐offs can prevent traits from being optimal, leaving humans with traits that at first sight seem maladaptive, such as the very narrow birth canal of humans. More generally, certain traits can increase reproduction at the cost of health and longevity. Other traits, such as pain and fever, are related to protective physiological defences, and not diseases. Some medical topics have biological roots in the field of ethology, particularly human ethology, such as the behavioural aspects of psychiatry and addiction. Compulsive overeating and binge eating show similarities to substance‐linked addictions and behavioural addictions. Interactions between behaviour, stress and diseases have ancient evolutionary roots, which may lead to a mismatch to the modern human environment. A subject of high, topical interest is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, as the behavioural aspects of population compliance are crucial for the success in fighting the pandemic. Ethology, and evolutionary biology in general, can substantially contribute to improving the biological understanding of medical phenomena, and therefore of medical and public health interventions. This applies not only to research but also to education.
Implementing Behavioral Couples Therapy for Substance Use Disorders in Real‐World Clinical Practice
Authors: Schumm Jeremiah A. , Renno Stephanie
Published: April 2021

Behavioral couple therapy (BCT) is an evidence‐based, manualized treatment that has been primarily developed to treat alcohol use disorder. The treatment model leverages the intimate partner relationship to support recovery. Although the efficacy of BCT is well‐supported in randomized controlled trials, little attention has been given to the translation of BCT to everyday practice settings. This article presents recommendations for implementing BCT in such settings. We describe a stepwise approach for getting a couple into BCT and determining whether it is an appropriate treatment for the couple. In addition, we provide recommendations for broadening inclusion criteria for everyday practice settings, including the use of BCT with couples who have drug use disorders with couples where both members exhibit substance use disorders and with couples who choose controlled drinking or drug use versus abstinence. Whereas BCT has mostly been researched in speciality substance use disorder settings, we provide recommendations for its use in general couple therapy settings. Based upon the extant research, we suggest implementing BCT as a standalone treatment or as an add‐on to individual counseling for substance use disorders. We provide guidance for delivering BCT through telehealth and encourage future research to investigate this delivery modality. Future research should prioritize investigating the effectiveness of various BCT dissemination strategies and seek to determine what dosage and components of BCT will result in the best outcomes.
Kappa‐opioid receptor‐mediated thermal analgesia evoked by the intrathecal administration of the chemokine CCL1 in mice
Authors: García‐Domínguez Mario , González‐Rodríguez Sara , Hidalgo Agustín , Baamonde Ana , Menéndez Luis
Published: April 2021

Background

The chemokine CC motif ligand 1 (CCL1) participates in immune cell recruitment and, as other chemokines, is also involved in nociceptive processing. In contrast with previous reports indicating its participation in allodynia and cold hypernociception when spinally administered, its ability to evoke heat thermal analgesia, mediated by circulating leukocytes and endocannabinoids, after systemic administration has recently been reported.

Objectives

Aiming to explore the role played by CCL1 on spinal nociception, we study here the effect of its intrathecal administration on thermal nociception in mice.

Methods

Behavioral nociceptive assays, immunohistochemical experiments, white cell blood depletion procedures and qRT‐PCR experiments were performed.

Results

The intrathecal administration of CCL1 (0.3–30 ng) produced analgesia as measured by the unilateral hot plate test. This effect peaked 1 h after injection, was prevented by the CCR8 antagonist R243 and was accompanied by a reduction of c‐Fos expression in spinal neurons. Whereas blood leukocyte depletion did not modify it, analgesia was abolished by the microglial inhibitor minocycline, but not the astroglial inhibitor aminoadipate. Furthermore, antinociception remained unmodified by the coadministration of cannabinoid type 1 or 2 receptors antagonists. However, it was reversed by naloxone but not by selective blockade of mu‐ or delta‐opioid receptors. The inhibitory effect induced by the selective kappa‐opioid receptor antagonist, nor‐binaltorphimine, and by an anti‐dynorphin A 1‐17 antibody indicates that analgesia evoked by spinal CCL1 is mediated by endogenous dynorphins acting on kappa‐opioid receptors.

