bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of the use of the oral and faecal microbiota for the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in a paediatric population
Authors: Monleón-Getino A. , Pujol-Muncunill G. , Méndez Viera J. , Álvarez Carnero L. , Sanseverino W. , Paytuví-Gallart A. , Martín de Carpí J.
Published: November 2023

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Changes in the microbiome and its interaction with the immune system are thought to play a key role in their development. The aim of this study was to determine whether metagenomic analysis is a feasible non-invasive diagnostic tool for IBD in paediatric patients. A pilot study of oral and faecal microbiota was proposed with 36 paediatric patients divided in three cohorts [12 with CD, 12 with UC and 12 healthy controls (HC)] with 6 months of follow-up. Finally, 30 participants were included: 13 with CD, 11 with UC and 8 HC (6 dropped out during follow-up). Despite the small size of the study population, a differential pattern of microbial biodiversity was observed between IBD patients and the control group. Twenty-one bacterial species were selected in function of their discriminant accuracy, forming three sets of potential markers of IBD. Although IBD diagnosis requires comprehensive medical evaluation, the findings of this study show that faecal metagenomics or a reduced set of bacterial markers could be useful as a non-invasive tool for an easier and earlier diagnosis.
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: the state of the art and future perspectives
Authors: Salomè S. , Corrado F. R. , Mazzarelli L. L. , Maruotti G. M. , Capasso L. , Blazquez-Gamero D. , Raimondi F.
Published: November 2023

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common congenital infection, with an estimated incidence of approximately one in 200 infants in high-income settings. Approximately one in four children may experience life-long consequences, including sensorineural hearing loss and neurodisability. Knowledge regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment increased in the recent years, but some challenges remain. In this review, we tried to summarize the current knowledge on both the obstetrical and pediatric areas, while also highlighting controversial aspects and future perspectives. There is a need to enhance awareness among the general population and pregnant women through specific information programs. Further research is needed to better define the classification of individuals at birth and to have a deeper understanding of the long-term outcomes for so defined children. Finally, the availability of valaciclovir medication throughout pregnancy, where appropriate, has prompted the assessment of a universal serological antenatal screening. It is recommended to establish a dedicated unit for better evaluation and management of both mothers and children.
Clinical effectiveness and safety of sirolimus in pediatric patients with complex vascular anomalies: necessitating personalized and comprehensive approaches
Authors: Kim Minji , Hong Kyung Taek , Park Hyun Jin , Kim Bo Kyung , Choi Jung Yoon , Kim Hyun-Young , Kang Hyoung Jin
Published: November 2023

Background

Managing complex vascular anomalies in pediatric care requires comprehensive approaches. Sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor with immunosuppressive and anti-angiogenic properties, offers promise. We evaluated sirolimus's effectiveness and safety in pediatric patients with complex vascular anomalies at a tertiary children's hospital.

Methods

Our study included 20 patients, aged 1 month to 19 years, with diverse vascular anomalies resistant to conventional therapies or located in high-risk areas precluding surgery. The evaluation of response encompassed measuring the reduction in the size of the targeted vascular or lymphatic lesions as observed on radiologic imaging, along with considering improvements reported by the patients.

Results

Patients used sirolimus for a median of 2.1 years, ranging from 0.6–4.3 years. Results indicated that 60% of patients achieved complete or partial response (CR/PR), whereas 40% had stable disease (SD). Notably, no disease progression occurred. Lesion size assessment was complex, yet patients' self-reported improvements were considered. Three patients reinitiated sirolimus after discontinuation due to worsening lesions. Sirolimus treatment demonstrated good tolerability, with minor complications except for one case of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. Group comparisons based on response highlighted better outcomes in patients with vascular tumors (CR/PR group 58.0% vs. SD group 0.0%, P = 0.015) or localized measurable lesions (83.3% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Our study underscores sirolimus's potential for treating complex vascular anomalies in pediatric patients. Challenges associated with optimal treatment duration and concurrent interventions necessitate a comprehensive approach and genetic testing to optimize outcomes.
Associated adverse health outcomes of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications in community-dwelling older adults with diabetes
Authors: Lu Lvliang , Wang Shuang , Chen Jiaqi , Yang Yujie , Wang Kai , Zheng Jing , Guo Pi , Cai Yunpeng , Zhang Qingying
Published: November 2023

Aim: This study aimed to identify the association of chronic polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) with adverse health outcomes (AHOs) in community-dwelling older adults with diabetes in China.

