bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iodinated contrast media shortage: Insights and guidance from two major public hospitals
Authors: Amukotuwa Shalini A , Bammer Roland , Jackson Dana M , Sutherland Thomas
Published: May 2022

Global shortage of iodinated contrast medium (ICM) is the latest health care ripple‐effect from the COVID‐19 pandemic. Some public hospitals in Australia have less than a week's supply. Strategies are, therefore, urgently needed to conserve ICM for those diagnostic tests and interventions, which are time‐critical, and without which patients would suffer death or significant morbidity. A plan is also required to continue providing best possible care to patients in the worst‐case scenario of exhausted ICM supplies. This document, by representatives from two major public hospitals, will provide some guidance that is tailored to the Australian context.
Social media information dissemination and corporate bad news hoarding
Authors: He Feng , Feng Yaqian , Feng Lingbing
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the role of social media in mitigating corporate bad news hoarding from a stock price crash risk perspective. Using a sample of public listed firms from 2008–2019, we find that social media (Guba) posts could significantly reduce firms’ stock price crash risks in the Chinese stock market. Furthermore, we find that the information intermediation function and complementary corporate governance function enable Guba to achieve such an effect. In addition, investor attention mediates the relationship between Guba posts and management withholding bad news. Our result still holds after a series of robustness checks, including an RDD approach.
Surgical management of a lateral lesion refractory to root canal retreatment caused by an extraradicular calculus. A case report
Authors: Ricucci Domenico , Milovidova Irina , Rôças Isabela N. , Siqueira José F.
Published: May 2022

This article describes the management of a root canal‐treated maxillary central incisor displaying a radiographic lateral radiolucency and a sinus tract that persisted irrespective of root canal retreatment following high standards. Endodontic microsurgery was indicated and curettage of the pathologic tissue revealed a calculus‐like material attached to the outer root surface around the exit of a large lateral canal. A non‐conventional approach was chosen: No root‐end resection was conducted. Instead, the calculus was removed and the apical surface was scaled and smoothed, conserving the apical structure. Retrocavities were prepared in both lateral and apical foramens and filled with a bioceramic material. Follow‐up examination showed optimal soft tissue healing. One‐year follow‐up of radiographs revealed healing of the lateral lesion. The lesion was diagnosed as a cyst, with an infected lumen. An exuberant calculus‐like material attached to the external root surface was the most likely cause of the recalcitrant lateral periradicular lesion.
The TNNT2:c.95‐108G>A variant is common in Maine Coons and shows no association with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Schipper Tom , Ohlsson Åsa , Longeri Maria , Hayward Jessica J. , Mouttham Lara , Ferrari Paolo , Smets Pascale , Ljungvall Ingrid , Häggström Jens , Stern Joshua A. , Lyons Leslie A. , Peelman Luc J. , Broeckx Bart J. G.
Published: May 2022

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common and potentially fatal heart disease in many cat breeds. An intronic variant in TNNT2, c.95‐108G>A, was recently reported as the cause of HCM in the Maine Coon. The aim of this study was to determine this variant’s allele frequency in different populations and its possible association with HCM. Based on 160 Maine Coon samples collected in Belgium, Italy, Sweden and the USA, the variant’s allele frequency was estimated to be 0.32. Analysis of the 99 Lives feline whole genome sequencing database showed that the TNNT2 variant also occurs in other breeds, as well as mixed‐breed cats. Comparison of 31 affected and 58 healthy cats did not reveal significantly increased odds for HCM in homozygotes. Based on the combined evidence and in agreement with the standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants, this variant is currently classified as a variant of unknown significance and should not be used for breeding decisions regarding HCM.
Clustering trends of melanoma incidence and mortality: A worldwide assessment from 1995 to 2019
Authors: Ahmadi Farzane , Karamitanha Farzaneh , Ramezanpour Afshar
Published: May 2022

Background

Melanoma is a skin cancer that has higher mortality among cutaneous malignant tumours. Tumour incidence in most world regions is rising. Here, we intend to highlight these trends in the world.

Methods

We used the global burden of disease dataset to assess the incidence and mortality of melanoma from 1995 to 2019 in 204 countries/territories. To identify country/territory groups with similar trends of melanoma incidence and mortality, a model‐based clustering with a mixture of multivariate t‐distributions was used.

Results

Australia and New Zealand had the largest incidence and mortality rates. Men in Egypt and women in Sri Lanka and Guam had the lowest incidence and mortality rates. The clustering analysis revealed 4 classes of incidence in both gender and 3 and 2 classes of mortality in male and female, respectively. All groups had a growing incidence rate in both gender, similar to the worldwide trend. In 10% of the countries/territories, central and Western Europe, the incidence increase rate was greater than in the countries/territories with the greatest incidence. The total mortality rate for men was steadily growing, although it was decreasing in Asian and African countries/territories. Overall, the mortality rate for women remained relatively steady over time.

