bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impairment of platelet function in both mild and severe COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Scavone Mariangela , Ghali Claudia , Calogiuri Mariagrazia , Sala Matteo , Bossi Elena , Mencarini Tatiana , Bozzi Silvia , Clerici Bianca , Birocchi Simone , Fioretti Antonella , Bono Valeria , Maugeri Norma , Marchetti Giulia , Cattaneo Marco , Podda Gian Marco
Published: August 2023

Abnormalities of platelet function were reported in patients with severe COVID‐19 (severe‐C), but few data are available in patients with mild COVID‐19 (mild‐C) and after COVID‐19 recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate platelet parameters in mild‐C patients (n = 51), with no evidence of pneumonia, and severe‐C patients (n = 49), during the acute phase and after recovery, compared to 43 healthy controls. Both mild‐C and severe‐C patients displayed increased circulating activated platelets, low δ‐granule content (ADP, serotonin), impaired platelet activation by collagen (light transmission aggregometry) and impaired platelet thrombus formation on collagen‐coated surfaces under controlled flow conditions (300/s shear rate). The observed abnormalities were more marked in severe‐C patients than in mild‐C patients. Overall, 61% (30/49) of mild‐C and 73% (33/45) of severe‐C patients displayed at least one abnormal platelet parameter. In a subgroup of just 13 patients who showed no persisting signs/symptoms of COVID‐19 and were re‐evaluated at least 1 month after recovery, 11 of the 13 subjects exhibited normalization of platelet parameters. In conclusion, mild abnormalities of platelet parameters were present not only in severe‐C but also, albeit to a lesser extent, in mild‐C patients during the acute phase of COVID‐19 and normalized in most tested patients after clinical recovery.
Tannins in cancer prevention and therapy
Authors: Kleszcz Robert , Majchrzak‐Celińska Aleksandra , Baer‐Dubowska Wanda
Published: August 2023

Tannins are a heterogenous class of polyphenolic natural products with promising cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic potential. Studies undertaken over the last 30 years have demonstrated their capacity to target many cellular pathways and molecules important in the development of cancer. Recently, new mechanisms that might be important in anti‐carcinogenic activity, such as inhibition of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, reduction of cancer stem cell creation, and modulation of cancer cells metabolism have been described. Along with the mechanisms underlying the anti‐cancer activity of tannins, this review focuses on their possible application as chemosensitizers in adjuvant therapy and countering multidrug resistance. Furthermore, characteristic physicochemical properties of some tannins, particularly tannic acid, are useful in the formation of nanovehicles for anticancer drugs or the isolation of circulating cancer cells. These new potential applications of tannins deserve further studies. Well‐designed clinical trials, which are scarce, are needed to assess the therapeutic effects of tannins themselves or as adjuvants in cancer treatment.
‘Everyone needs to know that infant mental health is important’ – a commentary/reflection on ‘Improving access to mental health interventions for children from birth to five years: a scoping review’ (Hickey et al., 2023)
Authors: McFadyen Anne
Published: August 2023

Hickey et al.'s scoping of infant mental health (IMH) services and the challenges faced in ensuring that vulnerable infants can access them highlights important issues and suggests some solutions (Hickey et al., Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2023). Their synthesis of useful research in the field is limited only by its focus on more affluent English‐speaking countries, which is acknowledged. Writing from an Australian perspective, they highlight the need for culturally sensitive service delivery. This commentary draws attention to the concept of candidacy as a helpful way of thinking about patents' journeys into services. It can support a deeper understanding of the barriers to referral for infants most in need. One key issue is the knowledge and understanding of both professionals and the public about the importance of the early years for later well‐being. Infants cannot advocate for themselves and depend on those around them to exercise their right to services. Good relationships between professionals and between family members and clinicians are essential for IMH service development and delivery.
Race, immigrant status, and inequality in physical activity: An intersectional and life course approach
Authors: Sher Chloe , Wu Cary
Published: August 2023

Physical activity improves health and well‐being, but not everyone can be equally active. Previous research has suggested that racial minorities are less active than their white counterparts and immigrants are less active than their native‐born counterparts. In this article, we adopt an intersectional and life course approach to consider how race and immigrant status may intersect to affect physical activity across the life span. This new approach also allows us to test the long‐standing habitual versus structural debate in physical activity. Analysing data from two recent cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS, 2015–2016 & 2017–2018), we find that physical activity is only lower among immigrants who are also racial minorities and that the gap is most significant during adulthood, but rather insignificant during adolescence and late life. The findings that inequality in physical activity is more apparent among the most disadvantaged racialised immigrants and among working‐age adults when structural influences are greater suggest that inequality in physical activity is rooted in structural inequalities, rather than habitual differences. Finally, we demonstrate that the widely observed ‘healthy (racialised) immigrant effect’ can be underestimated if inequality in physical activity is not considered.
Mental health impact on primary and secondary Prader–Willi syndrome caregivers
Authors: González Ruiz Yohanna , Gerk Ayla , Stegmann Jorgelina
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Caring for individuals with rare diseases can be challenging and represent a burden. Nevertheless, this has been scarcely explored in Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Therefore, we sought to explore the psychological impact of caregiving, as well as the differences between main caregivers and other family members.

