bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of nail fold capillary changes by hand‐held dermoscopy in adult dermatomyositis: A single‐centre prospective study
Authors: Paudyal Aliza , Yang Yao , Zheng Ming , Zhang Xingwei , Wang Han , Gong Shirui , Regmi Parbatraj , Lyu Xiaoyan
Published: September 2023

Background

Hand‐held dermoscopy is a valuable tool for dermatologists, but it has been rarely used to assess the nail fold capillary (NFC) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods

Patients were collected from the Department of Dermatology and Venereology from July 2020 to July 2021, and the follow‐up was conducted until January 2022. Demographic features, disease activity and NFC changes were analysed using a hand‐held dermoscopy.

Results

The most common NFC finding in our study was bushy capillary (87.0%). There was no significant improvement in scleroderma–dermatomyositis (SD)‐like nail fold changes or enlarged capillaries from baseline to 12 weeks of treatment (p > 0.05) or from 12 weeks to 24 weeks of treatment (p > 0.05), but there was a significant improvement from baseline to 24 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05). The avascular area did not improve from baseline to 12 weeks of follow‐up, but the changes were significant from 12 weeks to 24 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05) and baseline to 24 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05). Periungual erythema improved significantly from baseline to 12 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05) and baseline to 24 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05), but it did not improve significantly from 12 weeks to 24 weeks of treatment (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in disease activity between patients with or without specific NFC changes. However, some NFC features improved as disease activity decreased.

Conclusion

Dermoscopy of NFC is a cost‐effective option for the preliminary diagnosis of DM. Further, long‐term follow‐up is necessary to study the relationship between disease activity and NFC changes.
A real‐world pharmacovigilance study of FDA adverse event reporting system events for sildenafil
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhao Bin , Yang Haiyan , Wan Zheng
Published: September 2023

Background

Sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), is widely used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the safety profile of sildenafil, including adverse event (AEs), requires comprehensive evaluation.

Methods

This retrospective pharmacovigilance study aimed to evaluate AEs linked to sildenafil by analyzing data sourced from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. A case/non‐case design was utilized, and various algorithms including the reporting odds ratio (ROR), the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and the multiitem gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) were employed to measure the signals indicating the presence of sildenafil‐related AEs.

Results

Among 339,230 reports, 33,692 specifically mentioned sildenafil use. Most of AEs occurred in males over 60 years old. The United States accounted for the highest proportion of reported AEs. Severe outcomes, including death, disability, and life‐threatening events, were reported. Significant system organ class (SOC) included “Reproductive system and breast disorders” (SOC: 10038604), “Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified” (SOC: 10038738), “Vascular disorders” (SOC: 10047065), and “Blood and lymphatic system disorders” (SOC: 10005329). Noteworthy preferred terms (PTs) associated with sildenafil included “Vision blurred,” “Flushing,” “sudden hearing loss,” “Painful erection,” and “Priapism.” Unexpected AEs, such as “Malignant melanoma,” “Pulmonary hypertension,” “Malignant melanoma in situ,” “Pulmonary arterial hypertension,” “Metastatic malignant melanoma,” “Malignant melanoma stage III,” “Malignant melanoma stage II,” “Acquired hemophilia,” “Aortic dissection rupture,” and “Intracranial artery dissection” were also identified.

Conclusions

These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring and understanding the potential risks associated with sildenafil. Further investigation is warranted to validate these associations and address previously unrecognized safety concerns.
Key developmental milestones helped to identify children with special educational needs and disabilities at an early stage
Authors: van Dommelen Paula , van Buren Laurens P. , Eekhout Iris , Verkerk Paul H.
Published: September 2023

Aim

Responding to developmental delay promptly is important, as it helps children to reach their full potential. This study investigated how developmental milestones predicted primary school children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at an early stage.

Methods

We obtained data about 36 milestones between 12 and 45 months using the Dutch Development Instrument. Development, primary school classification and background characteristics were collected from the Dutch Preventive Child Healthcare system in Utrecht from 2008 to 2016. We investigated SEND classifications and the primary schools that the children attended at 4–12 years of age. The findings include area under the curve (AUC) data.

Results

Data on 30 579 children in mainstream schools and 1055 children with SEND were available. Different milestones predicted SEND classifications. Fourteen milestones and parental education predicted attendance at special needs schools with smaller classes (AUC 0.913). Nine milestones, sex, migration background and parental education predicted attendance at schools for severe communication problems (AUC 0.963). Ten milestones and parental education predicted attendance at schools for severe learning difficulties (AUC 0.995). Milestones did not accurately predict attendance at schools for severe behavioural or psychiatric problems.

