bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodological rigour in preclinical urology: a systematic review reporting research quality over a 14‐year period
Authors: Park Seung Hyun , Lee Se Bee , Park Seoyeon , Kim Eun Young , Pizzol Damiano , Trott Mike , Barnett Yvonne , Koyanagi Ai , Jacob Louis , Soysal Pinar , Veronese Nicola , Ippoliti Simona , Abou Ghayda Ramy , Thirumavalavan Nannan , Hijaz Adonis , Sheyn David , Pope Rachel , Conroy Britt , Jaeger Irina , Shubham Gupta , Nevo Amihay , Ilie Petre Cristian , Lee Seung Won , Yon Dong Keon , Han Hyun Ho , Hong Sung Hwi , Shin Jae Il , Ponsky Lee , Smith Lee
Published: September 2023

Objective

To investigate the prevalence and trends of essential study design elements in preclinical urological studies, as well as key factors that may improve methodological rigour, as the demand for methodological rigour in preclinical studies is increasing since research reproducibility and transparency in the medico‐scientific field are being questioned.

Methods and Results

PubMed was searched to include preclinical urological studies published between July 2007 to June 2021. A total of 3768 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data on study design elements and animal models used were collected. Citation density was also examined as a surrogate marker of study influence. We performed an analysis of the prevalence of seven critical study design elements and temporal patterns over 14 years. Randomisation was reported in 50.0%, blinding in 15.0%, sample size estimation in 1.0%, inclusion of both sexes in 6.3%, statistical analysis in 97.1%, housing and husbandry in 47.7%, and inclusion/exclusion criteria in 5.0%. Temporal analysis showed that the implementation of these study design elements has increased, except for inclusion of both sexes and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Reporting study design elements were associated with increased citation density in randomisation and statistical analysis.

Conclusions

The risk of bias is prevalent in 14‐year publications describing preclinical urological research, and the quality of methodological rigour is barely related to the citation density of the article. Yet five study design elements (randomisation, blinding, sample size estimation, statistical analysis, and housing and husbandry) proposed by both the National Institutes of Health and Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guidelines have been either well reported or are being well reported over time.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022233125.
Real‐time estimation of nephron activity with a linear measurement system (RENAL‐MS) predicts postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Schober Jared P. , Ginsburg Kevin B. , Kutikov Alexander , Cho Eric Y. , Loecher Matt , Strauss David , Castro Bigalli Alberto Andres , Handorf Elizabeth , Deng Mengying , Anaokar Jordan , Chen David Y. T. , Greenberg Richard E. , Smaldone Marc C. , Viterbo Rosalia , Correa Andres F. , Uzzo Robert G. , Strother Marshall
Published: September 2023

Objective

To determine whether a simple point‐of‐care measurement system estimating renal parenchymal volume using tools ubiquitously available could be used to replace nuclear medicine renal scintigraphy (NMRS) in current clinical practice to predict estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after nephrectomy by estimating preoperative split renal function.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent abdominal cross‐sectional imaging (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) and mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) NMRS prior to total nephrectomy at a single institution. We developed the real‐time estimation of nephron activity with a linear measurement system (RENAL‐MS) method of estimating postoperative renal function via the following technique: renal parenchymal volume of the removed kidney relative to the remaining kidney was estimated as the product of renal length and the average of six renal parenchymal thickness measurements. The utility of this value was compared to the utility of the split renal function measured by MAG3 for prediction of eGFR and new onset Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) at ≥90 days after nephrectomy using uni‐ and multivariate linear and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 57 patients met the study criteria. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 69 (61–80) years. The median (IQR) pre‐ and postoperative eGFR was 74 (IQR 58–90) and 46 (35–62) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. [Correction added on 29 December 2023, after first online publication: The data numbers in the preceding sentence have been corrected.] Correlations between actual and predicted postoperative eGFR were similar whether the RENAL‐MS or NMRS methods were used, with correlation using RENAL‐MS being slightly numerically but not statistically superior (R = 0.82 and 0.76; P = 0.138). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using logistic regression estimates incorporating age, sex, and preoperative creatinine to predict postoperative Stage 3 CKD were similar between RENAL‐MS and NMRS (area under the curve 0.93 vs. 0.97). [Correction added on 29 December 2023, after first online publication: The data numbers in the preceding sentence have been corrected.]

