bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptom dimensions of anxiety and depression in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis compared to haemodialysis
Authors: Nadort Els , Schouten Robbert W , Luijkx Xander , Shaw Prataap K Chandie , van Ittersum Frans J , Smets Yves FC , Vleming Louis-Jean , Dekker Friedo W , Broekman Birit FPH , Siegert Carl EH
Published: April 2022

Background:

Differences in symptom burden, treatment satisfaction and autonomy between patients receiving peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis could be reflected by a difference in symptom dimensions of anxiety and depression. The aim of this study is to assess differences in prevalence and symptom dimensions of anxiety and depression between patients receiving peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis.

Methods:

Baseline data from the Depression Related Factors and Outcomes in Dialysis Patients With Various Ethnicities and Races Study were used. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured with the Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory– second edition. Linear and logistic regression models were used to compare anxiety and depression total scores and somatic and subjective/cognitive symptom dimension scores between patients receiving peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results:

In total, 84 patients receiving peritoneal dialysis and 601 patients receiving haemodialysis were included. Clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression were present in respectively 22% and 43% of the patients, with no differences between dialysis modality. Both modalities scored high on the somatic symptom dimensions and on individual somatic items. Almost all patients reported symptoms related to loss of energy and sleep.

Conclusion:

No differences in symptom dimensions of anxiety and depression were found between patients receiving peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis. The high prevalence of somatic symptom dimensions in both groups underscores the possible interaction between somatic and psychiatric symptoms in dialysis patients and the need for early recognition and treatment of symptoms of anxiety and depression regardless of treatment modalities.
Eliminating the Low-Prevalence Effect in Visual Search With a Remarkably Simple Strategy
Authors: Taylor J. Eric T. , Hilchey Matthew D. , Weidler Blaire J. , Pratt Jay
Published: April 2022

The low-prevalence effect in visual search occurs when rare targets are missed at a disproportionately high rate. This effect has enormous significance for health and public safety and has proven resistant to intervention. In three experiments ( Ns = 41, 40, and 44 adults), we documented a dramatic reduction of the effect using a simple cognitive strategy requiring no training. Instead of asking participants to search for the presence or absence of a target, as is typically done in visual search tasks, we asked participants to engage in “similarity search”—to identify the display element most similar to a target on every trial, regardless of whether a target was present. When participants received normal search instructions, we observed strong low-prevalence effects. When participants used similarity search, we failed to detect the low-prevalence effect under identical visual conditions across three experiments.
How Language Learning and Language Use Create Linguistic Structure
Authors: Smith Kenny
Published: April 2022

Languages persist through a cycle of learning and use: You learn a language through immersion in the language used in your linguistic community, and in using language to communicate, you produce further linguistic data, which other people might learn from in turn. Languages change over historical time as a result of errors and innovations in these processes of learning and use; this article reviews experimental and computational methods that have been developed to test the hypothesis that those same processes of learning and use are responsible for creating the fundamental structural properties shared by all human languages, including some of the design features that make language such a powerful tool for communication.
Psychosocial and Health-Related Experiences of Individuals With Microtia and Craniofacial Microsomia and Their Families: Narrative Review Over 2 Decades
Authors: Johns Alexis L , Stock Nicola M , Costa Bruna , Billaud Feragen Kristin , Crerand Canice E
Published: April 2022

This paper describes 20 years of microtia and craniofacial microsomia (CFM) psychosocial and healthcare studies and suggests directions for clinical care and research.

A narrative review of papers January 2000 to July 2021 related to psychosocial and healthcare experiences of individuals with microtia and CFM and their families.

Studies (N = 64) were mainly cross-sectional (69%), included a range of standardized measures (64%), and were with European (31%), American (27%), or multinational (23%) samples. Data were generally collected from both patients and caregivers (38%) or patient self-report (35%). Sample sizes were 11 to 25 (21%), 26 to 50 (19%), 51 to 100 (22%), or over 100 (38%). Studies addressed 5 primary topics: (1) Healthcare Experiences, including Medical Care, Hearing Loss/Amplification, Diagnostic Experiences, and Information Preferences; (2) Psychosocial Experiences, including Teasing, Behavioral Adjustment, Psychosocial Support, and Public Perception; (3) Neurocognitive Functioning and Academic Assistance; (4) Pre- and Post-Operative Psychosocial Outcomes of Ear Reconstruction/Canaloplasty; and (5) Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction.

