bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with transdermal alcohol concentration from the SCRAM biosensor among persons living with and without HIV
Authors: Richards Veronica L. , Liu Yiyang , Orr Jessica , Leeman Robert F. , Barnett Nancy P. , Bryant Kendall , Cook Robert L. , Wang Yan
Published: August 2021

Background

Transdermal alcohol biosensors can objectively monitor alcohol use by measuring transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC). However, it is unclear how sociodemographic and clinical factors that influence alcohol metabolism are associated with TAC. The main aim of this study was to examine how sociodemographic factors (sex, age, race/ethnicity) and clinical factors (body mass index, liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]), alcohol use disorder, and HIV status were associated with TAC while controlling for level of alcohol use.

Methods

We analyzed data from a prospective study involving contingency management for alcohol cessation among persons living with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that used the Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) biosensor. Forty‐three participants (Mage = 56.6 years; 63% male; 58% people living with HIV) yielded 183 SCRAM‐detected drinking days. Two indices derived from SCRAM: peak TAC (reflecting level of intoxication) and TAC area under the curve (TAC‐AUC; reflecting alcohol volume)—were the main outcomes. Self‐reported alcohol use (drinks/drinking day) measured by Timeline Followback was the main predictor. To examine whether factors of interest were associated with TAC, we used individual generalized estimating equations (GEE), followed by a multivariate GEE model to include all significant predictors to examine their associations with TAC beyond the effect of self‐reported alcohol use.

Results

Number of drinks per drinking day (B = 0.29, p < 0.01) and elevated AST (B = 0.50, p = 0.01) were significant predictors of peak TAC. Positive HIV status, female sex, elevated AST, and number of drinks per drinking day were positively associated with TAC‐AUC at the bivariate level, whereas only self‐reported alcohol use (B = 0.85, p < 0.0001) and female sex (B = 0.67, p < 0.05) were significant predictors of TAC‐AUC at the multivariate level.

Conclusions

HIV status was not independently associated with TAC. Future studies should consider the sex and liver function of the participant when using alcohol biosensors to measure alcohol use.
Alcohol use and dysglycemia among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Alcohol & Metabolic Comorbidities in PLWH: Evidence Driven Interventions (ALIVE‐Ex) study
Authors: Primeaux Stefany D. , Simon Liz , Ferguson Tekeda F. , Levitt Danielle E. , Brashear Meghan M. , Yeh Alice , Molina Patricia E.
Published: August 2021

Background

At‐risk alcohol use is a common and costly form of substance misuse that is highly prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH). The goal of the current analysis was to test the hypothesis that PLWH with at‐risk alcohol use are more likely to meet the clinical criteria for prediabetes/diabetes than PLWH with low‐risk alcohol use.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was performed on measures of alcohol and glycemic control in adult PLWH (n = 105) enrolled in a prospective, interventional study (the ALIVE‐Ex Study (NCT03299205)) that investigated the effects of aerobic exercise on metabolic dysregulation in PLWH with at‐risk alcohol use. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Timeline Followback, and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) level were used to measure alcohol use. Participants were stratified into low‐risk (AUDIT score < 5) and at‐risk alcohol use (AUDIT  score ≥ 5). All participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and measures of glycemic control− the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR) and Matsuda Index − were correlated with alcohol measures and compared by AUDIT score group using mixed‐effects linear and logistic regression models, adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), and viral load.

Results

In response to the glucose challenge, participants with at‐risk alcohol use (n = 46) had higher glucose levels and were five times more likely to meet criteria for prediabetes/diabetes (OR: 5.3 (1.8, 15.9)) than participants with an AUDIT score < 5. Two‐hour glucose values were positively associated with AUDIT score and PEth level and a higher percentage of PLWH with at‐risk alcohol use had glucose values ≥140 mg/dl than those with low‐risk alcohol use (34.8% vs. 10.2%, respectively).

Conclusion

In this cohort of PLWH, at‐risk alcohol use increased the likelihood of meeting the clinical criteria for prediabetes/diabetes (2‐h glucose level ≥140 mg/dl). Established determinants of metabolic dysfunction (e.g., BMI, waist–hip ratio) were not associated with greater alcohol use and dysglycemia, suggesting that other mechanisms may contribute to the impaired glycemic control observed in this cohort.
The information capacity of adolescent alcohol consumption indicators along a continuum of severity: A cross‐national comparison of sixteen Central and Eastern European countries
Authors: Horváth Zsolt , Qirjako Gentiana , Pavlova Daryna , Taut Diana , Vaičiūnas Tomas , Melkumova Marina , Várnai Dóra , Vieno Alessio , Demetrovics Zsolt , Urbán Róbert , Németh Ágnes
Published: August 2021

Background

Because there is high variability among European countries in prevalence levels of various alcohol consumption measures, the informational value of adolescent's alcohol consumption indicators is uncertain. The present study aimed to examine information capacity and measurement invariance of different alcohol consumption indicators in adolescents from countries of the former Soviet (Eastern) Bloc in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

Methods

Data were collected in 16 CEE countries, as part of the 2013/2014 wave of the Health Behavior in School‐aged Children study. Data from adolescents (age 15) who reported having consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime were analyzed. Four binary items selected for analysis measured the presence or absence of alcohol consumption in the last 30 days, lifetime drunkenness, weekly drinking frequency, and binge drinking on a typical occasion. Multiple group confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory analysis were used to examine the data.