Conclusion

A point‐of‐care tool to estimate renal parenchymal volume (RENAL‐MS) performed equally as well as NMRS to predict postoperative eGFR and de novo Stage 3 CKD after nephrectomy in our population, suggesting NMRS may not be necessary in this setting.
Do standards improve the quality of traded products?
Authors: Disdier Anne‐Célia , Gaigné Carl , Herghelegiu Cristina
Published: September 2023

We examine whether standards raise the quality of traded products. Matching a panel of French firm–product–destination export data with a data set on sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade, we find that such quality standards enforced on products by destination countries: (i) favour the export probability of high‐quality firms provided that their productivity is high enough, (ii) raise the export sales of high‐productivity, high‐quality firms at the expense of low‐productivity and low‐quality firms and (iii) increase the quality supplied by firms if their productivity is high enough. We then develop a simple new trade model under uncertainty about product quality in which heterogeneous firms can strategically invest in quality signalling to rationalize these empirical results on quality and selection effects.
Macroeconomic tail risk, currency crises and the inter‐war gold standard
Authors: Duley Chanelle , Gai Prasanna
Published: September 2023

We introduce macroeconomic tail risk into the canonical global game model of currency crises. The exchange rate peg is attacked if fundamentals reach a critical threshold, or if there is a sufficiently large public shock. Large shocks generate doubt amongst investors about both the state of the world and about what others know, giving rise to multiple equilibria. We find a non‐monotonic relationship between tail risk and the probability of (a fundamentals‐based) crisis and show how this effect depends on the magnitude and direction of public shocks. We consider the implications of policy intervention and identify conditions under which active intervention produces doubt about the level of fundamentals and, hence, how others will respond. Our analysis clarifies how financial contagion in Europe precipitated the sterling crisis of 1931.
Motivational interviewing for preventing oral morbidities in adults: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cartes‐Velásquez Ricardo , Varnet‐Pérez Tomás , Martínez‐Delgado Cecilia María , Villanueva‐Vilchis María del Carmen , Ramírez‐Trujillo María de los Ángeles , Faustino‐Silva Daniel Demétrio
Published: September 2023

Objective

This systematic review with meta‐analysis was performed to assess whether motivational interviewing (MI) effectively prevents oral morbidities in adults.

Methods

Studies considered were randomized controlled trials, cluster‐randomized controlled trials and community‐based randomized trials assessing interventions based on MI or indicating that a counselling technique based on the principles developed by Miller and Rollnick was used. Controls were any type of oral health education or negative controls. Participants were 18–60 years old. The main outcome was any oral morbidity. From 602 studies identified in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and LILACS databases, seven studies were included in the synthesis.

Results

Studies included only evaluated periodontal outcomes, no studies were found for other oral morbidities. Patients' mean age was 43.7 years, and the follow‐up time after MI or MI‐based intervention varied between 1 month and 1 year. The total study population was 272 people with moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis; other groups analysed were pregnant women (n = 112) and patients with mental disorders and alcohol problems (n = 60). Meta‐analysis for the plaque index (four studies, n = 267), bleeding on probing (two studies, n = 177) and gingival index (two studies, n = 166) were carried out. The summary effects for the random‐effects model were estimated respectively as −3.59 percentage points (CI: [−11.44; 4.25] for plaque index, −6.41 percentage points (CI: [−12.18, −0.65]) for bleeding on probing and −0.70 (CI: [−1.87; 0.48]) for gingival index, marginally favouring the MI group. The reduced number of studies, the non‐disclosure of some aspects of the data and the heterogeneity among them undermine the precision of the estimates.

Conclusion

The current evidence available is limited to periodontal outcomes, and it is not possible to determine whether MI effectively prevents oral morbidities in adults.
Genetically predicted plasma cortisol and common chronic diseases: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lee Wei‐Hsuan , Larsson Susanna C. , Wood Angela , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , Butterworth Adam S. , Burgess Stephen , Allara Elias
Published: September 2023

Objective

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by hypercortisolaemia and is frequently accompanied by comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, depression and schizophrenia. It is unclear whether moderate but lifelong hypercortisolaemia is causally associated with these diseases in the general population. We aimed to address this research gap using a Mendelian randomization approach.

Methods

We used three cortisol‐associated genetic variants in the SERPINA6/SERPINA1 region as genetic instruments in a two‐sample, inverse‐variance‐weighted Mendelian randomization analysis. We obtained summary‐level statistics for cortisol and disease outcomes from publicly available genetic consortia, and meta‐analysed them as appropriate. We conducted a multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis to assess potential mediating effects.

Results

A 1 standard deviation higher genetically predicted plasma cortisol was associated with greater odds of hypertension (odds ratio: 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.18) as well as higher systolic blood pressure (mean difference [MD]: 0.03 SD change; 95% CI: 0.01–0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (MD: 0.03 SD change; 95% CI: 0.01–0.04). There was no evidence of association with type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and schizophrenia. The association with hypertension was attenuated upon adjustment for waist circumference, suggesting potential mediation through central obesity.