Care involved multiple specialties and was often experienced as stressful starting at diagnosis. Psychosocial and neurocognitive functioning were generally in the average range, with possible risk for social and language concerns. Coping and resiliency were described into adulthood. Satisfaction and positive benefit of ear reconstruction/canaloplasty were high. Care recommendations include increasing: hearing amplification use, microtia and CFM knowledge among providers, efficient treatment coordination, psychosocial support, academic assistance, and advances to minimize surgical scarring. This broad literature overview informs clinical practice and research to improve psychosocial outcomes.
Determinants of Online Learning and the Mediating Role of Facilitator
Authors: Parihar Shubhendra Singh , Mishra Dheeraj , Srivastava Kajal
Published: April 2022

Online teaching is not a new method. The current pandemic forced online learning predominantly. This study attempted to study the determinants of online learning and mediating role of facilitator. The covariance analysis of the proposed model revealed that the facilitator along with technological factors is significant. Similarly, the covariance coefficient of interaction with mentoring was found to be significant. The data has been collected from the students of higher educational institutions located in the northern region of India. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is done to analyze the impact on respective factors. The correlation matrix explained the relationship between different factors. The facilitator and interaction are significant determinants of learning which validate our hypothesis. The mediation model assesses whether a facilitator playing the mediating role in explaining the relationship between learning and interaction has come out to be significant.
Operative vs Nonoperative Treatment of Achilles Tendon Ruptures Using Early Functional Rehabilitation: Critical Analysis of Evidence
Authors: Reito Aleksi , Mattila Ville , Karjalainen Teemu
Published: April 2022

Background:

Nonoperative treatment with functional rehabilitation of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) has become more common because of claim of “equivalent” risk of rerupture compared to operative treatment. We investigated how current evidence corroborates the often-claimed “equal” or “nondifferent” complication rates.

Methods:

A search of meta-analyses in PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus was performed. Meta-analyses including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing open operative repair of ATR and nonoperative treatment with functional rehabilitation regarding reruptures and other complications were identified.

Results:

Four separate meta-analyses with 6 pooled treatment comparisons were identified. One of the 6 treatment effects (for risk ratio [RR]) showed a reduced risk of rerupture favoring operative treatment, whereas in the remaining analyses the null hypothesis assuming equal risk or an RR of 1 could not be rejected. The smallest RR (benefit in favor of surgery) that could be rejected based on the 95% CI was 0.28. The smallest risk difference that could be rejected in favor of surgery was 6.4%, indicating that nonoperative may have up to 6.4% higher rerupture rate. Treatment effects for complications other than rerupture had very large variability and imprecision.

Conclusion:

The literature comparing surgery with nonoperative treatment using functional rehabilitation in ATR have been interpreted in favor of nonoperative treatment as the rerupture rates were falsely considered “equivalent.” None of the published meta-analyses excluded a relative risk that is likely to affect the course of treatment in many cases. Increasing incidence of nonoperative treatment in ATRs is not clearly supported by current evidence.
International society of oncology pharmacy practitioners (ISOPP) position statement: The role of oncology pharmacy practitioners in immunotherapy treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors for malignant conditions
Authors: Walker Andrew , Chan Alexandre , Labra Constanza Cortés , de Lemos Mario L. , Geirnaert Marc , Albert-Marí María Asunción , Atik Elif Aras , Borlagdan Jared , Crespo Andrea , Danilak Melanie , Kandemir Esin Aysel , Lim CheaXin , Alabelewe Ramatu Mas’ud , Mutiara Rina , Tewthanom Karunrat , Yim Barbara , Nakashima Lynne
Published: April 2022

Oncology pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants are key members of the multidisciplinary health care team (MHT) caring for patients receiving immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) developed this position statement to provide guidance on the role of oncology pharmacy practitioners in caring for patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Four key recommendations were identified: 1) participation as an integrated, collaborative member of the MHT; 2) provision of education and training for patients, students, residents, fellows and other members of the MHT; 3) involvement in clinical governance to optimise the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and 4) involvement in research and development in the field of immunotherapy. In summary, oncology pharmacy practitioners play essential roles within the MHT in caring for patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Prenatal Diagnosis of COL4A1 Mutations in Eight Cases: Further Delineation of the Neurohistopathological Phenotype
Authors: Gubana Francesca , Christov Christo , Coste Thibault , Tournier-Lasserve Elisabeth , Benachi Alexandra , Fallet-Bianco Catherine , Encha-Razavi Ferechte , Martinovic Jelena
Published: April 2022

Background

Increasing number of mutations responsible for vascular lesions, leading to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke in young adults, has been identified in the recent years. It has been demonstrated in both mice and humans, that mutations in COL4A1 gene promote cerebral hemorrhages. In humans, both adults and children may be affected, and the spectrum has been broadened recently to neonates and fetuses.

Methods

We present a cohort of eight COL4A1 mutated fetuses in which cerebral hemorrhages were detected by ultrasound leading to elective terminations of pregnancy.

Results

Our neuropathological studies demonstrated a strikingly similar pathological pattern, dominated by supra- and infratentorial multifocal hemorrhagic lesions of various abundance and age in the vicinity of enlarged small vessels having a discontinuous wall. This was constantly associated with a spectrum of supratentorial post-ischemic damages of the grey and white matters. Morphometric studies of brain vessels confirmed vascular dilation and hypervascularization in both grey and white matters and severe attenuation of the smooth-muscle actin staining in the white matter.

