bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steroid–tacrolimus drug–drug interaction and the effect of CYP3A genotypes
Authors: Saqr Abdelrahman , Al‐Kofahi Mahmoud , Mohamed Moataz , Dorr Casey , Remmel Rory P. , Onyeaghala Guillaume , Oetting William S. , Guan Weihua , Mannon Roslyn B. , Matas Arthur J. , Israni Ajay , Jacobson Pamala A.
Published: July 2024

Aims

Tacrolimus, metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 enzymes, is susceptible to drug–drug interactions (DDI). Steroids induce CYP3A genes to increase tacrolimus clearance, but the effect is variable. We hypothesized that the extent of the steroid–tacrolimus DDI differs by CYP3A4/5 genotypes.

Methods

Kidney transplant recipients (n = 2462) were classified by the number of loss of function alleles (LOF) (CYP3A5*3, *6 and *7 and CYP3A4*22) and steroid use at each tacrolimus trough in the first 6 months post‐transplant. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed by nonlinear mixed‐effect modelling (NONMEM) and stepwise covariate modelling to define significant covariates affecting tacrolimus clearance. A stochastic simulation was performed and translated into a Shiny application with the mrgsolve and Shiny packages in R.

Results

Steroids were associated with modestly higher (3%–11.8%) tacrolimus clearance. Patients with 0‐LOF alleles receiving steroids showed the greatest increase (11.8%) in clearance compared to no steroids, whereas those with 2‐LOFs had a negligible increase (2.6%) in the presence of steroids. Steroid use increased tacrolimus clearance by 5% and 10.3% in patients with 1‐LOF and 3/4‐LOFs, respectively.

Conclusions

Steroids increase the clearance of tacrolimus but vary slightly by CYP3A genotype. This is important in individuals of African ancestry who are more likely to carry no LOF alleles, may more commonly receive steroid treatment, and will need higher tacrolimus doses.
Efficacy and safety of androgen receptor inhibitors for treatment of advanced prostate cancer: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiao Shichao , Yin Hang , Lv Xin , Wang Zhen , Jiang Lili , Xia Yangliu , Liu Yong
Published: July 2024

Aims

Androgen receptor inhibitors (ARIs) have become an effective treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PC). However, it is unknown which ARI is the most helpful and safe for men with advanced PC. Our aim is to help physicians make clinical decisions and provide medication guidelines for patients with advanced PC to avoid potential risks when using ARIs for treatment.

Methods

We systematically searched the following databases: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, with a literature publication deadline of February 2023. The primary efficacy outcomes were 18‐month overall survival (OS), treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), hypertension and fatigue. The network meta‐analysis (NMA) was performed by Stata 15.1, and Revman 5.3 was used to assess the included studies' risk of bias.

Results

The analysis included 26 trials with 26 263 people. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) concluded that enzalutamide (86.8%) showed the best effect in prolonging the OS of patients. Flutamide led to the highest risk of TEAEs (29.9%) and AEs leading to discontinuation (12.8%). Apalutamide (13.4%) led to the highest risk of grade ≥3 TEAEs. Enzalutamide had the highest risk of hypertension (0.2%), grade ≥3 hypertension (4.5%) and fatigue (5.2%).

Conclusions

This NMA indicates there is no one ARI to reach both the most effective and safe therapy aims for treating advanced PC and that there is a compromise between the efficacy and safety of ARIs in the treatment of advanced PC. Physicians should weigh the risks to safety against the anticipated benefits when prescribing these drugs to patients with PC.
Visual Narratives of Care and Reproduction in Forced Migration: Women Displaced from Venezuela to Brazil
Authors: Lines Tallulah , Curcio Bruna , Grugel Jean , Riggirozzi Pia , Cintra Natalia
Published: July 2024

Migration is deeply gendered, yet little is known about the lived experiences of displaced women or how they manage their reproductive health challenges. Here, we explore the meaning of sexual and reproductive health for displaced Venezuelan women in Brazil, using photovoice. This methodology revealed that women interpret ‘sexual and reproductive health’ in ways that go beyond medicalised understandings and include concerns more usually associated with ‘social reproduction’ or care work. Caring, for Venezuelan migrant women, is complex: many take comfort from their roles as carers, but they also experience depletion and anxiety. Our research suggests the need for wider understandings of what reproductive health in displacement means and for support for migrant women that goes beyond addressing their biological reproductive roles.
Prey specificity of predatory venoms
Authors: Michálek Ondřej , King Glenn F. , Pekár Stano
Published: July 2024

Venom represents a key adaptation of many venomous predators, allowing them to immobilise prey quickly through chemical rather than physical warfare. Evolutionary arms races between prey and a predator are believed to be the main factor influencing the potency and composition of predatory venoms. Predators with narrowly restricted diets are expected to evolve specifically potent venom towards their focal prey, with lower efficacy on alternative prey. Here, we evaluate hypotheses on the evolution of prey‐specific venom, focusing on the effect of restricted diet, prey defences, and prey resistance. Prey specificity as a potential evolutionary dead end is also discussed. We then provide an overview of the current knowledge on venom prey specificity, with emphasis on snakes, cone snails, and spiders. As the current evidence for venom prey specificity is still quite limited, we also overview the best approaches and methods for its investigation and provide a brief summary of potential model groups. Finally, possible applications of prey‐specific toxins are discussed.
The functional underpinnings of tropical forest dynamics—Functional traits, groups, and unmeasured diversity
Authors: Swenson Nathan G. , Rubio Vanessa E.
Published: July 2024

The structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems are the outcome of differential performance playing out at the individual level. Interactions between the traits of an organism and its environment determine performance. Thus, our ability to understand and, ultimately, model forest dynamics critically relies on knowledge regarding the functional biology of the organisms. In tropical forests, this is a daunting challenge due to the diversity of the systems. This has driven ecologists to focus on identifying a handful of fundamentally important trade‐offs and a few traits that may indicate where a species falls along that trade‐off axis. In other cases, some ecologists have argued that species can be roughly binned into a handful of functional groups or guilds that capture most of the information needed to generate realistic models of forest dynamics. Here, we discuss the functional biology of tropical forest dynamics. We identify a series of key trade‐offs that should underpin forest dynamics and the traits ecologists have attempted to link to these trade‐offs. We then explore how far we can get by using functional groups or guilds to model tropical forest dynamics, the conceptual frameworks used for promoting such approaches, and what this modeling framework does not capture. We then use this to identify key gaps that should motivate the future of tropical tree functional ecology.
Synthesis of curcumin derivatives targeting androgen receptor for castration‐resistant prostate cancer therapy
Authors: Liu Jiangfei , Ni Yaohui , Zhou Keyun , Wu Guanzhao , Hu Liangyong , Zhu Tianyu , Xu Defeng , Hu Hang
Published: July 2024

In this work, a series of curcumin derivatives (1a–1h, 2a–2g, and 3a–3c) were synthesized for the suppression of castration‐resistant prostate cancer cells. All synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS, and melting point. The in vitro cytotoxicity study shows that compounds 1a, 1e, 1f, 1h, 2g, 3a, and 3c display similar or enhanced cytotoxicity against 22Rv1 and C4‐2 cells as compared to ASC‐J9, other synthesized compounds display reduced cytotoxicity against 22Rv1 and C4‐2 cells as compared to ASC‐J9. Molecular docking simulation was performed to study the binding affinity and probable binding modes of the synthesized compounds with androgen receptor. The results show that all synthesized compounds exhibit higher cdocker interaction energies as compared to ASC‐J9. Compounds 1h, 2g, and 3c not only show strong cytotoxicity against 22Rv1 and C4‐2 cells but also exhibit high binding affinity with androgen receptor. In androgen receptor suppression study, compounds 1f and 2g show similar androgen receptor suppression effect as compared to ASC‐J9 on C4‐2 cells, compound 3c displays significantly enhanced AR suppression effect as compared to ASC‐J9, 1f and 2g. Compounds 1a, 1e, 1f, 1h, 2g, 3a and 3c prepared in this work have significant potential for castration‐resistant prostate cancer therapy.
Caloric restriction leading to attenuation of experimental Alzheimer's disease results from alterations in gut microbiome
Authors: Chen Junyu , Zou Cong , Guan Hongbing , Zhou Xiaoming , Hou Le , Cui Yayong , Xu Junhua , Luan Ping , Zheng Dong
Published: July 2024

Background

Caloric restriction (CR) might be effective for alleviating/preventing Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the biological mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we explored whether CR caused an alteration of gut microbiome and resulted in the attenuation of cognitive impairment of AD animal model.

Methods

Thirty‐week‐old male APP/PS1 transgenic mice were used as AD models (AD mouse). CR was achieved by 30% reduction of daily free feeding (ad libitum, AL) amount. The mice were fed with CR protocol or AL protocol for six consecutive weeks.

Results

We found that with CR treatment, AD mice showed improved ability of learning and spatial memory, and lower levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and ROS in the brain. By sequencing 16S rDNA, we found that CR treatment resulted in significant diversity in composition and abundance of gut flora. At the phylum level, Deferribacteres (0.04%), Patescibacteria (0.14%), Tenericutes (0.03%), and Verrucomicrobia (0.5%) were significantly decreased in CR‐treated AD mice; at the genus level, Dubosiella (10.04%), Faecalibaculum (0.04%), and Coriobacteriaceae UCG‐002 (0.01%) were significantly increased in CR‐treated AD mice by comparing with AL diet.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the attenuation of AD following CR treatment in APP/PS1 mice may result from alterations in the gut microbiome. Thus, gut flora could be a new target for AD prevention and therapy.
Relationship between obesity and hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy: The role of sex
Authors: Antonopoulos Alexios S. , Panagiotopoulos Ioannis , Terentes‐Printzios Dimitrios , Omer Mohamed , Mentias Amgad , Lazaros George , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Elgendy Islam Y. , Vlachopoulos Charalambos
Published: July 2024