Conclusion

There is strong evidence for a causal association between plasma cortisol and greater risk for hypertension, potentially mediated by obesity.
Drug–drug interaction prediction of ziritaxestat using a physiologically based enzyme and transporter pharmacokinetic network interaction model
Authors: Perrier Jeremy , Gualano Virginie , Helmer Eric , Namour Florence , Lukacova Viera , Taneja Amit
Published: September 2023

Ziritaxestat, an autotaxin inhibitor, was under development for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and P‐glycoprotein and a weak inhibitor of the CYP3A4 and OATP1B1 pathways. We developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) network interaction model for ziritaxestat that incorporated its metabolic and transporter pathways, enabling prediction of its potential as a victim or perpetrator of drug–drug interactions (DDIs). Concurrently, we evaluated CYP3A4 autoinhibition, including time‐dependent inhibition. In vitro information and clinical data from healthy volunteer studies were used for model building and validation. DDIs with rifampin, itraconazole, voriconazole, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin were predicted, followed by validation against a test dataset. DDIs of ziritaxestat as a victim or perpetrator were simulated using the final model. Predicted‐to‐observed DDI ratios for the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) were within a two‐fold ratio for both the metabolic and transporter‐mediated simulated DDIs. The predicted impact of autoinhibition/autoinduction or time‐dependent inhibition of CYP3A4 was a 12% decrease in exposure. Model‐based predictions for ziritaxestat as a victim of DDIs with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (fluconazole) suggested a 2.6‐fold increase in the AUC of ziritaxestat, while multiple doses of a strong inhibitor (voriconazole) would increase the AUC by 15‐fold. Efavirenz would yield a three‐fold decrease in the AUC of ziritaxestat. As a perpetrator, ziritaxestat was predicted to increase the AUC of the CYP3A4 index substrate midazolam by 2.7‐fold. An overarching PBPK model was developed that could predict DDI liability of ziritaxestat for both CYP3A4 and the transporter pathways.
Cutaneous rhabdomyosarcoma with FUS::TFCP2 fusion: A case report emphasizing early detection
Authors: Demirkesen Cuyan , Danyeli Ayça Erşen , Yıldız Pelin , Ertekin Sümeyre Seda , Yılmaz Berkhan , Karahan Süleyman İzzet , Bahrami Armita
Published: September 2023

Rhabdomyosarcoma with TFCP2 rearrangement is a recently identified malignant neoplasm characterized by immunohistochemical evidence of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation, keratin expression, upregulation of ALK, and an aggressive clinical course. This neoplasm has a tendency to affect craniofacial bones, with only a few reported cases of extra‐osseous tumors. Here, we present a case of cutaneous rhabdomyosarcoma with FUS::TFCP2 fusion in a 35‐year‐old female. Notably, the tumor exhibited a pathologic spectrum, initially resembling sclerosing dermatitis at presentation but progressing into a high‐grade malignant tumor within 8 months. The distinctive immunoprofile of this neoplasm highlights the importance of early molecular studies for diagnosis, even in the presence of low‐grade cytomorphology. Early detection may offer an opportunity for timely resection before the tumor becomes unresectable.
Cytological features of diffuse and circumscribed gliomas
Authors: Esteban‐Rodríguez Isabel , López‐Muñoz Samuel , Blasco‐Santana Luis , Mejías‐Bielsa Jaime , Gordillo Carlos H. , Jiménez‐Heffernan José A.
Published: September 2023

The current World Health Organization classification of gliomas is based on morphological, genetic, and molecular parameters. In this review, we intend to present the most relevant cytological features of these tumours, with a particular focus on their analysis during intraoperative studies. Rapid diagnosis is required in this context, and at present it is not possible to evaluate the genetic or molecular profile of a tumour intraoperatively. New terminology and diagnostic parameters have been introduced, but the essence of intraoperative recognition remains the same. The main challenge in astrocytoma IDH‐mutant, grade 2 is recognising the tissue as neoplastic. Since glioma grades 3 and 4 are assigned based on histological and genetic variables that are not necessarily measurable on cytology, the term high‐grade glioma is often used for intraoperative diagnosis. Oligodendroglioma, IDH‐mutant and 1p/19q‐codeleted shows peculiar cytological findings as well as the common subtypes of glioblastoma IDH‐wildtype (giant cell, epithelioid, gliosarcoma and small cell). Many of the paediatric‐type‐diffuse gliomas have been described very recently and there are no cytological reports of proven cases. Finally, pilocytic astrocytoma, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, chordoid glioma, and astroblastoma MN1‐altered constitute the group of circumscribed astrocytic gliomas. They are remarkable entities that the pathologist must be able to recognise since most are low‐grade neoplasms that can show atypical morphological features.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men: A discussion to be had
Authors: Doyle Michael F. , Perry Jimmy , Bower Carol , Conigrave Katherine M. , Hamilton Sharynne
Published: September 2023

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability of varying severity that occurs among individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) Australians, the effects of colonisation and ongoing racism could increase the risk of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Much of the research and the effort towards prevention of and caring for people with FASD in Indigenous communities has been targeted towards women and children. More support and effort towards prevention of FASD is needed across the whole Indigenous community. In this paper, we discuss several areas for increased involvement by Indigenous men in future FASD research, prevention, care and support.
Efficacy and safety of once‐weekly versus once‐daily basal insulin analogues in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Karakasis Paschalis , Patoulias Dimitrios , Pamporis Konstantinos , Popovic Djordje S. , Stachteas Panagiotis , Bougioukas Konstantinos I. , Fragakis Nikolaos , Rizzo Manfredi
Published: September 2023