Conclusion

These observations add to the rare human neuropathological phenotype of COL4A1 mutations. Its recognition is mandatory to enhance the number of tested patients in the future, as well as the genetic counseling of parents.
Comparison between three different high fluence UVA levels in corneal collagen cross-linking for treatment of experimentally induced fungal keratitis in rabbits
Authors: Awad Ramy , Hafezi Farhad , Ghaith Alaa Atef , Baddour Manal Mohammad , Awad Khaled , Abdalla Moones , Sheta Eman , Sultan Gehad Mahmoud , Elmassry Ahmed
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of Photo-Activated Chromophore for Keratitis – Corneal Collagen Cross-linking (PACK-CXL) of three different total UVA fluence levels and topical voriconazole in treatment of fungal keratitis experimentally induced in rabbits.

Methods

This is an interventional experimental study including both eyes of 16 rabbits (32 eyes). Fungal keratitis was induced by intrastromal injection of Fusarium Solani into the cornea. The rabbits were then divided into four groups (8 eyes for each) from which group A received Voriconazole eye drops and considered as control group. Group B, C, D received single PACK-CXL session with total fluence levels of 7.2, 10.0 and 15.0 J/cm2 for each respectively. Daily clinical examination was recorded and all corneas were removed for microbiology and histopathology on day ten.

Results

The mean clinical signs score eyes treated with high fluence PACK-CXL showed evident clinical improvement from fourth to tenth day of treatment. This improvement was equivalent to that of Voriconazole treatment. The results showed better improvement with increasing the UVA total fluence levels but this difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Similarly, the median CFU/ml declined on increasing UVA fluence but with no statistically significant values. Histopathological examination revealed better improvement of inflammatory signs on higher fluence levels compared to lower ones.

Conclusions

High intensity PACK-CXL (30 mW/cm2) was as effective as Voriconazole in the treatment of fungal keratitis in rabbits. Increasing the fluence of UVA was associated with slightly better clinical outcomes with no added risks. More clinical studies are needed to confirm these results.
Detection of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Spike Antibodies in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Japan
Authors: Furukawa Hiroshi , Oka Shomi , Higuchi Takashi , Yamaguchi Miho , Uchiyama Shota , Koiwa Tomohiro , Nakama Moriyuki , Minegishi Masaaki , Nagai Hideaki , Tohma Shigeto
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVES

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Serological testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) antibodies (Abs) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) Abs is performed to detect prior COVID-19 infection. It is still controversial which antibodies are the most sensitive and specific, and which can be detected earliest after infection. Here, we evaluated the results of serological tests of anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Abs in Japan.

METHODS

Symptomatic COVID-19 patients (n = 84) and control patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 93) were recruited at Tokyo National Hospital. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Abs were measured by commercial electrochemiluminescence immunoassays.

RESULTS

The fraction of patients positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Abs was highest >14 days after symptom onset. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S Ab positivity at this time (80.4%) tended to be slightly but not significantly lower than anti-SARS-CoV-2 N Ab positivity (84.8%). Optimized cut-off levels for anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Ab positivity were lower than the manufacturer's recommended cut-off levels. Using multiple linear regression analyzes with anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Abs, we created an Ab-index with high sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

To increase the sensitivity of serological diagnostic tests for COVID-19, it is suggested that both anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Abs should be measured and cut-off levels decreased.
Efficiency and temperature of spray lubricated superfinished spur gears
Authors: Andersson M. , Sosa M. , Olofsson U.
Published: April 2022

Gearboxes are one of the most power dense systems used today, and in certain instances their limiting factor is the ability to evacuate heat from the gear contact. This work analyses the efficiency (i.e. heat generation) and tooth temperature in the three lubricating conditions dip, into mesh spray and out of mesh spray for superfinished gears which are then compared to ground gears. A back-to-back gear test rig is employed to test maximum contact pressures at the pitch of 0.59 to 0.96 GPa and pitch velocities from 0.5 to 20 m/s at a controlled lubricant temperature of 90 °C. The results show superfinished gears have higher mesh efficiency and lower gear tooth and bulk temperatures, hence lower heat flux compared to ground gears in all lubricating conditions.
Prevalence of spiritual and religious experiences in the general population: A Brazilian nationwide study
Authors: Monteiro de Barros Maria Cristina , Leão Frederico Camelo , Vallada Filho Homero , Lucchetti Giancarlo , Moreira-Almeida Alexander , Prieto Peres Mario Fernando
Published: April 2022