Conclusion

Due to the increasing trend of melanoma in the world, primary and secondary prevention of this disease, especially in areas with higher incidence and mortality, is essential. Raising awareness about the disease is helpful in prevention and early detection of melanoma.
Platelet count and plateletcrit: Potential haematological biomarkers for livedoid vasculopathy?
Authors: Gao Yimeng , Jin Hongzhong
Published: May 2022

Background

The pathogenesis of livedoid vasculopathy (LV) remains unknown. Although platelet activation occurs in LV, little research has been conducted on LV platelet morphology parameters. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether platelet morphology changes in LV and its clinical significance.

Methods

Twenty‐seven LV patients and 21 cutaneous small vessel vasculitis (CSVV) patients, all at the active stage, were included. Platelet parameters in active‐ and stable‐stage LV and CSVV patients were compared. Correlations between these platelet parameters and LV composite clinical scores were analysed.

Results

LV patients' mean age was 25.48 years (range: 9–62 years), and 81.48% (22/27) were women and 18.52% (5/27) were men. The platelet counts and plateletcrit (PCT) levels were significantly elevated in LV patients compared with CSVV patients and in active‐stage LV patients compared with stable‐stage LV patients after treatment. LV patient composite clinical scores that reflected disease severity and activity were positively correlated with the platelet count and PCT levels.

Conclusion

Altered platelet morphology was detected in LV patients. Platelet count and PCT might be haematological biomarkers for early prediction of LV activity and relapses and for differential identification between LV and CSVV.
Effect of season on slaughter performance, meat quality, muscle amino acid and fatty acid composition, and metabolism of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)
Authors: Liang Fangfang , Yan Lei , Li Yumei , Jin Yongcheng , Zhang Jing , Che Haoyu , Diao Jizhe , Gao Yequn , He Zhaolan , Sun Ruihong , He Yuntong , Zhou Changhai
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of summer and winter on slaughter performance, muscle quality, flavor‐related substance content, and gene expression levels related to the fat metabolism of pheasants. One‐hundred 1‐day‐old pheasants were fed for 5 months starting in March and July and then, respectively, slaughtered in summer (August) and winter (December). The results revealed that compared with summer, winter not only increased pheasant live weight, dressed percentage, full‐eviscerated yield, and muscle yield (p < 0.05) but also enhanced the activities of SOD and CAT in serum (p < 0.05). Winter significantly increased meat color, the contents of inosinic acid, and flavor amino acid in muscle. Amino acid contents in leg muscles of pheasants in winter were significantly higher than in summer except for histidine (p < 0.05). Winter increased the contents of muscle mono‐unsaturated fatty acid, reducing saturated fatty acid. Summer improved fat synthesis in liver, promoted the deposition of triglycerides and cholesterol, and reduced the expression levels of fat metabolism‐related genes in muscle, while winter increased the expression levels of genes related to muscle fat metabolism to provide energy for body and affect muscle fatty acid profile. Overall, pheasants fed in winter had better sensory quality and flavor than summer.
Association between ticagrelor plasma concentration and bleeding events in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Yang Jing , Qi Guangzhao , Hu Fudong , Zhang Xiaojian , Xing Yu , Wang Peile
Published: May 2022

Aims

The risk of ticagrelor‐related bleeding events remains a major clinical concern, especially in East Asian populations. Previous studies have reported higher ticagrelor exposure in Asian patients than in Caucasians. This prompted us to investigate the correlation between ticagrelor concentrations and bleeding events.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome and receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and ticagrelor) were enrolled and followed up for 12 months. Trough plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and a major active metabolite were assayed, and 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with ticagrelor pharmacokinetics and safety were also identified.

Results

A total of 631 patients were included and 133 patients had bleeding academic research consortium type 1 or 2 bleeding event. The median ticagrelor concentration (interquartile range) was significantly higher in patients with bleeding events than that in patients without bleeding events (322.6 ng/mL [196.2–458.0 ng/mL] vs. 222.1 ng/mL [140.4–341.9 ng/mL], P < .001). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the cut‐off value for ticagrelor levels predicting bleeding events was 363.3 ng/mL (area under the curve = 0.65; P < .001, 95% Cl: 0.595–0.700). Pharmacogenomics results showed that P2Y12 (rs6787801, P = .024) and P2Y12 (rs6785930, P = .048) were statistically associated with ticagrelor levels and bleeding events, respectively.

