bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
100th anniversary of Acta Ophthalmologica
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Pawlikowska‐Łagód Katarzyna
Published: August 2023

The Year 2023 is particularly important for Acta Ophthalmologica journal. It is an anniversary year, as Acta Ophthalmologica celebrates its 100th anniversary. The journal was founded by Konrad Kristian Karl (K.K.K) Lundsgaard in 1923. The goal was to present the clinical and experimental achievements of the ophthalmological communities of the Nordic countries. With the passage of time and increasing interest from scientific communities in other countries, it has become one of the most visible ophthalmology journals in the world. Acta Ophthalmologica publishes a wide variety of high‐quality ophthalmological papers. Here, we present the activities of Acta Ophthalmologica over the past 100 years.
Systematic review: Interventions for alcohol use disorder in patients with cirrhosis or alcohol‐associated hepatitis
Authors: Oldroyd Christopher , Greenham Olivia , Martin Graham , Allison Michael , Notley Caitlin
Published: August 2023

Background

Alcohol use is the most important factor in determining the prognosis of patients with alcohol‐related cirrhosis and alcohol‐associated hepatitis.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review of interventions for alcohol use disorder specific to patients with cirrhosis or alcohol‐associated hepatitis.

Methods

We searched five databases between inception and November 2022. The primary outcomes were abstinence, hepatic decompensation and mortality. We included randomised and non‐randomised studies. Risk of bias was assessed using validated tools. Where possible, meta‐analysis was performed.

Results

Twenty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria including six randomised trials and 17 non‐randomised studies of interventions. These included 104,298 patients with a mean/median age range from 44 to 65, of whom 75% were male. Interventions included psychological therapy, pharmacological therapies, specialist clinics, patient education and low alcohol drinks. Baclofen was the only intervention to demonstrate a statistically significant impact on the primary outcomes in a randomised trial (abstinence OR: 6.3, 95% CI: 2.4–16.1). Three non‐randomised studies reported reductions in episodes of hepatic decompensation that were significant in multivariate models. This was in response to psychological therapy, use of any pharmacotherapy, and use of any treatment. A meta‐analysis of non‐randomised studies that examined the impact of psychological therapies revealed statistically non‐significant improvements in abstinence (4 studies, OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 0.38–9.23) and mortality (4 studies, OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.12–1.77).

Conclusions

Baclofen is the only intervention with randomised trial evidence for significant benefit in patients with cirrhosis. Non‐randomised studies also point to non‐pharmaceutical interventions possibly improving clinical outcomes.
The Dedicated Imaging Post‐Prostatectomy for Enhanced Radiotherapy outcomes (DIPPER) trial protocol: a multicentre, randomised trial of salvage radiotherapy versus surveillance for low‐risk biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Roberts Matthew J. , Conduit Ciara , Davis Ian D. , Effeney Rachel M. , Williams Scott , Martin Jarad M. , Hofman Michael S. , Hruby George , Eapen Renu , Gianacas Chris , Papa Nathan , Lourenço Richard De Abreu , Dhillon Haryana M. , Allen Ray , Fontela Antoinette , Kaur Baldeep , Emmett Louise ,   the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP)
Published: August 2023

Background

Salvage radiation therapy (SRT) and surveillance for low‐risk prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) recurrence have competing risks and benefits. The efficacy of early SRT to the prostate bed with or without pelvic lymph nodes compared to surveillance in patients with PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy and no identifiable recurrent disease evident on prostate specific membrane antigen‐positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PSMA‐PET/CT) is unknown.

Study Design

The Dedicated Imaging Post‐Prostatectomy for Enhanced Radiotherapy outcomes (DIPPER) is an open‐label, multicentre, randomised Phase II trial.

Endpoints

The primary endpoint is 3‐year event‐free survival, with events comprising one of PSA recurrence (PSA ≥0.2 ng/mL higher than baseline), radiological evidence of metastatic disease, or initiation of systemic or other salvage treatments. Secondary endpoints include patient‐reported outcomes, treatment patterns, participant perceptions, and cost‐effectiveness.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible participants have PSA recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy, defined by serum PSA level of 0.2–0.5 ng/mL, deemed low risk according to modified European Association of Urology biochemical recurrence risk criteria (International Society for Urological Pathology Grade Group ≤2, PSA doubling time >12 months), with no definite/probable recurrent prostate cancer on PSMA‐PET/CT.

Patients and Methods

A total of 100 participants will be recruited from five Australian centres and randomised 1:1 to SRT or surveillance. Participants will undergo 6‐monthly clinical evaluation for up to 36 months. Androgen‐deprivation therapy is not permissible. Enrolment commenced May 2023.

Trial Registration

This trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN: ACTRN12622001478707).
Performance of magnetic resonance imaging‐based prostate cancer risk calculators and decision strategies in two large European medical centres
Authors: Davik Petter , Remmers Sebastiaan , Elschot Mattijs , Roobol Monique J. , Bathen Tone Frost , Bertilsson Helena
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To compare the performance of currently available biopsy decision support tools incorporating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in predicting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa).

