bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with versus without diabetes mellitus after revascularization with BioMime sirolimus-eluting stent
Authors: Yun Hae Eun , Ki You-Jeong , Kim Weon , Kim Su Hyun , Kim Kyung Hwan , Lee Ming Gu , Lim Yeong Min , Kim Jae Min , Kang Won Yu , Kwon In Young , Cha So Young , Cho Jang Hyun
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Drug-eluting stents (DES) significantly improved angiographic and clinical outcomes compared with bare-metal stents in patients with diabetes. The clinical effects of BioMime sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) in patients with diabetes have not been evaluated. Therefore, we compared the efficacy of BioMime DES in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with versus without diabetes.

Methods

This prospective analytical study compared angiographic in-segment late loss and clinical effectiveness of BioMime SES stents in treating patients with (patients: 77 and lesions: 83) versus without (patients: 154 and lesions: 162) diabetes. The purpose of this study was the comparison of angiographic in-segment late loss at 12 months. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were also monitored as secondary outcomes 24 months after the index procedure.

Results

Of 231 patients enrolled in the study, the mean age was 63.3 years and 153 patients were male. Angiographic follow-up rate was 84.8% (patients: 196) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) follow-up rate was 67.9% (patients: 157) at 12 months. Diabetic patients were comparable to nondiabetic patients for 12-month in-segment late loss (0.01 ± 0.31 mm for the nondiabetes group versus 0.04 ± 0.11 mm for the diabetes group; P = 0.158; P < 0.05). At 24 months, MACEs, including death, myocardial infarction and ischemic-driven target lesion revascularization were not statistically different between the two treatment groups.

Conclusions

BioMime SES stents in treating patients with diabetes were comparable in reducing angiographic restenosis at 12 months and MACEs at 24 months compared to nondiabetic patients with CAD.
Surgical Outcomes of Implant Versus Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Patients with Previous Breast-Conserving Surgery and Radiotherapy
Authors: Asaad Malke , Mitchell David , Murphy Brittany , Liu Jun , Selber Jesse C. , Clemens Mark W. , Bedrosian Isabelle , Butler Charles E.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction in patients with a history of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy is challenging with a paucity of literature on the outcomes of different breast reconstructive techniques. We hypothesized that implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) would be associated with higher complication rates compared to either IBR combined with latissimus dorsi (LD) or free flap breast reconstruction (FFBR).

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent mastectomy with a prior history of BCS and radiotherapy between January 2000 and March 2016. Surgical and patient-reported outcomes (BREAST-Q) were compared between IBR vs. IBR/LD vs. FFBR.

Results:

We identified 9473 patients who underwent BCS and radiotherapy. Ninety-nine patients (105 reconstructions) met our inclusion criteria, 29% (n=30) of whom received IBR, 26% (n=27) IBR/LD, and 46% (n=48) received FFBR. Overall complication rate was not significantly different among the three groups (50% in IBR vs. 41% in IBR/LD vs. 44% in FFBR, p=0.77) while reconstruction failures were significantly lower in the FFBR group (33% in IBR vs. 19% in IBR/LD vs. 0% in FFBR, p<0.0001). The time between the receipt of radiotherapy and reconstruction was not a significant predictor of overall complications and reconstruction failure. No significant differences were identified between the three study cohorts in any of the three studied BREAST-Q domains.

Conclusion:

In patients with prior BCS and radiotherapy, FFBR was associated with lower probability of reconstruction failure compared to IBR but no significant difference in overall and major complication rates. The addition of LD flap to IBR did not translate into lower complication rates but may result in decreased reconstruction failures.
A circulating proteome-informed prognostic model of COVID-19 disease activity that relies on routinely available clinical laboratories
Authors: Ma William , Soulé Antoine , Tremblay Karine , Rousseau Simon , Emad Amin
Published: November 2022

A minority of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 will develop severe COVID-19 disease. To help physicians predict who is more likely to require admission to ICU, we conducted an unsupervised stratification of the circulating proteome that identified six endophenotypes (EPs) among 731 SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive hospitalized participants in the Biobanque Québécoise de la COVID-19, with varying degrees of disease severity and times to intensive care unit (ICU) admission. One endophenotype, EP6, was associated with a greater proportion of ICU admission, ventilation support, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death. Clinical features of EP6 included increased levels of C-reactive protein, D-dimers, interleukin-6, ferritin, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, elevated neutrophils, and depleted lymphocytes, whereas another endophenotype (EP5) was associated with cardiovascular complications, congruent with elevated blood biomarkers of cardiovascular disease like N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15), and Troponin T. Importantly, a prognostic model solely based on clinical laboratory measurements was developed and validated on 903 patients that generalizes the EPs to new patients recruited across all pandemic waves (2020-2022) and create new opportunities for automated identification of high-risk groups in the clinic. Thus, this novel way to address pathogenesis that leverages detailed phenotypic information but relies on routinely available information in the clinic to favor translation may find applications in other diseases beyond COVID-19.
A rapid systematic review of the effect of The Daily Mile™on children’s physical activity, physical health, mental health, wellbeing, academic performance and cognitive function
Authors: Breslin Gavin , Hillyard Medbh , Brick Noel , Shannon Stephen , McKay-Redmond Brenda , McConnell Barbara
Published: November 2022

Background

A minority of children in the United Kingdom meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. One initiative which has been introduced to try and increase the physical activity levels of school children is The Daily Mile™ (TDM). The aim of this review was to determine the effect of TDM on children’s physical activity levels, physical health, mental health, wellbeing, academic performance and cognitive function.

