bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in whole brain radiation therapy fractionation for brain metastases in Victoria
Authors: Chee Lessandra Yan Shan , Sia Joseph , Milne Roger L , Foroudi Farshad , Millar Jeremy L , Ong Wee Loon
Published: June 2022

Introduction

We aim to evaluate the use of different whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) fractionation schedules for brain metastases (BM) in Victoria, and the factors associated with it.

Methods

This is a population‐based cohort of patients who received radiation therapy for BM between 2012 and 2017, as captured in the Victorian Radiotherapy Minimum Dataset. We excluded patients with primary brain tumour and those who had ‘prophylactic’ intent treatment. The Cochran–Armitage test was used to evaluate changing trend in WBRT fractionation. Multivariate multinomial logistic regressions were used to evaluate factors associated with WBRT fractionation.

Results

Of the 3111 patients who had WBRT, 1048 (45%), 1291 (42%) and 312 (13%) had ≤5, 6–10 and >10 fractions WBRT respectively. There was progressive increase in ≤5 fractions WBRT use over time, from 37% in 2012 to 50% in 2017 (P‐trend < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, increasing age, patients with gastrointestinal cancer, patients living in remote/regional areas and more recent treatment were associated with the use of shorter WBRT fractionation (≤5 fractions), while patients who had WBRT plus stereotactic radiosurgery, and those treated in private institutions were associated with the use of prolonged WBRT fractionation (≥6 fractions). Three hundred eighty‐nine (13%) patients died within 30 days of WBRT, of which 241 (64%), 119 (32%) and 17 (5%) had ≤5, 6–10 and > 10 fractions WBRT respectively.

Conclusion

We observed large variations in WBRT fractionation that are associated with patient, tumour, treatment and institutional factors. It is important to continuously monitor and benchmark our practice in order to reduce potentially unwarranted variations.
Multiproxy Paleosol Evidence for Jurassic Paleoclimate Fluctuations in the Sichuan Basin, SW China
Authors: LI Jun , WEN Xingyue , PAN Yuanyuan , HUANG Chengmin
Published: June 2022

Paleoclimate reconstruction of continental environments has been hampered by the limited evidence. A thick sequence of Jurassic continental deposits in the Sichuan Basin, Southwest China yields abundant paleosols that may offer valuable insights regarding Jurassic climate scenarios. A succession of 169 paleosols belonging to Protosols, Calcisols, and Argillisols from 23 detailed stratigraphic sections was recognized and characterized macro‐ and micromorphologically and assessed for mineral and geochemical compositions. Quantitative paleoclimate reconstructions using bulk geochemical proxies, the depth to and the stable oxygen isotopic composition of paleosol carbonates indicated a predominant alternation of semiarid and arid cool/warm‐temperate climatic conditions punctuated by several episodes of subhumid and humid climates that generally prevailed in the Sichuan Basin during the Jurassic. The estimated paleoatmospheric CO2 concentrations (pCO2) from calcic paleosols yielded a low range of ∼104 ± 58 to ∼610 ± 152 ppmv during the Middle Jurassic. The terrestrial paleotemperature changes in the Sichuan Basin coincided with the pCO2 variations, which probably resulted from global geological events (e.g., volcanic activities, magmatic and oceanic events, and the ephemeral caps development) in the Middle Jurassic. Jurassic climatic fluctuations in the basin were likely attributed to true polar wander due to global plate motion, megamonsoon effect linked to global and regional paleogeography, and regional paleotopography.
Spatial and Temporal Stress Variations before and after the 2008 Wenchuan Mw 7.9 Earthquake and its Implications: A Study based on Borehole Stress Data
Authors: MENG Wen , LIN Weiren , CHEN Qunce , LI Yonghua
Published: June 2022

In situ stress measurement data was analyzed to estimate the temporal and spatial stress variations at shallow depths in the Longmenshan fault zone (LMSF), prior to and following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake (WCEQ). Analysis of the stress field related to fault strength and behavior is useful for understanding geodynamic processes and conducting hazard assessments. The shallow stress changes after the WCEQ show clear along‐strike variations. Degrees of stress orientation rotations have a negative correlation with the horizontal principal stress ratios and the WCEQ apparently reduced the magnitude difference between horizontal principal stresses. Taking stress magnitudes and orientation distribution relative to the fault strike into account, we propose an intermediate‐strength of LMSF, with a friction coefficient generally constrained between 0.35 and 0.6. In addition, high‐pressure fluids in the fault zone reduce the effective normal stress and to a certain degree weaken the fault strength. The accumulated stress over a certain period following release of the WCEQ indicates the start of another earthquake cycle. The changing crustal stress field makes the LMSF stable or slipping optimally during geodynamic processes. The segmentation feature of the shallow crustal stress field in the LMSF may imply a different tectonic loading and seismic release processes along the fault. The southwestern section to the epicenter of the WCEQ favors the occurrence of future earthquakes, as high μm in a state of critical failure was present in this area, which indicates that the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes did not release the accumulated stress to a sufficient extent there.
Architectural Model of a Dryland Gravel Braided River, based on 3D UAV Oblique Photogrammetric Data: A Case Study of West Dalongkou River in Eastern Xinjiang, China
Authors: YIN Senlin , ZHU Baiyu , GUO Haiping , XU Zhenhua , LI Xiaoshan , WU Xiaojun , CHEN Yukun , JIANG Zhibin
Published: June 2022

