bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful treatment of epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa by dupilumab
Authors: Wu Xue‐Ge , Yan Shi , Jiang Jin‐Qiu , Zhou Tian‐Tian , Fang Xiao , Yang Huan , Bai Xiao‐Ming , Wang Hua , Luo Xiaoyan
Published: January 2023

Epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa (EBP) is a rare variant of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa caused by COL7A1 gene mutation. Intense pruritus and nodular prurigo‐like lesions are the main features of the disease. To date, the treatment strategies for this condition are not well established. Recent studies have indicated that type 2 inflammation plays a role in the pathophysiology of EBP, suggesting Th2 cytokines could be potential therapeutic targets. In this prospective case series study, we reported three patients with EBP, diagnosed by clinical manifestations, histopathological evaluations, and genetic sequencing, two of whom were treated with dupilumab for 20 weeks. Results showed that the clinical symptoms, pruritus, and quality of life of the patients were significantly improved, as measured by the Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index, the Visual Analog Scale, and the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index. Serum immunoglobulin E levels also fell gradually over the 20‐week treatment period. Immunotyping of Th1/2/17 cell subsets in peripheral blood by flow cytometry revealed a higher Th2 but parallel Th1 and Th17 cell subsets in patients compared to healthy controls, and a significant decrease in Th2 and an increase in Th17 cells after dupilumab administration. Of note, after 20 weeks of dupilumab treatment, the expression of type VII collagen in the basement membrane of the skin lesion of the patients significantly increased, which was evidenced by immunofluorescence analysis. No treatment‐related adverse events were documented. Taken together, targeting type 2 inflammation with dupilumab may be an effective and safe treatment option for EBP.
An omnivore vigour hypothesis? Nutrient availability strengthens herbivore suppression by omnivores across 48 field sites
Authors: Blubaugh C. K.
Published: January 2023

Nutrients regulate herbivore growth from the ‘bottom‐up’ via improved plant vigour and food quality. Nitrogen also affects ‘top‐down’ control of herbivores by moderating attraction of predators and the rates at which they consume herbivorous prey.

Tri‐trophic consequences of nitrogen availability are more challenging to predict among omnivorous natural enemies who feed on both plants and herbivores, limiting our ability to predict net outcomes of nutrient availability in food webs.

In a two‐year field survey of insects on zucchini host plants at 48 sites, I predicted that both herbivores and foliar‐feeding omnivores would increase with nutrient availability, while predators would not.

My results revealed positive relationships between omnivores and foliar nitrogen concentrations, while predators had neutral responses to foliar N. Surprisingly, herbivores declined with increasing foliar N across the field sites.

Greenhouse experiments re‐enforced these patterns, as herbivore growth inversely correlated with soil N concentrations in communities that included foliar‐feeding omnivores. Conversely, herbivore growth was uncorrelated with soil N on plants with predators, nor on predator‐free plants.

These results suggest that omnivores mount strong and consistent responses to nitrogen in plant tissues in a variety of ecological contexts. In environments where omnivorous arthropods can thrive, their recruitment to nitrogen‐rich plants may increase predation and thereby counterbalance and stabilize ‘bottom‐up’ increases in herbivore performance supported by enhanced foliar nutrition.
Does change incite abusive supervision? The role of transformational change and hindrance stress
Authors: Decoster Stijn , De Schutter Leander , Menges Jochen , De Cremer David , Stouten Jeroen
Published: January 2023

To remain competitive, organizations tend to change their established ways of working, their strategy, the core values, and the organizational structure. Such thorough changes are referred to as transformational change. Unfortunately, transformational change is often unsuccessful because organizational members do not always welcome the change. Although organizations often expect their supervisors to be successful role‐models and change‐agents during the transformational change process, we argue that initiating transformational change could increase supervisors' hindrance stress levels, which may result in abusive behaviors towards employees. More specifically, in a multi‐source survey and an experimental study, we find evidence that transformational change is associated with supervisors' experienced hindrance stress, which subsequently led to more abusive behaviors towards employees.
Composition and functional properties of hemp seed protein isolates from various hemp cultivars
Authors: Liu Martin , Toth Jacob A. , Childs Mackenzie , Smart Lawrence B. , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: January 2023