Aim

To summarize the evidence of recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying efficacy, in terms of glycaemic control, and safety of the newly developed once‐weekly basal insulin analogues.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted through Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library and Google Scholar until June 30, 2023. Double‐independent study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Results were summarized with random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 3962 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among nine RCTs were analysed. All RCTs had low risk of bias according to the Cochrane Collaboration risk‐of‐bias tool (RoB2). Once‐weekly insulins demonstrated better efficacy in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction (mean difference [MD] −0.13%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.23, −0.03; P = 0.08) and a significantly greater time in range compared with once‐daily insulin analogues (MD 3.54%, 95% CI 1.56, 5.53; P = 0.005). Based on subgroup analyses, the reduction in HbA1c and the odds of achieving an end‐of‐treatment HbA1c <6.5% were significantly greater for icodec compared to the once‐daily insulin (MD −0.18%, 95% CI −0.27, −0.09 [P < 0.001] and odds ratio [OR] 1.75, 95% CI 1.34, 2.29 [P < 0.001], respectively). Once‐weekly insulins were associated with higher odds of level 1 hypoglycaemia during the 24‐hour period (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.04, 1.64; P = 0.02) but were safer in terms of level 2 or 3 nocturnal hypoglycaemic events (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56, 0.97; P = 0.03). No difference was observed regarding serious adverse events between the two groups.

Conclusion

The once‐weekly basal insulin analogues seem to be at least equally efficient in glycaemic management and safe compared to once‐daily injections in people with T2DM. Phase 4 RCTs are expected to shed further light on the effectiveness and safety of once‐weekly insulin therapy over the long term.
The gastropod Lottia peitaihoensis as a model to study the body patterning of trochophore larvae
Authors: Huan Pin , Liu Baozhong
Published: September 2023

The body patterning of trochophore larvae is important for understanding spiralian evolution and the origin of the bilateral body plan. However, considerable variations are observed among spiralian lineages, which have adopted varied strategies to develop trochophore larvae or even omit a trochophore stage. Some spiralians, such as patellogastropod mollusks, are suggested to exhibit ancestral traits by producing equal‐cleaving fertilized eggs and possessing “typical” trochophore larvae. In recent years, we developed a potential model system using the patellogastropod Lottia peitaihoensis (= Lottia goshimai). Here, we introduce how the species were selected and establish sources and techniques, including gene knockdown, ectopic gene expression, and genome editing. Investigations on this species reveal essential aspects of trochophore body patterning, including organizer signaling, molecular and cellular processes connecting the various developmental functions of the organizer, the specification and behaviors of the endomesoderm and ectomesoderm, and the characteristic dorsoventral decoupling of Hox expression. These findings enrich the knowledge of trochophore body patterning and have important implications regarding the evolution of spiralians as well as bilateral body plans.
Caste composition contributes to improve the social immunity in a nasute termite species exposed to entomopathogenic fungus
Authors: Freitas Ferreira Larissa , Silva Cátila R. , Santos Renan E. C. , C. Moreira Camila , F. Cristaldo Paulo
Published: September 2023

The evolution of a reproductively altruistic caste contributed to the success of eusociality through the division of labour. In termites, the proportion of soldiers in the colonies increased throughout the group's evolution. In Nasutitermitinae, soldiers have a crucial role in defence, resource selection and foraging. However, the role of soldiers and workers in colony immunity is still poorly understood.

Here, we evaluated the role of mixed caste groups in the social immunity of Nasutitermes corniger (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) exposed to the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.). We tested the hypothesis that the presence of workers and soldiers optimizes defence against pathogens, and this defence is increased when the soldier ratio is closer to what naturally occurs in colonies.

Our results showed that mixed caste groups of N. corniger exposed to M. anisopliae survive longer compared to groups with only one caste. In addition, termite groups that died from fungi were less likely to show fungal infection in mixed caste groups.

The behavioural observations suggest that in the natural proportion of soldiers, allogrooming and trophallaxis play a crucial role in the control of disease and its death hazard in termites. Soldiers may play an important role in colony immunity, being able to start the alarm signal indicating the threat of pathogens.

Our results show that the presence of the two castes promotes possible mechanisms for socially mediated immunity. This study may help in the understanding of the function of the soldiers and workers and the significance of pathogens in termite eusocial evolution.
New observations on occurrence and distribution of Bursaphelenchus spp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) in conifers in Romania
Authors: Mitrea‐Călin Monica , Inácio Maria L. , Costache Claudia , Nóbrega Filomena , Mota Manuel , Cristea Stelica , Braasch Helen
Published: September 2023

