bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradigm shift in the sustainability of water-based power sector – an application of Hydropower sustainability assessment protocol
Authors: Chhabra Roy Neha , Roy N.G.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study aims to identify the severe socioeconomic, environmental, and ecological impacts caused by the construction of mega and large hydro-power plants in Uttarakhand, India. In addition to identifying the attributes, the study creates an integrated index that will assist in the development of sustainable hydro-power.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used for this impact identification was based on extensive literature review, focused expert discussions and further validation through a primary survey among the stakeholders in the hydropower sector. The sustainability index (SI) was estimated using the fuzzy logic theory.

Findings

The study area SI shows that few projects are in extreme zones, and through suggestive measures, few project sites can be made viable for long-term sustainable project site. A Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol–based conceptual model is also proposed for mitigation of impacts.

Originality/value

Hydropower plays an essential role in access to cleaner and cheaper sources of energy; it defines the usage of water resources toward inflation-free green energy and holds spectacular operational flexibility. Despite the significant advantages associated with hydroelectric power projects, there are adverse side effects as well. The water-based power sector industry contributes to any nation through both economic and environmental ways. Although one-third of the power business in India is carried out through water-based hydropower projects, recent trends in water-based hydropower projects show significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts that create a debate about the sustainability of these projects.
What is the relationship between quality of working life, work–life balance and quality of life?
Authors: Su Zhiwei , Zabilski Aleksander
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study investigates the relationship between quality of work life (QWL), work–life balance (WLB) and quality of life (QoL), with reference to corporate social responsibility (CSR) approaches used at the Shangri-La, B&B and Rui hotel companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on the literature and on comparative case study analysis of three very different companies.

Findings

The findings indicate that CSR practices have a positive impact on QoL, regardless of company size, location or type of initiative, and that they underline the importance of education as a key to success.

Originality/value

This article concentrates on the concept of QoL and explores different applications of the idea in various environments.
The relative influence of cross‐seasonal and local weather effects on the breeding success of a migratory songbird
Authors: de Zwaan Devin R. , Drake Anna , Camfield Alaine F. , MacDonald Elizabeth C. , Martin Kathy
Published: April 2022

In seasonal environments, fluctuating early‐season weather conditions and short breeding windows limit reproductive opportunities such that breeding earlier or later than the optimum may be particularly costly. Given the risk of early‐season energy limitations, time‐ and energy‐based carry‐over effects stemming from environmental conditions across the annual cycle may have pronounced consequences for breeding phenology and fitness. Generally, when and where environmental conditions are most influential are poorly understood, limiting our ability to predict the future of climate‐sensitive populations.

For an alpine‐breeding, migratory population of horned lark Eremophila alpestris in northern British Columbia, Canada (54.8°N), we assessed how weather conditions across the annual cycle influenced clutch initiation date and offspring development. We also addressed how cross‐seasonal effects on breeding parameters combine to influence reproductive fitness.

With 12 years of breeding data and 3 years of migration data, we used a sliding window approach to identify points during the annual cycle when weather events most influenced breeding phenology and offspring development. Consequences for breeding success were assessed using nest survival simulations.

Average clutch initiation date varied up to 11 days among years but did not advance from 2003 to 2019. Warmer temperatures at stopover and breeding sites advanced clutch initiation, but winter conditions had no effect. Sub‐zero stopover temperatures carried over to prolong offspring development independent of clutch initiation date, potentially indicating energy‐based carry‐over effects acting on parental investment. Nest survival decreased with both later clutch initiation and prolonged offspring development such that females nesting earlier and fledging offspring at a younger age were up to 45% more likely to reproduce successfully.

We demonstrate that stronger carry‐over effects originated from environmental conditions closer to the breeding site in time and space, as well as the potential for energy‐based mechanisms to link pre‐breeding conditions to reproductive fitness. We also highlight the importance of extended stopovers for songbirds breeding in seasonal environments, particularly given that climatic conditions are becoming increasingly decoupled across stages of the annual cycle. Understanding the cross‐seasonal mechanisms shaping breeding decisions in stochastic environments allows for more accurate predictions of population‐level responses to climate change.
Bile acid reference intervals for evidence‐based practice
Authors: Ovadia Caroline , Mitchell Alice L. , Markus Corey , Hague William M. , Williamson Catherine
Published: April 2022

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on, Huri et al., pp. 1887–1896 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17174
Changes in economic outcomes before and after rural hospital closures in the United States: A difference‐in‐differences study
Authors: Chatterjee Paula , Lin Yuqing , Venkataramani Atheendar S.
Published: April 2022

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess changes in local economic outcomes before and after rural hospital closures.

Data Sources

Rural hospital closures from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2018, were obtained from the Sheps Center for Health Services Research. Economic outcomes from this same period were obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Quarterly Workforce Indicators, U.S. Federal Reserve Economic Data, RAND Corporation state statistics database, U.S. Social Security Administration, and U.S. Census Bureau.