Hemp seed protein isolates (HPI) were extracted from seven commercial hemp cultivars, a Cornell breeding line, and a commercial hemp heart product, and their composition and functional properties were investigated. HPI contained different ratios of edestin, vicilin, and albumin proteins, which affected protein solubility and functionality. Higher protein solubility was associated with cultivars that contained more vicilin and albumin, which influenced the subsequent functional properties of HPI. Significant differences in water holding capacity (0.83–1.05 g water/g protein isolate), oil holding capacity (1.28–1.81 g oil/g protein isolate), foam capacity (52.9%–84.9%), and foam stability (68.1%–89.4%) were observed across HPI. The Cornell hemp breeding line exhibited the highest protein solubility at pH 7.0 and was uniquely capable of forming an emulsion. The relationship identified between hemp seed protein composition and functionality, in conjunction with the demonstration of an on‐going hemp breeding line, suggest that continued, targeted development of hemp cultivars can improve its seed protein functional properties for ingredient utilization in plant‐based foods.
Nϵ‐(carboxymethyl)lysine in bakery products: A review
Authors: Boz Hüseyin
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this review is to draw attention to the Nϵ‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) content of bakery products with respect to their formation during baking and their health effects. Phenolic components added to the formulation in bakery products significantly reduce the formation of CML. Among the phenolic components, ferulic acid showed the most significant lowering effect on CML. Among the flavanones tested in the model cookie system, dihydromyricetin exhibited the strongest CML‐reducing effect. The addition of fat‐, sugar‐, and protein‐rich ingredients to the formulations of bakery products generally increases the CML content in these products. In addition, the addition of components that have a water activity–reducing effect, such as dietary fiber, and the high temperature in baking also increase the formation of CML. Therefore, the food industry should also focus on optimizing food production to minimize CML formation while maintaining the safety and organoleptic properties of bakery products.

Practical Application

The CML level in foods is likely to increase 200 times with an increase in cooking temperature. The addition of protein and fat to bakery product formulations can increase CML formation. The addition of glucose in cakes can produce higher levels of CML than fructose, refined sucrose, or unrefined sucrose. Phenolic compounds have a reducing effect on CML formation in bakery products.
Phenology of the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae, on organic crops and effect of parasitoid communities
Authors: Ismail Mohannad , Visser Bertanne , Dupuis Agathe , Hance Thierry , Albittar Loulou
Published: January 2023

Parasitoids represent the third trophic level in plant‐insect food webs. They develop in or on herbivorous insects at the second trophic level, which in turn feed on plants that constitute the first trophic level. This food web system might be affected by agricultural landscape and practices.

We studied the phenology and population density of Aphis fabae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and determined the impact of parasitoids in organic fields of beans and beet plants.

Twenty leaves per field were collected weekly. For each leaf, the total number of aphids, apterous and alate morphs, the number of mummies, and mortality of aphids were recorded.

Our results showed that the phenology of A. fabae varied throughout the season with maximal numbers observed at the beginning of summer. In addition, the production of alate morphs and the proportion of parasitism were positively correlated to an increase in aphid densities.

Six parasitoid species were recorded attacking A. fabae in the field, with Lysiphlebus fabarum and Binodoxys angelicae (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae) being the most abundant parasitoids.

Field characteristics and availability of host plants in the surroundings affected A. fabae density. Lysiphlebus fabarum and B. angelicae appeared to be good biocontrol candidates against A. fabae.
Extra‐virgin olive oil ameliorates high‐fat diet‐induced seminal and testicular disorders by modulating the cholesterol pathway
Authors: Funes Abi Karenina , Avena María Virginia , Ibañez Jorge , Simón Layla , Ituarte Leonor , Colombo Regina , Roldán Adrián , Conte María Inés , Monclus María Ángeles , Boarelli Paola , Fornés Miguel Walter , Saez Lancellotti Tania Estefanía
Published: January 2023

Background

Rabbits are sensitive to dietary cholesterol and rapidly develop hypercholesterolemia, leading to prominent subfertility. Sterol regulatory element‐binding protein isoform 2 drives the intracellular cholesterol pathway in many tissues, including the testicles. Its abnormal regulation could be the mainly responsible for the failure of suppressing cholesterol synthesis in a cholesterol‐enriched environment, ultimately leading to testicular and seminal alterations. However, extra‐virgin olive oil consumption has beneficial properties that promote lowering of cholesterol levels, including the recovery of seminal parameters altered under a high‐fat diet.

Objectives

Our goal was to investigate the effects of high‐fat diet supplementation with extra‐virgin olive oil at the molecular level on rabbit testes, by analyzing sterol regulatory element‐binding protein isoform 2 protein and its corresponding downstream effectors.

Materials and methods

During 12 months, male rabbits were fed a control diet, high‐fat diet, or 6‐month high‐fat diet followed by 6‐month high‐fat diet plus extra‐virgin olive oil. Serum lipids, testosterone levels, bodyweight, and seminal parameters were tested. The mRNA and protein levels of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein isoform 2, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase, and low‐density lipoprotein receptor were determined by semi‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting techniques. The expression pattern of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein isoform 2 protein in the rabbit testicles was studied by indirect immunofluorescence. In addition, testicular cholesterol was detected and quantified by filipin staining and gas chromatography.

Results

The data showed that the addition of extra‐virgin olive oil to high‐fat diet reduced testicular cholesterol levels and recovered the expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein isoform 2, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase, and low‐density lipoprotein receptor initially altered by the high‐fat diet.