Six species of the genus Bursaphelenchus were recovered as the result of a survey to assess the potential introduction of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus into the conifer forests of Romania. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was not detected in the sampling regions. Bursaphelenchus dietrichi was recovered from one point, representing the first report of this species in the country. The other detected species, B. abietinus, B. andrassyi, B. hofmanni, B. fraudulentus and B. willibaldi, were characterized by their morphometric data and molecular analyses. The morphometrics of Romanian populations of B. hofmanni and B. willibaldi are presented for the first time. The phylogenetic relationships of the recovered species (except for B. abietinus, with no successful sequencing) were reconstructed using the sequences of the D2‐D3 expansion segments of the large subunit of ribosomal DNA (D2‐D3LSU rDNA). Some of the species were also characterized using the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragment. The distribution, related host trees and phylogenetic relationships of the identified species are discussed.
Association of iron therapy with incidence of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Shrestha Prabin , Paul Shejuti , Sumida Keiichi , Thomas Fridtjof , Surbhi Satya , Naser Abu Mohd , Streja Elani , Rhee Connie M. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar , Kovesdy Csaba P.
Published: September 2023

Objective

We investigated the association of oral iron replacement with the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a population with normal kidney function to study the effects of iron replacement on the development of new onset CKD.

Methods

In a national cohort of US Veterans with no pre‐existing CKD, we identified 33 894 incident new users of oral iron replacement and a comparable group of 112 780 patients who did not receive any iron replacement during 2004–2018. We examined the association of oral iron replacement versus no iron replacement with the incidence of eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and the incidence of urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g in competing risk regressions and in Cox models. We used propensity score weighing to account for differences in key baseline characteristics associated with the use of oral iron replacement.

Results

In the cohort of 146 674 patients, a total of 18 547 (13%) patients experienced incident eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 16 117 patients (11%) experienced new onset UACR ≥30 mg/g. Oral iron replacement was associated with significantly higher risk of incident eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (subhazard ratio, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3 [1.22–1.38], p < .001) and incident albuminuria (subhazard ratio, 95% CI: 1.14 [1.07–1.22], p < .001).

Conclusion

Oral iron replacement is associated with higher risk of new onset CKD. The long‐term kidney safety of oral iron replacement should be tested in clinical trials.
A call for health justice: Striving toward health equity at a community health center
Authors: Waite Roberta , Nardi Deena A.
Published: September 2023

Community health centers play a key role in promoting health justice and equity. Health justice, which is the attainment of health equity, or the fair, unambiguous, and non‐arbitrary distribution of all health resources necessary for optimal health of the individual, family, and community, is necessary to optimize their wellbeing and to build healthy communities. Community‐based health centers are well‐positioned to lead in these efforts, as they connect with, seek to understand, and innovatively serve communities that experience complex health‐related needs and are differentially impacted by structural vulnerabilities (i.e., racism). The purpose of this article is to present a nurse‐led model of culturally responsive health care that is rooted in partnerships designed to address medical and health‐related social needs. Current health inequities in the United States across constructs of race and socioeconomic status warrant comprehensive healthcare models that explicitly incorporate health justice, trauma‐informed, and antiracist approaches into practice, especially when serving high/complex‐need and under‐resourced communities. Foundationally, it is imperative that these models of care strive toward equity regarding access to compassionate, affordable, culturally relevant health care; center community members' voices and guidance; promote growth and development of staff in understanding structural barriers and act to dismantle them; and create learning opportunities for students and staff to understand and address social determinants of health to provide high‐quality care, with an ultimate goal to improve community health.
Improved creep‐fatigue and remnant tensile/creep properties of 321 stainless steel by self‐healing coating
Authors: Li Wei , Qin Houjun , Zhu Shunpeng , Bo Guowei , Sun Tao , Jiang Dapeng , Chen Hui , Peng Xulong , Chen Jian , He Jianjun , Ni Song , Xiao Canjuan , Zhang Shengde , Chen Anqi
Published: September 2023

AISI 321 steels used as intake valves in turbines are frequently subjected to creep‐fatigue (C‐F) exposure during service. Improving C‐F resistance and assessing remnant creep/tensile properties are therefore required for their safe service. In this work, the self‐healing coating consisting of Al2O3‐13TiO2 layer, TiC layer, and NiCrAlY layer was prepared for 321 steel. The effects of such self‐healing coating on the C‐F and remnant creep/tensile properties were studied. The results showed that the initial hardening phenomena of the studied steel during C‐F exposure was mainly attributed to the dislocation strengthening and a certain level of carbides precipitation strengthening, while the subsequent softening behaviors were resulted from dynamic recovery and coarsening of carbides. Moreover, as compared to other coatings, the self‐healing coating is able to improve the mechanical properties of steels due to dislocation strengthening, precipitation strengthening, and the self‐healing behavior resulting from the reaction between the TiC layer and oxygen.
Ceramic bodies without warping using epoxide–acrylate hybrid ceramic slurry for photopolymerization‐based 3D printing
Authors: Seo Haeun , Kim Haeun , Choi Hyeryang , Kim Dong Gyeong , Galbadrakh Altantsetseg , Jung Yeon‐Gil , Son Jung‐Hun , Yeo Jeong‐gu , Heo So Yeon , Choe Gyu‐Bin , Kim Gyu‐Nam , Koh Young‐Hag , Park Hye‐Yeong , Yang SeungCheol
Published: September 2023