Methods

Six databases were systematically searched from TDM’s inception (2012) to 30thJune 2022. Studies were included if they involved school-aged children (aged 4-12 years), taking part in TDM and measured at least one pre-defined outcome.

Results

Thirteen studies were included from the 123 studies retrieved. Longer-term participation in TDM was found to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and physical fitness. None of the studies reported a significant change in Body Mass Index or academic performance. An acute bout of TDM was not found to improve cognitive function, however one good-quality study reported that longer-term participation in TDM increased visual spatial working memory. There was evidence from one fair-quality design study that TDM can improve mental health in the short term. There were no significant effects on wellbeing, however scores on self-perceptions improved mainly for children with low baseline self-perceptions.

Conclusion

There is evidence to show that TDM can increase physical activity and physical fitness. However, higher-quality research, with adequate participant randomisation and longer-term, post-intervention follow-up is needed to ensure that any changes accurately reflect the components of TDM and are sustained beyond an intervention time frame. Policy recommendations of TDM increasing PA levels in the short term are supported by the evidence in this review. However, long-term improvement on mental health, wellbeing, academic performance and cognitive function requires further good-to excellent quality research. Promisingly, several protocol articles that include randomised controlled trials with long term follow-up have been published. These higher-quality design studies may provide a stronger evidence-base on the effects of TDM on children’s health and should underpin future recommendations in public health policy.

Systematic Review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022340303
Predicting nutritional status for women of childbearing age from their economic, health, and demographic features: A supervised machine learning approach
Authors: Khudri Md. Mohsan , Rhee Kang Keun , Hasan Mohammad Shabbir , Ahsan Karar Zunaid
Published: November 2022

Background

Malnutrition imposes enormous costs resulting from lost investments in human capital and increased healthcare expenditures. There is a dearth of research focusing on the prediction of women’s body mass index (BMI), and the malnutrition outcomes (underweight, overweight and obesity) in developing countries. This paper attempts to fill out this knowledge gap by predicting the BMI and the risks of malnutrition outcomes for Bangladeshi women of childbearing age from their economic, health, and demographic features.

Methods

Data from the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey and a series of supervised machine learning (SML) techniques are used. Additionally, this study circumvents the imbalanced distribution problem in obesity classification by utilizing an oversampling approach.

Results

Study findings demonstrate that support vector machine and k-nearest neighbor are the two best-performing methods in BMI prediction based on coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The combined predictor algorithms consistently yield top specificity, Cohen’s kappa, F1-score, and AUC in classifying the malnutrition status, and their performance is robust to alternative standards. The feature importance ranking based on several nonparametric and combined predictors indicates that socioeconomic status, women’s age, and breastfeeding status are the most important features in predicting women’s nutritional outcomes. Furthermore, the conditional inference trees corroborate that those three features along with the partner’s educational attainment and employment significantly predict malnutrition risks.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that predicts BMI and one of the pioneer studies to classify all three malnutrition outcomes for women of childbearing age in Bangladesh, let alone in any lower-middle income country, using SML techniques. Moreover, in the context of Bangladesh, this paper is the first to identify and rank features that are critical in predicting nutritional outcomes using several feature selection algorithms. The estimators from this study predict the outcomes of interest most accurately and efficiently compared to other existing studies in the relevant literature. Therefore, study findings can aid policymakers in designing policy and programmatic approaches to address the double burden of malnutrition among Bangladeshi women, thereby reducing the country’s economic burden.
Jungfraujoch: hardware-accelerated data-acquisition system for kilohertz pixel-array X-ray detectors
Authors: Leonarski Filip , Brückner Martin , Lopez-Cuenca Carlos , Mozzanica Aldo , Stadler Hans-Christian , Matěj Zdeněk , Castellane Alexandre , Mesnet Bruno , Wojdyla Justyna Aleksandra , Schmitt Bernd , Wang Meitian
Published: November 2022