Three‐dimensional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) oblique photogrammetric data were used to infer mountainous gravel braided river lithofacies, lithofacies associations and architectural elements. Hierarchical architecture and lithofacies associations with detailed lithofacies characterizations were comprehensively described to document the architectural model, architectural element scale and gravel particle scale. (1) Nine lithofacies (i.e., Gmm, Gcm, Gcc, Gci, Gcl, Ss, Sm, Fsm and Fl) were identified and classified as gravel, sand and fine matrix deposits. These are typical depositional features of a mountainous dryland gravel‐braided river. (2) Three architectural elements were identified, including channel (CH), gravel bar (GB) and overbank (OB). CH can be further divided into flow channel and abandoned channel, while GB consists of Central Gravel bar (CGB) and Margin Gravel bar (MGB). (3) The gravel bar is the key architectural element of the gravel braided river, with its geological attributes. The dimensions of GBs and their particles are various, but exhibit good relationships with each other. The grain size of GB decreases downstream, but the dimensions of GB do not. The bank erosion affects the GB dimensions, whereas channel incision and water flow velocity influence the grain size of GB. The conclusions can be applied to the dryland gravel braided river studies in tectonically active areas.
Shared network‐level functional alterations across substance use disorders: A multi‐level kernel density meta‐analysis of resting‐state functional connectivity studies
Authors: Taebi Arezoo , Becker Benjamin , Klugah‐Brown Benjamin , Roecher Erik , Biswal Bharat , Zweerings Jana , Mathiak Klaus
Published: June 2022

An increasing number of neuroimaging studies indicate functional alterations in cortico‐striatal loops in individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). Dysregulations in these circuits may contribute to drug‐seeking and drug‐consuming behaviour by impeding inhibitory control, habit formation, and reward processing. Despite evidence of network‐level changes in SUD, a shared pattern of functional alterations within and between spatially distributed brain networks has not been systematically investigated. The present meta‐analytic investigation aims at identifying common alterations in resting‐state functional connectivity patterns across different SUD, including stimulant, heroin, alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use. To this aim, seed‐based whole‐brain connectivity maps for different functional networks were extracted and subjected to multi‐level kernel density analysis to identify dysfunctional networks in individuals with SUD compared with healthy controls. In addition, an exploratory analysis examined substance‐specific effects as well as the influence of drug use status on the main findings. Our findings indicate a hypoconnectivity pattern for the limbic, salience, and frontoparietal networks in individuals with SUD as compared with healthy controls. The default mode network additionally exhibited a complex pattern of hypo‐ and hyperconnectivity across the studies. The observed disrupted connectivity between networks in SUD may associate with deficient inhibitory control mechanisms that are thought to contribute to excessive craving and automatic drug‐related behaviour as well as failure in substance use cessation. The identified network‐based alterations in SUD represent potential treatment targets for neuromodulation, for example, network‐based real‐time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback. Such interventions can evaluate the behavioural relevance of the identified neural circuits.
Axial skeletal morphological studies on the helmeted Guinea fowl (Numida meleagridis)
Authors: Onwuama Kenechukwu Tobechukwu , Ojodare Timothy Adeoluwa , Kigir Esther Solomon , Jaji Alhaji Zubair , Salami Suleiman Olawoye
Published: June 2022

This study on the morphological features of bones of the helmeted guinea fowl (Numidia meleagridis) specifically the axial skeleton was conducted for documentation and valuable information on differences when compared with other species of the same order. Ten (10) Helmeted guinea fowls (5 females and 5 males) with an average weight of 3.0 kg were euthanized via jugular vein severance with bone preparation achieved via the use of insect larvae. The skull presented an elongated structure made up of paired and unpaired flat, short and long bones with distinctive features. The frontal bone projected caudodorsally to form a horn like structure, the frontal process at its middle while the vomer was absent. The cervical vertebrae were 14 in number starting from the first (Atlas) to the last vertebra without a rib. Specific distinguishing features were evident in the Atlas, Axis, 3rd to 5th, 6th to 11th and 12th to 14th cervical vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae presented 7 bones comprising the 1st single free vertebra; notarium (fused 2nd to 5th), 6th single free vertebra and the last 7th vertebrae that fused with the synsacrum which was an ankylosis of the lumbar and sacral vertebrae. The caudal vertebrae were 7 with the last; the pygostyle being distinct in appearance. The ribs were 7 pairs, of which the first two were asternal while the remaining five were sternal and consisted of proximal vertebral and distal sternal portions. The curved uncinate process articulated to the caudal border of the 2nd and vertebral portions of the 3rd to 5th ribs. The guinea fowl proved to be a carinate by presenting a single sternum with dorsolateral processes and a ventral carina. In conclusion, this study revealed that except for the skull, the axial skeleton of the Helmeted Guinea fowl presented similarities to that of the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).
An audit of clinical outcomes following ovarian administration of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in women with severe diminished ovarian reserve
Authors: Tremellen Kelton , Pacella‐Ince Leanne
Published: June 2022

Background

Infertility caused by poor oocyte quality is one of the most difficult areas to manage. While oocyte donation is an effective treatment, for most women it is a treatment of last resort. Ovarian platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a relatively new adjunct therapy which has been reported to possibly improve oocyte quality and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment outcomes in women with severe diminished ovarian reserve.