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively included men who underwent prostate MRI and subsequent targeted and/or systematic prostate biopsies in two large European centres. Available decision support tools were identified by a PubMed search. Performance was assessed by calibration, discrimination, decision curve analysis (DCA) and numbers of biopsies avoided vs csPCa cases missed, before and after recalibration, at risk thresholds of 5%–20%.

Results

A total of 940 men were included, 507 (54%) had csPCa. The median (interquartile range) age, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, and PSA density (PSAD) were 68 (63–72) years, 9 (7–15) ng/mL, and 0.20 (0.13–0.32) ng/mL2, respectively. In all, 18 multivariable risk calculators (MRI‐RCs) and dichotomous biopsy decision strategies based on MRI findings and PSAD thresholds were assessed. The Van Leeuwen model and the Rotterdam Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator (RPCRC) had the best discriminative ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.86) of the MRI‐RCs that could be assessed in the whole cohort. DCA showed the highest clinical utility for the Van Leeuwen model, followed by the RPCRC. At the 10% threshold the Van Leeuwen model would avoid 22% of biopsies, missing 1.8% of csPCa, whilst the RPCRC would avoid 20% of biopsies, missing 2.6% of csPCas. These multivariable models outperformed all dichotomous decision strategies based only on MRI‐findings and PSAD.

Conclusions

Even in this high‐risk cohort, biopsy decision support tools would avoid many prostate biopsies, whilst missing very few csPCa cases. The Van Leeuwen model had the highest clinical utility, followed by the RPCRC. These multivariable MRI‐RCs outperformed and should be favoured over decision strategies based only on MRI and PSAD.
Exploring calcium channel blocker as a candidate drug for Pseudomonas aeruginosa through network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: Yan Zijun , Xia Liangjing , Xu Xingmeng , Ma Bingsuo , Yuan Xiaoyan , Yang Kun , Li Kexin , Ye Xianwen , Zhang Liangming , Chen Tong
Published: August 2023

Calcium channel blocker (CCB) is known to possess antibacterial effects. We aimed to apply network pharmacology (docking and protein–protein interaction [PPI] analyses) to predict the potential targets and mechanisms of CCB against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) as well as to verify the effect of these drugs. The chemical structures of three CCBs were obtained through the Drug Bank platform. The potential channel proteins, efflux pump proteins and ion channel proteins of CCB against bacteria were derived from the literature. These proteins were collected through the PDB and Uniprot platform. The binding mode of the docking complexes was simulated by the CB‐Dock platform and Discovery Studio 2019 Client software. The PPI network was constructed by the String platform and Cytoscape 3.8.2 platform. GO was explained by the PANTHER platform. The pathway diagram was drawn with the Pathway Builder Tool 2.0 software. The inhibitory effect of CCB on PA was verified through antibacterial experiments. Finally, 76 proteins were obtained: the iron channel protein of PA demonstrated a good docking relationship with all three CCBs, and the optimum binding energy was approximately −9.0 kcal/mol. GO analysis (biological process [BP], cellular component [CC], and molecular function [MF]) of protein genes showed a good docking relationship (optimum binding energy <−8.0 kcal/mol). The MF annotation results indicated that the target of CCB may be present on the PA membrane protein. The ion channel protein PPI enrichment p‐value was 6.65e‐08, and PfeA showed the strongest correlation. The experimental results suggested that CCB could inhibit the growth of PA. CCB might be an effective and interesting antimicrobial treatment strategy as CCB can potentially inhibit the growth of PA.
Configurations of mother–child and father–child attachment relationships as predictors of child language competence: An individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Dagan Or , Schuengel Carlo , Verhage Marije L. , Madigan Sheri , Roisman Glenn I. , Bernard Kristin , Duschinsky Robbie , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian , Bureau Jean‐François , Sagi‐Schwartz Abraham , Eiden Rina D. , Wong Maria S. , Brown Geoffrey L. , Soares Isabel , Oosterman Mirjam , Fearon R. M. Pasco , Steele Howard , Martins Carla , Aviezer Ora ,   The Collaboration on Attachment to Multiple Parents and Outcomes Synthesis
Published: August 2023

An individual participant data meta‐analysis was conducted to test pre‐registered hypotheses about how the configuration of attachment relationships to mothers and fathers predicts children's language competence. Data from seven studies (published between 1985 and 2014) including 719 children (Mage: 19.84 months; 51% female; 87% White) were included in the linear mixed effects analyses. Mean language competence scores exceeded the population average across children with different attachment configurations. Children with two secure attachment relationships had higher language competence scores compared to those with one or no secure attachment relationships (d = .26). Children with two organized attachment relationships had higher language competence scores compared to those with one organized attachment relationship (d = .23), and this difference was observed in older versus younger children in exploratory analyses. Mother–child and father–child attachment quality did not differentially predict language competence, supporting the comparable importance of attachment to both parents in predicting developmental outcomes.
The I‐CAH Registry: A platform for international collaboration for improving knowledge and clinical care in congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Tseretopoulou Xanthippi , Bryce Jillian , Chen Minglu , McMillan Martin , Lucas‐Herald Angela K. , Ali Salma R. , Ahmed S. F.
Published: August 2023