Results

In most of the included countries, alcohol consumption in the last 30 days and lifetime drunkenness were indicative at lower severity levels, while binge drinking and weekly drinking frequency were informative at higher levels of alcohol use severity. A low proportion of the estimated intercepts and factor loadings were noninvariant, which indicated approximate cross‐national invariance of these indicators.

Conclusions

Adolescent alcohol consumption indicators are informative for different severity levels and enable cross‐nationally invariant measurement. However, different indicators suggested the presence of diverging drinking cultures in the CEE regions, with the highest discrimination capacity at the lower and higher ends of the continuum of alcohol use severity.
Maternal choline supplementation in a rat model of periconceptional alcohol exposure: Impacts on the fetus and placenta
Authors: Steane Sarah E. , Fielding Arree M. , Kent Nykola L. , Andersen Isabella , Browne Daniel J. , Tejo Ellen N. , Gårdebjer Emelie M. , Kalisch‐Smith Jacinta I. , Sullivan Mitchell A. , Moritz Karen M. , Akison Lisa K.
Published: August 2021

Background

Maternal choline supplementation in rats can ameliorate specific neurological and behavioral abnormalities caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. We tested whether choline supplementation ameliorates fetal growth restriction and molecular changes in the placenta associated with periconceptional ethanol exposure (PCE) in the rat.

Methods

Sprague Dawley dams were given either 12.5% ethanol (PCE) or 0% ethanol (Con) in a liquid diet from 4 days prior to 4 days after conception. At day 5 of pregnancy, dams were either placed on a standard chow (1.6 g choline/kg chow) or an intermediate chow (2.6 g choline/kg chow). On day 10 of pregnancy, a subset of the intermediate dams were placed on a chow further supplemented with choline (7.2 g choline/kg chow), resulting in 6 groups. Fetuses and placentas were collected on day 20 of pregnancy for analysis.

Results

Choline supplementation resulted in increased fetal weight at late gestation, ameliorating the deficits due to PCE. This was most pronounced in litters on a standard chow during pregnancy. Choline also increased fetal liver weight and decreased fetal brain:liver ratio, independent of alcohol exposure. Placental weight was reduced as choline levels in the chow increased, particularly in female placentas. This resulted in a greater ratio of fetal:placental weight, suggesting increased placental efficiency. Global DNA methylation in the placenta was altered in a sex‐specific manner by both PCE and choline. However, the increased glycogen deposition in female placentas, previously reported in this PCE model, was not prevented by choline supplementation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that choline has the potential to ameliorate fetal growth restriction associated with PCE and improve placental efficiency following prenatal alcohol exposure. Our study highlights the importance of maternal nutrition in moderating the severity of adverse fetal and placental outcomes that may arise from prenatal alcohol exposure around the time of conception.
Effect of high variation in transcript expression on identifying differentially expressed genes in RNA‐seq analysis
Authors: Cui Weitong , Xue Huaru , Geng Yifan , Zhang Jing , Liang Yajun , Tian Xuewen , Wang Qinglu
Published: August 2021

Great efforts have been made on the algorithms that deal with RNA‐seq data to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of differential expression (DE) analysis. However, no consensus has been reached on the proper threshold values of fold change and adjusted p‐value for filtering differentially expressed genes (DEGs). It is generally believed that the more stringent the filtering threshold, the more reliable the result of a DE analysis. Nevertheless, by analyzing the impact of both adjusted p‐value and fold change thresholds on DE analyses, with RNA‐seq data obtained for three different cancer types from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we found that, for a given sample size, the reproducibility of DE results became poorer when more stringent thresholds were applied. No matter which threshold level was applied, the overlap rates of DEGs were generally lower for small sample sizes than for large sample sizes. The raw read count analysis demonstrated that the transcript expression of the same gene in different samples, whether in tumor groups or in normal groups, showed high variations, which resulted in a drastic fluctuation in fold change values and adjustedp‐values when different sets of samples were used. Overall, more stringent thresholds did not yield more reliable DEGs due to high variations in transcript expression; the reliability of DEGs obtained with small sample sizes was more susceptible to these variations. Therefore, less stringent thresholds are recommended for screening DEGs. Moreover, large sample sizes should be considered in RNA‐seq experimental designs to reduce the interfering effect of variations in transcript expression on DEG identification.
Improving the safety and quality of end‐of‐life in an Australian private hospital setting: An audit of documented end‐of‐life care
Authors: Saunders Rosemary , Seaman Karla , Glass Courtney , Gullick Karen , Andrew Julie , Davray Ashwini
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study reviewed the audit outcomes of the documented end‐of‐life care in a private hospital against the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care's five recommended processes of care (Essential Elements (EE) 1‐5).

