bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and sensitive graphene oxide‐DNAzyme‐based biosensor for Vibrio alginolyticus detection
Authors: Tian Xueqing , Hu Jinfei , Wei Tong , Ding Wen , Miao Qingzhen , Ning Zhe , Fan Shihui , Wu Hangjie , Lu Jing , Lyu Mingsheng , Wang Shujun
Published: February 2022

DNAzymes have been widely and effectively used for the detection of pathogenic bacteria, which pose a serious public health threat. However, the rapid and cost‐effective detection of such bacteria remains a major challenge. In this study, we successfully selected Vibrio alginolyticus‐specific DNAzymes. The activity of the candidates was assessed via fluorescence intensity and gel electrophoresis. The DNAzyme DT1 had a detection limit of 31 CFU/ml for V. alginolyticus and exhibited high specificity. Graphene oxide (GO) was used to develop a DNAzyme‐based fluorescent sensor for the detection of V. alginolyticus, which significantly improved detection performance and shortened the reaction time as little as 10 s. The proposed method was then validated using crab, shrimp, fish, clam, and oyster samples. This study thus provides a new method for the rapid and sensitive detection of V. alginolyticus.
Stability of uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) pulp subjected to freezing by static and forced air
Authors: Macedo Leandro Levate , Vilela Daiana Ribeiro , da Cunha Mariana Crivelari , Lopes de Carvalho Dias Laryanne , Carvalho Elisangela Elena Nunes , de Resende Jaime Vilela , de Barros Vilas Boas Eduardo Valério
Published: February 2022

Uvaia is a highly perishable exotic fruit. The use of preservation techniques is an important strategy to make uvaia pulp consumption and commercialization viable. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of freezing by static air (SA) and forced air (FA) on the physical, chemical and microbiological stability of uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) pulp during 12 months of storage. The uvaia pulp exhibited color changes with a tendency to darkening, reduced pH, carotenoids, total phenolics, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity (AA) and increased titratable acidity throughout storage, despite the freezing method, although the soluble solids content was not influenced by any of the factors. Five phenolic and 12 volatile compounds were identified, the majority being gallic and chlorogenic acids, among the phenolics and ethyl and octanol hexanoate, among the volatiles. The method of freezing by FA was more effective than by SA in retaining phenolics, carotenoids, antioxidants and volatile activity, during storage. Good manufacturing practices guaranteed the microbiological quality of the pulp, preserved for 12 months, despite the freezing method. Frozen uvaia pulp can be considered a vehicle of bioactive compounds, with AA, microbiologically safe, even after 12 months of storage.

Practical Applications

The uvaia pulp has a peculiar flavor and aroma and can be used as an alternative raw material to conventional options in different products (yogurts, ice cream, fermented drinks, juices, and jellies). As it is a seasonal and extremely perishable fruit, freezing the pulp is an alternative to prolong the useful life of the uvaia. Qualitative parameters can be affected by the storage time and freezing method applied. Therefore, the evaluation of the influence of these factors on the quality of uvaia pulp is relevant and can be applied in the food industry to maintain the quality of the pulp.
Emerging inflammatory bowel disease demographics, phenotype, and treatment in South Asia, South‐East Asia, and Middle East: Preliminary findings from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease‐Emerging Nations' Consortium
Authors: Banerjee Rupa , Pal Partha , Hilmi Ida , Ghoshal Uday C , Desai Devendra C , Rahman Mohammed Masudur , Dutta Usha , Mohiuddin Syed A , Al Mohannadi Munnera , Philip Mathew , Ramesh Ganesh N , Niriella Madunil A , De Silva Arjuna P , de Silva Hithanadura Janaka , Pisespongsa Pises , Limsrivilai Julajak , Aniwan Satimai , Nawarathne Metthananda , Fernandopulle Nilesh , Aye Than Than , Ni Nwe , Al Awadhi Sameer , Joshi Neeraj , Ngoc Pham Thi V , Kieu Tuan V , Nguyen Anh Duong , Abdullah Murdani , Ali Ezzat , Zeid Ahmed , Sollano Jose D , Saberi Bismillah , Omar Mahmoud , Mohsin Mostafa Noor , Aftab Hafeza , Wai Tin Moe , Shastri Yogesh M , Chaudhuri Sujit , Ahmed Faruque , Bhatia Shobna J , Travis Simon P L ,   Inflammatory Bowel Disease‐Emerging Nations' Consortium (IBD‐ENC) study group
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is emerging in the newly industrialized countries of South Asia, South‐East Asia, and the Middle East, yet epidemiological data are scarce.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of IBD demographics, disease phenotype, and treatment across 38 centers in 15 countries of South Asia, South‐East Asia, and Middle East. Intergroup comparisons included gross national income (GNI) per capita.