Design

Difference‐in‐differences study of 2094 rural counties.

Data Collection/Extraction

The primary exposure was county‐level rural hospital closures. The primary outcomes were county‐level unemployment rates; employment‐population ratios; labor force participation‐population ratios; per capita income; total jobs; health care sector jobs; disability program participation‐population ratios; percent of the population with subprime credit scores; total filings for bankruptcies per 1000 population; and population size.

Principal Findings

A total of 104 rural counties experienced a hospital closure, compared to 1990 rural counties that did not. Rural hospital closures were associated with significant reductions in health care sector employment (−13.8%; 95% CI: −22%, −5.6%; p < 0.001), but not with changes in any other economic measure. For unemployment rates, employment‐population ratios, per capita income, disability program participation‐population ratios, and total jobs, we found evidence of adverse trends preceding hospital closures. Findings were robust to adjusting for county‐specific time trends, specifying exposure at the commuting zone‐level, and using alternate definitions of rurality to define sample counties.

Conclusion

With the exception of a decline in jobs within the health care sector, there was no association between rural hospital closures and county‐level economic outcomes. Instead, economic conditions were already declining in counties experiencing closures compared to those that did not.
Colonization of nasal cavities by Staphylococcus epidermidis mitigates SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid phosphoprotein‐induced interleukin (IL)‐6 in the lung
Authors: Kao Ming‐Shan , Yang Jen‐Ho , Balasubramaniam Arun , Traisaeng Supitchaya , Jackson Yang Albert , Yang John Jackson , Salamon Benjamin Prethiviraj , Herr Deron R. , Huang Chun‐Ming
Published: April 2022

Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) can trigger excessive interleukin (IL)‐6 signalling, leading to a myriad of biological effects including a cytokine storm that contributes to multiple organ failure in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Using a mouse model, we demonstrated that nasal inoculation of nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (NPP) of SARS‐CoV‐2 increased IL‐6 content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Nasal administration of liquid coco‐caprylate/caprate (LCC) onto Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis)‐colonized mice significantly attenuated NPP‐induced IL‐6. Furthermore, S. epidermidis‐mediated LCC fermentation to generate electricity and butyric acid that promoted bacterial colonization and activated free fatty acid receptor 2 (Ffar2) respectively. Inhibition of Ffar2 impeded the effect of S. epidermidis plus LCC on the reduction of NPP‐induced IL‐6. Collectively, these results suggest that nasal S. epidermidis is part of the first line of defence in ameliorating a cytokine storm induced by airway infection of SARS‐CoV‐2.
phenofit: An R package for extracting vegetation phenology from time series remote sensing
Authors: Kong Dongdong , McVicar Tim R. , Xiao Mingzhong , Zhang Yongqiang , Peña‐Arancibia Jorge L. , Filippa Gianluca , Xie Yuxuan , Gu Xihui
Published: April 2022

Satellite‐derived vegetation indices (VIs) provide a way to analyse vegetation phenology over decades globally. However, these data are often contaminated by different kinds of optical noise (e.g. cloud, cloud shadow, snow, aerosol), making accurate phenology extraction challenging.

We present an open‐source state‐of‐the‐art R package called to extract vegetation phenological information from satellite‐derived VIs. adopts state‐of‐the‐art phenology extraction methods, such as a weight updating function for reducing optical noise contamination, a growing season division function for separating the VI time series into different vegetation cycles, and rough and fine fitting functions for reconstructing VI time series. They work together to make phenology extraction from frequently contaminated VIs easier and more accurate.

Compared against other widely used phenology extraction tools, for example, and , provides flexible input and output options, a practical growing season division function, rich curve fitting and phenology extraction functions, and robust performance under different kinds of optical noise.

In addition to working with VIs from mesoscale satellites (e.g. MODIS and AVHRR), can also reconstruct vegetation time series and extract phenology using other sources, such as VIs from high‐resolution optical satellites (e.g. Sentinel‐2 and Landsat) and radar satellites (e.g. Sentinel‐1), vegetation greenness indices from digital cameras and gross primary production estimations from eddy‐covariance sites. As such, can contribute to the study of ecological process dynamics and assist in effective modelling of global change impacts on vegetation, as caused by climate variability and human intervention. Code and data of case studies are available at https://zenodo.org/record/6425745 (Kong, 2022a).
Accounting and social capital: A review and reflections on future research opportunities
Authors: de Villiers Charl , La Torre Matteo , Botes Vida
Published: April 2022

We explore how the concept of social capital is used and theorised in accounting research by performing a structured literature review, and a critical analysis, of articles published in leading accounting journals. We identify two research paths, namely (1) how social capital influences accounting, and (2) how accounting influences social capital formation. We highlight that both accounting and social capital emanate from the social connections between individuals. We conclude that, although social capital is important in accounting, it is still under‐researched. This provides research opportunities for theory development, and interdisciplinary perspectives. We offer several further suggestions for future research.
The effects of social isolation due to COVID‐19 on the fear of movement, falling, and physical activity in older people
Authors: Atıcı Emine , Girgin Nuray , Çevik Saldıran Tülay
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study investigates the interaction between fear of movement, fall risk, and physical activity levels in ageing individuals who experienced social isolation during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

In this descriptive and cross‐sectional study, 254 eligible participants used an online background survey. Individuals’ fear of movement was evaluated by the kinesiophobia causes scale, fall risk by the falls efficacy scale, and physical activity levels by the physical activity scale for the ageing.