Aims

To audit IVF and pregnancy outcomes following ovarian PRP treatment in a cohort of women under 45 years of age with severe diminished ovarian reserve and previous IVF treatment failure.

Methods

An audit of 20 consecutive patients comparing embryology outcomes before and after ovarian PRP treatment, together with assessment of PRP‐related pregnancies and treatment complications.

Results

Overall, PRP treatment produced no significant improvement in oocyte number, but did increase the number of embryos generated compared to patients’ own pre‐PRP IVF cycle (zero vs two embryos, P = 0.005). In total four patients conceived viable genetically normal pregnancies in their next IVF cycle, and a further two conceived naturally within 4 months of the PRP treatment. Five of these pregnancies were in women 40 years or older, all being euploid on non‐invasive pregnancy screening and viable beyond 12 weeks gestation. No operative complications were observed.

Conclusion

Ovarian PRP treatment appears to be low risk and may offer some promise in assisting pregnancy (natural and IVF‐related), especially in women with reduced oocyte quality due to advanced maternal age. Future randomised controlled trials are urgently required to confirm this benefit.
Quantitative relationship between the number of cross‐fostering piglets and subsequent productivity of sows on commercial swine farms
Authors: Sasaki Yosuke , Hayashi Yusei , Murano Seiya , Kohigashi Tomoya
Published: June 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the quantitative relationship between the number of cross‐fostering (CF) piglets and subsequent productivity of sows. Data were obtained from seven commercial farms including 41,086 farrowing records. Sows were divided into those that fostered out three or more piglets (CF ≥ 3–), fostered out one or two piglets (CF1–2–), did not do CF (NCF), fostered in one or two piglets (CF1–2+), and fostered in three or more piglets (CF ≥ 3+). CF ≥ 3– sows had the lowest number of piglets weaned and the highest preweaning mortality rate, whereas CF ≥ 3+ sows had the second‐lowest number of piglets weaned and the second‐highest preweaning mortality rate (p < .05). The number of piglets weaned and preweaning mortality rate did not differ among CF1–2–, NCF, and CF1–2+ sows. CF ≥ 3+ sows had the lowest farrowing rate (p < .05). The number of piglets born alive at the subsequent parity was highest for CF ≥ 3– sows (p < .05), followed in order by CF1–2–, NCF, CF1–2+, and CF ≥ 3+ sows (p < .05). In summary, CF1–2– and CF1–2+ sows showed no decreases in productivity compared with NCF sows, whereas CF ≥ 3– and CF ≥ 3+ sows had reduced productivity.
Beyond “Enclaves”: Postcolonial Labor Mobility to and from Assam Tea Plantations
Authors: Wolf Anna‐Lena
Published: June 2022

Labor mobility to and from tea plantations in India has been treated as an exception. Plantations continue to be imagined as unaltered enclaves with an immobile, bonded, or fixed labor force as their key feature. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in India, this article investigates forms of labor mobility to and from Assam tea plantations. While tea labor is not spatially immobile, I argue that spatial mobility does not necessarily lead to upward social mobility. Based on this observation, I reconsider the plantation in the twenty‐first century in two ways: first, plantations are permeable and transforming spaces, due to ongoing labor mobility and evolving changes in the political economy of Assam tea production; second, certain forms of inequality and injustice attributed to plantation economies need to be located beyond the Plantationocene.
Climate denial in Canada and the United States
Authors: Boulianne Shelley , Belland Stephanie
Published: June 2022

One type of climate change denial is the belief that climate change is naturally occurring instead of human caused; this form of denial is known as attribution skepticism or soft denial. While considerable research has addressed outright climate change denial, little research has focused specifically on soft denial and its complex and politicized relationship with science. We examine this form of denial using original survey data collected in 2017 in the United States (n = 1510) and in 2019 in Canada (n = 1545). Contrary to expectations about the United States being more divided by political ideology on the topic of climate change, we find that – after accounting for trust in political leaders – Canadians’ views are driven more by ideological position than those of Americans. In the United States, climate denial is related to trust in President Trump as a source of information about climate change. The study of soft denial is important as it undermines the rationale for climate change solutions.
An update on cutaneous granular cell tumours for dermatologists and dermatopathologists
Authors: Amphlett Alexander
Published: June 2022