Results

Among 10 400 patients, ulcerative colitis (UC) was twice as common as Crohn's disease (CD), with a male predominance (UC 6678, CD 3495, IBD unclassified 227, and 58% male). Peak age of onset was in the third decade, with a low proportion of elderly‐onset IBD (5% age > 60). Familial IBD was rare (5%). The extent of UC was predominantly distal (proctitis/left sided 67%), with most being treated with mesalamine (94%), steroids (54%), or immunomodulators (31%). Ileocolic CD (43%) was the commonest, with low rates of perianal disease (8%) and only 6% smokers. Diagnostic delay for CD was common (median 12 months; interquartile range 5–30). Treatment of CD included mesalamine, steroids, and immunomodulators (61%, 51%, and 56%, respectively), but a fifth received empirical antitubercular therapy. Treatment with biologics was uncommon (4% UC and 13% CD), which increased in countries with higher GNI per capita. Surgery rates were 0.1 (UC) and 2 (CD) per 100 patients per year.

Conclusions

The IBD‐ENC cohort provides insight into IBD in South‐East Asia and the Middle East, but is not yet population based. UC is twice as common as CD, familial disease is uncommon, and rates of surgery are low. Biologic use correlates with per capita GNI.
Short course of low‐dose pregabalin is effective for the treatment of restless leg syndrome in patients with cirrhosis: A pilot study
Authors: Mundada Kaustubh , Goel Amit , Paliwal Vimal Kumar , Singh Thakur Prashant , Rai Praveer , Aggarwal Rakesh
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is common in patients with cirrhosis, but its treatment in such patients remains unclear. This pilot study assessed the clinical effectiveness of intravenous iron and a 6‐week course of low‐dose (75 mg/day) pregabalin for the treatment of RLS in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

It was a prospective, interventional study that included adult patients with cirrhosis and RLS. The participants underwent serum ferritin measurement. Patients with low serum ferritin (< 75 μg/dL) were treated with intravenous iron. Those with normal ferritin levels and those with low levels whose RLS symptoms failed to respond to iron replacement were treated with oral pregabalin, initially 75 mg/day for 6 weeks, followed by 150 mg/day for 6 weeks if there was no response. Recurrence of symptoms was assessed at 6–12 weeks after stopping pregabalin.

Results

Of the 50 patients (male patients 52%; median age 48 [interquartile range: 21–65] years; median Child–Pugh–Turcotte score 8 [5–13] and median Model for End‐Stage Liver disease score 17 [12–20]) studied, 29 (58%) had low ferritin; of them, 14 (48%) responded to intravenous iron alone. Eleven of 15 (38%) patients with low ferritin and nonresponse to iron, and 16 of 21 (76%) with normal ferritin levels had a response with low‐dose pregabalin. Of the nine nonresponders who received 150 mg/day of pregabalin, four had to discontinue it because of adverse effects.

Conclusion

A short course of low‐dose (75 mg/day) pregabalin was effective (82%) in alleviating RLS in patients with cirrhosis. (CTRI/2019/02/017642).
Association between temporary discharge from the inpatient palliative care unit and achievement of good death in end‐of‐life cancer patients: A nationwide survey of bereaved family members
Authors: Aso Sakiko , Hayashi Naoko , Sekimoto Go , Nakayama Naoko , Tamura Keiko , Yamamoto Chieko , Aoyama Maho , Morita Tatsuya , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Tsuneto Satoru , Shima Yasuo , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: February 2022

Aim

To explore the unclear association between temporary discharge home from the palliative care unit and achievement of good death, in the background of increases in discharge from the palliative care unit. Association between experiences and circumstances of patient and family and duration of temporary discharge was also examined.

Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of data from a nationwide post‐bereavement survey.

Results

Among 571 patients, 16% experienced temporary discharge home from the palliative care unit. The total good death inventory score (p < .05) and sum of 10 core attributes (p < .05) were significantly higher in the temporarily discharged and stayed home ≥2 weeks group. Among all attributes, “Independent in daily activities” (p < .001) was significantly better in the temporarily discharged and stayed home ≥2 weeks group. Regarding the experience and circumstance of patient and family, improvement of patient's appetite (p < .05), and sleep (p < .05) and peacefulness (p < .05) of family caregivers, compared to the patient being hospitalized, were associated with longer stay at home after discharge.

Conclusions

Patient's achievement of good death was better in the temporarily discharged and stayed home longer group, but this seemed to be affected by high levels of independence of the patient. Temporary discharge from the palliative care unit and staying home longer was associated with improvement of appetite of patients and better sleep and mental health status of family caregivers. Discharging home from palliative care unit is worth being considered even if it is temporary.
Evaluation of nurse‐led social media intervention for diabetes self‐management: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Kim Su Hyun , Kim Younghee , Choi Sookyung , Jeon Bomin
Published: February 2022

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and understand the process of a nurse‐led social media intervention for health behavior and glucose control for diabetes self‐management among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Design

This study had an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, with a randomized controlled trial and qualitative interviews.