Methods

Different evaluation tools and scales were used taking into consideration the impact on caregivers. The scales were administered to those relatives who are immersed in the usual dynamics of the patient, differentiating between the main caregiver and other relatives living in the family home.

Results

A total of 33 families of patients with genetic confirmation of PWS were included. In this survey, 32% of primary caregivers reported a high probability of anxiety, compared with 19% of non‐primary caregivers (p = 0.27). Concerning depression, 40% of primary caregivers related possible or probable cases of depression compared with non‐primary caregivers 13% (p = 0.04). Regarding caregiver burden evaluated using the Zarit scale, 61% of the main caregivers presented high levels of overload, compared with 29% of the other relatives (p = 0.005). Family functioning evaluated using the APGAR scale showed a total lower response from primary caregivers, but no statistically relevant results were found [25.4 ± 6.7 vs. 26.0 ± 8.2 (p = 0.72)].

Conclusion

In this study, we observed that caring for people with PWS can have a significant effect on the mental health, burden and quality of life of caregivers, with a greater impact among primary caregivers compared with the other living relatives.
Long‐term weight outcomes in patients treated with liraglutide 3.0 mg in real‐world clinical practice
Authors: Grannell Andrew , Al‐Najim Werd , le Roux Carel
Published: August 2023

Long‐term weight outcomes reflect the success of obesity treatment. Weight regain during treatment for obesity is a biologically maladaptive response that can be considered a central feature of the disease. This phenomenon has been well documented in patients treated with lifestyle changes and bariatric surgery. In patients treated with liraglutide 3.0 mg this has been documented in randomized control trials, but real‐world analysis is lacking. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to explore the long‐term weight outcomes in patients treated with liraglutide 3.0 mg in a real‐world clinical practice. The association between body composition changes and weight outcomes was also explored. The study included 25 patients treated with multi‐modal care that included liraglutide 3.0 mg over a period of 78 weeks. Body composition was examined via dual x‐ray absorptiometry at 16 and 32 weeks, with body weight captured up until 78 weeks for all patients. Weight loss (R2 = 0.39, p < .001), fat mass loss (R2 = 0.32, p = .003) and fat‐free mass loss (R2 = 0.19, p = .03) were all associated with weight change from artificial nadir, which was, on average, 3.8 kg. For body composition, after adjustment, only fat mass loss was associated weight regain (R2 = 0.32, p = .01). In conclusion, in patients with clinical obesity treated with liraglutide 3.0 mg in a real‐world clinical setting, fat mass loss was associated with weight regain. Whilst weight regain occurred on average, the magnitude was less than that observed in patients treated with lifestyle alone and weight loss remained clinically significant for most patients.
Perineal defect reconstruction after surgery for advanced or locally recurrent rectal cancer involving organ resection: Multiple flaps combined with lining repair
Authors: Gao Zhaoya , Wang Yanzhao , Zeng Qingmin , Rong Wanshui , Wang Zilong , Zhai Zhichao , Ding Changmin , An Ke , Gao Qingkun , Niu Pengfei , Hong Yuming , He Xiaomang , Huang Wensheng , Lei Fuming , Wen Bing , Wang Xin , Gu Jin
Published: August 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of multiple perineal perforator flaps in repairing deep perineal defects after pelvic exenteration for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer.

Method

We investigated the outcomes of eight patients whose repairs involved a novel method of using an internal pudendal artery perforator (IPAP) flap combined with an inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap.

Results

There were four male and four female patients with a mean age of 56 years (36–72 years). Bilateral IPAP flaps combined with bilateral IGAP flaps were used in five patients, unilateral IPAP flaps combined with bilateral IGAP flaps were used in two patients and bilateral IPAP flaps were used in one patient. There were no functional limitations in daily activities during the 6‐month follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Our study showed that using multiple perineal perforator flaps combined with lining repair is feasible for repairing deep perineal defects in patients who have undergone rectal cancer surgery that includes pelvic exenteration.
Effect of renal function under left ventricular assist device support on the cardiac function and clinical events after heart transplantation
Authors: Kakuda Nobutaka , Amiya Eisuke , Hatano Masaru , Ishida Junichi , Tsuji Masaki , Bujo Chie , Yagi Hiroki , Fujita Kanna , Ishii Satoshi , Isotani Yoshitaka , Kurihara Takahiro , Numata Genri , Gyoten Takayuki , Shimada Shogo , Ando Masahiko , Ono Minoru , Komuro Issei
Published: August 2023

Aim

We investigated the effects of pre‐transplantation renal dysfunction under left ventricular assisted device (LVAD) support on post‐transplantation cardiac function, and patient prognosis after heart transplantation (HTx).