Methods

A retrospective database review of deaths over a three‐year period was undertaken. This was followed by a sequential medical record audit (n = 100) to evaluate the end‐of‐life care documented in the three days preceding death.

Results

There were 997 deaths from 2015 to 2017. The audit found communication to family the patient was dying (91%) and to the patient (36%) (EE1); evidence of specialist referral (68%) (EE2); assessment of the ability to eat/drink in the last 72 hours (86%) (EE3); advance care directives (13%) and hospital resuscitation plans (92%) (EE4); and response to patient or family concerns (100%) (EE5).

Conclusions

Components of the processes of care of the Essential Elements need to be addressed to improve patient‐centred communication and shared decision‐making.
Preferred responses when honour is at stake: The role of cultural background, presence of others, and causality orientation
Authors: Ceylan‐Batur Suzan , Uskul Ayse K.
Published: August 2021

This study examined the factors that are likely to be associated with preferred behavioural and emotional responses to honour‐threatening situations and possible differences between a dignity culture (United Kingdom) and an honour culture (Turkey). We examined the role of cultural background, type of social setting, and participants’ causality orientation in preferred emotional and behavioural responses to honour‐threatening situations. We first found that Turkish participants reported significantly higher levels of negative emotional response compared to British participants in the false accusation (not humiliation) scenario and in the public (not private) setting. Second, we found that Turkish participants reported a higher preference for retaliatory responses than did British participants when they imagined themselves being humiliated by one of their peers. Third, autonomy‐oriented participants in the Turkish sample reported significantly higher levels of negative feeling (but not higher retaliatory intentions) compared with autonomy‐oriented participants in the British sample, whereas controlled‐oriented participants in the Turkish sample tended to report lower levels of negative feeling compared with controlled‐oriented participants in the British sample. This interaction effect suggests that controlled‐ and autonomy‐orientations may serve different functions in the Turkish and British settings.
Secretoglobins in the big picture of immunoregulation in airway diseases
Authors: Mootz Martine , Jakwerth Constanze A. , Schmidt‐Weber Carsten B. , Zissler Ulrich M.
Published: August 2021

The proteins of the secretoglobin (SCGB) family are expressed by secretory tissues of barrier organs. They are embedded in immunoregulatory and anti‐inflammatory processes of airway diseases. This review particularly illustrates the immune regulation of SCGBs by cytokines and their implication in the pathophysiology of airway diseases. The biology of SCGBs is a complex topic of increasing importance, as they are highly abundant in the respiratory tract and can also be detected in malignant tissues and as elements of immune control. In addition, SCGBs react to cytokines, they are embedded in Th1 and Th2 immune responses, and they are expressed in a manner dependent on cell maturation. The big picture of the SCGB family identifies these factors as critical elements of innate immune control at the epithelial barriers and highlights their potential for diagnostic assessment of epithelial activity. Some members of the SCGB family have so far only been superficially examined, but have high potential for translational research.
Gender Stereotypes Influence Children’s STEM Motivation
Authors: Master Allison
Published: August 2021

Children’s memberships in social groups have profound effects on their motivation. Stereotypes about social groups shape children’s beliefs about what is expected for their group members. These beliefs can influence children’s developing beliefs about themselves (self‐perceptions). In this article, I review research on how gender stereotypes influence children’s motivation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), including ability beliefs and sense of belonging. When children belong to a gender group that is negatively stereotyped in a STEM field, they may doubt their own capabilities and whether they belong in that field, making it harder for them to develop interest over time. Developmentally, the influence of gender stereotypes on motivation begins during preschool and strengthens during late childhood. I also address the consequences of different kinds of stereotypes and why some children are more influenced by stereotypes than others. Understanding this process in childhood will help researchers design effective interventions to remedy educational inequities in STEM.
Does water fluoridation influence ethnic inequalities in caries in Brazilian children and adolescents?
Authors: Bomfim Rafael Aiello , Watt Richard G. , Tsakos Georgios , Heilmann Anja , Frazão Paulo
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the influence of community water fluoridation on ethnic inequalities in untreated dental caries among children and adolescents in Brazil while taking the human development context into account.

