bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The IDENTIFY study: the investigation and detection of urological neoplasia in patients referred with suspected urinary tract cancer – a multicentre observational study
Authors: Khadhouri Sinan , Gallagher Kevin M. , MacKenzie Kenneth R. , Shah Taimur T. , Gao Chuanyu , Moore Sacha , Zimmermann Eleanor F. , Edison Eric , Jefferies Matthew , Nambiar Arjun , Mannas Miles P. , Lee Taeweon , Marra Giancarlo , Lillaz Beatrice , Gómez Rivas Juan , Olivier Jonathan , Assmus Mark A. , Uçar Taha , Claps Francesco , Boltri Matteo , Burnhope Tara , Nkwam Nkwam , Tanasescu George , Boxall Nicholas E. , Downey Alison P. , Lal Asim A , Antón‐Juanilla Marta , Clarke Holly , Lau David H. W. , Gillams Kathryn , Crockett Matthew , Nielsen Matthew , Takwoingi Yemisi , Chuchu Naomi , O’Rourke John , MacLennan Graeme , McGrath John S. , Kasivisvanathan Veeru ,   IDENTIFY Study group
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate the contemporary prevalence of urinary tract cancer (bladder cancer, upper tract urothelial cancer [UTUC] and renal cancer) in patients referred to secondary care with haematuria, adjusted for established patient risk markers and geographical variation.

Patients and Methods

This was an international multicentre prospective observational study. We included patients aged ≥16 years, referred to secondary care with suspected urinary tract cancer. Patients with a known or previous urological malignancy were excluded. We estimated the prevalence of bladder cancer, UTUC, renal cancer and prostate cancer; stratified by age, type of haematuria, sex, and smoking. We used a multivariable mixed‐effects logistic regression to adjust cancer prevalence for age, type of haematuria, sex, smoking, hospitals, and countries.

Results

Of the 11 059 patients assessed for eligibility, 10 896 were included from 110 hospitals across 26 countries. The overall adjusted cancer prevalence (n = 2257) was 28.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.3–34.1), bladder cancer (n = 1951) 24.7% (95% CI 19.1–30.2), UTUC (n = 128) 1.14% (95% CI 0.77–1.52), renal cancer (n = 107) 1.05% (95% CI 0.80–1.29), and prostate cancer (n = 124) 1.75% (95% CI 1.32–2.18). The odds ratios for patient risk markers in the model for all cancers were: age 1.04 (95% CI 1.03–1.05; P < 0.001), visible haematuria 3.47 (95% CI 2.90–4.15; P < 0.001), male sex 1.30 (95% CI 1.14–1.50; P < 0.001), and smoking 2.70 (95% CI 2.30–3.18; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A better understanding of cancer prevalence across an international population is required to inform clinical guidelines. We are the first to report urinary tract cancer prevalence across an international population in patients referred to secondary care, adjusted for patient risk markers and geographical variation. Bladder cancer was the most prevalent disease. Visible haematuria was the strongest predictor for urinary tract cancer.
cGMP and mitochondrial K+ channels—Compartmentalized but closely connected in cardioprotection
Authors: Lukowski Robert , Cruz Santos Melanie , Kuret Anna , Ruth Peter
Published: May 2021

The 3′,5′‐cGMP pathway triggers cytoprotective responses and improves cardiomyocyte survival during myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. These beneficial effects were attributed to NO‐sensitive GC induced cGMP production leading to activation of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase I (cGKI). cGKI in turn phosphorylates many substrates, which eventually facilitate opening of mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive potassium channels (mitoKATP) and Ca2+‐activated potassium channels of the BK type (mitoBK). Accordingly, agents activating mitoKATP or mitoBK provide protection against I/R‐induced damages. Here, we provide an up‐to‐date summary of the infarct‐limiting actions exhibited by the GC/cGMP axis and discuss how mitoKATP and mitoBK, which are present at the inner mitochondrial membrane, confer mito‐ and cytoprotective effects on cardiomyocytes exposed to I/R injury. In view of this, we believe that the functional connection between the cGMP cascade and mitoK+ channels should be exploited further as adjunct to reperfusion therapy in myocardial infarction.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on cGMP Signalling in Cell Growth and Survival. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.11/issuetoc
Histamine H3 receptor and cholinesterases as synergistic targets for cognitive decline: Strategies to the rational design of multitarget ligands
Authors: Lopes Flávia B. , Aranha Cecília M. S. Q. , Fernandes João Paulo S.
Published: May 2021

The role of histamine and acetylcholine in cognitive functions suggests that compounds able to increase both histaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmissions in the brain should be considered as promising therapeutic options. For this purpose, dual inhibitors of histamine H3 receptors (H3R) and cholinesterases (ChEs) have been designed and assessed. In this context, this paper reviews the strategies used to obtain dual H3R/ChEs ligands using multitarget design approaches. Hybrid compounds designed by linking tacrine or flavonoid motifs to H3R antagonists were obtained with high affinity for both targets, and compounds designed by merging the H3R antagonist pharmacophore with known anticholinesterase molecules were also reported. These reports strongly suggest that key modifications in the lipophilic region (including a second basic group) seem to be a strategy to reach novel compounds, allied with longer linker groups to a basic region. Some compounds have already demonstrated efficacy in memory models, although the pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile should be considered when designing further compounds. In conclusion, the key features to be considered when designing novel H3R/ChEs inhibitors with improved pharmacological profile were herein summarized.
Anti-CD47 antibody synergizes with cisplatin against laryngeal cancer by enhancing phagocytic ability of macrophages
Authors: Wang Jingmiao , Zhang Haizhong , Yin Xiaoyan , Bian Yanrui
Published: May 2021