Method

All patients who were bridged by LVAD and underwent HTx at our hospital between 2007 and 2022 were included in this study. Patients were classified into two groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before HTx: renal dysfunction (RD) group (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and non‐renal dysfunction (NRD) group.

Result

A total of 132 patients were analyzed, of whom 48 were classified into the RD group and 84 into the NRD group (RD group, 47.9 ± 10.1 years; NRD group, 38.4 ± 11.9 years, p < .0001). Under LVAD support before HTx, the RD group tended to have a history of right ventricular failure (RD group, nine (19%); NRD group, seven (8%); p = .098). After HTx, the echocardiographic parameters did not differ between the two groups in the long term. Furthermore, more concise hemodynamic parameters, exemplified by right heart catheterization, were not significantly different between the two groups. Regarding graft rejection, no significant differences were found in acute cellular rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy following HTx. In contrast, patients with RD before HTx had significantly increased mortality in the chronic phase after HTx and initiation of maintenance dialysis, without any overt changes in cardiac function.

Conclusion

Pre‐transplantation renal dysfunction under LVAD support significantly affected clinical course after HTx without any overt changes in graft cardiac function.
A CD56− immunoblastoid variant of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
Authors: Aran Brenna M. , Duran Juanita , Whittemore Darren , Gru Alejandro A.
Published: August 2023

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is an aggressive malignant hematologic neoplasm arising from plasmacytoid dendritic cells. It is a very rare tumor that constitutes less than 0.1% of all hematologic malignancies. Most patients with BPDCN present clinically with cutaneous lesions as the first sign of disease. Immunophenotypic variability with aberrant marker profiles has been reported. We report a case of a transcription factor 4 (TCF‐4) + BPDCN, with negative CD56 expression in an 85‐year‐old woman with multiple skin nodules. A punch biopsy revealed a diffuse, monomorphous, and non‐epidermotropic cell infiltrate involving the entire dermis. The infiltrate was composed of intermediate‐sized cells with immunoblastoid morphology, which is an unusual morphologic variant. The neoplastic cells were strongly positive for CD45 and co‐expressed CD4, CD123, TCF‐4, BCL‐2, and CD10. The Ki‐67 proliferative rate was very high (90%). Negative immunostains included CD56, an unusual finding in BPDCN. This case illustrates the challenges encountered in the diagnosis of this entity, particularly in unusual morphologic variants and phenotypes. The elucidation of molecular signatures and development of targeted therapies for its management have been recently introduced and differ from acute myeloid leukemias. Hence, accurate diagnosis of BPDCN is critical for dermatopathologists.
Side‐by‐side placement of fully covered metal stents versus conventional 7F plastic stents in malignant hilar biliary obstruction: Prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paik Woo Hyun , Jung Min Kyu , Kim Dong Uk , Song Tae Jun , Yang Min Jae , Choi Young Hoon , Kim Joo Seong , Lee Min Woo , Choi Jin Ho , Lee Sang Hyub
Published: August 2023

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of metal stents compared with plastic stents when bilateral side‐by‐side stents were deployed for malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO).

Methods

Fifty patients with unresectable advanced MHBO were randomly assigned to the metal stent (MS, n = 25) or plastic stent group (PS, n = 25). Fully covered self‐expandable metal stents with 6 mm diameter and plastic stents with either 7F straight or double pigtail were used for MS and PS groups, respectively. Time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO) was evaluated as the primary outcome.

Results

Both groups had 100% technical success rates; 88% and 76% of clinical success rates were obtained in MS and PS, respectively. Although stent migrations were more frequent in MS than PS (48% vs. 16%, P = 0.02), the mean TRBO was significantly longer in MS (190 days; 95% confidence interval [CI] 121–260 days vs. 96 days; 95% CI 50–141 days, P = 0.02). The placement of plastic stents (hazard ratio 2.42; 95% CI 1.24–4.73; P = 0.01) was the only significant risk factor associated with TRBO in multivariable analysis. The rates of adverse events were similar between the two groups (difference 0%; 95% CI −25% to 25%; P > 0.99).

Conclusions

During bilateral side‐by‐side deployment in MHBO, the use of metal stents appears to be preferable to plastic stents in terms of TRBO, despite a higher frequency of stent migration.
Weighing the Value of Complex Growth Estimation Methods to Evaluate Individual Student Response to Instruction
Authors: Van Norman Ethan R.
Published: August 2023

