bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and the probiotic potential of Bifidobacterium animalis CP‐9
Authors: Tsai Hui‐Yun , Wang Ya‐Chin , Liao Chorng‐An , Su Chia‐Yan , Huang Cheng‐Hsieh , Chiu Min‐Hsi , Yeh Yao‐Tsung
Published: March 2022

Bifidobacterium animalis CP‐9 was a commensal strain isolated from human breast milk. In this study, genetic and 90‐day oral toxicity were assessed in rodents for its safety. Ames test as well as in vivo bone marrow micronucleus and spermatocyte chromosomal aberration were surveyed in mice. B. animalis CP‐9 exhibited no mutagenic activity in the Ames test at the highest tested dosage (5000 µg/plate) with or without metabolic activation. No evidence of in vivo genetic toxicity was observed at the maximum tested dosage of 10 g/kg body weight (BW). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference of the biochemical and histological parameters in the rats administrated with B. animalis CP‐9 at dosages of 0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.5 g/kg BW/day. No indication of concern for pathogenicity was exhibited during evaluation of Bifidobacterium ssp. generally, or B. animalis specifically. It was noted that B. animalis CP‐9 was able to survive in gastric acid‐like and high bile salt environment, and showed strong adhesion to the intestinal epithelial cells, Caco‐2. Intriguingly, B. animalis CP‐9 decreased olic acid‐induced triglyceral (TG) accumulation in the Caco‐2 cells, and viable B. animalis CP‐9 had a better bacteriostatic activity compared to another well‐documented B. animalis ssp. lactis, BB‐12. Based on the present study, B. animalis CP‐9 can be a safe probiotic supplement and may improve the health of host.

Practical Application

Although the health benefits of probiotics are well known, the safety of a probiotic product is acquired particularly for a long‐term consumption. We conduct the safety of B. animalis CP‐9 isolated from human breast milk, and demonstrate no toxicity concern in vitro and in vivo. Hence, B. animalis CP‐9 powder can be used as a commercial and safe probiotic supplement with some health benefits.
The genomic architecture of the passerine MHC region: High repeat content and contrasting evolutionary histories of single copy and tandemly duplicated MHC genes
Authors: Westerdahl Helena , Mellinger Samantha , Sigeman Hanna , Kutschera Verena E. , Proux‐Wéra Estelle , Lundberg Max , Weissensteiner Matthias , Churcher Allison , Bunikis Ignas , Hansson Bengt , Wolf Jochen B. W. , Strandh Maria
Published: March 2022

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is of central importance to the immune system, and an optimal MHC diversity is believed to maximize pathogen elimination. Birds show substantial variation in MHC diversity, ranging from few genes in most bird orders to very many genes in passerines. Our understanding of the evolutionary trajectories of the MHC in passerines is hampered by lack of data on genomic organization. Therefore, we assembled and annotated the MHC genomic region of the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), using long‐read sequencing and optical mapping. The MHC region is large (>5.5 Mb), characterized by structural changes compared to hitherto investigated bird orders and shows higher repeat content than the genome average. These features were supported by analyses in three additional passerines. MHC genes in passerines are found in two different chromosomal arrangements, either as single copy MHC genes located among non‐MHC genes, or as tandemly duplicated tightly linked MHC genes. Some single copy MHC genes are old and putative orthologues among species. In contrast tandemly duplicated MHC genes are monophyletic within species and have evolved by simultaneous gene duplication of several MHC genes. Structural differences in the MHC genomic region among bird orders seem substantial compared to mammals and have possibly been fuelled by clade‐specific immune system adaptations. Our study provides methodological guidance in characterizing complex genomic regions, constitutes a resource for MHC research in birds, and calls for a revision of the general belief that avian MHC has a conserved gene order and small size compared to mammals.
Clinical Frailty Scale as a predictor of short‐term mortality: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies on diagnostic test accuracy
Authors: Lee Ji Hwan , Park Yoo Seok , Kim Min Joung , Shin Hye Jung , Roh Yun Ho , Kim Ji Hoon , Chung Hyun Soo , Park Incheol , Chung Sung Phil
Published: March 2022

Background

The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a representative frailty assessment tool in medicine. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to examine whether frailty defined based on the CFS could adequately predict short‐term mortality in emergency department (ED) patients.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries were searched for eligible studies until December 23, 2021. We included studies in which frailty was measured by the CFS and short‐term mortality was reported for ED patients. All studies were screened by two independent researchers. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) values were calculated based on the data extracted from each study. Additionally, the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was calculated for effect size analysis, and the area under the curve (AUC) of summary receiver operating characteristics was calculated. Outcomes were in‐hospital and 1‐month mortality rate for patients with the CFS scores of ≥5, ≥6, and ≥7.