Spiritual and religious experiences (SREs) are common subjective phenomena related to the awareness of transcendence, which transforms one's perception of life, death and suffering. Despite the high prevalence of SREs worldwide, not enough studies have been conducted beyond Europe and North America. To fill this gap, this study investigates the prevalence of SREs in Brazil and their association with socio-demographic variables. This online cross-sectional study includes participants from all regions of Brazil. Sixteen SREs were investigated, being categorized into 4 groups: mystical, mediumistic, psi-related and past life/near-death experiences. Prevalence was calculated as percentages and multinomial logistic regression models were used. A total of 1,053 Brazilians were included; 92% reported one SRE in their lifetime and 47.5% experienced at least one SRE frequently. Participants reported having had at least one mystical experience (35%), one psi-related experience (27.7%), and one mediumistic experience (11%). Half the sample had “felt the presence of a dead person” and 70% experienced precognitive dreams at least once. In a multivariate analysis, SREs were associated with the female gender but showed no associations with income, education, employment status and ethnicity. Mystical experiences were associated with age 55 and older. In summary, SREs are very prevalent across different strata of the population, and deserve more attention from researchers and clinicians in order to clarify their nature and implications for mental health care and research in Brazil.
Reverse Coding of a Common-Sense Physical Activity Intervention for Older Adults Using Elements of the Behaviour Change Wheel Framework
Authors: Powell Andrew James , Thomas Sarah
Published: April 2022

“Common-sense” physical activity (PA) interventions for older adults may be more effective if developed in accordance with behavior change theory. One way to achieve this is through retrospectively applying a theoretical behavior change framework to “reverse code” an existing intervention and guide its ongoing development. This study aimed to detail a clear and systematic procedure that applied elements of the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework to reverse code the Active Ageing Pathway (AAP) intervention. The objectives of the procedure were to characterize the content of the AAP and its links to behavior change theory. The content of the AAP was first deconstructed through the examination of “standard operating procedures” documents, in-person observation, and a series of face-to-face discussions with AAP management. Then, the behavior change techniques (BCT) and BCW intervention functions associated with the AAP’s content were identified and coded using the BCT Taxonomy version 1. Forty-one active components were identified within the AAP, which involved numerous professionals, and pertained to a diverse and interlinked range of factors, across various modes of delivery. The components were classified under 20 separate BCT labels, which related to eight of the nine BCW intervention functions. These outcomes were demonstrated to have practical applications for identifying gaps in intervention content as well as for guiding future intervention evaluation. This study supports previous work detailing the usefulness of reverse coding procedures as a tool for developing common-sense interventions, and is the first to do so in the context of a PA intervention for older adults.
Retrospective analysis of immune-related adverse events of the immune checkpoint inhibitors of PD-1/PD-l1 in the Fujian provincial hospital
Authors: Zheng Jianping , Cui Tongjian , Gao Yu , Li Ting
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The effectiveness of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor has been reported. However, the immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and its clinical management of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have not been fully understood. We aimed to analyze the irAEs and its ICIs targeting the PD-1/PD-L1. Methods: The retrospective analysis was performed on the irAEs of cancer patients treated with anti-PD1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies from January 2020 to August 2021 including 240 patients/547 cycles. The following aspects including the categories and the grades of the adverse events (AEs), the time of onset and duration, management plan, and prognosis were evaluated. Results: Among 240 patients, 93 patients (38.75%) experienced irAEs, and 10 patients (4.16%) had AEs that involved multiple organ systems at the same time. There were 83 cases (34.58%) of grade 1–2 AEs and 10 cases (4.17%) of grade three and above AEs. AEs above grade three included five cases of grade three AEs (3 cases of hepatic toxicity, one case of colitis, and one case of skin toxicity), three cases of grade four AEs (pneumonia); and 2 cases of grade five AEs (two deaths due to pneumonia). The complete remission of AEs was achieved in 10 patients by corticosteroid impulse therapy, maintenance therapy, and symptomatic therapy. Among them, six cases continued to use anti-PD1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, two cases stopped, and two patients died from systemic multi-organ failure due to the delayed observation of autoimmune pneumonia. IrAEs occurred at different times and durations in different systems or organs. Conclusion: The safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors was approved in clinical applications. The prevalence of grade three and above AEs is relatively low. Timely diagnosis and early glucocorticoid therapies are adequate and effective approaches for the management of irAEs.
Analysis of trade in endemic Javan hill partridges over the last quarter of a century period
Authors: Nijman Vincent
Published: April 2022