Cisplatin is mainly used in late-stage or recurrent laryngeal cancer patients. However, the effect of the chemotherapy is limited due to cisplatin resistance. Therefore, we explored the synergized role of immunosuppressive mediator with cisplatin in laryngeal cancer. Cancer cells isolated from tissues of patients with laryngeal cancer were treated with cisplatin to screen the potential immunosuppressive mediator, whose synergized effects with cisplatin were explored both in vivo and in vitro. CD47 was selected for its high expression in cisplatin-treated laryngeal cancer cells. Blocking CD47 expression using its neutralizing antibody (aCD47) synergized with cisplatin to increase macrophage phagocytosis in a co-culture system of human epithelial type 2 (Hep-2) cancer cells with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Moreover, aCD47 together with cisplatin prevented tumor growth by inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as by inducing the apoptosis of cancer cells and phagocytosis of TAMs in a Hep-2-implanted mouse tumor model. aCD47 synergized with cisplatin against laryngeal cancer by enhancing the phagocytic ability of TAMs, and the combined therapy of cisplatin and aCD47 might serve as a novel therapeutic strategy against laryngeal cancer.
A novel mast cell-dependent allergic peritonitis model
Authors: Pahima Hadas , Puzzovio Pier Giorgio , Levi-Schaffer Francesca
Published: May 2021

Typical murine models of allergic inflammation are induced by the combination of ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide. However, accumulating evidence indicates that, in models of asthma and atopic dermatitis, allergic inflammation can be generated in the absence of aluminum hydroxide. Moreover, co-administration of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B with ovalbumin can enhance inflammation. The objective of this study was to establish a rapid and mast cell-dependent murine model of allergic inflammation by inducing allergic peritonitis using ovalbumin and S. aureus enterotoxin B. Allergic peritonitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by subcutaneous sensitization and intraperitoneal challenge with ovalbumin and S. aureus enterotoxin B. Disease characteristics were assessed by flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), trypan blue exclusion and colorimetric assays. The time–course of the allergic peritonitis revealed a peak of peritoneal inflammation 48 h after challenge, as assessed by total cells and eosinophil counts. The decrease of cell numbers started 96 h post-challenge, with complete clearance within 168 h. Moreover, significantly higher levels of tryptase and increased vascular permeability were found 30 min following challenge. Allergic inflammation induction by ovalbumin and S. aureus enterotoxin B was impaired in mast cell-deficient mice and partially restored by mice reconstitution with bone marrow-derived mast cells, indicating the mast cell role in this model. We present a novel model of allergic peritonitis that is mast cell-dependent, simple and robust. Moreover, the use of S. aureus enterotoxin B better resembles human allergic inflammation, which is known to be characterized by the colonization of S. aureus.
Presentation, management and outcomes of ileoanal pouch cancer: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Patel Roshani , Reza Lillian , Worley Guy Henry Thomas , Allison Lisa , Evans Samantha , Antoniou Anthony , Jenkins John T. , Faiz Omar D. , Corr Alison , Clark Sue K. , von Roon Alexander , Latchford Andrew
Published: May 2021

Aim

This study aimed to determine the clinical presentation, management and outcomes for patients with ileoanal pouch cancer.

Method

Patients who were diagnosed with ileoanal pouch cancer were identified from our polyposis registry (1978–2019) and operative and referral records (2006–2019). Details of presentation, endoscopic surveillance, cancer staging and management were retrieved from hospital records.

Results

Eighteen patients were identified (12 with ulcerative colitis, one with Crohn's disease, three with familial adenomatous polyposis [FAP], two with dual diagnosis of FAP and inflammatory bowel disease). The median time from pouch formation to cancer diagnosis was 16.5 years (range 5–34 years) and the median age of the patient at pouch cancer diagnosis was 54 years (range 35–71 years). Eleven of the 18 patients were undergoing surveillance. Four of five FAP patients developed pouch cancer whilst on surveillance. Eight patients were asymptomatic at the time of pouch cancer diagnosis. Two patients had complete clinical response following chemoradiotherapy. Fourteen patients underwent pouch excision surgery (eight with exenteration). Median survival was 54 months; however, only eight patients had outcomes available beyond 24 months follow‐up.

Conclusions

Pouch cancer can occur in patients despite routine surveillance and without symptoms, and survival is poor. Centralization of ‘high‐risk’ patients who require surveillance is recommended and a low threshold for referral to centres that can provide expert investigation and management is advised.
Performance of the faecal immunochemical test for the detection of colorectal neoplasms and the role of proton pump inhibitors in their diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Chandrapalan Subashini , Hee Siew Wan , Widlak Monika M. , Farrugia Alexia , Alam Mohammed T. , Smith Steve , Arasaradnam Ramesh P.
Published: May 2021

Aim

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is currently utilized in both symptomatic and screening populations, but little is known about factors that affect its performance. For example, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy has been purported to increase false negative rates. This has significant implications given the extent of PPI prescriptions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of the FIT for the detection of colorectal neoplasms and the impact of PPI therapy on its diagnostic accuracy.