Conclusion

Ticagrelor plasma concentrations were associated with bleeding events in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome.
A dynamic systems account of parental self‐regulation processes in the context of challenging child behavior
Authors: Zhang Xutong , Gatzke‐Kopp Lisa M. , Cole Pamela M. , Ram Nilam
Published: May 2022

To advance the understanding of how parental self‐regulation contributes to their role in supporting children's development, this study proposes a model of the dynamic processes involved in parental self‐regulation. Based on time‐series data from 157 mothers and their 30‐ to 60‐month‐old children (49.7% female; 96% White; data collected June 2017–December 2019 in central Pennsylvania, U.S.) during a challenging wait task, the model was tested by examining the temporal relations among challenging child behavior, maternal physiology, and maternal responsiveness. Results were consistent with the hypothesized dynamic negative feedback processes and revealed their associations with the overall quality of parenting behaviors and experiences. Findings elucidate how parents adapt to competing external (attending to child) and internal (restoring parents' equilibrium) demands during parenting challenges.
On the definition of dermatological disease. Part 2: approaches for defining dermatological diseases
Authors: Williams Hywel C. , Burden-Teh Esther
Published: May 2022

In Part 1 of this two-part review, conceptual frameworks for defining skin diseases were articulated. In this review, the main approaches that can be used to develop diagnostic criteria for skin disease are summarized, using atopic dermatitis (AD) as an example. Different frameworks for defining skin disease for research purposes are articulated, including statistical, prognostic, operational, clinical and epidemiological approaches. All share the common aim of attempting to develop criteria that enable meaningful comparisons between groups of people. The desirable attributes of a good definition are described: diagnostic criteria should measure what they are meant to measure; the results should be the same for different assessors; the criteria should be coherent with what is known about that disease; they should reflect some degree of morbidity and not pick up subclinical disease; they should be easy to administer; and they should be applicable to a range of people of different ages, sexes/genders and ethnicities. Consensus-based criteria are contrasted with epidemiological derivation methods that assess the performance of diagnostic criteria in relation to a reference standard. The sensitivity and specificity of a disease definition is explained, along with how the trade-off between these two properties can vary, depending on the purpose of the study and the study setting. The review closes with some reflections on when it is appropriate to consider splitting a disease into more than one category and how diagnostic criteria can be interpreted in the clinical setting.
A portion cap rule with two products: An experimental evaluation
Authors: Nuño‐Ledesma José G.
Published: May 2022

Portion cap rules have been proposed to regulate the consumption of foods and ingredients deemed unhealthy. Challenging common intuition, previous theoretical work posits that, when the seller leverages bundling to price‐discriminate, buyers are not necessarily affected and some may even benefit from a quantity restriction. I conduct an experiment designed to test this claim. In the laboratory, human subjects take the role of sellers and offer two products to automated buyers with private preferences. I manipulate the policy environment across treatments. The data largely corroborate the anticipated impacts on consumer surplus, speaking to their robustne ss. In particular, consumers with a low appreciation for the regulated good and a high valuation for the unrestricted item benefit from the cap rule.
Symptom‐based remote assessment in post‐treatment head and neck cancer surveillance: A prospective national study
Authors: Zhang Henry , Hardman John C. , Tikka Theofano , Nankivell Paul , Mehanna Hisham , Paleri Vinidh ,   ENT UK, BAHNO, INTEGRATE (The UK ENT Trainee Research Network)
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To report the incidence of locoregional recurrence in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients under surveillance following treatment undergoing symptom‐based remote assessment.

Design

A 16‐week multicentre prospective cohort study.

Setting

UK ENT departments.

Participants

HNC patients under surveillance following treatment undergoing symptom‐based telephone assessment.

Main outcome measures

Incidence of locoregional recurrent HNC after minimum 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

Data for 1078 cases were submitted by 16 centres, with follow‐up data completed in 98.9% (n = 1066). Following telephone consultation, 83.7% of referrals had their face‐to‐face appointments deferred (n = 897/1072). New symptoms were reported by 11.6% (n = 124/1072) at telephone assessment; 72.6% (n = 90/124) of this group were called for urgent assessments, of whom 48.9% (n = 44/90) came directly for imaging without preceding clinical review. The sensitivity and specificity for new symptoms as an indicator of cancer recurrence were 35.3% and 89.4%, respectively, with a negative predictive value of 99.7% (p = .002). Locoregional cancer identification rates after a minimum of 6 months of further monitoring, when correlated with time since treatment, were 6.0% (n = 14/233) <1 year; 2.1% (n = 16/747) between 1 and 5 years; and 4.3% (n = 4/92) for those >5 years since treatment.

Conclusions

Telephone assessment, using patient‐reported symptoms, to identify recurrent locoregional HNC was widely adopted during the initial peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. The majority of patients had no face‐to‐face reviews or investigations. New symptoms were significantly associated with the identification of locoregional recurrent cancers with a high specificity, but a low sensitivity may limit symptom assessment being used as the sole surveillance method.
Early hearing loss detection in gout using extended high frequency audiometry
Authors: Sahin Abdulkadir , Kilic Korhan , Sakat Muhammed Sedat , Melikoglu Meltem Alkan , Sarihan Koksal
Published: May 2022

Objective

The study aimed to analyse the hearing levels of patients with gout using extended high frequencies (EHFs) audiometry. Thus, we aimed to reveal the early detectability of potential hearing losses.

Design

Comparative cross‐sectional study.

Settings

A single centre patient was diagnosed with gout disease.