Discussion and conclusions

The combination of high‐fat diet with extra‐virgin olive oil encourages testicular recovery by modifying the expression of the enzymes related to intracellular cholesterol management.
Prognostic histological markers in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy
Authors: Hyytiäinen Aini , Mroueh Rayan , Peltonen Johanna , Wennerstrand Pia , Mäkitie Antti , Al‐Samadi Ahmed , Ventelä Sami , Salo Tuula
Published: January 2023

Treatment of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) frequently includes surgery with postoperative radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Resistance to RT or CRT remains a major clinical challenge and highlights the need to identify predictive markers for it. We included 71 OTSCC patients treated with surgery combined with RT or CRT. We evaluated the association between tumor budding, tumor–stroma ratio (TSR), depth of invasion (DOI), tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1alpha (HIF‐1alpha) expression, octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) expression, high‐endothelial venules (HEVs), and disease‐free survival (DFS) using uni‐ and multivariate analyses. No significant association was observed between the different histological and molecular markers (TSR, DOI, TILs, HEV, HIF‐1alph, OCT4) and DFS. However, an associative trend between DOI, budding, and DFS was noted. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to explore the prognostic value of DOI and budding for OTSCC patients treated with postoperative RT or CRT.
Short‐term surgical outcomes of laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer: A nationwide retrospective analysis
Authors: Miyakawa Teppei , Michihata Nobuaki , Kumazawa Ryosuke , Matsui Hiroki , Honda Michitaka , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Laparoscopy for treatment of rectal cancer is widely used in clinical practice. However, the safety and advantages of laparoscopy over open surgery at the national level remain unclear. We compared the short‐term outcomes of laparoscopy and open surgery for rectal cancer.

Methods

Using a Japanese nationwide inpatient database, this study analyzed data on patients who underwent rectal resection between July 2010 and March 2018. We performed propensity score matching analyses to compare in‐hospital mortality, morbidities, blood transfusion, diverting stomas, anastomotic leakages, duration of anesthesia, postoperative length of stay, and readmission within 30 days between the laparoscopy and open surgery groups.

Results

Among 99 137 eligible patients, propensity score matching generated 29 717 pairs. Laparoscopy was associated with lower in‐hospital mortality (0.4% vs 0.6%, P = .006), overall morbidities (28.7% vs 33.2%, P < .001), and blood transfusion rate (11.5% vs 22.9%, P < .001); shorter postoperative duration of stay (16 days vs 18 days, P < .001); and longer duration of anesthesia (390 vs 310 minutes, P < .001). Grade C anastomotic leakage was not different between the groups.

Conclusion

With respect to in‐hospital mortality, morbidities, blood transfusion, postoperative length of hospitalization, and readmission within 30 days, laparoscopy is advantageous over open surgery in the treatment of rectal cancer.
Heterogeneous impacts of the Section 301 tariffs: Evidence from the revision of product lists
Authors: Ma Hong , Meng Lingsheng
Published: January 2023

In each of the three waves of the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports, the US government exempted some products on the originally proposed list from additional duties. Using these exempted products as the counterfactual, we identify modest but heterogeneous impacts of the tariffs on the value of US imports from China. We find a complete pass‐through for the first and second waves of tariffs. However, unlike in previous studies, we estimate a very limited tariff pass‐through of the third wave of tariffs. Finally, we find little import diversion for the US and significant export diversion for China.
Psychological support within tier 2 adult weight management services, are we doing enough for people with mental health needs? A mixed‐methods survey
Authors: Marwood Jordan , Brown Tamara , Kaiseler Mariana , Clare Kenneth , Feeley Alison , Blackshaw Jamie , Ells Louisa Jane
Published: January 2023

Depression and obesity are two of the most highly prevalent global public health concerns. Obesity and poor mental health are strongly associated, and it is likely that mental health needs are common in people seeking weight management services. The aim was to identify what psychological support is provided and required in tier 2 adult weight management services (T2 WMS). Online survey was conducted: quantitative data were summarized, and open‐ended free‐text questions were coded and thematically analysed. Participants were current or recent service users with self‐reported mental health needs (n = 27), commissioners (n = 9) or providers (n = 17). Over half of service users did not feel their mental health needs were met and 60% said they would like additional psychological support within T2 WMS. Findings highlight the lack of psychological and emotional support. Psychological support and behaviour change techniques are conflated, with a lack of clear understanding or definition of what psychological support is, either between or within service users, providers, and commissioners. Moving towards more person‐centred care, better identification and triaging of those living with mental health issues, together with improved resources and training of providers, is crucial to improve outcomes for people living with obesity and poor mental health.
Occupational contact allergy: The European perspective–Analysis of patch test data from ESSCA between 2011 and 2020
Authors: Bauer Andrea , Pesonen Maria , Brans Richard , Caroppo Francesca , Dickel Heinrich , Dugonik Aleksandra , Larese Filon Francesca , Geier Johannes , Gimenez‐Arnau Ana M. , Napolitano Maddalena , Patruno Cataldo , Rustemeyer Thomas , Simon Dagmar , Schuttelaar Marie L. A. , Spiewak Radoslaw , Stingeni Luca , Vok Marko , Weisshaar Elke , Wilkinson Mark , Valiukeviciene Skaidra , Uter Wolfgang
Published: January 2023

Background

Occupational skin diseases have led the occupational disease statistics in Europe for many years. Especially occupational allergic contact dermatitis is associated with a poor prognosis and low healing rates leading to an enormous burden for the affected individual and for society.

