bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of introducing alcohol‐free beer options in bars and public houses on alcohol sales and revenue: A randomised crossover field trial
Authors: De‐Loyde Katie , Ferrar Jennifer , Pilling Mark A. , Hollands Gareth J. , Clarke Natasha , Matthews Joe A. , Maynard Olivia M. , Wood Tiffany , Heath Carly , Munafò Marcus R. , Attwood Angela S.
Published: March 2024

Aims

The study aimed to estimate the impact of introducing a draught alcohol‐free beer, thereby increasing the relative availability of these products, on alcohol sales and monetary takings in bars and pubs in England.

Design

Randomised crossover field trial.

Setting

England.

Participants

Fourteen venues that did not previously sell draught alcohol‐free beer.

Intervention and comparator

Venues completed two intervention periods and two control periods in a randomised order over 8 weeks. Intervention periods involved replacing one draught alcoholic beer with an alcohol‐free beer. Control periods operated business as usual.

Measurements

The primary outcome was mean weekly volume (in litres) of draught alcoholic beer sold. The secondary outcome was mean weekly revenue [in GBP (£)] from all drinks. Analyses adjusted for randomised order, special events, season and busyness.

Findings

The adjusted mean difference in weekly sales of draught alcoholic beer was −20 L [95% confidence interval (CI) = −41 to +0.4], equivalent to a 4% reduction (95% CI = 8% reduction to 0.1% increase) in the volume of alcoholic draught beer sold when draught alcohol‐free beer was available. Excluding venues that failed at least one fidelity check resulted in an adjusted mean difference of −29 L per week (95% CI = −53 to −5), equivalent to a 5% reduction (95% CI = 8% reduction to 0.8% reduction). The adjusted mean difference in weekly revenue was +61 GBP per week (95% CI = −328 to +450), equivalent to a 1% increase (95% CI = 5% decrease to 7% increase) when draught alcohol‐free beer was available.

Conclusions

Introducing a draught alcohol‐free beer in bars and pubs in England reduced the volume of draught alcoholic beer sold by 4% to 5%, with no evidence of the intervention impacting net revenue.
Guided tooth autotransplantation of a palatally impacted maxillary canine into the site of a failed maxillary canine implant
Authors: Moreno‐Pérez Jesús , Rubio Flores David , Fernández Villares Carlos , Nagendrababu Venkateshbabu , Abella Sans Francesc
Published: March 2024

The aim of this report is to demonstrate the guided tooth autotransplantation of a palatally impacted maxillary canine into the site of a failed maxillary canine dental implant. A 47‐year‐old woman visited a dental clinic complaining of loose dental implant in the left maxillary canine site, tooth #11, as well as pain and swelling of the gum around the implant. The clinical examination revealed a mobile implant along with swollen soft tissues with bleeding on probing. A periapical radiograph demonstrated peri‐implant marginal bone loss. Cone beam computed tomography sections revealed that tooth #11 was impacted palatally. The implant was removed and replaced with the impacted canine via guided autotransplantation and posterior orthodontic alignment. The patient was recalled at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 48 months after the procedure. During this period, the patient was symptom‐free and radiographic examination at 2 years revealed no periapical pathosis or root resorption.
Effects of melatonin against experimentally induced apical periodontitis in rats
Authors: Kırmızı D. , Sehirli A. Ö. , Sayiner S. , Orhan K. , Sebai A. , Aksoy U.
Published: March 2024

Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory condition resulting from microbial invasion in the root canal system, causing periapical tissue destruction and bone resorption. This study investigated melatonin's effects, known for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, on experimentally induced apical periodontitis in rats. Three groups of rats were studied: control, apical periodontitis and apical periodontitis with melatonin treatment. Proinflammatory cytokines and enzyme levels in blood serum were measured, and micro‐CT analysis assessed bone resorption. Results showed significantly elevated cytokines and enzyme levels in the apical periodontitis group compared to the control. However, in the melatonin‐treated group, these levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.01–0.001). Micro‐CT analysis indicated decreased periapical resorption cavity volume and surface area with melatonin treatment. This suggests that systemic melatonin administration can mitigate inflammation and reduce bone resorption in experimentally induced apical periodontitis in rats, potentially holding promise for human endodontic disease treatment pending further research.
Risk classification system using the detailed positive surgical margin status for predicting biochemical recurrence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Hatayama Tomoya , Goto Keisuke , Fujiyama Kenta , Goriki Akihiro , Kaneko Mayumi , Mita Koji
Published: March 2024