Evidence suggests an association between obesity and the risk for cardiomyopathy development; however, robust evidence is still lacking. In this study we sought to explore the relationship of obesity with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and possible interactions with sex using large‐scale epidemiological real‐world data. We analysed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of US hospitalisations for the years 2015–2019. There were a total of 46 934 admissions with diagnosis of HCM and 170 924 with DCM. There was a significant interaction between cardiomyopathies' diagnosis with sex and age subgroups; the rates of both DCM and HCM increased with age (p < .001 for both); DCM diagnosis was significantly higher in males compared with females (0.85% vs. 0.35%, p < .001). After adjustment for age, sex, race and presence of arterial hypertension there was a significant stepwise positive association between obesity and the population rates of both cardiomyopathy subtypes. For hospitalised patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 there was an odds ratio (OR) of 1.68 (95% CI: 1.55–1.81, p < .001) for HCM and OR = 1.82 (95% CI: 1.79–1.84, p < .001) for DCM. More importantly, the positive relationship between a cardiomyopathy diagnosis (HCM or DCM) with increasing BMI was driven by the male sex (p < .001 for both) and it was non‐significant in females. The findings from this nationwide observational analysis support a sexual dimorphism in the relationship between obesity and HCM or DCM, which should be further investigated.
Cytomorphological characteristics of low‐grade papillary urothelial carcinoma in voided urine samples: Distinction from benign and high‐grade papillary urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Takeda Kotaro , Adeniran Adebowale J. , Levi Angelique W. , Tang Haiming , Cai Guoping
Published: July 2024

Objective

Given its frequent recurrence and the potential for high‐grade transformation, accurate diagnosis of low‐grade papillary urothelial carcinoma (LGPUC) in urine cytology is clinically important. We attempted to identify cytomorphologic features in urine samples, which could be helpful for the identification of LGPUC.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of voided urine specimens collected from patients with histopathologic diagnoses of LGPUC. Their cytomorphological features were compared with those from patients with benign conditions and high‐grade papillary urothelial carcinoma (HGPUC).

Results

A total of 115 voided urine specimens were evaluated, including 30 benign, 41 LGPUC, and 44 HGPUC cases. In LGPUC, 18 cases (44%) were diagnosed as atypical, a proportion significantly higher than that observed in benign cases (4 cases, 13%), while the remaining 23 cases (56%) were diagnosed as negative. LGPUC urine samples tended to have higher cellularity than benign cases, but the difference was not statistically significant. Three cytological features, namely nuclear enlargement, higher nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio, and presence of small cell clusters, were statistically more prevalent in LGPUC compared to benign cases, although the changes were relatively subtle. In contrast, cytomorphological distinction between LGPUC and HGPUC was evident, as high cellularity, nuclear enlargement, hyperchromasia, high N/C ratio, irregular nuclear membrane, and apoptosis were significantly more prevalent in HGPUC cases.

Conclusions

Several cytomorphologic features in voided urine samples were more prevalent in cases with LGPUC, albeit not observed in all instances. Since these alterations were relatively subtle, meticulous attention to these cytomorphologic details is crucial to suggest the possibility of LGPUC.
The effects of family, culture and sex on linguistic development across 20 languages
Authors: Ibbotson Paul , Browne William J.
Published: July 2024

Languages vary in their complexity; caregivers vary in the way they structure their communicative interactions with children; and boys and girls can differ in their language skills. Using a multilevel modelling approach, we explored how these factors influence the path of language acquisition for young children growing up around the world (mean age 2‐years 9‐months; 56 girls). Across 43 different sites, we analysed 103 mother–child pairs who spoke 3,170,633 utterances, 16,209,659 morphemes, divided across 20 different languages: Afrikaans, Catalan, Cantonese, Danish, Dutch, English, Farsi, French, German, Hebrew, Icelandic, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish. Using mean length of utterance (MLU) as a measure of language complexity and developmental skill, we found that variation in children's MLU was significantly explained by (a) between‐language differences; namely the rate of child MLU growth was attuned to the complexity of their mother tongue, and (b) between‐mother differences; namely mothers who used higher MLUs tended to have children with higher MLUs, regardless of which language they were learning and especially in the very young (<2.5 years‐old). Controlling for family and language environment, we found no evidence of MLU sex differences in child speech nor in the speech addressed to boys and girls. By modelling language as a multilevel structure with cross‐cultural variation, we were able to disentangle those factors that make children's pathway to language different and those that make it alike.

Research Highlights

The speech of 103 mother–child pairs from 20 different languages showed large variation in the path of early language development.

Language, family, but not the sex of the child, accounted for a significant proportion of individual differences in child speech, especially in the very young.

The rate at which children learned language was attuned to the complexity of their mother tongue, with steeper trajectories for more complex language.