Method

Symptomatic patients referred on the suspected cancer pathway and those on polyp surveillance between 2015 and 2019 were approached to participate. Estimates of the accuracy of FIT at different cut‐off levels in diagnosing colorectal neoplasms were made. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of PPIs on the FIT results.

Results

A total of 667 participants were eligible for the final analysis. At a cut‐off of 10 μg/g faeces, the overall sensitivity and specificity of FIT for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) was 0.85 (95% CI 0.71–0.94) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.78–0.84), respectively. For the detection of advanced neoplasia, the sensitivity was 0.70 (95% CI 0.58–0.79) and the specificity was 0.83 (95% CI 0.80–0.86). At higher thresholds, the sensitivity steadily declined whilst specificity increased. PPI therapy did not have a significant effect on performance of the FIT.

Conclusion

FIT is a good rule‐out test for the detection of CRC and advanced neoplasia at lower thresholds. PPI therapy does not appear to have an effect on its diagnostic performance.
Text segmentation for patent claim simplification via Bidirectional Long‐Short Term Memory and Conditional Random Field
Authors: Geng Boting
Published: May 2021

Text simplification is a vital work for comprehending patent claims due to its complex syntactic structures and lengthy sentences. Therefore, almost all patent analysis practitioners cannot be able to directly and intuitively understand patent essence even through some common natural language processing (NLP) tools are applied to parse these patent claim paragraph or sentences. Universal text analysis tools above is almost useless, or even crashed when applied to some complex paragraphs of patent claims. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a patent text oriented simplification approach to help patent researchers grasp the essence of patent quickly and intuitively. Motivated by the above reason, we in this article propose a simplification method based on deep learning to segment patent claim into shorter and comprehensible sentences for downstream tasks of patent analysis. The proposed approach contains two stages: on one stage, we use a machine learning approach of conditional random field (CRF) to decompose syntactically complex paragraphs into coarse‐grained level sentences with simplified structures and complete semantics; on another stage, a deep Learning architecture of bidirectional long‐short term memory (Bi‐LSTM)‐CRF is applied to segment coarse‐grained and lengthy sentences of former stage into fined‐grained and shorter sentences. Compared with a series of baselines, our patent segmentation architecture based on deep learning of Bi‐LSTM‐CRF achieves higher performance than any other methods on the evaluation measures of precision, recall, and F1.
Ductus arteriosus aneurysm with left pulmonary artery obstruction
Authors: Takajo Daiji , Kobayashi Daisuke
Published: May 2021

The echogenic mass in the pulmonary artery is a rare finding in newborns. Differential diagnoses include pulmonary artery thrombosis, ductal aneurysm, and malignant tumor. We report a newborn case who presented with mild desaturation and was found to have a large echogenic mass at the pulmonary bifurcation on echocardiography, which caused partial flow obstruction in the proximal left pulmonary artery. Along with the findings of cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the diagnosis of ductus arteriosus aneurysm (DAA) was made. This DAA spontaneously regressed without any intervention at 4 months follow‐up.
Is there any relationship between biomarkers and echocardiographic markers in patients with pulmonary stenosis underwent balloon valvuloplasty?
Authors: El Tahlawi Mohammad , Morsy Mohammad , Elawady Mohammad , Abdelaziz Mahmoud , Eldamanhory Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Background

Congenital pulmonary stenosis (PS) is a progressive disease. Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) is the treatment of choice in valvular PS.

Aim

We aim to study the relationship between biomarkers and echocardiographic markers in valvular PS and to assess the impact of BPV on these markers.

Patients and Methods

Patients with moderate and severe valvular PS amenable for BPV were recruited. Serum troponin I was measured. Echocardiographic assessment of PS and right ventricular (RV) function was done. All patients underwent BPV. Troponin level and echocardiographic data were re‐assessed 2 weeks and 6 months after BPV.

Results

Fifty patients with valvular PS were recruited. There was significant correlation between peak SPG and troponin (P < .001). Troponin was significantly decreased 2 weeks after BPV. Similarly, there was an initial improvement in RV function. After 6 months of follow‐up, we divided patients into two groups: Group A: 36 patients with no restenosis. Group B: 14 patients with restenosis. There were high significant differences between both groups regarding troponin level and RV functions with re‐elevated troponin in Group B that correlated with peak PG (r = .9, P < .001). RV function parameters in Group B became significantly worse 6 months after BPV than those after the initial 2 weeks.