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the risk classification system using the detailed positive surgical margin (PSM) status to predict biochemical recurrence (BCR) after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 427 patients who underwent RARP between January 2016 and March 2020. We investigated risk factors for BCR using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models. The biochemical recurrence‐free survival (BRFS) rate was assessed using the Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 43.4 months and 99 patients developed BCR. In the multivariate analysis, maximum PSM length > 5.0 mm and the International Society of Urological Pathology grade group (ISUP GG) at the PSM ≥3 were predictive factors for BCR in patients with a PSM. In the multivariate analysis, these factors were also independent predictive factors in the overall study population, including patients without a PSM. We classified the patients into four groups using these factors and found that the 1‐year BRFS rates in the negative surgical margin (NSM) group, low‐risk group (PSM and neither factor), intermediate‐risk group (either factor), and high‐risk group (both factors) were 94.9%, 94.5%, 83.1%, and 52.9%, respectively. The low‐risk group showed similar BRFS to the NSM group (p = 0.985), while the high‐risk group had significantly worse BRFS than the other groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Maximum PSM length > 5.0 mm and ISUP GG at the PSM ≥3 were independent predictive factors for BCR after RARP. Risk classification for BCR using these factors is considered to be useful and might help urologists decide on additional treatment after RARP.
Chronic pain and the use of complementary and alternative medicine in rural Victoria, Australia
Authors: Hamilton Andrew J. , Bourke Lisa , Ranmuthugala Geetha , Glenister Kristen M. , Simmons David
Published: March 2024

Objective

The relationship between chronic pain and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is poorly understood, and the situation in rural Australia is particularly unclear. The objective here was to determine the socio‐demographic factors associated with the use of CAM for the treatment of chronic pain in a region of rural Australia.

Methods

This secondary analysis used data from a population health survey, Crossroads‐II, to assess the relationships of various socio‐demographic factors with the use of CAM by those suffering from chronic pain.

Design

Face‐to‐face surveys at households randomly selected from residential address lists.

Setting

A large regional centre and three nearby rural towns in northern Victoria, Australia.

Participants

Sixteen years of age and older.

Main Outcome Measures

Use of a CAM service to treat chronic pain.

Results

Being female (2.40 [1.47, 3.93], p < 0.001) and having a bachelorʼs degree (OR 2.24 [1.20, 4.20], p < 0.001) had a significant positive relationship with the use of CAM overall to redress chronic pain and those 50 years and older had greater odds of using manipulation therapies relative to those below 50 years (50–64: OR 0.52 [0.32, 0.86], p = 0.010; 65+: 0.37 [0.18, 0.75], p = 0.005).

Conclusion

In the studied region, females and those with university education have the greatest odds of using CAM to treat chronic pain. This study needs to be complemented with more mechanistic investigations into the reasons people make the decisions they make about using CAM for the management of chronic pain.
Telomeric function and regulation during male meiosis in mice and humans
Authors: Yin Lisha , Jiang Nan , Li Tao , Zhang Youzhi , Yuan Shuiqiao
Published: March 2024

Background

Telomeres are unique structures situated at the ends of chromosomes. Preserving the structure and function of telomeres is essential for maintaining genomic stability and promoting genetic diversity during male meiosis in mammals.

Material‐Methods

This review compiled recent literature on the function and regulation of telomeres during male meiosis in both mice and humans, and also highlighted the critical roles of telomeres in reproductive biology and medicine.

Results‐Discussion

Various structures, consisting of the LINC complex (SUN‐KASH), SPDYA‐CDK2, TTM trimer (TERB1‐TERB2‐MAJIN), and shelterin, are critical in controlling telomeric activities, such as nuclear envelope attachment and bouquet formation. Other than telomere‐related proteins, cohesins and genes responsible for regulating telomere function are also highlighted, though the exact mechanism remains unclear. The gene‐mutant mouse models with meiotic defects directly reveal the essential roles of telomeres in male meiosis. Recently reported mutant genes associated with telomere activity in clinical practice have also been illustrated in detail.

Conclusions

Proper regulation of telomere activities is essential for male meiosis progression in mice and humans.
Correlation between serum tryptophan metabolism and treatment efficacy of dapoxetine in patients with premature ejaculation: A pilot study
Authors: Wu Chenglun , Huang Shengyu , Liu Zhuojie , Wang Yixin , Zhu Yuanqiang , Zang Zhi‐Jun
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Primary premature ejaculation (PPE) is a common male neurobiological disorder. Currently, there is consensus that the impairment in central serotonin (5‐HT) neurotransmission constitutes a key pathogenic factor in PPE. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) serve as the primary pharmacological intervention; however, a comprehensive elucidation of their mechanism of action remains incomplete. Owing to significant individual variability in efficacy, SSRIs exhibit a high discontinuation rate. Hence, there is an urgent need to address the selection of SSRIs for PPE treatment.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the characteristics of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism in patients with PPE and to assess its influence on the efficacy of SSRIs.

Methods

The exploratory study included a total of 16 patients with PPE and 16 control subjects who were healthy men without any sexual dysfunction. Upon enrollment in the study, all participants underwent a thorough medical history review and physical examination. Subsequently, their serum levels of TRP, its metabolites, large neutral amino acids (LNAAs), and metabolite ratios were assessed using a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) assay. After a period of 4 weeks of dapoxetine treatment, all patients with PPE underwent reassessment using the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) score and intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) test.