Results demonstrate the relative influence of culture, family, and sex in shaping the path of language acquisition for different children.
Disaster preparedness among Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American communities
Authors: Rao Smitha , Kang Joonmo , Lee Joyce Y. , Takeuchi David T.
Published: July 2024

Disaster experiences and explorations of preparedness among Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans (APIDA) in the United States are often overlooked owing to their relatively smaller population share. APIDA are not homogenous, and their disaster experiences warrant further examination. This paper does so by investigating disaster preparedness using disaggregated information about APIDA. The study utilises nationally representative data from the 2017 American Housing Survey, analysing sociodemographic covariates. The disaster preparedness score among APIDA communities was approximately 4.81 on a zero to nine scale. APIDA renters and non‐US citizens were less prepared than homeowners and US citizens. Among subgroups, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese respondents who were non‐US citizens were less prepared than those who were US citizens. Marital status was significantly and positively associated with preparedness among Indians, Japanese, Vietnamese, and multiracial respondents. The findings underscore the importance of data disaggregation and tailored preparedness information and resources to address specific challenges APIDA communities face instead of a one‐size‐fits‐all approach.
Multi‐risk instruments for emergency response: a multi‐hazard and multi‐risk assessment of the European Union's Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve
Authors: Hochrainer‐Stigler Stefan , Trogrlić Robert Šakić , Reiter Karina
Published: July 2024

Natural hazard‐related disasters are on the rise and have significant impacts on the public and private sector. Different mechanisms and instruments exist on the pan‐European level to deal with them, including the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF). Recently, the EUSF expanded its scope to incorporate public health emergencies and merged with the Emergency Aid Reserve to become the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve. It therefore became a multi‐hazard and multi‐risk instrument to assist countries during the emergency phase of disasters. As different types of hazards and risks are drawing from the same fund there is concern about what capitalisation levels have to be assumed to make it sustainable. Hence, it is important to understand to which hazards and risks the fund is most exposed and whether there are regional differences within Europe. To address these issues, this paper takes a risk‐based approach and estimates the capitalisation levels needed for major hazards and risks, noting regional differences across Europe.
Increasing prevalence of cerebral palsy in children born very preterm in Denmark
Authors: Fogh Martha Veber , Greisen Gorm , Clausen Tine Dalsgaard , Krebs Lone , Larsen Mads Langager , Hoei‐Hansen Christina Engel
Published: July 2024

Aim

To analyse the rising prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in children born preterm in Denmark.

Method

We included all live‐born children born preterm in Denmark from 1997 to 2013. The prevalence of CP in children born preterm was categorized by gestational age and correlated with neonatal mortality and changes in clinical factors.

Results

Among 70 876 children, 824 (1.2%) had CP. The overall CP prevalence in children born preterm decreased substantially until 2001, from when it increased annually by 2.8% (95% confidence interval 0.6–5.0). When categorized, the prevalence only increased significantly in children born very preterm (gestational weeks 28–31). Neonatal mortality rates decreased steadily at all gestational ages during the entire study period. Clinical factors that changed during the study period were increasing numbers of high‐risk pregnancies, maternal obesity, emergency caesarean sections, neonatal admissions, and usage of assisted ventilation.

Interpretation

The increasing prevalence of CP in children born preterm was driven by the subgroup born very preterm and matched their decrease in neonatal mortality. In similar population studies, decreased mortality was not followed by increased CP prevalence. An increase in clinical risk factors was unlikely to explain our findings, but more active neonatal life support may have played a role.
A comparison of clinical characteristics and course predictors in early‐ and childhood‐onset schizophrenia
Authors: Baykal Saliha , Bozkurt Abdullah , Çobanoğlu Osmanlı Cansu , Önal Bedia Sultan , Şahin Berkan , Karadoğan Zeynep Nur , Karadağ Mehmet , Hangül Zehra , Kılıçaslan Fethiye , Ayaydın Hamza , Uzun Necati , Demirdöğen Esen Yıldırım , Akıncı Mehmet Akif , Bilaç Öznur , Büber Ahmet , Tufan Ali Evren , Aksu Gülen Güler , Taner Hande Ayraler , Sarı Burcu Akın , Kütük Meryem Özlem , Kaba Duygu , Karaçizmeli Müge , Kavcıoğlu Rabia , Görker Işık , Karabekiroğlu Koray
Published: July 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of childhood‐onset schizophrenia (COS) and early‐onset schizophrenia (EOS) during the first‐ episode psychosis and the stable period, to examine psychopharmacological treatment approaches, and to investigate potential predictive factors for prognosis.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, and psychopharmacological therapy data for 31 patients diagnosed with COS and 66 with EOS were retrieved from the file records in this multicenter study. Symptom distribution and disease severity and course were evaluated twice, in the acute psychotic stage and in the latest stable phase, during follow‐up using the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) and clinical global impression (CGI) scales.

Results

A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups' CGI improvement rates and median last stable stage PANSS positive, negative, and general psychopathology symptom scores (p = .005, p = .031, p = .005, and p = .012, respectively). Premorbid neurodevelopmental disorder and obsessive‐compulsive disorder and comorbidities were more common in the COS group (p = .025 and p = .030, respectively), and treatment required greater multiple antipsychotic use in that group (p = .013). When the independent variables affecting the difference between pre‐ and post‐treatment PANSS scores were examined using linear regression analysis, the model established was found to be statistically significant (F = 5.393; p = .001), and the group variable (p = .024), initial disease severity (p = .001), and socioeconomic level (p = .022; p = .007) emerged as predictive factors for the disease course.