The JUNGFRAU 4-megapixel (4M) charge-integrating pixel-array detector, when operated at a full 2 kHz frame rate, streams data at a rate of 17 GB s−1. To operate this detector for macromolecular crystallography beamlines, a data-acquisition system called Jungfraujoch was developed. The system, running on a single server with field-programmable gate arrays and general-purpose graphics processing units, is capable of handling data produced by the JUNGFRAU 4M detector, including conversion of raw pixel readout to photon counts, compression and on-the-fly spot finding. It was also demonstrated that 30 GB s−1 can be handled in performance tests, indicating that the operation of even larger and faster detectors will be achievable in the future. The source code is available from a public repository.
The PERCIVAL detector: first user experiments
Authors: Correa J. , Mehrjoo M. , Battistelli R. , Lehmkühler F. , Marras A. , Wunderer C. B. , Hirono T. , Felk V. , Krivan F. , Lange S. , Shevyakov I. , Vardanyan V. , Zimmer M. , Hoesch M. , Bagschik K. , Guerrini N. , Marsh B. , Sedgwick I. , Cautero G. , Stebel L. , Giuressi D. , Menk R. H. , Greer A. , Nicholls T. , Nichols W. , Pedersen U. , Shikhaliev P. , Tartoni N. , Hyun H. J. , Kim S. H. , Park S. Y. , Kim K. S. , Orsini F. , Iguaz F. J. , Büttner F. , Pfau B. , Plönjes E. , Kharitonov K. , Ruiz-Lopez M. , Pan R. , Gang S. , Keitel B. , Graafsma H.
Published: November 2022

The PERCIVAL detector is a CMOS imager designed for the soft X-ray regime at photon sources. Although still in its final development phase, it has recently seen its first user experiments: ptychography at a free-electron laser, holographic imaging at a storage ring and preliminary tests on X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. The detector performed remarkably well in terms of spatial resolution achievable in the sample plane, owing to its small pixel size, large active area and very large dynamic range; but also in terms of its frame rate, which is significantly faster than traditional CCDs. In particular, it is the combination of these features which makes PERCIVAL an attractive option for soft X-ray science.
Synthesis, structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of diaquadinitratobis(4-nitroaniline)copper(II)
Authors: Kamolov Sanjar , Babaev Bakhrom , Ibragimov Aziz , Yakubov Yuldash , Abdullaev Akhrorjon , Ibragimov Bakhtiyar , Ashurov Jamshid
Published: November 2022

A new metal complex, [Cu(NO3)2(C6H6N2O2)2(H2O)2], was synthesized from water–ethanol solutions of Cu(NO3)2 and 4-nitroaniline (PNA). The complex molecules are located on inversion centers in monoclinic crystals with space group P21/c. The copper(II) ions are monodentately coordinated by two neutral PNA molecules through the nitrogen atom of the amino group, two NO3
− anions and two water molecules. The coordination polyhedron of the central ion is a distorted octahedron as a result of the Jahn–Teller effect. There is a weak intramolecular hydrogen bond between the N—H group and the oxygen atom of one nitrate anion. Six relatively weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds associate the complex molecules into a three-dimensional network. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that 55.8% of the intermolecular interactions are from O...H/H...O contacts, 13.3% are from H...H contacts while other contributions are from C...O/O...C, C...H/H...C, O...O and other contacts.
Labor resource allocation under extremely short construction period based on the inverse optimization method
Authors: Peng Junlong , Liu Xiang-Jun
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This research is aimed to mainly be applicable to expediting engineering projects, uses the method of inverse optimization and the double-layer nested genetic algorithm combined with nonlinear programming algorithm, study how to schedule the number of labor in each process at the minimum cost to achieve an extremely short construction period goal.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of inverse optimization is mainly used in this study. In the first phase, establish a positive optimization model, according to the existing labor constraints, aiming at the shortest construction period. In the second phase, under the condition that the expected shortest construction period is known, on the basis of the positive optimization model, the inverse optimization method is used to establish the inverse optimization model aiming at the minimum change of the number of workers, and finally the optimal labor allocation scheme that meets the conditions is obtained. Finally, use algorithm to solve and prove with a case.

Findings

The case study shows that this method can effectively achieve the extremely short duration goal of the engineering project at the minimum cost, and provide the basis for the decision-making of the engineering project.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper to the existing knowledge is to carry out a preliminary study on the relatively blank field of the current engineering project with a very short construction period, and provide a path for the vast number of engineering projects with strict requirements on the construction period to achieve a very short construction period, and apply the inverse optimization method to the engineering field. Furthermore, a double-nested genetic algorithm and nonlinear programming algorithm are designed. It can effectively solve various optimization problems.
The takeover market’s effect on managerial ownership: evidence from hostile takeover susceptibility
Authors: Chatjuthamard Pattanaporn , Kijkasiwat Ploypailin , Jiraporn Pornsit , Uyar Ali
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Capitalizing on a unique measure of takeover susceptibility principally based on the staggered implementation of state laws, this study aims to explore the takeover market’s effect on managerial ownership. The market for corporate control, often known as the takeover market, is an important external governance mechanism, whereas managerial ownership is a vital internal governance instrument. Managerial ownership brings into convergence the interests of shareholders and managers. The originality of this study arises from the usage of state-level anti-takeover legislations as a measure which is beyond the control of firms and plausibly exogenous to firm-specific characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to the standard regression analysis, this study also executes a variety of robustness checks to minimize endogeneity, i.e. propensity score matching, entropy balancing, instrumental–variable analysis, Lewbel’s (2012) heteroscedastic identification and Oster’s (2019) testing for coefficient stability.