Results

The ratio of serum TRP to other LNAAs (TRP/LNAAs) in patients with PPE was found to be significantly lower compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conversely, the ratio of kynurenine to TRP (KYN/TRP) was observed to be significantly higher in the PPE patients compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Including the serum TRP/LNAAs ratio and KYN/TRP ratio in the prediction model yielded the highest prediction efficiency for PPE. There was a significant negative correlation between the ratio of TRP/LNAAs before the treatment and the IELT after 4 weeks of the treatment. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation observed between the ratio of TRP/LNAAs before the treatment and the PEDT score after 4 weeks of the treatment.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the reduction in the TRP/LNAAs ratio and the elevation of the KYN/TRP ratio are significant characteristics associated with PPE. These findings suggest that diminished tryptophan availability in the brain and the activation of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of PPE. The TRP/LNAAs ratio has potential as a reliable indicator of central serotonin (5‐HT) levels. Considering the TRP/LNAAs ratio when selecting SSRIs for the treatment of PPE may enhance the response rate of this medication.
Just reallocated? Robots displacement, and job quality
Authors: Cuccu Liliana , Royuela Vicente
Published: March 2024

Concerns over widespread technological unemployment are often dismissed with the argument that human labour is not destroyed by automation but rather reallocated to other tasks, occupations or sectors. When focusing on pure employment levels, the idea that workers are not permanently excluded but ‘just’ reallocated might be reassuring. However, while attention has been devoted to the impact of automation on employment levels, little has been said about the quality of new job matches for displaced workers. Using an administrative longitudinal panel covering a large sample of Spanish workers from 2001 to 2017, we investigate the short‐ and medium‐term re‐employment prospects of workers displaced from sectors with an increasing density of industrial robots. Furthermore, we examine the role of reallocation to other sectors or local labour markets as adjustment mechanisms. Our analysis suggests that exposed middle‐ and low‐skilled workers are more likely than non‐exposed workers to remain unemployed 6 months after displacement. Among those who find a new occupation, an additional robot per 1000 workers increases the probability of being re‐employed in a lower paying job by about 1.9 percentage points for middle‐ and low‐skilled workers, with significantly higher penalties for those who relocate to a different sector. Moreover, these workers tend to face a qualification downgrading in the new job and are more likely to be re‐employed through temporary employment agencies. High‐skilled workers are less negatively affected by exposure, although they can also incur a penalty when changing sectors.
Synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity of galactosamine–docetaxel conjugates
Authors: Shen Yongpeng , Cheng Yilin , Hu Haotian , Liu Yufeng , Li Yujie , Zhu Tianyu , Xu Defeng , Hu Hang
Published: March 2024

Docetaxel (DTX) is a semi‐synthetic analogue of paclitaxel which has attracted extensive attention in the treatment of cancer. However, the current clinically used DTX formulations display low tumor targeting ability, leading to unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes with adverse effects, which poses significant challenges to the clinical application. In this study, three galactosamine (Gal) and docetaxel conjugates with different linkers were synthesized, namely DTX‐(suc‐Gal)2, DTX‐(DTDPA‐Gal)2, and DTX‐(DSeDPA‐Gal)2. These three conjugates were characterized by 1H NMR, FT‐IR and HRMS. The in vitro drug release study shows that DTX‐(DTDPA‐Gal)2 and DTX‐(DSeDPA‐Gal)2 exhibit glutathione (GSH)‐responsive drug release and DTX‐(DSeDPA‐Gal)2 displays higher GSH‐responsiveness. The in vitro antitumor activity study shows that DTX‐(DTDPA‐Gal)2 and DTX‐(DSeDPA‐Gal)2 exhibit enhanced cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis rate and G2/M phase arrest against HepG2 cells as compared to DTX‐(suc‐Gal)2, DTX‐(DSeDPA‐Gal)2 displays the highest cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis rate and G2/M phase arrest among these three conjugates. In addition, DTX‐(DSeDPA‐Gal)2 exhibits higher selectivity to HepG2 cells as compared to free DTX. The DTX‐(DSeDPA‐Gal)2 developed in this study has been proven to be an effective DTX conjugate for selective killing hepatoma cells.
Mobocertinib: Mechanism of action, clinical, and translational science
Authors: Hanley Michael J. , Camidge D. Ross , Fram Robert J. , Gupta Neeraj
Published: March 2024