Participants

Two groups consisted of 32 patients with gout and 32 healthy volunteers.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was hearing thresholds in pure tone (PT) audiometry and EHFs audiometry. Also, the association between audiometric results and haematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated.

Results

There was no significant difference between groups in terms of mean hearing thresholds in PT audiometry. But, at all frequencies above 4000 Hz (4000–18 000 Hz), the hearing thresholds were significantly higher in patients with gout. Also, the hearing thresholds above 8000 Hz were positively correlated with serum uric acid levels. Hearing thresholds at higher frequencies were positively correlated with haemoglobin levels and negatively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein levels.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature demonstrating the high frequency of hearing loss in patients with gout using EHFs audiometry. We consider that using EHFs audiometry should have an important place in the early detection of potential hearing losses in gout patients.
What is it like to live with obesity in Peninsular Malaysia? A qualitative study
Authors: Yunus Nor Akma , Russell Grant , Muhamad Rosediani , Barton Chris , Sturgiss Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

Understanding the experience of people living with obesity is crucial for delivering holistic care relevant to the socio‐cultural context. Although half of the Malaysian adults have excessive weight, the lived experience of people with obesity in the Malaysian context is not well studied. Using the principles of hermeneutic phenomenology, this study explores the lived experience of adults with obesity in Malaysia and their perspective on the environmental influences on obesity. Participants were adults from Peninsular Malaysia living with obesity recruited from social media, clinics and snowball sampling. Twenty‐five teleconference interviews in Malay were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed inductively using a reflexive thematic analysis approach, and quotes were translated into English. We identified five themes: (1) Malaysian life is centred around food; (2) social norms shape people living with obesity's perceptions of themselves and obesity; (3) people living with obesity are physically restricted by their body; (4) people living with obesity have repeated thoughts about efforts to lose weight; and (5) stigmatization of people living with obesity leads to negative emotions. Socio‐cultural influences were highly impactful on participants' lifeworld, and these influences need to be considered in clinical practice and policy for obesity management in Malaysia. Clinical management should focus on assisting patients in navigating the unsupportive food and social environment instead of overfocusing on the individual's responsibility for weight reduction.
Inclusion of biotic variables improves predictions of environmental niche models
Authors: Stephenson Fabrice , Gladstone‐Gallagher Rebecca V. , Bulmer Richard H. , Thrush Simon F. , Hewitt Judi E.
Published: May 2022

Aim

Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are correlative models that predict the occurrence or abundance of species in relation to predictor variables. SDMs have become an important part of resource management and conservation biology yet they rarely incorporate species’ biology or demography into their predictions. To explore the possible influence of biotic relationships in explaining patterns of species’ distribution, abundance and explanatory power of SDMs, we chose two intertidal shellfish species with overlapping but different environmental preferences (Austrovenus stutchburyi and Macomona liliana) and modelled their distributions with and without biotic variables.

Location

New Zealand.

Methods

The relationship between environmental and biotic variables on the abundance of our two species was investigated using Boosted Regression Trees (BRTs) with increasing model complexity: (1) BRT models using environmental variables were fitted to each species; (2) BRT models using environmental variables and the co‐occurring abundance of the study taxa not being modelled were fitted; (3) BRT models using environmental variables, the co‐occurring abundance and the estimated abundance of the species’ patch of the study taxa not being modelled were fitted.

Results

A strong, non‐linear effect of the abundance of Austrovenus on Macomona was observed but only a weak effect of Macomona on Austrovenus. The inclusion of biotic variables improved the model fit metrics for both species, as assessed by withheld evaluation data, markedly so for Macomona. The overall deviance explained by the models increased, the correlation of predicted vs observed abundance data increased and the variability in these measures decreased.

Main conclusions

The combination of the improvement in model performance and changes in the influence of variables with the inclusion of biotic variables is of importance when predicting into unsampled space (e.g. when predicting impacts of climate change). Our approach improves classic SDMs by integrating ecological theories of how species interactions can alter species distributions across environmental gradients.
Hurricane disturbance accelerated the thermophilization of a Jamaican montane forest
Authors: Tanner Edmund V. J. , Bellingham Peter J. , Healey John R. , Feeley Kenneth J.
Published: May 2022