Methods

Data from a nationwide Brazilian epidemiological population oral health survey were used (SB Brazil 2010). Outcomes were caries prevalence measured by the proportion of individuals with one or more untreated decayed teeth and caries severity defined by the mean number of untreated decayed teeth (DT). Three different contexts were considered: 1—cities with no water fluoridation; 2—cities with water fluoridation and low Human Development Index (HDI); and 3—cities with water fluoridation and high HDI. The exposure was ethnic/racial group (White, Pardo, Black) and covariates were age, sex and household income. Multilevel logistic and negative binomial regressions were performed with 6696 children (aged 5 years) and 11 585 adolescents (aged 12 and 15‐19 years).

Results

For both children and adolescents, ethnic differences in caries prevalence and mean DT were found in the nonfluoridated cities with low HDI and also in cities with high HDI, most of which were fluoridated. For example in nonfluoridated cities with low HDI, 5‐year‐old Pardo children were more likely to have untreated decay (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.46) and had more decayed teeth (RR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.34) than their White counterparts after adjusting for sex and household income. No statistically significant differences were observed in fluoridated cities with low HDI.

Conclusion

Water fluoridation appears to be associated with reduced ethnic inequalities in dental caries prevalence and mean DT among children and adolescents in more disadvantaged settings.
Reptile pet trade in Brazil: A regulatory approach to sustainable biodiversity conservation
Authors: Fonseca Érica , Zank Caroline , Cechin Sonia Zanini , Both Camila
Published: August 2021

The pet trade is the main cause of the growing number of exotic reptiles worldwide, posing a risk for invasion emergence and species extinction. In this study, we identify and analyze the obstacles involved in controlling the native and exotic reptile trade in Brazil to identify the main gaps and limitations in this regard. We propose measures that will aid in the planning of public policies that are more effective to protect native fauna. The pet trade regulation in Brazil is currently guided by poorly implemented policies. The main problems are associated with failures in legislation and enforcement, corruption, and lack of resources. As a result, the illegal trade control, current efforts for the sustainable use of biodiversity, and the prevention of the introduction of exotic species are insufficient. We recommend a multidisciplinary approach, based on actions to reduce legislation deficiencies and inconsistencies, intensification of inspection actions, and investment in educational actions aimed at raising societal awareness.
Generalized nonlinear models can solve the prediction problem for data from species‐stratified use‐availability designs
Authors: Johnson Nels G. , Williams Matthew R. , Riordan Erin C.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Habitat suitability modelling methods for presence‐only species data are limited in their ability for making true predictions and are therefore often misused in ecological applications. A use‐availability design—also known as a case–control design with contaminated controls—combines presence‐only species data with a background sample of covariates where the species presence/absence is unknown. Assuming a log link function for the true probability of presence/absence, the use‐availability data then can be analysed as a logistic regression model with a biased estimate of the intercept. Due to the biased intercept, the model is unable to make true predictions. Instead, ranking the “pseudo‐predictions” from the model with biased intercept provides a viable alternative for making predictive inference in single‐species models. We show the ranks are no longer conserved across species when such a single‐species model is extended to multiple species, limiting predictive inference.

Innovation

By assuming a logit link function for the true probabilities of the presence/absence data, the resulting model allows for predictive inference even when extended to multiple species. We provide theoretical details justifying both fully Bayesian and large background sample asymptotic Bayesian generalized nonlinear model approaches.

Main conclusions

We illustrate how multiple species can be analysed using these approaches in R and Stan software using presence‐only data for foundational shrubland taxa occurring in California, USA. Predictive inference highlights differences in habitat suitability rankings among individual species and among infraspecific taxa within a single species, improving the application of habitat suitability models for ecological restoration of southern California shrublands.
Patient capability: Justice and grassroots healthcare delivery in China
Authors: Wang Yu , Wu Xuesong , Yin Mei , Jin Linya
Published: August 2021

The current reform of China’s healthcare system focuses mainly on two dimensions: the promotion of primary healthcare and the improvement of quality of grassroots healthcare (GH). Specifically, the reforms are aimed at meeting the needs of patients in the grassroots areas (PGAs) through the provision of universal healthcare and hierarchical diagnosis and treatment (HDT). In practice, however, disparities in health outcomes between the grassroots and upper levels persist. The gaps between increased health coverage and heightened barriers to accessing quality medical care in the grassroots areas are growing ever larger. What explains this paradox is the limited capability of PGAs to transform healthcare resources into better health‐seeking behaviors and health outcomes, resulting in injustice that is built into the system, which is neither ethical nor fair. Using Amartya Sen’s capability approach (CA) to explore issues of justice in relation to China’s GH system and its performance, we suggest that an institutional structure, one that focuses on promoting universal coverage in the grassroots areas, although necessary, is by itself insufficient in promoting justice and equality in accessing healthcare. Institutional disparities in the healthcare system and China’s household registration policy, constructed according to the rural–urban divide, have also produced injustices. We argue that greater attention should be given to meeting the medical needs of PGAs and empowering them with greater choice, permitting them a higher level of freedom and agency, and thus remedying the problems that we describe. We conclude with policy recommendations aimed at improving justice within the system.
Clinical, pathological and genetic characteristics of Perry disease—new cases and literature review
Authors: Dulski Jarosław , Cerquera‐Cleves Catalina , Milanowski Lukasz , Kidd Alexa , Sitek Emilia J. , Strongosky Audrey , Vanegas Monroy Ana María , Dickson Dennis W. , Ross Owen A. , Pentela‐Nowicka Jolanta , Sławek Jarosław , Wszolek Zbigniew K.
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