Granular cell tumours are rare soft tissue neoplasms, which occur at a wide variety of sites and commonly involve the skin. Distinction between benign and malignant granular cell tumours is important because benign tumours can be fully cured by complete excision, whereas malignant tumours commonly recur and cause fatal metastatic disease. Communication between the dermatologist and pathologist is also important, as pathology may provide false reassurance by evaluating a benign-appearing part of a clinically malignant tumour. The following review summarizes the current literature on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathology, radiology, treatment and prognosis of cutaneous granular cell tumours, with a focus on improving diagnosis and management for dermatologists and dermatopathologists.
Conventional and expanded adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and maternal functioning among low‐income Black mothers
Authors: Lee Kerry A. , Jones Harden Brenda , Jaramillo Mishaska , Norman Taylor A. , Jimenez Parra Laura
Published: June 2022

A paucity of research has examined the individual and cumulative effects of conventional and expanded adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on maternal functioning, especially among low‐income Black mothers. Using self‐report data from a subsample of Black mothers (N = 157) who participated in a larger study to evaluate the effectiveness of an urban public prekindergarten program in the mid‐Atlantic region of the United States, we examined the prevalence of ACEs and the individual and cumulative effects of conventional (i.e., family trauma and dysfunction) and expanded (i.e., community stressors) ACEs on depression and health among low‐income Black mothers. Findings indicated that Black mothers had more exposure to expanded than conventional ACEs. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that experience of physical neglect was significantly associated with depression and physical abuse with compromised health, and perceived experience of racism was a predictor of depression and compromised health. More conventional and expanded ACEs were associated with clinical levels of depression and compromised health. Findings highlight the need for more research related to the impact of ACEs, especially expanded ACEs, on mental and behavioural health outcomes. Additionally, our findings indicate the need for more trauma‐informed care to reduce and address the impact of individual and community‐level adversities on low‐income Black mothers.
Altered resting‐state functional connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex in rats post noise exposure
Authors: Xu Xiao‐Min , Wang Jian , Salvi Richard , Liu Li‐Jie , Chen Yu‐Chen , Teng Gao‐Jun
Published: June 2022

Aims

We aimed to find where and how noise‐induced cochlear hearing loss affects the central nervous system during the early state and identify the neural substrate for aberrant patterns that mediating noise‐related anxiety−/depression‐ like behaviors.

Methods

Broad band noise with 122 dB for 2 hours was conducted to induce hearing loss. We defined 0 day (N0D) and 10 days (N10D) post noise as the acute and sub‐acute period. Behavioral tests (Open field test and light/dark test) and resting‐state fMRI were computed to evaluate emotional conditions and aberrant neural activity. Functional connectivity analysis using the anterior cingulate cortex as a seed was computed to reveal the spatial distribution beyond auditory network during both periods.

Results

Anxiety−/depression‐like behaviors were found in rats with noise exposure. Between‐group analysis revealed that N0D rats displayed widespread reductions in functional connectivity, spanning primary somatosensory cortex, medial geniculate body, inferior colliculus, cingulate cortex, cerebellar lobule comparing with N10D rats and a similar pattern was also occurred in comparison with the control group.

Conclusion

Taken together, an “acoustic‐causing” network accounting for distress and gating of noise exposure related anxiety/depression was proposed.
The pharmacokinetic, safety, and tolerability profiles of eslicarbazepine acetate are comparable between Korean and White subjects
Authors: Hwang Sejung , Lee Soyoung , Kim Eunwoo , Hwang Inyoung , Cho Joo‐Youn , Chung Jae‐Yong , Jang In‐Jin , Oh Jaeseong
Published: June 2022

Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a prodrug antiseizure medication for the treatment of focal seizures. ESL shows a well‐established pharmacokinetic (PK)‐pharmacodynamic relationship and has similar extrinsic epilepsy‐related factors across ethnicities. This study evaluated and compared ESL safety, tolerability, and PK characteristics between Korean and White subjects. A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐ and multiple‐dose escalation study was conducted in healthy Korean and White adults. Participants randomly received a single dose and multiple oral doses of ESL (400–1600 mg) or placebo once daily for 11 days at a ratio of 8:2. Serial blood samples were collected to determine the plasma concentration of ESL and its metabolites (eslicarbazepine, [R‐licarbazepine and oxcarbazepine). Safety and tolerability were assessed throughout the study. A total of 29 Korean and 20 White subjects completed the study. The PK profiles of the metabolites of ESL were similar between Korean and White subjects. The geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) of Korean to White subjects for the area under the concentration–time curve within a dosing interval of eslicarbazepine was 1.06 (0.97–1.17) and 0.96 (0.87–1.06) after multiple oral doses of 400 and 1600 mg ESL, respectively. Other PK parameters were also similar between the two ethnic groups. ESL was well‐tolerated in healthy Korean and White subjects, and its PK characteristics were similar between the two ethnic groups. The results of this study support to use the same dosage regimen of ESL in both White and Korean patients with seizures.
Converting a drug from off‐label to on‐label use: Government subsidies and patient welfare
Authors: Olsder Wendy , Martagan Tugce , Tang Christopher S.
Published: June 2022