Conclusion

Milestones at 12–45 months predicted most SEND classifications at primary school age, except severe behavioural or psychiatric problems.
Understanding the joint evolution of dispersal and host specialisation using phytophagous arthropods as a model group
Authors: Ravigné Virginie , Rodrigues Leonor R. , Charlery de la Masselière Maud , Facon Benoît , Kuczyński Lechosław , Radwan Jacek , Skoracka Anna , Magalhães Sara
Published: September 2023

Theory generally predicts that host specialisation and dispersal should evolve jointly. Indeed, many models predict that specialists should be poor dispersers to avoid landing on unsuitable hosts while generalists will have high dispersal abilities. Phytophagous arthropods are an excellent group to test this prediction, given extensive variation in their host range and dispersal abilities. Here, we explore the degree to which the empirical literature on this group is in accordance with theoretical predictions. We first briefly outline the theoretical reasons to expect such a correlation. We then report empirical studies that measured both dispersal and the degree of specialisation in phytophagous arthropods. We find a correlation between dispersal and levels of specialisation in some studies, but with wide variation in this result. We then review theoretical attributes of species and environment that may blur this correlation, namely environmental grain, temporal heterogeneity, habitat selection, genetic architecture, and coevolution between plants and herbivores. We argue that theoretical models fail to account for important aspects, such as phenotypic plasticity and the impact of selective forces stemming from other biotic interactions, on both dispersal and specialisation. Next, we review empirical caveats in the study of this interplay. We find that studies use different measures of both dispersal and specialisation, hampering comparisons. Moreover, several studies do not provide independent measures of these two traits. Finally, variation in these traits may occur at scales that are not being considered. We conclude that this correlation is likely not to be expected from large‐scale comparative analyses as it is highly context dependent and should not be considered in isolation from the factors that modulate it, such as environmental scale and heterogeneity, intrinsic traits or biotic interactions. A stronger crosstalk between theoretical and empirical studies is needed to understand better the prevalence and basis of the correlation between dispersal and specialisation.
Structure‐based biological investigations on ruthenium complexes containing 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands and their applications in photodynamic therapy as a potential photosensitizer
Authors: Puttaswamy Naveen Y. , Mahanta Pranami , Sarma Pranjit , Medhi Chitrani , Kaid Sanaa Mohammed Abdu , Kullaiah Byrappa , Basumatary Debajani , Manjasetty Babu A.
Published: September 2023

Ruthenium complexes have been investigated for various biological applications by virtue of their radical scavenging, DNA binding, receptor binding, and cytotoxic abilities; especially the possible potential application of these complexes in photodynamic therapy (PDT). This study focuses on the synthesis, structural characterization and biological application (pertaining to its cytotoxicity and radical generation) of ruthenium complexed with salicylaldehyde fumaryl‐dihydrazone (slfhH4), salicylaldehyde glutaryl‐di‐hydrazone (slfgH4) and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy). During the synthesis, the anticipated complex was precipitated out but as serendipity, Ruthenium(II) tris (2,2′‐bipyridyl) monochloride nonahydrate {[Ru(bpy)3]2+.Cl.9H2O} (RBMN) and Ruthenium(II) tris (2,2′‐bipyridyl) monochloride septahydrate {[Ru(bpy)3]2+.Cl.7H2O}(RBMS) were crystallized from the filtrate. The crystal structure of complexes RBMN and RBMS were determined by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods and it showed that chlorine anion lies at the crystallographic axis and forms a halogen hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (XHOF) to provide the stability. In comparison with similar structures in Cambridge Crystallographic Data Center (CCDC) revealed that the nature of the XHOF framework and the layered packing are conserved. The compounds showed excellent cytotoxic ability (against L6 cells) and the nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay upon irradiation to light revealed its ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The presence of partially occupied water molecules in the layered organization within the crystal packing mimics the release of ROS resulting in cytotoxicity. The structural results together with the biological data make these complexes interesting candidates for potential photosensitizers for PDT applications.
Some 2‐[4‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl) phenyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole derivatives overcome imatinib resistance by induction of apoptosis and reduction of P‐glycoprotein activity
Authors: Hekmatshoar Yalda , Ozkan Tulin , Alp Mehmet , Gurkan‐Alp A. Selen , Sunguroglu Asuman
Published: September 2023

Imatinib (IMA) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) introduced for the chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) therapy. Emergence of IMA resistance leads to the relapse and failure in CML therapy. Benzimidazole is a heterocyclic organic compound which is widely investigated for the development of anticancer drugs. In this study, we aimed to explore the anticancer effects of some 2‐[4‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl) phenyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole derivatives on K562S (IMA‐sensitive) and K562R (IMA‐resistant) cells. To analyze the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the compounds, K562S, K562R, and L929 cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of the derivatives. Cytotoxic effects of compounds on cell viability were analyzed with MTT assay. Apoptosis induction, caspase3/7 activity were investigated with flow cytometry and BAX, BIM, and BAD genes expression levels were analyzed with qRT‐PCR. Rhodamine123 (Rho‐123) staining assays were carried out to evaluate the effect of compounds on P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) activity. The hit compounds were screened using molecular docking, and the binding preference of each compounds to BCR‐ABL protein was evaluated. Our results indicated that compounds triggered cytotoxicity, caspase3/7 activation in K562S and K562R cells. Rho‐123 staining showed that compounds inhibited P‐gp activity in K562R cells. Overall, our results reveal some benzimidazole derivatives as potential anticancer agents to overcome IMA resistance in CML.
Promotion of diced cartilage survival and regeneration with grafting of small intestinal submucosa loaded with urine‐derived stem cells
Authors: Li Shang , Wang Rui , Huang Liping , Jiang Yanlin , Xing Fei , Duan Weiqiang , Cen Ying , Zhang Zhenyu , Xie Huiqi
Published: September 2023