Conclusions

Endogenous dynorphin and microglia behave as key players in heat thermal analgesia evoked by spinal CCL1 in mice.
Distinct interspecific and intraspecific vulnerability of coastal species to global change
Authors: Nielsen Erica S. , Henriques Romina , Beger Maria , von der Heyden Sophie
Published: April 2021

Characterising and predicting species responses to anthropogenic global change is one of the key challenges in contemporary ecology and conservation. The sensitivity of marine species to climate change is increasingly being described with forecasted species distributions, yet these rarely account for population level processes such as genomic variation and local adaptation. This study compares inter‐ and intraspecific patterns of biological composition to determine how vulnerability to climate change, and its environmental drivers, vary across species and populations. We compare species trajectories for three ecologically important southern African marine invertebrates at two time points in the future, both at the species level, with correlative species distribution models, and at the population level, with gradient forest models. Reported range shifts are species‐specific and include both predicted range gains and losses. Forecasted species responses to climate change are strongly influenced by changes in a suite of environmental variables, from sea surface salinity and sea surface temperature, to minimum air temperature. Our results further suggest a mismatch between future habitat suitability (where species can remain in their ecological niche) and genomic vulnerability (where populations retain their genomic composition), highlighting the inter‐ and intraspecific variability in species’ sensitivity to global change. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of considering species and population level climatic vulnerability when proactively managing coastal marine ecosystems in the Anthropocene.
Factors associated with the accomplishment of home death among patients receiving physician‐led home healthcare
Authors: Tomita Shiori , Kuga Takao , Osugi Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Daiki
Published: April 2021

Aim

To evaluate unique factors associated with home death in older Asian individuals who received physician‐led home healthcare.

Methods

We carried out a case–control study at a single hospital in Japan from February 2018 to December 2019. We included patients who had started receiving physician‐led home healthcare and died at home as cases, and those receiving the same type of care but died in the hospital as controls. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with home death.

Results

A total of 152 patients (mean age 70.3 years [SD 11.2 years]; 86 [56.6%] men) were included, of whom 89 (58.6%) died at home and 63 (41.4%) died in the hospital. Comparing the two groups, the presence of family psychological problems related to care was significantly more common in the hospital death group (home death 49.4%; hospital death 32.3%, P = 0.036). Home death was related to patients aged >85 years compared with patients aged <75 years (adjusted odds ratio 6.47, 95% CI 1.52–27.48) and patients who were in the highest quartile of the number of symptoms (adjusted odds ratio 5.45, 95% CI 1.15–25.95) compared with the lowest. Family members' willingness for the patient to die at home was associated with home death (adjusted odds ratio 7.47, 95% CI 2.13–26.19).

Conclusions

Older age and multiple symptoms were related to accomplishing home death. Patient preference was not associated with the place of death, but family member preference was. These results might reflect family concepts particular to Asia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 525–531.
Influencing factors for delayed discharge following day surgery: A retrospective case–control study
Authors: Zhu Wei , Huang Mingjun , Dai Yan , Li Jiping
Published: April 2021

Aim

We aimed to identify the risk factors for delayed discharge in a day surgery centre in west China.

Background

Delayed discharge affected by various factors is a key indicator for healthcare quality of day surgery. However, few studies have focused on this issue in developing countries where the day surgery started much later.

Design

A retrospective case–control design.

Method

A random sample of 169 delayed discharge cases and 514 normal discharge cases was randomly selected from 38,021 day surgery cases from May 2011 to May 2019 in a tertiary teaching hospital in west China. Socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were collected through the hospital electronic database and a chart review. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify the risk factors for delayed discharge.

Results

The urban employee basic medical insurance, comorbidity, general anaesthesia, pain, fever, bleeding and metabolic disorder were identified as the risk factors for delayed discharge. Living in the city where the hospital located was a protective factor for delayed discharge.

Conclusion

Post‐operative complications including fever, pain, bleeding and metabolic disorder were the most important risk factors for delayed discharge. The pre‐operative prevention, careful monitoring and rapid reactions to post‐operative complications may reduce delayed discharge.
Structure and viscosity of CaO–Al2O3–B2O3–BaO slags with varying mass ratio of BaO to CaO
Authors: Singh Harishchandra , Shu Qifeng , King Graham , Liang Ziqing , Wang Zhifeng , Cao Wei , Huttula Marko , Fabritius Timo
Published: April 2021

The structure of CaO–Al2O3–B2O3–BaO glassy slags with varying mass ratio of BaO to CaO has been investigated by Raman spectroscopy, 11B and 27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS‐NMR) spectroscopy and atomic pair distribution function (PDF). 11B MAS‐NMR spectra reveal the dominant coordination of boron as trigonal. Both simulations on 11B MAS‐NMR spectra and Raman spectroscopy indicate the presence of orthoborate as the primary borate group with a few borate groups with one bridging oxygen and minor four‐coordinated boron sites. 27Al MAS‐NMR and PDF show the Al coordination as tetrahedral. Raman spectral study shows that the transverse vibration of AlIV–O–AlIV and AlIV–O–BIII, stretching vibration of aluminate structural units and vibration of orthoborate and pyroborate structural groups. A broader distribution of Al–O bond lengths in PDF also supports the enhanced network connectivity. Viscosity measurements show the increase in viscosity of molten slags with increasing mass ratio of BaO to CaO, which further attributes to the enhanced degree of polymerization of the aluminate network.
Half‐year follow‐up of patients recovering from severe COVID‐19: Analysis of symptoms and their risk factors
Authors: Shang Y. F. , Liu T. , Yu J. N. , Xu X. R. , Zahid K. R. , Wei Y. C. , Wang X. H. , Zhou F. L.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To understand the sequelae of COVID‐19.