Results

The fear of movement had a significant positive interaction on fall risk (β = 0.471, R2 = 0.495, p < 0.001). The fall risk had a negative effect on physical activity (β = −1.686, R2 = 0.161, p < 0.001). The fear of movement and fall risk explained 15.6% of the change in physical activity levels of ageing individuals (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These results showed a significant interaction between physical activity levels and fear of movement, with a high fall risk in ageing individuals during the pandemic period.
Circadian rhythm affects the magnitude of contact hypersensitivity response in mice
Authors: Miyake Toshiya , Egawa Gyohei , Chow Zachary , Asahina Ryota , Otsuka Masayuki , Nakajima Saeko , Nomura Takashi , Shibuya Rintaro , Ishida Yoshihiro , Nakamizo Satoshi , Murata Teruasa , Kitoh Akihiko , Kabashima Kenji
Published: April 2022

Background

The circadian rhythm controls multiple biological processes, including immune responses; however, its impact on cutaneous adaptive immune response remains unclear.

Methods

We used a well‐established cutaneous type IV allergy model, contact hypersensitivity (CHS). We induced CHS using dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Mice were sensitized and elicited with DNFB in the daytime or at night.

Results

In mice, a nocturnally active animal, we found that ear swelling increased when mice were sensitized at night compared with in the daytime. In addition, cell proliferation and cytokine production in the draining lymph nodes (LNs) were promoted when sensitized at night. We hypothesized that these differences were due to the oscillation of leukocyte distribution in the body through the circadian production of adrenergic hormones. Administration of a β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonist salbutamol in the daytime decreased the number of immune cells in blood and increased the number of immune cells in LNs. In contrast, a β2AR antagonist ICI18551 administration at night increased the number of immune cells in blood and decreased the number of immune cells in LNs. Accordingly, the severity of CHS response was exacerbated by salbutamol administration in the daytime and attenuated by ICI18551 administration at night.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the magnitude of adaptive CHS response depends on the circadian rhythm and this knowledge may improve the management of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in humans.
Resting state networks mediate the association between both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning
Authors: Meijer Anna , Königs Marsh , Pouwels Petra J.W. , Smith Joanne , Visscher Chris , Bosker Roel J. , Hartman Esther , Oosterlaan Jaap
Published: April 2022

Recent evidence suggests that cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skill performance are related to neurocognitive functioning by influencing brain structure and functioning. This study investigates the role of resting‐state networks (RSNs) in the relation of cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning in healthy 8‐ to 11‐year‐old children (n = 90, 45 girls, 10% migration background). Cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills were related to brain activity in RSNs. Furthermore, brain activity in RSNs mediated the relation of both cardiovascular fitness (Frontoparietal network and Somatomotor network) and gross motor skills (Somatomotor network) with neurocognitive functioning. The results indicate that brain functioning may contribute to the relation between both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning.
Risk taking propensity: Nurse, surgeon and patient preferences for diverting ileostomy
Authors: Mackay Ian , Clark David A. , Nicholson James , Edmundson Aleks , Steffens Daniel , Solomon Michael
Published: April 2022

Aim

The decision‐making process to defunction a pelvic colorectal anastomosis involves complex heuristics and is framed by surgeon personality factors. Risk taking propensity may be an important factor in these decisions and patient preferences have not been evaluated alongside surgeons and nurses.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study involving a one‐off interview and questionnaire assessing how risk taking propensity affects nurse, surgeon and patient preferences for a temporary defunctioning ileostomy (TDI) was performed. The risk taking index (RTI) was employed to evaluate risk taking propensity and the validated prospective measures of preference instruments to evaluate preferences for stoma avoidance in several scenarios by asking the individual to consider trading or gambling years of remaining life expectancy.

Results

One hundred and fifty participants met the inclusion criteria, which included 30 (20.0%) surgical nurses, 20 (13.3%) colorectal surgeons and 100 (66.7%) patients. Surgeons had a significantly higher RTI (mean ± SD: 26.8 ± 6.7) than patients (mean ± SD: 20.0 ± 9.8) and nurses (mean ± SD: 23.0 ± 6.6) p = 0.002. Surgeons would consider that it would be in a patient's best interest to have a TDI at an AL rate of 15% or greater, whereas nurses and patients would do so at 28% and 25%, respectively (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Surgeons were shown to have a higher risk taking propensity than patients and nurses but a significantly lower threshold of AL where they would consider a TDI is in the best interest of the patient.
Effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorders in persons with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kowall Bernd , Kostev Karel , Landgraf Rüdiger , Hauner Hans , Bierwirth Ralf , Rathmann Wolfgang
Published: April 2022

Aims

To examine whether the incidence rates of diagnosed depression, anxiety disorders and stress reactions, as well as prescription rates of antidepressants and anxiolytics were higher during the COVID‐19 pandemic than before in persons with type 2 diabetes in Germany. Contrary to earlier studies, clinical diagnoses of psychiatric disorders (ICD classification) were used.