There is increasing recognition of the impact that wildlife trade has on globally threatened and geographically restricted species. For only a few species do we have long-term datasets on their presence in domestic trade. The Asian Songbird Trade Crisis has highlighted the detrimental role that the cage bird trade has on populations of wild birds (songbirds and others) throughout Asia. Starting in 1994, I have visited bird markets in Java and Bali, Indonesia, recording the presence of chestnut-bellied hill partridges Arborophila javanica (endemic to most of Java apart from the easternmost part) and white-faced hill partridges A. orientalis (endemic to easternmost Java). The data thus collected allowed me to test hypotheses related to rarity, price, and purported population trends. No change in the number of hill partridges in trade was observed over this period. The more widespread chestnut-bellied hill partridge was recorded in higher numbers (mean of 1.7 birds survey−1) than white-faced hill partridges (mean of 0.4 birds survey−1). I monitored their online trade on four bird selling platforms and two dedicated hill partridge Facebook pages. Like the trade in the bird markets, the chestnut-bellied hill partridge was recorded in higher numbers than white-faced hill partridges (106 vs 44 birds). Both species were for sale both within and outside their native ranges (17 cities for chestnut-bellied and 10 cities for white-face hill partridges) suggesting extensive trade networks with birds being transported hundreds of kilometres. Average asking prices were similar for both species (US$31) and were not related to the minimum monthly wage of the cities in which the birds were offered for sale. I estimate that annually 3500 chestnut-bellied hill partridges and 700 white-faced hill partridges are sold in the bird markets on Java and Bali. Despite the absence of a harvest quota, the presence of both species over a 27-year period in numerous bird markets, and over the last decade online, indicated the absence of commitment and political and societal pressures to curb the illegal trade in birds in Indonesia.
Contemporary tools and devices for coronary calcium modification
Authors: Bulluck Heerajnarain , McEntegart Margaret
Published: April 2022

With the aging population, up to a third of patients referred for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have moderate or severe calcified lesions assessed by coronary angiography. The presence of coronary calcium is associated with difficult device delivery, sub-optimal stent deployment, and prolonged procedures, with more complications. Furthermore, it is known that sub-optimal stent expansion is associated with poor clinical outcomes. In this manuscript we describe how to quantify the severity of coronary calcium, review the armamentarium of contemporary devices available for calcium modification, and provide a systematic approach to device selection, assessment of successful calcium modification, and stent optimization.
The 2021 NICE guidelines for assessment and management of chronic pain: A cross-sectional study mapping against a sample of 1,000* in the community
Authors: Zambelli Zoe , Halstead Elizabeth J , Iles Ray , Fidalgo Antonio R , Dimitriou Dagmara
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To characterise the prevailing pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management strategies among adults with chronic pain, comparing these against the newly published NICE guidelines NG-193, and examine these pre-NG-193 pain management strategies in relation to pain severity, pain interference, sleep quality and mental health outcomes.

Design

This study was conducted using a cross-sectional online survey study design.

Setting

This study was conducted on a community-dwelling cohort.

Participants

Adults aged 18+, living in the UK, with diagnosis of chronic pain by a health care professional.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcomes were characterisation of the pain management strategies utilised. Secondary outcomes were related to pain severity, pain interference, sleep quality, depression and anxiety via validated self-report measures.

Results

Several strategies were employed by respondents to manage their chronic pain condition including physical therapy, exercise, psychological therapy and pharmacological therapy. The data also indicated a high level of joint-care planning among patients and their clinicians. Some group differences were found in relation to pain, sleep and mental health outcomes.

Conclusion

This study set a comparative starting baseline to which the efficacy of the NG-193 may be compared in future years. There is evidence that NICE recommendations are being followed for the management of chronic primary pain conditions; however, pharmacological use of opioid drugs is still reported by 47%. Despite the confirmed evidence in this study of small efficacy of chronic pain by pharmacological agent, the reduction in the use of pain relief medications be it over the counter medications or prescription opioids, as recommended by NG-193, may be slow to be adopted. The data suggest that more care provision is needed to meet the recommendations around pharmacological management and review.
Arthritis and dentistry
Authors: Bharmal Rozana Valiji , Chia Matthew
Published: April 2022

Arthritis is a common condition affecting millions of people in the UK and worldwide. All members of the dental team will be seeing and treating patients with this condition, and it is important to understand the disease, its management and medications used. This article outlines the five most common types of arthritis: osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (sPA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and gout. It further discusses the medications used to treat these conditions and any dental implications. Finally, advice is offered on considerations for the dental team when treating such patients.
Debonding of cast metal-based cantilever and fixed-fixed resin-retained bridgework: A review of the literature
Authors: Dunn Katharine , Funez Marcio Alejandro Umanzor , Pace-Balzan Adrian
Published: April 2022

Aim:

Cast metal-based resin-retained bridgework (RRB) offers a practical, conservative approach when restoring edentulous spaces. This review examines the debonding of cast metal-based RRB, comparing cantilever resin-retained bridgework (CRRB) and fixed-fixed resin-retained bridgework (FRRB) designs taking into context developments in RRB design, construction, and cementation over time.

Methods:

An electronic search was conducted through Medline and Embase with the aid of Boolean operators to combine the following key words: “adhesive bridges”, “resin-bonded bridges”, “resin-retained bridges”, “resin-bonded fixed partial dentures”, “cantilever”, “debond”, “fixed-fixed”, “decementation”, “failure”, “success”, “outcome”, “longevity” and “survival”. The search was limited to peer-reviewed articles written in English and published from 1995 through to 2019.