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion (ex20ins) mutations represent ~6%–12% of all EGFR‐mutated non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases. First‐, second‐, and third‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have limited clinical activity against EGFR ex20ins mutations. Mobocertinib is a first‐in‐class oral EGFR TKI that selectively targets in‐frame EGFR ex20ins mutations in NSCLC; accelerated approval in the United States was granted for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR ex20ins mutations whose disease has progressed on or after platinum‐based chemotherapy. Accelerated approval was based on the results from the three‐part, open‐label, multicenter, pivotal phase I/II nonrandomized clinical trial (NCT02716116) that enrolled 114 patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR ex20ins mutation–positive NSCLC who were previously treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy and received mobocertinib at the recommended dosage of 160 mg once daily. At the November 1, 2021, data cutoff date, the confirmed objective response rate per independent review committee (IRC) was 28%, median duration of response was 15.8 months, median progression‐free survival per IRC was 7.3 months, and median overall survival was 20.2 months. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events were gastrointestinal‐ and skin‐related. The phase III EXCLAIM‐2 study evaluated mobocertinib versus chemotherapy as first‐line therapy for locally advanced or metastatic EGFR ex20ins–positive NSCLC; however, the primary end point was not met, resulting in initiating voluntary withdrawal of mobocertinib worldwide. This mini‐review article summarizes the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic characteristics, key clinical trials, and clinical efficacy and safety data for mobocertinib.
Subcontracting Linkages in India's Informal Economy
Authors: Kesar Surbhi
Published: March 2024

Subcontracting relations have often been considered a key channel to facilitate growth in traditional informal enterprises and enable them to transition into larger, modern enterprises. Such relations are expected to strengthen with economic growth. Using nationally representative survey data for the Indian informal manufacturing sector, this article examines the nature and patterns of subcontracting linkages for informal family‐based household enterprises over the high‐growth period of 2001–2016. The article estimates the net accumulation fund (NAF) for these enterprises, which measures their ability to accumulate, and studies the transition possibilities of subcontracted enterprises over time. Results show that the NAFs of subcontracted enterprises remained much lower than those of non‐subcontracted ones, with the disparity growing over the growth period. A vast majority of subcontracted household enterprises are embedded in relations that are akin to a traditional putting‐out system, with little control over their production processes. Female‐owned enterprises and those located within the household are more likely to be in such put‐out relations. Average NAF for put‐out household enterprises has been lower than for relatively autonomous subcontracted and non‐subcontracted firms, although over time the gap in NAF between put‐out and non‐put‐out firms, and thus their differential ability to transition, has narrowed. The prevailing nature of subcontracting relations in India's informal economy, even during the peak growth period, appears to be starkly different from the dynamic linkages that are celebrated in the literature as a channel for facilitating growth and transition.
Iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy in older adults
Authors: Panteleienko Larysa , Mallon Dermot , Oliver Rupert , Toosy Ahmed , Hoshino Yuki , Murakami Aya , Kaushik Kanishk , Wermer Marieke J. H. , Hara Hideo , Yakushiji Yusuke , Banerjee Gargi , Werring David J.
Published: March 2024

Background and purpose

An increasing number of cases of iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) have now been reported worldwide. Proposed diagnostic criteria require a history of medical intervention with potential for amyloid‐β transmission, for example those using cadaveric dura mater or requiring instrumentation of the brain or spinal cord. Clinical presentation occurs after an appropriate latency (usually three or four decades); to date, most patients with iatrogenic CAA have had ‘early‐onset’ disease (compared to sporadic, age‐related, CAA), as a consequence of childhood procedures.

Results

We describe five cases of possible iatrogenic CAA in adults presenting in later life (aged 65 years and older); all had prior neurosurgical interventions and presented after a latency suggestive of iatrogenic disease (range 30–39 years). Use of cadaveric dura mater was confirmed in one case, and highly likely in the remainder.

Conclusion

The presentation of iatrogenic CAA in older adults widens the known potential spectrum of this disease and highlights the difficulties of making the diagnosis in this age group, and particularly in differentiating iatrogenic from sporadic CAA. Increased vigilance for cases presenting at an older age is essential for furthering our understanding of the clinical phenotype and broader implications of iatrogenic CAA.
Phytochemical characterisation of leaves and stems of Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack and their antibacterial activity against multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacterial infection
Authors: El‐Shiekh Riham A. , Elshimy Rana , Mandour Asmaa A. , Kassem Hanaa A. H. , Khaleel Amal E. , Alseekh Saleh , Fernie Alisdair R. , Salem Mohamed A.
Published: March 2024

Antibiotic resistance is now deemed a worldwide problem that puts public health at risk. The potential of Murraya (Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jacq.) leaves and stems as antibacterial agents against multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) was assessed in our study. First, screening was performed by disc diffusion assay, and minimum inhibitory concentration values were then determined as compared to tigecycline. A. baumnii mouse model of infection was established to substantiate the antibacterial activity of Murraya species. Results revealed high antimicrobial activity for stem of both plants where leaves showed moderate to weak activity. Phytochemical characterisation revealed the identification of 129 metabolites belonging to different classes of compounds viz. coumarins, carbazole alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and miscellaneous. In vivo data from the animal model supported the high efficiency of M. paniculata stems as promising extract for lead candidates against MDRAB pulmonary infections. Inhibition of its essential MurF (UDP‐N‐acetylmuramoyl‐tripeptide‐D‐alanyl‐d‐alanine ligase) protein has been reported as a potential target for broad‐spectrum drugs. In silico results after molecular docking to MurF from Acinetobacter baumannii (PDB ID: 4QF5) showed competitive binding mode to ATP ligand at the active site predicting antibacterial activity of the tested compounds. Furthermore, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, sinapic acid, feruloyl agmatine, and mahanimbidine were detected as the key discriminatory metabolites correlated with antibacterial activity. To our knowledge, this is the first in vivo anti‐MDRAB study for the investigated plant. Murraya plants have enormous possibility for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds which could combat against resistant microorganisms.
Tumor necrosis factor α1 decreases mucosal immune and antioxidant response in the midgut of hybrid fish (white crucian carp ♀ × red crucian carp ♂)
Authors: Li Ke‐Xin , Xiong Ning‐Xia , Huang Jin‐Fang , Li Shi‐Yun , Ou Jie , Wang Fei , Luo Sheng‐Wei
Published: March 2024