Methods

A total of 89 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. Patients in the intervention group were invited to join the closed nurse‐led social media platform that included diabetes information, action planning, unmoderated chat, and questions and answers. The outcomes of diabetes self‐care behavior, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) percentage, fasting blood sugar level (FBS), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol levels were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the effectiveness of the intervention over time. Qualitative data were collected from interviews with seven patients engaged in the intervention and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

After 6 months, insulin users who were provided with the social media intervention had significantly lower FBS and TG levels than those with usual care (135.80 ± 12.37 vs. 175.82 ± 15.34 mg/dL, p = 0.049; 206.85 ± 38.26 vs. 387.50 ± 56.19 mg/dL, p = 0.013; respectively). Although a similar rate of decrease in the HbA1c level over time was observed among insulin and noninsulin users after the social media intervention, this decrease was significantly greater among noninsulin users at 3 and 6 months compared with the control group (6.38 ± 0.34 vs. 7.25 ± 0.24, p = 0.040; 6.31 ± 0.37 vs. 7.28 ± 0.26, p = 0.036; respectively). Interview with seven patients who engaged in the intervention revealed that their engagement in the intervention was primarily determined by their acceptance of the role of managing their diabetes. Being engaged in the intervention, patients benefited from information sharing and interactive support to motivate their self‐care, nurses' professional advice to modify their behaviors, and action planning to make progress toward behavioral change.

Conclusions

The positive outcomes of the nurse‐led social media intervention indicate that the social media platform is an effective strategy to implement diabetes self‐management in clinical nursing practice.

Clinical Relevance

The social media intervention would be successfully implemented by nurses to facilitate patients accepting their role in diabetes management and employing key services for diabetes information, support, professional advice, and action planning.
Autonomy as a politico‐economic concept: Peasant practices and nested markets
Authors: van der Ploeg Jan Douwe , Schneider Sergio
Published: February 2022

This paper discusses autonomy as a set of practices that result in the production and reproduction of resources that allow for self‐organization. We define autonomy as a social construct that refers to the self‐organizing capacity of people, communities, and movements. Such capacity assumes both resources and agency. In that vein, our conceptualisation implies that autonomy is a relational concept: It can only emerge when and where struggles that aim at going beyond dependency (i.e., nonautonomy) concretely exist. Autonomy is three‐pronged, involving a set of goal‐oriented activities, a distantiation from capital, and the agency of social actors. Intertwined with these levels are peasant movements that have the capacity to develop and implement a political agenda that is not overshadowed and/or dictated by external influences. The paper illustrates this intertwining with the case of the Circuito (O Circuito), a Brazilian peasant movement that has constructed and operates an extended farmers' market and which simultaneously transforms farming practices. The Circuit is the outcome of collective action and shows the potential of multilevel performance of several actors engaged in concerted actions. In the conclusion, we suggest that the Circuit represents autonomy based on commonly pooled resources as well representing a countermovement to the destructive dynamics of food empires.
A novel fractional solid‐state 585 nm laser on facial verruca plana: A report of three cases
Authors: Pan Po‐Yang , Wei Kai‐Che , Wu Jen‐Chin , Lin Jeng‐Hsien
Published: February 2022

A novel fractional laser system with differential‐wavelength modified optically pumped semiconductor technology can produce a pure 585 nm wavelength as pulsed dye laser, which has been used to treat vascular, pigmented skin lesions. Besides, this new laser modality also showed promising results for verruca plana in our experience. In this brief report, we present three cases of facial flat warts treated by this novel 585 nm diode laser.
“I feel many contradictory emotions”: Finnish mothers' discursive struggles with motherhood
Authors: Raudasoja Mirjam , Sorkkila Matilda , Laitila Aarno , Aunola Kaisa
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Objective

The aim of the study was to facilitate the understanding and interpretation of multiple aspects of working with mothers by examining Finnish mothers' mothering discourses and the interplay among these discourses.

Background

According to relational dialectics theory, discourses are systems of meaning that are coproduced in interaction. Although discursive research on motherhood has identified various discourses, research on the interplay among competing motherhood discourses is in its infancy.

Method

Qualitative questionnaire data from 479 Finnish mothers of infants were analyzed using contrapuntal analysis. Mothers' responses to three open‐ended questions were analyzed inductively. Emerging themes were identified so as to represent different motherhood discourses, and the power struggle among discourses was addressed.

Results

Four discourses were identified. In theEquality discourse, parenting was presented as ideally shared between co‐parents, and equality between family members and various family forms was promoted. In theFamilistic discourse, traditional stay‐at‐home mothering, good housekeeping, and the unity of the family were emphasized. In theIntensive Mothering discourse, the importance of the mother to her child was highlighted. In theBalance discourse, the needs of all family members were presented as equally important, and flexibility in parenting choices was promoted. The results demonstrated discursive struggles within mothers' answers, suggesting that contemporary Finnish motherhood is a contested terrain of competing ideologies.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that Finnish mothers' mothering discourses are multivocal and often competing. The results contribute to the current understanding of motherhood ideologies and provide new insights to be utilized in counseling and clinical practice.
Basal ganglia stroke is associated with altered functional connectivity of the left inferior temporal gyrus
Authors: Li Zhongming , Hu Jianping , Wang Zhimin , You Ruixiong , Cao Dairong
Published: February 2022

Background and Purpose

Acute cerebral infarction in the basal ganglia is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment, suggesting that cognitive networks might be involved in neural plasticity after ischemic stroke. This study was conducted to explore the abnormalities in functional and causal connectivity of the brain network in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the basal ganglia.