Results

Overall, 17 studies (n = 45,022) were included. Although there was no evidence of publication bias, a high degree of heterogeneity was observed. For the CFS score of ≥5, the PLR, NLR, and DOR values for in‐hospital mortality were 1.446 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.325–1.578), 0.563 (95% CI 0.355–0.893), and 2.728 (95% CI 1.872–3.976), respectively. In addition, the pooled statistics for 1‐month mortality were 1.566 (95% CI 1.241–1.976), 0.582 (95% CI 0.430–0.789), and 2.696 (95% CI 1.673–4.345), respectively. Subgroup analysis of trauma patients revealed that the CFS score of ≥5 could adequately predict in‐hospital mortality (PLR 1.641, 95% CI 1.242–2.170; NLR 0.580, 95% CI 0.461–0.729; DOR 2.883, 95% CI 1.994–4.168). The AUC values represented sufficient to good diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

Evidence that is published to date suggests that the CFS is an accurate and reliable tool for predicting short‐term mortality in emergency patients.
Prenatal ethanol exposure impairs sensory processing and habituation of visual stimuli, effects normalized by postnatal environmental enrichment
Authors: Wang Ruixiang , Martin Connor D. , Lei Anna L. , Hausknecht Kathryn A. , Turk Marisa , Micov Veronika , Kwarteng Francis , Ishiwari Keita , Oubraim Saida , Wang An‐Li , Richards Jerry B. , Haj‐Dahmane Samir , Shen Roh‐Yu
Published: March 2022

Background

Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) often show processing deficits in all sensory modalities. Using an operant light reinforcement model, we tested whether prenatal ethanol exposure (PE) alters operant responding to elicit a contingent sensory stimulus—light onset (turning on the light) and habituation to this behavior in rats. We also explored whether postnatal environmental enrichment could ameliorate PE‐induced deficits.

Methods

Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were gavaged twice/day with 0 or 3 g/kg/treatment ethanol (15% w/v) during gestational days 8–20, mimicking second‐trimester heavy PE in humans. The offspring were reared in a standard housing condition or an enriched condition. Adult male and female offspring underwent an operant light reinforcement experiment with either a short‐access or a long‐access procedure. A dishabituation test was also conducted to characterize the habituation process.

Results

In the short‐access procedure, PE led to increased operant responding to the contingent light onset in both sexes reared in the standard housing condition. Such an effect was not observed in rats reared in enriched conditions due to an overall decrease in responding. Moreover, rats reared in enriched conditions showed greater short‐term habituation. In the long access procedure, PE rats showed increased responding and impaired long‐term habituation. The long‐access procedure facilitated both short‐term and long‐term habituation in control and PE rats.

Conclusion

Prenatal ethanol exposure increases responding to contingent light onset and impairs the long‐term habituation process. The PE‐induced deficits were ameliorated by rearing in the enriched environment and increasing the duration and frequency of exposure to light onset. The PE‐induced effects are like increased sensation‐seeking, a subtype of sensory‐processing deficit that is often observed in individuals with FASD. Our findings could inform a suitable animal model for investigating the underlying mechanisms and possible intervention strategies for sensory deficits in FASD.
The necessity of considering founder kinships in conservation breeding programs
Authors: Rabier R. , Erlichman A. , Lesobre L. , Robert A.
Published: March 2022

Conservation breeding programs pursue the double objective of preserving genetic diversity and producing individuals to support in situ conservation measures. Genetic management and monitoring are commonly based on pedigree analyses and are therefore dependent on the pedigree quality and the underlying assumption that founders of the captive population are neither inbred nor related to each other or to the captive population. Should founders be related, this assumption may lead to an overestimation of genetic diversity and an underestimation of inbreeding in captivity. In this study, we examined the effects of the founder assumption on estimates of genetic diversity by combining three approaches: (1) computer simulations of pedigrees of theoretical captive populations and their associated in situ source populations, (2) analysis of pedigrees of real conservation breeding programs and (3) microsatellite‐based computation of kinship among founders from a captive population of houbara bustard. The theoretical approach revealed that the captive population's average mean kinship Mk increases linearly with founder average Mk. The bias in Mk due to the founder assumption was strongly related to the effective size of the source population and to pedigree quality while remaining critical after 25 generations of captivity. Results based on real populations were consistent with theoretical ones and confirmed the overestimation of genetic diversity in captive populations. Overall, our results indicate that under situations classically encountered in conservation breeding programs (e.g. small and isolated source population, incomplete pedigrees), estimates of genetic diversity are potentially highly overestimated, challenging the genetic management of captive populations of species of conservation concern.
Decidualization‐derived cAMP promotes decidual NK cells to be angiogenic phenotype
Authors: Jin Xueling , Mao Lie , Zhao Weijie , Liu Lu , Li Yanhong , Li Dajin , Zhang Ying , Du Meirong
Published: March 2022

Background

During early pregnancy, a large number of CD56bright natural killer cells (NKs) are accumulated in the decidua; unlike peripheral and cord blood NK cells (pNK and cNK), these decidual NK cells (dNK) display a great capacity to secrete a series of angiogenic/vascular factors, which are essential for placental development. However, the mechanism underlying the formation of dNK cells with an angiogenic phenotype remains unclear.