Tumor necrosis factor α1 (TNFα) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in immune regulation and cellular homeostasis, but the crucial role of TNFα in fish gut remained unclear. The current study aimed to evaluate the immunoregulatory function of TNFα1 on gut barrier in a novel hybrid fish (WR), which was produced by crossing white crucian carp (Carassius cuvieri, ♀) with red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var, ♂). In this study, WR‐tnfα1 sequence was identified, and a high‐level expression was detected in the intestine. Elevated levels of WR‐tnfα1 expressions were detected in immune‐related tissues and cultured fish cells on stimulation. The appearance of vacuolization and submucosal rupture was observed in TNFα1‐treated midgut of WR, along with elevated levels of goblet cell atrophy, whereas no significant changes were detected in most expressions of tight‐junction genes and mucin genes. In contrast, WR receiving gut perfusion with WR‐TNFα1 showed a remarkable decrease in antioxidant status in midgut, whereas the expression levels of apoptotic genes and redox responsive genes increased sharply. These results suggested that TNFα1 could exhibit a detrimental effect on antioxidant defense and immune regulation in the midgut of WR.
Unveiling taxonomic diversity in the deep‐sea fish genus Notacanthus (Notacanthiformes: Notacanthidae) with description of Notacanthus arrontei n. sp.
Authors: Bañón Rafael , Barros‐García David , Baldó Francisco , Cojan Miguel , de Carlos Alejandro
Published: March 2024

Notacanthid fishes constitute a common part of benthopelagic deep‐sea fish communities on seamounts and continental slopes around the world. However, their highly conserved morphology and the usual lack of information on deep‐water organisms make it difficult to appropriately address their biodiversity. A multidisciplinary approach combining morphological data with a DNA‐based species delimitation analyses was used to explore the taxonomy of Notacanthus species. For this purpose, morphological and molecular data were obtained from 43 individuals, and the resulting information was combined with the available data. The results showed the occurrence of Notacanthus arrontei n. sp. from the Iberian Peninsula and highlighted several taxonomic conundrums regarding the Notacanthus genus. For instance, no significant differences were found between Notacanthus indicus and the recently described Notacanthus laccadiviensis, questioning its taxonomic status. Similarly, the result of the species delimitation molecular analysis coincided with previous DNA barcoding studies supporting the snubnosed spiny eel Notacanthus chemnitzii as a species complex that requires further research. Moreover, two unidentified records from the Indian Ocean were confirmed to belong to an unknown species pending formal description, and barcoding data show for the first time the occurrence of the shortfin spiny eel Notacanthus bonaparte in the Australia‐New Zealand area. This research confirms the existence of important gaps in the knowledge of notacanthid fishes and represents a step forward toward a better understanding of their biological diversity.
Assessing care dependence status and associated influencing factors among middle‐aged hemiplegic stroke patients during the post‐acute rehabilitation phase: A correlational study
Authors: Yuan Lianfeng , Shen Jun , Ye Shan , Zhou Na
Published: March 2024

Aims

To comprehensively examine the prevailing condition of care dependence among middle‐aged individuals who have experienced hemiplegia subsequent to a stroke and were currently undergoing post‐acute rehabilitation. Additionally, the study sought to analyse the determinants that impacted this phenomenon.

Design

A single‐centre, cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

During the period from January 2020 to October 2022, a cohort of 196 hemiplegic stroke patients, aged between 40 and 65, and within 6 months of their stroke onset, was selected from the cerebrovascular outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou. The demographic and disease‐related data, care dependence level, mental state, nutrition and depression status were collected. Furthermore, all collected data were analysed by descriptive and correlative statistical methods.

Results

The care dependence level was 51.04 ± 9.42, with an incidence of care dependence of 78.1%. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age, history of falls, physical dysfunction, chronic comorbidities, depression, nutritional status and cognitive dysfunction were influencing factors for care dependence in the participants after a stroke.

Conclusion

The incidence of care dependence among hemiplegic patients aged from 40 to 65 years old in the early stage after a stroke was high. Nursing staff should focus on these patients with a history of falling, physical dysfunction, comorbidity, depression status, nutritional status and cognitive dysfunction in clinical practice.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The incidence of care dependence in middle‐aged hemiplegic patients following a stroke is significantly increased. Some risk factors should be assessed, monitored, and controlled by nursing staff as early as possible in order to reduce the dependence levels in post‐acute rehabilitation period and improve the quality of life of hemiplegia patients.

