bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uroprotective effects of berberine and curcumin in cyclophosphamide‐induced interstitial cystitis
Authors: Demir Murat , Altındağ Fikret
Published: November 2023

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of berberine (BER) and curcumin (CUR) in the experimental model of cystitis induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). A total of 36 Wistar‐Albino female rats were used in the study. Rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). Normal control group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, CYP group (75 mg/kg), CYP + BER (75 mg/kg CYP and 50 mg/kg BER), CYP + CUR group (75 mg/kg CYP and 50 mg/kg CUR), CYP + BER + CUR group (75 mg/kg CYP and 50 mg/kg BER and 50 mg/kg CUR). Severe edema, hyperemia, hemorrhage, necrosis, and thinning of the epithelial layer were observed in the CYP group. BER and CUR treatment significantly reduced these pathologies. Masson‐Trichrome staining was severe in the CYP group and moderate in the CYP + BER, CYP + CUR, and CYP + BER + CUR groups. In the CYP group, there was a severe expression of caspase‐3, TNF‐α and IL‐6, and mild expression of IL‐10. BER and CUR treatment decreased the expression of caspase‐3, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 and increased the expression of IL‐10. The findings of the study reveal that BER and CUR treatments may reduce CYP‐induced bladder damage by reducing apoptosis and inflammation and ameliorating histopathological changes.
Mechanisms underlying the combination effect of arsenite and high‐fat diet on aggravating liver injury in mice
Authors: Ye Zijun , Xiong Haiyan , Huang Liping , Zhao Qianyu , Xiong Zhu , Zhang Hongguo , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2023

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic metalloid that can be found in insufficiently purified drinking water and exerts adverse effects on the physiology of living organisms that can negatively affect human health after subchronic exposure, causing several diseases, such as liver damage. A high‐fat diet, which is increasing in frequency worldwide, can aggravate hepatic pathology. However, the mechanisms behind liver injury caused by the combinatory effects of As exposure and a high‐fat diet remain unclear. In this study, we investigated such underlying mechanisms by focusing on three different aspects: As biotransformation, pathological liver damage, and differential expression of signaling pathway components. We employed mice that were fed a regular diet or a high‐fat diet and exposed them to a range of arsenite concentrations (As(III), 0.05–50 mg/L) for 12 weeks. Our results showed that a high‐fat diet increased the absorption of As into the liver and enhanced liver toxicity, which became progressively more severe as the As concentration increased. Co‐exposure to a high‐fat diet and As(III) activated PI3K/AKT and PPAR signaling as well as fatty acid metabolism pathways. In addition, the expression of proteins related to lipid cell function, lipid metabolism, and the regulation of body weight was also affected. Our study provides insights into the mechanisms that contribute to liver injury from subchronic combinatory exposure to As and a high‐fat diet and showcases the importance of a healthy lifestyle, which may be of particular benefit to people living in areas with high As(III) concentrations, as a means to reduce or prevent aggravated liver damage.
Anaesthetic mortality in dogs: A worldwide analysis and risk assessment
Authors: Redondo José I. , Otero Pablo E. , Martínez‐Taboada Fernando , Doménech Luis , Hernández‐Magaña Eva Zoe , Viscasillas Jaime
Published: November 2023

Background

Ensuring patient safety during small animal anaesthesia is crucial. This study aimed to assess anaesthetic‐related deaths in dogs globally, identify risks and protective factors and inform clinical practice.

Methods

This prospective cohort multicentric study involved 55,022 dogs from 405 veterinary centres across various countries. Data on anaesthesia‐related deaths from premedication to 48 hours post‐extubation were collected. Logistic regression was used to analyse patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, procedure type and anaesthetic drugs used.

Results

Anaesthetic‐related mortality was 0.69%. Most deaths occurred postoperatively (81%). Age, obesity and a higher ASA classification score were associated with increased mortality. Urgent procedures, non‐urgent but unscheduled anaesthesias and short procedures also had higher mortality. Some sedatives, systemic analgesics, hypnotics and the use of locoregional anaesthesia were linked to a decrease in mortality.

Limitations

The limitations of the study include the non‐randomised sample, potential selection bias, lack of response rate quantification, variable data quality control, subjectivity in classifying causes of death and limited analysis of variables.

Conclusion

Careful patient evaluation, drug selection and monitoring can be associated with reduced mortality. These findings can be used to develop guidelines and strategies to improve patient safety and outcomes. Further research is needed to refine protocols, enhance data quality systems and explore additional risk mitigation measures.
Synthesis and crystal structure of the new zinc borate Zn6.1B6O19H7.8
Authors: Ziegler Raimund , Huppertz Hubert
Published: November 2023

The new zinc borate Zn6.1B6O19H7.8 was synthesized via a high‐pressure/high‐temperature multianvil approach at 10 GPa and 1573 K. The structure of the non‐centrosymmetric compound was investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements, exhibiting (BO4), (ZnO5), and (ZnO6) units including a distinct disorder on a part of the zinc and boron sites. The IR spectroscopic data on the bulk material confirm the presence of hydroxyl groups in this new borate.
The Bread Wheat Reference Genome Sequence
Authors: Rogers Jane ,   International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium
Published: November 2023