Methods

First, we compared the difference between dNK and cNK/pNK cells in terms of the expression of CD56 and VEGF, and the regulation of the tube formation. The effect of cAMP on the differentiation of NK cells was evaluated by its analog and inhibitor stimulation. We further analyzed the differences in the phenotype of dNK cells and the expression of VEGF in dNK cells from normal pregnancies and miscarriages.

Results

Different from cNK and pNK, dNK cells displayed high expression of CD56 and VEGF. And dNK cells showed a higher capacity of inducing tube formation of HUVEC by trophoblast. Meanwhile, we observed that cAMP‐analogue increased the percentage of CD56brightNK population in cNK cells with up‐regulated VEGF secretion and tube formation of HUVEC by trophoblast, which could be inhibited by pretreatment with VEGFR neutralizing antibody. Similar changes occurred when co‐culturing cNK cells with DSCs but not ESCs. Interestingly, the inhibitor of cAMP signaling (Metadoxine, META) could significantly inhibit the upregulation of VEGF in cNK cells by DSCs. Furthermore, DSCs could secret much more cAMP than ESCs. Notably, decreased CD56brightNK population and VEGF secretion by dNK were related to pregnancy loss.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that dNK cells display an angiogenic phenotype that can be induced by decidualized cAMP signaling. Our study indicates the significance of decidualization‐derived cAMP in regulating angiogenesis of decidual NKs and reveals complex crosstalk between different cell types in a critical period during early pregnancy.
Effects of Heat on Mathematics Test Performance in Vietnam
Authors: Vu Tien Manh
Published: March 2022

We examine the effects of average test‐day temperature on the mathematics test performance of all Vietnamese students who took the national university and college entrance examinations in 2009. Using individual fixed effects, we find that an increase of 1°F results in an approximate 0.006 standard deviation loss of in standardized test scores by age and test problem. The negative effects are persistent regardless of whether students were from the hottest or coolest climate regions in the country. We also find that female students and students from rural areas and townships are most vulnerable to the effects of heat.
Unpacking cesarean in rural Bangladesh: Who, what, when, and where
Authors: Rahman Ahmed Ehsanur , Perkins Janet , Hossain Aniqa Tasnim , Banik Goutom , Jabeen Sabrina , Wall Steve , Arifeen Shams El
Published: March 2022

Background

Bangladesh has experienced an alarming increase in birth through cesarean over the last decade. In this article, we examine rural Bangladeshi women's reporting of why they underwent cesarean, who proposed the cesarean, and when in the process, the decision for a surgical birth was made.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional household survey of 2299 women in Kushtia district. Of these, 1233 who gave birth through cesarean completed a supplemental questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to report cesarean rates, which were disaggregated by sociodemographic characteristics and by antenatal care contacts with health services. We analyzed women's reported reasons for having a cesarean, when the decision was taken, and who proposed the intervention.

Findings

Over half (54%) of women gave birth through cesarean. The proportion of cesareans was significantly higher among women with higher educational attainment, higher socioeconomic status, and increased antenatal care during pregnancy, particularly if this care was sought in private facilities (P < .05). Women reported that health service providers primarily proposed the cesarean (73%), followed by family members (21%) and finally, the birthing person themselves (6%). With respect to the reasons for cesarean, 34% of women reported nonmedical reasons (convenience and avoidance of labor pain), and 44% mentioned only medical reasons. Over half of the women reported that the decision to undergo a cesarean was made on the day of birth.

Conclusions

Women in rural Bangladesh often report avoidable reasons for cesarean. Better regulation of cesarean services in both public and private health services, as well as improved counseling of women with respect to cesarean indications and their consequences, is recommended.
Raising the bar for efficacy in hidradenitis suppurativa: a rationale for combination targeted therapies
Authors: Garg Amit , Krueger James G.
Published: March 2022

Pathogenic elements and potential treatment targets in hidradenitis suppurativa.
Volumetric tissue changes following combined surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis: A 2‐year follow‐up analysis. A prospective case series
Authors: Obreja Karina , Galarraga‐Vinueza Maria Elisa , Müller Katharina , Begic Amira , Ramanauskaite Ausra , Schwarz Frank
Published: March 2022

Aim

To assess volumetric tissue changes following combined surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis over a follow‐up period of 24 months.

Materials and Methods

A total of 20 patients (n = 28 implants) were diagnosed with peri‐implantitis and underwent access flap surgery, implantoplasty, and augmentative therapy at intrabony components (ie, combined therapy) using a natural bone mineral and a native collagen membrane. The peri‐implant region of interest (ROI) was intraorally scanned pre‐operatively (S0), and after 12 (S3) and 24 (S4) months. Digital files were superimposed for the assessment of volumetric changes between the referred time points. The change in thickness was assessed at a standardized ROI, segmented into two equidistant sections (ie, marginal and apical).