Methods

The German Disease Analyzer (DA) database is an outpatient database containing routine data on patients´ diseases and treatments provided by a representative panel of physician practices selected from across Germany. We assessed incidence rates of depressive disorders (ICD‐10: F32, F33), anxiety disorders (F41) and stress reactions (F43) in quarters from January 2019 to March 2021 in 95,765 people with type 2 diabetes included in the DA in 2019 (mean age 68.9 years, 58% men). Prescription rates of antidepressants and anxiolytics in quarters from January 2020 to March 2021 were compared with prescription rates from 1 year earlier.

Results

During the study period, the incidence rate of newly diagnosed depressive disorders in persons with type 2 diabetes declined slightly, while the incidence rates of anxiety and stress disorders remained largely constant. The rates of new prescriptions for antidepressants and anxiolytics were lower in all quarters of 2020 and in the first quarter of 2021 than in the quarters 1 year earlier. Diabetes‐related complications were more prevalent in persons with incident psychiatric disorders than in those without.

Conclusions

No increase in the incidence rates of clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorders was observed during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany in persons with type 2 diabetes.
The contribution of neuropathology to multiple sclerosis research
Authors: Lassmann Hans
Published: April 2022

Background and purpose

Neuropathology plays a major role in deciphering disease mechanisms in multiple sclerosis (MS). This review article describes recent advances in neuropathological research related to inflammatory demyelinating diseases.

Methods

A retrospective review of neuropathological studies published during the last two decades was conducted.

Results

The importance of neuropathology is generally seen in its contribution to the diagnosis of diseases of the nervous system and, in particular, in neuro‐oncology. However, when it also includes analysis of the global three‐dimensional extension of brain damage and the temporal sequence of lesion evolution and relates this to molecular changes in the lesions, it offers the potential to decipher disease pathogenesis and to contribute to the development of effective and causative treatments. In MS research, neuropathology has been essential in discriminating the disease from other inflammatory autoimmune or demyelinating diseases, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD). It defined the hallmark of chronic progressive disease in MS patients as slowly expanding tissue damage, which occurs not only within and around lesions but also in the normal appearing white and gray matter. It showed that these changes occur in the course of a tissue‐resident immune response within the central nervous system, involving tissue‐resident effector memory cells and plasma cells. Molecular studies in neuropathologically defined micro‐dissected MS lesions identified a cascade of oxidative injury, mitochondrial damage and subsequent virtual hypoxia as a major pathway of tissue injury in MS.

Conclusions

The results of these studies were highly relevant for the identification of potential therapeutic targets in MS patients and the design of pivotal clinical trials.
Association between family history of alcohol use disorder and catamenial epilepsy
Authors: Herzog Andrew G.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether a family history of alcohol use disorder (AUD) might be a risk factor and possible clinical biomarker for catamenial epilepsy. The retrospective case–control data came from 119 women, aged 13–48 years, with intractable seizures. We report the relative risk for positive family history of AUD among women with catamenial epilepsy (Group 1) relative to women with noncatamenial epilepsy (Group 2). The risk ratio (RR) for positive AUD history for Group 1 (n = 59) relative to Group 2 (n = 60) was 3.46 (95% confidence interval = 1.36–8.76, p = .009). The RRs were significant for women who had the (C1) perimenstrual (p = .009) and (C3) entire luteal phase (p = .003) patterns but not the (C2) preovulatory pattern. AUD history had a high specificity of 91.7% (55/60) but relatively low sensitivity of 28.8% (17/59) for the prediction of catamenial epilepsy. The positive predictive value was 77.3% (17/22), whereas the negative predictive value was 56.7% (55/97). AUD history is a highly specific biomarker for catamenial epilepsy but has relatively low sensitivity for its detection. Further investigation may identify additional biomarkers that are more efficient than seizure–menses calendars.
Current distribution and spatial spread patterns of Halyomorpha halys in Germany
Authors: Hess Bastian , Zimmermann Olaf , Baufeld Peter , Reißig Anne , Lutsch Björn , Schrader Gritta
Published: April 2022