Methods: A 2-year retrospective cohort study was conducted using 11,829 community-followed older adults with diabetes and medical records from 83 hospitals and 702 primary care centers in Shenzhen, China. Chronic polypharmacy and PIMs were identified from prescription records using Beers’ criteria, and their associated AHO was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results: The prevalence of chronic polypharmacy and at least one PIM exposure was 46.37% and 55.09%, respectively. The top five PIMs were diuretics, benzodiazepines, first-generation antihistamines, sulfonylureas, and insulin (sliding scale). Chronic polypharmacy was positively associated with all-cause hospital admission, admission for coronary heart disease, admission for stroke, admission for dementia, and emergency department visits. Exposure to PIMs was positively associated with all-cause hospital admission, admission for heart failure (PIMs ≥2), admission for stroke (PIMs ≥3), emergency department visits, bone fracture, constipation, and diarrhea.

Conclusion: Chronic polypharmacy and PIMs were prevalent in older adults with diabetes in Chinese communities. Iatrogenic exposure to chronic polypharmacy and PIMs is associated with a higher incidence of different AHOs. This observational evidence highlights the necessity of patient-centered medication reviews for chronic polypharmacy and PIMs use in older patients with diabetes in primary care facilities in China and draws attention to the caution of polypharmacy, especially PIM use in older adults with diabetes in clinical practice.
Bud endodormancy – a familiar but still unknown key adaptive trait in extratropical woody plants
Authors: Zhang Rui , Hänninen Heikki , Wu Jiasheng , Bhalerao Rishikesh P.
Published: November 2023

In autumn, the buds of extratropical trees are in a state of endodormancy, since regardless of the prevailing environmental conditions, growth cannot be activated in these buds because the dormancy is caused by physiological factors in the buds. In natural conditions the growth-arresting physiological factors are removed by prolonged exposure to low chilling temperatures. This phenomenon is a key adaptive trait, for it prevents ‘false spring’, i.e., untimely bud burst during mild spells in autumn and winter, which would lead to cold damage during subsequent cold periods. Traditionally, endodormancy and the chilling requirement have been important in practical horticulture, as cultivars with low and high chilling requirements have been bred for locations in warm and cool climates, respectively. More recently, endodormancy and the chilling requirement have become major research themes in climate change studies where climatic change impacts are assessed by means of process-based tree phenology models. The dormancy phenomenon has been studied thoroughly at the whole-tree level for a hundred years, and several genes and genetic pathways involved have recently been identified in tree species such as hybrid aspen, apple, and pear. There is an urgent need, however, to integrate molecular physiological studies with modelling studies so as to understand the impact of climate change on the regulation of dormancy. To that end, we shall provide an overview of bud endodormancy research.
Realization and dosimetric characterization of a mini-beam/flash electron beam
Authors: Pensavalle Jake Harold , Romano Francesco , Celentano Mariagrazia , Sarto Damiano Del , Felici Giuseppe , Franciosini Gaia , Masturzo Luigi , Milluzzo Giuliana , Patera Vincenzo , Prezado Yolanda , Di Martino Fabio
Published: November 2023

The use of the flash effect and mini-beams have demonstrated the ability to spare healthy tissue while maintaining the same effectiveness in controlling tumors. In this study, we present the implementation and comprehensive dosimetric characterization of low-energy mini-beam radiation therapy at both conventional and ultra-high dose rates. These beams possess important features that allow for a wide range of spatial and temporal parameter variations, independently or simultaneously, for both effects. This novel capability enables the performance of in vivo/vitro radiobiological experiments, which are crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms and quantitative dependencies of these effects on their respective parameters. This understanding is essential for evaluating the potential clinical applications of the two effects both individually and in terms of their potential synergistic actions.
Deep incorporation of organic amendments into soils of a ‘Calardis Musqué’ vineyard: effects on greenhouse gas emissions, vine vigor, and grape quality
Authors: Schneider Nele , Islam Muhammad , Wehrle Ralf , Pätzold Stefan , Brüggemann Nicolas , Töpfer Reinhard , Herzog Katja
Published: November 2023

Background

Traditional wine growing regions are increasingly endangered by climatic alterations. One promising approach to mitigate advancing climate change could be an increase of soil organic matter. Here, especially subsoils are of interest as they provide higher carbon storage potential than topsoils. In this context, vineyard subsoils could be particularly suitable since they are deeply cultivated once before planting and afterwards, left at rest for several decades due to the perennial nature of grapevines.

Methods

For this purpose, a biochar compost substrate and greenwaste compost were incorporated in up to 0.6 m depth before planting a new experimental vineyard with the fungus-resistant grapevine cultivar ‘Calardis Musqué’. The influence of this deep incorporation on greenhouse gas emissions and grapevine performance was evaluated and compared to a non-amended control using sensor-based analyses.