Conclusion

Although early diagnosis and treatment is an important factor in improving prognosis in schizophrenia, more specific predictors for schizophrenia need to be identified. Additionally, preventive programs and pharmacological methods need to be developed in children with neurodevelopmental problems, particularly those from low socioeconomic status families.
A scoping review on intraoperative and postoperative surgical castration complications in domesticated equids
Authors: Rodden Elise B. K. , Suthers Joanna M. , Busschers Evita , Burford John H. , Freeman Sarah L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Castration is the most common surgical procedure in domesticated equids; surgical techniques used and perioperative management vary considerably.

Objectives

To identify and chart the current evidence on perioperative complications associated with different methods of surgical castration in domesticated equids.

Study design

Joanna Briggs Institute systematic scoping review.

Method

CAB Abstracts, Medline and Embase databases were searched using terms related to equine castration complications. Two authors independently and blindly screened publications against eligibility criteria. Data on study methods, perioperative management, surgical techniques, and perioperative complications were extracted. Surgical techniques were grouped into categories depending on technique; open, closed or half‐closed, and whether the parietal tunic was open or closed at the end of surgery.

Results

The search identified 1871 publications; 71 studies met the final inclusion criteria. The data reported 76 734 castrations, most of which were open or closed, with the vaginal tunic remaining open at the end of surgery. Twenty‐five studies reported information regarding surgical techniques and perioperative management, allowing detailed charting and comparisons, of which analgesia and antimicrobial usage varied notably. Eighteen different complications were reported, with swelling or oedema being the most common. Evisceration was most commonly reported in draught breeds and Standardbreds, and the risk appeared low if the parietal tunic was closed at the end of surgery.

Main limitations

Grey literature and studies not available in English were not included. Existing studies varied greatly in perioperative management, surgical techniques and reporting of outcomes, making evidence consolidation problematic.

Conclusion

A lack of consensus regarding complication definitions creates uncertainty and discrepancies between complication rates associated with different surgical techniques and perioperative management. The implementation of standardised systems for describing surgical techniques and complications is recommended for future studies. A number of studies did not follow current recommendations for perioperative analgesia and use of antimicrobials.
Complex selection processes on invasive crayfish phenotype at the invasion front of the Zambezi floodplains ecoregion
Authors: Nawa Nawa , South Josie , Ellender Bruce R. , Pegg Josephine , Madzivanzira Takudzwa C. , Wasserman Ryan J.
Published: July 2024

Understanding the eco‐evolutionary processes which drive phenotypic variability in non‐native species is crucial to predicting impact and informing spatially explicit management models. Invasive redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, are spreading rapidly through the ecologically and economically important Upper and Middle Zambezi system in south‐central Africa.

We tested whether there was an invasion front effect in the Barotse floodplain and disentangle whether these effects were related to environmental filtering, spatial sorting, or density‐dependent processes along a nonlinear 200 km invasion gradient over seasonal hydrological periods.

Crayfish spread up‐ and down‐stream indicated an expanding population compared to the former invasion front in 2019, facilitated by both sexes. Wet season detection probability and relative abundance were lower than in the dry season. No signals of environmental filtering were detected as a result of high connectivity of habitats in the wet season.

The invasion front population was characterised by lower relative abundance, lower body condition, larger overall body and chelae size, and longer front leg length. There was no effect on sex ratio. This indicated that spatial sorting, density‐dependent processes and predation pressure are acting as selective forces on phenotypic variability across the invasion gradient.

Better understanding of the effects of flood regime and trophic interactions on phenotypic variability and dispersal is urgently needed. Population suppression to reduce spatial sorting and conspecific competition could be a viable management option at the invasion front.
Public Perceptions of the Australian Health System During COVID‐19: Findings From a 2021 Survey Compared to Four Previous Surveys
Authors: Ellis Louise A. , Dammery Genevieve , Gillespie James , Ansell James , Wells Leanne , Smith Carolynn L. , Wijekulasuriya Shalini , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Zurynski Yvonne
Published: July 2024

Background

This study examines the perceptions of the Australian public canvassed in 2021 during the COVID‐19 pandemic about their health system compared to four previous surveys (2008, 2010, 2012 and 2018).

Methods

In 2021, a nationwide online survey was conducted with a representative sample of Australians (N = 5100) recruited via market research panels. The results were compared to previous nationwide Australian survey samples from 2018 (N = 1024), 2012 (N = 1200), 2010 (N = 1201) and 2008 (N = 1146). The survey included questions consistent with previous polls regarding self‐reported health status and overall opinions of, and confidence in, the Australian health system.

Results

There was an increase in the proportion of respondents reporting positive perceptions at each survey between 2008 and 2021, with a significantly higher proportion of respondents expressing a more positive view of the Australian healthcare system in 2021 compared to previous years (χ2(8, N = 9645) = 487.63, p < 0.001). In 2021, over two‐thirds of respondents (n = 3949/5100, 77.4%) reported that following the COVID‐19 pandemic, their confidence in the Australian healthcare system had either remained the same (n = 2433/5100, 47.7%) or increased (n = 1516/5100, 29.7%). Overall, respondents living in regional or remote regions, younger Australians (< 45 years) and women held less positive views in relation to the system. In 2021, the most frequently identified area for urgent improvement was the need for more healthcare workers (n = 1350/3576, 37.8%), an area of concern particularly for Australians residing in regional or remote areas (n = 590/1385, 42.6%).