Reporting Method

Our study complies with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Checklist: cross‐sectional studies (see Table S1).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease during early pregnancy
Authors: Ichikawa Go , Negishi Yasuyuki , Chishima Fumihisa , Suzuki Shunji
Published: March 2024

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD) is rare during pregnancy. It is characterized by necrotizing lymphadenitis and often occurs in young Asian women. We report a case of KFD during pregnancy, which was difficult to diagnose. A 37‐year‐old pregnant female (gestational week [GW] 7+5) was admitted to our hospital because of hyperemesis gravidarum. On the eighth day of hospitalization (GW 8+6), she suddenly developed a fever (38.0°C) with skin rash and posterior pharynx redness. Blood tests showed pancytopenia and abnormal liver function. The patient was misdiagnosed with severe Epstein–Barr virus infection and administered with prednisolone. Subsequently, cervical lymphadenopathy was observed, and biopsy results led to the diagnosis of KFD. Thereafter, her symptoms improved, and she was discharged at GW 13+4. KFD must be included as a differential diagnosis for patients with fever, abnormal liver function, and pancytopenia during pregnancy.
3D‐printed custom tray for maxillofacial implant assisted partial denture
Authors: Oyamada Yutaro , Sasaki Yuka , Kon Kazuhiro
Published: March 2024

This technique presents a new fabrication workflow for a three‐dimensional (3D) printed custom tray, which duplicates the morphology of the treatment denture for maxillofacial prostheses using an intraoral scanner, computer‐aided design (CAD) software, and a 3D printer. A 70‐year‐old man underwent reconstruction of segmental mandibulectomy for mandibular osteoblastoma, followed by implant placement and secondary surgery. During the surgical treatment, a treatment denture was fabricated to restore oral function and determine the morphology of the definitive denture. To create the definitive denture with the same morphology as the treatment denture a custom tray was fabricated with the denture morphology after chairside adjustments. The oral cavity was scanned using an intraoral scanner, and the data acquired were imported into general‐purpose CAD software, adjusted, and imported into a 3D printer to produce the custom tray. This was fitted into the patient's mouth without any issues, and closed tray impressions were made with impression caps for the locator attachments on the implant body. The morphology of the treatment denture was replicated in the definitive denture by making a silicon impression of the cameo surface at the fabrication of the cast after impression making. In this technique, the morphology of the treatment denture was transferred accurately to the definitive implant partial denture by leveraging existing digital technology. This method represents a practical approach for partial denture fabrication, including maxillofacial defects with complex denture configurations.
Implementation of a teen sleep app in Canadian high schools: Preliminary evidence of acceptability, engagement, and capacity for supporting healthy sleep habits
Authors: Lau Parky H. , Carney Colleen E.
Published: March 2024

High school students suffer from mental health challenges and poorer academic performance resulting from sleep disturbances. Unfortunately, approaches to this problem sometimes focus on increasing sleep duration by going to bed early; a strategy with limited success because teens experience a phase delay in bedtimes. There is a need for approaches that leverage behavioural sleep science and are accessible, scalable, and easily disseminated to students. DOZE (Delivering Online Zzz's with Empirical Support) is a self‐management app that is grounded in sleep and circadian basic science. Although initial testing supports it as a feasible and acceptable app in a research context, it has not been tested as a strategy to use in schools. The present study tested DOZE in private high schools in Canada. Two‐hundred and twenty‐three students downloaded the app and completed daily sleep diaries over 4 weeks. Students reported a more regularised routine for bedtime, Mdiff = −0.43 h, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−0.65, −0.21], and rise time, Mdiff = −0.61 h, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−0.84, −0.38], in addition to a higher total sleep time, Mdiff = 0.18 h, p < 0.008, 95% CI [0.05, 0.31]. Students also rated DOZE to be highly acceptable. The evidence suggests that students find DOZE to be acceptable and engagement in this nonclinical population was reasonably high under minimal researcher supervision. This makes DOZE an attractive option and a step towards broad‐based sleep health services. High powered replications with control groups are needed to increase empirical rigour.
Neurogenomic landscape associated with status‐dependent cooperative behaviour
Authors: Bolton Peri E. , Ryder T. Brandt , Dakin Roslyn , Houtz Jennifer L. , Moore Ignacio T. , Balakrishnan Christopher N. , Horton Brent M.
Published: March 2024