Perry disease (or Perry syndrome) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by parkinsonism, neuropsychiatric symptoms, central hypoventilation, weight loss and distinct TDP‐43 pathology. It is caused by mutations of the DCTN1 gene encoding an essential component of axonal transport. The objectives were to provide the current state of knowledge on clinical, pathological and genetic aspects of Perry disease, as well as practical suggestions for the management of the disease.

Methods

Data on new patients from New Zealand, Poland and Colombia were collected, including autopsy report. Also all of the published papers since the original work by Perry in 1975 were gathered and analyzed.

Results

Parkinsonism was symmetrical, progressed rapidly and was poorly responsive to L‐Dopa; nonetheless, a trial with high doses of L‐Dopa is warranted. Depression was severe, associated with suicidal ideations, and benefited from antidepressants and L‐Dopa. Respiratory symptoms were the leading cause of death, and artificial ventilation or a diaphragm pacemaker prolonged survival. Weight loss occurred in most patients and was of multifactorial etiology. Autonomic dysfunction was frequent but underdiagnosed. There was a clinical overlap with other neurodegenerative disorders. An autopsy showed distinctive pallidonigral degeneration with TDP‐43 pathology. Genetic testing provided evidence of a common founder for two families. There was striking phenotypic variability in DCTN1‐related disorders. It is hypothesized that oligogenic or polygenic inheritance is at play.

Conclusions

Perry disease and other DCTN1‐related diseases are increasingly diagnosed worldwide. Relatively effective symptomatic treatments are available. Further studies are needed to pave the way toward curative/gene therapy.
Accelerated extractions of North Atlantic cod and herring, 1520–1790
Authors: Holm Poul , Nicholls John , Hayes Patrick W. , Ivinson Josh , Allaire Bernard
Published: August 2021

We propose the concept of Accelerated Marine Extraction to signify two periods when rapidly increasing cod (Gadus morhua, Gadidae) and herring (Clupea harengus, Clupeidae) fisheries, c.1540–1600 and c. 1730–1790, exceeded human demographic growth. Total landings vastly exceeded previous assessments and more than doubled between 1520 and 1620 from about 220,000 metric tonnes (t) to 460,000 t. Supplies of cod and herring to the European market peaked in 1788 at more than 1 million t before the unrest connected with the French Revolution brought many fisheries to a temporary halt. Accelerated Marine Extractions increased European food security at times of human demographic growth by almost doubling the supplies of fish protein per capita. While herring was the most important species by 1520, cod dominated through the period 1540–1790, and the trajectories of cod and herring extractions differed significantly. Cod landings increased almost ten‐fold between 1520 and 1790, driven by strong and sustained landings in the Northwest Atlantic. Herring landings remained stable through the 16th century but declined severely through the next 150 years. However, from 1750, herring landings quadrupled, largely because of Swedish west coast fisheries. The results fundamentally shift our understanding of the scale of Atlantic fisheries in the past and underline the role of marine resources for European societies.
Academic Womxn and Their Partners: Managing Scholarly Expectations During the Coronavirus Pandemic With the Support of Intimate Relationships in Quarantine
Authors: Brown Kristina S. , Bender Sara , Vega Olga , Hensley Kasitz Deanna L.
Published: August 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore how academic womxn experience their partnerships during quarantine and to determine the impact of those relational dynamics on scholarly productivity.

Background

Past literature indicates traumatic events and extended quarantine is associated with negative mental health outcomes. While primary partnerships serve as one protective factor, extended quarantine with one's partner introduces novel stress to a relationship, which may have unintended outcomes, including those that affect productivity.

Method

An online survey was provided to academic womxn invested in scholarship. Responses from participants who identified as in a relationship (n = 67) were coded using thematic analysis through a feminist lens.

Findings

Participants highlighted three major themes across their responses: time and space, communication, and needs. These findings reflected stressors typical within couple relationships but highlighted important considerations for partners of academic womxn in support of their scholarly activity during quarantine.