Most rare diseases have no approved treatments available, and doctors often prescribe existing drugs for “off‐label” use in the sense that a drug is prescribed for a medical condition that is different from the original condition approved by regulatory authorities. To develop approved treatments for rare diseases quickly without starting from scratch, governments have introduced different subsidy programs to entice pharmaceutical companies to exert extra efforts to “convert” certain drugs from off‐label to “on‐label” use. However, the impact of this subsidized conversion strategy on patient welfare remains unclear because both efficacy and price can change once a drug is converted from off‐label to on‐label use. This paper represents an initial attempt to investigate the effectiveness of different types of government subsidies (e.g., offer subsidies to manufacturers, patients, or both) for improving patient welfare through the drug conversion strategy. We present a three‐stage Stackelberg game‐theoretic model that captures the interactions among the government, manufacturer, and patients, and determine whether it is optimal to subsidize the manufacturer, patients, or both. We identify requisite (market and subsidy) conditions for a manufacturer to convert a drug from off‐label to on‐label use. We also determine the optimal extra development effort to convert an off‐label drug, and the optimal unit selling price for the on‐label drug after conversion. Contrary to the generally held public opinions, our analysis reveals that subsidizing pharmaceutical manufacturers is more effective than subsidizing patients. This result implies that subsidies offered to manufacturers would incentivize higher conversion efforts, and subsequently increase the expected patient welfare. Furthermore, we show that this result continues to hold even when the patients are risk‐averse or on‐label market size is uncertain. Our numerical analysis on the drugs Aralen, Humira, Revlimid, and Zostex reveals that government subsidies are necessary for enticing conversion from off‐label to on‐label use.
Circuit formation in the adult brain
Authors: Seng Charlotte , Luo Wenshu , Földy Csaba
Published: June 2022

Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system display an enormous capacity for circuit formation during development but not later in life. In principle, new circuits could be also formed in adult brain, but the absence of the developmental milieu and the presence of growth inhibition and hundreds of working circuits are generally viewed as unsupportive for such a process. Here, we bring together evidence from different areas of neuroscience—such as neurological disorders, adult‐brain neurogenesis, innate behaviours, cell grafting, and in vivo cell reprogramming—which demonstrates robust circuit formation in adult brain. In some cases, adult‐brain rewiring is ongoing and required for certain types of behaviour and memory, while other cases show significant promise for brain repair in disease models. Together, these examples highlight that the adult brain has higher capacity for structural plasticity than previously recognized. Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind this retained plasticity has the potential to advance basic knowledge regarding the molecular organization of synaptic circuits and could herald a new era of neural circuit engineering for therapeutic repair.
Hybridization may aid evolutionary rescue of an endangered East African passerine
Authors: Vedder Daniel , Lens Luc , Martin Claudia A. , Pellikka Petri , Adhikari Hari , Heiskanen Janne , Engler Jan O. , Sarmento Cabral Juliano
Published: June 2022

Introgressive hybridization is a process that enables gene flow across species barriers through the backcrossing of hybrids into a parent population. This may make genetic material, potentially including relevant environmental adaptations, rapidly available in a gene pool. Consequently, it has been postulated to be an important mechanism for enabling evolutionary rescue, that is the recovery of threatened populations through rapid evolutionary adaptation to novel environments. However, predicting the likelihood of such evolutionary rescue for individual species remains challenging. Here, we use the example of Zosterops silvanus, an endangered East African highland bird species suffering from severe habitat loss and fragmentation, to investigate whether hybridization with its congener Zosterops flavilateralis might enable evolutionary rescue of its Taita Hills population. To do so, we employ an empirically parameterized individual‐based model to simulate the species' behaviour, physiology and genetics. We test the population's response to different assumptions of mating behaviour and multiple scenarios of habitat change. We show that as long as hybridization does take place, evolutionary rescue of Z. silvanus is likely. Intermediate hybridization rates enable the greatest long‐term population growth, due to trade‐offs between adaptive and maladaptive introgressed alleles. Habitat change did not have a strong effect on population growth rates, as Z. silvanus is a strong disperser and landscape configuration is therefore not the limiting factor for hybridization. Our results show that targeted gene flow may be a promising avenue to help accelerate the adaptation of endangered species to novel environments, and demonstrate how to combine empirical research and mechanistic modelling to deliver species‐specific predictions for conservation planning.
Parsing the impact of E‐government on bureaucratic corruption
Authors: Kalesnikaite Vaiva , Neshkova Milena I. , Ganapati Sukumar
Published: June 2022

Prior research has examined the effect of e‐government on corruption but has only considered perceived political corruption that differs from the actual corruption that citizens experience in their routine encounters with street‐level bureaucrats. This study focuses on petty corruption and delineates the underlying mechanism through which e‐government aids in curbing it. We argue that online service delivery reduces corruptibility on both sides—bureaucrats and citizens—by limiting the frequency of their interactions. To test this theoretical expectation, we vary the conditions under which petty corruption occurs. Using data from Latin America and the Caribbean, a region riddled with corruption, we demonstrate that e‐government significantly reduces bureaucratic corruption, but only for services where direct contact between citizens and street‐level bureaucrats can be avoided.
The GOAL‐Hēm journey: Shared decision making and patient‐centred outcomes
Authors: Roberts Jonathan C. , Richardson Sharon , Miles Moses E. , Stanley Justin , Chapman Chere A. T. , Denne Michael , Caicedo Jorge , Rockwood Kenneth , Recht Michael
Published: June 2022

Introduction

GOAL‐Hēm is a novel, haemophilia‐specific, patient‐centred outcome measure (PCOM) based on goal attainment scaling, allowing people with haemophilia (PwH) to set and monitor the attainment of individualized goals for treatment.