Objectives

To present the sensitization frequencies to the most relevant allergens of the European baseline series in patients with occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) and to compare sensitization profiles of different occupations.

Methods

The data of 16 022 patients considered having OCD after patch testing within the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA) network between January 2011 and December 2020 were evaluated. Patients (n = 46 652) in whom an occupational causation was refuted served as comparison group.

Results

The highest percentages of OCD were found among patients working in agriculture, fishery and related workers, metal industry, chemical industry, followed by building and construction industry, health care, food and service industry. Sensitizations to rubber chemicals (thiurams, carbamates, benzothiazoles) and epoxy resins were associated with at least a doubled risk of OCD. After a decline from 2014 onwards, the risks to acquire an occupation‐related sensitization to methyl(chloro)isothiazolinone (MCI/MI) and especially to methylisothiazolinone (MI) seem to increase again. Sensitization rates to formaldehyde were stable, and to methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN) slightly decreasing over time.

Conclusions

Among allergens in the European Baseline Series, occupational relevance is most frequently attributed to rubber accelerators, epoxy resins and preservatives.
Effects of co‐ingesting glucose and whey protein on blood glucose, plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations, and gastric emptying, in older men with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Oberoi Avneet , Giezenaar Caroline , Rigda Rachael S. , Horowitz Michael , Jones Karen L. , Chapman Ian , Soenen Stijn
Published: January 2023

Aim

To investigate whether co‐ingestion of dietary protein with, or before, carbohydrate may be a useful strategy to reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia in older men with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

Blood glucose, plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations were measured for 180 minutes following ingestion of a drink containing 30 g of glucose (G; 120 kcal), 30 g of whey protein (120 kcal), 30 g of glucose plus 30 g of whey protein (GP; 240 kcal), or control (~2 kcal) in older men with T2D (n = 10, 77 ± 1 years; 31 ± 1.7 kg/m2) and without T2D (n = 10, 78 ± 2 years; 27 ± 1.4 kg/m2). Mixed model analysis was used.

Results

GP versus G markedly reduced the increase in blood glucose concentrations (P < .001) and had a synergistic effect on the increase in insulin concentrations (P < .001), in men both with and without T2D. Glucose concentrations were higher in men with T2D compared with those without T2D, whereas insulin and glucagon concentrations were largely unaffected by the presence of T2D. Gastric emptying was faster in men with T2D than in those without T2D.

Conclusions

The ability of whey protein to reduce carbohydrate‐induced, postprandial hyperglycaemia is retained in older men with T2D compared with those without T2D, and whey protein supplementation may be a useful strategy in the prevention and management of T2D in older people.
Fragment reattachment or direct restoration? An in vitro study
Authors: Pereira Raquel Vitório , Tabata Lucas Fernando , Rosemberg Esther Teófilo , Ribeiro Ana Paula Dias , Poubel Déborah Lousan do Nascimento , Garcia Fernanda Cristina Pimentel
Published: January 2023

Background/Aim

The fracture resistance of teeth subjected to fragment reattachment may improve when the technique is performed using intermediate materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different bonding materials, including pre‐heated composite resin, on the fracture resistance of teeth subjected to the reattachment technique compared with a direct composite resin restoration.

Materials and Methods

After simulating a tooth fracture, each specimen was reattached by using one of the following intermediate materials (n = 15): G0, negative control (sound teeth); G1, Z100; G2, pre‐heated Z100; G3, Filtek Z350 XT; G4, pre‐heated Filtek Z350 XT; G5, Filtek Z350 XT Flow; and G6, RelyX Veneer. In G7, direct class IV restorations were performed using Filtek Z350 XT composite resin. The fracture resistance was evaluated using a universal testing machine under a compressive load of 1 mm/min. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the post hoc Tukey test (5%) were conducted.

Results

G0 showed the highest fracture resistance, and this was statistically different from the other experimental groups (p < .05) except for G2 and G4, in which the fragments were bonded using pre‐heated resins. A statistically significant difference was found between groups G1 and G6 (one‐way ANOVA, p = .04). For G1 and G2, a significant difference was found between bonding with and without pre‐heating (p < .05). This difference was not observed in G3 and G4 (p > .05). No statistically significant difference was found between the reattached and directly restored groups (t‐test, p = .53).

Conclusions

The tooth reattachment technique using pre‐heated composite resin showed fracture resistance values similar to those of the sound tooth group. No difference was found between the fragment reattachment and direct composite resin techniques.
Premorbid functioning in adolescence associates with comorbid disorders in individuals at ultra‐high risk for psychosis: A brief report
Authors: Lundsgaard Julie , Kristensen Tina Dam , Nordentoft Merete , Glenthøj Louise Birkedal
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study examines associations between premorbid adjustment and comorbid disorders in individuals at ultra‐high risk (UHR) for psychosis.

Methods

Premorbid social and academic adjustment data were collected from 146 UHR individuals using the Premorbid Adjustment Scale. Comorbid disorders were determined by the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV.