Results

Increased CO2 emissions and lower N2O emissions were found for the incorporation treatments compared to the control, but these differences were not statistically significant due to high spatial variability. Only few plant traits like chlorophyll content or berry cuticle characteristics were significantly affected in some of the experimental years. Over the course of the study, annual climatic conditions had a much stronger influence on plant vigor and grape quality than the incorporated organic amendments.

Discussion

In summary, organic soil amendments and their deep incorporation did not have any significant effect on greenhouse gas emissions and no measurable or only negligible effect on grapevine vigor, and grape quality parameters. Thus, according to our study the deposition of organic amendments in vineyard subsoils seems to be an option for viticulture to contribute to carbon storage in soils in order to mitigate climate change.
An economic evaluation of restorative justice post-sentence in England and Wales
Authors: Grimsey Jones Frank , Jaffé Lucy , Harris Lucy , Franklin Jon , Allam Lisa , Shapland Joanna
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Participation in restorative justice interventions post-sentence has been shown to reduce reoffending and mitigate harm to victims. Investment in, and access to, restorative justice remains limited in England and Wales. An economic model was developed to synthesize the available evidence in order to develop contemporary and robust estimates of the economic impact of investment in restorative justice interventions.

Methods

This research focused on direct and indirect restorative justice interventions for victims and offenders post-sentence in England and Wales. Included offences were those with an identifiable victim. A model was developed to estimate the social benefit–cost ratio of restorative justice, as well as the direct financial return to the criminal justice system. The modeled benefits of restorative justice included reductions in reoffending and direct wellbeing benefits for victims. It was not possible to incorporate direct wellbeing benefits for offenders due to evidence gaps.

Results

In the model, 8% of referrals to restorative justice resulted in direct restorative justice interventions and 19% resulted in indirect Restorative justice interventions. The modeled cost of the restorative justice pathway per direct intervention was £3,394. The base case estimate for the social benefit–cost ratio of restorative justice was £14 per £1 invested, with a direct return to the criminal justice system of £4 as a result of substantial reductions in reoffending. Scenario analysis suggested a plausible range of £7 to £20 social benefit per £1 invested. Hypothetically, increasing the proportion of eligible cases referred for a restorative justice intervention from 15 to 40% could be associated with an increase in investment of £5 m, and benefits to the criminal justice system totaling £22 m, implying a net saving of £17 m.

Conclusion

The research suggests that Restorative justice has the potential to yield a substantial social return on investment (SROI) and direct return on investment to the criminal justice system. The economic case for investment in restorative justice centers on identifying offenders with a high risk of offending and enabling them to participate in an intervention that has been repeatedly demonstrated to help them to change their behavior.
FDG-PET-based neural correlates of Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination III scores in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal degeneration
Authors: Cabrera-Martín María Nieves , Nespral Pedro , Valles-Salgado Maria , Bascuñana Pablo , Delgado-Alonso Cristina , Delgado-Álvarez Alfonso , Fernández-Romero Lucía , López-Carbonero Juan Ignacio , Díez-Cirarda María , Gil-Moreno María José , Matías-Guiu Jorge , Matias-Guiu Jordi A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) is a brief test useful for neuropsychological assessment. Several studies have validated the test for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In this study, we aimed to examine the metabolic correlates associated with the performance of ACE-III in AD and behavioral variant FTD.

Methods

We enrolled 300 participants in a cross-sectional study, including 180 patients with AD, 60 with behavioral FTD (bvFTD), and 60 controls. An 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography study was performed in all cases. Correlation between the ACE-III and its domains (attention, memory, fluency, language, and visuospatial) with the brain metabolism was estimated.

Results

The ACE-III showed distinct neural correlates in bvFTD and AD, effectively capturing the most relevant regions involved in these disorders. Neural correlates differed for each domain, especially in the case of bvFTD. Lower ACE-III scores were associated with more advanced stages in both disorders. The ACE-III exhibited high discrimination between bvFTD vs. HC, and between AD vs. HC. Additionally, it was sensitive to detect hypometabolism in brain regions associated with bvFTD and AD.

Conclusion

Our study contributes to the knowledge of the brain regions associated with ACE-III, thereby facilitating its interpretation, and highlighting its suitability for screening and monitoring. This study provides further validation of ACE-III in the context of AD and FTD.
An analysis of the psychometric properties of the writing-specific cognitive strategies questionnaire for undergraduate students
Authors: Arias-Gundín Olga , Robledo Patricia
Published: November 2023