In 2018, the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium published a reference genome sequence for bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The landmark achievement was the culmination of a thirteen-year international effort focused on the production of a genome sequence linked to genotypic and phenotypic maps to advance understanding of traits and accelerate improvements in wheat breeding. In this chapter, we describe the challenges of the project, the strategies employed, how the project adapted over time to incorporate technological improvements in genome sequencing and the project outcomes.
Rapid Cloning of Disease Resistance Genes in Wheat
Authors: Running Katherine L. D. , Faris Justin D.
Published: November 2023

Wheat is challenged by rapidly evolving pathogen populations, resulting in yield losses. Plants use innate immune systems involving the recognition of pathogen effectors and subsequent activation of defense responses to respond to pathogen infections. Understanding the genes, genetic networks, and mechanisms governing plant-pathogen interactions is key to the development of varieties with robust resistance whether through conventional breeding techniques coupled with marker selection, gene editing, or other novel strategies. With regards to plant-pathogen interactions, the most useful targets for crop improvement are the plant genes responsible for pathogen effector recognition, referred to as resistance (R) or susceptibility (S) genes, because they govern the plant’s defense response. Historically, the molecular identification of R/S genes in wheat has been extremely difficult due to the large and repetitive nature of the wheat genome. However, recent advances in gene cloning methods that exploit reduced representation sequencing methods to reduce genome complexity have greatly expedited R/S gene cloning in wheat. Such rapid cloning methods referred to as MutRenSeq, AgRenSeq, k-mer GWAS, and MutChromSeq allow the identification of candidate genes without the development and screening of high-resolution mapping populations, which is a highly laborious step often required in traditional positional cloning methods. These new cloning methods can now be coupled with a wide range of wheat genome assemblies, additional genomic resources such as TILLING populations, and advances in bioinformatics and data analysis, to revolutionize the gene cloning landscape for wheat. Today, 58 R/S genes have been identified with 42 of them having been identified in the past six years alone. Thus, wheat researchers now have the means to enhance global food security through the discovery of R/S genes, paving the way for rapid R gene deployment or S gene elimination, manipulation through gene editing, and understanding wheat-pathogen interactions at the molecular level to guard against crop losses due to pathogens.
Haplotype Mapping Coupled Speed Breeding in Globally Diverse Wheat Germplasm for Genomics-Assisted Breeding
Authors: Roychowdhury Rajib , Ullah Naimat , Ozturk-Gokce Z. Neslihan , Budak Hikmet
Published: November 2023

This century is facing huge challenges such as climate change, water shortage, malnutrition, and food safety and security across the world. These challenges can only be addressed by (i) the deliberate application and utilization of cutting-edge technologies and (ii) combining/using interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and even transdisciplinary tools and methods. For scientists to respond to these challenges in a timely manner, it is required the adoption of new tools and technologies and then transforming the technological outcomes into “knowledge”. It is highly unlikely that we could maintain or meet the demands in year 2050 unless we use scientific and technological resources effectively and efficiently. Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches combined with all available tools are integral for academic and industry programs. This chapter summarizes wheat breeding and genetics coupled with genomics and speed breeding tools to assist with crop development and improvement.
Wheat Chromosomal Resources and Their Role in Wheat Research
Authors: Šimková Hana , Cápal Petr , Doležel Jaroslav
Published: November 2023

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is grown on more area of land than any other crop, and its global significance is challenged only by rice. Despite the socioeconomic importance, the wheat genome research was lagging behind other crops for a long time. It was mainly a high complexity of the genome, polyploidy and a high content of repetitive elements that were laying obstacles to a thorough genome analysis, gene cloning and genome sequencing. Solution to these problems came in the beginning of the new millennium with the emergence of chromosome genomics—a new approach to studying complex genomes after dissecting them into smaller parts—single chromosomes or their arms. This lossless complexity reduction, enabled by flow-cytometric chromosome sorting, reduced the time and cost of the experiment and simplified downstream analyses. Since the approach overcomes difficulties due to sequence redundancy and the presence of homoeologous subgenomes, the chromosomal genomics was adopted by the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) as the major strategy to sequence bread wheat genome. The dissection of the wheat genome into single chromosomes enabled the generation of chromosome survey sequences and stimulated international collaboration on producing a reference-quality assembly by the clone-by-clone approach. In parallel, the chromosomal resources were used for marker development, targeted mapping and gene cloning. The most comprehensive approaches to gene cloning, such as MutChromSeq and assembly via long-range linkage, found their use even in the post-sequencing era. The chapter provides a two-decade retrospective of chromosome genomics applied in bread wheat and its relatives and reports on the chromosomal resources generated and their applications.
Genome-Informed Discovery of Genes and Framework of Functional Genes in Wheat
Authors: Rasheed Awais , Qayyum Humaira , Appels Rudi
Published: November 2023