Aim

To provide a thorough overview of the creation, validation, and development of GOAL‐Hēm.

Methods

Clinician workshops were held to develop a haemophilia‐specific goal menu. Qualitative data from semistructured interviews with PwH and their caregivers guided further revisions to the goal menu (i.e., goal domains and descriptors). A feasibility study was performed including a 12‐week, prospective, noninterventional evaluation involving clinicians and PwH at four US haemophilia treatment centres. Finally, the Patient Voice Study gathered feedback from PwH and their caregivers via an online survey, interviews, and a focus group.

Results

The feasibility study validated GOAL‐Hēm with successful outcomes in construct/content validity and responsiveness, including a large effect in patient‐ and clinician‐rated goal attainments. The Patient Voice Study led to significant refinement of GOAL‐Hēm goals and descriptors, resulting in a more straightforward and relatable menu for PwH and their caregivers. Overall, GOAL‐Hēm captured qualitative data in areas important to PwH and employed quantitative methods to evaluate meaningful changes in those areas. The individualized tool was well equipped to handle the complex and chronic nature of haemophilia and was endorsed by PwH, their caregivers, and clinicians.

Conclusion

The GOAL‐Hēm development journey may serve as a roadmap for other PCOMs in a variety of settings, including clinical studies, haemophilia treatment centres for care planning, and as a tool to gather real‐world evidence.
The path of depression among frontline nurses duringCOVID‐19 pandemic: A fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Liang Leilei , Yuan Tongshuang , Guo Xinmeng , Meng Cuicui , Lv Jianping , Fei Junsong , Mei Songli
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to explore the combination of different conditional variables that led to depressive symptoms among frontline nurses who were fought against COVID‐19 during the outbreak in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. The study was conducted in August 2020, which included 331 frontline clinical nurses who supported Wuhan's fight against COVID‐19. The age range was 21–57 years and included 315 female nurses and 16 male nurses. This study used the fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis research method to explore the path of depression among frontline nurses. This study generated nine different configurations for the path of depression among frontline nurses, and had a detailed demonstration for each configuration. Each configuration distinguishes the different effects of influencing factors. For example, in the first configuration, gender, sleep disorder and PTSD exist as core conditions, while social support exists as a core condition lack. This study was presented results which was different what linear regression model reports. It takes into consideration the combined effect of each conditional variable on the development of depression. Nurse managers should pay attention to the combination of multiple influencing factors, instead of focus on single factors.
Improving the estimation of soil water evaporation based on days after wetting
Authors: da Silva Alves Élvis , Neiva Rodrigues Lineu , Valadares Ferreira Fernanda Laurinda
Published: June 2022

Soil evaporation constitutes a major pathway of water loss in agriculture. Understanding its dynamics in the face of drying and soil cover is fundamental to improve both simulation models and the sustainability of production systems. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate soil evaporation as a function of drying and percentage of soil cover. Three experiments were carried out in three different periods. In each of the periods, in parallel and in an adjacent area, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the influence of weighing micro‐lysimeter (ML) height on the estimation of direct soil evaporation. The experiments were installed with a completely randomized design. For the experiments that measured evaporation as a function of cover, the treatments consisted of six different percentages of cover of the internal area of the ML (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%), with four replicates, using artificial plants to cover the soil. The experiments that estimated evaporation as a function of ML height were conducted with eight repetitions and three different ML heights (100, 200 and 300 mm). It was observed that the accumulated evaporation up to 25 days after wetting was 52% and 53% lower in micro‐lysimeters with 100 mm height, compared to those with 200 and 300 mm height, respectively, for all experiments. The new model developed to calculate soil evaporation as a function of the days after wetting and percentage of soil cover showed excellent performance (NSE > 0.95).
Melatonin inhibits osteoclastogenesis via RANKL/OPG suppression mediated by Rev‐Erbα in osteoblasts
Authors: Tian Yihao , Ming Jian
Published: June 2022