The neurogenomic mechanisms mediating male–male reproductive cooperative behaviours remain unknown. We leveraged extensive transcriptomic and behavioural data on a neotropical bird species (Pipra filicauda) that performs cooperative courtship displays to understand these mechanisms. In this species, the cooperative display is modulated by testosterone, which promotes cooperation in non‐territorial birds, but suppresses cooperation in territory holders. We sought to understand the neurogenomic underpinnings of three related traits: social status, cooperative display behaviour and testosterone phenotype. To do this, we profiled gene expression in 10 brain nuclei spanning the social decision‐making network (SDMN), and two key endocrine tissues that regulate social behaviour. We associated gene expression with each bird's behavioural and endocrine profile derived from 3 years of repeated measures taken from free‐living birds in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We found distinct landscapes of constitutive gene expression were associated with social status, testosterone phenotype and cooperation, reflecting the modular organization and engagement of neuroendocrine tissues. Sex‐steroid and neuropeptide signalling appeared to be important in mediating status‐specific relationships between testosterone and cooperation, suggesting shared regulatory mechanisms with male aggressive and sexual behaviours. We also identified differentially regulated genes involved in cellular activity and synaptic potentiation, suggesting multiple mechanisms underpin these genomic states. Finally, we identified SDMN‐wide gene expression differences between territorial and floater males that could form the basis of ‘status‐specific’ neurophysiological phenotypes, potentially mediated by testosterone and growth hormone. Overall, our findings provide new, systems‐level insights into the mechanisms of cooperative behaviour and suggest that differences in neurogenomic state are the basis for individual differences in social behaviour.
Inter‐rater reliability in the assessment of consciousness in patients receiving palliative care in intensive care: A prospective cross sectional observational study
Authors: Yildirim Dilek , Kavala Arzu , Değirmenci Öz Seda , Sezer Esra , Kuğu Emre , Coşkun Zeynep
Published: March 2024

Background

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is one of the methods that has validity for evaluating the consciousness levels of patients in the literature and is accepted by health authorities.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter‐rater reliability of GCS in intensive care patients receiving palliative care.

Study Design

A prospective cross sectional observational study. The study was conducted in a general intensive care unit with 20 beds with patients receiving palliative care. In the unit, 18 nurses worked in two shifts, day and night. Each patient's primary palliative care nurse and two additional researchers were given one minute to independently record the patient's GCS total and subscale scores. All observations were completed within 5 min as there could be significant changes in the patient's GCS score during observations.

Results

A total of 258 assessments were completed. For the GCS total scoring, a moderate agreement was found between palliative care nurses and the first researcher‐observer (49.0%) and also between palliative care nurses and the second researcher‐observer (47.7%). In addition, there was a substantial agreement between the first and second researchers (78.9%) and also between all observers (61.5%) (all p = .001).

Conclusions

Although there was a near‐perfect agreement between the two researcher‐observers, we found only moderate agreement among all observers (palliative care nurses and two researcher‐observers) in the evaluation of GCS total and subscale scores.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

We found that lack of knowledge and training on the standardized use of GCS is still a problem for palliative and intensive care units. Because of the diversity of patients requiring GCS assessment in palliative care units, refresher training programs and hands‐on workshops on consciousness assessment should be organized regularly for more experienced nurses.
A New Method to Predict Postoperative Stem Anteversion in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Hu Yuehao , Sun Ziyang , Zhang Jingwei , Yan Mengning , Mao Yuanqing , Li Huiwu , Yu Degang , Zhai Zanjing
Published: March 2024

Background

Preoperative evaluation of femoral anteversion to predict postoperative stem anteversion aids the selection of an appropriate prosthesis and optimizes the combined anteversion in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The conventional prediction methods are based on the femoral anteversion measurement at the location of the femoral head and/or neck. However, varied differences between femoral anteversion and postoperative stem anteversion were demonstrated. This study investigated the predictive role of a new method based on the principle of sagittal three‐point fixation.

Methods

From January 2017 to December 2018, a total of 133 DDH hips that underwent THA were retrospectively analyzed. There were 76 Crowe type I, 27 type II, and 30 type III hips. The single‐wedge stem was used in 49 hips, and the double‐wedge stem was used in 84 hips. Preoperative native femoral anteversion at the femoral head–neck junction, anterior cortex anteversion at 2 levels of the lesser trochanter, posterior cortex anteversion at 5 levels of the femoral neck, and postoperative stem anteversion were measured using two‐dimensional computed tomography. Predictive anteversion by the new method was calculated as the average anteversion formed by the anterior cortex at the lesser trochanter and the posterior cortex at the femoral neck.

Results

For hips with different neck heights, different Crowe types, different stem types, or different femoral anteversions, native femoral anteversion showed widely varied differences and correlations with stem anteversion, with differences ranging from −1.27 ± 8.33° to −13.67 ± 9.47° and correlations ranging from 0.122 (p = 0.705, no correlation) to 0.813. Predictive anteversion formed by the anterior cortex at the lesser trochanter proximal base and posterior cortex 10 mm above the lesser trochanter proximal base showed no significant difference with stem anteversion, with less varied differences (0.92 ± 7.52°) and good to excellent correlations (r = 0.826).