To be able to produce ceramic bodies with complex shapes without interlayer delamination and warping through vat photopolymerization‐based 3D printing techniques, photosensitive ceramic slurries should be studied to prepare 3D printed green and sintered bodies. In this study, we developed dual curable acrylate–epoxide ceramic slurries for digital light processing (DLP) 3D ceramic printing. The dual curing process of the slurries is a combination of photo‐radical polymerization of acrylate and thermal cationic polymerization of cyclo‐aliphatic epoxide. The green bodies prepared by dual curing of the slurries showed higher fracture strength and better adhesion between layers and between starting particles and binder polymer in comparison to acrylate‐based green body. These advantages were due to higher crosslinking density of the binder matrix and hydrogen bonding by hydroxyl groups from epoxide ring opening. The green and sintered bodies printed with improved slurry and DLP 3D printer had flat shape without warping unlike those from acrylate‐based bodies. Moreover, the distribution of inter‐particle necking in the sintered body was uniform and the interface boundary between layers was not observed. This is because of excellent uniformity of the dual cured acrylate–epoxide polymer matrix (uniform crosslinking density in layers) in the green body and hydroxyl groups generated by epoxy ring opening.
Risk factors of foot ulcers in patients with end‐stage renal disease on dialysis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yan Shanshan , Yao Dongfang , Wang Ya , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2023

The present study aims to assess the risk factors for foot ulcers in patients undergoing dialysis for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and to provide evidence‐based guidance for prevention and treatment. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Wanfang Data from the database inception until May 2023 to identify relevant studies investigating the risk factors for foot ulcers in dialysis patients with ESRD. Two independent researchers conducted the literature screening and data extraction. The meta‐analysis was performed using STATA 17.0 software. Ultimately, six articles comprising 1620 patients were included for analysis. The meta‐analysis revealed that male (OR, 1.464; 95% CI: 1.082–1.980, p = 0.013), hypertension (OR, 1.781; 95% CI: 1.293–2.4550, p < 0.001), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (OR, 5.014; 95% CI: 2.514–9.998, p < 0.001), type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (OR, 2.993; 95% CI: 1.477–6.065, p = 0.002) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (OR, 2.498; 95% CI:1.466–4.256, p = 0.001) were risk factors for foot ulcers in dialysis patients with ESRD. Conversely, the female sex (OR, 0.683; 95% CI: 0.505–0.924, p = 0.013) was a protective factor against foot ulcers. Our analysis revealed that male sex, hypertension, PAD, T1DM and T2DM were risk factors for foot ulcers in patients undergoing dialysis for ESRD. Conversely, the female sex was a protective factor against foot ulcers. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen health education that targets patients with these risk factors and regularly screen high‐risk individuals. Early detection and treatment can help delay disease progression.
Effect of caring leadership intervention program for first‐line nurse managers on their managerial actions and nurse outcomes
Authors: Abd El‐Fattah Mohamed Aly Nagah , El‐Shanawany Safaa M. , Ghanem Maha , Fayad Elham Abd El Kader , Lotfy Wael M.
Published: September 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of a caring leadership intervention program for first‐line nurse managers (FLNM) on their caring knowledge and managerial actions as well as nurses' perceived FLNM caring behaviours and nurse outcomes.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study design was implemented on two groups; study and control, including 30 FLNM and 150 nurses for each.

Methods

Self‐report questionnaires about FLNMs' knowledge of caring behaviours and their managerial actions, nurses perceived line nurse managers' caring behaviours and nurses' outcomes (job satisfaction and work engagement) were utilized to collect study data from 1 July 2022 to 30 December 2022.

Results

A statistically significant difference and changes were revealed between the study and control groups in FLNMs' caring knowledge and their managerial actions, and nurses' perceived FLNMs' caring behaviours, nurses' job satisfaction and nurses' work engagement during post‐test in comparison to pre‐test. Higher total mean scores of post‐test in the study group were recorded compared to those of control group regarding FLNMs' caring knowledge and their managerial actions as well as nurses ‘perceived FLNMs’ caring behaviour, job satisfaction and work engagement.

Conclusion

The caring leadership intervention program for FLNMs was highly effective in enhancing their caring knowledge and managerial actions as well as nurses' perceived FLNM caring behaviours and nurse outcomes.

Implications for the Profession

Caring leadership can help FLNMs to create a healthy environment, resulting in a positive outcome for nurse staff, patients and healthcare organizations.