Conclusion

Though the flexibility available during the pandemic for academic womxn provided time and space for some to nurture their relationship as well as focus on scholar activity, this was not consistent across partners.

Implications

Findings show the mixed experiences of partners and confirm the importance of communication, especially about time and space and professional needs. Recommendations can be extrapolated to other processional and career partnerships.
Do changes in MD&A section tone predict investment behavior?
Authors: Berns John , Bick Patty , Flugum Ryan , Houston Reza
Published: August 2021

We find that changes in managerial tone predict firm corporate investment activities. Tone changes within the Management Discussion and Analysis section of the 10‐K are positively related to subsequent capital investments and M&A activity. We find the predictive content of tone changes to be present at the firm and industry‐levels, and when accounting for alternative sources of incremental information associated with firm investment activities. Our findings broaden the scope of information encapsulated by changes in financial statement tone.
Inpatient knee pain after hip fracture surgery affects gait speed in older adults: A retrospective chart‐referenced study
Authors: Kaizu Yoichi , Miyata Kazuhiro , Arii Hironori , Yamaji Takehiko
Published: August 2021

Aim

Post‐hip fracture knee pain (PHFKP) develops in 28–37.4% of patients with hip fracture and contributes to prolonged hospitalization. Although reduced balance and gait speed contribute to falls, the effects of PHFKP remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify whether PHFKP is a factor in balance and gait speed.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients after hip fracture. Development of PHFKP, basic information, and physical function were examined. Berg balance scale (BBS) and maximum walking speed (MWS) were collected at discharge. These parameters were compared with the presence or absence of PHFKP. In addition, multiple analyses were conducted with BBS and MWS as dependent variables and PHFKP as one of the independent variables.

Results

Of the 146 patients enrolled, 43 (29.5%) developed PHFKP, and 37.2% of patients with PHFKP showed residual symptoms at discharge. Intensity of PHFKP was mostly mild to moderate. The PHFKP group showed an extended length of stay (+13.3 days) and a tendency toward more discharges to facilities compared with the control group. Knee extension range of motion limitation, knee extensor strength, and BBS did not differ between groups, while MWS was significantly lower in the PHFKP group (0.85 ± 0.32 m/s vs. 1.07 ± 0.39 m/s). Multiple analyses showed that development of PHFKP was not associated with BBS, but was associated with decreased MWS (standardized beta = −0.202, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

PHFKP was identified as an independent factor in gait speed decline. PHFKP patients should be monitored for reduced gait speed during rehabilitation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 830–835.
Anxiety, depression and social support across pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage: A prospective study
Authors: Qu Jia , Weng Xue‐ling , Gao Ling‐ling
Published: August 2021

Aim

Women with a history of recurrent miscarriage are a vulnerable population. This study aimed to examine changes and relationships among anxiety, depression and social support across three trimesters of pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage.

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal study was employed. A convenience sample of 166 pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage completed the measures at their 6–12, 20–24 and 32–36 gestational weeks.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety at early, middle and late pregnancy was 47.6%, 36.1% and 32.5%, respectively, whereas that of depression was 38%, 34.3% and 31.3%, respectively. Social support scores increased from early pregnancy to middle pregnancy then remained in late pregnancy. There were correlations among anxiety, depression and social support across pregnancy.

Conclusions

Anxiety and depression were highly prevalent in pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage, especially in early pregnancy when the level of social support was the lowest. Social support is an essential buffer against anxiety and depression throughout the pregnancy.
‘First tonight, the contentious new code telling nurses to say, ‘sorry for being white’: Mental health nurses’ beliefs about their Code of Conduct and cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Authors: Molloy Luke , Beckett Paul , Chidarikire Sherphard , Scott Matthew P. , Guha Monica D. , Tran Merrick Tammy , Patton Declan
Published: August 2021

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct for Nurses sets out the professional behaviour and conduct expectations for nurses in all practice settings. The publication of a revised version in 2018, which included expectations related to culturally safe and respectful practice and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ health, caused reverberations beyond the profession of nursing. A controversy that the changes required nurses to verbally apologize for being white before their interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gained the attention of the mainstream media. This interpretation, which came from outside nursing, was disputed by the Board. Challenged by these events, the authors were interested in understanding the actual impacts of the changes from the perspectives of nurses in practice. This research, carried out nearly three years after publication, has focused specifically on the speciality of mental health nurses in this context. The objective of this research was to undertake a social analysis focused on the impact that changes in the Code have had on the culture of mental health nursing utilizing a qualitative methodology. Eight mental health nurses were interviewed. The research found that there was little evidence of any impact on mental health nursing practice. Many of the participants were unaware of the amendments to the Code, whilst those nurses who were aware did not perceive that it had led to any real change within mental health nursing or service delivery.
Editorial Perspective: Challenges of research focusing on child and adolescent mental health during the COVID‐19 era: what studies are needed?
Authors: Solmi Marco , Cortese Samuele , Correll Christoph U.
Published: August 2021