Conclusion

Troponin correlates with the severity of PS and associates with RV dysfunction. Both troponin and RV functions improved with BPV. Recurrent elevation of troponin and impairment of RV function is associated with PV restenosis and could be set as an indication for repeated balloon dilatation of PV.
The real problem of pure reason
Authors: Pendlebury T. A.
Published: May 2021

The problem of Kant's first Critique is the problem of pure reason: how are synthetic judgments possible a priori? Many of his readers have believed that the problem depends upon a delimitation within the class of a priori truths of a class of irreducibly synthetic truths—a delimitation whose possibility is doubtful—because absent this it is not excluded that all a priori truths are analytic. I argue, on the contrary, that the problem depends on nothing more than the human knower's everyday consciousness of her own finitude: her dependence in thinking and knowing on what is given to her. The problem is a difficulty about how the concepts which figure in metaphysical judgments could represent reality given that they cannot do so in the way in which concepts figuring in empirical judgments do. Empirical judgment here functions as exemplary of thought and knowledge because it is exemplary of finite thought and knowledge. Mere analysis could not, therefore, dissolve the problem even in principle, because to say that a concept can be analyzed is not yet to explain the possibility of its real representative power. The significance of the analytic‐synthetic distinction in the context of the problem of pure reason is that its formulation allows Kant to say this.
Headache teleconsultation in the era of COVID‐19: Patients' evaluation and future directions
Authors: Dias Leonor , Martins Bárbara , Pinto Maria João , Rocha Ana Luísa , Pinto Madalena , Costa Andreia
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

Literature regarding headache teleconsultation and patient satisfaction is scarce. The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic led to the restructuring of traditional clinical activity by adopting telemedicine. Our objectives were to evaluate patients' satisfaction with headache teleconsultation by telephone during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and assess patients' preferred model of appointment (face‐to‐face, teleconsultation by telephone, or both).

Methods

Patients with a previous diagnosis of primary headache or neuropathies and facial pain disorders, and at least one telephone headache visit during the first wave of COVID‐19, filled out an online questionnaire regarding sociodemographic parameters, satisfaction with teleconsultation, and preferred model of appointment.

Results

We included 83 patients (valid response rate of 64.3%); most had migraine (83.1%). Regarding teleconsultation, 81.9% considered this model adequate for follow‐up, 88.0% were satisfied with the information provided about the disease/treatment, and 73.5% were satisfied with the medication modification. Ninety percent would agree with a new tele‐evaluation if stable after the pandemic. The mixed model was the preferred medical consultation type for the postpandemic period (43.4%), followed by face‐to‐face visits (33.7%).

Conclusions

Patients were satisfied with the headache teleconsultation during the COVID‐19 era. However, an exclusive model of telemedicine does not seem suitable for monitoring all patients. A mixed approach could be integrated into clinical practice after the pandemic to optimize health care.
P2X7 receptor/NLRP3 inflammasome complex and α‐synuclein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells: a prospective study in neo‐diagnosed, treatment‐naïve Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Solini Anna , Rossi Chiara , Santini Eleonora , Giuntini Martina , Raggi Francesco , Parolini Federico , Biancalana Edoardo , Del Prete Eleonora , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Ceravolo Roberto
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

Neuroinflammation and probably systemic inflammation, with abnormal α‐synuclein deposition, participate in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). The P2X7 receptor/NLRP3 inflammasome complex is upregulated in the brain of PD patients. By a prospective approach, the degree of systemic activation of such complex, and its regulatory mechanisms, were explored in treatment‐naïve PD individuals.

Methods

The expression and functional activity of the inflammasome were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 25 newly diagnosed PD patients and 25 controls at baseline and after 12 months of pharmacological treatment, exploring the intracellular signalling involved and its epigenetic regulation.

Results

De novo PD patients were characterized by a systemic hyper‐expression of the P2X7R/NLRP3 inflammasome platform, probably able to modulate lymphomonocyte α‐synuclein, whose brain deposits represent the main pathogenetic factor of PD. A reduced c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation might be the intracellular signalling mediating this effect. miR‐7 and miR‐30, implied in the pathogenesis of PD and in the post‐transcriptional control of α‐synuclein and NLRP3 expression, were also increased in PD. After 1 year of usual anti‐Parkinson treatments, such inflammatory platform was significantly reduced.

Conclusions

Mononuclear cells of newly diagnosed PD subjects display a hyper‐expression of the P2X7R/NLRP3 inflammasome platform that seems to modulate cellular α‐synuclein content and is reduced after PD treatment; an impaired JNK phosphorylation might be the intracellular signalling mediating this effect, undergoing an epigenetic regulation by miR‐7 and miR‐30.
H3F3A‐mutated giant cell tumour of bone without giant cells—clinical presentation, radiology and histology of three cases
Authors: Leinauer Benedikt , Wolf Eduard , Werner Mathias , Baumhoer Daniel , Breining Thomas , Luebke Andreas M , Maas Rainer , Schultheiß Markus , von Baer Alexandra , Sufi‐Siavach Anusch , Moritz Christian , Geißler Sven , Mellert Kevin , Möller Peter , Barth Thomas F E , Jundt Gernot
Published: May 2021

Aims

Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) is histologically defined as a lesion containing reactive giant cells and a neoplastic mononuclear cell population; in up to 92% of cases, GCTB is characterised by a specific mutation of the histone gene H3F3A. The cellular composition ranges from giant‐cell‐rich to giant‐cell‐poor. The diagnosis of GCTB can be challenging, and several other lesions need to be excluded, e.g. aneurysmal bone cysts, non‐ossifying fibromas, chondroblastomas, brown tumours, and giant‐cell‐rich osteosarcomas. Our aim was to analyse the clinical history, imaging, molecular pathology and histology of three H3F3A‐mutated bone tumours without detectable giant cells. None of the patients received denosumab therapy.