The complete reference genome of wheat was released in 2018 (IWGSC in Science 361:eaar7191, 2018), and since then many wheats genomic resources have been developed in a short period of time. These resources include resequencing of several hundred wheat varieties, exome capture from thousands of wheat germplasm lines, large-scale RNAseq studies, and complete genome sequences with de novo assemblies of 17 important cultivars. These genomic resources provide impetus for accelerated gene discovery and manipulation of genes for genetic improvement in wheat. The groundwork for this prospect includes the discovery of more than 200 genes using classical gene mapping techniques and comparative genomics approaches to explain moderate to major phenotypic variations in wheat. Similarly, QTL repositories are available in wheat which are frequently used by wheat genetics researchers and breeding communities for reference. The current wheat genome annotation is currently lagging in pinpointing the already discovered genes and QTL, and annotation of such information on the wheat genome sequence can significantly improve its value as a reference document to be used in wheat breeding. We aligned the currently discovered genes to the reference genome, provide their position and TraesIDs, and present a framework to annotate such genes in future.
The Effect of Misinformation Intervention: Evidence from Trump’s Tweets and the 2020 Election
Authors: Li Zhuofang , Cao Jian , Adams-Cohen Nicholas , Alvarez R. Michael
Published: November 2023

In this study, we examine the effect of actions of misinformation mitigation. We use three datasets that contain a wide range of misinformation stories during the 2020 election, and we use synthetic controls to examine the causal effect of Twitter’s restrictions on Trump’s tweets in the 2020 presidential election on the spread of misinformation. We find a nuanced set of results. While it is not always the case that Twitter’s actions reduced the subsequent flow of misinformation about the election, we find that in a number of instances content moderation reduced the flow of social media misinformation. We estimate that Twitter’s actions, on the universe of tweets we study in our paper, reduced the flow of misinformation on Twitter by approximately 15%.
Melatonin bei Schlafstörungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Paditz Ekkehart
Published: November 2023

Stand der Forschung

Bisher liegen 33 randomisierte kontrollierte Studien (RCT) unterschiedlicher Qualität zu den Effekten oraler Melatoningaben im Vergleich zu Placebo bei Kindern und Jugendlichen im Alter von 2 bis 18 Jahren vor; diese werden in der vorliegenden Übersicht in Bezug auf Diagnosegruppen vorgestellt. Zusätzlich existieren zu einigen Erkrankungen Fallbeschreibungen oder -serien.

Hinweise zur Verordnung

Aus diesen klinischen Daten werden orientierende Empfehlungen zur Dosierung, zum Applikationszeitpunkt und zur Behandlungsdauer abgeleitet. Auf den aktuellen Stand der Zulassungen in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz (D-A-CH) wird hingewiesen.

Nebenwirkungen und Komplikationen

Möglichst niedrige Dosierungen und mehrwöchige Auslassversuche werden empfohlen, damit ein Resetting der Melatoninrezeptoren erfolgen kann. Bisher sind keine ausreichenden Daten zu Langzeiteffekten, die sich u. a. auch auf die Auslösung der Pubertät beziehen könnten, verfügbar. Des Weiteren wurde kürzlich über Todesfälle bei Säuglingen und Kleinkindern im zeitlichen Zusammenhang mit erheblichen Melatoninüberdosierungen berichtet.

Differenzialdiagnostik vorab

Vor Behandlungsbeginn sollten eine ausführliche Anamnese und ein neurologischer Status erhoben werden (insbesondere bezüglich Sehstörungen, Kopfschmerzen, Schwindel, Polyurie, Polydipsie), damit klinisch bedeutsame Pinealiszysten, Pinealistumoren und supraselläre Tumoren nicht übersehen werden.
Umsetzung der Mutterschutzrichtlinien und deren Auswirkung auf die Berufstätigkeit von Ärztinnen im Fach Rechtsmedizin
Authors: Walz Cleo , Schwarz Clara-Sophie , Germerott Tanja , Ritz-Timme Stefanie , Küppers Lisa
Published: November 2023

Hintergrund und Ziel

Regelungen zum Mutterschutz sollen sichern, dass Frauen ihren Beruf während der Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit weiterausüben können und dabei dennoch ausreichend geschützt sind. Der kollegiale Austausch innerhalb des Faches Rechtsmedizin ergab, dass je nach Standort unterschiedlich auf Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit reagiert wird. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Arbeitsbedingungen von schwangeren und stillenden Ärztinnen in der Rechtsmedizin, um den Status quo zu erfassen und Verbesserungsbedarf zu erkennen.

Material und Methode

Es erfolgte eine onlinebasierte Umfrage unter Ärztinnen an rechtsmedizinischen Instituten. Dabei wurden Angaben zu den Arbeitsplatzbedingungen und Tätigkeiten, zur Arbeitszeit sowie zu Beschäftigungsverboten erfasst und einer deskriptiven statistischen Analyse zugeführt.

Ergebnis

An der Umfrage nahmen 69 Ärztinnen teil. Dreizehn der 39 Ärztinnen (33,3 %), die während ihrer letzten oder aktuellen Schwangerschaft in der Rechtsmedizin beschäftigt waren/sind, gaben an, dass beim Mutterschutz kein einheitliches Vorgehen im eigenen Institut existiert. Das Tätigkeitsspektrum sei nach Bekanntgabe der Schwangerschaft bei 69,2 % (n = 27) der Ärztinnen geändert worden, bei 30,8 % (n = 12) habe keine Änderung stattgefunden. Fast zwei Drittel stimmten voll oder teilweise zu (58,0 %,n = 40), dass Schwangeren und Stillenden mehr Tätigkeiten ermöglicht werden sollten.