To provide an overview of the I‐CAH Registry. Following the successful roll‐out of the I‐DSD Registry in the 2000s, it was felt that there was a need for a registry for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and this was launched in 2014 as a dedicated module within the original registry. In addition to supporting and promoting research, the I‐CAH Registry acts as an international tool for benchmarking of clinical care and it does this through the collection of standardised data for specific projects. Surveillance of novel therapies in the field of CAH can also be achieved via global collaborations. Its robust governance ensures adherence to the international standards for rare disease registries. Rare disease registries such as the I‐CAH Registry are important tools for all stakeholders involved in the care of people with CAH.
EvIcon: Designing High‐Usability Icon with Human‐in‐the‐loop Exploration and IconCLIP
Authors: Shen I‐Chao , Cherng Fu‐Yin , Igarashi Takeo , Lin Wen‐Chieh , Chen Bing‐Yu
Published: August 2023

Interface icons are prevalent in various digital applications. Due to limited time and budgets, many designers rely on informal evaluation, which often results in poor usability icons. In this paper, we propose a unique human‐in‐the‐loop framework that allows our target users, that is novice and professional user interface (UI) designers, to improve the usability of interface icons efficiently. We formulate several usability criteria into a perceptual usability function and enable users to iteratively revise an icon set with an interactive design tool, EvIcon. We take a large‐scale pre‐trained joint image‐text embedding (CLIP) and fine‐tune it to embed icon visuals with icon tags in the same embedding space (IconCLIP). During the revision process, our design tool provides two types of instant perceptual usability feedback. First, we provide perceptual usability feedback modelled by deep learning models trained on IconCLIP embeddings and crowdsourced perceptual ratings. Second, we use the embedding space of IconCLIP to assist users in improving icons' visual distinguishability among icons within the user‐prepared icon set. To provide the perceptual prediction, we compiled IconCEPT10K, the first large‐scale dataset of perceptual usability ratings over 10,000 interface icons, by conducting a crowdsourcing study. We demonstrated that our framework could benefit UI designers' interface icon revision process with a wide range of professional experience. Moreover, the interface icons designed using our framework achieved better semantic distance and familiarity, verified by an additional online user study.
The restoration ability of a short nap after sleep deprivation on the brain cognitive function: A dynamic functional connectivity analysis
Authors: Xu Ziliang , Chang Yingjuan , Guo Fan , Wang Chen , Chai Na , Zheng Minwen , Fang Peng , Zhu Yuanqiang
Published: August 2023

Aims

The brain function impairment induced by sleep deprivation (SD) is temporary and can be fully reversed with sufficient sleep. However, in many cases, long‐duration recovery sleep is not feasible. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether a short nap after SD is sufficient to restore brain function.

Methods

The data of 38 subjects, including resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data collected at three timepoints (before SD, after 30 h of SD, and after a short nap following SD) and psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) data, were collected. Dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) analysis was used to evaluate changes in brain states among three timepoints, and four DFC states were distinguished across the three timepoints.

Results

Before SD, state 2 (a resting‐like FC matrix) was dominant (48.26%). However, after 30 h SD, the proportion of state 2 dramatically decreased, and state 3 (still resting‐like, but FCs were weakened) became dominant (40.92%). The increased proportion of state 3 positively correlated with a larger PVT “lapse” time. After a nap, the proportions of states 2 and 3 significantly increased and decreased, respectively, and the change in proportion of state 2 negatively correlated with the change in PVT “lapse” time.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results indicated that, after a nap, the cognitive function impairment caused by SD may be reversed to some extent. Additionally, DFC differed among timepoints, which was also associated with the extent of cognitive function impairment after SD (state 3) and the extent of recovery therefrom after a nap (state 2).
Prevalence and causative allergens of contact cheilitis in Thailand
Authors: Kanokrungsee Silada , Likittanasombat Surachanee , Chaweekulrat Pichanee , Kumpangsin Titinun , Boonchai Waranya
Published: August 2023

Background

Cheilitis is an inflammatory condition of the lips. Its causes can be exogenous (irritants, allergens), endogenous (atopic dermatitis, systemic disorders) or unknown.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of allergic contact cheilitis (ACC), its risk factors, and common allergens in patients with cheilitis at a Thai university‐based tertiary care hospital.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with cheilitis referred for patch testing between January 2007 and December 2021.

Results

Among 5366 patients referred for patch testing, 410 (7.6%) had cheilitis. ACC was diagnosed in 32% of the cheilitis patients. Compared to non‐ACC cases, the patients with ACC were more likely to be young and female and have a disease duration of <3 months, no underlying disease and a white‐collar job (p‐value <0.05). The most common contact allergens were patient's products (73.3%), nickel sulfate (29.8%), potassium dichromate (14.5%), castor oil (14.3%) and benzalkonium chloride (13.0%). Lip cosmetics and toothpastes were major ACC sources.