Methods and results

Diagnostic material was obtained by curettage or resection and/or biopsy. Common histomorphological features of all three reported lesions were fibrocytic, oval cells in a background of osteoid and an absence of multinuclear giant cells as confirmed with CD68 immunohistochemistry. We used immunohistochemistry and Sanger sequencing to demonstrate positivity for the H3.3 p.G34W mutation. Differential diagnoses were systematically excluded on the basis of histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation. The imaging (radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging) for all three cases is presented and discussed.

Conclusions

We believe that these GCTBs without giant cells expand one end of the heterogeneous range of GCTB. Because of the lack of giant cells, correct diagnosis of GCTB is challenging or even impossible on histological grounds alone. In these cases, detection of the characteristic H3F3A mutation (G34W‐specific antibody RM263 or sequencing) is extremely helpful for diagnosing those lesions without giant cells as giant cell tumours of bone.
Comparison of Bio‐C Pulpo and MTA Repair HP with White MTA: effect on liver parameters and evaluation of biocompatibility and bioactivity in rats
Authors: Delfino Mateus Machado , de Abreu Jampani José Leandro , Lopes Camila Soares , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru Juliane M. , Tanomaru‐Filho Mário , Sasso‐Cerri Estela , Cerri Paulo S.
Published: May 2021

Aim

To evaluate the tissue response promoted by Bio‐C Pulpo (Bio), MTA Repair HP (MTA‐HP) and White MTA (WMTA) and whether these materials cause liver changes in a rat experimental model.

Methodology

Polyethylene tubes filled with Bio, MTA‐HP and WMTA, and empty tubes (control group, CG) were implanted into the subcutaneous tissues of rats for 7, 15, 30 and 60 days. Inflammatory reaction score (IRS), capsule thickness, number of inflammatory cells (IC), von Kossa reaction, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) immunohistochemistry reactions were performed. Combined methods, von Kossa followed by immunohistochemistry for detection of ALP, were performed. At 60 days, the serum glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels were measured and liver fragments were collected for histological analysis; the data were assessed by one‐way ANOVA analysis followed by Sidak's post‐test. The biocompatibility and bioactivity data were subjected to the two‐way ANOVA analysis followed by Tukey post hoc test, except the IRS. The IRS data were subjected to the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA non‐parametric test followed by Dunn's test (p ≤ .05).

Results

No significant difference was detected in serum GOT and GPT concentrations and in the number of hepatocytes among the experimental and CG samples. Although Bio‐C Pulpo had the highest IC and IL‐6‐immunolabelled cells (p < 0.0001) at all periods, no significant difference was observed in the IRS among the materials, except at 60 days. In this period, the WMTA had lower IRS. All groups had a significant reduction in the capsule thickness and in the number of IC and IL‐6‐immunolabelled cells over time. Bio‐C Pulpo, MTA‐HP and WMTA specimens had greater immunoexpression of ALP than CG (p < .0001). At all periods, von Kossa‐positive and birefringent structures were observed in the capsules around the materials. ALP‐immunolabelled cells were also seen near von Kossa‐positive structures.

Conclusions

Bio‐C Pulpo, MTA‐HP and WMTA materials did not cause morphological changes in the liver and no significant alteration in the serum GOT and GPT levels. Moreover, these bioceramic materials were biocompatible and exhibited bioactive potential. However, Bio‐C Pulpo induced greater inflammatory infiltrate than MTA‐HP and WMTA at all periods.
Impairment of the angiogenic process may contribute to lower success rate of root canal treatments in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Martinho José P. , Coelho Ana , Oliveiros Bárbara , Pires Salomé , Abrantes Ana Margarida , Paulo Siri , Carvalho Ana Catarina , Carrilho Eunice , Paula Anabela , Carvalho Lina , Seiça Raquel , Botelho Maria Filomena , Marto Carlos Miguel , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Matafome Paulo , Ferreira Manuel Marques
Published: May 2021

Aim

To investigate the association between root canal treatment outcome, diabetes mellitus, and alterations of the angiogenic process.

Methodology

A retrospective observational study was conducted in healthy (control group, CG) and diabetic (type II diabetes mellitus group, DG) patients after root canal treatment. The follow‐up appointments were performed to clinically and radiographically observe symptoms, the healing of periapical lesions and the quality of root fillings. In the animal model study, diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rats and control Wistar rats were used. After 21 days of pulp exposure and the development of apical periodontitis (AP), the mandibles were removed for scintigraphic, radiographic, histopathological and molecular analyses. Chi‐square tests were performed to examine the variables related to endodontic outcome and differences between animal groups were assessed using the Student's t‐test.