The brown marmorated stinkbug (Halyomorpha halys Stål) is a polyphagous insect from the Pentatomidae family that is originally from Asia. This contaminating (i.e. hitchhiking) species, often found in urban areas and along anthropogenic infrastructure, is fast spreading in Germany and other European countries. As a pest in those countries for agriculture and as a nuisance pest for the public it is important to have a solid database of the current distribution for spread modelling, risk assessment and further analysis to contain infestations and reduce or prevent further spread. The authors present here the current phytosanitary status and trends of distribution of the brown marmorated stinkbug in Germany.
SYBR Green‐based real‐time PCR test for the identification of adults and larvae of the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Rizzo Domenico , Da Lio Daniele , Bruscoli Tommaso , Cappellini Giovanni , Bartolini Linda , Salemi Chiara , Aronadio Antonio , Del Nista Dalia , Oliver Jason B. , Rossi Elisabetta
Published: April 2022

The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae) is a polyphagous invasive pest included in quarantine lists in Europe and in many countries of Africa, Asia and America. No specific molecular methods were available for the identification of adults and preimaginal stages. To bridge this gap, a rapid method (<2 h) based on SYBR Green real‐time PCR for identifying larvae and adults of P. japonica was developed in this study. SYBR Green chemistry was chosen for its cost‐effectiveness and adaptability although it has a lower specificity than other real‐time PCR tests such as the as TaqMan test which requires a probe design. The in‐silico primer specificity was tested, and the theoretical amplicon did not match any of the sequences deposited in databanks. The diagnostic specificity (exclusivity) of the test was assessed by testing the method on taxonomically related species (Popillia anomaloides Kraatz, P. hilaris Kraatz and P. fallaciosa Fairmaire), other Coleoptera and unrelated insect species, with no cross‐reactions. Performance characteristics of the test, in terms of diagnostic specificity (inclusivity), analytical sensitivity, and accuracy, were evaluated. The analytical sensitivity determined on a single larva showed a LoD value of 3.20 pg/µL. The molecular test developed could be highly beneficial for the phytosanitary controls at entry points for the regulatory confirmation of specimen identity and/or for monitoring the presence and spread of P. japonica in the field.
Limited sinonasal Rosai–Dorfman disease presenting as chronic sinusitis
Authors: Rooper Lisa M , White Marissa J , Duffield Amy S , Gagan Jeffrey , London Nyall R , Montgomery Elizabeth A , Bishop Justin A
Published: April 2022

Aims

The sinonasal tract is a common extranodal site for Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD). Recently, histiocytes with features of RDD were identified in the clinical setting of chronic sinusitis. This study evaluates whether this phenomenon should be considered part of the RDD spectrum or classified separately as RDD‐like histiocytes.

Methods and results

We prospectively collected 13 cases showing histological features of RDD in chronic sinusitis patients and identified 14 with similar findings (3.5%) via retrospective review of 403 sinus contents over 2 years. All 27 cases displayed nodular aggregates of eosinophilic histiocytes with intermixed lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, prominent eosinophils and emperipolesis. The histiocytes were positive for S100 protein and cyclin D1 and negative for CD1a and CD207. All patients presented with severe chronic sinusitis without tumour formation or systemic symptoms. Twelve patients with follow‐up (55%) required repeat sinus surgery compared with just 43 other sinusitis patients evaluated (11%); features of RDD were present in their additional specimens. Two cases that underwent targeted next‐generation sequencing (20%) had oncogenic mutations in NF1 and KEAP1.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings confirm diagnostic histological and immunohistochemical features of RDD in a subset of chronic sinusitis specimens. While patients uniformly lack systemic involvement or tumefactive growth, they have a high risk of recurrent sinus disease. Although the relatively subtle nature of the findings raises consideration of separate classification, the presence of occasional oncogenic mutations and evidence of consistent MAPK/ERK pathway activation via cyclin D1 positivity suggests that this phenomenon represents a unique limited manifestation of RDD.
Present status and future directions: Minimally invasive root canal preparation and periradicular surgery
Authors: Neelakantan Prasanna , Vishwanath Vijetha , Taschieri Silvio , Corbella Stefano
Published: April 2022

Inspired by several other surgical disciplines, the quest for treating diseases through minimally invasive procedures has permeated endodontics, but not without controversy. Indeed, pulp amputation/excision and root‐end resection are akin to surgical procedures elsewhere in the body and therefore, an increasing number of studies have addressed the “potential” to adopt such minimally invasive procedures in root canal treatment, with the larger goal of conserving tooth tissue for long‐term survival of treated teeth. Yet, it is undeniable that this “trend” has been met with immense resistance with unclear evidence to strongly support or refute this philosophy. One may view root canal treatment as having two important procedural parts: (i) gaining access to the root canal and (ii) achieving clean root canals to remove the necrotic/infected or irreversibly inflamed tissues and then fill the space that was occupied by the pulp tissue and subsequently enlarged during cleaning and shaping, which should result in two key long‐term outcomes: (i) healing of periradicular periodontitis and (ii) survival/retention of the tooth. Whilst a lot of interest has been directed towards gaining access through minimally invasive cavity designs, it is surprising that little effort has been expended on studying minimally invasive root canal preparation or surgical intervention. The aim of this review is not to promote or denigrate these philosophies, but to provide a balanced overview of the concepts, currently available evidence and future perspectives on minimally invasive endodontics from the context of root canal preparation and surgical endodontics. Specific attention is given to the role of modern irrigation strategies in potentially improving canal cleanliness even when canals are minimally prepared and the areas of research that are currently lacking in this topic.
Fortification of low‐nitrite canned pork with willow herb (Epilobium angustifolium L.)
Authors: Ferysiuk Karolina , Wójciak Karolina M. , Trząskowska Monika
Published: April 2022