Conclusions

ACC should be considered in cheilitis patients, especially in patients with specific risk factors. Castor oil is an emerging allergen. Patch testing using commercial allergen series and patients' own products is crucial for identifying causative agents. The development of a specific cheilitis series is warranted.
Self‐Repair Increases Referential Coordination
Authors: Mills Gregory , Redeker Gisela
Published: August 2023

When interlocutors repeatedly describe referents to each other, they rapidly converge on referring expressions which become increasingly systematized and abstract as the interaction progresses. Previous experimental research suggests that interactive repair mechanisms in dialogue underpin convergence. However, this research has so far only focused on the role of other‐initiated repair and has not examined whether self‐initiated repair might also play a role. To investigate this question, we report the results from a computer‐mediated maze task experiment. In this task, participants communicate with each other via an experimental chat tool, which selectively transforms participants’ private turn‐revisions into public self‐repairs that are made visible to the other participant. For example, if a participant, A, types “On the top square,” and then before sending, A revises the turn to “On the top row,” the server automatically detects the revision and transforms the private turn‐revisions into a public self‐repair, for example, “On the top square umm I meant row.” Participants who received these transformed turns used more abstract and systematized referring expressions, but performed worse at the task. We argue that this is due to the artificial self‐repairs causing participants to put more effort into diagnosing and resolving the referential coordination problems they face in the task, yielding better grounded spatial semantics and consequently increased use of abstract referring expressions.
Spatializing oil and gas subsidies in endangered caribou habitat: Identifying political‐economic drivers of defaunation
Authors: DiSilvestro Adriana Maria , Irvine‐Broque Audrey
Published: August 2023

Reforming environmentally harmful subsidies is an international priority under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Research that links industrial subsidies to negative ecological impacts, however, is limited. This paper contributes to the emerging agenda of global “subsidy accountability” research by linking oil and gas subsidies to the decline of endangered caribou herds in British Columbia, Canada. While existing research concretely attributes the decline of caribou herds to industrial activity, including oil and gas development, we suggest there is a need to identify the political‐economic structures which drive ongoing industrial development in caribou habitat, including public subsidies. We use government data to map oil and gas wells in critical caribou habitat and determine how many are run by operators receiving provincial fossil fuel “royalty credits”. Ultimately, we find that 1678, or 54%, of oil and gas wells located within critical caribou habitat are run by companies that have received benefits from one or both of BC's largest royalty credit programs. This paper points to the need for further analysis of subsidies as indirect drivers of biodiversity loss on a global scale, as well as increased emphasis on political‐economic drivers in conservation research. It also highlights the obstacles to implementing appropriate conservation solutions in political‐economic contexts dominated by resource extraction.
Population genetics and ecological niche modelling provide insights into management strategies of the herbivorous pest Phytomyza horticola (Diptera: Agromyzidae)
Authors: Liang Yongxuan , Du Sujie , Jin Zhenan , Xu Shiyun , Wan Weijie , Zhong Yujun , Li Qiao , Zhou Qiong , Guo Jianyang , Liu Wanxue
Published: August 2023

Aim

Research on population genetic patterns and potential distribution dynamics can provide insights into the development of pest management strategies. Herein, we integrated population genetic analyses with the climatic niche approach to investigate spatial population genetic variations and potential geographical distribution (PGD) of the herbivorous pest Phytomyza horticola. We also analysed its population response patterns to both late Pleistocene climatic events and future climate change.

Location

China.

Methods

We analysed the patterns of genetic diversity distribution in 29 populations from 19 regions across China using three mitochondrial (COI, COII and Cytb) genes as markers. We estimated demographic histories using neutrality tests, mismatch distributions and Bayesian skyline plots. Changes in PGD were assessed using an ecological niche model.

Results

High genetic diversity was found in most populations, and the northern population exhibited higher haplotype diversity. The population genetic structure included the Tibet lineage and a large lineage comprising the remaining populations. Demographic analyses indicated that rapid population expansion occurred during the cold Last Glacial Maximum. In addition, our projections suggested that P. horticola currently has a vast PGD in China, for which the human influence index was the strongest variable. Large areas of cold northern regions were highly suitable for its survival. Under future global warming, highly suitable habitats will shift towards the higher latitudes.

Main conclusions

P. horticola is widely distributed across varied environments, which may be attributed to its high degree of genetic variation. Human activities likely facilitated the current PGD and the frequent gene flow that homogenized differentiation among most populations. In addition, P. horticola exhibits strong adaptability to cold climates and environments from the past to the future. Considering future climatic changes, prevention and control should focus on high‐latitude regions, and vigilance regarding human‐mediated pest dispersals and outbreaks should be maintained.
Sensing with deep brain stimulation device in epilepsy: Aperiodic changes in thalamic local field potential during seizures
Authors: Yang Andrew I. , Raghu Ashley L. B. , Isbaine Faical , Alwaki Abdulrahman , Gross Robert E.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective therapeutic option in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. Recent DBS devices with sensing capabilities enable chronic, outpatient local field potential (LFP) recordings. Whereas beta oscillations have been demonstrated to be a useful biomarker in movement disorders, the clinical utility of DBS sensing in epilepsy remains unclear. Our aim was to determine LFP features that distinguish ictal from inter‐ictal states, which may aid in tracking seizure outcomes with DBS.