Findings

Based on a large sample of US firms, the results show that more hostile takeover threats bring about significantly lower managerial ownership. The results reinforce the prediction of the substitution hypothesis. The disciplinary function of the takeover market reduces agency conflict to the point where managerial ownership is less necessary as a governance mechanism. Specifically, a rise in takeover susceptibility by one standard deviation diminishes managerial ownership by 7.22%.

Originality/value

`To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to shed light on the impact of the takeover market on managerial ownership using a novel measure mainly based on the staggered adoption of state laws, which are plausibly exogenous to individual firms’ characteristics. Consequently, unlike prior research, this study is more likely to indicate a causal effect, rather than merely a correlation.
Conflicting logics of the postpandemic university
Authors: Reisinger Gerald , Gaisch Martina
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual frame for scholars who draws on the conflicting logics of the postpandemic university.

Design/methodology/approach

This feature paper is based on a systematic review of research and studies conducted in the field of higher education. It illustrates broader trends with respect to how the various elements of contemporary and conflicting challenges present themselves within higher education institutions (HEIs).

Findings

A combination of literature review and fieldwork across a broad range of scientific fields presents a potentially powerful means of reducing the gap between research and practice. For this reason, this paper sets out to provide conceptual perspectives as to contemporary and conflicting challenges in higher education.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents many descriptive results from HEIs in the western world which do not allow for making global inferences toward the entire higher education sector.

Practical implications

The results have a number of implications for the postpandemic university. Among them are that HEIs should not only be more open toward contemporary changes but also embrace previously excluded student populations with their purpose-driven and sustainable orientation toward life.

Originality/value

This paper presents a conceptual contribution to contemporary challenges in higher education as a way of refraining from one-size-fits-all approaches. It demonstrates how institutional positioning and profiling depend on conflicting logics. Consequently, each institution of higher learning needs to address these challenges in line with their strategic, economic and political settings.
Tumultuous waters and turbulent times: JEDI, humanities, and intellectual leadership in American higher education
Authors: Christensen Nicolette DeVille
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to raise the issue of the president as the intellectual leader of the university in that they are the voice of the importance of the Humanities, both in inclusion and diversity measures, in decolonizing the curriculum and recognizing the importance of teaching life skills to students.

Design/methodology/approach

Discussion focuses on unrealistic workloads of university and college presidents which have engendered a move away from the president as central to the academic mission. It is drawn from the author's 30 years of service in senior leadership posts at institutions, very diverse in their scope, size and mission.

Findings

No matter how much data is produced in support of the importance of the Humanities to the mission of the undergraduate degree, support continues to decline. Because we are all enmeshed in the sound bite approach, perhaps we can take back the narrative through organizations, social media outlets, but mostly to install presidents as the intellectual leadership of the institution.

Originality/value

The author’s perspectives are those having served a variety of institutions over time in senior-level positions, including vice-presidential support to presidents, but also from the experience of being a university president.
Change agents’ enactment of management control systems: shaping strategic change in a telecommunications organisation
Authors: Sharma Umesh , Lowe Alan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to use a perspective informed by practice theory to examine the influence of change agents in enacting management control systems (MCS) in the process of shaping strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a case study approach to examine the implementation of a business strategy in the utility sector. The authors seek a better understanding of practice theory and its role in influencing institutional change and stability.

Findings

The case study findings show that the change agents enacted MCS practices that aided the metamorphosis of a once state-owned company into a for-profit enterprise. The findings show how the organisation transformed from a long-established preoccupation with technical systems and engineering and shifted to a focus on customer satisfaction and shareholder interests.

Research limitations/implications

In terms of policy implications, bureaucrats need to appreciate that inculcating business norms is not an easy path and can be met with resistance, which creates delays in strategy implementation. The current study, while reporting some of the influences of tribal loyalty, was nevertheless limited by not having the time and space to examine in-depth the intersections of MCS and strategy within a strongly tribal context. This can be an avenue for future research.