Results

Logistic regressions showed lower premorbid social adjustment associated with personality disorders. Lower premorbid academic adjustment associated with affective disorders. More specifically, poor premorbid social adjustment in early and late adolescence associated with personality disorders. Lower premorbid social adjustment in late adolescence and lower premorbid academic adjustment in early adolescence associated with affective disorders.

Conclusion

Partly corroborating evidence from schizophrenia samples, our findings suggest that poor premorbid adjustment relate to distinct comorbid disorders in UHR individuals. If replicated, it indicates that premorbid adjustment deficits may be a key area for targeted interventions improving the clinical prognosis of UHR individuals.
Sexual dysfunction in female and male people with multiple sclerosis: disability, depression and hormonal status matter
Authors: Di Pauli Franziska , Zinganell Anne , Böttcher Bettina , Walde Janette , Auer Michael , Barket Robert , Berek Klaus , Egger Alexander , Griesmacher Andrea , Sukalo Natasa , Deisenhammer Florian , Hegen Harald
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose

Sexual dysfunction (SD) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is common and an often underestimated issue in the care of pwMS. The objective of the study was to evaluate risk factors for SD in pwMS, correlate its prevalence with patient‐reported measures (quality of life and physical activity) and analyse its association with hormonal status.

Methods

Sexual dysfunction was determined in 152 pwMS using the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire 19. A logistical regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for SD.

Results

The prevalence of SD in pwMS was 47%. Independent risk factors for the development of SD were ever‐smoking (odds ratio [OR] 3.4, p = 0.023), disability as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (OR 2.0, p < 0.001), depression (OR 4.3, p = 0.047) and bladder and bowel dysfunction (OR 8.8, p < 0.001); the use of disease‐modifying treatment was associated with a lower risk for SD (OR 0.32, p = 0.043). SD was associated with worse quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29: physical score 6.3 vs. 40.0; psychological score 8.3 vs. 33.3; both p < 0.001) and lower physical activity (Baecke questionnaire, p < 0.001). Laboratory analysis revealed significantly higher luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone levels and lower 17‐beta oestradiol, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, oestrone and anti‐Mullerian hormone levels in female pwMS with SD. In male pwMS and SD, there was a significant decrease in inhibin B levels.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the requirement of a holistic approach to SD in MS including physical, neurourological and psychosocial factors. Active screening for SD, especially in patients with disability, depression or bladder and bowel dysfunction, is recommended.
Quantitative morphometric analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic skin ageing in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types II–III
Authors: Costello Lydia , Goncalves Kirsty , De Los Santos Gomez Paola , Simpson Amy , Maltman Victoria , Ritchie Pamela , Tasseff Ryan , Isfort Robert , Dicolandrea Teresa , Wei Xingtao , Määttä Arto , Karakesisoglou Iakowos , Markiewicz Ewa , Bascom Charles C. , Przyborski Stefan
Published: January 2023

Skin ageing is an intricate physiological process affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. There is a demand to understand how the skin changes with age and photoexposure in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types I‐III due to accelerated photoageing and the risk of cutaneous malignancies. To assess the structural impact of intrinsic and extrinsic ageing, we analysed 14 skin parameters from the photoprotected buttock and photoexposed dorsal forearm of young and ageing females with Fitzpatrick skin types II‐III (n = 20) using histomorphic techniques. Whilst the minimum viable epidermis (Emin) remained constant (Q > 0.05), the maximum viable epidermis (Emax) was decreased by both age and photoexposure (Q ≤ 0.05), which suggests that differences in epidermal thickness are attributed to changes in the dermal‐epidermal junction (DEJ). Changes in Emax were not affected by epidermal cell proliferation. For the first time, we investigated the basal keratinocyte morphology with age and photoexposure. Basal keratinocytes had an increased cell size, cellular height and a more columnar phenotype in photoexposed sites of young and ageing individuals (Q ≤ 0.05), however no significant differences were observed with age. Some of the most striking changes were observed in the DEJ, and a decrease in the interdigitation index was observed with both age and photoexposure (Q ≤ 0.001), accompanied by a decreased height of rête ridges and dermal papilla. Interestingly, young photoexposed skin was comparable to ageing skin across many parameters, and we hypothesise that this is due to accelerated photoageing. This study highlights the importance of skin care education and photoprotection from an early age.
Lightweight convolutional neural network architecture design for music genre classification using evolutionary stochastic hyperparameter selection
Authors: Singh Yeshwant , Biswas Anupam
Published: January 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have succeeded in various domains, including music information retrieval (MIR). Music genre classification (MGC) is one such task in the MIR that has gained attention over the years because of the massive increase in online music content. Accurate indexing and automatic classification of these large volumes of music content require high computational resources, which pose a significant challenge to building a lightweight system. CNNs are a popular deep learning‐based choice for building systems for MGC. However, finding an optimal CNN architecture for MGC requires domain knowledge both in CNN architecture design and music. We present MGA‐CNN, a genetic algorithm‐based approach with a novel stochastic hyperparameter selection for finding an optimal lightweight CNN‐based architecture for the MGC task. The proposed approach is unique in automating the CNN architecture design for the MGC task. MGA‐CNN is evaluated on three widely used music datasets and compared with seven peer rivals, which include three automatic CNN architecture design approaches and four manually designed popular CNN architectures. The experimental results show that MGA‐CNN surpasses the peer approaches in terms of classification accuracy, parameter numbers, and execution time. The optimal architectures generated by MGA‐CNN also achieve classification accuracy comparable to the manually designed CNN architectures while spending fewer computing resources.
Efficient polyethylene terephthalate degradation at moderate temperature: a protein engineering study of LC‐cutinase highlights the key role of residue 243
Authors: Pirillo Valentina , Orlando Marco , Battaglia Caren , Pollegioni Loredano , Molla Gianluca
Published: January 2023