Cartilage absorption and calcification are prone to occur after the implantation of diced cartilage wrapped with autologous materials, as well as prolong the operation time, aggravate surgical trauma and postoperative pain during the acquisition process. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) has suitable toughness and excellent degradability, which has been widely used in the clinic. Urine‐derived stem cells (USCs), as a new type of stem cells, have multi‐directional differentiation potential. In this study, we attempt to create the tissue engineering membrane material, termed USCs‐SIS (U‐SIS), and wrap the diced cartilage with it, assuming that they can promote the survival and regeneration of cartilage. In this study, after co‐culture with the SIS and U‐SIS, the proliferation, migration and chondrogenesis ability of the auricular‐derived chondrocyte cells (ACs) were significantly improved. Further, the expression levels of chondrocyte phenotype‐related genes were up‐regulated, whilst that of dedifferentiated genes was down‐regulated. The signal pathway proteins (Wnt3a and Wnt5a) were also participated in regulation of chondrogenesis. In vivo, compared with perichondrium, the diced cartilage wrapped with the SIS and U‐SIS attained higher survival rate, less calcification and absorption in both short and long terms. Particularly, USCs promoted chondrogenesis and modulated local immune responses via paracrine pathways. In conclusion, SIS have the potential to be a new choice of membrane material for diced cartilage graft. U‐SIS can enhance survival and regeneration of diced cartilage as a bioactive membrane material.
A single center Israeli experience in pregnancy post lung transplantation: Feasibility of successful two or more full‐term pregnancies in individual lung transplant recipients
Authors: Shtraichman Osnat , Heching Moshe , Bakal Ilana , Rosengarten Dror , Shitenberg Dorit , Shostak Yael , Barac Yaron D. , Peysakhovich Yury , Kramer Mordechai R.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Female lung transplant recipients (LTRs) of reproductive age are increasingly considering pregnancy due to advances in post‐transplant management and improved survival. We report our experience with pregnancy in LTRs, with an emphasis on two or more successful full‐term pregnancies in individual transplant recipients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of pregnancies in LTRs at our transplant center and collected maternal and fetal outcomes.

Results

In our patient cohort, eight female LTRs conceived a total of 17 pregnancies, resulting in 13 newborns, 12 at full term, and 11 with a birth weight > 2.5 kg. Three of the LTRs had two or more successful full‐term pregnancies. LTRs required a significant tacrolimus dose increase to maintain target trough levels during pregnancy. Six recipients are currently clinically stable and active, three with lung function comparable to pre‐pregnancy values, and three with evidence of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), but stable lung function. Two of the eight LTRs died subsequent to childbirth secondary to chronic respiratory failure due to CLAD, at a mean of 11 years post‐transplantation and a mean of 4.5 years after childbirth.

Conclusion

Pregnancy following lung transplantation is feasible and can be achieved with acceptable maternal and newborn outcomes. Importantly, LTRs can successfully have two or more full‐term pregnancies.
Discussion forums and student engagement: A social network analysis perspective
Authors: Kumi Richard
Published: September 2023

Online courses frequently use discussion forums to enhance student engagement, an approach that is critical to fostering positive student learning outcomes. Because discussion forums are common in online classes, many instructors rely on summary statistics and self‐reported measures to assess student engagement. However, these metrics overlook the structural and relational dimensions of student interactions in discussion forums. To complement those other metrics, this study uses social network analysis to examine interactions in a discussion forum to expose the structural and relational dimensions of student interactions. We aggregated data on student interactions in a discussion forum for an undergraduate class with 31 enrolled students. The graphical representation of student interactions in the discussion forum revealed the social positions and roles of students and exposed the strengths and weaknesses in the structural and relational ties. Mathematical analysis accurately measures student interactions in the forum using measures of centrality. Both of those analyses enabled the description and comparison of interactions at the group and individual levels. Social network analysis is a practical method that adds another perspective to our understanding of student interactions in discussion forums. The outcomes of social network analysis can help instructors design courses, devise appropriate teaching interventions, and effectively use forums to engage students to improve learning outcomes.
Association between lactate/albumin ratio and prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Yang , Lai Weiyan , Yang Ke , Wu Bingyuan , Xie Dongmei , Peng Chaoquan
Published: September 2023

Background

The association between the lactate/albumin ratio (L/A) as a diagnostic indicator and unfavourable clinical outcomes has been established in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia, sepsis and heart failure, but the connection between L/A and all‐cause mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has yet to be fully understood.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using MIMIC‐IV (v2.2) data, with 2816 patients enrolled and all‐cause mortality during hospitalization as the primary outcome. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis was used to compare the all‐cause mortality between high‐level and low‐level L/A groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Restricted cubic splines (RCS) and Cox proportional hazards analysis were performed to investigate the relationship between L/A ratio and in‐hospital all‐cause mortality.