Practical implications

The study helps to understand embedded actors in the implementation of strategy by refocusing research on the actions and interactions of strategy implementation practitioners.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature by seeking to use practice theory and offer a valuable understanding, from the actor level, of how practices are created and enacted. Often accounting studies have paid less attention to the change agents in the process of shaping business-oriented strategic activity. This study enabled us to gain a better understanding of the action and practice behaviour around the strategy-MCS nexus.
Firm innovation and technical capabilities for enhanced export performance: the moderating role of competitive intensity
Authors: Zhang Meng Di , Jedin Mohd Haniff
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and structure–conduct–performance (SCP) paradigm perspectives, this study aims to investigate the influence of the innovation and technical capabilities of exporting organisations on their export performance moderate by competitive intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from 162 Chinese manufacturer–exporter companies operating across China. The conceptual framework of this study, which incorporated the impact of RBV and SCP paradigm determinants on export performance through the interaction effect of competitive intensity, was tested using structural equation modelling (Smart-PLS).

Findings

Results show that the technical and innovation capabilities can increase its export success in international markets. Furthermore, this research finds that competitive intensity moderates the positive relationship between technical capability and export performance but not the relationship between innovation capability and export performance.

Originality/value

This study presents a holistic assessment of the export performance of manufacturer–exporter enterprises by accounting for the overlooked effect of organisational capabilities through the moderating function of competitive intensity. This study has far-reaching consequences for export academics and practitioners, including the fundamental concept of an internationalizing small- and medium-sized enterprises, especially the manufacturers.
An unusual blunt force trauma pattern and mechanism to the cranial vault: Investigation of an atypical infant homicide
Authors: Isaac Carolyn V. , Cornelison Jered B. , Devota Clara J. , Shattuck Brandy L. , Castellani Rudolph J.
Published: November 2022

This case report presents an unusual fracture pattern in the cranium of a four‐month‐old infant indicative of child abuse. Upon postmortem examination, the infant presented with numerous bilateral linear cranial fractures running perpendicular to the sagittal suture with depressed and curvilinear fractures apparent on the supra‐auricular surfaces of the cranium. Histological evidence indicates multiple traumatic events to the cranium. In addition, the stair‐step pattern of a parietal fracture may represent multiple contiguous fractures from repeated loading of the head at different times with variation of the focal points of compressive force. Additionally, the left humerus, left radius, and left ulna have healing metaphyseal fractures, and the left ulna also has an antemortem diaphyseal fracture which resulted in the distal metaphysis being rotated 45 degrees medially. Integration of autopsy, anthropological, and neuropathological reports for this case suggest multiple inflicted injury episodes with a repeated atypical mechanism(s) to the cranial vault of the infant. During investigative interviews, the caretaker admitted to squeezing the infant's head and neck on multiple occasions to quiet the child. This reported abusive mechanism is consistent with the pattern of symmetric cranial fractures and soft tissue injuries indicating asphyxiation. This case report provides forensic investigators with a potential trauma mechanism to explore in cases when a similar pattern of cranial trauma is observed and highlights the need for greater research on fracture propagation and fracture healing in the infant cranium.
Drug‐induced cutaneous pseudolymphoma: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Etesami Ifa , Kalantari Yasamin , Tavakolpour Soheil , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Daneshpazhooh Maryam
Published: November 2022

Drug‐induced cutaneous pseudolymphoma (CPL) is a common form of pseudolymphoma and there are numerous drugs associated with it. In this study, we performed a systematic review of the literature by searching PubMed/Medline and Embase databases to determine the most common drugs responsible for CPL and to define the demographic, clinical, histopathological and immunopathological characteristics of patients (updated on 30 December 2020). From 883 initially found articles, 56 studies (89 reported cases) were included. The mean age of patients was 54.4 ± 17.7 (ranging 8–86) years, and 46 (51.7%) were men. The median time interval between drug intake and CPL occurrence was 120 days (range 1–7300 days). The shortest median time interval between taking the drug and the onset of the disease was observed among patients taking antidepressants (60 days) (range 7–540) and the longest median time interval was observed in individuals using immunomodulators (300 days) (range 3–7300). The most‐reported drug categories causing CPL were anti‐hypertensives (17.9%), anticonvulsants (14.6%), monoclonal antibodies (13.4%) and antidepressants (11.2%). Moreover, the most common drugs were phenytoin (6.7%), amlodipine (5.6%), fluoxetine (5.6%) and carbamazepine (4.4%). Histopathological evaluation of 76 cases revealed 62 (81.5%) reports of T‐cell infiltrations. Furthermore, positive reports of CD4 (94.0%), CD8 (93.0%) and CD30 (87.5%) were noted. The lowest prevalence of CD30‐positive reports was observed among monoclonal antibodies. In conclusion, anti‐hypertensives, anti‐convulsants, monoclonal antibodies and anti‐depressants are the most common drugs responsible for CPL. It mostly presents in middle‐aged patients with almost no gender difference as pruritic papules, nodules and plaques.
Who is responsible for postpartum contraception advice and provision? The perspective of hospital‐based maternity clinicians in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Botfield Jessica R. , Tulloch Melanie , Contziu Hannah , Bateson Deborah , Phipps Hala , Wright Sarah M. , Mcgeechan Kevin , Black Kirsten I.
Published: November 2022