Sophisticated analytic strategies have been proposed as viable methods to improve the quantification of student improvement and to assist educators in making treatment decisions. The performance of three categories of latent growth modeling techniques (linear, quadratic, and dual change) to capture growth in oral reading fluency in response to a 12‐week structured supplemental reading intervention among 280 grade three students at‐risk for learning disabilities were compared. Although the most complex approach (dual‐change) yielded the best model fit indices, there were few practical differences between predicted values from simpler linear models. A discussion to carefully consider the relative benefits and appropriateness of increasingly complex growth modeling strategies to evaluate individual student responses to intervention is offered.
Periodic discharges plus fast activity on electroencephalogram predict worse outcomes in poststroke epilepsy
Authors: Fukuma Kazuki , Tojima Maya , Tanaka Tomotaka , Kobayashi Katsuya , Kajikawa Shunsuke , Shimotake Akihiro , Kamogawa Naruhiko , Ikeda Shuhei , Ishiyama Hiroyuki , Abe Soichiro , Morita Yoshiaki , Nakaoku Yuriko , Ogata Soshiro , Nishimura Kunihiro , Koga Masatoshi , Toyoda Kazunori , Matsumoto Riki , Takahashi Ryosuke , Ikeda Akio , Ihara Masafumi
Published: August 2023

Objective

Postseizure functional decline is a concern in poststroke epilepsy (PSE). However, data on electroencephalogram (EEG) markers associated with functional decline are scarce. Thus, we investigated whether periodic discharges (PDs) and their specific characteristics are associated with functional decline in patients with PSE.

Methods

In this observational study, patients admitted with seizures of PSE and who had scalp EEGs were included. The association between the presence or absence of PDs and postseizure short‐term functional decline lasting 7 days after admission was investigated. In patients with PD, EEG markers were explored for risk stratification of short‐term functional decline, according to the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society's Standardized Critical Care EEG Terminology. The association between EEG markers and imaging findings and long‐term functional decline at discharge and 6 months after discharge, defined as an increase in the modified Rankin Scale score compared with the baseline, was evaluated.

Results

In this study, 307 patients with PSE (median age = 75 years, range = 35–97 years, 64% males; hemorrhagic stroke, 47%) were enrolled. Compared with 247 patients without PDs, 60 patients with PDs were more likely to have short‐term functional decline (12 [20%] vs. 8 [3.2%], p < .001), with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 4.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44–12.6, p = .009). Patients with superimposed fast‐activity PDs (PDs+F) had significantly more localized (rather than widespread) lesions (87% vs. 58%, p = .003), prolonged hyperperfusion (100% vs. 62%, p = .023), and a significantly higher risk of short‐term functional decline than those with PDs without fast activity (adjusted OR = 22.0, 95% CI = 1.87–259.4, p = .014). Six months after discharge, PDs+F were significantly associated with long‐term functional decline (adjusted OR = 4.21, 95% CI = 1.27–13.88, p = .018).

Significance

In PSE, PDs+F are associated with sustained neuronal excitation and hyperperfusion, which may be a predictor of postseizure short‐ and long‐term functional decline.
An effective overlapping community merging method oriented to multidimensional attribute social networks
Authors: Cheng Shulin , Yang Shan , Cheng Xiufang , Wang Wanyan
Published: August 2023

For multidimensional attribute social networks, most of the existing methods have limitations in dealing with community redundancy, namely, the influences of the network's multidimensional attributes and users' interest preferences are ignored in the process of community merging. To this end, we propose an effective overlapping community merging method (EOCMM) oriented to multidimensional attribute social networks. In EOCMM, we focus on two core problems which are how to improve the method of improving overlapping community detection in multidimensional attribute social networks and how to merge the detected communities with high redundancy degree. To solve the first problem, based on the network topology characteristics and user interest preference, the Node Domain index is proposed to improve and optimize the selection of seed nodes. The traditional overlapping community detection method is improved by semantic fitness function and seed nodes. To solve the second problem, we merge the communities with high redundancy degree by Semantic Community Overlapping Degree which is fused by user similarity, community similarity and community tightness. Finally, we compared our method with other multiple mainstream methods by extensive experiments on three real social network datasets. The experimental comparison results show that the improvements on three evaluation metrics extension of modularity, partition density and semantic extension of modularity are 6.04%, 7.96% and 3.13%, respectively. And our method can make the results of community detection and merging more reasonable and effective.
Extracellular matrix biomechanical roles and adaptation in health and disease
Authors: Franchi Marco , Piperigkou Zoi , Mastronikolis Nicholas S. , Karamanos Nikos
Published: August 2023

Extracellular matrices (ECMs) are dynamic 3D macromolecular networks that exhibit structural characteristics and composition specific to different tissues, serving various biomechanical and regulatory functions. The interactions between ECM macromolecules such as collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans (PGs), fibronectin, and laminin, along with matrix effectors and water, contribute to the unique cellular and tissue functional properties during organ development, tissue homoeostasis, remodeling, disease development, and progression. Cells adapt to environmental changes by adjusting the composition and array of ECM components. ECMs, forming the 3D bioscaffolds of our body, provide mechanical support for tissues and organs and respond to the environmental variables influencing growth and final adult body shape in mammals. Different cell types display distinct adaptations to the respective ECM environments. ECMs regulate biological processes by controlling the diffusion of infections and inflammations, sensing and adapting to external stimuli and gravity from the surrounding habitat, and, in the context of cancer, interplaying with and regulating cancer cell invasion and drug resistance. Alterations in the ECM composition in pathological conditions drive adaptive responses of cells and could therefore result in abnormal cell behavior and tissue dysfunction. Understanding the biomechanical functionality, adaptation, and roles of distinct ECMs is essential for research on various pathologies, including cancer progression and multidrug resistance, which is of crucial importance for developing targeted therapies. In this Viewpoint article, we critically present and discuss specific biomechanical functions of ECMs and regulatory adaptation mechanisms in both health and disease, with a particular focus on cancer progression.
Probabilistic Regionalization via Evidence Accumulation with Random Spanning Trees as Weak Spatial Representations
Authors: Aydin Orhun , Janikas Mark V. , Assunção Renato Martins , Lee Ting‐Hwan
Published: August 2023