Results

L/A values were significantly higher in the non‐survivor groups than the survival groups (1.14 [.20] vs. .60 [.36], p < .05), and area under the ROC curve [.734 (95% confidence interval, .694–.775)] was better than other indicators. Data of COX regression analysis showed that higher L/A value supposed to be an independent risk factor for in‐hospital mortality. RCS analysis showed evidence of an increasing trend and a non‐linear relationship between L/A and in‐hospital mortality (p‐value was non‐linear <.05). KM survival curves were significantly lower in the high L/A group than the low L/A group (p < .001), and the former group had an increased risk of in‐hospital mortality compared with the latter one (Log Rank p < .001).

Conclusions

L/A demonstrates significant independent predictive power for elevated all‐cause mortality during hospitalization in patients diagnosed with AMI.
Actor–partner effects of coping strategies on emotional exhaustion in dual‐earner couples
Authors: Osca Amparo , Heras‐Recuero Laura
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the actor and partner effects of personal coping strategies (behavioral and emotional) on emotional exhaustion, directly and indirectly through work–family conflict, in dual‐earner couples, from a gender perspective.

Background

Previous studies support the relevance of personal coping strategies as resources that contribute to better performance in work and family roles and the well‐being of couples. However, few studies have incorporated partner effects and a gender perspective into the analysis.

Method

Using a sample of 131 dual‐earner heterosexual couples, actor–partner interdependence models were tested to analyze the impact of personal coping strategies on both couple members' emotional exhaustion.

Results

Actor effects show no gender differences, as experienced work–family conflict increases emotional exhaustion in both couple members. However, mixed results were found for the partner effect. Women's coping strategies appeared to be negatively related to men's work–family conflict, which in turn was negatively related to women's emotional exhaustion. However, the reverse pattern was not observed: men's coping strategies were not related to women's conflict, nor did women's conflict levels affect their partners' emotional exhaustion.

Conclusions

Men's and women's personal resources do not equally influence the distribution of roles within the couple or the partners' well‐being.

Implications

Although role sharing reduces women's emotional exhaustion, it is essential to promote their careers. Their career advancement is a matter of justice and a source of benefits for their families.
Genetic sex determination improves Canadian Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) population assessments
Authors: Robertson Martha J. , Lehnert Sarah J. , Kelly Nicholas I. , Hamilton Lorraine C. , Jones Ross A. , Levy Alex L. , Poole Rebecca , Burke Chantelle M. , Duffy Steven J. , Messmer Amber , Bradbury Ian R.
Published: September 2023

Estimating egg deposition for Atlantic salmon population assessments is made difficult by their lack of sexual dimorphism prior to the autumn spawning season. We quantified the effect of sex misclassification from subjective examination of external morphology on egg deposition estimates in four Atlantic salmon populations across multiple years. Sex classification of Canadian salmon using the genetic sex marker (sdY) was accurate (>97%), whereas sex classification based on subjective examination of external morphology was inaccurate, with misclassification rates dependent on sea age, life history, and sampling season. Sex misclassification led to annual egg deposition estimates that ranged from −36% to +56%. We found that sex could not be discriminated based on measures of external morphology.
Collaborative study on the genetics of alcoholism: The strength of collaboration, team science, and longitudinal data
Authors: Ehringer Marissa A.
Published: September 2023

This issue contains a series of articles describing the various resources, studies, results, and future directions for the collaborative study on the genetics of alcoholism (COGA). The collaborative and integrative approach initiated by this group ~30 years ago serves as an excellent example of the strength of team science. Individually, various aspects of COGA would be limited in their impact toward improved understanding of alcohol use disorder. Collectively, their wholistic approach which spans deep longitudinal phenotypic assessments in families to include the application of large‐scale omics technologies and cell‐culture based molecular studies has demonstrated the power of working together.
Dataset for reporting of thymic epithelial tumours: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR)
Authors: Roden Anja C , Judge Meagan , den Bakker Michael A , Fang Wentao , Jain Deepali , Marx Alexander , Moreira Andre L , Rajan Arun , Stroebel Philipp , Szolkowska Malgorzata , Cooper Wendy A
Published: September 2023

Aims

Thymic epithelial tumours (TET), including thymomas and thymic carcinomas and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms, are malignant neoplasms that can be associated with morbidity and mortality. Recently, an updated version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Thoracic Tumours 5th Edition, 2021 has been released, which included various changes to the classification of these neoplasms. In addition, in 2017 the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) / American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) published the 8th Edition Staging Manual which, for the first time, includes a TNM staging that is applicable to thymomas, thymic carcinomas, and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Methods and Results

To standardize reporting of resected TET and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms the accrediting bodies updated their reporting protocols. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), which represents a collaboration between various National Associations of Pathology, updated its 2017 histopathology reporting guide on TET and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms accordingly. This report will highlight important changes in the reporting of TET and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms based on the 2021 WHO, emphasize the 2017 TNM staging, and also comment on the rigour and various uncertainties for the pathologist when trying to follow that staging.