Enzymatic degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is becoming a reality because of the identification of novel PET‐hydrolysing enzymes (PHEs) and the engineering of evolved enzyme variants. Here, improved variants of leaf‐branch compost cutinase (LCC), a thermostable enzyme isolated by a metagenomic approach, were generated by a semi‐rational protein engineering approach. Starting from a deleted LCC form lacking the secretion signal (ΔLCC), single and double variants possessing a higher activity on PET were isolated. The single‐point F243T ΔLCC variant partially (~ 67%) depolymerized amorphous PET film producing ~ 21.9 mm of products after 27 h of reaction at 72 °C. The S101N/F243T ΔLCC double variant reached a further increase in activity on PET. Notably, for both single and double variants the highest conversion yield was obtained at 55 °C. Kinetics studies and molecular dynamics simulations support that a slight decreased affinity for PET is responsible for the superior degradation performance of the S101N/F243T variant and that this stems from a slightly higher flexibility of the active site region close to position 243. Furthermore, our findings question the need for a high reaction temperature for PET degradation, at least for LCC: at ≥ 70 °C, the conversion of amorphous PET into a more crystalline polymer, resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis, is favoured. The evolved S101N/F243T ΔLCC variant is able to depolymerize fully 1.3 g of untreated postconsumer PET waste in ≤ 3 days at 55 °C (using 1.25 mg of enzyme only), this making PET enzymatic degradation by engineering LCC a more ecofriendly and sustainable process.
Pricing strategies in BigTech lending: Evidence from China
Authors: Lu Lei , Wei Jianxing , Wu Weixing , Zhou Yi
Published: January 2023

This paper analyzes a BigTech lender's pricing strategies in the business‐to‐customer unsecured loan market using a proprietary data set of consumer loans in China. We find that the credit rating constructed by the BigTech lender is informative of the customers' default risk. Moreover, the interest rate decreases and the credit limit increases with the credit rating. Interestingly, the BigTech lender charges different interest rates to its customers based on the customer channel, although it does not provide information about the customers' default risk. Following the passage of the China Banking Regulatory Commission Act, which reduced credit market competition, the BigTech lender increased the current rate and decreased the credit limit. We rationalize these empirical findings in a simple model of credit contract design.
Combining environmental niche models, multi‐grain analyses, and species traits identifies pervasive effects of land use on butterfly biodiversity across Italy
Authors: Riva Federico , Barbero Francesca , Balletto Emilio , Bonelli Simona
Published: January 2023

Understanding how species respond to human activities is paramount to ecology and conservation science, one outstanding question being how large‐scale patterns in land use affect biodiversity. To facilitate answering this question, we propose a novel analytical framework that combines environmental niche models, multi‐grain analyses, and species traits. We illustrate the framework capitalizing on the most extensive dataset compiled to date for the butterflies of Italy (106,514 observations for 288 species), assessing how agriculture and urbanization have affected biodiversity of these taxa from landscape to regional scales (3–48 km grains) across the country while accounting for its steep climatic gradients. Multiple lines of evidence suggest pervasive and scale‐dependent effects of land use on butterflies in Italy. While land use explained patterns in species richness primarily at grains ≤12 km, idiosyncratic responses in species highlighted “winners” and “losers” across human‐dominated regions. Detrimental effects of agriculture and urbanization emerged from landscape (3‐km grain) to regional (48‐km grain) scales, disproportionally affecting small butterflies and butterflies with a short flight curve. Human activities have therefore reorganized the biogeography of Italian butterflies, filtering out species with poor dispersal capacity and narrow niche breadth not only from local assemblages, but also from regional species pools. These results suggest that global conservation efforts neglecting large‐scale patterns in land use risk falling short of their goals, even for taxa typically assumed to persist in small natural areas (e.g., invertebrates). Our study also confirms that consideration of spatial scales will be crucial to implementing effective conservation actions in the Post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. In this context, applications of the proposed analytical framework have broad potential to identify which mechanisms underlie biodiversity change at different spatial scales.
How mild is mild haemophilia?
Authors: Daffunchio Carla , Landro Maria E. , Galatro Gustavo , Neme Daniela , Cambiaggi Guillermo , Moretti Noemi , Guerrero Virginia , Negrete Graciela , Primiani Laura , Caviglia Horacio
Published: January 2023

Introduction

People with mild haemophilia (PWMH) experience sporadic bleeds and are less likely to receive an early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and medical care. Arthropathy is a key determinant of health‐related quality of life (QoL), producing pain, limitations in mobility and daily activities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and QoL associated with arthropathy in PWMH.