Main findings:

Thirty-one studies were included. Five studies compared the longevity of CRRB versus FRRB, five assessed the clinical performance of CRRBs alone, and 21 studies assessed the clinical performance of FRRBs. There was great variability in study design and the reporting of clinical outcomes, and an analysis and critique of the included papers is provided. Overall, CRRB tend to debond less and hence provide longer-term and more reliable clinical service when compared to FRRB.

Principal conclusions:

More high-level, long-term, prospective and clinical controlled trials are required to further analyse and evaluate the long-term outcomes of cast metal-based RRB.
Should new operating procedures arising from COVID-19 make us re-think our management of deep caries?
Authors: Melo Luciana , Blum Igor R. , Foxton Richard M.
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 has impacted heavily on the delivery of dental services within the UK, particularly in regards to aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). However, it has created an opportunity to reflect on how operative dental procedures, such as the management of dental caries, are undertaken. In light of recent evidence in favour of speed increasing contra-angle handpieces in combination with an electric micromotor to eliminate the generation of aerosols at certain speeds while still allowing the cutting of hard tooth tissue, albeit at a slower rate than the traditional air-turbine, this article explores the evidence for partial caries removal using the electric micromotor system. Aspects of maintaing the health of the pulpal tissue using this system and adopting a logical approach to placing adhesive direct resin composites to faciliate an optimum outcome for the patient are also explored.
In search of the citizen in the datafication of public administration
Authors: Broomfield Heather , Reutter Lisa
Published: April 2022

The administrative reform of the datafied public administration places great emphasis on the classification, control, and prediction of citizen behavior and therefore has the potential to significantly impact citizen–state relations. There is a growing body of literature on data-oriented activism which aims to resist and counteract existing harmful data practices. However, little is known about the processes, policies, and political-economic structures that make datafication possible. There is a distinct research gap on situated and context-specific empirical research, which critically interrogates the premises, interests, and agendas of data-driven public administration and how stakeholders can impact them. This paper therefore studies the conditions of participation in public administration datafication. It asks the overall research question of how citizens are problematized and included in policy and practitioner discourse in the datafication of public administration. The paper takes Norway as its case and applies Cardullo and Kitchin’s scaffold of smart citizen participation at the system level. It makes use of a unique empirical insight into the field, consisting of a survey, interviews, and an extensive document analysis. Unexpectedly, we find that citizens and civil society are rarely engaged in this administrative reform. Instead, we identify a paternalistic, top-down, technocratic approach where the context, values, and agendas of datafication are obscured from the citizen.
The analytical framework for the policymaking process of Thai political parties under the CESE model
Authors: Laiprakobsup Thanapan
Published: April 2022

This research aims to establish an analytical framework for the policymaking process of Thai political parties from the 2001 general election to the present. Having reviewed theories on political parties and empirical research on finding the relation between the political and economic contexts, the political parties, and their organizations, the article finds that the policymaking process of political parties consists of: 1) centralization, 2) emphasis on solving everyday life’s economy, 3) being consistent with state policy and plan, and 4) similarities with the policies of political parties with success in elections. According to analysis of political parties’ policy structures and interviews with academicians and the informants from political parties, the article finds that the executive committee of political parties plays an enormous role in the policymaking process and concentrates on solving the problems of everyday life’s economy for low-income people. Moreover, political parties are likely to make policies in accordance with the state plan and the Thai-Rak-Thai Party’s policies. The implication is that the policymaking process of Thai political parties is vertically structured and rarely open to the rank-and-file to participate in. The participatory policymaking process becomes key to improving the quality of Thai democracy in the long run.
Advances in Immunology: A Cornerstone in Diagnosis and Therapy of Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lydolph Wyatt , Desikan Sai Prasad , Wang Shiyu , Allgood John , McClains Charles , Mclaughlin Jennifer , Desikan Raman
Published: April 2022

Merkel cell cancer (MCC) is a rare cutaneous malignancy arising from neuroendocrine cells. This rare but lethal malignancy (mortality greater than 30%) has also tripled in incidence over the last two decades. The role of immunodeficiency in pathogenesis of this rare malignancy is well established, with elucidation of viral pathogenesis by Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV), a novel polyoma virus, in a majority of patients. Viral neoantigens while playing an important role in oncogenesis can also aid in early immunologic detection of recurrent disease. Viral neoantigens can also be targets for immunotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have established role in frontline therapy in addition to recurrence of metastatic MCC. ICI therapy is being explored in adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings as well. We would like to illustrate curative potential of early diagnosis of recurrence and prompt use of ICI in treatment of oligometastatic disease in our case presentation.
Exploring Corporate Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Building Capacity for Employee Engagement in Workplace Wellness Initiatives
Authors: Keller Abiola O , Berman Rebecca , Scotty Barb , Pinto Daniel
Published: April 2022