Conclusion

The ICCR dataset provides a comprehensive, standardized template for reporting of resected TET and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms.
La negociación colectiva en el trabajo doméstico y su contribución a la regulación y la formalización en Italia
Authors: SEIFFARTH Marlene
Published: September 2023

La negociación colectiva del trabajo doméstico es un fenómeno infrecuente y poco estudiado, pese a su importancia para la regulación y formalización del sector. Italia es uno de los países europeos con mayor número de trabajadores domésticos y uno de los pocos con convenio colectivo nacional. Los sindicatos y las asociaciones de familias empleadoras negocian convenios desde 1974. Los resultados de este estudio cualitativo basado en entrevistas a expertos ponen de manifiesto retos y limitaciones, pero también una formalización en curso del trabajo atípico en este sector pujante, dominado por trabajadoras migrantes, gracias a la negociación colectiva y al compromiso de los interlocutores sociales.
Financial Flexibility and Opportunity Capture: Bridging the Gap Between Finance and Strategy
Authors: Arbogast Stephen V. , Kumar Praveen
Published: September 2023

Logically, the practice of corporate finance and corporate strategy should be closely coordinated, but in reality there remains a massive gap between the two. This can lead strategically oriented firms to de‐emphasize or even discard NPV. Neither financial theory nor competitive strategy has been very open to the economic value of investment opportunity capture. Strategy must recognize that financial flexibility provides powerful advantages and financial theory must evaluate entire strategic programs rather than discrete, stand‐alone projects.

Necessarily, the financial discussion of cost of capital and capital structure has to change. The authors offer two specific concepts to bridge the Gap between Finance and Strategy:

1) Reserve Financial Capacity is the annual sum of Free Cash Flow, Financing Flexibility and Cash Reserves over the period envisioned for strategy execution. Individual projects must belong to strategic programs in the sense that they either: 1) keep the base business running; 2) preserve an existing competitive position; or 3) form part of a program to enhance advantage or fashion a strategic breakout.

2) Strategically Sustainable Cost of Capital is the true, blended cost of capital required to complete an entire capital program.

These concepts provide financial rigor to firms with well‐defined strategies and allow managements to wield Financial Flexibility as a strategic weapon, creating options on unique buying opportunities, such as at the bottom of industry cycles.
An Improved Method for Valuing Mature Companies and Estimating Terminal Value
Authors: Holland David A.
Published: September 2023

The theory underlying Discounted cash flow (DCF) models is uncontroversial in academia, the economic intuition behind them is straightforward, and the mathematics reassuringly simple. Nevertheless, in practice, they are applied inconsistently with very different valuation results. Because of the assumed infinite life (“going concern”) of a business enterprise, DCF models implicitly assume the ability to forecast future cash flows forever. This forces analysts to make assumptions about the terminal period using simplistic metrics such as P/E or EV/EBITDA to estimate terminal values or to embed a perpetual stream of excess profitability and value creation in the terminal period.

The author offers an uncomplicated alternative to these unrealistic assumptions. The first step is to introduce an adjustable fade rate called f. A fade rate of 100% brings about immediate convergence, and a fade rate of 0% specifies no fade and perpetual excess profitability. The notion that excess profits get competed away over time can be modeled by assuming that the spread of (ROIC ‐ r) fades to zero and that economic profit dissipates.

Intrinsic value is very sensitive to the fade rate assumption and this helps explain the risk premium for quality stocks. The risk of owning quality stocks is that they lose their economic moat and competitive advantage. An adjustable fade rate provides an excellent means to value the effect of profitability attenuation in a DCF model.
Emetine dihydrochloride alleviated radiation‐induced lung injury through inhibiting EMT
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Mo , Yin Jizhong , Fang Jiayan , Ying Yimeng , Ye Tianxia , Zhang Fangxiao , Ma Shumei , Qin Hongran , Liu Xiaodong
Published: September 2023

Radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI), divided into early radiation pneumonia (RP) and late radiation‐induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF), is a common serious disease after clinical chest radiotherapy or nuclear accident, which seriously threatens the life safety of patients. There has been no effective prevention or treatment strategy till now. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the occurrence and development of RILI. In this study, we demonstrated that emetine dihydrochloride (EDD) alleviated RILI through inhibiting EMT. We found that EDD significantly attenuated EMT‐related markers, reduced Smad3 phosphorylation expression after radiation. Then, for the first time, we observed EDD alleviated lung hyperaemia and reduced collagen deposit induced by irradiation, providing protection against RILI. Finally, it was found that EDD inhibited radiation‐induced EMT in lung tissues. Our study suggested that EDD alleviated RILI through inhibiting EMT by blocking Smad3 signalling pathways. In summary, our results indicated that EDD is a novel potential radioprotector for RILI.
Improving the diagnosis of Streptococcus iniae using a novel probe‐based qPCR assay combined with an enrichment step
Authors: Phasunon Ramida , Taengphu Suwimon , Panphut Wattana , Chatchaiphan Satid , Dong Ha Thanh , Senapin Saengchan
Published: September 2023