Methods

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 27 patients with AIS in the basal ganglia and 27 healthy controls (HCs). Brain regions with statistically different degree centrality (DC) values between groups were selected as seed points for granger causality analysis (GCA) analysis. The effective connectivity values of GCA were extracted, and the correlation between them and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was analyzed.

Results

Compared with HCs group, AIS patients displayed increased DC value in the left inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) and hippocampus head, reduced effective connectivity from the left ITG to the left precentral and postcentral gyri, increased effective connectivity from the left precentral and postcentral gyri to the left ITG, and reduced effective connectivity from the left anterior cingulate gyrus to the left ITG. The MoCA score of the AIS group was lower than that of the HCs group (t = –7.33, p < .05).

Conclusion

Alterations of functional and causal connectivity among multiple brain regions suggest that patients with AIS in the basal ganglia have impairment of multifunctional networks in the whole brain.
Sending One's Own Intimate Image: Sexting Among Middle‐School Teens
Authors: Barrense‐Dias Yara , Chok Lorraine , Stadelmann Sophie , Berchtold André , Suris Joan‐Carles
Published: February 2022

Background

There is a gap in the literature regarding data on sexting among youth under the age of 16 whereas the problems related to this practice could affect them more because of their ongoing development. This study aims to determine the prevalence rate and characteristics of sending one's own sexually related image among middle‐school teens.

Methods

Data were obtained from a web‐based in‐school survey conducted between October 2019 and February 2020. The sample comprised 3006 (mean age 13.7; 50.2% males) 10th‐grade pupils in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland). Participants were asked “Have you ever sent a sexually related/sexy image of yourself?”. Analysis of variance/chi‐square tests and multinomial regression analyses were used to compare the groups.

Results

Overall, 93.0% reported never, 3.7% once and 3.3% several times. No gender differences were found. Sending was associated with older age, low academic performance, cyberbullying victimization and reception of unsolicited sexually related images.

Conclusions

Education and health professionals should be aware that it is necessary to discuss the theme, perhaps with a more global approach including pressure, consent, exchange of nonsexual images, and so on from an early age. The context and reasons for sending remain to be explored, particularly to determine if the pressure is greater at this age.
The Australasian grass flora in a global context
Authors: Bryceson Susanna R. , Morgan John W.
Published: February 2022

Australia's flora and fauna have long been considered unique, but whether this applies to its grasses is less known. This study characterises the Australasian grass flora biogeographically. We investigate the distribution of C3and C4grass genera across four continents and construct broad profiles of their grass flora. We use endemism to examine global patterns of specialisation, and inter‐continental distributions as indicators of dispersal, using databases constructed over twenty years. We examined Australasian patterns with regard to endemicity and shared groups and categorised all of the region's genera into four age classes, from Australia's separation from Gondwana to the present. Globally, each continent presented a unique profile and C4grasses were more widely shared than C3. Australasia's grasses equally comprise C3and C4genera; it shared two thirds of its C4types with other continents, whereas C3types split evenly between shared and endemic. Australasia shared relatively few genera with just one neighbour (7% C3, 13% C4), primarily with EurAsia. Australasian grass genera and species were either endemic or globally widespread, and 88% of C3and 93% of C4species were derived from lineages that originated elsewhere. We conclude Southeast Asia was the gateway for dispersal into Australasia, akin to rainforest taxa exchanges which increased from c12 Ma, with about 65% of Australasia's grass genera arriving in the past 3.5 Ma. The strong presence of C4grasses in Australasia implies they have infiltrated a wide range of ecosystems, many probably occupied by ancient taxa with which they had not co‐evolved.
Individuals’ Use of Religion in Response to the COVID‐19 Pandemic as Complementary to Their Use of Medically Recommended Responses
Authors: Corcoran Katie E. , Scheitle Christopher P. , DiGregorio Bernard D.
Published: February 2022

Many individuals have engaged in behaviors to cope with and mitigate the COVID‐19 pandemic, including mask wearing and physical distancing. This study considers the extent to which individuals have also engaged in religious behaviors in response to the pandemic and how those responses are associated with behaviors like mask wearing. Using data from a probability survey of U.S. adults, our analysis finds that over half of the respondents have engaged in pandemic‐related prayer and about one‐fifth have taken other religious steps in response to the pandemic, such as reading religious texts or carrying religious items for protection. All else being equal, Republicans are significantly less likely to have undertaken religious steps in response to the pandemic relative to Democrats, suggesting that the politicized nature of the pandemic influences religious responses as well. The analysis also finds that religious responses to the pandemic—especially prayer—are positively associated with mask wearing and physical distancing. These findings suggest that religious responses to the pandemic are not inherently opposed to undertaking responses recommended by scientific and medical authorities.
Evaluation of the hepatitis C cascade of care among people living with HIV in New South Wales, Australia: A data linkage study
Authors: Hosseini‐Hooshyar Samira , Alavi Maryam , Martinello Marianne , Valerio Heather , Tillakeratne Shane , Matthews Gail V. , Dore Gregory J.
Published: February 2022