Conclusions

Irrespective of disruptions to the Australian healthcare system caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic, Australians' perceptions of their healthcare system were positive in 2021. However, concerns were raised about inadequate workforce capacity and the cost of healthcare, with differences identified by age groups and geographical location.

Patient or Public Contribution

Health consumer representatives from the Consumers Health Forum of Australia contributed to the co‐design, deployment, analysis and interpretation of the results of this survey. J.A. and L.W. from the Consumers Health Forum of Australia contributed to the development of the paper.
Combating lookalike product through adapting advertising appeals to consumer value: Strategic implications to brand imitation management
Authors: Wang Liangyan , Tang Yanfei , Wang Chenglu
Published: July 2024

“Lookalike” products, including counterfeits and copycats, are increasingly common in today's global marketplace. Four lab experiments were conducted involving 653 participants, and data were analyzed through SPSS 26. Based on social representation (SR) theory and self‐construal theory, this research examines how advertising for original brands impacts purchase intent for counterfeits and copycats differently. The results suggest that ads for the original product using value‐expressive (vs. utilitarian) appeals result in lower intent to purchase copycat versions. However, ads for the original product using utilitarian (vs. value‐expressive) appeals lead to lower purchase intent for counterfeit versions. The results also show that consumer need fulfillment mediates the interactive effect between ad appeal type and product type. The current research provides useful insights for marketers or retailers grappling with ongoing competitive threats posed by lookalike products and underscores the strategic utilization of various advertising tactics to reduce the demand for copycats and counterfeits.
From the bench to the farm and back again
Authors: Canton Johnathan
Published: July 2024

My path to becoming a scientist has taken many twists and turns. This is perhaps not unusual to hear. Indeed, in discussions with my colleagues it seems that for many of us the path was never a straight one. Certainly, for me there have been moments when my whole world was encompassed by science and at other times, I have felt strongly that my time in science was up. I like to think that as scientists we ask a lot of questions and, for many of us, those questions extend to our very purpose as a scientist. My intention with this article is not to document my career path in detail or to provide very specific advice. Rather, I hope to describe how questions have defined my journey and to inspire others to occasionally pause and ask themselves what a career in science means to them. Today, I am an Assistant Professor at a major Canadian university, and here are the questions I asked along the way.
External Quality Assessment Program for SARS‐COV‐2 Molecular Detection in Pakistan
Authors: Badar Nazish , Ikram Aamer , Salman Muhammad , Saeed Sidra , Mirza Hamza Ahmed , Ahad Abdul , Ashraf Asiya , Farooq Umer
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, accurate detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is critical for diagnosis management and breaking down transmission chains. We designed a national external quality assessment panel (EQAP) for SARS‐CoV‐2 molecular detection comprising working laboratories nationwide.

Methods

A molecular diagnostic EQA panel that consists of five samples for SARS CoV‐2 testing was distributed to 141 public and private sector laboratories across country. These samples contain different concentrations of SARS‐CoV‐2 to evaluate the sensitivity of commercial kits available.

Results

Sensitivity among public and private sector laboratories was variable, particularly lower SARS‐CoV‐2 concentrations significantly increased the risk of false‐negative tests, whereas Ct values of accurately tested SARS‐CoV‐2 specimens increased as concentration decreased. These findings highlighted that performance of used commercial kits was not significantly correlated to various extraction or PCR methods.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for a national external quality assessment panel (EQAP) in the country to improve the quality of the healthcare system while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results. Furthermore, EQAPs can help laboratories meet accreditation and regulatory requirements. However, continued participation in EQAP is recommended for quality enhancement of laboratories.
Risk factors for sternal wound infection after median sternotomy: A nested case–control study and time‐to‐event analysis
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Chen Dongsheng , Liu Jianchao , Wang Wenqing , Feng Zekun , Cheng Nan , Li Shuanglei , Wang Shan , Liu Lihua , Chen Youbai
Published: July 2024