Spatial clusters contain biases and artifacts, whether they are defined via statistical algorithms or via expert judgment. Graph‐based partitioning of spatial data and associated heuristics gained popularity due to their scalability but can define suboptimal regions due to algorithmic biases such as chaining. Despite the broad literature on deterministic regionalization methods, approaches that quantify regionalization probability are sparse. In this article, we propose a local method to quantify regionalization probabilities for regions defined via graph‐based cuts and expert‐defined regions. We conceptualize spatial regions as consisting of two types of spatial elements: core and swing. We define three distinct types of regionalization biases that occur in graph‐based methods and showcase the use of the proposed method to capture these types of biases. Additionally, we propose an efficient solution to the probabilistic graph‐based regionalization problem via performing optimal tree cuts along random spanning trees within an evidence accumulation framework. We perform statistical tests on synthetic data to assess resulting probability maps for varying distinctness of underlying regions and regionalization parameters. Lastly, we showcase the application of our method to define probabilistic ecoregions using climatic and remotely sensed vegetation indicators and apply our method to assign probabilities to the expert‐defined Bailey's ecoregions.
Intellectual property system and urban green innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Siying , Liu Fengshuo , Wang Gege , Feng Dawei
Published: August 2023

Green innovation (GI) can enable win‒win style economic and ecological benefits. Using China's pilot scheme for the construction of the intellectual property protection (IPP) system as an example, this paper empirically tests the impact of IPP system reform on the GI level and its spatial spillover effect. The results show that IPP system reform has significantly promoted urban GI, indicating that a progressive reform model characterized by experimentalist governance is applicable to innovation policy practices in developing countries. The dynamic effect analysis shows that IPP system reform can be applied to continuously promote urban GI. The mechanism analysis shows that such use of IPP system reform can improve the level of urban GI by promoting investment and talent agglomeration, confirming the viewpoint of the institutionalist school. The heterogeneity analysis shows that IPP system reform plays a stronger role in promoting GI in peripheral cities than in central cities, in cities with lower rather than higher scientific and educational levels and in cities with weaker rather than stronger GI capacity. Consistent with the theory of institutional diffusion, IPP system reform has a significant spatial spillover effect, promoting GI activities in surrounding cities while working to improve the local GI level. This paper affirms the effectiveness of the pilot regional innovation policy with Chinese characteristics, with important theoretical significance.
Ectopic expression of matrix metalloproteinases and filopodia extension via JNK activation are involved in the invasion of blood tumor cells in Drosophila mxc mutant
Authors: Takarada Kazuki , Kinoshita Juri , Inoue Yoshihiro H.
Published: August 2023

Drosophila mxcmbn1 mutant exhibits severe hyperplasia in larval hematopoietic tissue called the lymph glands (LGs). However, the malignant nature of these cells remains unknown. We aimed to identify if mxcmbn1 LG cells behave as malignant tumor cells and uncover the mechanism(s) underlying the malignancy of the mutant hemocytes. When mutant LG cells were allografted into normal adult abdomens, they continued to proliferate; however, normal LG cells did not proliferate. Mutant circulating hemocytes also attached to the larval central nervous system (CNS), where the basement membrane was disrupted. The mutant hemocytes displayed higher expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 and MMP2 and higher activation of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway than normal hemocytes. Depletion of MMPs or JNK mRNAs in LGs resulted in reduced numbers of hemocytes attached to the CNS, suggesting that the invasive phenotype involved elevated expression of MMPs via hyperactivation of the JNK pathway. Moreover, hemocytes with elongated filopodia and extra lamellipodia were frequently observed in the mutant hemolymph, which also depended on JNK signaling. Thus, the MMP upregulation and overextension of actin‐based cell protrusions were also involved in hemocyte invasion in mxcmbn1 larvae. These findings contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian leukemic invasion.
Managers' perceptions of masculinity and racialization in Swedish nursing homes
Authors: Storm Palle
Published: August 2023