Streptococcus iniae is a bacterial pathogen that causes streptococcosis, leading to significant losses in fish aquaculture globally. This study reported a newly developed probe‐based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method for the detection of S. iniae. The primers and probes were designed to target the lactate oxidase gene. The optimized method demonstrated a detection limit of 20 copies per reaction and was specific to S. iniae, as evidenced by no cross‐reactivity when assayed against genetic materials extracted from 23 known aquatic animal pathogens, and fish samples infected with Streptococcus agalactiae or Streptococcus dysgalactiae. To validate the newly developed qPCR protocol with field samples, fish specimens were systematically investigated following the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations & Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia‐Pacific three diagnostic levels approach, which integrated basic and advanced techniques for disease diagnosis, including observation of gross signs (level I), bacterial isolation (level II), qPCR and 16S rDNA sequencing (level III). The result showed that 7/7 affected farms (three Asian seabass farms and four tilapia farms) experiencing clinical signs of streptococcosis were diagnosed positive for S. iniae. qPCR assays using DNA extracted directly from fish tissue detected S. iniae in 11 out of 36 fish samples (30.6%), while 24 out of 36 samples (66.7%) tested positive after an enrichment step, including apparently healthy fish from affected farms. Bacterial isolation of S. iniae was only successful in a proportion of clinically diseased fish but not in healthy‐looking fish from the same farm. Overall, the newly developed qPCR protocol combined with enrichment would be a useful tool for the diagnosis and surveillance of S. iniae infections in fish populations, thereby aiding in the disease control and prevention.
The associations among executive planning, self‐determination, and quality of life in adolescents with intellectual disability
Authors: Lui M. , Lau G. K. B. , Wong P. K. S.
Published: September 2023

Background

Skills such as planning and problem solving that are required in self‐determination can be cognitively demanding. It has not yet been examined whether executive functions and intelligence are associated with levels of self‐determination in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), and how that is related to quality of life (QoL). This study examined the associations among executive functions, intelligence, self‐determination, and QoL in adolescents with ID.

Methods

Seventy‐nine adolescents aged between 17 and 20 years with mild ID participated in the study. Executive functions were assessed by experimental tasks. Non‐verbal IQ and survey data regarding QoL and self‐determination capacity were collected from the participants.

Results

In a regression model with QoL as the dependent variable, only executive planning and self‐determination capacity (but not working memory, inhibition and IQ) were significant predictors of QoL. Two mediation models were tested based on the hypotheses, literature and current findings. Model 1 revealed that executive planning had a negative direct effect on QoL when the mediator, self‐determination capacity, was held constant. Model 2 indicated that the significant association between self‐determination and QoL was not mediated by executive planning.

Conclusions

The findings highlighted the crucial significance of self‐determination, in comparison with executive functions and intelligence, for improving the QoL in adolescents with ID. Importantly, higher executive planning skill was even associated with lower QoL if self‐determination was not concurrently strengthened. These findings carry implications for the design of education and intervention programmes aimed at improving QoL of adolescents with ID.
Sunu Coosan: Creating “our tradition” in Senegalese wrestling songs
Authors: Brody Bina
Published: September 2023

This article explores the term “sunu coosan” as a Senegalese trope of self‐articulation and as a semiotic strategy in contemporary discourses surrounding nationhood. The term, meaning "our tradition" in Wolof, is used by professionals as well as lay people in their promotion of the national sport, Làmb wrestling. By examining this phrase within the broad repertoire of Senegalese wrestling songs, I show that the musical commentary performed in the sport of Làmb situates it within a narrative of traditional continuity, subsequently producing a modern tradition for the consumption of the Senegalese nation. I argue that this collection of songs is a performative embodiment of a modern state's struggle to form its national identity. In Senegal's national wrestling arenas, ongoing lyrical engagement with the themes of history, heritage, and morality in genre‐specific, stylized formats, makes these songs the site of both ‘traditional discourse’ and a ‘discourse about tradition’. In this article, I explore three central features of Làmb songs: the use of poetic personas; "out of time narration"; and the recitation of praise poetry. By implementing these stylistic techniques inside and outside of the arena, local musicians continually create a meta‐discourse about the meaning of tradition.
Contents, Methods, and Outcomes of Adolescent Sexual Health Promotion in School Environments: A Scoping Review*
Authors: Jämiä Lotta , Piispanen Niina , Kylmä Jari , Haavisto Elina , Harju Eeva
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Schools play a significant role in adolescent sexual health (SH) promotion. Although adolescents' SH has improved, growing challenges still exist in some areas. Previous studies have noted a lack of knowledge about SH promotion implementation in school environments. The purpose of this review is to describe the contents, methods, and outcomes of adolescent SH promotion in school environments.