Patient and Public Contribution

No patient and public contribution.
Placenta‐derived exosomal miR‐135a‐5p promotes gestational diabetes mellitus pathogenesis by activating PI3K/AKT signalling pathway via SIRT1
Authors: Zhang Qiuyu , Ye Xu , Xu Xia , Yan Jianying
Published: September 2023

Most people are aware of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a dangerous pregnancy complication in which pregnant women who have never been diagnosed with diabetes develop chronic hyperglycaemia. Exosomal microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation has been shown to be a key player in the pathophysiology of GDM. In this study, we looked into how placental exosomes and their miRNAs may contribute to GDM. When compared to exosomes from healthy pregnant women, it was discovered that miR‐135a‐5p was elevated in placenta‐derived exosomes that were isolated from the maternal peripheral plasma of GDM women. Additionally, we discovered that miR‐135a‐5p encouraged HTR‐8/SVneo cell growth, invasion and migration. Further research revealed that miR‐135a‐5p activates HTR‐8/SVneo cells' proliferation, invasion and migration by promoting PI3K/AKT pathway activity via Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). The transfer of exosomal miR‐135a‐5p generated from the placenta could be viewed as a promising agent for targeting genes and pertinent pathways involved in GDM, according to our findings.
Iron‐inhibited autophagy via transcription factor ZFP27 in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wang Yinying , Wen Qian , Chen Rongsha , Gan Zhichao , Huang Xinwei , Wang Pengfei , Cao Xia , Zhao Ninghui , Yang Zhongshan , Yan Jinyuan
Published: September 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a challenge because of the ageing of the population and the disease's complicated pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence showed that iron and autophagy were involved in PD. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism and role of iron and autophagy in PD are not yet elucidated. In the present study, it was shown that PD mice had significant motor dysfunction, increased iron content, less dopamine neurons and more α‐synuclein accumulation in the substantia nigra. Meanwhile, PD mice treated with deferoxamine exhibited less iron content, relieved the dyskinesia and had a significant increase in dopamine neurons and a significant decrease in α‐synuclein. Autophagy induced by LC3 was inhibited in PD models with iron treatment. Following verification showed that iron aggregation restrained insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and transcription factor zinc finger protein 27 (ZFP27) in PD models. In addition, LC3‐induced autophagy flux was reduced with ZFP27 knockdown. Furthermore, ZFP27 affected autophagy by regulating LC3 promoter activity. These data suggest that iron deposition inhibits IGF2 and ZFP27 to reduce LC3‐induced autophagy, and ultimately decrease dopamine neurons, accelerating PD progression. Our findings provide a novel insight that ZFP27‐mediated iron‐related autophagy and IGF2 may activate the downstream kinase gene to trigger autophagy in the PD model.
Analysis of multisite surface electromyography characteristics of pelvic floor muscles in postpartum patients with diastasis recti abdominis
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Fu Feifei , Li Wenjuan , Ding Tian , Gu Yili , Xie Zhenwei
Published: September 2023

Aim

To explore the electrophysiological characteristics of the independent muscles in the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) group of postpartum women with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) and analyze the correlation between the rectus abdominis interval and PFM function.

Methods

A total of 133 women who underwent postpartum re‐examination from August 2021 to July 2022 were collected. The participants were divided into DRA and control groups based on the occurrence of DRA on ultrasonography. General data of the participants were collected, and the multisite surface electromyography (sEMG) assessment of the PFMs was performed using a intravaginal novel airbag‐type stretchable electrode array device developed by the team. The sEMG characteristics of the different PFMs in the two groups were compared, and the correlation between the maximum rectus abdominis interval and the sEMG parameters of different PFMs was analyzed.

Results

There were no differences in the baseline demographics and incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction between the two groups (p > 0.05). The mean amplitude of vaginal sphincter endurance contraction in the DRA group was significantly lower than that in the control group (28.44 ± 15.59 vs. 22.03 [12.22, 28.00], p < 0.05). Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed a weak negative correlation between the maximum rectus abdominis interval and the endurance contraction mean amplitude of the urethral and external anal sphincters (r = −0.173, −0.217, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with DRA had weakened PFM endurance, and there was a weak negative correlation between the maximum rectus abdominis interval and the endurance contraction mean amplitude of the PFM.
Thurstonian models for three variants (specified, unspecified, and unspecified with forgiveness) of the Two‐Out‐of‐Five method
Authors: Bi Jian , Kuesten Carla
Published: September 2023

The Two‐Out‐of‐Five method is one of the basic sensory discrimination methods. It is a special case of the ‘M+N’ method with M = 3 and N = 2. Three variants of the method are discussed in the paper: specified, unspecified, and unspecified with forgiveness. Analytical and simulation‐derived psychometric functions for all three variants of the Two‐Out‐of‐Five method are derived and produced. The performance of the method in both difference and similarity/equivalence tests are explored. It is shown that both difference and similarity/equivalence testing powers for the specified Two‐Out‐of‐Five are larger than those for the 2‐AFC and 3‐AFC. Both difference and similarity/equivalence testing powers for the unspecified Two‐Out‐of‐Five are larger than those for the Triangle and Duo‐trio. Both difference and similarity/equivalence testing powers for the unspecified with forgiveness Two‐Out‐of‐Five are larger than those for the conventional unspecified Two‐Out‐of‐Five and unspecified Tetrads. Tables and R codes are presented and provided for estimations of the probability of correct response, Pc, Thurstonian discriminal distance or d', and the B value for estimating the variance of d' for the three variants of the Two‐Out‐of‐Five method.