This editorial perspective focuses on the challenges of research on child and adolescent mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Common limitations of published/ongoing studies are (i) being conducted in one or few countries, (ii) the survey being available in one or few languages, (iii) targeting selected samples (e.g., clinical populations and health workers) rather than the general population, (iv) only recruiting/reporting on non‐representative samples, (v) focusing often on a restricted set of mental health outcomes, missing the broader picture of mental and physical health, quality of life and functioning, (vi) failing to use a longitudinal design and (vii) collecting only parental ratings or self‐rated questionnaires from children and adolescents, but not both. We discuss how the Collaborative Outcomes Study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times (COH‐FIT) was designed to address some of these challenges, also highlighting its limitations.
When it rains, it pours: Multifactor asset management in good and bad times
Authors: Brière Marie , Szafarz Ariane
Published: August 2021

We examine the profitability of multifactor portfolios on the US stock market. Using passive sector investing as the benchmark, we assess the performances of factor‐based asset management strategies in good and bad times. When short selling is unrestricted, factor investing outperforms sector investing in all respects. For long‐only portfolios, our results reveal a trade‐off between the risk premia associated with factors and the diversification potential of sectors. Multifactor investing tends to be more profitable than the benchmark during good times but less attractive during bad times, when diversification is needed the most.
Cost‐effectiveness of secondary fracture prevention intervention for Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Nayak Smita , Singer Andrea , Greenspan Susan L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Secondary fracture prevention intervention such as fracture liaison services are effective for increasing osteoporosis treatment rates, but are not currently widely used in the United States. We evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of secondary fracture prevention intervention after osteoporotic fracture for Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods

An individual‐level state‐transition microsimulation model was developed to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of secondary fracture prevention intervention compared with usual care for U.S. Medicare patients aged 65 and older who experience a new osteoporotic fracture. Patients who initiated pharmacotherapy and remained adherent were assumed to be treated for 5 years. Outcome measures included subsequent fractures, average lifetime costs, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios in 2020 U.S. dollars per QALY gained. The model time horizon was lifetime, and analysis perspective was payer.

Results

Base‐case analysis results showed that the secondary fracture prevention intervention strategy was both more effective and less expensive than usual care—thus, it was cost‐saving. Model findings indicated that the intervention would reduce the number of expected fractures by approximately 5% over a 5‐year period, preventing approximately 30,000 fractures for 1 million patients. Secondary fracture prevention intervention resulted in an average cost savings of $418 and an increase in QALYs of 0.0299 per patient over the lifetime; for 1 million patients who receive the intervention instead of usual care, expected cost savings for Medicare would be $418 million dollars. One‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses supported base‐case findings of cost savings.

Conclusion

Secondary fracture prevention intervention for Medicare beneficiaries after a new osteoporotic fracture is very likely to both improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs compared with usual care. Expansion of its use for this population is strongly recommended.
High‐resolution MRI of the human palatine tonsil and its schematic anatomic 3D reconstruction
Authors: Herrmann Karl‐Heinz , Hoffmann Franziska , Ernst Günther , Pertzborn David , Pelzel Daniela , Geißler Katharina , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando , Reichenbach Jürgen R. , von Eggeling Ferdinand
Published: August 2021

The palatine tonsils form an important part of the human immune system. Together with the other lymphoid tonsils of Waldeyer's tonsillar ring, they act as the first line of defense against ingested or inhaled pathogens. Although histologically stained sections of the palatine tonsil are widely available, they represent the tissue only in two dimensions and do not provide reference to three‐dimensional space. Such a representation of a tonsillar specimen based on imaging data as a 3D anatomical reconstruction is lacking both in scientific publications and especially in textbooks. As a first step in this direction, the objective of the present work was to image a resected tonsil specimen with high spatial resolution in a 9.4 T small‐bore pre‐clinical MRI and to combine these data with data from the completely sectioned and H&E stained same palatine tonsil. Based on the information from both image modalities, a 3D anatomical sketch was drawn by a scientific graphic artist. In perspective, such studies could help to overcome the difficulty of capturing the spatial extent and arrangement of anatomical structures from 2D images and to establish a link between three‐dimensional anatomical preparations and two‐dimensional sections or illustrations, as they have been found so far in common textbooks and anatomical atlases.
Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of case reports and series
Authors: Jiang Xingzhi , Ye Zhongxue , Yu Wen , Fang Qian , Jiang Yafen
Published: August 2021

Aim

This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients in pregnancy.