Access to postpartum contraception is critical for the health of the mother and subsequent pregnancies. However, the differential roles and responsibilities of maternity care providers in contraception discussions and provision are often unclear. Our study, part of a larger study on midwifery provision of contraceptive implants, presents the perspectives of hospital‐based maternity clinicians. Participants suggested that contraception discussions and provision are a shared responsibility of maternity care providers but identified inconsistencies and issues with current approaches. Access to contraception could be improved through more routine discussions antenatally and postnatally and greater collaboration between maternity care providers in hospital, community and primary care settings.
Cervical neoplasia in relation to socioeconomic and demographic factors – a nationwide cohort study (2002–2018)
Authors: Jansåker Filip , Li Xinjun , Sundqvist Avalon , Sundquist Kristina , Borgfeldt Christer
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. We aimed to estimate the association between sociodemographic factors and cervical neoplasia.

Material and methods

In this Swedish nationwide open cohort study, 4 120 557 women aged ≥15 years at baseline were included between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2018. The two outcomes were cervical cancer and carcinoma in situ identified in the Swedish Cancer Register. Sociodemographic factors (age, education level, family income level, region of residency, country of origin) were the main predictors. Incidence rates per 10 000 person‐years were calculated. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios. Sensitivity analyses were conducted, including parity, urogenital infections, alcohol‐ and drug‐use disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (used as a proxy for tobacco abuse).

Results

In 38.9 million person‐years of follow‐up, 5781 (incidence rate: 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–1.5) and 62 249 (incidence rate 16.9, 95% CI 15.9–16.1) women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and carcinoma in situ, respectively. Women from Eastern Europe had a hazard ratio of 1.18 (95% CI 1.05–1.33) for cervical cancer compared with Swedish‐born women, while women from non‐Western regions were inversely associated with cervical cancer and carcinoma in situ. Women with a low education level had a hazard ratio of 1.37 (95% CI 1.29–1.45) for cervical cancer compared with women with a high education level.

Conclusions

Women from the Middle East and Africa living in Sweden seem to suffer less from cervical neoplasia, whereas women with low education and women from Eastern Europe seem to suffer more from cervical cancer.
A note on the use of rank‐ordered logit models for ordered response categories
Authors: Johnson Timothy R.
Published: November 2022

Models for rankings have been shown to produce more efficient estimators than comparable models for first/top choices. The discussions and applications of these models typically only consider unordered alternatives. But these models can be usefully adapted to the case where a respondent ranks a set of ordered alternatives that are ordered response categories. This paper proposes eliciting a rank order that is consistent with the ordering of the response categories, and then modelling the observed rankings using a variant of the rank ordered logit model where the distribution of rankings has been truncated to the set of admissible rankings. This results in lower standard errors in comparison to when only a single top category is selected by the respondents. And the restrictions on the set of admissible rankings reduces the number of decisions needed to be made by respondents in comparison to ranking a set of unordered alternatives. Simulation studies and application examples featuring models based on a stereotype regression model and a rating scale item response model are provided to demonstrate the utility of this approach.
The gut microbiome reflects ancestry despite dietary shifts across a hybrid zone
Authors: Nielsen Danny P. , Harrison Joshua G. , Byer Nathan W. , Faske Trevor M. , Parchman Thomas L. , Simison W. Brian , Matocq Marjorie D.
Published: November 2022

The microbiome is critical to an organism's phenotype, and its composition is shaped by, and a driver of, eco‐evolutionary interactions. We investigated how host ancestry, habitat and diet shape gut microbial composition in a mammalian hybrid zone between Neotoma lepida and N. bryanti that occurs across an ecotone between distinct vegetation communities. We found that habitat is the primary determinant of diet, while host genotype is the primary determinant of the gut microbiome—a finding further supported by intermediate microbiome composition in first‐generation hybrids. Despite these distinct primary drivers, microbial richness was correlated with diet richness, and individuals that maintained higher dietary richness had greater gut microbial community stability. Both relationships were stronger in the relative dietary generalist of the two parental species. Our findings show that host ancestry interacts with dietary habits to shape the microbiome, ultimately resulting in the phenotypic plasticity that host–microbial interactions allow.
Association between gene polymorphisms of IL‐12, IL‐12 receptor and IL‐27 and organ involvement in Iranian endometriosis patients
Authors: Zare Maryam , Hesampour Fatemeh , Poordast Tahereh , Valibeigi Maryam , Enayatmehri Maliheh , Ahmadi Sahar , Nasri Fatemeh , Gharesi‐Fard Behrouz
Published: November 2022