Diskussion

Die vorliegende Studie bestätigt, dass keine einheitliche Vorgehensweise im Mutterschutz an rechtsmedizinischen Instituten besteht. Die Gefährdungsbeurteilung bedarf einer medizinisch fundierten Begründung, wobei rechtliche Vorgaben eingehalten werden müssen, gleichzeitig jedoch das Selbstbestimmungsrecht der Schwangeren/Stillenden zu berücksichtigen ist. Die Ausarbeitung eines Leitfadens kann Handlungssicherheit und ein einheitliches Vorgehen schaffen.
Substantial differences in perception of disease severity between post COVID-19 patients, internists, and psychiatrists or psychologists: the Health Perception Gap and its clinical implications
Authors: Ruzicka Michael , Ibarra Fonseca Gerardo Jesus , Sachenbacher Simone , Heimkes Fides , Grosse-Wentrup Fabienne , Wunderlich Nora , Benesch Christopher , Pernpruner Anna , Valdinoci Elisabeth , Rueb Mike , Uebleis Aline Olivia , Karch Susanne , Bogner Johannes , Mayerle Julia , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Subklewe Marion , Heindl Bernhard , Stubbe Hans Christian , Adorjan Kristina
Published: November 2023

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) or Likert scales addressing various domains of health are important tools to assess disease severity in Post COVID-19 (PC) patients. By design, they are subjective in nature and prone to bias. Our findings reveal substantial differences in the perception of disease severity between patients (PAT), their attending internists (INT) and psychiatrists/psychologists (PSY). Patients rated almost all aspects of their health worse than INT or PSY. Most of the differences were statistically highly significant. The presence of fatigue and mood disorders correlated negatively with health perception. The physical health section of the WHO Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQoL-BREF) and Karnofsky index correlated positively with overall and mental health ratings by PAT and INT. Health ratings by neither PAT, PSY nor INT were associated with the number of abnormal findings in diagnostic procedures. This study highlights how strongly perceptions of disease severity diverge between PC patients and attending medical staff. Imprecise communication, different experiences regarding health and disease, and confounding psychological factors may explain these observations. Discrepancies in disease perception threaten patient-physician relationships and pose strong confounders in clinical studies. Established scores (e.g., WHOQoL-BREF, Karnofsky index) may represent an approach to overcome these discrepancies. Physicians and psychologists noting harsh differences between a patient’s and their own perception of the patient’s health should apply screening tools for mood disorders (i.e., PHQ-9, WHOQoL-BREF), psychosomatic symptom burden (SSD-12, FCV-19) and consider further psychological evaluation. An interdisciplinary approach to PC patients remains imperative. Trial Registration Number & Date of Registration: DRKS00030974, 22 Dec 2022, retrospectively registered.
Microsurgical posterior fossa re-exploration for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia after previous microvascular decompression: common grounds—scarring, deformation, and the “piston effect”
Authors: Hatipoglu Majernik Gökce , Wolff Fernandes Filipe , Al-Afif Shadi , Heissler Hans E. , Krauss Joachim K.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a well-accepted treatment modality for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) with high initial success rates. The causes for recurrence of TN after previously successful MVD have not been fully clarified, and its treatment is still a matter of debate. Here, we present the surgical findings and the clinical outcome of patients with recurrent TN after MVD who underwent posterior fossa re-exploration.

Methods

Microsurgical posterior fossa re-exploration was performed in 26 patients with recurrent TN (mean age 59.1 years) who underwent MVD over a period of 10 years. The trigeminal nerve was exposed, and possible factors for recurrent TN were identified. Arachnoid scars and Teflon granulomas were dissected meticulously without manipulating the trigeminal nerve. Outcome of posterior fossa re-exploration was graded according to the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score. Follow-up was analyzed postoperatively at 3, 12, and 24 months and at the latest available time point for long-term outcome.

Results

The mean duration of recurrent TN after the first MVD was 20 months. Pain relief was achieved in all patients with recurrent TN on the first postoperative day. Intraoperative findings were as follows: arachnoid scar tissue in 22/26 (84.6%) patients, arterial compression in 1/26 (3.8%), venous contact in 8/26 (30.8%), Teflon granuloma in 14/26 (53.8%), compression by an electrode in Meckel’s cave used for treatment of neuropathic pain in 1/26 (3.8%), evidence of pulsations transmitted to the trigeminal nerve through the Teflon inserted previously/scar tissue (“piston effect”) in 15/26 (57.7%), and combination of findings in 18/26 (69.2%). At long-term follow-up (mean 79.5 months; range, 29–184 months), 21/26 (80.8%) patients had favorable outcome (BNI I-IIIa). New hypaesthesia secondary to microsurgical posterior fossa re-exploration occurred in 5/26 (19.2%) patients.