Engaging employees with chronic conditions as partners in designing, implementing, and evaluating workplace wellness activities is a promising approach for optimizing the impact of workplace health promotion programs. Yet, there is a need for information on how employees are engaged in this process. We conducted a process evaluation of activities of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research for Employees (PCORE) project formed around building capacity for employee engagement in wellness initiatives. Individual interviews were conducted with the 11 project stakeholders to explore perspectives of the project's participatory process and activities. Thematic categories emerging in the analysis were (1) Commitment and support, (2) Understanding purpose and roles, (3) Role of employees in wellness programming, and (4) Communication during meetings. This process evaluation provides insights from a model of stakeholder engagement in the corporate setting. Creating an environment that supports meaningfully engaging employees as partners in co-creating workplace wellness initiatives requires effectively addressing the unique aspects of the U.S. corporate culture such as the emphasis on productivity and the prevalent traditional top-down organizational structures.
How Does Corruption Affect Currency Substitution? Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Akinlo Anthony E.
Published: April 2022

The article examines the impact of corruption on currency substitution in Nigeria over the 1986–2017 period, using the auto-regressive distributed lag and vector error-correction approaches. The results indicate that corruption and currency substitution are co-integrated. Moreover, corruption promotes currency substitution in the short run, which confirms the safe-haven hypothesis. An increase in income leads to an increase in currency substitution, which further supports the safe-haven hypothesis. Exchange rate depreciation tends to promote currency substitution, especially in the short-run. Finally, inflation and interest rate promote currency substitution in Nigeria. Therefore, it would be necessary for policymakers to explore ways of reducing corruption, ensure macroeconomic stability, foster the equitable distribution of growth and promote productivity to enhance savers’ confidence in the local currency.
Book review: Secular Sectarianism: Limits of Subaltern Politics
Authors: Rana Kumar
Published: April 2022

Secular Sectarianism: Limits of Subaltern Politics. Edited by Ajay Gudavarthy (New Delhi: SAGE, 2019). viii + 280 pp, ₹1095. ISBN: 978-93-532-8677-4.
Different Strokes
Authors: Shrivastava Archana , Naik Asha
Published: April 2022

The case is based on a not-for-profit organization, Tara Mobile Crèches, situated in Pune. The organization offers services to the children of construction workers by running its centres at construction sites. Their mission is to ensure free childhood for every child at the construction sites. In spite of constraining challenges, Tara Mobile Crèches is running 17 centres in Pune and doing some outstanding work for the otherwise marginalized community of construction workers. The key enabler to this success is the staff of Tara Mobile Crèches who work at the grass root levels. The organization has undertaken numerous initiatives to inculcate engagement in their employees, in the absence of which the mission of Tara Mobile Crèches would remain unrealized. The case dwells on the ways in which engagement is inculcated among its employees despite the many challenges they face.
In search of sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions for rural areas
Authors: Poltimäe Helen , Rehema Merlin , Raun Janika , Poom Age
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite emerging research on novel mobility solutions in urban areas, there have been few attempts to explore the relevance and sustainability of these solutions in rural contexts. Furthermore, existing research addressing rural mobility solutions typically focuses on a specific user group, such as local residents, second-home owners, or tourists. In this paper, we study the social inclusivity, economic viability, and environmental impacts of novel mobility solutions in rural contexts based on published scholarly literature. When doing so, we bring both permanent and temporary residents of rural areas under one research framework.

Methods

We used grey literature to identify and categorise novel mobility solutions, which have been applied in European rural areas and are suitable for travelling longer distances. By using six service flexibility variables, we reached four categories of novel mobility solutions: semi-flexible demand-responsive transport, flexible door-to-door demand-responsive transport, car-sharing, and ride-sharing. We analysed the social inclusivity, economic viability, and environmental impacts of those categories based on criteria and evidence identified from scholarly literature by including the perspectives of both permanent and temporary residents of rural areas.

Results

Our findings revealed that while single novel mobility solutions are seldom applicable for all rural travellers, strong spatial and temporal synergies exist when combining different solutions. The need for a connected and flexible set of mobility solutions sensitive to the temporal and spatial patterns of mobility needs is inevitable. Accessible and easily understandable information on routing, booking, and ticketing systems, as well as cooperation, shared values, and trust between various parties, are key success factors for sustainable rural mobility.

Conclusion

Integration of the needs of various user groups is essential when aiming to achieve the provision of environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable mobility solutions in rural areas.
In vitro octaploid induction of Populus hopeiensis with colchicine
Authors: Wu Jian , Cheng Xuetong , Kong Bo , Zhou Qing , Sang Yaru , Zhang Pingdong
Published: April 2022

Background

Autopolyploids, especially artificial lines, provide model systems for understanding the mechanisms of gene dosage effects on trait variation owing to their relatively uniform genetic background. Here, a protocol for in vitro octaploid induction of Populus hopeiensis from leaf blades with colchicine treatment was established through investigation of the effects of different pre-culture durations, colchicine concentrations, and exposure times.