Results

Peri‐implant tissues exhibited a nonsignificant mean thickness loss of 0.16 (95% CI: −4 to 0.06) and 0.17 mm (95% CI: −0.05 to 0.4) at S3 and S4, respectively. S0–S3 dimensional thickness changes at marginal and apical areas were −0.24 (95% CI: −0.48 to 0.002) and −0.19 mm (95% CI: −0.36 to −0.2), respectively. Dimensional changes from S0 to S4 amounted to −0.22 mm (95% CI: −0.46 to 0.02) and −0.07 mm (95% CI: −0.09 to 0.2), respectively. The thickness changes at marginal and apical ROIs were significant from S0 to S3. Clinical parameters (ie, plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing depth) significantly improved over the 24‐month follow‐up period. Linear regression analyses revealed no significant association between baseline bone loss (%), width of keratinized mucosa, and mucosal recession scores and thickness changes.

Conclusions

Peri‐implant tissues revealed minor volumetric changes at 12 and 24 months after combined surgical therapy.
Conservation strategies for endangered arable plant Euphorbia gaditana
Authors: Rabasa Sonia G. , Sánchez de Dios Rut , Cabezas Fuentes Francisco José , Pías Couso María Beatriz , Domínguez Lozano Felipe
Published: March 2022

Fragmentation and habitat loss are considered among the most important threats to biodiversity. More precisely, transformation of natural habitats into farmlands has been identified as one of the primary causes of plant species extinction. Therefore, understanding the effects of habitat fragmentation is crucial to the successful conservation of threatened species. Metapopulation modeling is one of the prospective tools used in conservation biology to evaluate long‐term survival in fragmented landscapes. In this work, we applied a metapopulation approach to the conservation of the rare plant Euphorbia gaditana Coss., an endangered species growing on the margins of crops in southern Spain. The species is threatened due to herbicide application and intensification of cultivation, which results in a highly patchy distribution, with more than 50 patches of habitat across three separate networks of patches. We used IFM (Incidence Function Modeling) to compare the relative effectiveness of four conservation management scenarios and the effect of three threat scenarios on the risk of extinction of the species. The results of our simulations of population dynamics under plausible management scenarios will aid conservation decision‐making, for example, allowing priority conservation areas to be identified or assessing the effect of future reintroductions.
Developmental connections between socioeconomic status, self‐regulation, and adult externalizing problems
Authors: Barry Kelly R. , Hanson Jamie L , Calma‐Birling Destany , Lansford Jennifer E , Bates John E. , Dodge Kenneth A
Published: March 2022

Children from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds are at particularly heightened risk for developing later externalizing problems. A large body of research has suggested an important role for self‐regulation in this developmental linkage. Self‐regulation has been conceptualized as a mediator as well as a moderator of these connections. Using data from the Child Development Project (CDP, N = 585), we probe these contrasting (mediating/moderating) conceptualizations, using both Frequentist and Bayesian statistical approaches, in the linkage between early SES and later externalizing problems in a multi‐decade longitudinal study. Connecting early SES, physiology (i.e., heart rate reactivity) and inhibitory control (a Stroop task) in adolescence, and externalizing symptomatology in early adulthood, we found the relation between SES and externalizing problems was moderated by multiple facets of self‐regulation. Participants from lower early SES backgrounds, who also had high heart rate reactivity and lower inhibitory control, had elevated levels of externalizing problems in adulthood relative to those with low heart rate reactivity and better inhibitory control. Such patterns persisted after controlling for externalizing problems earlier in life. The present results may aid in understanding the combinations of factors that contribute to the development of externalizing psychopathology in economically marginalized youth.
Returning to normal? ‘Building back better’ in the Dominican education system after Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria
Authors: Parham Martin
Published: March 2022

Child‐centred disaster risk reduction aims to reduce child vulnerability and increase resilience to disasters. The 2015 Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF) sought to decrease hazard risks to education. Between 2015 and 2017, Dominica was struck by Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria, which significantly affected the education system at the local and national scales. Since Maria, a couple of national initiatives (Safer Schools and Smart Schools) have been introduced to increase resilience and meet the CSSF's objectives. This paper assesses progress made through a qualitative analysis of interviews with 29 school leaders, government officials, and disaster risk reduction stakeholders. Implementation of the climate resilience programme in 2018 resulted in nationwide teacher training and production of school disaster plans. Limited successes have improved social resilience, but short‐term implementation due to COVID‐19 and a lack of a teacher knowledge base have presented challenges to the scheme's long‐term sustainability and the implementation of the CSSF's goals.
Anthracnose in Samanea tubulosa caused by Colletotrichum karstii in Brazil
Authors: Almeida Rosiane F. , Azevedo Daiana M. Q. , Sousa Vitor M. , Alfenas Acelino Couto , Alfenas Rafael F. , Fonseca Natália R.
Published: March 2022