Nitrite is a multifunctional additive used for meat products. However, cancerogenic N‐nitrosoamines (NAs) can be formed from nitrite. For this reason, nitrite should be reduced or eliminated. This study aimed to (1) determine the phenolic content, composition, and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of water lyophilized extracts of willow herb (WH); and (2) assess the effect of the extracts on lipid oxidation, colour, microbiological and chemical safety of canned pork with lower nitrite content during storage. For the preparation of extract, redistilled water at a temp. of 90°C (1:10) was used. The extracts were filtered and freeze‐dried for 72 h (−80°C, 0.04 mbar). Five different variants of product were tested in the study: control (with 100 mg kg−1 NaNO2) and herbal samples (with 50, 100, 150, and 1000 mg kg−1 WH). The samples were assessed for their colour, antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation, pH, sensory characteristics, and the presence of N‐nitrosamines and pathogenic bacteria. Oenothein B was found as the predominating compound in the analysed extract (HPLC) followed by querceti‐3‐O‐rhamnoside and oenothein A, myricetin 3‐O‐glucoside. The addition of WH extract contributed to maintaining the typical, cured colour of canned meat as well as reducing the NaNO2 content. Furthermore, fortification with 150 mg kg−1 of Epilobium angustifolium L. extract allowed stabilising the antioxidant properties of canned meat during storage to a greater extent compared to 1000 mg kg−1 of extract.
Preparation of a novel and stable iron fortifier: self‐assembled iron‐whey protein isolate fibrils nanocomposites
Authors: Zeng Aoqiong , Leng Juncai , Yang Ruijin , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2022

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a major global public health problem and iron fortification of foods has been recognised as the most cost‐effective prevention strategy. However, traditional iron fortificants are easily oxidised and have poor colloidal stability. Herein, we took advantages of whey protein‐isolated (WPI) amyloid fibrils and developed a stable and effective iron‐WPI fibrils (Fe‐FibWPI) nanocomposite for iron fortification. Compared with native WPI, the antioxidant activity of WPI fibrils was significantly improved after 8 h incubation at 90 °C and pH 2.0. Importantly, the degree of fibrillation and fibril concentration influenced iron reducibility. Therefore, we utilised WPI fibrils as anti‐oxidising nanocarriers to form Fe‐FibWPI nanocomposites. The Fe‐FibWPI showed high dispersibility compared with iron nanoparticles (Fe‐Nano). Further, the in vitro bioavailability of iron was significantly higher in the Fe‐FibWPI at various storage conditions than that in the Fe‐Nano. Moreover, the iron‐WPI fibrils could be processed into liquid, gel and powder forms, which will broaden their application. Fe‐FibWPI nanocomposites have the potential to develop as iron fortificants in IDA management.
Transition of cardiometabolic status and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus among middle‐aged and older Chinese: A national cohort study
Authors: Qiu Yiwen , Yi Qian , Li Shuting , Sun Weidi , Ren Ziyang , Shen Yaojia , Wu Yuhang , Wang Zhicheng , Xia Wei , Song Peige
Published: April 2022

Aims/Introduction

The cardiometabolic index (CMI) has been proposed as a novel indicator of cardiometabolic status. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CMI and its longitudinal transitions on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in middle‐aged and older Chinese.

Materials and Methods

We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2018). CMI was calculated as the product of the waist circumference to height ratio and the triglyceride to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. At baseline in 2011, the subjects were classified into low‐ and high‐CMI groups, and then divided into four transition patterns during follow‐up, i.e. maintained‐low, low‐to‐high, high‐to‐low, and maintained‐high CMI. The hazard ratios (HRs) of different transition patterns for type 2 diabetes mellitus were calculated using multivariable Cox frailty models.

Results

During 2011–2018, 7,347 participants were included. Participants with a high‐CMI at baseline had a significantly higher risk of new‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus than those with a low‐CMI (HR = 1.78, 95% CI:1.55–2.05). For subjects with a low‐CMI at baseline, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus increased by 75% if their CMI status changed to high during follow‐up (HRlow‐to‐high = 1.75, 95% CI:1.35–2.28). Meanwhile, for subjects with a maintained‐high CMI, no significant risk reduction for type 2 diabetes mellitus was found when their CMI changed to low status (HRhigh‐to‐low = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.58–1.01).