Writing strategies are needed to manage the complexity of writing tasks, especially at university, where writing tasks are for learning, professional, or scientific purposes and are highly demanding. The literature shows that many undergraduate students have defined, stable, writing strategies, although some lack proper strategic development and require explicit instruction in this regard. In both cases, adapting writing tasks to undergraduate students’ preferences and instructing them effectively requires understanding their writing strategies, which will encourage optimal learning and writing proficiency. This is why valid, reliable, writing strategy assessment tools are essential. The present study focused on the validation of the Spanish Writing Strategies Questionnaire-Undergraduate Students (WSQ-SU), aimed at measuring undergraduate students’ preferences for using different writing strategies. The sample comprised 978 Spanish undergraduates doing degrees in Infant, Primary or Social Education, Pedagogy and Psychology. The data from the questionnaire was explored by means of exploratory and confirmatory analysis, test–retest reliability to analyse temporal stability and convergent validity. Two factors, planning and revising, were identified through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, representing different writing strategies and supporting the original model. The results indicated adequate test–retest reliability and temporal stability. The results also showed the questionnaire’s convergent validity; a direct, linear correlation between two factors and off-line planning and revising variables. Based on the results, the WSQ for undergraduate students-Spanish version has been shown to be a reliable and valid, scale that can be easily applied in the university context to explore undergraduate students’ writing strategies.
Developing an innovative pediatric integrated mental health care program: interdisciplinary team successes and challenges
Authors: Schweitzer Jason , Bird Anne , Bowers Hilary , Carr-Lee Nicole , Gibney Josh , Schellinger Kriston , Holt Jasmine R. , Adams Devin P. , Hensler Domonique J. , Hollenbach Kathryn
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Children and adolescents often do not receive mental healthcare when they need it. By 2021, the complex impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, structural racism, inequality in access to healthcare, and a growing shortage of mental health providers led to a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health in the United States. The need for effective, accessible treatment is more pressing than ever. Interdisciplinary, team-based pediatric integrated mental healthcare has been shown to be efficacious, accessible, and cost-effective.

Methods

In response to the youth mental health crisis, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego’s Transforming Mental Health Initiative aimed to increase early identification of mental illness and improve access to effective treatment for children and adolescents. A stakeholder engagement process was established with affiliated pediatric clinics, community mental health organizations, and existing pediatric integrated care programs, leading to the development of the Primary Care Mental Health Integration program and drawing from established models of integrated care: Primary Care Behavioral Health and Collaborative Care.

Results

As of 2023, the Primary Care Mental Health Integration program established integrated care teams in 10 primary care clinics across San Diego and Riverside counties in California. Measurement-based care has been implemented and preliminary results indicate that patient response to therapy has resulted in a 44% reduction in anxiety symptoms and a 62% decrease in depression symptoms. The program works toward fiscal sustainability via fee-for-service reimbursement and more comprehensive payor contracts. The impact on patients, primary care provider satisfaction, measurement-based care, funding strategies, as well as challenges faced and changes made will be discussed using the lens of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework.

Discussion

Preliminary results suggest that the Primary Care Mental Health Integration is a highly collaborative integrated care model that identifies the needs of children and adolescents and delivers brief, evidence informed treatment. The successful integration of this model into 10 primary care clinics over 3 years has laid the groundwork for future program expansion. This model of care can play a role addressing youth mental health and increasing access to care. Challenges, successes, and lessons learned will be reviewed.
The role of the fronto-parietal network in modulating sustained attention under sleep deprivation: an functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Yao Linming , Wang Yajing , Gao Yanzhong , Gao Hongwei , Guo Xufeng
Published: November 2023

Objective

The intricate relationship between sleep deprivation (SD) and cognitive performance has long been a subject of research. Our study offers a novel angle by closely examining the neurobiological underpinnings of sustained attention deficits through the lens of the fronto-parietal network (FPN). Using state-of-the-art imaging techniques, we delve into the changes in spontaneous brain activity after SD and explore their associations with performance on the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT).

Methods

We conducted an elaborate investigation involving 64 healthy, right-handed participants who underwent resting-state functional MRI scans before and after experiencing 24 h of sleep deprivation. Employing sophisticated statistical analyses, we scrutinized the changes in fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) through paired t-tests. Pearson correlation analyses were then applied to dissect the associations between these neurobiological shifts and behavioral outcomes in PVT.

Results

The study yielded remarkable findings, revealing a dramatic decrease in fALFF values within critical areas of the FPN following SD. These alterations predominantly occurred in the frontal and parietal gyri and were inversely correlated with PVT performance metrics. Furthermore, we discovered that baseline fALFF values in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) have the potential to serve as compelling neurobiological markers, with high discriminatory power in identifying individual responses to the adverse effects of SD on cognitive performance.