Results

The group of patients with diabetes had a significantly lower rate of success following root canal treatment than the CG (p < .001). Logistic regression suggested that diabetes is a risk factor for success of root canal treatment. In the animal study, GK rats had significantly higher fasting glycaemia at t0 and t21 (p < .001) and triglycerides levels (p < .05) and area under the curve (AUC) during the insulin tolerance test at t21 (p < .001). AP area was significantly greater in GK rats (p < .05). Histologically, diabetic rats had increased signs of periodontal ligament inflammation 21 days after the induction of apical periodontitis, with fibro‐hyaline matrix filling and vessel with undefined walls. Wistar rats had significantly increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and VEGF/Ang‐2 ratio 21 days after AP induction (p < .08; p < .07). GK rats had intrinsically lower levels of VEGF than control rats (p < .05), which did not change after AP.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus should be considered as an important factor in the prognosis of root canal treatment and its outcomes over time. Future strategies to improve angiogenesis and tissue repair should be pursued to achieve better root canal treatment outcomes in diabetic patients.
Art Education and Development Cooperation: A Project in Educational Centres for Children with Special Needs in India
Authors: Escaño Carlos , Maeso‐Broncano Ana , Mañero Julia
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this article is to examine Art Education and Human Development, a development cooperation project carried out during the period 2015–2018 in Ananthapuramu, India and implemented between the University of Seville, Spain and the Fundación Vicente Ferrer (Vicente Ferrer Foundation) – Rural Development Trust (FVF‐RDT). Drawing on action research methods, the participants were children with disability and resident teachers, in accordance with the schools involved in the study. The aim of our work was to accomplish a set of art practices so as to develop empowerment and human values in order to offer an artistic and pedagogical training to the local teachers involved in the project. Broadly speaking, our results approach the notions of development cooperation and art education, understanding art education as a vehicle for emancipation and social transformation. Therefore, art education for development cooperation is comprehended as a process that encourages social inclusion, respect for diversity, education in values, cooperation and whole‐person development. As a result, the experiences presented derive from a process of action research and favour the development of guidelines for possible good practices.
Predictors of worker mental health in intellectual disability services during COVID‐19
Authors: Lunsky Yona , Bobbette Nicole , Chacra Megan Abou , Wang Wei , Zhao Haoyu , Thomson Kendra , Hamdani Yani
Published: May 2021

Background

Workers supporting adults with intellectual disabilities experience significant stress in their essential role during COVID‐19. The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of these workers and determine predictors of emotional distress.

Methods

Eight hundred and thirty‐eight workers supporting adults with intellectual disabilities completed an online survey about their work during COVID‐19 and their mental health in July 2020.

Results

One in four workers reported moderate to severe emotional distress. Being older and more experienced, having counselling services available through one's agency, and engaging in regular exercise or hobbies outside work were associated with less distress. Workers who reported increased stress in the workplace, stigma towards their families because of their job, personal fears about spreading COVID‐19, and receipt of medications for mental health conditions or therapy reported greater distress.

Conclusions

More attention is needed to address the mental health of workers supporting adults with intellectual disabilities as they continue their essential work during the pandemic.
Affirming the District Judge: An Empirical Analysis of the Effect of District Judges Sitting by Designation on Circuit Court Panels
Authors: Sayer Andrew , Hess Melanie , Hall Matthew E. K.
Published: May 2021

Ten of the 12 U.S. courts of appeals regularly invite district court judges to take part in appellate decisions. This practice, known as “sitting by designation,” has received mixed reviews from judges and scholars. Some argue that the practice undermines democratic legitimacy and collegiality on the courts of appeals. Others contend that district court judges sitting by designation have little effect on the process because they are deferential—perhaps far too deferential—toward their circuit court brethren. Despite this ongoing debate, few studies have empirically analyzed the effects of judges sitting by designation on appellate court decision making. Here, we empirically assess whether panels that include a judge sitting by designation are more likely to affirm the district court decision. We hypothesize that judges sitting by designation are more likely to affirm district court decisions, and the panel effects associated with a judge sitting on a circuit panel will result in more “affirm” votes by circuit court judges sitting with those district court judges. Our analysis of 9,154 court of appeals decisions confirms that the presence of a judge sitting by designation does have a positive and statistically significant effect on the rate at which court of appeals judges vote to affirm district court decisions.
Characteristics and quality of nursing homes reporting COVID‐19 admissions from hospitals
Authors: Gilman Matlin , Bassett Mary T.
Published: May 2021

See related letter by Gilman et al.
Efforts targeted malnutrition among children with cerebral palsy in care homes and hospitals: A qualitative exploration study
Authors: Rosendahl Nanna Marie Hedegaard , Jensen Rikke Caroline , Holst Mette
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk of becoming malnourished. Malnutrition risk increases with increased gross motor function classification. The present study aimed to investigate and explore existing nutritional efforts and practice among staff in Danish hospitals and care homes working with children with CP.

Methods

Ten qualitative interviews were generated with multidisciplinary staff working in hospital wards, care homes and Neuro Pediatric Team (NPT). Analysis was inspired by Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis generated the following six themes: Weighing and anthropometric measurements; Existing nutritional evaluation and intervention in practice; Cross‐sectoral communication and interdisciplinarity; Involvement of the children's parents; Knowledge and professional intuition; and Time and priority. Weighing is the most common nutritional evaluation, supplemented by weight/height curves in the NPT. No actual screening is performed. In care homes without healthcare staff, the nutritional focus primarily regards the meal and how the children are able to eat. In care homes with health staff, as well as hospital departments, the focus is primarily on weight. Written communication is a necessity for the nutritional collaboration around the child to work, but collaboration between IT‐systems are lacking. Interdisciplinarity and parental involvement are key components for managing nutrition issues among children with CP. The specialist dietitian was much required, but difficult to reach.