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are a priority population to receive hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and treatment. We aimed to characterize the HCV care cascade among PLHIV between 2010 and 2018 and to compare HCV testing and treatment uptake pre‐ and post‐availability of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Records of all HCV notifications (1993–2017) were linked to HIV notifications, deaths, hospitalizations, incarcerations, opioid agonist therapy, HCV RNA testing and treatment databases. Numbers and proportions were calculated for all stages of the care cascade and factors associated with HCV testing, and DAA treatment uptake were evaluated using logistic regression. From 383 individuals with HCV notification (2009–2017), 349 (91%) were ever HCV RNA tested, 285 (74%) had an indicator of chronic HCV infection, and from those eligible for treatment, 210 (74%) received HCV treatment. HCV testing was recorded for 85% pre‐DAA era and reached a cumulative proportion of 90% post‐DAA while treatment uptake had a 10‐fold increase from 7% pre‐ to 73% post‐DAA era. Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.98; 95% CI 0.96–0.99), female gender (aOR 1.87; 95% CI 1.10–3.19), and rural region residence at notification (aOR 1.56; 95% CI 1.03–2.36) were associated with not receiving HCV testing. No identified factor was associated with not receiving treatment post‐DAA era. Removing barriers to HCV testing, expanding treatment to a variety of settings and continuous education and harm reduction are essential to achieve HCV elimination among PLHIV in Australia.
COVID‐19‐associated aspergillosis in a Brazilian referral centre: Diagnosis, risk factors and outcomes
Authors: de Almeida João N. , Doi André Mario , Watanabe Maria Julia L. , Maluf Maira Maraghello , Calderon Cecília Leon , Silva Moacyr , Pasternak Jacyr , Koga Paula Célia M. , Santiago Kelly Aline S. , Aranha Luis Fernando C. , Szarf Gilberto , da Silva Teles Gustavo B. , Filippi Renée Zon , Paes Vitor Ribeiro , Baeta Marina , Hamerschlak Nelson , Mangueira Cristovão Luis P. , Martino Marines Dalla Valle
Published: February 2022

Background

COVID‐19 patients on mechanical ventilation are at risk to develop invasive aspergillosis. To provide additional data regarding this intriguing entity, we conducted a retrospective study describing risk factors, radiology and prognosis of this emerging entity in a Brazilian referral centre.

Methods

This retrospective study included intubated (≥18 years) patients with COVID‐19 admitted from April 2020 until July 2021 that had bronchoscopy to investigate pulmonary co‐infections. COVID‐19‐associated aspergillosis (CAPA) was defined according to the 2020 European Confederation of Medical Mycology/International Society of Human and Animal Mycosis consensus criteria. The performance of tracheal aspirate (TA) cultures to diagnose CAPA were described, as well as the radiological findings, risk factors and outcomes.

Results

Fourteen patients (14/87, 16%) had probable CAPA (0.9 cases per 100 ICU admissions). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of TA for the diagnosis of CAPA were 85.7%, 73.1%, 46.2% and 95% respectively. Most of the radiological findings of CAPA were classified as typical of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (64.3%). The overall mortality rate of probable CAPA was 71.4%. Age was the only independent risk factor for CAPA [p = .03; odds ratio (OR) 1.072]. CAPA patients under renal replacement therapy (RRT) may have a higher risk for a fatal outcome (p = .053, hazard ratio 8.047).

Conclusions

CAPA was a prevalent co‐infection in our cohort of patients under mechanical ventilation. Older patients had a higher risk to develop CAPA, and a poor prognosis may be associated with RRT.
Thalamotomy for tremor and dystonia in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Machida Wataru , Horisawa Shiro , Yokoi Kenichiro , Momosaki Oji , Kawamata Takakazu , Taira Takaomi
Published: February 2022

Thalamotomy for tremor and dystonia in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) has been rarely reported. A 71‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with PSP. Resting tremor in the left hand and dystonic posture in the left foot were present, both of which were dramatically improved after radiofrequency thalamotomy. The limb motor function and gait on the PSP rating scale showed 63.6% and 14.3% improvement, respectively. The results of this study suggest that thalamotomy can be an alternative treatment option for tremor and dystonia in PSP.
The future of bariatric surgery research: A worldwide mapping of registered trials
Authors: Rives‐Lange Claire , Poghosyan Tigran , Rassy Nathalie , Carette Claire , Phan Aurelie , Goeau‐Brissonnière Marc , de Castelbajac Flore , Merazka Amel , Czernichow Sebastien
Published: February 2022