Thermophilization – changes in community composition towards greater relative abundances of species associated with warmer environments – has been described for plants and animals in many locations around the world. Disturbances of various kinds have increased rates of thermophilization in temperate sites, and this has been proposed, but not demonstrated, for some tropical environments. In this study, we tested whether disturbance by a category 4 hurricane in 1988 (Hurricane Gilbert) increased thermophilization in a Jamaican montane forest by using pre‐ and post‐hurricane data collected over four decades (1974–2014). We analysed tree species composition in permanent plots at ca 1580 m above sea level in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. There were 66 tree species with stem diameters ≥ 3 cm at breast height. We used published data on the altitudinal distribution of 62 species (94% of genetic individuals (genets)) to calculate the mean community altitude scores (MCAS) of the trees recorded in each census, as well as the MCAS of the survivors, recruits and dead trees after each decade. We found that thermophilization did occur (i.e. MCAS decreased significantly over time), and that this was due both to a decreasing MCAS of recruits through the four decades (significantly lower than expected in the last three decades) as well as a high MCAS of trees that died. Thermophilization was fastest in the post‐hurricane decade, during which time there was marked and significant increase in the MCAS of dead trees; this change was above and beyond expectations of long‐term successional dynamics. The rate of compositional change equates to an overall decrease in MCAS of 1.6 m yr−1 over the forty‐year study period. We conclude that this Jamaican montane forest is undergoing thermophilization (likely due to rising temperature) and that the hurricane‐caused disturbance accelerated thermophilization through differential mortality.
The forecast trap
Authors: Boettiger Carl
Published: May 2022

Encouraged by decision makers’ appetite for future information on topics ranging from elections to pandemics, and enabled by the explosion of data and computational methods, model‐based forecasts have garnered increasing influence on a breadth of decisions in modern society. Using several classic examples from fisheries management, I demonstrate that selecting the model or models that produce the most accurate and precise forecast (measured by statistical scores) can sometimes lead to worse outcomes (measured by real‐world objectives). This can create a forecast trap, in which the outcomes such as fish biomass or economic yield decline while the manager becomes increasingly convinced that these actions are consistent with the best models and data available. The forecast trap is not unique to this example, but a fundamental consequence of non‐uniqueness of models. Existing practices promoting a broader set of models are the best way to avoid the trap.
Grandmothers who raise working parents' children: Influences on grandchildren, behavior management styles, and educational needs
Authors: Durmuş Emine , Tunca Aslı
Published: May 2022

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine perspectives on helping raise grandchildren among Turkish grandmothers who care for working parents' children.

Background

Grandparents helping raise their grandchildren has become increasingly common as a means to support women's employment. In Turkey, the Büyükanne Projesi (Grandma Project) was carried out in 2017 with the support of the government. This project encouraged grandmothers to help raise their grandchildren to encourage women's participation in the workforce. The importance of grandmothers in the family system and the role of raising grandchildren has gradually increased.

Method

This research is qualitative and phenomenological. Sixteen grandmothers living in Turkey participated in the research. Participants were selected by criterion sampling, a purposive sampling method.

Results

The study's findings were categorized into three main themes: the effects of being raised by grandmothers on grandchildren, grandmothers' behavior management styles, and grandmothers' educational needs.

Conclusion

While raising the children of working parents, grandmothers strive to instill societal and familial values to the children. In so doing, grandmothers appear to prefer democratic and child‐centered behavior‐management methods over authoritarian and oppressive ones. It was noted that grandmothers have some educational needs, especially with regard to child development issues.

Implications

Grandmothers' childrearing practices can be improved with training. Grandmothers can play an important role in raising children to increase women's participation in the workforce and to help support the family economically.
Community‐based language learning as a transformative practice: An exploration of the modes of communication
Authors: Reisinger Deborah S. , Clifford Joan
Published: May 2022

This study explores transformative learning (TL) in community‐based language learning experiences. The fall 2019 study, conducted with 25 undergraduate students enrolled in two advanced language courses with a service‐learning component, was designed to identify if TL is occurring, which classroom and community‐based activities lead to TL, and specifically, which modes of communication are associated with changes in students' beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions. Faculty administered pre‐ and post‐semester surveys on changes in students' values, beliefs, and opinions, as adapted from King's (2009) Learning Activities Survey. Survey results indicate that a majority of students experienced a moment of TL during the course, which was triggered by a combination of community interactions and course content. Students cited interpersonal speaking, interpretive listening, and interpersonal writing in the target language as high‐impact practices; presentational writing and presentational speaking garnered few responses. Findings indicate that students perceive reflection activities involving interpersonal speaking and writing in the L2 as most supportive of TL.
The Spatial Association of Demographic and Population Health Characteristics with COVID‐19 Prevalence Across Districts in India
Authors: Praharaj Sarbeswar , Kaur Harsimran , Wentz Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

In less‐developed countries, the lack of granular data limits the researcher's ability to study the spatial interaction of different factors on the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study designs a novel database to examine the spatial effects of demographic and population health factors on COVID‐19 prevalence across 640 districts in India. The goal is to provide a robust understanding of how spatial associations and the interconnections between places influence disease spread. In addition to the linear Ordinary Least Square regression model, three spatial regression models—Spatial Lag Model, Spatial Error Model, and Geographically Weighted Regression are employed to study and compare the variables explanatory power in shaping geographic variations in the COVID‐19 prevalence. We found that the local GWR model is more robust and effective at predicting spatial relationships. The findings indicate that among the demographic factors, a high share of the population living in slums is positively associated with a higher incidence of COVID‐19 across districts. The spatial variations in COVID‐19 deaths were explained by obesity and high blood sugar, indicating a strong association between pre‐existing health conditions and COVID‐19 fatalities. The study brings forth the critical factors that expose the poor and vulnerable populations to severe public health risks and highlight the application of geographical analysis vis‐a‐vis spatial regression models to help explain those associations.
Thermal treatment of ion‐exchanged glass
Authors: Macrelli Guglielmo , Varshneya Arun K. , Mauro John C.
Published: May 2022