Nursing homes for older people are an integral part in most postindustrial welfare states. The strong formalization and regulation of the Swedish care sector have contributed to a comparatively large share of frontline workers being native‐born Swedish women with a shorter educational background. Yet, an aging population in interplay with increased difficulties to recruit sufficient numbers of native‐born care workers has led to Sweden following an internationally observed trend with an increased reliance on not only migrant women but also migrant men as care workers in residential care facilities. However, little is known about migrant men's experiences of care work and the challenges and obstacles they might face because of their gender and skin color, not least when it comes to experiences of being exposed to gendered racism from the residents. The study builds on interviews with 21 managers employed at Swedish elder care facilities in the Stockholm area. The results suggest that both Black women and men to a greater extent than other ethnic minority workers risk being exposed to racism. At the same time, the results suggest that Black men, due to their gender and skin color, constitute the group of staff that most of all risks encountering racism in the everyday life of caregiving. Taken together, this points to the need of highlighting how stereotypes of gender and race as well as gendered racism are given and gain meaning in elder care. This points to the importance of not considering “migrant care workers” an undifferentiated category of workers when working on creating nondiscriminatory and inclusive working conditions for all visibly racialized care workers.
Perceived academic success of students during the third wave of COVID‐19
Authors: Ismail Akhlas , Schiff Miriam , Pat‐Horenczyk Ruth , Benbenishty Rami
Published: August 2023

This study examined the role of resource loss and gain in perceived academic success of higher education students during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A self‐administered questionnaire was distributed online to 10,830 students from six universities and four colleges in Israel between April 26 and July 5, 2021. We conducted descriptive analyses, correlations, and hierarchical regression to analyse the data. Consistent with the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the findings showed that loss of economic and personal resources correlated negatively with perceived academic success. But the findings were not consistent within the interpersonal domain: although loss of trust in the university correlated negatively with perceived academic success, both loss of trust in government and loss of close relationships correlated positively with perceived academic success. Additionally, gain in personal and interpersonal (perceived social support) resources were found to correlate positively with perceived academic success. The results suggest to address the needs of students in the areas of economic constraints, trust in the university, and personal resources. New programs that can help students mitigate their resource losses and enhance their positive resources should be implemented to enhance the perceived academic success and well‐being of higher education students.
Effects of glycation end‐products on the dental pulp in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Alsamahi Shaikhah , Milne Trudy J. , Mohd Hussaini Haizal Mohd , Rich Alison M. , Cooper Paul R. , Friedlander Lara T.
Published: August 2023

Aim

This ex vivo study aimed to compare protein expression of advanced glycation end‐products (AGE) and receptor (RAGE), and the levels of selected genes associated with inflammation and collagen within dental pulp tissue from patients with type 2 (T2D) diabetes and non‐T2D.

Methodology

Noncarious extracted permanent molar teeth from patients with well‐controlled T2D (n = 19) and non‐T2D (controls) (n = 19) were collected and compared. The coronal pulp was examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) (n = 10 per group) for anti‐AGE and anti‐RAGE. Quantitative PCR (n = 9 per group) was used to analyse the gene expression levels of NFKB, S100A12 and COLIA1. Data analyses were performed between the groups using GraphPad Prism using Pearson correlation, Shapiro–Wilk and Mann–Whitney U‐tests, and multiple regression using SPSS.

Results

AGEs were distributed diffusely throughout the pulp extracellular matrix associated with collagen fibres and were present on several cell types. RAGE was expressed at the pulp–dentine interface and was observed on odontoblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Semi‐quantitative analysis of IHC samples showed significantly increased expression of AGE (p < .0001) and RAGE (p = .02) in T2D samples compared with controls. The expression of NFKB (p < .0001), S100A12 (p < .0001) and COLIA1 (p = .01) genes were significantly higher in the T2D pulp, and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that these findings were not affected by age.

Conclusion

T2D may exert a similar glycation response in the dental pulp to other body sites. This could occur through activation of NF‐κB pathways with a concomitant increase in genes associated with inflammation and collagen.
Reduced audit quality acts: A review and organizational model
Authors: Hyatt Troy A. , Prawitt Douglas F. , Stubbs Kyle M.
Published: August 2023

With increasing regulatory focus on improving audit quality, research on drivers of audit quality remains important to academics, professionals and regulators. One compelling branch of this research focuses on auditors' intentional actions that reduce audit quality, often referred to in the literature as reduced audit quality acts (RAQAs). This paper provides a review and synthesis of the RAQA literature, including a unifying definition for RAQAs and a model for organizing past and future RAQA research. With the model, we explore antecedents to RAQAs as well as the discovery of, responses to and subsequent consequences of RAQAs. We also discuss potential avenues for future research.
Bound form terpenes in sweet potatoes and their distribution in flesh and peel of different cultivars
Authors: Rodriguez Gabriela , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Aryana Kayanush J. , King Joan M. , Xu Zhimin
Published: August 2023