Methods

We followed up 1174 patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)who were recovered and discharged for 6 months.

Results

There were 175 cases with clear IgG results 6 months after discharge, of which 82 (46.9%) were IgG (+) and 16 (9.1%) were IgG (dim+). Four hundred and forty‐one participants (55.4%) had some kind of sequelae. The most common symptoms were fatigue (25.3%), sleep disorder (23.2%) and shortness of breath (20.4%). In those who had sequelae, 262 (59.4%) had more than one symptom. Critical cases were more likely to have cough (20.5% vs 11.6%, p = 0.023) and hypomnesis (15.1% vs 8.0%, p = 0.041) than severe cases. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that women are more likely to have multiple symptoms (p = 0.002), fatigue (p = 0.009) and sleep disorder (p = 0.008), whereas critical illness was found as independent risk factor for hypomnesis (p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated the duration of antibody and sequelae of COVID‐19 and compared the differences amongst different populations.
Connecting the epigenome, metabolome and proteome for a deeper understanding of disease
Authors: Suhre K. , Zaghlool S.
Published: April 2021

Epigenome‐wide association studies (EWAS) identify genes that are dysregulated by the studied clinical endpoints, thereby indicating potential new diagnostic biomarkers, drug targets and therapy options. Combining EWAS with deep molecular phenotyping, such as approaches enabled by metabolomics and proteomics, allows further probing of the underlying disease‐associated pathways. For instance, methylation of the TXNIP gene is associated robustly with prevalent type 2 diabetes and further with metabolites that are short‐term markers of glycaemic control. These associations reflect TXNIP’s function as a glucose uptake regulator by interaction with the major glucose transporter GLUT1 and suggest that TXNIP methylation can be used as a read‐out for the organism’s exposure to glucose stress. Another case is the association between DNA methylation of the AHRR and F2RL3 genes with smoking and a protein that is involved in the reprogramming of the bronchial epithelium. These examples show that associations between DNA methylation and intermediate molecular traits can open new windows into how the body copes with physiological challenges. This knowledge, if carefully interpreted, may indicate novel therapy options and, together with monitoring of the methylation state of specific methylation sites, may in the future allow the early diagnosis of impending disease. It is essential for medical practitioners to recognize the potential that this field holds in translating basic research findings to clinical practice. In this review, we present recent advances in the field of EWAS with metabolomics and proteomics and discuss both the potential and the challenges of translating epigenetic associations, with deep molecular phenotypes, to biomedical applications.
Nocturnal cerebral tissue oxygenation in lowlanders with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease travelling to an altitude of 2,590 m: Data from a randomised trial
Authors: Furian Michael , Flueck Deborah , Scheiwiller Philipp M. , Mueller‐Mottet Séverine , Urner Lorenz M. , Latshang Tsogyal D. , Ulrich Silvia , Bloch Konrad E.
Published: April 2021