Thermal treatments of ion‐exchanged glasses are often needed for postprocessing steps, including deposition or curing of inorganic or organic coatings deposited on the glass surface. In this study, we investigate the effects of post–ion exchange thermal treatment on the concentration profile, residual stress, and final strength of the ion‐exchanged glass. A new general solution of the diffusion problem with variable boundary conditions is presented together with its integration in a recent residual stress model, including fast and slow relaxation terms. Strength is evaluated as a function of the surface flaw depth in both solely ion‐exchanged glass and ion‐exchanged glass subjected to subsequent thermal treatments. Results indicate that the thermal treatment may have significant detrimental consequences in terms of strength, which should be carefully considered in the design of glass components to avoid unexpected immediate or time‐delayed breakages.
Somatic mosaicism in patients with Fanconi anaemia: Proposal of alternative tissue for inconclusive diagnoses
Authors: Oliveira Pereira Camila , Pillonetto Daniela Vandresen , Borgonovo Tamara , Rebelatto Carmen Lúcia Kuniyoshi , Barbosa Miriam Lacerda , Finger Maria Cristina , Nichele Samantha , Trennepohl Joanna , Loth Gisele , Bonfim Carmem
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder marked by progressive bone marrow failure, chromosomal fragility, and increased cancer susceptibility. Laboratory diagnosis includes chromosomal instability test and mutation investigation. A total of 15%–25% of all patients may have somatic mosaicism, characterized by two distinct haematopoietic cell populations, one resistant and one sensitive to agents that induce chromosomal breakage, which complicates the diagnosis by a high incidence of reverted cells leading to inconclusive or false‐negative results. The study aimed to evaluate the use of bone marrow stromal mesenchymal cells (BM‐MSCs) as an alternative, non‐haematopoietic tissue for diagnosis.

Methods

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells from 12 patients with positive diepoxybutane (DEB) tests were cultivated and analysed by cytogenetics and mutation investigation.

Results

The DEB test was performed at 0.1 and 0.01 μg/ml concentrations, with an index ranging from 0.24 to 1.00. At higher concentration, the metaphases number was lower, probably due to toxicity. Regarding the molecular investigation, all the mutations previously found in peripheral blood were identified on BM‐MSC.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the possibility of using BM‐MSCs as an alternative tissue for cytogenetic and molecular investigation. Future tests using an intermediate DEB concentration may lead to an optimal protocol that could be non‐toxic to cells but provides conclusive results.
Decent work in nursing: Relationship between nursing work environment, job satisfaction, and physical and mental health
Authors: Sönmez Betül , Yıldız Keskin Ayşe , İspir Demir Öznur , Emiralioğlu Ramazan , Güngör Serkan
Published: May 2022

Aim

To examine the relationship between nursing work environment, nurses' perception of decent work, job satisfaction, and physical and mental health.

Background

According to the psychology of working theory, work‐related and overall well‐being levels of employees with decent work increase as their basic needs are met.

Methods

This study was conducted as a cross‐sectional, correlational study. The study sample consisted of 311 nurses working in two hospitals in a province of Turkey. The participants were selected using convenience sampling method. The model of the research was analyzed using structural equation modeling. This study was reported using the STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies.

Results

The four dimensions of the nursing work environment were found to have a significant relationship with decent work. Decent work was found to have a direct relationship with physical and mental health. It had an indirect relationship between three subscales of work environment and physical and mental health, however, decent work had no significant relationship with job satisfaction.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicated the role of decent work environment and its relationship with nurses’ physical and mental health.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Nurse managers, policy makers, and decision‐makers at all levels should improve nursing work environment and working conditions.
1,25(OH)2D3 blocks IFNβ production through regulating STING in epithelial layer of oral lichen planus
Authors: Ge Xuejun , Wang Yaxian , Xie Hanting , Li Ran , Zhang Fang , Zhao Bin , Du Jie
Published: May 2022