Practical Applications

The Two‐Out‐of‐Five method is a powerful sensory discrimination method. However, this method has not been used widely in sensory and consumer research, partly since the method has not been explored adequately in the literature. This paper explores the Two‐Out‐of‐Five method and shows that the method has potential for wide application. The Two‐Out‐of‐Five method involves a larger number of samples (5) and sensory fatigue may be of concern. Hence, the method may not be suitable for taste and smell tests with strong stimuli. The method is particularly suitable for manual and visual inspection testing where sensory fatigue is of a lesser concern.
Video game playing and oral health in school‐age children: A cross‐sectional study in Turkey
Authors: Mustuloğlu Şeyma , Tezol Özlem
Published: September 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship of video game playing with oral/dental health and harmful oral habits in school‐age children.

Methods

The daily video gamer (n = 77) and occasional video gamer (n = 77) children between 6 and 12 years old were included in the study. A questionnaire inquiring socio‐demographic characteristics, video gaming and abnormal oral habits of the children was filled by parents. The children were examined intraorally and decayed‐missing‐filled tooth, the International Caries Detection and the Assessment‐II System scores, dental plaque and gingival indices were recorded.

Results

Of the children; 42.9% daily video gamers played video games for between 1 and 2 h and 57.1% played for ≥2 h while all of the occasional video gamers spent for between 1 and 2 h on video game per day. The daily video gamer and occasional video gamer children were not different in terms of socio‐demographic characteristics, frequency of having daily tooth brushing habit, using children's toothpaste and having regular dental checkup (P > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was present between the groups in terms of frequencies of abnormal oral habits and having at least one abnormal oral habit (P > 0.05). Severe gingivitis and advanced caries lesions were more common in daily video gamer group (14.2% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.025 and 90.9% vs. 70.9%, P = 0.026, respectively). Daily video gaming time was weakly correlated with plaque index (r = 0.26, n = 77, P = 0.024). Daily video gaming for ≥2 h increased the risk for severe gingivitis (odds (95% confidence interval) = 4.53 (1.07–19.23), P = 0.041) while daily video gaming for between 1 and 2 h decreased the risk for having abnormal oral habit (odds (95% confidence interval) = 0.39 (0.16–0.93), P = 0.034).

Conclusion

In school age, daily video gaming may worsen oral and dental health compared with occasional video gaming. Particularly, an excessive video gaming time seems to be associated with poor oral health in school children.
Evaluation of Ascochyta resistance in chickpea genotypes with quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Özer Göksel , Palacıoğlu Gülsüm , Aydoğan Abdulkadir , Bayraktar Harun
Published: September 2023

Ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei is a globally important chickpea disease. Host resistance to Ascochyta blight is considered the most practical and effective means of control, but breeding has been hindered by a lack of effective resistance sources, and time‐consuming, labour‐intensive traditional methods to screen the resistance level of chickpea genotypes. This paper evaluated the progression of pathogen infection and the disease reaction of chickpea genotypes to Ascochyta blight by traditional and molecular methods. The resistance level of 84 chickpea genotypes was assessed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (qPCR) using a standard curve produced by various known amounts of pathogen DNA and compared with disease scores based on visual assessments 8 days after inoculation. Disease assessments revealed statistically significant differences between the resistance levels of chickpea genotypes, while the quantity of target DNA in the samples inoculated with the pathogen ranged from 0.004 to 83.37 ng. Our results showed a close relationship between the visual assessment of disease severity and the quantification of the target DNA in chickpea genotypes. The genotypes Tüb‐35, Tüb‐47, Tüb‐26, Tüb‐82, Tüb‐65 and Tüb‐69 were classified as highly resistant to Ascochyta blight based on the results of both assays used for screening chickpea genotypes. This qPCR analysis could be used to quantify disease progression in plant tissues and screen chickpea genotypes as a potential alternative to visual assessment of resistance levels in breeding programmes.
Local Whittle estimation with (quasi‐)analytic wavelets
Authors: Achard Sophie , Gannaz Irène
Published: September 2023

In the general setting of long‐memory multivariate time series, the long‐memory characteristics are defined by two components. The long‐memory parameters describe the autocorrelation of each time series. And the long‐run covariance measures the coupling between time series, with general phase parameters. It is of interest to estimate the long‐memory, long‐run covariance and general phase parameters of time series generated by this wide class of models although they are not necessarily Gaussian nor stationary. This estimation is thus not directly possible using real wavelets decomposition or Fourier analysis. Our purpose is to define an inference approach based on a representation using quasi‐analytic wavelets. We first show that the covariance of the wavelet coefficients provides an adequate estimator of the covariance structure including the phase term. Consistent estimators based on a local Whittle approximation are then proposed. Simulations highlight a satisfactory behavior of the estimation on finite samples on multivariate fractional Brownian motions. An application on a real neuroscience dataset is presented, where long‐memory and brain connectivity are inferred.