In April 2019, Samanea tubulosa seedlings were observed with typical anthracnose symptoms in a forest nursery in São João Evangelista, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of ITS (5.8 S ribosomal RNA and the flanking internal transcribed spacer regions), act (actin), cal (calmodulin) and gapdh (glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase) sequences, the fungus was identified as Colletotrichum karstii. Inoculation of the fungus in healthy S. tubulosa seedlings showed symptoms similar to those observed under natural conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. karstii causing anthracnose in S. tubulosa worldwide.
The experience of young people receiving cognitive behavioural therapy for major depression: A qualitative study
Authors: Ferguson Natalie , Rice Simon , Gleeson John , Davey Christopher G. , Hetrick Sarah E.
Published: March 2022

Aim

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has far reaching impacts for young people, their families and society. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the first‐line treatments for young people experiencing MDD; however, there is limited research examining how young people with MDD experience CBT. The aim of this study was to explore their experience and their views of this intervention.

Methods

We employed a qualitative research design, with semi‐structured interviews and thematic analysis. Eight participants aged between 17 and 24 years who received CBT for MDD in a randomized controlled trial were recruited.

Results

Five themes were identified: the importance of relationship with clinician; the range of useful components within CBT; the ability for CBT to accommodate different techniques and presenting issues; the importance of checking in with clients during the process of therapy; and the impacts of MDD on therapy.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of clinicians having a youth friendly and collaborative approach that allows a modular delivery of a range of CBT techniques to suit the client's presenting issue and formulation. There is a need to continually check how young people are responding to interventions, and to be aware of potential cognitive deficits and adjust therapy accordingly. This is a small study that provides insight into how young people with MDD experience CBT and avenues to explore for tailoring provision of CBT to enhance the therapeutic experience for this population.
Profiles of adolescent communication with parents and extended family about sex
Authors: DeSouza Lisette M. , Grossman Jennifer M. , Lynch Alicia Doyle , Richer Amanda M.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To explore profiles of family communication about sex, demographic predictors of membership in these profiles, and their relationship to outcomes associated with sexual activity.

Background

Family communication about sex is protective against risky sexual behaviors. However, most research has focused solely on communication with parents. Emerging research suggests that extended family, such as aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings, may also contribute to sexual socialization. This study assessed patterns of adolescents' communication with parents and extended family across three areas of communication about sex: protection, risk, and relationships.

Method

This research used cross‐sectional data from 844 adolescents (54% Latinx, 17% Black, 56% female) and conducted latent profile analysis.

Results

In the resulting four profiles, adolescents reported talking with no one, primarily parents, everyone, or extended family only. Race and immigration status predicted profile membership. There was a significant relationship between having engaged in sex and profile membership but no significant associations with risk behaviors.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that youth communicate at different frequencies and sometimes in different ways with parents and extended family. Some patterns of communication are related to whether youth are sexually active.

Implications

Practitioners should consider inclusion of both parents and extended family in supporting adolescent sexual socialization and health, and interventions should account for extended family as part of adolescents' family ecology. Future research and intervention might consider how to engage the large number of students who report no talk with any family member about sex.
Partial exogastrulation due to apical–basal polarity of F‐actin distribution disruption in sea urchin embryo by omeprazole
Authors: Watanabe Kaichi , Yasui Yuhei , Kurose Yuta , Fujii Masashi , Yamamoto Takashi , Sakamoto Naoaki , Awazu Akinori
Published: March 2022

Gastrulation is a universal process in the morphogenesis of many animal embryos. Although morphological and molecular events in gastrulation have been well studied, the mechanical driving forces and underlying regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the gastrulation of embryos of a sea urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus, which involves the invagination of a single‐layered vegetal plate into the blastocoel. We observed that omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor capable of perturbing the left–right asymmetry of sea urchin embryo, induced “partial exogastrulation” where the secondary invagination proceeds outward. During early gastrulation, intracellular apical–basal polarity of F‐actin distribution in vegetal half was higher than those in animal half, while omeprazole treatment disturbed the apical–basal polarity of F‐actin distribution in vegetal half. Furthermore, gastrulation stopped and even partial exogastrulation did not occur when F‐actin polymerization or degradation in whole embryo was partially inhibited via RhoA or YAP1 knockout. A mathematical model of the early gastrulation reproduced the shapes of both normal and exogastrulating embryos using cell‐dependent cytoskeletal features based on F‐actin. Additionally, such cell position‐dependent intracellular F‐actin distributions might be regulated by intracellular pH distributions. Therefore, apical–basal polarity of F‐actin distribution disrupted by omeprazole may induce the partial exogastrulation via anomalous secondary invagination.
Shared trauma during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Psychological effects on Israeli mental health nurses
Authors: Dahan Sagit , Levi Galit , Segev Ronen
Published: March 2022