The bariatric surgery (BS) research landscape is a continuous evolving. Since the first described procedure, numerous different techniques have been developed by surgical teams. In this context, we conducted a systematic mapping of upcoming randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in BS for people with obesity. In June 2021, we performed a systematic review of RCTs evaluating BS versus another surgical procedure or versus a medical control group, through a search in ClinicalTrials.gov. There was no restriction on outcomes for study selection. A total of 62 RCTs were included, totaling 10,800 potential individuals to be included, with planned Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy surgeries the most common. The median number of patients planned to be enrolled is 78 (IQR: 50–143). Mean follow‐up time is 12 months in 55% of trials and 4 years or more in 23%. The most frequent (81% of RCTs) outcomes to be investigated are obesity‐related diseases with the study of type 2 diabetes, followed by weight loss, quality of life, and surgical complications. The rising number of BS procedures around the world has been followed by a subsequent surge in BS research. An increase in interest is observed in outcomes such as obesity‐related diseases, intermediate metabolic markers, quality of life, and body composition.
Evaluation of a novel mechanical compression device for hematoma prevention and wound cosmesis after CIED implantation
Authors: Rojas Edward , Morgaenko Katerina , Brown Louis , Kim Sieu , Mazimba Sula , Malhotra Rohit , Darby Andrew , Monfredi Oliver , Mason Pamela , Mangrum James Michael , Haines David E. , Campbell Christopher , Bilchick Kenneth , Mehta Nishaki K.
Published: February 2022

Background

An important complication of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) implantation is the development of hematoma and device infection.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate a novel mechanical compression device for hematoma prevention and cosmetic outcomes following CIED implantation.

Methods

An open, prospective, randomized, single‐center clinical trial was performed in patients undergoing CIED implantation. Patients were randomized to receive a novel mechanical compression device (PressRite, PR) or to receive the standard of care post device implantation. Skin pliability was measured with a calibrated durometer; the surgical site was evaluated using the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) by a blinded plastic surgeon and the Patient and Observer Scar Scale (POSAS). Performance of PR was assessed through pressure measurements, standardized scar scales and tolerability.

Results

From the total of 114 patients evaluated for enrollment, 105 patients were eligible for analysis. Fifty‐one patients were randomized to management group (PR) and 54 to the control group. No patients required early removal or experienced adverse effects from PR application. There were 11 hematomas (14.8% vs. 5.9% in the control and PR group respectively, p = NS). The control group had higher post procedure durometer readings in the surgical site when compared with the PR group (7.50 ± 3.45 vs. 5.37 ± 2.78; p = < .01). There were lower MSS scores in the PR group after 2 weeks (p = .03).

Conclusion

We have demonstrated the safety of PR application and removal. In addition, PR appears to improve postoperative skin pliability, which could facilitate wound healing.
The effect of empagliflozin on P wave peak time and other P wave parameters in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Aslan Burhan , Akyüz Abdurrahman , Işık Ferhat , Boyraz Bedrettin , İnci Ümit , Yıldız Halil , Çap Murat , Karahan Mehmet Zülküf , Araç Eşref , Okşul Metin , Kaya İlyas
Published: February 2022

Background

Empagliflozin is a selective SGLT2 inhibitor and provides a significant reduction in hospitalizations in heart failure patients and a reduction in combined cardiovascular deaths regardless of diabetes. The mechanisms of favorable effects remain unclear. Improvement in left ventricular diastolic function and a decrease in filling pressure are any mechanisms of positive effects. These effects may show themselves with some changes on the electrocardiography (ECG). So, we aimed to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on P wave parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without HF.

Method

Fifty‐three patients were included in the study. The electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluations were examined at the baseline and end of the third month for all patients.

Results

The median age of all patients was 55 (45–64 IQR). After treatment, LA volume (p <.001) and diameter (p = .001) in both the parasternal long‐axis (p = .001) and the apical four‐chamber view decreased. E/e′ and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure were significantly decreased after treatment. P wave duration max,min, PWDmin, and PWdis were significantly shorter after treatment. The P wave peak time (PWPT) in lead Dıı and V1 were significantly shorter after treatment.

Conclusion

We found shortening of PWPT, PWdis, and PWD as reflections of improvements in left atrial volume and LV diastolic function on ECG after empagliflozin treatment.
Neutrophils in malaria: The good, the bad or the ugly?
Authors: Pollenus Emilie , Gouwy Mieke , Van den Steen Philippe E.
Published: February 2022

Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating leukocytes in human peripheral blood. They are often the first cells to respond to an invading pathogen and might therefore play an important role in malaria. Malaria is a globally important disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, responsible for more than 400,000 deaths each year. Most of these deaths are caused by complications, including cerebral malaria, severe malarial anaemia, placental malaria, renal injury, metabolic problems and malaria‐associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. Neutrophils contribute in the immune defence against malaria, through clearance of parasites via phagocytosis, production of reactive oxygen species and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, Plasmodium parasites diminish antibacterial functions of neutrophils, making patients more susceptible to other infections. Neutrophils might also be involved in the development of malaria complications, for example via the release of toxic granules and NETs. However, technical pitfalls in the determination of the roles of neutrophils have caused contradicting results. Further investigations need to consider these pitfalls, in order to elucidate the role of neutrophils in malaria complications.
Shaping the root system architecture in plants for adaptation to drought stress
Authors: Ranjan Alok , Sinha Ragini , Singla‐Pareek Sneh L. , Pareek Ashwani , Singh Anil Kumar
Published: February 2022