METHODS

Three databases (Cinahl, ERIC, Medline) were searched for peer‐reviewed articles published in 2011 to 2022, to identify SH promotion in school environments for adolescents aged 12 to 19 years old. After critical appraisal, inductive content analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

After screening, 25 studies from 8 countries were included. Sexually transmitted diseases and contraception were emphasized in the contents of the methods. Five SH promotion methods were identified: traditional, virtual, interactive, practical skills supporting, and creative. The outcomes were advancement in SH abilities, changes in sexual behavior, and the strengthening of sexual identity.

CONCLUSIONS

The contents mostly considered negative consequences of sexual behavior, whereas positive aspects were less discussed. Traditional methods were emphasized, yet positive outcomes were identified regardless of the method. SH promotion should aim to better support adolescents' sexual identity reinforcement.
Socioeconomic, behavioral, and psychological factors related to oral health in Myanmar: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Thwin Kaung Myat , Lin Wa Than , Takehara Sachiko , Ogawa Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the effects of socioeconomic, behavioral, and psychological factors on oral health status and oral health‐related quality of life in Myanmar adults.

Methods

Data were from a convenience sample of Myanmar adults who are from a township health center in Yangon city. Face‐to‐face interviews using a paper‐based questionnaire in the Myanmar language and clinical oral examinations were performed at the health center. Mann–Whitney U test and linear regressions were used to assess the association of socio‐demographic, behavioral, and psychological variables with oral health outcomes.

Results

In socio‐demographic variables, significant associations were observed in individual income with periodontal pocket and OHIP‐14, and history of COVID‐19 infection with OHIP‐14. However, there were no associations between behavioral factors and oral health outcomes. After adjustment for sex, age, educational level, and individual income, the depression subscale was statistically significant with the number of present teeth, decayed teeth, decayed, missing, and filled teeth, and OHIP‐14. The anxiety subscale remained significant with periodontal pocket, but no stress subscale was associated with oral health outcomes.

Conclusion

The experiences of oral health status were high, and the oral health‐related quality of life was unfavorable in Myanmar adults. A large proportion of them suffers from psychological distress. Additionally, individuals with lower income and who experienced a history of COVID‐19 infection were susceptible to poor oral health‐related quality of life. Psychological distress indicates a higher risk for oral health problems in Myanmar adults.
Chronic periodontitis induces the proliferation of pancreatic β‐cells to cause hyperinsulinemia in a rat model
Authors: Ye Leilei , Lv Yingtao , Wu Qianqi , Chen Yiyan , Zhang Xueyang , Su Yuan
Published: September 2023

Background and Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine if chronic periodontitis (CP) may induce hyperinsulinemia and may have the effect of on pancreatic β‐cell proliferation in a rat model.

Materials and Methods

Twelve male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: the CP group and the control group (Con group). The following contents were evaluated: pathological changes in periodontal soft and hard tissues; serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level, serum fasting insulin (FINS) level, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) β (HOMA‐β) index; histopathological examination of islets; immunohistochemistry of insulin and p‐Smad2 expression in islets; immunofluorescence of changes in the relative number of β‐cells and the number of Ki67‐positive β‐cells. Western blotting was used to analyze p‐Smad2/Smad2 levels. Results were analyzed by two independent samples t tests.

Results

Increased serum LPS level, FINS level, and HOMA‐β index were observed in the rats of the CP group; FBG level did not change significantly; histological assessments showed an enlarged islet area, increased insulin content, relatively increased β‐cells, increased Ki67‐positive β‐cells, and decreased p‐Smad2 expression in islets in the rats of the CP group.

Conclusion

Our study results link CP‐induced hyperinsulinemia with changes in islets, such as islet hyperplasia and compensatory β‐cell proliferation, by using a CP rat model.
Microbial biomarkers as a predictor of periodontal treatment response: A systematic review
Authors: Chew Ren Jie Jacob , Goh Charlene Enhui , Sriram Gopu , Preshaw Philip M. , Tan Kai Soo
Published: September 2023