Six prevalent sweet potato cultivars, New Orleans, Beauregard, Japanese, Hannah, Garnet and Jewel, were selected to determine the distribution of terpenes in their flesh and peel. Free‐form terpenes were not detected in both flesh and peel in all the cultivars by using a solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) method. Major terpenes in the sweet potatoes were linalool and α‐terpineol and existed in bound form in flesh and peel. They were released as free‐form and determined after acid hydrolysis treatment. However, ultrasonication‐assisted acid hydrolysis decreased the levels of terpenes with increased treatment time because the broken‐down free‐form terpenes were volatile and rapidly evaporated or oxidised. For the selected cultivars, the Garnet, Jewel and Japanese cultivars had the greatest levels of linalool, while the Beauregard and New Orleans cultivars had the greatest level of α‐terpineol. Also, the concentration of linalool or α‐terpineol in the peel of each cultivar was approximately two times greater than in its flesh. This study revealed the bound form terpenes and their distribution in sweet potatoes. The results explored the potential utilisation of sweet potato peel as a natural source of terpenes.
The resurrection of vocational interests in human resources research and practice: Yes we can!
Authors: Wille Bart , De Fruyt Filip
Published: August 2023

This short article bundles our reactions to three commentaries on our provocation paper about the resurrection of vocational interests in human resources research and practice.
Development of disaster nursing in Nepal: Opportunities and challenges for advanced practice
Authors: Paudel Sushila , Kanbara Sakiko
Published: August 2023

Aim

This article discusses the evolution of the field of disaster nursing in Nepal and its challenges and ways to protect the health and well‐being of the community during disasters. It also discusses the alignment of field activities with the International Council of Nurses' (ICN) competencies in disaster nursing.

Background

Disaster nursing has become increasingly important due to the increasing frequency and impact of disasters on health. In Nepal, disaster nursing is a relatively new field, but it has grown over the years with nurses playing a vital role in providing holistic care during disasters, emergencies, and crises.

Sources of evidence

Literature review and experience from the field.

Discussion

Following the Nepal earthquake, the concept of the “epidemiology nurse” evolved in Nepal which trained local nurses with disaster nursing knowledge and skills using the digital information, communication, and technology (ICT) toolkit for collecting real‐time information. Nurses monitored the environment, conducted physical and mental health assessments, identified the needs of vulnerable populations, provided basic aid, offered mental health support, and shared data with authorities. However, their competencies are not yet enough to fully align with those given by ICN nursing standards.

Conclusion

Recognizing the valuable contributions of Nepalese nurses in the field, their initiatives can serve as a foundation for advancing their roles in disaster nursing. It is essential to implement national disaster plans and invest in specialized university courses for disaster nursing training.

Implications for nursing policy

The field experiences of disaster nursing reflected in this article can contribute to the development of policies and practices related to disaster management in adherence to the ICN' guidelines.
Pilot of asymptomatic swabbing of humans following exposures to confirmed avian influenza A(H5) in avian species in England, 2021/2022
Authors: Capelastegui Fernando , Smith Julianna , Kumbang Jharna , Humphreys Clare , Padfield Simon , Turner Jonathan , Mumford Andrew , Richardson Nick , Oliver Isabel , Dabrera Gavin
Published: August 2023

A programme of asymptomatic swabbing was piloted in 2021/2022 in England to further understand the risk of human infection with avian influenza in exposed individuals and to evaluate this surveillance approach as a public health measure. There were challenges in deploying this pilot that will need to be addressed for future seasons. However, there was one detection of avian influenza A(H5N1) in a human despite low uptake in eligible exposed persons. Future use of asymptomatic swabbing could help provide an evidence base to quantify asymptomatic infection, quickly identify signals of increased animal to human transmission and improve public health preparedness.
Family caregiver readiness to adopt smart home technology to monitor care—Dependent older adults: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Dermody Gordana , Fritz Roschelle , Glass Courtney , Dunham Melissa , Whitehead Lisa
Published: August 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore factors that influence family caregiver readiness to adopt health smart home technology for their care‐dependent older adult family member. Health smart homes are designed to remotely monitor the health and wellness of community‐dwelling older adults supporting independent living for as long as possible. Accordingly, if the health smart home is deployed into the home of a care‐depended older adult, it can potentially support family caregivers by facilitating workforce participation and give piece of mind to the family caregiver who may not live close to the older adult. However, wider adoption of health smart home technologies into the homes of community‐older adults is low, and little is known about the factors that influence the readiness of family caregivers to adopt smart home technologies for their care‐dependent older adults.

Design

A qualitative Descriptive study design was utilized.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected between 2019 and 2020 via semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis of interviews was completed, and data were organized into themes.

Results

Study findings show that caregiver readiness (N = 10) to adopt smart home technology to monitor older adult family members were influenced by five primary themes including a ‘big brother effect’, ‘framing for acceptance’, ‘data privacy’, ‘burden’ and ‘cost.’

Conclusion

Family caregivers were open to adopting smart home technology to support the independent living of their older adult family members. However, the readiness of family caregivers was inextricably linked to the older adults' readiness for smart home adoption. The family caregiver's primary concern was on how they could frame the idea of the smart home to overcome what they viewed as hesitancy to adopt in the older adult. The findings suggest that family caregivers endeavour to balance the hesitancy in their older adult family members with the potential benefits of smart home technology.