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue, immune cell dysfunction and abnormal cytokine secretion. In addition to immunological factors, genetic variations that influence endometriosis severity and cytokine expression levels play important roles in the pathogenesis of this disease. Interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), specifically its p40 subunit encoded by IL‐12B gene and the interleukin‐12 receptor β1 (IL‐12Rβ2) chain of its receptor, as well as interleukin‐27 (IL‐27) are important in the establishment of endometriosis. So, in this study, we measured IL‐12 and IL‐27 serum levels and investigated the possible links between IL‐12B rs3212227, IL‐12Rβ2 rs3790565 and IL‐27 rs153109 polymorphisms and the risk of developing endometriosis in a group of Iranian women. In this case‐control study, 162 endometriosis patients and 151 healthy women were included and tested for the aforementioned polymorphisms using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) technique. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was also used to measure IL‐12 and IL‐27 serum levels. Although there was no statistically significant association between the genotypes and alleles of the studied polymorphisms and the development of endometriosis in general, the AA genotype of IL‐12B rs3212227 showed a significant association with uterine endometriosis when compared to AC+CC genotypes (p = .04, CI = 0.270–0.988, OR = 0.517). Indeed, the AA genotype of the IL‐12B rs3212227 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) may be linked with a lower risk of developing uterine endometriosis. There was no significant difference in IL‐27 levels between the two studied groups (p = .49), and IL‐12 levels were undetectable in both groups. In conclusion, the AA genotype of IL‐12B rs3212227 might be associated with a decreased risk of uterine involvement in endometriosis patients.
Effects of maternal childhood trauma on child emotional health: maternal mental health and frontoamygdala pathways
Authors: Uy Jessica P. , Tan Ai Peng , Broeckman Birit B.F.P. , Gluckman Peter D. , Chong Yap Seng , Chen Helen , Fortier Marielle V. , Meaney Michael J. , Callaghan Bridget L.
Published: November 2022

Background

Experiences of early life adversity pose significant psychological and physical health risks to exposed individuals. Emerging evidence suggests that these health risks can be transmitted across generations; however, the mechanisms underlying the intergenerational impacts of maternal early‐life trauma on child health remain unknown.

Methods

The current study used a prospective longitudinal design to determine the unique and joint contributions of maternal childhood trauma (neglect and abuse) and maternal prenatal and postnatal mental health (anxiety and depressive symptoms) (N = 541) to children's resting frontoamygdala functional connectivity at 6 years (N = 89) and emotional health at 7–8 years, as indexed by parent‐reported internalizing problems and child self‐reported anxiety and depressive symptoms (N = 268–418).

Results

Greater maternal childhood neglect was indirectly associated with greater internalizing problems serially through a pathway of worse maternal prenatal and postnatal mental health (greater maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms). Worse maternal postnatal mental health was also uniquely associated with more negative child frontoamygdala resting‐state functional connectivity, over and above maternal childhood trauma (both neglect and abuse) and prenatal mental health. More negative frontoamygdala functional connectivity was, in turn, associated with poorer child emotional health outcomes.

Conclusions

Findings from the current study provide support for the existence of intergenerational influences of parental exposure to childhood trauma on childhood risk for psychopathology in the next generation and point to the importance of maternal factors proximal to the second generation (maternal prenatal and postnatal mental health) in determining the intergenerational impact of maternal early experiences.
Prevalence, comorbidities and mortality of generalized pustular psoriasis: A literature review
Authors: Prinz Jörg C. , Choon Siew Eng , Griffiths Christopher E. M. , Merola Joseph F. , Morita Akimichi , Ashcroft Darren M. , Viguier Manuelle
Published: November 2022

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare auto‐inflammatory skin disease characterised by acute episodes of sterile pustule formation. Diagnosis and treatment of the disease have historically been complicated by a lack of awareness, and no consistent global definition or clinical coding standards. Now acknowledged as a distinct clinical entity with a recognised genetic component, GPP can take a serious and life‐threatening course due to systemic inflammatory complications and its association with various comorbidities. As with other rare diseases, there are significant challenges to understanding the epidemiology of GPP, notably a small patient population, non‐standardised study methodologies and ethnic differences in its presentation. A clearer understanding of GPP is therefore required for clinicians to better manage patients with this rare condition. In this review article, we present an overview of the available data on GPP prevalence estimates in key demographics and report the frequency of genetic mutations associated with the disease. We detail the incidence of known comorbidities and summarise the data on mortality and assigned causes of death. Lastly, we discuss the various factors that impact the collection, interpretation and comparison of these data.
Experience on switching trientine formulations in Wilson disease: Efficacy and safety after initiation of TETA 4HCl as substitute for TETA 2HCl
Authors: Mohr Isabelle , Bourhis Hélène , Woimant France , Obadia Mickael Alexandre , Morgil Müzeyyen , Morvan Erwan , Merle Uta , Denk Gerald , Poujois Aurelia , Weiss Karl Heinz
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim

This retrospective, multicenter study aims to assess the efficacy and safety in Wilson disease (WD) patients treated with trientine tetrahydrochloride (TETA 4HCl) after switch from trientine dihydrochloride (TETA 2HCl).