Methods

Electrophysiology data were obtained from DBS devices implanted in the anterior nucleus (N = 12) or centromedian nucleus (N = 2) of the thalamus. Power spectra recorded during patient/caregiver‐marked seizure events were analyzed with a method that quantitatively separates the oscillatory and non‐oscillatory/aperiodic components of the LFP using non‐parametric statistics, without the need for pre‐specification of the frequency bands of interest. Features of the LFP parameterized using this algorithm were compared with those from inter‐ictal power spectra recorded in clinic.

Results

Oscillatory activity in multiple canonical frequency bands was identified from the power spectra in 86.48% of patient‐marked seizure events. Delta oscillations were present in all patients, followed by theta (N = 10) and beta (N = 9). Although there were no differences in oscillatory LFP features between the ictal and inter‐ictal states, there was a steeper decline in the 1/f slope of the aperiodic component of the LFP during seizures.

Significance

Our work highlights the potential and shortcomings of chronic LFP recordings in thalamic DBS for epilepsy. Findings suggest that no single frequency band in isolation clearly differentiates seizures, and that features of aperiodic LFP activity may be clinically‐relevant biomarkers of seizures.
Factors associated with insulin responses to oral sugars in a mixed‐breed cohort of ponies
Authors: Knowles Edward J. , Harris Patricia A. , Elliott Jonathan , Chang Yu‐Mei , Menzies‐Gow Nicola J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Serum insulin concentration at 60 min (InsulinT60) during an oral sugar test (OST) indicates future laminitis risk and insulin dysregulation (ID). Associations between InsulinT60 and physical and owner‐reported variables may help clinicians select individuals for ID testing. Associations between InsulinT60 and other metabolic markers may help elucidate ID pathophysiology.

Objectives

To describe associations between (A) season, physically‐apparent and owner‐reported factors and binary InsulinT60 interpretation (initial models) and (B) variables included in the initial models, other metabolic markers and continuous InsulinT60 (full models).

Study design

Prospective longitudinal.

Methods

Non‐laminitic ponies were examined and OSTs (0.3 mL/kg Karo syrup) performed every 6 months (autumn and spring) for ≤4 years. Factors associated with InsulinT60 were determined using mixed‐effects models with physical, owner‐reported, season and serum/plasma markers as fixed effects and pony and premises identifiers as random effects. Autumn and spring data were analysed separately for full models.

Results

One thousand seven hundred and sixty‐three OSTs from 367 ponies were included. High‐risk InsulinT60 (>153 μIU/mL) was independently associated with (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval [CI]): age (1.36, 1.16–1.60), body condition score (BCS) (2.38, 1.21–4.69), and bulging supraorbital fatpads (7.25, 2.1–24.98). However, the initial models provided little explanatory power (Nakagawa R2 = 0.1–0.27). LoginsulinT60 was independently associated with (effect estimate, 95% CI): age (0.02, 0.01–0.04), Welsh/Welsh X breed (0.22, 0.05, 0.39), sex (gelding = −0.2, −0.34 to 0.06), BCS (0.16, 0.08–0.23), plasma adiponectin (−0.02, −0.02 to 0.01) and basal insulin (0.01, 0.01–0.01) in spring, and: age (0.03, 0.02–0.04), BCS (0.17, 0.08–0.26), bulging supraorbital fatpads (0.37, 0.2–0.54), turnout score (0.05, 0.02–0.09), plasma adiponectin (−0.01, −0.02 to 0.01), ACTH (per 10 pg/mL) (0.01, 0.00–0.01), triglycerides (0.28, 0.07–0.49) and InsulinT0 (0.01, 0.01–0.01) in autumn.

Main limitations

Only non‐laminitic ponies in one region were included.

Conclusions

Owner‐reported and physically‐apparent data were limited InsulinT60 predictors. InsulinT60 is a complex trait, independently associated with numerous variables, some with seasonal interactions.
Corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor‐1 is increased in mast cells in psoriasis and actinic keratosis, but not markedly in keratinocyte skin carcinomas
Authors: Haimakainen Salla , Harvima Ilkka T.
Published: August 2023

Corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor‐1 (CRH‐R1) is expressed in human mast cells, but its role in skin diseases is unknown. By using a sequential double‐staining technique, the mast cell expression of CRH‐R1 was investigated in biopsies from lesional and non‐lesional skin samples of patients with actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and psoriasis. Dermal tryptase+ mast cells expressed CRH‐R1 immunoreactivity in the non‐lesional skin in all patient groups. The CRH‐R1 expression was significantly increased in the lesional skin of AK (p = 0.03) and psoriasis (p = 0.02), non‐significantly in BCC (p = 0.129), but not increased in SCC. To investigate the regulation of CRH‐R1, the LAD2 mast cell line was irradiated with UVB or stimulated with CRH or 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25‐(OH)2D3]. Consequently, UVB at 90 mJ/cm2 (p = 0.041) and 120 mJ/cm2 (p = 0.039) decreased CRH‐R1 expression. Instead, CRH at 100 and 1000 nM increased CRH‐R1 immunostaining, but did not affect the proliferative response. The treatment with 10 and 100 nM 1,25‐(OH)2D3 led to a noticeable increase in CRH‐R1 staining. After irradiating with UVB, the concentration of CRH increased in the conditioned medium, but not in sonicated LAD2 mast cells. In conclusion, the lack of sufficient levels of CRH‐R1 in mast cells may be related to diminished antitumoural response in SCC and possibly in BCC.
Intergenerational solidarity and digital communication during the Covid‐19 pandemic in South Korea: Implications for dyadic well‐being
Authors: Hwang Woosang , Min Joohong , Brown Maria T. , Silverstein Merril
Published: August 2023