Conclusions

Baseline CMI levels and longitudinal CMI transition patterns were associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Early anti‐lipid measures should be taken to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus in middle‐aged and older Chinese.
Histopathologic features predictive of metastasis and survival in 230 patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and non‐head and neck locations: a single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Farah M. , Milton D.R. , Gross N.D. , Nagarajan P. , Gu J. , Curry J.L. , Ivan D. , Torres‐Cabala C.A. , Myers J.N. , Prieto V.G. , Aung P.P.
Published: April 2022

Background

Staging systems for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) produce inconsistent risk stratification.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify further prognostic parameters for better stratification.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the prognostic significance of clinicopathologic parameters of 230 patients who underwent primary excision of invasive cSCC of the head and neck (n = 115) and non‐head and non‐neck (n = 115) locations. In addition to known high‐risk features, we analysed tumour nest shape, invasion pattern, lymphoid response pattern and tumour budding.

Results

On multivariable analysis, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and high tumour budding predicted worse disease‐specific survival, and ulceration, LVI and high tumour budding predicted worse overall survival. Only ulceration was independently associated with risk of nodal metastasis.

Conclusion

High tumour budding, LVI and ulceration are independently associated with poor outcome in cSCC and may be used to refine cSCC prognostic stratification, which is crucial to optimize clinical decision and to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from more aggressive interventions or clinical trials.
Monitoring of Diaphorina citri populations from Florida reveals reduced susceptibility to cyantraniliprole and thiamethoxam
Authors: Chen Xue Dong , Qureshi Jawwad A. , Stelinski Lukasz L.
Published: April 2022

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is an important pest that transmits the causal pathogens of huanglongbing (HLB) in citrus. In Florida, HLB threatens citrus production and insecticide overuse for the vector has resulted in evolution of resistance among populations of D. citri to commonly used insecticides. Cyantraniliprole is effective against nymphal and adult D. citri. However, since the introduction of cyantraniliprole use in Florida, observations have suggested that duration of population suppression following foliar sprays against D. citri has decreased from 60 to 28 days during the period between 2012 and 2020. Here, we sampled populations of D. citri from four locations in FL and measured their susceptibility to four insecticides compared with a susceptible laboratory culture. A vial bioassay method was used to measure direct toxicity of insecticides to D. citri. For bifenthrin, cyantraniliprole, dimethoate and thiamethoxam, the resistance ratios of field populations were 6.67–11.33, 3.20–36.37, 12.50–82.50 and 4.60–10.08, respectively. Data suggested that susceptibility levels of D. citri populations to cyantraniliprole have decreased over 10‐fold at three separate citrus growing locations in Florida. Although some shifts in the resistance ratio of cyantraniliprole appear to have occurred since its use began in FL citrus, the resistance ratios are congruent with field observations indicating that D. citri should remain susceptible to label rate applications of this mode of action without control failure. However, our results indicate that sufficient field variation in susceptibility to cyantraniliprole exists among populations of D. citri to justify careful management of this insecticide for prevention of insecticide resistance development.
Relationship between somatostatin receptor expressing tumour volume and health‐related quality of life in patients with metastatic GEP‐NET
Authors: Ohlsson Håkan , Gålne Anni , Trägårdh Elin , Malmström Marlene , Sundlöv Anna , Almquist Martin
Published: April 2022

For patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP‐NET), health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is important. Meanwhile, whether tumour volume is associated with HRQoL is unknown. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess if total somatostatin receptor expressing tumour volume is correlated with HRQoL in patients with metastatic GEP‐NET. Some 71 patients were included in the study. HRQoL and NET‐specific symptoms were assessed with EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC GI.NET21. A summary score was calculated from the output of the QLQ‐C30. Total somatostatin receptor expressing tumour volume was retrospectively evaluated on somatostatin receptor imaging with positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (68Ga‐DOTA‐TATE/TOC PET‐CT) in each patient. Simple and multiple linear regression were used to evaluate the correlation between tumour volume and HRQoL, controlling for potential confounders. No correlation was found between total somatostatin receptor expressing tumour volume and QLQ‐C30 summary score. Weak positive correlations were found between total tumour volume and the specific symptoms dyspnoea, diarrhoea and flushing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the association between total somatostatin expressing tumour volume and HRQoL. Our results indicate that, while tumour volume is weakly associated with symptom severity of the carcinoid syndrome, other factors might impact more on overall HRQoL.
Peptide‐pro complex serum: Investigating effects on aged skin
Authors: Moy Melissa , Diaz Isabel , Lesniak Ewelina , Giancola Giorgiana
Published: April 2022

Background

Effective anti‐aging treatments are an unmet consumer need.

Aim

Ex vivoand clinical tests have evaluated the efficacy of a topical facial serum containing a proprietary blend of neuropeptides, proteins, amino acids, and marine extracts on aged skin.