Mental health nurses, tasked with the constant care of clients undergoing mental health treatment, have faced unique challenges arising from the uncertain outcomes of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The shared exposure of both nurses and their patients to a traumatic event such this pandemic leads to additional challenges and ways of coping. The psychological effects of this shared trauma on mental health nurses arising from the pandemic are the subject of this study. An online survey was used to examine personal levels of anxiety and concern, personal and national resilience (NR), and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among 183 mental health nurses working in mental health services in Israel. Overall, the study revealed moderate levels of concern and relatively low levels of anxiety, with significant negative correlations between personal and NR and levels of concern and anxiety. Higher levels of personal and NR were related to lower levels of concern and anxiety, and there was a significant positive correlation between assessments of personal resilience and NR. A significant positive correlation was found between personal and NR and PTG. Higher religiosity was associated with higher resilience, and higher professional seniority was related to higher PTG. Finally, results for particular demographic subgroups indicate that in Israel, special attention should be given to those mental health nurses who have immigrated to Israel, are non‐Jews or have less professional experience.
Associations between persistent symptoms after mild COVID‐19 and long‐term health status, quality of life, and psychological distress
Authors: Han Jin H. , Womack Kelsey N. , Tenforde Mark W. , Files D. Clark , Gibbs Kevin W. , Shapiro Nathan I. , Prekker Matthew E. , Erickson Heidi L. , Steingrub Jay S. , Qadir Nida , Khan Akram , Hough Catherine L. , Johnson Nicholas J. , Ely E. Wesley , Rice Todd W. , Casey Jonathan D. , Lindsell Christopher J. , Gong Michelle N. , Srinivasan Vasisht , Lewis Nathaniel M. , Patel Manish M. , Self Wesley H. ,   for the Influenza and Other Viruses in the Acutely Ill (IVY) Network
Published: March 2022

Background

We sought to assess whether persistent COVID‐19 symptoms beyond 6 months (Long‐COVID) among patients with mild COVID‐19 is associated with poorer health status, quality of life, and psychological distress.

Methods

This was a multicenter prospective cohort study that included adult outpatients with acute COVID‐19 from eight sites during 2‐week sampling periods from April 1 and July 28, 2020. Participants were contacted 6–11 months after their first positive SARS‐CoV‐2 to complete a survey, which collected information on the severity of eight COVID‐19 symptoms using a 4‐point scale ranging from 0 (not present) to 3 (severe) at 1 month before COVID‐19 (pre‐illness) and at follow‐up; the difference for each was calculated as an attributable persistent symptom severity score. A total attributable persistent COVID‐19 symptom burden score was calculated by summing the attributable persistent severity scores for all eight symptoms. Outcomes measured at long‐term follow‐up comprised overall health status (EuroQol visual analogue scale), quality of life (EQ‐5D‐5L), and psychological distress (Patient Health Questionnaire‐4). The association between the total attributable persistent COVID‐19 burden score and each outcome was analyzed using multivariable proportional odds regression.

Results

Of the 2092 outpatients with COVID‐19, 436 (21%) responded to the survey. The median (IQR) attributable persistent COVID‐19 symptom burden score was 2 (0, 4); higher scores were associated with lower overall health status (aOR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.57–0.69), lower quality of life (aOR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.59–0.72), and higher psychological distress (aOR: 1.40; 95%CI, 1.28–1.54) after adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, education, and income.

Conclusions

In participants with mild acute COVID‐19, the burden of persistent symptoms was significantly associated with poorer long‐term health status, poorer quality of life, and psychological distress.
Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment and prognostic characteristics of 156 generalized pustular psoriasis patients in Turkey: a multicentre case series
Authors: Kara Polat A. , Alpsoy E. , Kalkan G. , Aytekin S. , Uçmak D. , Yasak Güner R. , Topkarcı Z. , Yılmaz O. , Emre S. , Borlu M. , Türkoğlu Z. , Özkök Akbulut T. , Özaydın Yavuz G. , Kaya Erdoğan H. , Adışen E. , Satılmış Kaya A. , Oğuz Topal İ. , Yazıcı S. , Yılmaz E. , Koku Aksu A.E. , Kartal S.P. , Deveci B.N. , Öksüm Solak E. , Karadağ A.S. , Sarıkaya Solak S. , Kıvanç Altunay İ. , Türel Ermertcan A. , Özkesici Kurt B. , Gelincik Kaçar N. , Ataseven A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and severe inflammatory disease characterized by widespread and superficial sterile pustules on an erythematous background.

Objectives

This multicentre study aimed to determine the clinical profile and course in a large cohort of patients with GPP.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐six GPP patients (mean age, 44.2 ± 18.7 years) who met the diagnostic criteria of the European Consensus Report of GPP were included in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics, quality of life, triggering factors of the disease, clinical, laboratory, treatment and prognostic features were evaluated.