Diabetic osteoporosis is secondary osteoporosis and a serious complication of diabetes with a high incidence rate and poor prognosis. The specific mechanism of diabetic osteoporosis is unclear, and prevention and treatment options are limited. Recently, melatonin has been found to prevent and treat diabetic osteoporosis. Herein, we investigated the mechanism whereby melatonin inhibits osteoclastogenesis and identified a new target for osteoporosis treatment. We established an in vitro osteoblast–osteoclast co‐culture system as a diabetic osteoporosis model. Osteoclastogenesis was determined using tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining and cathepsin K expression. Real‐time PCR was used to ascertain expression of microRNA mir‐882, targeting Rev‐Erbα. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of Rev‐Erbα, receptor activator of NF‐kB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG), and ELISA was utilized to analyse the secreted form of RANKL. High glucose promoted osteoclastogenesis and elevated the RANKL/OPG ratio in osteoblasts, while melatonin reversed these effects. High glucose inhibited Rev‐Erbα expression, while melatonin promoted its expression. Conversely, high glucose promoted mir‐882 expression, while melatonin inhibited it. We infer that melatonin inhibits RANKL expression in osteoblasts via the mir‐882/Rev‐Erbα axis, thus inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Our findings provide insights into diabetic osteoporosis and identify a new therapeutic target for osteoporosis.
Account‐Holding Intensity in the EU Accountability Landscape: A Comprehensive Review of EU agencies' Institutional Accountability Relationships*
Authors: Leidorf‐Tidå Benjamin , de Boer Thijs
Published: June 2022

In this article, we propose a novel conceptualization of account‐holding intensity – defined as both the frequency and diligence of account‐holding – as an instrument for analysing the behaviour of account‐holders in the accountability landscape of EU agencies. We examine the account‐holding intensity of six major institutional EU account‐holders through a complementary mixed‐methods approach that combines quantitative survey data and qualitative interview data collected from directors and senior managers of EU agencies. Account‐holding intensity is measured through the survey data, with the interview data providing detailed insight into why some account‐holders are more/less active and/or diligent than others. The survey and interview data are furthermore triangulated with in‐depth interviews with account‐holders and unobtrusive indicators of account‐holding intensity. This amounts to a comprehensive empirical review of the EU agencies' institutional accountability relationships, which reveals how different account‐holders are driven by different institutional logics that are associated with different account‐holding intensities.
Clinical course of adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Yen Fu‐Shun , Wei James Cheng‐Chung , Liu Jia‐Sin , Hsu Chih‐Cheng , Hwu Chii‐Min
Published: June 2022

Aims/Introduction

The global incidence of adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing. This cohort study was conducted aiming to describe the characteristics, drug‐use condition, and long‐term outcomes of adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

Two thousand seven hundred fifty‐five newly diagnosed adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (using ICD‐9‐CM: 250.x and having ≥3 clinic visits) were identified from the national health insurance dataset during 2000–2014. Treatments were classified into four groups: metformin, sulfonylurea (SU), metformin plus SU, and insulin with or without oral antidiabetic drugs. The multiple Cox regression model was used to compare the risks of mortality and hospitalization among these four groups.

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 5.4 years. After 1 year of antidiabetic treatment, they gradually needed intensified therapy, and at 3 years, half of them showed treatment failure. The mortality rate was 2.08 per 1,000 person‐years. Respiratory diseases (36.2%) and dysglycemia (16.4%) were the most common causes of hospitalization among these adolescents. Compared with persons taking metformin plus SU, metformin users were associated with a lower risk of all‐cause hospitalization [0.82 (0.67–0.99)]; insulin users were associated with a higher risk of dysglycemia [4.38 (2.14–8.96)], cancer [3.76 (1.39–10.1)], and respiratory hospitalization [1.66 (1.14–2.41)]; and SU users were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases [1.91 (1.13–3.23)].

Conclusions

This nationwide cohort study demonstrated that adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus were prone to treatment failure. Furthermore, respiratory diseases and dysglycemia were the most common causes of hospitalization.
Aspects of cognition that impact aging‐in‐place and long‐term care planning
Authors: Lindquist Lee A. , Miller‐Winder Amber P. , Schierer Allison , Murawski Alaine , Opsasnick Lauren , Curtis Laura M. , Kim Kwang‐Youn , Ramirez‐Zohfeld Vanessa
Published: June 2022

Background

Older adults frequently defer decisions about their aging‐in‐place/long‐term care (AIP‐LTC) needs. As a result, when older adults experience worsening Alzheimer's disease, family members/friends become surrogate decision makers. We sought to understand what aspects of cognition impact older adult AIP‐LTC planning.

Methods

As part of the PlanYourLifespan (PYL)‐LitCog study, we longitudinally examined AIP‐LTC decision‐making among a cohort (LitCog) of community‐based older adults (65 years and older) recruited from hospital‐associated primary care clinics in Chicago, Illinois, with extensive cognitive testing. PlanYourLifespan.org (PYL) is an evidence‐based online intervention that facilitates AIP‐LTC planning. Subjects underwent baseline testing, received the PYL online intervention, and then were surveyed at 1, 6, and 12 months about AIP‐LTC decision‐making. Cross‐sectional logistic regression analysis was conducted examining cognitive variables that impacted AIP‐LTC decision‐making.

Results

Of the 293 older adults interviewed (mean age 73.0 years, 40.4% non‐White), subjects were more likely to have made AIP‐LTC decisions if they had adequate inductive reasoning (ETS letter sets total—OR = 1.14 (95% CI = 1.03–1.27; p < 0.05)) and adequate working memory (size judgment span total—OR = 1.76 (95% CI = 1.13–2.73; p < 0.05)). There were no differences in decision‐making observed in verbal abilities, long‐term memory, or processing speed. All analyses were adjusted for participant gender, race, age, and decision‐making response at baseline.