Previous research has not considered how digital communication fits with the established intergenerational solidarity paradigm, although the paradigm has undergone other refinements over time. Consequently, less is known about how the use of digital communication creates new types of intergenerational solidarity between parents and adult children, and how they are associated with their well‐being. With this foundation, we aimed to identify new dyadic patterns of intergenerational solidarity between parents and adult children during the COVID‐19 pandemic in South Korea, with an emphasis on digital communication (texting, video call, and social media interaction), its intersection with other dimensions of solidarity, and its association with parents' and children's well‐being (depressive symptoms, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction). Using an online survey method, we collected data from 407 parent–adult child dyads between April and June 2022 from the Seoul Metropolitan area in South Korea. Three‐step latent class analysis was used for data analysis. We identified four classes describing intergenerational solidarity between parents and adult children (tight‐knit, distant‐but‐digitally‐connected, conflictual, and independent). We found that among dyads of parents and adult children who had tight‐knit and distant‐but‐digitally‐connected relationships with each other, parents reported better well‐being on all three outcomes, and children reported better life satisfaction compared to dyads who had conflictual relationships. Our findings suggest that incorporating digital communication into the intergenerational solidarity paradigm is useful to better understand the multidimensional characteristics of intergenerational relationships between older parents and their adult children.
TreeGOER: A database with globally observed environmental ranges for 48,129 tree species
Authors: Kindt Roeland
Published: August 2023

The TreeGOER (Tree Globally Observed Environmental Ranges) database provides information for most known tree species of their environmental ranges for 38 bioclimatic, eight soil and three topographic variables. It is based on species distribution modelling analyses of more than 44 million occurrences. The database can be accessed from https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7922927. Statistics that include 5% and 95% quantiles were estimated for a cleaned and taxonomically standardized occurrence data set with different methods of outlier detection, with estimates for roughly 45% of species being based on 20 or more observation records. Where sufficient representative observations are available, the ranges provide useful preliminary estimates of suitable conditions particularly for lesser‐known species under climate change. Inferred core bioclimatic ranges of species along global temperature and moisture index gradients and across continents follow the known global distribution of tree diversity such as its highest levels in moist tropical forests and the ‘odd man out’ pattern of lower levels in Africa. To demonstrate how global analyses for large numbers of tree species can easily be done in R with TreeGOER, here I present two case studies. The first case study investigated latitudinal trends of tree vulnerability and compared these with previous results obtained for urban trees. The second case study focused on tropical areas, compared trends in different longitudinal zones and investigated patterns for the moisture index. TreeGOER is expected to benefit researchers conducting biogeographical and climate change research for a wide range of tree species at a variety of spatial and temporal scales.
Treatment of chronic cluster headache with burst and tonic occipital nerve stimulation: A case series
Authors: Fogh‐Andersen Ida Stisen , Sørensen Jens Christian Hedemann , Jensen Rigmor Højland , Knudsen Anne Lene , Meier Kaare
Published: August 2023

Objectives and Background

Chronic cluster headache (CCH) is a rare but severely debilitating primary headache condition. A growing amount of evidence suggests that occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) can offer effective treatment in patients with severe CCH for whom conventional medical therapy does not have a sufficient effect. The paresthesia evoked by conventional (tonic) stimulation can be bothersome and may thus limit therapy. Burst ONS produces paresthesia‐free stimulation, but the amount of evidence on the efficacy of burst ONS as a treatment for intractable CCH is scarce.

Methods

In this case series, we report 15 patients with CCH treated with ONS at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, from 2013 to 2020. Nine of these received burst stimulation either as primary treatment or as a supplement to tonic stimulation. The results were assessed in terms of the frequency of headache attacks per week and their intensity on the Numeric Rating Scale, as well as the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) with ONS treatment.

Results

At a median (range) follow‐up of 38 (16–96) months, 12 of the 15 patients (80%) reported a reduction in attack frequency of ≥50% (a reduction from a median of 35 to 1 attack/week, p < 0.001). Seven of these patients were treated with burst ONS. A significant reduction was also seen in maximum pain intensity. Overall, 10 patients stated a clinically important improvement in their headache condition following ONS treatment, rated on the PGIC scale. A total of 16 adverse events (nine of which were in the same patient) were registered.