Conclusions

Posterior fossa re-exploration avoiding manipulation to the trigeminal nerve, such as pinching or combing, may be a useful treatment option for recurrent TN after previously successful MVD providing pain relief in the majority of patients with a low rate of new hypaesthesia.
„Meine Mutter war liebevoll, fürsorglich und nett!“
Authors: Kampe Leonie , Buchheim Anna
Published: November 2023

Das wichtigste psychotherapeutische Instrument ist die Sprache. Bei der Klassifikation von Bindungsrepräsentationen bei Erwachsenen sind spezifische Manifestationen der Sprache das relevanteste diagnostische Kriterium. Anhand von linguistischen Markern und der Analyse von Fehlleistungen und Inkohärenzen im Narrativ über frühe Beziehungserfahrungen werden vier Bindungskategorien klassifiziert: sicher (kohärente, flüssige und reflektierte Narrative), unsicher-distanziert (deaktivierende, abwertende bzw. idealisierte inkohärente Narrative), unsicher-verstrickt (emotional überaktivierte, unsortierte, abgelenkte Narrative) und unverarbeitetes Trauma (Fehlleistungen, Affektladungen und Gedächtnisblockaden bei unverarbeiteten Traumatisierungen oder Verlusten). In diesem Artikel werden deskriptiv anhand von Auszügen aus Adult Attachment Interviews von Patient*innen sprachliche Spezifika und Abwehrmechanismen der vier Bindungskategorien herausgearbeitet. Abschließend werden empirische Befunde und der klinische Nutzen dieses Interviewverfahrens für der Psychotherapie behandelt und deren Relevanz für Therapiestudien und das Erfassen struktureller Veränderungen diskutiert.
Therapeutische Märchen als Abschiedsgeschenk in der Kinderpsychotherapie
Authors: Spindelberger Doris
Published: November 2023

Wie das Abschiednehmen in einer Kindertherapie gut gelingen kann, war bislang ein eher vernachlässigter Gegenstand psychotherapeutischer Reflexion und wissenschaftlicher Aufarbeitung. Vor allem in der Kinderpsychotherapie können gegen Ende einer Therapie viele Fragen auftauchen, wie beispielsweise: Wann ist der richtige Zeitpunkt? Braucht es ein Geschenk und was wärepassend? Wie verabschiede ich mich von den Eltern?

Im personzentrierten Ansatz ist es am Ende einer längeren Psychotherapie üblich, dem Kind noch etwas für den weiteren Lebensweg mitzugeben. Das kann ein symbolisches Geschenk, ein Glücksstein, ein Bild oder eine andere Erinnerung an die vielen gemeinsamen Stunden sein. Auch therapeutische Märchen eignen sich als Abschiedsgeschenk. In diesem Artikel beschäftige ich mich vorrangig mit dem Thema, wie schwierig so ein Abschied für Kinder sein kann, und wie Therapeut:innen Kinder in diesem Abschiedsprozess unterstützen können. Der Aufbau eines therapeutischen Märchens wird ebenso erklärt wie die wesentlichen Bestandteile, gefolgt von Hinweisen, worauf es im Umgang zu achten gilt.

Mein Anliegen ist es, Therapeut:innen praxisorientiert zu ermutigen, selbst therapeutische Märchen zu schreiben, damit einhergehende Erfahrungen zu dokumentieren und für die Forschung zugänglich zu machen. Das integrierte Beispiel eines therapeutischen Märchens wurde eigens für diesen Artikel verfasst und kann, individuell abgeändert, als Abschiedsgeschenk weiterentwickelt werden.
Psychological distress among postpartum women who took opioids during pregnancy: the role of perceived stigma in healthcare settings
Authors: Bann Carla M. , Okoniewski Katherine C. , Clarke Leslie , Wilson-Costello Deanne , Merhar Stephanie , DeMauro Sara , Lorch Scott , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Peralta-Carcelen Myriam , Limperopoulos Catherine , Poindexter Brenda , Davis Jonathan M. , Walsh Michele , Newman Jamie
Published: November 2023

This study examined the relationship between perceived stigma in healthcare settings during pregnancy and psychological distress and well-being in the postpartum period among individuals who took opioids while pregnant. Analyses included 134 birth mothers of opioid-exposed infants. At 0–1 months postpartum, perceived stigma and psychological distress were measured using the Prenatal Opioid use Perceived Stigma scale and measures from the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Food insecurity, housing instability, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) were also assessed. Linear and generalized linear mixed-effect models were conducted to compare PROMIS scale scores and unmet needs by stigma, adjusting for site/location, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, public insurance, and parity. More than half of participants (54%) perceived stigma in healthcare settings. Individuals reporting stigma had higher depression, anxiety, and anger scores (p < 0.001) indicating greater psychological distress in the postpartum period compared to those reporting no stigma, after controlling for demographic characteristics. In addition, they scored significantly lower on the PROMIS meaning and purpose scale, an indicator of well-being (p = 0.002). Those reporting stigma were more likely to have food insecurity (p = 0.003), three or more ACEs (p = 0.040), verbal or physical abuse during pregnancy (p < 0.001), and less emotional support (p = 0.006) than those who did not. An association was observed between perceived stigma in the prenatal period and psychological distress in the postpartum period, providing support for stigma reduction interventions and education for healthcare providers on trauma-informed care.
Prevalence of axial spondyloarthritis in Colombia: data from the National Health Registry 2017–2021
Authors: Barahona-Correa Julián E. , Herrera-Leaño Nancy M. , Bernal-Macías Santiago , Fernández-Ávila Daniel G.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Registries allow ascertaining the epidemiology of chronic diseases such as axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The Colombian Ministry of Health has implemented a National Health Registry (SISPRO) that collects data from each medical contact in the system, which provides close to universal coverage (around 98%).