Materials and Methods

Observational, cross‐sectional cohort study. Data were collected in a single interview and evaluated by a physiotherapist and an orthopaedist and analysed on demographics; baseline factor levels; as well as clinical (Haemophilia Joint Health Score [HJHS]), ultrasound (Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound [HEAD‐US]), radiological (Pettersson score [PS]), pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and QoL evaluations. We defined arthropathy when at least one of the joints shown with a HEAD‐US score ≥ 1.

Results

Eighty‐five patients and 510 joints were included. Patients’ mean age was 35.9 years‐old. Median age was 44.2 in patients with arthropathy versus 14.9 in patients without; the difference was statistically significant (p < .001). In patients over 20 years old, 90.5% shown arthropathy. Only 24 (28%) patients had no joint damage (HEAD‐US = 0), and 61 (72%) had at least one joint with a HEAD‐US ≥ 1. The ankle was the most affected joint. Patient age was found to be the most important risk factor associated with the development of arthropathy.

Conclusions

Joint damage as a result of prior hemarthrosis was the most relevant factor associated with lower QoL, and emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management in this particular population.
Structured handoff to improve communication from inpatient to outpatient dialysis units: A quality improvement project
Authors: Claudel Sophie E. , Valente Christopher , Serafin Hope , Hassan Kamel Mohamed , Ghai Sandeep
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with end‐stage kidney disease requiring dialysis encounter high hospital readmission rates. One contributor is poor communication between hospitals and outpatient dialysis facilities. We hypothesized that improved communication may reduce 30‐day hospital readmissions for patients on dialysis at an urban, safety net hospital.

Methods

We created a standardized discharge handoff tool that is easy to use and provides concise data for dialysis centers. The handoff tool is a novel, electronic MACRO template (called a “dot‐phrase”) to be included in discharge documentation. Instructions for the dot‐phrase and electronic facsimile (e‐faxing) were sent to Internal Medicine residents immediately prior to their rotation on an inpatient Renal service. We then measured the intervention implementation rate and its impact on hospital readmission metrics.

Results

We compared 3 months of preintervention and 6 months of postintervention data, identifying 82 and 135 index discharges in each respective study period. Patients were predominantly male (56.2%) and receiving hemodialysis (89.8%); a minority (9.2%) were undomiciled at the time of discharge. Mean age was 60.5 years (SD 14.0). Renal discharges followed by 30‐day Renal readmission were not statistically lower in the postintervention group for the index discharge alone (26.8% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.12), but were for overall discharges (51.2% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.0001). The dot‐phrase was used in 95.4% of discharge summaries, and 74.7% of discharge summaries were e‐faxed within 24 h of discharge.

Conclusion

There was high uptake of a standardized discharge handoff tool among Internal Medicine residents on a Renal inpatient service. Using a handoff tool and e‐faxing may improve communication with outpatient dialysis centers and may reduce readmissions among some patients but is likely insufficient to fully address high readmission rates. Subsequent intervention iterations would benefit from further collaboration with outpatient dialysis units for customization of the handoff tool to meet local communication needs.
SPOUSES, CHILDREN, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Authors: da Fonseca João Galindo , Berubé Charles
Published: January 2023

We study the relationship between family and entrepreneurship decisions. Family influences entrepreneurship decisions via two channels: (i) Spouses work more in case of business failure and (ii) children increase the cost of failure. We use administrative matched owner–employer–employee–spouse data to estimate the predictions derived from our model. We find evidence that marriage decreases entry into entrepreneurship and increases average firm size, consistent with mechanism (ii) dominating the (i). Using direct information on children, we find that more children decrease entry into entrepreneurship and increase average firm size.
Risk of body weight changes among Danish children and adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Berg Selina K. , Birk Nina M. , Thorsted Anne B. , Rosenkilde Siri , Jensen Louise B. , Nygaard Ulrikka , Bundgaard Henning , Thygesen Lau C. , Ersbøll Annette K. , Nielsen Susanne D. , Christensen Anne V.
Published: January 2023

Background

Knowledge of COVID‐19 and the pandemic's effects on Danish children's body weight is limited.

Objective

Objectives were to investigate (I) risk of weight changes among Danish children with and without SARS‐CoV‐2, (II) associations between weight changes, psychological symptoms, and long COVID symptoms, and (III) weight distribution pre‐ and post‐pandemic.

Methods

A national survey was administered to all Danish children aged 0–18 years, with prior COVID‐19 (cases) and matched references including questions on weight, weight changes during the pandemic and long COVID‐related symptoms. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used. Weight distribution was compared with a pre‐pandemic database.