Results

61.5% of the patients were female. The rate of working at or below the minimum wage (≤$332.5/month) was 44.9%. Drugs (36.5%) were the most common trigger. While hypocalcaemia (35.7%) was the most important cause of GPP during pregnancy, systemic steroid withdrawal (20%) was the most frequently reported trigger for infantile/juvenile and mixed‐type GPP (15%) (P < 0.05). Acute GPP (53.8%) was the most common clinic. Nails were affected in 43.6% of patients, and subungual yellow spots (28.2%) were the most common change. In annular GPP, fever (P < 0.001) and relapse frequency (P = 0.006) were lower than other subtypes, and the number of hospitalizations (P = 0.002) was lower than acute GPP. GPP appeared at a later age in those with a history of psoriasis (P = 0.045). DLQI score (P = 0.049) and joint involvement (P = 0.016) were also higher in this group. Infantile/juvenile GPP was observed in 16.02% of all patients, and arthritis was lower in this group (24.4 vs. 16%). GPP of pregnancy had the worst prognosis due to abortion observed in three patients.

Conclusions

Recent advances in treatment have improved mortality associated with GPP, but abortion remains a significant complication. Although TNF‐α inhibitors have proven efficacy in GPP, they can also trigger the disease. Mixed‐type GPP is more similar to acute GPP than annular GPP with systemic manifestations and course.
A Residual‐Based Differential Item Functioning Detection Framework in Item Response Theory
Authors: Lim Hwanggyu , Choe Edison M. , Han Kyung T.
Published: March 2022

Differential item functioning (DIF) of test items should be evaluated using practical methods that can produce accurate and useful results. Among a plethora of DIF detection techniques, we introduce the new Residual DIF (RDIF) framework, which stands out for its accessibility without sacrificing efficacy. This framework consists of three item response theory (IRT) residual statistics: , , and . We conducted a simulation study with a 40‐item test to assess the performance of RDIF in comparison with the Mantel‐Haenszel, logistic regression, and IRT‐based likelihood ratio test methods. Even when analyzing small sample sizes, the results revealed to be the most robust DIF detection statistic with strict control of Type I error across all simulated conditions when paired with the purification procedure. Also, and proved to be powerful indicators of uniform and nonuniform DIF, respectively. Therefore, should serve as the primary flagging criterion, whereas and best serve as indicators of DIF type. An empirical DIF study also showed that the RDIF framework could perform satisfactorily with real data from a large‐scale assessment. Overall, the RDIF framework demonstrated its potential as a new standard for IRT‐based DIF detection methodology.
The local bias in equity crowdfunding: Behavioral anomaly or rational preference?
Authors: Hornuf Lars , Schmitt Matthias , Stenzhorn Eliza
Published: March 2022

We use data on individual investment decisions to analyze whether investors in equity crowdfunding direct their investments to local firms and whether specific investor types can explain this behavior. We then examine whether investments exhibiting a local bias are more or less likely to fail. We show that investors exhibit a local bias, even when we control for those with personal ties to the entrepreneur. In particular, we find that angel‐like investors and investors with personal ties to the entrepreneur exhibit a larger local bias than regular crowd investors. Well‐diversified investors are less likely to suffer from this behavioral anomaly than investors with personal ties to the entrepreneur. Overall, we show that investors who direct their investments to local firms more often pick start‐ups that run into insolvency, which indicates that some local investments in equity crowdfunding constitute a behavioral anomaly rather than a rational preference. Moreover, our results reveal that platform design is an important factor determining the scope of the behavior anomaly.
Color and optical properties of 3D printing restorative polymer‐based materials: A scoping review
Authors: Espinar Cristina , Della Bona Alvaro , Pérez María M. , Pulgar Rosa
Published: March 2022

Objective

Color and optical properties are particularly crucial to mimic natural tooth. This scoping review aimed to present an overview of the literature published on color and optical properties of 3D printing restorative polymer‐based materials. The literature search was performed in MED‐LINE/Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science.

Materials and methods

The literature search was conducted in the three databases based on the question: “Are the optical properties and color adequately reported on polymer‐based 3D printing dental restorative materials studies?” with no restriction on year of publication. Data were reported and synthesized following PRISMA‐ScR statement.

Results

Nine studies fit the inclusion criteria. Five studies focused on evaluating only color stability; three articles assessed the color stability along with mechanical and morphological properties and only one study compared color parameters of 3D printed to conventional polymers. Two studies evaluated translucency parameter and no study was found evaluating scattering, absorption, and transmittance.

Conclusions

Color and optical properties of 3D printed polymers that can be used in restorative dentistry are not adequately evaluated and characterized. Future studies on the influence of experimental printing conditions should include these physical properties to assist on improving esthetics.