Methods

In this study, eligible studies were searched on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to December 31, 2020. Data were calculated and presented by frequency and percentage, mean ± standard deviation (SD), and median (range), respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

Finally, 34 studies including 40 ovarian cancer cases receiving chemotherapy during pregnancy were included. All 40 patients received chemotherapy during pregnancy. During the follow‐up, seven of 37 (18.9%) women had a relapse and four of them (4/7, 57.1%) died of recurrence. Survival analysis failed to reach median OS and PFS within the follow‐up (range 3–72 months). Better OS and PFS after chemotherapy in pregnancy were obtained in women with early‐stage ovarian cancer (I) compared with those with advanced stage (III–IV). Neither OS nor FS differed between women treated with multi‐drugs and those with monotherapy. Forty‐one newborns were delivered from 40 pregnant women. Thirty‐four (34/41, 82.9%) were completely healthy at birth and the end of follow‐up (range 0.18–160 months). However, one newborn died 5 days after birth due to multiple congenital malformations, and another one developed Tourette's syndrome, aphasia, Asperger's syndrome as well as speech delay.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis first reveals the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer during pregnancy, especially for early‐stage patients. Cisplatin or carboplatin is suggested to be used as monotherapy to reduce adverse effects.
Association of the metabolic syndrome with mortality and major adverse cardiac events: A large chronic kidney disease cohort
Authors: Pammer Lorenz M. , Lamina Claudia , Schultheiss Ulla T. , Kotsis Fruzsina , Kollerits Barbara , Stockmann Helena , Lipovsek Jan , Meiselbach Heike , Busch Martin , Eckardt Kai‐Uwe , Kronenberg Florian ,   for the GCKD Investigators
Published: August 2021

Background

Metabolic syndrome with its key components insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension is associated with a high risk for cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality in the general population. However, evidence that these findings apply to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with moderately reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate and/or albuminuria is limited.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and its components with all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in CKD patients.

Methods

Prospective observation of a cohort of 5110 CKD patients from the German Chronic Kidney Disease study with 3284 (64.3%) of them having a metabolic syndrome at baseline.

Results

During the follow‐up of 6.5 years, 605 patients died and 650 patients experienced major cardiovascular events. After extended data adjustment, patients with a metabolic syndrome had a higher risk for all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.54) and cardiovascular events (HR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.22–1.79). The risk increased steadily with a growing number of metabolic syndrome components (increased waist circumference, glucose, triglycerides, hypertension and decreased HDL cholesterol): HR per component = 1.09 (95% CI: 1.02–1.17) for all‐cause mortality and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.15–1.32) for cardiovascular events. This resulted in hazard ratios between 1.50 and 2.50 in the case when four or five components are present. An analysis of individual components of metabolic syndrome showed that the glucose component led to the highest increase in risk for all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.38–2.03) and cardiovascular events (HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.51–2.18), followed by the HDL cholesterol and triglyceride components.

Conclusions

We observed a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with moderate CKD. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk for all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular events. The glucose and lipid components seem to be the main drivers for the association with outcomes.
Supplemental impact of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) hard pellet and residue pellet‐based diet as a replacement for corn on the growth performance, total tract digestibility and blood profiles in pigs
Authors: Sureshkumar Shanmugam , Balamuralikrishnan Balasubramanian , Kim In Ho
Published: August 2021

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cassava hard pellet and residue pellet‐based diet as a replacement for corn on the growth performance, total tract digestibility and blood profile in pigs. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the processed cassava as replacement for corn in pigs. In Exp. 1, seventy‐two weanling pigs with an average initial body weight of 6.44 ± 0.52 kg were assigned to one of the two treatments: CON, basal diet, and CHP, basal diet with cassava hard pellet for 28 days trial. The dietary inclusion of CHP had significantly decreased average daily gain of weanling pigs during d 1–14 and the overall experimental period. In addition, significant reduction was observed on gain‐to‐feed ratio during d 1–14, while no effect was noted on average daily feed intake. Exp. 2 was carried out for 42 days, in which 84 growing pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments with 4 pigs/pen and 7 pen/treatment. The three dietary treatments were supplement with 0%, 20% and 40% of cassava. Dietary inclusion of cassava supplementation has failed to affect the growth performance and blood profile during overall experiment. In Exp. 3, a total of 96 crossbred finishing pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments containing 25% cassava in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two different levels of energy with or without 0.1% carbohydrase for 28 days. Pigs fed 0.1% carbohydrase with high energy diet reduced average daily feed intake and increased gain‐to‐feed ratio compared to those fed low energy diet. However, significantly enhanced nutrient digestibility in both energy and carbohydrase groups were observed. In summary, the inclusion of cassava basal diet with 0.1% carbohydrase supplementation has beneficially enhanced the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of pigs.