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is reported to exert vital functions in inflammatory responses and autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, the status and roles of STING in oral lichen planus (OLP) remain elusive. Here, we state that STING and its downstream cytokine interferon‐β (IFNβ) expression is boosted in the oral keratinocytes from patients suffering OLP in comparison with those from healthy participants. Mechanistically, transcription factor GATA‐binding protein 1 (GATA1) which is highly increased in diseased samples specifically interacts with its element in the promoter of STING to enhance STING transcripts. 1,25(OH)2D3, the active form of vitamin D, is capable of restricting STING and IFNβ increases in oral keratinocyte models resembling OLP in vitro. Moreover, there is a negative correlation between vitamin D receptor (VDR) and STING or IFNβ in human samples. Using plasmids and small interfering RNA transfection technologies, we find 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates STING and IFNβ through a mechanism controlled by the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α)‐GATA1 axis. Collectively, our findings unveil that 1,25(OH)2D3 lowers STING and IFNβ overexpression in the context of OLP.
Axin2‐expressing cells in the periodontal ligament are regulated by bone morphogenetic protein signalling and play a pivotal role in periodontium development
Authors: Xie Xudong , Xu Chunmei , Zhao Lei , Wu Yafei , Feng Jian Q. , Wang Jun
Published: May 2022

Aim

To date, controversies still exist regarding the exact cellular origin and regulatory mechanisms of periodontium development, which hinders efforts to achieve ideal periodontal tissue regeneration. Axin2‐expressing cells in the periodontal ligament (PDL) have been shown to be a novel progenitor cell population that is essential for periodontal homeostasis. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the regulatory role of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1A (BMPR1A)‐mediated BMP signalling in Axin2‐expressing cells during periodontium development.

Materials and Methods

Two strains of Axin2 gene reporter mice, Axin2lacZ/+ and Axin2CreERT2/+; R26RtdTomato/+ mice, were used. We next generated Axin2CreERT2/+; R26RDTA/+; R26RtdTomato/+ mice to genetically ablate of Axin2‐lineage cells. Axin2CreERT2/+; Bmpr1afl/fl; R26RtdTomato/+ mice were established to conditionally knock out Bmpr1a in Axin2‐lineage cells. Multiple approaches, including micro‐computed tomography, calcein green, and alizarin red double‐labelling, scanning electron microscopy, and histological and immunostaining assays, were used to analyse periodontal phenotypes and molecular mechanisms.

Results

X‐gal staining revealed that Axin2‐expressing cells in the PDL were mainly distributed along the alveolar bone and cementum surface. Cell lineage tracing and cell ablation assays further demonstrated the indispensable role of Axin2‐expressing cells in periodontium development. Next, we found that conditional knockout of Bmpr1a in Axin2‐lineage cells led to periodontal defects, which were characterized by alveolar bone loss, impaired cementogenesis, and abnormal Sharpey's fibres.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Axin2‐expressing cells in the PDL are essential for periodontium development, which is regulated by BMP signalling.
The association of sedentary behaviour and physical activity with periodontal disease in NHANES 2011–2012
Authors: Almohamad Maha , Krall Kaye Elizabeth , Mofleh Dania , Spartano Nicole L.
Published: May 2022

Aim

Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent oral pathologies and a major chronic disease worldwide. Lifestyle habits such as poor nutrition and smoking have been established to contribute to the development of periodontal disease, but limited research has investigated whether physical activity and sedentary lifestyle play a role. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and periodontal disease.

Materials and Methods

We used a nationally representative data set from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012. We examined the association between physical activity and sedentary behaviour and periodontal disease using multivariable logistic regression models and reported odds ratios (ORs).

Results

Individuals with higher total physical activity, higher leisure time physical activity, and lower amount of total sedentary behaviour had lower periodontal disease prevalence. Adjusted multivariable regression models showed that higher sedentary behaviour (more than 7.5 h/day) was associated with higher odds of periodontal disease (OR = 1.17; 95% confidence interval = 1.00–1.36; p = .045).

Conclusions

The findings showed that higher sedentary behaviour is associated with higher odds of periodontal disease. Future prospective longitudinal studies and strategies are needed to investigate implications further and define the magnitude of the association between physical activity and periodontal disease.
Association of periodontitis with tinnitus: A population‐based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Su Suzanne Ying‐Shan , Chien Wu‐Chien , Chung Chi‐Hsiang , Su Wan‐Fu , Fu Earl
Published: May 2022

Aim

Tinnitus, ringing in the ears, is speculated to be driven by inflammation. This study examined whether periodontitis is a risk factor for tinnitus using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.

Materials and Methods

Among the 79,456 patients who visited for dental concerns, 11,055 patients who were diagnosed with periodontitis and underwent periodontal treatment between 2000 and 2015 were enrolled in Group 1. After matching for sex, age, and index year, 11,055 patients with periodontitis who received no treatment were enrolled in Group 2. Similarly, 11,055 participants without periodontitis were included as controls.

Results

At the end of the follow‐up, 412 and 404 participants in the two periodontitis groups and 321 participants in the control group had tinnitus. Cumulative risk for tinnitus in Group 1 or 2 was significantly greater than in the control group. More periodontitis patients than controls developed tinnitus (adjusted hazard ratios were 1.71 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–1.97, p < .001) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.37–1.86, p < .001) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively). The risks were not significantly different between Groups 1 and 2. Similar findings were obtained after excluding data for the first 1 or 5 years.