Conclusion

Inductive reasoning and working memory are critical to AIP‐LTC decision‐making. Screening routinely for these specific cognitive domains is important in targeting and helping older adults prepare in time for their future AIP‐LTC needs.
Oral isotretinoin versus acitretin in male patients with multiple recalcitrant common warts: A randomized, double‐blinded placebo‐control study
Authors: Nofal Ahmad , Fawzy Mohamed M. , Eldeeb Fatma , Elhawary Esraa Elsayed
Published: June 2022

Background

Management of multiple recalcitrant common warts represents a therapeutic challenge. Both oral isotretinoin and acitretin have shown a promising efficacy in the treatment of various types of warts. However, a comparative study of the two medicines in wart treatment has not yet been conducted.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of oral isotretinoin versus acitretin in the treatment of multiple recalcitrant common warts.

Methods

This study was conducted on 75 adult male patients with recalcitrant multiple common warts. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 (30 patients) received oral isotretinoin, group 2 (30 patients) received acitretin, and group 3 received oral placebo (15 patients). The treatment was given daily until complete clearance or for a maximum of 3 months.

Results

Complete clearance of the treated lesions was observed in 18 patients (60%) of the isotretinoin group, in 22 patients (73.3%) of the acitretin group, and in 0 patients (0%) of the placebo group. A statistically significant difference was observed in the therapeutic response between the treatment groups, and the placebo group was observed. Adverse effects of the used drugs were mild and transient.

Conclusion

Oral isotretinoin and acitretin are promising effective modalities with minimal side effects for the treatment male patients with multiple recalcitrant common warts with a relative superiority of acitretin.
Association between placenta accreta spectrum and third‐trimester serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor, and soluble Fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Alzoubi Osama , Maaita Ward , Madain Zaid , Alzoubi Mohammad , Sweis Jaleel J. G. , Arar Ahmad R. , Sweis Nabil W. G.
Published: June 2022

Aim

Antenatal suspicion of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) currently relies on ultrasonographic findings, color doppler, and MRI, which have rendered it operator and expertise‐dependent. No serum markers for PAS have been integrated into clinical practice yet. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to identify potential serum markers for PAS by investigating third‐trimester serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEFG), placental growth factor (PIGF), and soluble Fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) among PAS‐cases and controls.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, and CNKI databases were systematically searched for relevant articles. Random‐effects model was applied to calculate the overall standardized mean difference (SMD) for each marker. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were performed to assess for potential covariates.

Results

Eight studies involving 366 PAS‐cases and 518 controls were included. Third trimester sFlt‐1 levels were significantly lower in PAS‐cases when compared to controls (SMD = −7.76, 95%CI = −10.42 to −5.10). This was, to a certain extent, consistent among studies though they differed in their extent of significance. Levels of VEGF (SMD = 1.59, 95%CI = −0.07 to 3.25) and PlGF (SMD = −0.49, 95%CI = −1.66 to 0.67) were not significantly different between PAS cases and controls, in which studies demonstrated conflicting results.

Conclusions

Third trimester sFlt‐1 levels may be useful to predict PAS. Nonetheless, further studies are recommended to better understand conflicting results before adopting either VEGF or PlGF.
“Micro‐cultures” of conflict: Couple‐level perspectives on reasons for and causes of intimate partner violence in young adulthood
Authors: Giordano Peggy C. , Grace Mackenzie M. , Longmore Monica A. , Manning Wendy D.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To highlight the development of young adult couples' shared understandings about reasons for conflict in their relationships, views about why some disagreements included the use of aggression (“causes”), and gendered perspectives on these relationship dynamics.

Background

Feminist theories have centered on relationship dynamics associated with intimate partner violence (IPV), but have focused primarily on men's concerns (e.g., jealousy) and use of violence as a means of control over female partners. The current analysis drew on symbolic interaction theory as a framework for exploring couple‐level concerns, and ways in which dyadic communication contributes to these understandings, or what can be considered “micro‐cultures” of conflict.

Method

The study relied on in‐depth interviews with a heterogeneous sample of IPV‐experienced young adults who had participated in a larger longitudinal study (Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study [TARS]) and separate interviews with their partners (n = 90).

Results

Analyses revealed that women's concerns about men's actions (e.g., infidelity) were frequently cited as reasons for serious conflicts, and showed significant concordance in partners' reports. Shared understandings sometimes extended to views on the role of more distal causes (e.g., family background) and the meaning(s) of each partner's use of aggression. Gendered dynamics included men's tendency to minimize women's concerns, and both partners' more open discussions of women's perpetration.

Conclusions

Theories of IPV and associated programmatic efforts should include attention to the social construction of these “micro‐cultures,” as these shared meanings affect behavior, are potentially malleable, and add to the more intuitive focus on one‐sided forces of control and constraint.