Results

In all, 17 627 cases and 54 656 references were included. The 4–18‐year‐old cases had lower odds of unintended weight gain. The 2–3‐year‐old cases had higher odds and the 15–18‐year‐old cases lower odds of weight loss compared to references. Regardless of COVID‐19 status, any reported long COVID‐related symptom was associated with a change in body weight. No sign of increasing obesity rates was found among Danish children post‐pandemic.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 was associated with higher odds of weight loss in 2–3‐year‐olds and lower odds of unintended weight gain in 4–18‐year‐olds. Any long COVID‐related symptom was associated with higher odds of weight changes regardless of COVID‐19 status.
Stress among nursing students in Vietnam: Prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Bich , Tuan Nguyen Van
Published: January 2023

Aim

To describe stress and analyze its associated factors among nursing students.

Introduction

Stress is a common mental health problem among medical students, especially nursing students. Therefore, understanding stress and its associated factors is necessary to improve stress in students.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 300 nursing students using the stratified sampling method. This study used questionnaires such as demographic form, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, and the Stressors in Nursing Students scale. The STROBE checklist was used for reporting this study.

Results

Results showed that nearly half of the nursing students were stressed at various levels. Students experienced stress the most due to financial stressors, followed by education, clinical, and confidence stressors. Most of the factors in the four groups—clinical, education, confidence, and finance—increased the risk of stress in nursing students. There was a close relationship between personal problems other than health and the students' risk of stress (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study indicated that stress in nursing students was at a high level. Determining the prevalence and associated factors of stress in nursing students will help schools, families, and society take measures to reduce stress among students.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Educational administrators need to develop policies to support nursing students, such as reviewing the academic load of nursing students, improving the design of curricula, and supporting finance for students with difficult situations. Support services should be organized and make it easier for students to access mental health counseling services.
From self‐care behaviours to cardiometabolic risks prevention for the health of farmers: Nursing implications
Authors: Huang Yu‐Ting , Lin Ming‐Shyan , James Kathy , Chang Chia‐Hao , Tsai Wen‐Hsuen , Lin Yu‐Chih , Chen Mei‐Yen
Published: January 2023

Aims

The study aimed to explore farmers' self‐care behaviours including oral hygiene, remaining natural teeth, cardiometabolic risks, hepatitis, risk of stroke and their determinant factors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted between June 2020 and March 2021 in the south‐western remote areas of Taiwan. We recruited current farmers who participated in an annual community health screening conducted by a collaborated local hospital. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews using a semi‐structured questionnaire. Blood samples were drawn and stored in the central laboratory of the cooperating hospital. The study outcomes included cardiometabolic risks, the remaining natural teeth, and farmers' self‐care behaviours including oral hygiene, adopting a healthy diet and substance use.

Results

Overall, 183 current farmers (55.2% women, aged 66.9 ± 11.7 years) were enrolled. Abnormal blood pressure, high risk of stroke, metabolic syndrome and hepatitis C virus infection were found among the participants. The average remaining teeth were 12.1, 73.2% of participants had <20 teeth; 90.2% and 71% did not undergo regular dental check‐ups and scaling or use dental floss, respectively. The determinant factors associated with the remaining teeth included a high risk of stroke, teeth scaling and dental floss use. Although only 3.8% felt mentally distressed, many farmers were unaware of having potential cardiometabolic diseases and curable viral hepatitis, and only two had received antiviral treatment.

Conclusion

The farmers in this study had a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risks, a high probability of stroke, inadequate number of remaining teeth and poor oral hygiene behaviours. These findings can provide evidence to develop health promotion programmes for farmers.

Impact

This study demonstrates the health needs of farmers. We strongly recommend that community nurses empower farmers to engage in self‐care behaviours through tailored health promotion programmes. For instance, by discussing cardiometabolic risk prevention from the farmers' perspectives to improve their health literacy.
Nurses' and midwives' perceptions and strategies to cope with perinatal death situations: A systematic literature review
Authors: Garcia‐Catena Cristina , Ruiz‐Palomino Pablo , Saavedra Steven , Gonzalez‐Sanz Juan D.
Published: January 2023

Aim

The aim of this paper is to describe the strategies used by nurses and midwives to cope with experiences of dealing with perinatal death and maintain their satisfaction at work.

Design

Systematic literature review, in accordance with the PRISMA Declaration.

Data Sources

(2000–2021) Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, CINALH and Dialnet, for articles in English and Spanish from the period between January 2000 and March 2021.

Review Methods

The outcome of the review was the perceptions of nurses and midwives who have cared for people in a situation of perinatal loss.

Results

Thirteen studies were identified that evaluated the attitudes, experiences and needs of these healthcare professionals. The combined size of all samples was 2196 participants.

Conclusions

The negative effects on these professionals' satisfaction with their situation at work could be mitigated by covering their needs for knowledge, experience, and emotional and technical skills to deal with such events.

Impact

As potential protective factors against dissatisfaction in nurses and midwives during perinatal death experiences, we identified older age and experience in perinatal care and coping strategies based on communicating one's feelings to peers, empathetic listening to the families cared for, training and institutional support.

No Patient or Public Contribution.