Methods

In the ex vivo study the facial serum was compared to a commercially marketed face serum and to an untreated control on skin explants using microrelief, smoothness, and epidermal thickness endpoints. The 12 weeks monadic clinical study was designed for the test product to be used on the whole face. Subjects functioned as their own control; evaluating change from baseline. Skin was evaluated clinically by a Dermatologist for tolerability and for efficacy. Also part of the product assessment was skin hydration measurements, imaging, and a subject questionnaire.

Results

The facial serum improved skin condition by significant reductions in skin surface area occupied by microfolds and in skin roughness. Additionally, it increased epidermal thickness as compared to the untreated control as well as the commercially marketed face serum. The facial serum provided a statistically increased skin moisturization compared to pretreatment values. Dermatological evaluation of the skin concluded that there were statistically and clinically significant improvements in skin smoothness, wrinkles severity, fine lines visibility and lifting, and tightening effects at crow's feet area, forehead, and upper lip.

Conclusion

A facial serum, containing a proprietary blend of neuropeptides, proteins, amino acids, and marine extracts, has been shown to improve the overall quality of aged skin in a series of ex vivo and clinical tests.
Prevalence of clinical signs and factors impacting expression of myosin heavy chain myopathy in Quarter Horse‐related breeds with the MYH1E321G mutation
Authors: Valberg Stephanie J. , Schultz Abigail E. , Finno Carrie J. , Bellone Rebecca R. , Hughes Shayne S.
Published: April 2022

Background

The prevalence of clinical signs and factors triggering muscle atrophy and rhabdomyolysis associated with an MYH1E321G mutation in Quarter Horses and related breeds (QH) remain poorly understood.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Determine the prevalence and potential triggers of atrophy and stiffness in horses homozygous reference (N/N), heterozygous (My/N), and homozygous (My/My) for the MYH1E321G mutation.

Animals

Two‐hundred seventy‐five N/N, 100 My/N, and 10 My/My QH.

Methods

A retrospective case‐control study using a closed‐ended questionnaire completed by clients of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California, Davis. History of clinical signs, disease, vaccination and performance were analyzed by genotype using contingency testing.

Results

Atrophy occurred in proportionately more horses with MYH1E321G (My) than N/N QH and more frequently in My/My than My/N QH (P < .001; My/My 8/10 [80%], My/N 17/100 [17%], N/N 29/275 [11%]). More My/My horses had rapid atrophy (P < .001), with recurrence in 50%. Fewer My/My horses recovered versus My/N QH (P < .001). Stiffness was common across genotypes (P = .100; My/My 4/10 [40%], My/N 18/100 [18%], N/N 48/275 [17%]). Three months before the observed atrophy and stiffness, 47% of MYH1E321G QH were vaccinated or had respiratory or gastrointestinal disease. Horses achieving 100% expected performance did not differ across genotypes (50% My/My, 71% My/N, 55% N/N), but, only 4/10 My/My QH were competing. My/N horses achieved national or world championships or both.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Approximately 20% of My/N QH develop rapid atrophy. Atrophy is more common (80%) in homozygous My/My QH and less likely to resolve. Inciting causes such as vaccination and infection are inapparent in over half of cases.
Relationship between hospitalised older people’s fear of falling and adaptation to old age, quality of life, anxiety and depression
Authors: Turhan Damar Hale , Demir Barutcu Canan
Published: April 2022

Background

Fear of falling affects older people physically and psychosocially, causing a decrease in their daily activities.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between fear of falling (FoF) in hospitalised older people and their difficulty in adapting to old age, quality of life, anxiety, depression and other associated factors.

Methods

This descriptive correlational study was carried out in a university hospital. The sample consisted of 409 hospitalised older patients. The data were collected using the Falls Efficacy Scale International, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly (ASADE) and the Adaptation of Quality of Life Scale in Older People (CASP‐19).

Results

It was found that 74.1% of the older people were found to have high FoF. Five models were created to determine the predictors of FoF, of which Model 5 explained 61% of the total variance (F = 42.455, p = .000). Among the independent variables included in Model 5, being a woman (β = −086, 95% CI −3.5 to −0.52, p = .008), having a chronic disease (β = .293, 95% CI 6.3–10.01, p < .001), using a walking aid (β = .152, 95% CI 1.74–5.49, p < .001), CASP‐19 autonomy‐satisfaction perception (β = −.242, 95% CI 0.33–0.08, p < .001), CASP‐19 disability perception (β = −.111, 95% CI 0.58–1.22, p < .001) and the ASADE role and self‐actualisation mode (β = .361, 95% CI −0.50 to 0.08, p < .001) were found to be statistically significant predictors of FoF.

Conclusions

A large proportion of hospitalised older people tend to have a fear of falling. Being a woman, having a chronic disease, using a walking aid as well as quality of life and difficulty in adapting to old age are the predictors of FoF.

Implications for practice

Nurses should evaluate the associated psychosocial components in order to reduce the fear of falling among hospitalised older people.