Conclusion

Adopting our new method, predictive anteversion, measured as the average anteversion of the anterior cortex at the lesser trochanter proximal base and posterior cortex 10 mm above the lesser trochanter proximal base, predicted postoperative stem anteversion more reliably than native femoral anteversion.
Clinical Application and Curative Effect Analysis of Postural Awareness Surgical Tool Assisted Nail Placement in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Wu XiaoNan , Shi Xinge , Hu Weiran , Ma Haohao , Gao Yan‐Zheng , Wang Haoxu , Jiang Zhengfa
Published: March 2024

Objective

The pedicle screw technique has been widely used in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis orthopedic surgery, but misplacement of screws may damage important structures such as blood vessels and nerves around the pedicle, resulting in serious consequences. Therefore, our research team has independently developed a surgical tool to assist in the placement of pedicle screws. This study aims to investigate the safety and accuracy of postural awareness tool assisted nail placement in orthopedic surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Method

A retrospective analysis was performed on 24 adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis admitted to our hospital from July 2019 to July 2022, including 10 males and 14 females, with an average age of 14.88 ± 2.36 years (10–19 years). The mean follow‐up was 15.67 ± 2.20 months (12–20 months). We divided the patients into postural awareness group (n = 12) and C‐arm group (n = 12) according to whether the postural awareness surgical tool was used during the operation. All patients were treated with posterior spinal orthopedic surgery. The postural awareness group was assisted by pedicle screw placement with a postural awareness surgical tool, while the C‐arm group was given a pedicle screw placement with freehand technique. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, nail placement related complications, nail placement accuracy, and scoliosis correction rate were recorded and compared between the two groups.

Results

The operative time, intraoperative blood loss and fluoroscopy times in the postural awareness group were significantly lower than those in the C‐arm group, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). The postural awareness group implanted 163 screws with an accuracy rate of 91.41%, while the C‐arm group implanted 159 screws with an accuracy rate of 83.02%. The accuracy rate of screw placement in the postural awareness group was higher than that in the C‐arm group, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.024). According to the imaging of the patients, there was no significant difference between the Cobb Angle of the main bend measured at three time points before surgery, 1 week after surgery and the last follow‐up between the two groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the rate of lateral curvature correction between the two groups.

Conclusion

The application of postural awareness surgical tool in posterior orthopedic surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can improve screw placement accuracy, shorten screw placement time, and make auxiliary screw placement safer and more accurate.
A systematic analysis of ARM genes revealed that GhARM144 regulates the resistance against Verticillium dahliae via interaction with GhOSM34
Authors: Liu Shichao , Wei Fei , Liu Ruibing , Xue Chao , Chen Yining , Zhao Chenchen , Chen Pengyun
Published: March 2024

Proteins of the armadillo repeat gene family play important roles in plant pathogen response. Here, 169 armadillo (ARM) genes were identified in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Phylogenetic analysis grouped these into 11 subfamilies, with conserved protein structures within each subfamily. The results signify that the expansion of the gene family occurred via whole genome duplication and dispersed duplication. Expression profiling and network analysis suggest that GhARM144 may regulate cotton resistance to Verticillium dahliae. GhARM144 was upregulated in roots by V. dahliae infection or salicylic acid treatment. This upregulation indicates a negative regulatory role of GhARM144’ in the cotton immune responses, potentially by manipulating salicylic acid biosynthesis. Protein interaction studies found that GhARM144 associates with an osmotin‐like protein, GhOSM34, at the plasma membrane. Silencing GhOSM34 reduced the resistance to V. dahliae, suggesting it may play a positive regulatory role. The results demonstrate that GhARM144 modulates cotton immunity through interaction with GhOSM34 and salicylic acid signalling. Further study of these proteins may yield insights into disease resistance mechanisms in cotton and other plants.
Got plants? Availability of and challenges to production of native plants for wetland restoration
Authors: Henry Annie L. , Robinson Rae , Sinnott Kate , Brunson Mark , Ernst Adrienne , Tarsa Emily , Kettenring Karin M.
Published: March 2024

As the U.N. Decade on Restoration progresses, the demand for genetically and species‐diverse native plant materials for restoration is expected to increase. However, little is known about the availability of plant materials for restoration, particularly in wetlands, which have lagged behind in restoration research. Given the crucial role wetlands play in providing ecosystem services, particularly in semi‐arid regions worldwide, it is important to understand the availability of wetland plant materials for restoration. We surveyed plant material vendors in the Intermountain West of the United States, a vast region containing hundreds of millions of hectares of private working lands and protected areas. We sought to determine the breadth and diversity of species and materials available for restoration, the practices used by vendors, and the challenges they face. We found far lower availability of aquatic, emergent, and meadow wetland species compared to riparian and terrestrial species. To improve species availability, vendors need financial incentives to produce new or difficult‐to‐propagate species and clearer feedback from customers on what species meet their restoration goals. Market fluctuations are the biggest challenge that vendors face, and creating consistent demand is the most important way to overcome this challenge. Overall, vendors follow best practices for obtaining and maintaining genetic diversity in their seed and plant collections, a critical component to meeting restoration goals. However, there are still some opportunities to improve best practices. The results add to the understanding of the challenges in meeting plant material demand for restoration in wetlands regionally and globally.