Although potential risk factors for sternal wound infection (SWI) have been extensively studied, the onset time of SWI and different risk factors for superficial and deep SWI were rarely reported. This nested case–control study aims to compare the onset time and contributors between superficial and deep SWI. Consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery through median sternotomy in a single center from January 2011 to January 2021 constituted the cohort. The case group was those who developed SWI as defined by CDC and controls were matched 6:1 per case. Kaplan–Meier analysis, LASSO and univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were performed. A simple nomogram was established for clinical prediction of the risk of SWI. The incidence of SWI was 1.1% (61 out of 5471) in our cohort. Totally 366 controls were matched to 61 cases. 26.2% (16 of 61) SWI cases were deep SWI. The median onset time of SWI was 35 days. DSWI had a longer latency than SSWI (median time 46 days vs. 32 days, p = 0.032). Kaplan–Meier analyses showed different time‐to‐SWI between patients with and without DM (p = 0.0011) or MI (p = 0.0019). Multivariate Cox regression showed that BMI (HR = 1.083, 95% CI: 1.012–1.116, p = 0.022), DM (HR = 2.041, 95% CI: 1.094–3.805, p = 0.025) and MI (HR = 2.332, 95% CI: 1.193–4.557, p = 0.013) were independent risk factors for SWI. Superficial SWI was only associated with BMI (HR = 1.089, 95% CI: 1.01–1.175, p = 0.027), while deep SWI was associated with DM (HR = 3.271, 95% CI: 1.036–10.325, p = 0.043) and surgery time (HR = 1.004, 95% CI: 1.001–1.008, p = 0.027). The nomogram for SWI prediction had an AUC of 0.67, good fitness and clinical effectiveness as shown by the calibration curve and decision curve analyses. BMI, DM and MI were independent risk factors for SWI. DSWI had a longer latency and different risk factors compared to SSWI. The nomogram showed a fair performance and good effectiveness for the clinical prediction of SWI.
Parents' experiences on handling paediatric anticancer drugs at home after an educational intervention
Authors: Akkawi El Edelbi Ranaa , Eksborg Staffan , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Lövgren Malin , Ekman Jennie , Lindemalm Synnöve
Published: July 2024

Background

The shift of treatment of paediatric cancer patients to include more care at home puts a lot of pressure on health care professionals (HCPs) to prepare and train parents on safe and correct drug handling at home. Parents must take in and understand the information presented to them while coping with their own fear related to their child's cancer diagnosis. In Sweden, parents are expected to handle and manipulate oral anticancer drugs (OADs) in the home setting. There is however a lack of a standardized method to inform and educate parents on how to handle OADs in a correct way at home.

Aim

To describe parents' experiences of handling OADs at home after participating in an educational intervention.

Method

Educational intervention in the present study aimed to improve parents' knowledge in key concepts that is, handling OADs at home by using information presented in different forms. Fifteen parents to 12 children with cancer were recruited from a paediatric oncology ward in Sweden to participate in an interview. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Results

Parents' experiences are presented in categories: Relieved stress, Awareness of own exposure, Facilitated my everyday life, Parents need continued support individually. The educational intervention resulted in both positive and negative feelings, increased awareness of drug exposure and correct drug handling at home. Practical training and information presented in different ways facilitated the process of drug handling. To handle the drug correctly at home parents requested to be trained and informed in the beginning of their child's oral drug treatment. In addition, parents requested to be individually approached by HCP to get answers to questions and concerns.

Conclusions

This educational intervention study shows promising results for the method used by HCPs to inform and educate parents on complicated topics such as handling OADs at home.
Are Peruvians moving toward healthier diets with lower environmental burden? Household consumption trends for the period 2008–2021
Authors: Sanchez‐Matos Joan , Vázquez‐Rowe Ian , Kahhat Ramzy
Published: July 2024

Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world in terms of food production, but also suffers a wide range of food security challenges, including malnutrition, the impact of natural hazards, and rising food prices. People living in poverty conditions are the main victims of these problems, which trigger undernutrition, obesity, and diet‐related non‐transmittable diseases. Despite these challenges, Peru lacks historical food intake data. Therefore, in the current study, we assess the diet quality evolution in the period 2008–2021 based on apparent household purchases extracted from the National Household Survey. The results reveal significant variations in the consumption of certain food items and groups, and the consequences of these changes are discussed in environmental and human health terms. The consumption of lower environmental impact animal protein, such as chicken, eggs, and marine fish, has increased by 37%, 69%, and 29%, respectively; whereas the consumption of high environmental impact foods, such as beef and other red meat, has decreased. Moreover, consumption of less processed carbohydrate sources (e.g., legumes, fruits, and vegetables) has risen, while refined sugar and sugar‐sweetened beverages have decreased significantly (almost 45%). Regional differences were also visible; hence, cities on the Northern coast and the Amazon basin had similar consumption habits, whereas Central/Southern coastal and Andean cities had closer consumption patterns. On average, this improvement was reflected in the increase in calories (9.9%) and macronutrient intake (up to 15%), but at the socioeconomic level, food inequality persists, with consumption of many food groups below minimum thresholds in lower socioeconomic strata. This article met the requirements for a gold/gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.
Isochemical metamorphism origin of the newly discovered Baqing jadeitoid, eastern‐central Tibet, China
Authors: Jin Xin , Whitney Donna L. , Zhang Yu‐Xiu , Blatchford Hannah J. , Zhang Kai‐Jun , Tsujimori Tatsuki , Xiao Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Hai‐Yang , von der Handt Anette , Yan Li‐Long , Liu Yao , Lu Lu , Li Cong‐Ying
Published: July 2024