Conclusions

Despite the great focus on nutrition and nutritional status among children with CP in all of the inquired contexts, existing efforts for assessment reveal primarily on weight and intuition. No actual screening is performed. Collaboration between sectors and professionals is challenged by lacking IT‐systems and systematic procedures.
In vivo method to evaluate antioxidative activity using UVA‐induced carbonylated protein on human skin
Authors: Cho Changhui , Lee Eunyoung , Cho Eunbyul , Yoo Heejoo , Bae Jiyoun , Ha Jaehyoun , Hwang Jaesung
Published: May 2021

Background

Skin is continuously exposed to oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the ultraviolet (UV) light, and it is important to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Carbonylated proteins (CPs) are candidate markers of oxidative modification as a result from the ROS. We aimed to develop the CP‐based method to assess the efficacy of antioxidants in human skin.

Methods

Ten healthy females were enrolled in the study to determine the UVA dosage for CP production, and another 10 females were included to evaluate the antioxidative activity. The stratum corneum was collected from test skin using D‐Squame tape, and CPs from the SC were stained by fluorescence labeling and observed using a fluorescence microscope.

Results

CP level significantly increased with UVA irradiation from 15J/cm2 to 50J/cm2 compared to the control (non‐UVA) area. CP production significantly increased by 34.38% and 35.22% in UVA irradiation and squalene (vehicle) areas. 5% α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene significantly increased the CP production by 20.77% and 19.34% after 2 hours of 30J of UVA irradiation compared to control area. Inhibition rate of CPs in 5% α‐tocopherol and 5% β‐carotene showed 41.45% and 45.37% after 2 hours of UVA irradiation.

Conclusion

This study developed the simple, visual, and direct in vivo method to evaluate the antioxidative activity for products in human skin by measuring the CP level as an oxidative modification caused by UVA‐induced ROS generation.
Curvilinear relationship between emotional labour and work engagement in nurses: A correlational study
Authors: Yao Ying , Wei Wanhong , Hu Yanli , Li Yingying , Zhang Yanhui
Published: May 2021

Aims and Objectives

To examine if there was a curvilinear relationship between emotional labour and work engagement in Chinese nurses.

Background

Emotional labour has both positive and negative effects on work engagement, but the curve relationship between the two has not been tested.

Design

Correlational design.

Methods

Multi‐stage stratified random sampling was used to recruit samples, and 528 nurses from 5 tertiary first‐class general hospitals were recruited in Henan Province. Data were collected by using Hong and Kim's Emotional Labor Scale for nurse and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale‐9. Curve estimation was used to explore the functional model between emotional labour and work engagement. Results were reported according to the STROBE Statement.

Results

The three dimensions of emotional labour, ‘emotional control effort in profession’, ‘patient‐focused emotional suppression’ and ‘emotional pretense by norms’, had a function relationship of quadratic (R2 = .57, p < .001), quadratic (R2 = .569, p < .001) and cubic (R2 = .238, p < .001), respectively, with work engagement.

Conclusions

There was a one‐way increasing quadratic function relationship between ‘emotional control effort in profession’ and work engagement. However, ‘patient‐focused emotion suppression’ and ‘emotional pretense by norms’ had an inverted U‐shaped curve relationship with work engagement. Below the moderate level, ‘patient‐focused emotion suppression’ and ‘emotional pretense by norms’ were positively related to work engagement. After a certain level, they were negatively related to work engagement.

Relevance to clinical practice

Our results may provide evidences to manage nurses’ emotional labour and improve their work engagement. It seems that encouraging or training nurses to learn and master more strategies of emotional control may improve work engagement. Moreover, nursing managers should fully recognise the positive and negative effects of different levels of emotional suppression and emotional pretense on work engagement, so as to develop targeted management strategies.
Estimating Consumer Inertia in Repeated Choices of Smartphones*
Authors: Grzybowski Lukasz , Nicolle Ambre
Published: May 2021

For a sample of 9,799 subscribers to a single mobile operator, we observe switching between mobile handsets between July, 2011, and December, 2014. We estimate a discrete choice model in which we account for disutility from switching to different operating systems and brands. Our estimation results indicate the presence of significant inertia in the choice of operating systems and brands. We use our model to simulate market shares in the absence of switching costs and conclude that the market shares of Android and smaller operating systems would increase at the expense of the market share of iOS in such a context.
Physiological sleep measures predict time to 15‐year mortality in community adults: Application of a novel machine learning framework
Authors: Wallace Meredith L. , Coleman Timothy S. , Mentch Lucas K. , Buysse Daniel J. , Graves Jessica L. , Hagen Erika W. , Hall Martica H. , Stone Katie L. , Redline Susan , Peppard Paul E.
Published: May 2021