Results

We found that pre-culture duration, colchicine concentration, and exposure time had significant effects on the survival rate, shoot regeneration rate, and octaploid induction rate of P. hopeiensis leaf blades. The highest octaploid induction rate (8.61%) was observed when leaf blades pre-cultured for 9 days were treated for 4 days with 100 μM colchicine. The ploidy level of all regenerated plantlets was analyzed by flow cytometry and further confirmed by chromosome counting. A total of 14 octaploids were obtained. The stomatal length, width, and density of leaf blades significantly differed between tetraploid and octaploid plants. Compared with diploid and tetraploid plants, octaploids had a slower growth rate, smaller leaf blade size, and shorter internodes.

Conclusions

We established an effective protocol for inducing octaploids in vitro from autotetraploid P. hopeiensis leaf blades by colchicine treatment.
Gene variants of the SLC2A5 gene encoding GLUT5, the major fructose transporter, do not contribute to clinical presentation of acquired fructose malabsorption
Authors: Taneva Irina , Grumann Dorothee , Schmidt Dietmar , Taneva Elina , von Arnim Ulrike , Ansorge Thomas , Wex Thomas
Published: April 2022

Background

While role of ALDOB-related gene variants for hereditary fructose intolerance is well established, contribution of gene variants for acquired fructose malabsorption (e.g. SLC2A5, GLUT5) is not well understood.

Methods

Patients referred to fructose breath test were further selected to identify those having acquired fructose malabsorption. Molecular analysis of genomic DNA included (I) exclusion of 3 main ALDOB gene variants causing hereditary fructose intolerance and (II) sequencing analysis of SLC2A5 gene comprising complete coding region, at least 20 bp of adjacent intronic regions and 700 bp of proximal promoter.

Results

Among 494 patients, 35 individuals with acquired fructose malabsorption were identified based on pathological fructose-breath test and normal lactose-breath test. Thirty four of them (97%) had negative tissue anti-transglutaminase and/or deamidated gliadin antibodies in their medical records. Molecular analysis of SLC2A5 gene of all 35 subjects identified 5 frequent and 5 singular gene variants mostly in noncoding regions (promoter and intron). Allele frequencies of gene variants were similar to those reported in public databases strongly implying that none of them was associated with acquired fructose malabsorption.

Conclusions

Gene variants of coding exons, adjacent intronic regions and proximal promoter region of SLC2A5 gene are unlikely to contribute to genetic predisposition of acquired fructose malabsorption.
Adherence to appointments for gestational diabetes testing and experiences with two-hour postprandial glucose test: a mixed-methods study in Ghana
Authors: Agbozo Faith , Schuler Christina , Jahn Albrecht
Published: April 2022

Background

Failure to attend scheduled appointments is a common problem in healthcare. In obstetrics, diagnostic and treatment protocols for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) require client booking, test preparations, management and follow-up reviews. We identified the socio-demographic, obstetric and medical drivers influencing adherence to appointments for GDM testing and experiences of pregnant women’s regarding performing oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Methods

A convergent parallel mixed-methods study comprising a cross-sectional survey and an explorative qualitative descriptive design were used. We recruited 817 women in their first trimester of pregnancy from the antenatal clinics of primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities in Ghana. After obtaining their demographic and health history, we scheduled them for 2-h OGTT between 24 and 28 gestational weeks and estimated the odds of returning for the test. In the qualitative phase, we called 166 participants to ascertain why they failed to report. Also, we had in-depth and focused group discussions with 60 postpartum women who performed the OGTT to explore their experiences with the test.

Results

Out of 817 pregnant women scheduled, 490 (59.97%) reported of which 54.59, 54.33 and 53.24% completed fasting plasma glucose, 1-h and 2-h OGTT, respectively. Maternal age above 35 years (OR: 3.56, 95% CI:1.49–8.47), secondary education (OR: 3.21, 95% CI: 1.19–8.69), formal sector employment (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.16–3.51) and having same-sex children (OR: 4.37, 95% CI: 1.98–9.66) increased odds of appointment adherence whereas healthcare in a tertiary hospital (OR:0.46, 95% CI:0.22–0.96), rural residence (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34–0.85) and being overweight (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.25–0.78) decreased the likelihood. Experiences were thematized into feelings about test procedure, acceptability of test, skillfulness of the health workers and information on the test. Despite the apprehension and discomforts associated with the test, the desire to know one’s disease status was the chief motivation. Empathy, reassurance and receiving ample information on the test procedures eased anxiety and improved test compliance.

Conclusions

Although 40% of participants scheduled did not return, the test was generally acceptable. Socio-cultural underpinnings influenced the health-seeking behaviors, meaning that health worker interactions on test procedures need to be sensitive to the woman’s situation.