Conclusion

Our groundbreaking research underscores the pivotal role that the FPN plays in modulating attention and executive function, especially under the challenging conditions brought about by sleep deprivation. The findings offer critical insights that could shape the way we understand, assess, and potentially mitigate the cognitive impacts of SD, setting the stage for future research in this riveting domain.
Relationship of the SITLESS intervention on medication use in community-dwelling older adults: an exploratory study
Authors: Viegas Ruben , Alves da Costa Filipa , Mendes Romeu , Deidda Manuela , McIntosh Emma , Sansano-Nadal Oriol , Magaña Juan Carlos , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Denkinger Michael , Caserotti Paolo , Tully Mark A. , Roqué-Figuls Marta , Giné-Garriga Maria
Published: November 2023

Background

Sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) interventions in older adults can improve health outcomes. Problems related with aging include prevalent comorbidity, multiple non-communicable diseases, complaints, and resulting polypharmacy. This manuscript examines the relationship between an intervention aiming at reducing SB on medication patterns.

Method

This manuscript presents a local sub-analysis of the SITLESS trial data on medication use. SITLESS was an exercise referral scheme (ERS) enhanced by self-management strategies (SMS) to reduce SB in community-dwelling older adults. We analyzed data from the ERS + SMS, ERS and usual care (UC) groups. Patient medication records were available at baseline and at the end of the intervention (4-month period) and were analyzed to explore the effect of SITLESS on medication patterns of use.

Result

A sample of 75 participants was analyzed, mostly older overweight women with poor body composition scores and mobility limitations. There was a significant reduction of 1.6 medicines (SD = 2.7) in the ERS group (p < 0.01), but not in the UC or ERS + SMS groups. Differences were more evident in medicines used for short periods of time.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that an exercise-based program enhanced by SMS to reduce SB might influence medication use for acute conditions but there is a need to further investigate effects on long-term medicine use in older adults.
Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on provision and use of maternal health services in Allada, southern Benin: a local health system perspective
Authors: Akpi Éric , Vigan Armelle , Boyi Hounsou Christelle , Gandaho Marlène , Houngbo Gisèle , Gryseels Charlotte , Dossou Jean-Paul , Delvaux Thérèse
Published: November 2023

Objective

To assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision and use of maternal health services in southern Benin from a local health system perspective.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study from April to December 2021 in a health district in southern Benin. We interviewed health workers involved in antenatal, delivery, postnatal and family planning care provision, alternative and spiritual care providers, administrative staff of the district hospital, community health workers, adolescents and women who had given birth in the past six weeks in public health centers were interviewed. The World Health Organization health systems building blocks framework was used to guide the thematic analysis from a local health system perspective.

Results

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the lines of command and the institutional arrangements in the local health systems leadership; it put the interpersonal relationships in the health care provision team under stress and reduced the overall revenues of the district hospital. The motivation of allopathic health workers was undermined. Communities underutilized maternal health services in the COVID-19 period. Plausible causes included negative patient perceptions of COVID-19 measures taken at the public health facility level as well as well as fear of being forcibly vaccinated against COVID-19 in the health facilities.

Conclusion

In times of health crises, appropriate local health system governance that integrates providers’ concerns into effective guidelines is critical to reach and maintain a sufficient level of work motivation to ensure quality maternal health services.
Association between activities of daily living and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: evidence from the CHARLS
Authors: Liu Haixia , Ma Yang , Lin Lin , Sun Zekun , Li Zeyu , Jiang Xinxin
Published: November 2023

Objective

The limitation of activities of daily living (ADL) affects the mental health of older adults. We distinguished activities of daily living into basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and aimed to explore the relationship between the two limitations and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults by using nationally representative cross-sectional data.

Methods

Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, wave 4) were used, and 9,789 older adults aged 60 years and above were screened. The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D-10) scale was used to measure the depressive symptoms of older adults, and a 12-item scale for ADL was used to estimate functional limitations. Generalized linear mixed-effect models were employed to examine the relationship between BADL/IADL and depressive symptoms among older adults.

Results

The prevalence of high-risk depression among older adults was 43.5%, and the rates of limitation in BADL and IADL were 19.02 and 25.29%, respectively. The prevalence of high-risk depression significantly differed among subgroups of smoking, drinking, chronic diseases, duration of sleep, having social activities or not, and the type of medical insurance. Older adults with limited BADL or IADL were at a higher risk of depression than those without limitations of BADL or IADL; BADL (OR-adjusted = 2.71; 95% CI: 2.40–3.06) and IADL (OR-adjusted = 2.68; 95% CI: 2.41–2.98) had various influences on the risk of depression in older adults.