Conclusions

The study findings indicate that periodontitis is associated with tinnitus.
Volumetric parameters from [18F]FDG PET/CTpredicts survival in patients with high‐grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Langen Stokmo Henning , Aly Mahmoud , Bowitz Lothe Inger Marie , Borja Austin J. , Mehdizadeh Seraj Siavash , Ghorpade Rina , Miao Xuan , Hjortland Geir Olav , Malinen Eirik , Sorbye Halfdan , Werner Thomas J. , Alavi Abass , Revheim Mona‐Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

A positive fluorine‐18 labelled 2‐deoxy‐2‐fluoroglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has been associated with more aggressive disease and less differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). Although a high maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) predicts poor outcome in NEN, volumetric parameters from [18F]FDG PET have not been evaluated for prognostication in a pure high‐grade gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) NEN cohort. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated the volumetric PET parameters total metabolic tumour volume (tMTV) and total total lesion glycolysis (tTLG) for independent prognostication of overall survival (OS). High‐grade GEP NEN patients with [18F]FDG PET/CT examination and biopsy within 90 days were included. Total MTV and tTLG were calculated using an adaptive thresholding software. Patients were dichotomised into low and high metabolic groups based on median tMTV and tTLG. OS was compared using Kaplan–Meier estimator and log‐rank test. Uni and multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate effect sizes and adjust for tumour differentiation and SUVmax. Sixty‐six patients (median age 64 years) were included with 14 NET G3 and 52 NEC cases after histological re‐evaluation. Median tMTV was 208 cm3and median tTLG 1899 g. Median OS in the low versus high tMTV‐group was 21.2 versus 5.7 months (HR 2.53,p = 0.0007) and 22.8 versus 5.7 months (HR 2.42,p = 0.0012) in the tTLG‐group. Adjusted for tumour differentiation and SUVmax, tMTV and tTLG still predicted for poor OS, and both tMTV and tTLG were stronger prognostic parameters than SUVmax. Both regression models showed a strong association between volumetric parameters and OS for both neuroendocrine tumours (NET) G3 and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC). OS for the tTLG low metabolic NEC was much higher than for the tTLG high metabolic NET G3 (18.3 vs. 5.7 months). High‐grade GEP NEN patients with high tMTV or tTLG had a worse OS regardless of tumour differentiation (NET G3 or NEC). Volumetric PET parameters were stronger prognostic parameters than SUVmax.
The correlation between the severity of symptoms and the thickness of the fat fold in cellulite‐affected areas—A pilot study
Authors: Kołodziejczak Anna , Jatczak Agata , Rotsztejn Helena
Published: May 2022

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between the cellulite severity and the thickness of the fat fold.

Material and methods

The study comprised 62 women aged 22 to 26 years. A palpation and visual evaluation of cellulite severity was performed on the basis of the Nurnberger and Muller classification, and the thickness of adipose tissue (fatty tissue) was measured with the use of a skinfold caliper.

Results

The H0 hypothesis was rejected in favor of the H1 hypothesis (p < 0.001) in the chi‐square independence test; therefore, a relationship between the thickness of the adipose tissue fold and the severity of cellulite was confirmed. Moreover, on the basis of obtained results, the hypothesis of the independence of the studied variables (p < 0.0000001) was also rejected. It can be concluded that there is an association between the thickness of adipose tissue and the degree of cellulite. Moreover, the values of the obtained coefficients are greater than zero (the correlation is positive), and the obtained Spearman's R (0.89) and Kendall's tau (0.79) values indicate a very strong correlation between the studied variables.

Conclusions

On the basis of obtained results and their statistical analysis, we can state that there is a relationship between the degree of cellulite and the thickness of the fat fold—the degree of cellulite increases with the increase in the thickness of the measured fat fold.
Management of illicit substances in hospital: An evaluation of policy and procedure implementation
Authors: Penta Stephanie , DeAngelis Alyssa , Raymond Holly , Vucenic Bojana , Kay Victoria , Gladysz Hollie , McCarron Catherine , Holshausen Katherine
Published: May 2022

Previous research has identified illicit substance use on hospital property as an ongoing concern, particularly in inpatient mental health units. This research, combined with concerns raised by healthcare providers, patients, and patients’ families, resulted in one hospital in a medium‐sized city in Canada enacting two internal strategies for the management of illicit substances on hospital property. The unit‐based Green‐Yellow‐Red procedure employs environmental scanning and regular risk assessment to report the incidence rate of illicit substances suspected and/or found in the unit, to inform staff of the extent of necessary interventions which should ensue. The hospital‐wide Management of Illicit Substances protocol includes ten steps which can be followed by any staff member who suspects they have found an illicit substance or related paraphernalia on hospital grounds. This paper discusses the creation and implementation of these two strategies, as well as associated challenges and outcomes of each. Overall, these strategies have effectively functioned to mitigate the potential dangers of exposure to illicit substances for staff and patients alike. These results stand to encourage other institutions to implement similar strategies in order to better manage situations in which illicit substances are suspected or discovered on hospital property.