Root system architecture plays an important role in plant adaptation to drought stress. The root system architecture (RSA) consists of several structural features, which includes number and length of main and lateral roots along with the density and length of root hairs. These features exhibit plasticity under water‐limited environments and could be critical to developing crops with efficient root systems for adaptation under drought. Recent advances in the omics approaches have significantly improved our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of RSA remodeling under drought and the identification of genes and other regulatory elements. Plant response to drought stress at physiological, morphological, biochemical, and molecular levels in root cells is regulated by various phytohormones and their crosstalk. Stress‐induced reactive oxygen species play a significant role in regulating root growth and development under drought stress. Several transcription factors responsible for the regulation of RSA under drought have proven to be beneficial for developing drought tolerant crops. Molecular breeding programs for developing drought‐tolerant crops have been greatly benefitted by the availability of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the RSA regulation. In the present review, we have discussed the role of various QTLs, signaling components, transcription factors, microRNAs and crosstalk among various phytohormones in shaping RSA and present future research directions to better understand various factors involved in RSA remodeling for adaptation to drought stress. We believe that the information provided herein may be helpful in devising strategies to develop crops with better RSA for efficient uptake and utilization of water and nutrients under drought conditions.
On second thought … the influence of a second stage in the ultimatum game on decision behavior, electro‐cortical correlates and their trait interrelation
Authors: Rodrigues Johannes , Weiß Martin , Mussel Patrick , Hewig Johannes
Published: February 2022

Previous EEG research only investigated one stage ultimatum games (UGs). We investigated the influence of a second bargaining stage in an UG concerning behavioral responses, electro‐cortical correlates and their moderations by the traits altruism, anger, anxiety, and greed in 92 participants. We found that an additional stage led to more rejection in the 2‐stage UG (2SUG) and that increasing offers in the second stage compared to the first stage led to more acceptance. The FRN during a trial was linked to expectance evaluation concerning the fairness of the offers, while midfrontal theta was a marker for the needed cognitive control to overcome the respective default behavioral pattern. The FRN responses to unfair offers were more negative for either low or high altruism in the UG, while high trait anxiety led to more negative FRN responses in the first stage of 2SUG, indicating higher sensitivity to unfairness. Accordingly, the mean FRN response, representing the trait‐like general electrocortical reactivity to unfairness, predicted rejection in the first stage of 2SUG. Additionally, we found that high trait anger led to more rejections for unfair offer in 2SUG in general, while trait altruism led to more rejection of unimproving unfair offers in the second stage of 2SUG. In contrast, trait anxiety led to more acceptance in the second stage of 2SUG, while trait greed even led to more acceptance if the offer was worse than in the stage before. These findings suggest, that 2SUG creates a trait activation situation compared to the UG.
A democratic nuclear energy transition? Public participation in nuclear activities
Authors: Duvic‐Paoli Leslie‐Anne , Lueger Priska
Published: February 2022

Governments, local authorities and civil society organizations are becoming increasingly vocal regarding the domestic and transboundary risks that nuclear power represents to health and the environment. While participatory rights are gaining importance in the nuclear sector, nuclear‐related activities have been at the centre of inconsistencies and uncertainties in the practice of public participation under the Aarhus and Espoo Conventions. Against this background, this article analyses the interactions between international environmental law and international nuclear law to understand how environmental democracy principles apply in the context of nuclear activities. It presents the relationship as mutually beneficial: despite inherent tensions due to the nature of nuclear activities, these interactions hold important promises to democratize the nuclear field on the one hand and strengthen environmental democracy on the other.
International information flows, sentiments, and cross‐country business cycle fluctuations
Authors: Brzoza‐Brzezina Michał , Kotłowski Jacek , Wesołowski Grzegorz
Published: February 2022

Business cycles are strongly correlated between countries. One possible explanation (beyond traditional economic linkages like trade or finance) is that consumer or business sentiments spread over borders and affect cyclical fluctuations in various countries. We first lend empirical support to this concept by showing that sentiments travel fast between countries, most probably directly via information flows. Then we embed this idea into a structural two‐economy new Keynesian framework where noisy information available internationally can generate cyclical fluctuations (comovement of GDP, consumption, investments, and inflation) in both countries. Estimation with US and Canadian data reveals a significant role of US noise shocks in generating common fluctuations. They explain 20%–40% of consumption variance in the US and Canada and raise the correlation between these variables by up to unity in periods of sentiment breakdowns. We also show that our estimated noise shock can be interpreted as a sentiment shock.
Students‐As‐Teachers: Fostering medical educators
Authors: Stanley Joshua , Fellus Ilan A. , Rojas David , Talarico Susanna , Radhakrishnan Seetha , Leslie Karen
Published: February 2022

Background

While mounting evidence supports various benefits of Students‐As‐Teachers (SAT) curricula in preparing students to teach, limited SAT electives are offered across Canada. We developed a 4‐week SAT selective for fourth‐year medical students at the University of Toronto to enhance medical education knowledge and teaching skills. This study aimed to evaluate the SAT programme and its impact on students' development as educators, their experience as learners and educators, and their future plans for involvement with medical education.