Conclusion

ADL was a related factor in the risk of depression among older adults in China. BADL and IADL had different effects on the risk of depression, suggesting that older adults with physical function limitations might be more likely to suffer from depression.
Parental acceptance of silver fluoride as a treatment option for carious lesions among South African children with special health care needs
Authors: Potgieter N. , Noordien N. , Mulder R. , Peck C. , Groisman S.
Published: November 2023

Providing dental care for children with neurological special health care needs, including Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy and Autism spectrum disorders, is challenging. They often require repeat exposure to sedation or general anaesthesia for routine dental care. 51 parents of children with special needs completed a questionnaire regarding the acceptance of Silver Fluoride as a treatment option.

Background

Silver Diamine Fluoride has become popular as a minimally invasive treatment option for providing oral health care to young or uncooperative children. Silver Fluoride (SF) is a newer development with similar but improved properties. The aim was to determine the acceptance of SDF/SF as treatment option for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN), including Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy.

Methods

51 Parents of CSHCN completed a questionnaire on the overall acceptance of SF; aesthetic concerns related to the location of application; the use of SDF as an alternative to general anesthesia; and the composition of SF.

Results

The use of SF on posterior teeth were more acceptable (70.59%) as opposed to its application to anterior teeth (50.98%). Parents generally agreed/ strongly agreed to the use of SF to reduce infection and pain (82%); to avoid treatment under GA (26.70%); and to avoid an injection (78%). 64% of parents indicated their agreement in using SF because it has a reduced cost when compared to a conventional restoration. Majority of parents were in agreement to use SF even if it contains Fluoride (84%) and Silver (78%).

Conclusion

The use of SF, as treatment option for caries, was well accepted by South African parents of CSHCN. Shared decision making should be applied when considering SF as treatment option for CSHCN.
Coping strategies for handling stress and providing mental health in elite athletes: a systematic review
Authors: Nuetzel Barbara
Published: November 2023

Background

The combination of stressors unique to the athletic context plus the sensitive developmental phase that elite athletes go through during their peak performance may increase the athletes’ vulnerability to mental health decrements. To emphasize the necessity to raise elite athletes' awareness of health risks, it seems to be essential to teach them coping skills to handle stress and to make affected athletes aware of how to recognize, evaluate, and articulate potential risks to their health.

Objective

This systematic review analyzes coping strategies used by elite athletes to deal with stress and the effect of these strategies on mental health to identify gaps that future research could prioritize.

Methods

The current review analyzes studies containing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed data and results, all of them focusing on coping strategies to deal with stress and the effect of coping strategies on elite athletes' mental health. Literature search for this systematic review took place between August and October 2023 and included the use of 3 electronic databases: PubMed, PsychINFO, SPORTdiscus.

Results

There were initially 5,705 hits from 3 electronic databases, hand search and from a complementary search in Google Scholar. After the screening process and quality appraisal 30 studies were included. The analyzed study results point to a broad spectrum of coping categories, elite athletes make use of to deal with stressful situations. The results of this review underpin the necessity that especially young athletes being confronted with a wide range of stressors, need to be taught mental skills to cope with these stressors. In addition, teaching coaches and teammates about social support seemed to decrease elite athletes' stress reactions, such as anxiety or depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Coping in elite sporting settings is very complex and dynamic. There is evidence of coping being effective to buffer stress, but the interrelationships between stressor, appraisal of the stressor, application of a corresponding coping strategy and its effect especially in terms of mental health outcomes is still unclear because of lacking intervention-based study designs.
An endoscopic transnasal prelacrimal recess transmaxillary approach to the pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa
Authors: Liu Jian , Yang Zhijun , Lu Bin , Bi Zhiyong , Liu Pinan
Published: November 2023

Objective

In this paper, the goal of the authors is to present the anatomic nuances and their clinical experience with lesions of the pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa using an endoscopic transnasal prelacrimal recess transmaxillary approach (PLRMA).

Methods

An endoscopic anatomical dissection of three fresh cadaveric heads was performed bilaterally to evaluate the feasibility of the PLRMA. Prior to dissection, stereotactic computed tomography scans were obtained for each head to obtain anatomical measurements. The area of exposure on the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus was determined using stereotaxis. The cases of six patients with schwannomas or epidermoid cysts who underwent the transnasal PLRMA were illustrated.

Results

The mean area of exposure on the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus was 9.55 cm2. Total resection was achieved in all six patients. The mean follow-up time was 16 months, and one patient complained of postoperative facial numbness, which resolved gradually. No cases of chronic sinusitis were reported.