Impact

Family caregivers could benefit if their care‐dependent older adults adopt smart home technology. Recognizing the role of caregivers and their perspectives on using smart home technologies with their care‐dependents is critical to the meaningful design, use and adoption.
Considerable gene flow in troglomorphic cockroach species across a vast subterranean landscape
Authors: Ewart Kyle M. , Kovacs Toby G. L. , Walker James , Tatarnic Nikolai J. , Clark Huon , Lo Nathan
Published: August 2023

Aim

There has been growing interest in non‐cave subterranean habitats and their influence on the evolution of troglomorphic (i.e. ‘subterranean adapted’) species. Studies on the diversification of aquatic subterranean organisms in these habitats generally support the ‘subterranean island’ hypothesis, whereby isolated subterranean refuges lead to patterns of short‐range endemism. However, their terrestrial counterparts have received less attention. We aimed to elucidate the applicability of the ‘subterranean island’ hypothesis to terrestrial subterranean fauna through genetic analyses of two widespread troglomorphic cockroach species. To investigate the influence of subterranean biogeography, we also analysed a closely related species that inhabits ‘classic’ cave environments to represent a contrasting biogeographic comparison.

Location

Pilbara region, Western Australia, and the Chillagoe‐Mungana Caves, Queensland (Australia).

Taxa

Cave cockroach species:Nocticola cockingi,Nocticola quartermaineiandNocticola australiensis.

Methods

We used DArTseq to generate genome‐wide SNPs in 78 samples, and Sanger sequencing to generate 16S mtDNA data. We then applied various population genomic analyses to characterize the distribution of genetic diversity within the three study species.

Results

We identified distinct genetic clusters within the two Pilbara species; however, there appeared to be a notable lack of discernible population differentiation across large parts of their range (>135 km), opposing the subterranean island hypothesis. The highest level of population differentiation in the three study species was between the two caves in Queensland, ~3 km apart.

Main Conclusions

The Pilbara subterranean habitat appeared to be conducive to gene flow across relatively large distances, contrasting high levels of endemism observed in other subterranean taxa within the region. The disparate patterns of gene flow among the Pilbara and Queensland study species emphasize the significance of differing subterranean habitats on patterns of dispersal and vicariance. These inferences will inform conservation genetic management of these species, and may help elucidate the evolutionary paradox of widespread subterranean fauna.
Institutional Inertia and Change: Explaining the Czech and Portuguese Engagement in European Defence Market Integration
Authors: Weiss Tomáš , Fernandes Sandra , Pisklová Miroslava
Published: August 2023

The Permanent Structured Cooperation in Defence (PESCO) and the European Defence Fund (EDF) constitute another attempt to consolidate the European defence market. In this article, we explain the different engagements of Czechia and Portugal in the two initiatives until 2021 through the evolution and reform of the domestic institutions governing their defence industrial policies. We trace how the institutions were established, how they contributed to the national position on PESCO and EDF and how the two countries' defence industries became involved. The article shows how the different institutionalisation of the defence sector allowed Portugal and its companies to participate more than their Czech counterparts. We contribute to historical institutionalist scholarship by evidencing the critical role of ideas in promoting and preventing policy change. We also offer an insight into the practice of European defence co‐operation and identify processes that challenge further integration.
A biologically oriented preparation technique (BOPT) for immediate posterior implant placement, immediate provisionalization, and definitive implant crown fabrication: A complete digital workflow
Authors: Laguna‐Martos Martín , Cascos Rocío , Agustín‐Panadero Rubén , Gómez‐Polo Miguel , Revilla‐León Marta
Published: August 2023

Objective

Immediate implants and immediate alveolar sealing have been a widely utilized treatment with high predictability and biological advantages. The improvement in technology has made it possible to simplify clinical processes. The aim of the present report was to describe the complete digital workflow of the Biologically oriented preparation technique for immediate posterior implant, immediate provisionalization and fabrication of definitive implant crowns.

Clinical Considerations

The surgical process and prosthetic management to preserve the gingival contours of the extracted natural tooth during immediate implant placement and provisionalization are described. Additionally, during the same clinical intervention, the definitive intraoral digital implant scans for capturing the implant position, peri‐implant tissue contours, adjacent and antagonist dentition, and profile emergence of the interim implant crown are captured for the fabrication of the definitive crown.

Conclusions

Based on the technique described, the immediate implant placement and provisionalization in the posterior area provides biological and clinical advantages, reducing the number of abutment‐implant disconnections and the number of clinical appointments, as well as increases patient comfort.

Clinical Significance

The present article describes a technique for an immediate implant placement and provisionalization in the posterior region for maintaining the gingival architecture of the extracted tooth. During the same appointment, the implant position, peri‐implant tissue contours, and adjacent and antagonist dentition, and profile emergence of the interim implant crown are captured by using an intraoral scanner and used for the fabrication of the definitive crown. This technique aims to reduce the number of abutment‐implant disconnections and clinical appointments.