To evaluate the prognostic accuracy of microbial biomarkers and their associations with the response to active periodontal treatment (APT) and supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). Microbial dysbiosis plays a crucial role in the disease processes of periodontitis. Biomarkers based on microbial composition may offer additional prognostic value, supplementing the limitations of current clinical parameters. While these microbial biomarkers have been clinically evaluated, there is a lack of consensus regarding their prognostic accuracy. A structured search strategy was applied to MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, and Embase on 1/11/2022 to identify relevant publications. Prospective clinical studies involving either APT or SPT, with at least 3‐month follow‐up were included. There were no restrictions on the type of microbial compositional analysis. 1918 unique records were retrieved, and 13 studies (comprising 943 adult patients) were included. Heterogeneity of the studies precluded a meta‐analysis, and none of the included studies had performed the sequence analysis of the periodontal microbiome. Seven and six studies reported on response to APT and SPT, respectively. The prognostic accuracy of the microbial biomarkers for APT and SPT was examined in only two and four studies, respectively. Microbial biomarkers had limited predictive accuracy for APT and inconsistent associations for different species across studies. For SPT, elevated abundance of periodontal pathogens at the start of SPT was predictive of subsequent periodontal progression. Similarly, persistent high pathogen loads were consistently associated with progressive periodontitis, defined as an increased pocket probing depth or clinical attachment loss. While there was insufficient evidence to support the clinical use of microbial biomarkers as prognostic tools for active periodontal treatment outcomes, biomarkers that quantify periodontal pathogen loads may offer prognostic value for predicting progressive periodontitis in the subsequent supportive periodontal therapy phase. Additional research will be required to translate information regarding subgingival biofilm composition and phenotype into clinically relevant prognostic tools.
The effects of eye masks and earplugs on sleep quality, anxiety, fear, and vital signs in patients in an intensive care unit: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Bahcecioglu Turan Gülcan , Gürcan Fatma , Özer Zülfünaz
Published: September 2023

In intensive care units, environmental factors like loud noises and bright lights can cause fear, anxiety, changes in vital signs, and sleep disturbances. The aim of this study was to find out how using earplugs and eye masks during the night affected sleep quality, anxiety, fear, and vital signs of patients in an intensive care unit. A total of 70 patients, 35 in the intervention and 35 in the control group, were included in this randomised controlled study. While the patients in the intervention group were provided with earplugs and eye masks for 3 nights in addition to their routine care, only routine care was given to the patients in the control group. The ‘Introductory Information Form’, ‘Visual Analogue Scale‐Fear (VAS‐F)’, ‘Visual Analogue Scale‐Anxiety (VAS‐A)’, ‘Vital Signs Monitoring Form’, and ‘Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire’ were used for data collection. It was found that the mean scores of VAS‐F, VAS‐A, heart rate, diastolic and systolic blood pressure of the intervention group decreased significantly after the intervention, while their sleep quality increased significantly. In this study, it was found that using earplugs and eye masks for patients in an intensive care unit during the night was effective in improving patients’ sleep quality and reducing fear, anxiety, and problems in vital signs.
What is the impact of a Hepatitis C ‘test, trace and treat’ pilot using peer workers?
Authors: Caroline Allsop , Kate Mcque , Roberts Mark , Ryan Jelley , Murphy Suzanne , Richardson Carrie , Coyte Aishah , Taha Yusri , Stuart McPherson
Published: September 2023

Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and deaths worldwide. HCV treating teams are working toward the goal of eliminating HCV by 2030. People who inject drugs (PWIDs) are at high risk of HCV but contact tracing is not routine practice. Here, we present the outcomes of a HCV ‘test, trace and treat’ pilot using peer workers to test contacts of individuals with HCV. PWIDs with HCV were invited to participate when they presented for treatment. For those agreeing to participate, a peer approached them to invite potential contacts for HCV testing. Data were collected on uptake, HCV test results, treatment rates and reasons for declining. Overall, 295 individuals (162 recent HCV [<1 year], 69 reinfections, 64 known chronic HCV) were invited to participate, of whom 147 (50%) agreed and 30 (20% of those agreeing) brought forward 120 contacts for testing. Of these, 44 (37%) were HCV RNA positive, including 23 who were not known to services. 34 (77%) started antiviral treatment. HCV RNA positivity was highest in contacts of reinfections (45%) compared with recent HCV (33%) and known chronic HCV (25%). The most common reason for index individuals declining participation was that they reported no longer being in contact with individuals from their injecting network (65%). In conclusion, half of PWIDs with HCV agreed to participate in the pilot, but only 20% of these brought contacts forward. The frequency of active HCV was high in the contacts and the majority started antiviral treatment.
The geography of (un)reasonable suspicion: Rethinking causes of racial disparities in police stops
Authors: Lautenschlager Rachel
Published: September 2023

In Illinois vs. Wardlow (2000), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that presence in a “high‐crime” area is one factor that police can consider when establishing reasonable suspicion to justify a Terry stop. Some legal scholars argue that through this decision the Court propagated inequity in police stops by setting a lower evidentiary standard for establishing reasonable suspicion in neighborhoods with greater numbers Black residents, which are more likely than White neighborhoods to be considered crime hot spots. To assess these claims, I analyze pedestrian stop data from the Chicago Police Department for the years 2016 and 2017. Using spatial regression techniques, I evaluate relationships between neighborhood measures of Black disadvantage, police stop justifications, and “hit rates” of stops. The results suggest that reasonable suspicion is uniquely constructed in disadvantaged Black neighborhoods but that this does not result in significantly different enforcement rates. Based on these results, I argue that policing scholars must reconsider sources of inequity in policing and, in particular, consider the role of the law in shaping these outcomes.