Conclusion

Occipital nerve stimulation significantly reduced the number of weekly headache attacks and their intensity. Burst ONS seems to function well alone or as a supplement to conventional tonic ONS as a preventive treatment for CCH; however, larger prospective studies are needed to determine whether the effect can be confirmed and whether the efficacy of the two stimulation paradigms is even.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on gastric precancerous lesions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Fangyuan , Zhang Xiaoze , Li Ping , Zhu Yaodong
Published: August 2023

Background

The question of whether eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) can reverse gastric precancerous lesions, including intestinal metaplasia, remains uncertain, leading to ongoing debate. Therefore, a meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of Hp eradication on gastric precancerous lesions.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus database, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from inception to April 2023 for studies that explored the impact of Hp eradication on gastric precancerous lesions. Risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were selected as the effect size. We used the random‐effects model to assess pooled data. We also performed quality assessments, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses.

Results

Fifteen studies were included. Compared with placebo, Hp eradication could significantly prevent the progression of gastric precancerous lesions (RR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81–0.94, p < 0.01) and reverse them (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.17–1.50, p < 0.01). Then, specific precancerous lesions were further explored. The progression of intestinal metaplasia was significantly prevented by Hp eradication compared to placebo or no treatment (RR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69–0.94, p < 0.01). Moreover, compared with placebo or no treatment, Hp eradication also improved chronic atrophic gastritis (RR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.30–2.61, p < 0.01) and intestinal metaplasia (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.15–1.73, p < 0.01). However, in terms of preventing dysplasia progression (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.37–2.00) and improving dysplasia (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.47–1.70), Hp eradication had no advantage compared to placebo or no treatment.

Conclusions

Hp eradication therapy could prevent the progression of gastric precancerous lesions and reverse them. Notably, intestinal metaplasia can be reversed, but this may only be appropriate for patients with epigenetic alterations and milder lesions.
Unsettling academia: Academic career choices and pathways of PhD graduates in the Greater Bay Area in China
Authors: Liu Yingxin , Li Danling
Published: August 2023

Much of the scholarship on employment and career pathways of PhD graduates has examined the issues, including pre‐doctoral experiences, quality of doctoral education, networking and career choices across different sectors; however, contextual environmental factors have been generally overlooked. This study aims to explore the academic career choices and pathways of PhD graduates currently employed in universities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) in China. The primary data sources include semi‐structured interviews with a group of 28 PhD graduates from 14 universities in Guangdong province and Hong Kong, government talent policy documents, and university documents regarding recruitment and tenure. The findings of this study revealed five strategic logics that the PhD graduates deployed in the dynamic decision‐making process for academic career choices and pathways in the GBA: (1) logic of academic alignment (matching degrees between academic competitiveness and academic job market, alignment in research/teaching agenda, alignment with future professional aspiration); (2) logic of financial concerns; (3) logic of academic network; (4) logic of risk mitigation; (5) logic of institutional culture. Implications for universities and policymakers on academic career support and talent management in the GBA are also provided.
Patient and public involvement in health research from researchers' perspective
Authors: Røssvoll Toril B. , Rosenvinge Jan H. , Liabo Kristin , Hanssen Tove A. , Pettersen Gunn
Published: August 2023

Background

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is increasingly considered an integral part of health research, and the focus has shifted from why we need PPI to how users can be involved in a meaningful way. The rationale for investigating experiences with PPI from the perspective of occupational therapy (OT)‐trained researchers' originates in the interrelationship between the inclusive approach to knowledge production, and participation and inclusion as core tenets of OT. The aim of this study was to explore PPI in health research from the perspective of OT‐trained researchers.

Method

Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted online with nine Norwegian researchers. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Professional background and clinical experience from person‐centred OT formed the foundation for how these researchers approached and facilitated PPI in their research. Valuing experiential knowledge and facilitating PPI to be meaningful for public collaborators were highlighted as essential for PPI to have an impact. The need to balance mutual expectations, requirements for research, and what might be possible to achieve within a research study were found to be vital.

Conclusion

Collaborative clinical experience constituted a sound foundation for implementing PPI in research. The occupational perspective underlines the importance of acknowledging experiential knowledge as essential to facilitating meaningful PPI. Challenges related to requirements for research and culture for implementing PPI were addressed by clarifying roles and expectations.

Patient or Public Contribution

Three public collaborators were involved in developing the aims, the interview guide, and the data analysis. They all had previous experience being involved in research.
Oral health‐related quality of life and periodontal status according to smoking status
Authors: Arruda Camilla Vieira , Guilardi Isa Juliane , Pavan Ludmila Madeira Cardoso , Greggianin Bruna Frizon
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Studies evaluating smoking and periodontal status show controversial results regarding the impact on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQol). The aim was to evaluate the association between OHRQol and periodontal status in patients according to their smoking habit.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study with a total of 100 patients (31.44 ± 8.50 years, 55% females) answered the short version of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) and underwent a periodontal examination. Associations between periodontal status and total mean OHIP‐14 scores related with smoking habit were analysed with Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

Mean percentage of sites with Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) and Number of Teeth were significantly different between current smokers (n = 53) and never (n = 40) or former smokers (n = 7; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference for Periodontal Probing Depth (PPD) in relation to smoking status. A total mean OHIP‐14 score of 13.07 was observed for the entire sample. The corresponding total mean OHIP‐14 scores, for current smokers, never smokers and former smokers, were 15, 10 and 13 (p = 0.280), respectively. The domains social disability and handicap of the OHIP‐14 were worse in current smokers (p = 0.028 and p = 0.026, respectively).