Approach

Students participated in highly interactive small group seminars and teaching opportunities in nonclinical and clinical environments. Course evaluation consisted of pre‐selective and post‐selective surveys and written reflections on the selective experience and future career aspirations. A theory‐based evaluation approach was utilized to compare the SAT programme's theory with course outcomes.

Evaluation

Post‐SAT selective, students self‐reported greater knowledge and confidence in teaching methods, provision of feedback, medical education scholarship, and interest in further medical education training. Student reflections highlighted three key themes. Identity formation as educators and the importance of mentorship in medical education aligned with our programme theory, while an unexpected outcome included a shifting perception on teaching and feedback from a learner to an educator lens.

Implications

This study's findings demonstrate the ability of SAT curricula to build capacity for future medical educators. Positive factors contributing to the programme's outcomes included cohort size, course and seminar structure, and active group participation. Future iterations may explore use of flipped classroom models, additional clinical teaching opportunities, and near‐peer teaching.
Pain Begins
Authors: Spector Shirtz Aviv
Published: February 2022

This paper advances a non‐process–oriented understanding of the mind–body relation by uncovering constraints on physicalist mind–body theories. The method of this paper is to explore possible answers that different mind–body theories can provide to the question “When does an experience of pain begin?” This paper demonstrates that physicalist mind–body theories must postulate a synchronic relation between a temporallyinvariant(i.e., constant over time, as opposed to changing over time) aspect of the mental and a temporallyinvariantaspect of the physical. This conclusion poses a challenge to many popular mind–body theories, especially those that postulate a synchronic realisation relation between physical processes and instantiations of mental kinds, such as Functionalism, and in particular Computationalism. Apart from the implications on theory choice and theory design within the philosophy of mind, this paper presents a useful tool for the evaluation of inter‐level relations.
Thin Mereological Sums, Abstraction, and Interpretational Modalities
Authors: Lando Giorgio
Published: February 2022

Some tools introduced by Linnebo to show that mathematical entities are thin objects can also be applied to non‐mathematical entities, which have been thought to be thin as well for a variety of reasons. In this paper, I discuss some difficulties and opportunities concerning the application of abstraction and interpretational modalities to mereological sums. In particular, I show that on one hand some prima facie attractive candidates for the role of an explanatory plural abstraction principle for mereological sums (in terms of pluralities of summed entities) are not really explanatory; on the other hand, singular abstraction principles (in terms of single summed entities) are materially inadequate. Nonetheless, explanatory criteria of identity and conditions of existence for mereological sums are provided by classical extensional mereology independent of abstraction principles. Thus, given classical extensional mereology, the reasons why, according to Linnebo, mathematical abstracted entities are thin also hold for mereological sums. Finally, I contend that interpretational modalities can be used to characterise the process by which a subject adds sums of previously admitted entities to the domain of quantification.
Serological testing on the ADVIA Centaur system for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus in specimens from deceased and living individuals demonstrates equivalent resultsƚ
Authors: Wright Theodore B. , Patibandla Sai , Walsh Renee , Fonstad Rachel , Gee Matthew , Bitcon Vera , Hopper Julie , Braniff Susie J. , Best Susan , Read Scott
Published: February 2022

Introduction

To determine the suitability of human tissues and cells for transplantation, guidelines mandate infectious disease testing of serum or plasma obtained from deceased donors, which are often collected after cessation of the heartbeat. Tests used for this purpose are required to show equivalent performance when compared to pre‐mortem specimens. This study evaluated whether serology assays for HIV Ag/Ab Combo, hepatitis B virus (HBc Total; HBsAgII), and HCV on the ADVIA Centaur system, were fit for testing post‐mortem sera. Performance evaluation studies included precision, specificity, and sensitivity.

Methods

Blood specimens were collected within 24 h after death from 82 deceased and 83 healthy living individuals. Studies followed standard guidelines. The 20‐day precision study was performed on five levels of post‐mortem specimens (non‐spiked and spiked). The specificity study compared 81–83 pre‐mortem and 74–82 post‐mortem specimens. The sensitivity study compared 50 pre‐mortem and 50 post‐mortem specimens spiked with positive sera for each analyte at two levels to achieve a low (near cutoff) positive result and a second higher positive result.

Results

Precision, specificity, and sensitivity study results met acceptance criteria for all assays and lots; post‐mortem and pre‐mortem results were equivalent.

Conclusion

Based on this study, the ADVIA Centaur CHIV, HBcT, HBsAgII, and HCV assays are acceptable for use in routine testing of deceased donor sera collected after cessation of the heartbeat.