Conclusions

The endoscopic transnasal PLRMA provides efficient operative exposure to the pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa. Preserving the integrity of the mucosa on the nasal lateral wall is an advantage of this approach.
The role of artificial intelligence in the management of trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Battistelli Marco , Izzo Alessandro , D’Ercole Manuela , D’Alessandris Quintino Giorgio , Montano Nicola
Published: November 2023

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is the most frequent facial pain. It is difficult to treat pharmacologically and a significant amount of patients can become drug-resistant requiring surgical intervention. From an etiologically point of view TN can be distinguished in a classic form, usually due to a neurovascular conflict, a secondary form (for example related to multiple sclerosis or a cerebello-pontine angle tumor) and an idiopathic form in which no anatomical cause is identifiable. Despite numerous efforts to treat TN, many patients experience recurrence after multiple operations. This fact reflects our incomplete understanding of TN pathogenesis. Artificial intelligence (AI) uses computer technology to develop systems for extension of human intelligence. In the last few years, it has been a widespread of AI in different areas of medicine to implement diagnostic accuracy, treatment selection and even drug production. The aim of this mini-review is to provide an up to date of the state-of-art of AI applications in TN diagnosis and management.
Prediction of persistency for day 305 of lactation at the moment of the insemination decision
Authors: Chen Yongyan , Steeneveld Wilma , Nielen Mirjam , Hostens Miel
Published: November 2023

When deciding on the voluntary waiting period of an individual cow, it might be useful to have insight into the persistency for the remainder of that lactation at the moment of the insemination decision, especially for farmers who consider persistency in their reproduction management. Currently, breeding values for persistency are calculated for dairy cows but, to our knowledge, prediction models to accurately predict persistency at different moments of insemination are lacking. This study aimed to predict lactation persistency for DIM 305 at different insemination moments (DIM 50, 75, 100, and 125). Available cow and herd level data from 2005 to 2022 were collected for a total of 20,508 cows from 85 herds located in the Netherlands and Belgium. Lactation curve characteristics were estimated for every daily record using the data up to and including that day. Persistency was defined as the number of days it takes for the milk production to decrease by half during the declining stage of lactation, and calculated from the estimated lactation curve characteristic ‘decay’. Four linear regression models for each of the selected insemination moment were built separately to predict decay at DIM 305 (decay-305). Independent variables included the lactation curve characteristics at the selected insemination moment, daily milk yield, age, calving season, parity group and other herd variables. The average decay-305 of primiparous cows was lower than that of multiparous cows (1.55 *10−3 vs. 2.41*10−3, equivalent to a persistency of 447 vs. 288 days, respectively). Results showed that our models had limitations in accurately predicting persistency, although predictions improved slightly at later insemination moments, with R2 values ranging between 0.27 and 0.41. It can thus be concluded that, based only on cow and herd milk production information, accurate prediction of persistency for DIM 305 is not feasible.
Uterine dynamics, blood profiles, and electronic fetal monitoring of primiparous and multiparous bitches classified according to their weight
Authors: Lezama-García Karina , Martínez-Burnes Julio , Baqueiro-Espinosa Uri , Villanueva-García Dina , Olmos-Hernández Adriana , Hernández-Ávalos Ismael , Mora-Medina Patricia , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Mota-Rojas Daniel
Published: November 2023

Perinatal mortality occurs in all species. In dogs, mortality rates have been reported to range from 5 to 35%. Electronic fetal and uterine monitoring has recently been used in domestic animals to monitor the mother and newborn before and during parturition. In this way, the fetal heart rate and uterine dynamics can be monitored. This study evaluated the uterine dynamics of bitches with different weights and parity. Ninety-six bitches and their 476 puppies were divided into four experimental groups containing 24 individuals each (12 primiparous bitches and 12 multiparous bitches), according to body weight: G1 (4–8 kg), G2 (8.1–16 kg), G3 (16.1 to 32 kg), and G4 (32.1 to 39.6 kg). The fetal heart rate decelerations (dip 2 patterns), uterine dynamics, and bitches’ blood profiles were evaluated, including levels of glucose, lactate, pCO2, pO2, pH, HCO3−, and Ca++. The dam weight can affect the vitality of newborns and the uterine dynamics, with differences in the frequency, intensity, and duration of myometrial contractions. The expulsion interval between puppies was longest in primiparous bitches with low weight and shortest in multiparous bitches with high weight. The expulsion interval and the number of stillborn females were higher in primiparous bitches with high weight. Newborn male puppies were significantly heavier than newborn females.
Optimal Integrated Single-Framework Algorithm for the Multi-Level School Bus Network Problem
Authors: Nickkar Amirreza , Lee Young-Jae
Published: November 2023