Altitude exposure induces hypoxaemia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly during sleep. The present study tested the hypothesis in patients with COPD staying overnight at high altitude that nocturnal arterial hypoxaemia is associated with impaired cerebral tissue oxygenation (CTO). A total of 35 patients with moderate‐to‐severe COPD, living at <800 m (mean [SD] age 62.4 [12.3] years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] 61 [16]% predicted, awake pulse oximetry ≥92%) underwent continuous overnight monitoring of pulse oximetry (oxygen saturation [SpO2]) and near‐infrared spectroscopy of prefrontal CTO, respectively, at 490 m and 2,590 m. Regression analysis was used to evaluate whether nocturnal arterial desaturation (COPDDesat, SpO2 <90% for >30% of night‐time) at 490 m predicted CTO at 2,590 m when controlling for baseline variables. At 2,590 m, mean nocturnal SpO2 and CTO were decreased versus 490 m, mean change −8.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] −10.0 to −7.6) and −3.6% (95% CI −5.7 to −1.6), difference in change ΔCTO‐ΔSpO2 5.2% (95% CI 3.0 to 7.3; p < .001). Moreover, frequent cyclic desaturations (≥4% dips/hr) occurred in SpO2 and CTO, mean change from 490 m 35.3/hr (95% CI 24.9 to 45.7) and 3.4/hr (95% CI 1.4 to 5.3), difference in change ΔCTO‐ΔSpO2 −32.8/hr (95% CI −43.8 to −21.8; p < .001). Regression analysis confirmed an association of COPDDesat with lower CTO at 2,590 m (coefficient −7.6%, 95% CI −13.2 to −2.0; p = .007) when controlling for several confounders. We conclude that lowlanders with COPD staying overnight at 2,590 m experience altitude‐induced hypoxaemia and periodic breathing in association with sustained and intermittent cerebral deoxygenation. Although less pronounced than the arterial deoxygenation, the altitude‐induced cerebral tissue deoxygenation may represent a risk of brain dysfunction, especially in patients with COPD with nocturnal hypoxaemia at low altitude.
Thirlwall’s law, uneven development, and income distribution
Authors: Sasaki Hiroaki
Published: April 2021

This study builds a North–South trade and uneven development model and investigates the effects of changes in income distribution (the profit share) on economic growth rates of both countries. How a change in each country’s profit share affects both countries’ growth rates differs for the short‐ and long‐run equilibria. For example, in the short‐run equilibrium, an increase in the North’s profit share deteriorates the terms of trade and then decreases the South’s growth rate. On the other hand, in the long‐run equilibrium, an increase in the North’s profit share either increases or decreases the South’s growth rate through Thirlwall’s law.
Pain intensity of sedated paediatric intensive care unit patients during treatment and care procedures
Authors: Akgün Derya , İnal Sevil
Published: April 2021

Background

Although various pharmacological and non‐pharmacological methods are used in the management of pain in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, patients experience more pain than those being treated in other units.

Aim and objectives

This study was conducted to determine the intensity of pain during invasive patient care and dressing change procedures in sedated paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients and to assess the impact of analgesics and demographic factors. The study also sought to evaluate any correlation between the face, legs, activity, cry, consolability (FLACC) and COMFORT scales.

Design

The research was conducted as a descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The total sample size consisted of 30 mild‐to‐moderately sedated patients under the age of 18 in the PICU of a university hospital in Turkey between September the 1st, 2016, and December the 31st, 2016. The procedures were classified in to three groups: Invasive, Patient Care and Dressing Change. The FLACC and COMFORT scales were utilized to assess pain.

Results

The intensity of pain did not differ according to the demographic characteristics (median [IQR]) by gender—COMFORT female: (16.05 [15.10‐17.0]); male: (15.15 [14.7‐16.5]) (P = .284)—age: (COMFORT: P = .165); intensive care admission indications: (COMFORT: P = .647); or administration of analgesics—COMFORT Yes: (15.90 [14.80‐16.65]), No: (15.50 [14.70‐16.45]) (P = .634). The invasive procedures produced the most intense pain (median [IQR]): FLACC: (5 [4‐6])/COMFORT: (16 [15‐20]). Patient care procedures were second in intensity of pain FLACC: (4 [3‐5])/COMFORT: (15 [14‐17]), while dressing changes produced significantly less pain FLACC: (3 [2‐4])/COMFORT: (14 [12‐17]) (P < .001). A positive correlation was noted between the pain scores observed on the FLACC and COMFORT scales (rs: Invasive procedures:0.992/Care procedure:0.991/Dressing procedures: 0.996) (P < .001).

Conclusions

Besides invasive procedures, patient care and dressing changes also cause sedated PICU patients' pain. The pain management was insufficient to prevent pain for most of the procedures in the PICU.

Relevance to clinical practice

Besides making use of evidence‐based pharmacological and non‐pharmacological methods in invasive procedures, care must also be focused on preventing pain during patient care and dressing procedures so that the most effective treatment can be achieved.
Preparing for the 2020—2021 influenza season
Authors: de St. Maurice Annabelle , Martin‐Blais Rachel , Halasa Natasha
Published: April 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has altered health seeking behaviors and has increased attention to non‐pharmaceutical interventions that reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory viruses including SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza. While the potential impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on influenza is not fully known, in the Southern hemisphere influenza infection rates appear to be very low. Influenza vaccine efficacy for 2019–2020 season was comparable to prior season and influenza vaccine recommendations for pediatric immunizations remain similar to prior years. Influenza treatments continue to include neuraminidase inhibitors as well as baloxavir for treatment and in some instances prophylaxis.