Clinical significance

This review shows the scarce literature existing on color and optical properties of 3D printing restorative polymer‐based materials. These properties and their study are of outmost importance to create materials that mimic natural tooth to allow clinicians to obtain esthetically pleasant restorations.
Regional variation in multiple paternity in the brown smooth‐hound shark Mustelus henlei from the northeastern Pacific
Authors: Rendón‐Herrera J. Juan , Pérez‐Jiménez Juan Carlos , Saavedra‐Sotelo Nancy C.
Published: March 2022

Multiple paternity (MP) in the brown smooth‐hound shark (Mustelus henlei) was assessed in 15 litters (15 mothers and 97 embryos) collected in the northern Gulf of California of which 86.7% were sired by more than one male (i.e., from 2 to 4 sires). When taken together with results from previous studies, this record indicates that there is regional variation in MP in M. henlei in the northeastern Pacific. This pattern is associated with variations in the reproductive traits of each population (e.g., female size and litter size). In the Gulf of California, the results of a generalized linear model (GLZ) indicated that the litters of larger females had a higher probability of MP compared to those of smaller females.
Associations between psychiatric home‐visit nursing staff's exposure to violence and conditions of visit to community‐living individuals with mental illness
Authors: Fujimoto Hirokazu , Greiner Chieko , Mukaihata Tsuyoshi , Hashimoto Takeshi
Published: March 2022

Aim

Psychiatric home‐visit nursing is key for providing medical services to community‐living individuals with mental illness in Japan. However, little is known about factors associated with encountering violent incidents among psychiatric home‐visit nursing staff during visits. This cross‐sectional study examined associations between staff's exposure to violence and their visit conditions reflecting characteristics of individuals with mental illness.

Methods

Psychiatric home‐visit nursing staff members completed a questionnaire regarding their exposure to violence during the past 12 months and their visits to individuals with 23 characteristics, comprising static (13 items; e.g., psychiatric diagnosis) and dynamic factors (10 items; e.g., hostility/anger).

Results

Forty (16.3%) of the 246 participants had experienced violence. Visits to individuals with four static factors (psychiatric diagnoses, i.e., Disorders of Adult Personality and Behavior or Mental Retardation, alcohol/drug abuse with psychiatric diagnoses, and history of violent behavior), and nine dynamic factors were significantly and positively associated with participants' violent experiences. In addition, regarding the static factors of Disorders of Adult Personality and Behavior and history of violent behavior, it was found that overlapping of specific dynamic factors (e.g. hostility/anger) were significantly associated with violent experiences.

Conclusions

For visits with limited information on individuals (e.g., initial visits), having information on their static factors could help prevent violence. Additionally, it is important to create educational programs for psychiatric home‐visit nursing staff to detect the status of individuals' dynamic factors, and a system to share any related changes in timely fashion.
Impact of botulinum toxin injection into the masticatory muscles on mandibular bone: A systematic review
Authors: Owen Michael , Gray Benjamin , Hack Nawaz , Perez Leonel , Allard Rhonda J. , Hawkins James M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) injection into the masticatory muscles has been widely used to treat a number of painful and nonpainful conditions; however, no systematic reviews have been performed on the long‐term effect to the mandibular bone.

Objective

Our systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of botulinum toxin injection into the masticatory muscles on mandibular bone based.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Ovid, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched for human studies assessing mandibular bone after injection of BoNTA using computed tomography (CT) and cone beam CT (CBCT).

Results

Seven studies were eligible for review; five reported significant bony changes to one or more areas of the mandible. Most frequently affected were the condylar head, coronoid process and ramus. The most frequent changes were decreased bone volume, cortical thickness and cortical and trabecular density.

Conclusions

This is the first systematic review to examine an association between BoNTA injection into the masticatory muscles and mandibular bone quality. Data were analysed from a limited number of studies with a small sample size, and the quality of the included studies was very low. While the majority of available evidence suggests BoNTA injection results in bony change, further study is required to confirm a dose‐dependence effect and the impact of gender and age. High‐quality trials should utilise a combination of software analysis and radiologist review, with longer‐term follow‐up to monitor for persistence of bony effect and clinical significance.
CT imaging of dogs with perineal hernia reveals large prostates with morphological and spatial abnormalities
Authors: Åhlberg Tuuli M. , Salonen Hanna M , Laitinen‐Vapaavuori Outi M , Mölsä Sari H
Published: March 2022

The etiology of canine perineal hernia (PH) remains unclear, although as a disease of older male dogs, it is likely to be hormonal. The role of the prostate in the formation of PH has been questioned; however, prospective and systematic evaluation of prostates in these dogs is absent in the literature. In this prospective case–control study, CT imaging was used to assess prostatic changes in dogs with PH (n = 46) and compare these findings with those of intact age‐matched male dogs (n = 23). Using the OsiriX® DICOM viewer, we measured prostatic volume and correlated it with the size of the dog by using the length of the sixth lumbar vertebra. In addition, we recorded spatial and morphological changes of the prostate, such as heterogenicity, intra‐ and paraprostatic cysts, and mineralizations, as well as prostatic location and rotation. We found that dogs with PH had larger prostates (P < .001) that more often contained cysts (P < .001) and had larger cyst diameters (P = .013) than age‐matched controls. Prostates of PH dogs also contained paraprostatic cysts (17.4%) and focal mineralizations (32.6%), which were absent in the control group. Abnormal rotation and location of the prostate were common in dogs with PH. In conclusion, these findings support the use of CT as an adjunct diagnostic imaging modality for the evaluation of the prostate in dogs with PH. Further studies are needed to evaluate nonprostatic CT findings in the pelvic cavity of PH dogs.