Objective

To establish the 5-year prevalence of axSpA in Colombia, and to describe its demographics, using data from January 1st, 2017, to December 31st, 2021.

Methods

We performed an observational, cross-sectional study using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems as search terms related to ax-SpA, based on SISPRO data. We estimated the prevalence using three approaches: (1) ankylosing spondylitis (AS) diagnoses; (2) diagnoses compatible with axSpA; and (3) diagnoses compatible with axSpA, including sacroiliitis. We calculated prevalence per 100,000 inhabitants.

Results

Based on our three approaches, patients with a primary diagnosis compatible with ax-SpA ranged between 12,684 and 117,648, with an estimated 5-year adjusted prevalence between 26.3 and 244 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (0.03–0.2%). The male-to-female ratio ranged between 1.2:1 and 0.4:1, which was markedly skewed towards a higher prevalence in women when we included the code for sacroiliitis. We found the highest frequency of cases in the 50–54 years group. A differential prevalence was observed between different regions in our country, particularly in regions known to have European ancestors.

Conclusion

This is the first study that describes demographic characteristics of ax-SpA in Colombia and offers valuable information for stakeholders.

Key Points• Using the official country-level health database, the prevalence of axSpA in Colombia ranges between 26.3 and 244 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (0.03% - 0.2%)• The prevalence of axSpA peaked among the 50-54 years patient group, suggesting an increased survival• Nations with a substantial admixture, such as Colombia, may present a differential prevalence of axSpA among regions within the country• Including the ICD-10 code for sacroiliitis (M46.1) in epidemiological studies probably overestimates the frequency of axSpA
Ratio of early transmitral inflow velocity to early diastolic strain rate predicts atrial fibrillation following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Bjerregaard Caroline Løkke , Olsen Flemming Javier , Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Svartstein Anne-Sophie Winther , Hansen Thomas Fritz , Galatius Søren , Iversen Allan , Pedersen Sune , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: November 2023

The ratio of early transmitral filling velocity to early diastolic strain rate (E/SRe) has been proposed as a new non-invasive measurement of left ventricular filling pressure. We aimed to investigate the ability of E/SRe to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This was a prospective cohort study of patients (n = 369) with STEMI. Patients underwent an echocardiographic examination a median of two days after pPCI. By echocardiography, transmitral early filling velocity (E) was measured by pulsed-wave Doppler, and early diastolic strain rate (SRe) was measured by speckle tracking of the left ventricle. E was indexed to SRe and the early myocardial relaxation velocity (e’) to obtain the E/SRe and E/e’, respectively. The endpoint was new-onset AF. During follow-up (median 5.6 years, IQR: 5.0–6.1 years), 23 (6%) of the 369 patients developed AF. In unadjusted analyses, both E/SRe and E/e’ were significantly associated with AF [E/SRe: HR = 1.06; (1.03–1.10); p < 0.001, per 10 increase] and [E/e’: HR = 1.11 (1.05–1.17); p < 0.001, per 1 increase] and had equal Harrell’s C-statistic of 0.71. However, only E/SRe remained an independent predictor after multivariable adjustments for clinical and echocardiographic parameters [E/SRe: HR = 1.06 (1.00–1.11); p = 0.044, per 10 increase]. E/SRe was further significantly associated with AF in patients with E/e’ < 14 HR = 1.09 (1.01–1.17); p = 0.030, per 10 increase), also after multivariable adjustments. E/SRe is an independent predictor of AF in STEMI patients, even in subjects with seemingly normal filling pressure.
Pathogenicity and progression of Botryosphaeriaceae associated with dieback in walnut orchards in Australia
Authors: Antony Stella , Billones-Baaijens Regina , Steel Christopher C. , Stodart Benjamin J. , Savocchia Sandra
Published: November 2023

Dieback of the fruiting spurs of walnut (Juglans regia) results in yield losses in walnut orchards in Australia. Botryosphaeriaceae spp. have been implicated as the causative agents, with Diplodia seriata and Neofusicoccum parvum reported as the most prevalent species. Pathogenicity assays demonstrated inter- and intra-species variation with N. parvum more virulent than D. seriata. Both species were re-isolated beyond the dieback lesion. At 12 months post-inoculation on one-year-old trunks, N. parvum and D. seriata were re-isolated at 31.5 and 9 mm respectively beyond lesion edges. The lesion length as well as pathogen progression beyond the lesion increased over time. The pathogen progressed faster acropetally than basipetally. Following wound healing at the site of inoculation, and in the absence of any external lesion, both pathogens continued to move through the xylem, causing internal discolouration of the vascular tissues. Both mycelia and conidia were pathogenic, with mycelia showing higher infection rates. There was a strong linear relationship between the dieback length caused by the two types of inocula. As little as two conidia were able to infect wounded tissues. Although wounds were susceptible to infection for more than 4 months post-wounding for N. parvum and 1 month for D. seriata, the highest disease incidence occurred in the first week following wounding. The implications for the walnut industry for appropriate control strategies are discussed.
Intrinsic flat stability of the positive mass theorem for asymptotically hyperbolic graphical manifolds
Authors: Cabrera Pacheco Armando J. , Graf Melanie , Perales Raquel
Published: November 2023