In many states in the United States, school bus fleets are assigned to serve students sequentially at three levels—high school, middle school, and elementary school; however, in past studies, each of these stages in the problem was considered separately. This study introduces a novel integrated school bus problem that considers the sequential operation of fleets for all three levels in a unified framework. An example of a hypothetical network was developed and tested to demonstrate the developed algorithm. The algorithm successfully handled the integration of school buses’ optimal route generation while meeting all constraints. The results showed that the routings with the integrated single-framework algorithm can reduce the total costs by 4.5% to 12.4% compared to the routings with the separated level algorithm. Also, it showed that the total costs of the integrated routing framework for different morning and afternoon time windows are 8.28% less than the same routings (identically reversed) for the morning and afternoon time windows.
Feasibility of Hydrostatic Transmission in Community Wind Turbines
Authors: Sheng Yingkun , Escobar-Naranjo Daniel , Stelson Kim A.
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the potential improvement of a community wind turbine through replacing the conventional drivetrain with a hydrostatic transmission (HST). Conventional wind turbines use a fixed-ratio gearbox, a variable-speed induction generator, and power electronics to match the grid frequency. Because of unsteady wind, the reliability of the gearbox has been a major issue. An HST, a continuously variable transmission with a high power density, can replace a conventional transmission. The resulting wind turbine has the potential to offer the advantages of a lower cost, decreased weight, and increased reliability. For the application considered in this study, the main source of LCOE increase is due to the inefficiencies in the system. Even if the cost of the proposed HST transmission is free, because of inefficiency, the levelized cost of electricity will be higher than for a turbine with a conventional fixed-ratio gearbox. For the HST solution to be cost-competitive, increases in efficiency and reductions in cost are required.
Dietary Resistant Starch Regulates Bile Acid Metabolism by Modulating the FXR/LRH-1 Signaling Pathway in Broilers
Authors: Wang Zhenxin , Zhan Chunyan , Zhang Yingying , Zhang Lin , Li Jiaolong , Xing Tong , Zhao Liang , Wang Jianfei , Gao Feng
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary corn-resistant starch on the bile acid metabolism of broilers. In total, 80, 1-day-old male broilers were randomly distributed into two groups fed either the basic normal corn–soybean diet or a diet supplemented with 40 g/kg of corn-resistant starch. The results showed that dietary supplementation of 4% corn-resistant starch increased the F/G during the periods from 21 to 42 d. Resistant starch supplementation reduced the lipid levels in plasma, and the contents of total bile acids were increased with the altered bile acid profile in the ileum. A diet with corn resistant starch decreased the enzyme contents of the classical pathway of bile acid synthesis and activated the signaling pathway of FXR/LRH-1 in the liver. A decreased abundance of Clostridium cluster XIVa was found in the ileal digesta of the resistant starch group, and its abundance was negatively correlated with the level of lithocholic acid. In summary, the RS was effective at reducing broiler plasma and liver lipid levels, which was probably due to the change in bile acid synthesis and reabsorption capacities. These findings provided a unique landscape of the relationship between bile acid metabolism and resistant starch in broilers.
Diversity and Characterization of Resistance to Pyraclostrobin in Colletotrichum spp. from Strawberry
Authors: Hu Shuodan , Zhang Shuhan , Xiao Wenfei , Liu Yahui , Yu Hong , Zhang Chuanqing
Published: November 2023

Strawberry crown rot poses a significant menace to strawberry production during the seedling stage, and the main pathogen is Colletotrichum spp. Pyraclostrobin is one of the main fungicides that have been registered to control anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. The diversity of pathogens and the risk of fungicide resistance may change from year to year. In order to explore the diversity of pathogens causing crown rot and evaluate the resistance risk of pathogens to pyraclostrobin in different years, crown rot samples were collected in Jiande, Zhejiang Province in 2019 and 2021, and the pathogens were identified. Based on the morphological identification and phylogenetic analysis based on ACT, CAL, CHS, GAPDH, and ITS, all 55 strains were identified as C. gloeosporioides species complexes, including 23 C. siamense isolates and 2 C. fructicola isolates in 2019, and all isolates were identified as C. siamense in 2021. C. siamense was the dominant pathogen of strawberry crown rot in 2019 and 2021. The resistance frequencies of the isolates collected in 2019 and 2021 to pyraclostrobin were 69.57% and 100%, respectively. In general, compared to that in 2019, the resistance frequencies of the pathogen to pyraclostrobin increased in 2021. In terms of fitness, there was no significant difference between resistant strains and sensitive strains in the mycelium growth rate, sporulation and spore germination rate. In addition, the resistant mutants exhibited positive cross-resistance to kresoxim-methyl and azoxystrobin. A sequential analysis of cytochrome b gene showed that C. siamense resistance to pyraclostrobin is linked to the G143A point mutation. Our study indicated that the risk of resistance a fungicide gradually increases with the increase in use years, and in order to reduce the emergence and spread of resistant populations, we should choose fungicides of different mechanisms of action for rotation to reduce the risk of resistance development.