Methods

In total, 68 WD patients with stable copper metabolism were identified to receive TETA 4HCl (Cuprior™) after previous treatment with TETA 2HCl. We analyzed biochemical markers such as urinary copper, serum copper, non‐coeruloplasmin bound copper (NCC), and transaminases as well as clinical scores (APRI; FIB‐4 score) at baseline with a follow‐up (FU) of 12 months. Safety of TETA 4HCl treatment was based on reported adverse events (AEs).

Results

The study cohort reflects a common WD cohort with a mean age of 20.3 years at diagnosis and 38.3 years at baseline. There are no significant differences concerning serum copper, NCC, transaminases, APRI, and FIB‐4 score in the 3‐month FU. Six‐month FU revealed a decreased AST (P = 0.008), APRI (P = 0.042), and FIB‐4 score (P = 0.039). GGT varied only borderline significantly in the 3‐month, but not in the 6‐month FU. Comparison of urinary copper within the subsets did not reveal a difference to baseline in all FUs, suggesting stable control of copper metabolism. Few AEs during TETA 4HCl treatment were reported, most commonly gastrointestinal discomfort. Only three treatments with TETA 4HCl were discontinued.

Conclusion

Copper parameters and liver function were stable after treatment switch to TETA 4HCl. Treatment with TETA 4HCl was generally well tolerated. This study indicates that the switch from TETA 2HCl to TETA 4HCl is safe and viable.
Clinical characterization of epileptic seizures in Pomeranians with idiopathic epilepsy or epilepsy of unknown cause
Authors: Yu Yoshihiko , Hasegawa Daisuke , Kanazono Shinichi , Saito Miyoko
Published: November 2022

Background

Focal epileptic motor seizures manifested by limb contraction have been recognized anecdotally in Pomeranians.

Objectives

To investigate clinical features of idiopathic epilepsy (IE) and epilepsy of unknown cause (EUC) in Pomeranians as well as the ADAM23 haplotype frequency previously reported as a common risk haplotype for epilepsy in several breeds of dogs.

Animals

Twenty‐eight Pomeranians, including 15 with IE and 13 with EUC. Nine Pomeranians with epilepsy and 8 control Pomeranians were used for ADAM23 risk haplotype analysis.

Methods

Case series study including both retrospectively and prospectively collected cases. The ADAM23 haplotype was determined by direct sequencing of PCR amplicons. Data were analyzed descriptively.

Results

Focal epileptic seizures (FS) were the predominant type of seizure in 22 of 28 dogs (78.6%). Among these, 12 of the IE dogs (80.0%) and 10 of the EUC dogs (76.9%) showed FS. Notably, 21 of 22 Pomeranians with FS (95.5%) showed limb contraction during ictal periods. Some dogs with FS also showed immobility, generalized tremors, difficulty walking or moving, autonomic signs, orofacial automatisms or some combination during ictal events. Ten dogs with FS and limb contraction had electroencephalography (EEG) performed, and interictal epileptiform discharges were identified in 9 dogs. The haplotype frequency of ADAM23 in cases was lower (27.8%) than that of the controls (56.3%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In our study, FS was the predominant type of seizure in Pomeranians, and almost all cases with FS showed limb contraction, regardless of whether having IE or EUC.
miR‐141‐3p affects β‐catenin signaling and apoptosis by targeting Ubtd2 in rats with anorectal malformations
Authors: Wang Chen Yi , Li Si Ying , Xiao Yun Xia , Zhen Lin , Wei Xiao Gao , Tang Xiao Bing , Yuan Zheng Wei , Bai Yu Zuo
Published: November 2022

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are the most common gastrointestinal malformations. miR‐141‐3p was obtained from whole‐transcriptome sequencing, and Ub domain‐containing protein 2 (Ubtd2) was predicted as the target gene. An ARM rat model was induced using ethylenethiourea. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence were used to detect the spatiotemporal expression of miR‐141‐3p and Ubtd2, respectively. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed their targeting relationship, and cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated after transfection in the intestinal epithelium (IEC‐6). Additionally, western blotting and co‐immunoprecipitation were used to examine the protein levels and the endogenous binding relationship. miR‐141‐3p was downregulated in the ARM group, whereas Ubtd2 increased and colocalized with TUNEL‐positive cells. After miR‐141‐3p inhibition, protein expression of USP5 and β‐catenin was affected via Ubtd2, and USP5 could bind to both Ubtd2 and β‐catenin. Flow cytometry analysis and caspase 3/7 staining demonstrated that downregulated miR‐141‐3p promoted cell apoptosis through Ubtd2. In summary, targeting Ubtd2 decreased in miR‐141‐3p and promoted apoptosis of intestinal epithelium and regulated β‐catenin expression. This may cause aberrant apoptosis during hindgut development and mediate the imbalance of β‐catenin signaling in the cloaca, further affecting the occurrence of ARMs.