Clarifying whether physiological sleep measures predict mortality could inform risk screening; however, such investigations should account for complex and potentially non‐linear relationships among health risk factors. We aimed to establish the predictive utility of polysomnography (PSG)‐assessed sleep measures for mortality using a novel permutation random forest (PRF) machine learning framework. Data collected from the years 1995 to present are from the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS; n = 5,734) and the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study (WSCS; n = 1,015), and include initial assessments of sleep and health, and up to 15 years of follow‐up for all‐cause mortality. We applied PRF models to quantify the predictive abilities of 24 measures grouped into five domains: PSG‐assessed sleep (four measures), self‐reported sleep (three), health (eight), health behaviours (four), and sociodemographic factors (five). A 10‐fold repeated internal validation (WSCS and SHHS combined) and external validation (training in SHHS; testing in WSCS) were used to compute unbiased variable importance metrics and associated p values. We observed that health, sociodemographic factors, and PSG‐assessed sleep domains predicted mortality using both external validation and repeated internal validation. The PSG‐assessed sleep efficiency and the percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation <90% were among the most predictive individual measures. Multivariable Cox regression also revealed the PSG‐assessed sleep domain to be predictive, with very low sleep efficiency and high hypoxaemia conferring the highest risk. These findings, coupled with the emergence of new low‐burden technologies for objectively assessing sleep and overnight oxygen saturation, suggest that consideration of physiological sleep measures may improve risk screening.
Accuracy of a flash glucose monitoring system in cats and determination of the time lag between blood glucose and interstitial glucose concentrations
Authors: Del Baldo Francesca , Fracassi Federico , Pires Jully , Tardo Antonio Maria , Malerba Eleonora , Manassero Elisa , Gilor Chen
Published: May 2021

Background

The FreeStyle Libre (Abbott Laboratories) is a flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS) that measures interstitial glucose concentration (IG). The system is factory‐calibrated, easy to use, inexpensive, and could be useful for monitoring diabetic cats.

Objectives

To evaluate the analytical and clinical accuracy of the FGMS in cats and establish the lag‐time between IG and blood glucose concentration (BG).

Animals

Twenty client‐owned diabetic cats and 7 purpose‐bred healthy cats.

Methods

Prospective study. Blood glucose concentration was measured using a portable glucose meter validated for use in cats that served as a reference method for IG, as measured by FGMS. In diabetic cats, data were collected for sensor wearing time with different methods of application and accuracy across glycemic ranges. Accuracy was determined by fulfillment of ISO15197:2013 criteria. In healthy cats, lag‐time between IG and BG was established after IV administration of exogenous glucose.

Results

Good agreement between IG and BG was obtained (r = .93). Analytical accuracy was not achieved, whereas clinical accuracy was demonstrated with 100% of the results in zones A + B of the Parkes consensus error grid analysis. In the immediate 30 minutes after an IV bolus of glucose, when BG was increasing rapidly (approximately 2%/min), IG increased slowly, resulting in a difference of as much as 579 mg/dL, and no positive correlation between BG and IG was found.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The FGMS did not fulfill ISO requirements but is sufficiently accurate for glucose monitoring in cats, while considering the lag between IG and BG during periods of rapid changes in BG.
Calcium and phosphate homeostasis in dogs with newly diagnosed naturally occurring hypercortisolism
Authors: Corsini Andrea , Dondi Francesco , Serio Daria G. , Zamagni Silvia , Golinelli Stefania , Fernandez Mercedes , Fracassi Federico
Published: May 2021

Background

Hypercortisolism affects calcium and phosphate metabolism in dogs; however, the exact mechanisms are not completely understood.

Objectives

To evaluate circulating concentrations of whole parathormone (wPTH), 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐(OH)D), calcitriol, and fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF‐23) in dogs with naturally occurring hypercortisolism (NOHC) and healthy dogs, and their association with calcium and phosphate homeostasis.

Animals

Twenty‐three client‐owned dogs with NOHC, and 12 client or staff‐owned healthy dogs.

Methods

Prospective cross‐sectional study. The circulating concentrations of total calcium, ionized calcium (iCa), phosphate, wPTH, 25‐(OH)D, calcitriol and FGF‐23, and the urinary fractional excretion of phosphate (FEP) and calcium (FECa) were compared between dogs with NOHC before treatment and healthy dogs.

Results

Dogs with NOHC had higher mean serum phosphate concentrations (4.81 mg/dL, SD ± 0.71 vs 3.86 mg/dL, SD ± 0.60;P < .001), median FECa (0.43%, range, 0.03‐2.44 vs 0.15%, range, 0.06‐0.35;P= .005), and median serum wPTH concentrations (54.6 pg/mL, range, 23.7‐490 vs 24.6 pg/mL, range, 5.5‐56.4;P= .003) as compared to the controls. Circulating concentrations of total calcium, iCa, and calcitriol and the FEP did not differ between groups, whereas the serum 25‐(OH)D concentrations were lower in dogs with NOHC as compared to the controls (70.2 pg/mL, SD ± 42.3 vs 106.3 pg/mL, SD ± 35.3;P= .02). The dogs with NOHC had lower plasma FGF‐23 concentrations than controls (316.6 pg/mL, range, 120.8‐575.6 vs 448.7 pg/mL, range, 244.8‐753;P= .03).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Urine loss of calcium and hyperphosphatemia could contribute to the adrenal secondary hyperparathyroidism.