The rigidity of the Riemannian positive mass theorem for asymptotically hyperbolic manifolds states that the total mass of such a manifold is zero if and only if the manifold is isometric to the hyperbolic space. This leads to study the stability of this statement, that is, if the total mass of an asymptotically hyperbolic manifold is almost zero, is this manifold close to the hyperbolic space in any way? Motivated by the work of Huang, Lee and Sormani for asymptotically flat graphical manifolds with respect to intrinsic flat distance, we show the intrinsic flat stability of the positive mass theorem for a class of asymptotically hyperbolic graphical manifolds by adapting the positive answer to this question provided by Huang, Lee and the third named author.
An empirical investigation into UK university–industry collaboration: the development of an impact framework
Authors: Bamford David , Reid Iain , Forrester Paul , Dehe Benjamin , Bamford Jim , Papalexi Marina
Published: November 2023

Providing evidence of the impact of university–industry (U–I) partnerships is challenging. This empirical research contributes to this thought-provoking subject area by developing an impact assessment framework to assess the effect of collaboration between university and industry. This is examined through a multiple case study approach: 13 partnership schemes, each of two years duration, in manufacturing and healthcare. This study demonstrates that effective knowledge transfer from universities to enterprises is not only hypothetically feasible, but also realistically tangible and measurable. It explores how Business and Management Schools transfer knowledge and technology through external interventions and formal partnership schemes. Our findings show that impact and knowledge transfer can be evaluated, but requires active facilitation before, during and after the project, plus a level of openness and expert engagement within the partnerships. Additionally, our findings established that healthcare partnerships generated higher perceived levels of impact than manufacturing. This perhaps indicates that further work is necessary to resolve the issues limiting the productivity gains of manufacturing partnerships.
Student and Teacher Culture and Composition and the Development of Gender Role Attitudes among Young Adolescents
Authors: Ullrich Ricarda , Van Houtte Mieke , Becker Michael
Published: November 2023

Research has shown that gender role attitudes develop during adolescence; however, the relevant predictors remain a matter of debate. In adolescence, the school environment gains in importance. Thus, the present study investigates how students’ and especially teachers’ culture and composition predict the development of gender role attitudes in young adolescents. The study addresses this question using a sample of 7360 Flemish students (44.8% girls), who were surveyed three times after entering secondary education between 2012 (Mage = 13.14,SD = 0.56) and 2014. Latent change models reveal that boys’ initial gender role attitudes are associated with the students’ gender role culture; however, boys with more traditional gender role attitudes do not develop in an even more traditional direction at the beginning of secondary education. In contexts with a more privileged student SES composition, boys develop less traditional attitudes, while a traditional gender role culture among teachers supports the development of more traditional gender role attitudes among boys. Girls with more traditional gender role attitudes find themselves within student contexts with a more traditional culture. However, the development does not vary with the students’ gender role culture. Overall, boys seem more susceptible to students’ cultural and compositional characteristics.
Intellectual capital, innovation and the bushy form of knowledge capitalisation
Authors: Revellino Silvana , Mouritsen Jan
Published: November 2023

This paper analyses the relations between intellectual capital (IC) and innovation. It links interest in the macro-effects of intellectual capital, typically found in cross-sectional studies on the effects of intellectual capital, to micro-studies of the performativity of intellectual capital. The former literature suffers from a lack of attention to the mechanisms that produce innovation, and the latter suffers from its focus on stabilising decisions in uncertain situations. The paper draws on the notion of perlocutionary performativity, which, in addition to suggesting that IC provokes effects, underlines that particular directions of these effects are uncertain, if not unknown. To show the mechanism through which perlocutions work, the paper draws on Butler’s (1993; 1997) distinction between citability and ex-citability. According to this perspective, a citation of an IC corpus of expressions (citations, references, information) may be transformed, by being circulated (re-cited) and brought into a new potentially innovative arrangement, something which goes beyond (ex-cites) the cited reference. Over time, IC citations provoke innovation. Such a relation can be traced as a bushy form of innovation, which develops from a set of IC citations that have some durability in being reproduced regularly. The paper shows, through the analysis of two decades of reporting from Autostrade, that IC is both a set of disciplined citations of a particular kind of use value, a set of obligations to invest along this use value, and an unpredictable capitalisation of items of innovation.
Combined Cognitive and Psychological Interventions Improve Meaningful Outcomes after Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Davies Alexandra , Rogers Jeffrey M. , Baker Katharine , Li Lily , Llerena Joshua , das Nair Roshan , Wong Dana
Published: November 2023