Conclusion

Current smoking was associated with a negative influence on OHRQoL in the domain of social disability and handicap. In addition, smokers have worse periodontal status, related to less BOP, greater CAL and fewer teeth than never and former smokers.
Missed nursing care: A cross‐sectional and multi‐centric study from Turkey
Authors: Dursun Ergezen Fatma , Çiftçi Bahar , Yalın Hayat , Geçkil Emine , Korkmaz Doğdu Ayşegül , İlter Sümeyra Mihrap , Terzi Banu , Kol Emine , Kaşıkçı Mağfiret , Ecevit Alpar Şule
Published: August 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore the extent of missed nursing care in Turkey and identify its predictors.

Design

This was a descriptive, cross‐sectional, multicentre study.

Methods

A total of 477 nurses working in seven public hospitals participated in this study from March to July 2019. The survey included two components: a personal and professional characteristics data form and the MISSCARE survey.

Results

The study revealed that emotional support, patient bathing and ambulation were the most frequently missed nursing care activities. An inadequate number of assistive personnel and staff, along with an unexpected increase in patient volume, were identified as the primary reasons for missed nursing care. Of the 21 missed nursing care activities, nine predictive models showed statistical significance (p < 0.05). Factors such as the type of unit, years of work experience, working hours, number of patients cared for in a shift and intention to leave the unit were found to be significant predictors of seven missed nursing care activities (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study found that numerous variables influence each care activity, which suggests the need to devise more targeted and specific strategies to minimize missed nursing care. Thorough investigation into the impact of these strategies on each care activity is essential.
A robust platform for integrative spatial multi‐omics analysis to map immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in lung tissues
Authors: Tan Xiao , Grice Laura F. , Tran Minh , Mulay Onkar , Monkman James , Blick Tony , Vo Tuan , Almeida Ana Clara , da Silva Motta Jarbas , de Moura Karen Fernandes , Machado‐Souza Cleber , Souza‐Fonseca‐Guimaraes Paulo , Baena Cristina Pellegrino , de Noronha Lucia , Guimaraes Fernanda Simoes Fortes , Luu Hung N. , Drennon Tingsheng , Williams Stephen , Stern Jacob , Uytingco Cedric , Pan Liuliu , Nam Andy , Cooper Caroline , Short Kirsty , Belz Gabrielle T. , Souza‐Fonseca‐Guimaraes Fernando , Kulasinghe Arutha , Nguyen Quan
Published: August 2023

The SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) virus has caused a devastating global pandemic of respiratory illness. To understand viral pathogenesis, methods are available for studying dissociated cells in blood, nasal samples, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and similar, but a robust platform for deep tissue characterization of molecular and cellular responses to virus infection in the lungs is still lacking. We developed an innovative spatial multi‐omics platform to investigate COVID‐19‐infected lung tissues. Five tissue‐profiling technologies were combined by a novel computational mapping methodology to comprehensively characterize and compare the transcriptome and targeted proteome of virus infected and uninfected tissues. By integrating spatial transcriptomics data (Visium, GeoMx and RNAScope) and proteomics data (CODEX and PhenoImager HT) at different cellular resolutions across lung tissues, we found strong evidence for macrophage infiltration and defined the broader microenvironment surrounding these cells. By comparing infected and uninfected samples, we found an increase in cytokine signalling and interferon responses at different sites in the lung and showed spatial heterogeneity in the expression level of these pathways. These data demonstrate that integrative spatial multi‐omics platforms can be broadly applied to gain a deeper understanding of viral effects on cellular environments at the site of infection and to increase our understanding of the impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 on the lungs.
Antibody‐mediated phagocytosis in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Van Wagoner Carly M. , Rivera‐Escalera Fátima , Jaimes‐Delgadillo Nydia C. , Chu Charles C. , Zent Clive S. , Elliott Michael R.
Published: August 2023

Unconjugated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have revolutionized the treatment of many types of cancer. Some of these mAbs promote the clearance of malignant cells via direct cytotoxic effects. More recently, antibody‐dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) has been appreciated as a major mechanism of action for a number of widely used mAbs, including anti‐CD20 (rituximab, obinutuzumab), anti‐HER2 (trastuzumab), and anti‐CD38 (daratumumab). However, as a monotherapy, these ADCP‐inducing mAbs produce insufficient levels of cytotoxicity in vivo and are not curative. As a result, these mAbs are most effectively used in combination therapies. The efficacy of these mAbs is further hampered by the apparent development of drug resistance by many patients. Here we will explore the role of ADCP in cancer immunotherapy and discuss the key factors that could limit the efficacy of ADCP‐inducing mAbs in vivo. Finally, we will discuss current insights and approaches being applied to overcome these limitations.