The formation of most jadeitites and other jadeite‐rich rocks (jadeitoids) during subduction is thought to occur by precipitation (P‐type) or metasomatism (R‐type) by infiltration of Na‐Al‐Si‐rich aqueous fluids because of the compositional similarity of the rocks to inferred subduction fluids. Whether these rocks can form by isochemical metamorphism (I‐type) during subduction is still hotly debated. A characteristic of I‐type jadeitoid is that it exhibits a similar prograde metamorphic record as associated eclogite, in contrast to P‐ and R‐type jadeitite and jadeitoids that are typically enclosed in serpentinite derived from the mantle wedge and either lack a prograde metamorphic history (R‐type and P‐type) or probably experience a prograde history (R‐type) that is difficult to discern owing to the high variance of the jadeite‐dominated assemblages and alteration by subduction fluids. The recently discovered Baqing (eastern‐central Tibet) jadeitoid is enclosed by quartzo‐feldspathic schist and has a peak metamorphic assemblage of almandine + jadeite/omphacite + phengite/paragonite + rutile + quartz, similar to eclogite. Abundant mineral inclusions in almandine, especially rutile inclusions with increasing Zr contents from the core to rim of almandine, provide an opportunity to further decode the jadeitoid‐forming processes. In this study, pseudosections and Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry, together with conventional geothermobarometers, were employed to decipher the metamorphic history of Baqing jadeitoids. Two analysed Baqing jadeitoids exhibit a similar clockwise P–T path, starting from early metamorphic conditions of 5–7 kbar, 350–440°C, to different peak conditions (27–29 kbar, 730–760°C, or 20–23 kbar, 670–710°C), followed by relatively consistent retrograde metamorphic conditions of 6–7 kbar, 530–600°C. This result indicates a similar subduction history to the Baqing eclogite. In addition, the Baqing jadeitoids show similar geochemical characteristics to some Na‐rich, K‐depleted and Ca‐depleted sedimentary rocks or plagiogranite. Therefore, we propose an isochemical genesis for the Baqing jadeitoid, rather than a metasomatic origin.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for facial wrinkles and sagging: The 8‐week prospective, split‐face, controlled trial in Asians
Authors: Omatsu Jun , Yamashita Takashi , Mori Toko , Osuji Yurika , Kawanabe Ruriko , Kuzumi Ai , Yoshizaki Asako , Yokota Tomomi , Yamazaki Kentaro , Sato Shinichi , Yoshizaki Ayumi
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the effects of high frequency facial neuromuscular electrical stimulation (fNMES) on facial aging, using a device equipped with CERTEC (Cell Energy Regeneration Technology) operating between 40 and 190 kHz.

Methods

This prospective split‐face study was conducted at Tokyo University Hospital between March and May 2023 with 24 healthy adult women aged 30–59. The intervention group used the fNMES device along with basic skin care on one side of the face, and basic skin care alone on the other side for 8 weeks. Evaluations included changes in skin wrinkles, sagging, and blood flow.

Results

This study found significant improvements in skin elasticity and degree of wrinkles in the areas intervened with fNMES (p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, the intervention resulted in significant improvements in jawline angle (p < 0.01), submental volume (p < 0.05), cheek volume (p < 0.05), maximum nasolabial fold depth (p = 0.03), and total volume of the nasolabial folds (p = 0.03). The fNMES intervention also showed improvement in blood flow (p < 0.05). These improvements were also subjectively assessed by the participants in subject questionnaires at 8 weeks after the intervention (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study suggests that high frequency fNMES effectively improves facial skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and sagging, promotes blood flow, and contributes to overall facial appearance rejuvenation. Although further studies are needed, high frequency fNMES appeared promising as a noninvasive anti‐aging therapy.
Influence of multi‐stressor combinations of pCO2, temperature, and salinity on the toxicity of Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae), a fish‐killing flagellate
Authors: Allaf Malihe Mehdizadeh , Trick Charles G.
Published: July 2024

Climate change and global warming have led to more frequent harmful algal blooms in the last decade. Among these blooms, Heterosigma akashiwo, a golden‐brown phytoflagellate, is one of the 40 species with a high potential to form harmful blooms, leading to significant fish mortality. Climate change leads to rising atmospheric and ocean temperatures. These changes, along with altered rainfall patterns and meltwater input, can cause fluctuations in ocean salinity. Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels increase water acidity as oceans absorb CO2. This study investigated the effects of temperature, salinity, and CO2 levels on lipid production, hemolytic activity, and toxicity of H. akashiwo using the design of experiment approach, which can be used to investigate the effect of two or more factors on the same response simultaneously in a precise manner with fewer experiments and materials but in a larger region of the factor space. The lipid content was measured using a high‐throughput Nile Red method, and the highest level of lipid content was detected at 25°C, a salinity of 30, and a CO2 concentration of 400 ppm. Hemolytic activity was assessed using rabbit blood erythrocytes in a 96‐well plate, and the optimal conditions for achieving the highest hemolytic activity were determined at 15°C, a salinity of 10, and a CO2 concentration of 400 ppm. As the chemical structure of the toxin is not known, we used the toxicity against the cell line RTgill‐W1 as the cell toxicity proxy. The maximum toxicity was identified at 15°C, a salinity of 10, and a CO2 level of 700 ppm.