Interventions addressing cognitive and emotional difficulties after acquired brain injury (ABI) often focus on specific impairments in cognition or mood. These interventions can be effective at addressing their specific target, but do not routinely translate to improved activity and participation outcomes. Approaches that combine cognitive and psychological rehabilitation are increasingly popular; however, to date, there have been no systematic evaluations of their efficacy. We conducted a systematic review of five databases, searching for randomised controlled trials of adults with diagnoses of non-progressive ABI at least 1-month post injury, in receipt of interventions that combined cognitive and psychological components compared to any control. Screening and data extraction were evaluated by two independent reviewers using a standardised protocol. Effect sizes were calculated using Hedge’s g and estimated using a random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro-P rating system, and quality of evidence evaluated using the grading of recommendation, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach. Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis (n = 684). There was an overall small-to-medium effect (g = 0.42) for combined interventions compared with controls, with gains maintained at 6-month follow-up. Improvements were observed at the level of impairment, activity, participation and quality of life. GRADE ratings and analyses investigating sensitivity, heterogeneity and publication bias indicated that these effects were robust. No a priori variables moderated these effects. Overall, this review provides strong evidence that combined cognitive and psychological interventions create meaningful change in the lives of people with ABI.
Size-dependent thermal limits in Australian hybrid abalone: implications for productivity shifts with ocean warming
Authors: Holland Owen J. , Smythe Callum , Clark Timothy D. , Ragg Norman L. C. , Mondon Julie , Corbett Patricia , Miller Adam D.
Published: November 2023

Ocean warming and extreme heatwaves threaten marine species supporting commercial fisheries and aquaculture. Predicting the responses of these industries to chronic and acute warming depends on understanding which life stages are most vulnerable, the potential for stocks to adapt to changing thermal environments, and the availability of thermally adapted genotypes to help enhance stock resilience through strategic interventions. Here, we shed light on some of these knowledge gaps by quantifying the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of ~ 10–210 g hybrid abalone (Haliotis rubra × H. laevigata) from two farms representing contrasting thermal environments from south-eastern Australia. CTmax was not dependent on body size or provenance (farm) when heating rates were rapid (1 °C per h), but a significant relationship between CTmax and body size was observed when heating rates were slower and more ecologically realistic (1 °C per 12 h). Histological analyses revealed a negative relationship between CTmax and the stage of gonadal development when abalone were exposed to chronic thermal stress conditions. These results suggest that marine heatwaves and ongoing ocean warming might favour smaller, less fecund animals in natural and farm settings. This could potentially impact future harvestable biomass, recruitment and population dynamics in wild-capture fisheries, and production of larger, high-value animals in farm settings. This study adds to a growing body of literature pointing to complex and often negative effects of climate change on commercial fisheries, and the potential need for interventions aimed at bolstering fisheries resilience against the effects of ocean warming.
Determination of hematobiochemical and fore stomach fluid constituents of llama (Lama glama) living in Egypt
Authors: Zaki Mariam Gamal , Baraka Taher Ahmad , Elkhiat Mohammed Awny , Younis Mohamed Ragaii , Tayeb Fatma Abd EL-Fattah
Published: November 2023

There are no available data regarding the hematology, serum biochemistry, and fore stomach fluid constituents of llama (Lama glama) in Egypt. This study aimed to establish normal reference values for blood and fore stomach fluid constituents of llama and determine the influence of sex and season on these parameters under Egyptian conditions. The study was performed on (n = 38; 22 female, 16 male; 1–7 years) apparently healthy llamas located in the Giza Zoo and private zoo in the Ismailia Governorate. Samples were collected in two seasons and divided into summer and winter samples. Differences in the mean and range values of packed cell volume, serum minerals, fore stomach fluid pH, and total protozoal count in Egypt were recorded. Sex and season had minimal effects on hematology and only erythrocyte count showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in males compared with females. Regarding serum biochemistry, males showed significant (p < 0.05) increases in alanine transaminase and calcium levels, while globulin significantly (p < 0.05) increased in females. The influence of season on serum biochemistry was evident in alanine transaminase, total protein, albumin, and chloride which increased significantly (p < 0.05) in summer, while urea, bilirubin, and magnesium increased significantly (p < 0.05) in winter. Fore stomach fluid pH and ammonia showed significant (p < 0.05) increases in winter, while the total protozoal count increased significantly (p < 0.05) in summer and in males compared with females. The results obtained in this study can serve as reference values for the hematobiochemical and fore stomach fluid constituents of llama in Egypt.
Postmastectomy Functional Impairments
Authors: Marco Eden , Trépanier Gabrielle , Chang Eugene , Mauti Emma , Jones Jennifer M. , Zhong Toni
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

This narrative review aims to offer a thorough summary of functional impairments commonly encountered by breast cancer survivors following mastectomy. Its objective is to discuss the factors influencing these impairments and explore diverse strategies for managing them.

Recent Findings

Postmastectomy functional impairments can be grouped into three categories: neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and lymphovascular. Neuromuscular issues include postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) and phantom breast syndrome (PBS). Musculoskeletal problems encompass myofascial pain syndrome and adhesive capsulitis. Lymphovascular dysfunctions include lymphedema and axillary web syndrome (AWS). Factors such as age, surgical techniques, and adjuvant therapies influence the development of these functional impairments.

Managing functional impairments requires a comprehensive approach involving physical therapy, pharmacologic therapy, exercise, and surgical treatment when indicated. It is important to identify the risk factors associated with these conditions to tailor interventions accordingly. The impact of breast reconstruction on these impairments remains uncertain, with mixed results reported in the literature.