bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal features and postnatal follow‐up of congenital ventricular outpouching: A retrospective study of two centers in China
Authors: Fang Yanchun , Pan Yihong , Shen Liping , Luo Ting , Xu Weiming , Tao Shuangshuang , He Hailing , Zhao Bowen
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Congenital ventricular outpouching (CVO) is a rare cardiac malformation that can manifest as congenital ventricular aneurysm (CVA) and/or congenital ventricular diverticula (CVD). In this study, we describe the prenatal features and postnatal follow‐up of 27 cases of CVO.

Methods

The clinical data of 27 patients with CVO who attended Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to the Medical College of Zhejiang University (Zhejiang Province, China) and Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Province, China) from April 2013 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were also followed up by telephone. The prenatal characteristics and postnatal outcomes of the patients with CVO were evaluated.

Results

CVO was detected in 26 cases prenatally, 14 (51.85%) were diagnosed with CVA, nine (33.33%) were diagnosed with CVD, three (11.11%) were equivocal for CVA/CVD, and one (3.70%) was detected with CVA postnatally. Six patients underwent follow‐up fetal echocardiography approximately 4 weeks after the initial echocardiography examination, and a significant difference in CVO size was observed between the two examinations (P = .02). Eight patients (29.63%) demonstrated cardiovascular dysfunction, and the median CVO size in fetuses with and without cardiovascular dysfunction was 205 (range: 169–396) mm2 and 124 (range: 92–154.5) mm2, respectively (P = .01). Correlation was found between CVO size and fetal cardiac dysfunction (p = .000, r = .778). Eight patients (29.63%) had cardiac/extracardiac defects. Thirteen patients were live born, 12 were terminated pregnancies, and two were lost to follow‐up. The postpartum size of the CVOs remained stable in six patients, decreased in two patients, dissolved in three patients, and were surgically removed in two patients. With the exception of one patient with CVA complicated with complex congenital cardiac malformation who underwent surgical treatment after birth and who had postoperative left ventricular dysfunction (Case 1), the prognosis of all of the patients was good.

Conclusion

CVO is often associated with cardiac malformations. The size of prenatal CVOs can increase with gestational development, and cardiovascular dysfunction is significantly related to CVO size. The postpartum prognosis of patients with CVO is good. Echocardiography plays a key role in the diagnosis of congenital ventricular outpouching. Prenatal counseling should be cautious regarding the diagnosis and the prognosis although our cases had a favorable prognosis.
Clinical significance of aortic spontaneous echo contrast in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hasegawa Hitomi , Ito Takahide , Akamatsu Kanako , Hoshiga Masaaki
Published: January 2024

Background

Little is known about spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the descending aorta (DASEC), occurring with or without SEC in the left atrium (LASEC), in the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF). We examined the clinical significance of DASEC, including its relationship with LASEC, in patients with nonvalvular AF.

Methods

Among 176 patients, 41 (23%) had DASEC and 51 (29%) had LASEC. The patients were divided into four groups based on the presence/absence of LASEC and DASEC, as Group A: no SEC (n = 107); Group B: only LASEC (n = 28); Group C: only DASEC (n = 18); and Group D: both types of SEC (n = 23). Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were compared between groups, and the possible determinants of DASEC were evaluated.

Results

Age, sex, and CHA2DS2‐VASc score were similar in the four groups. Group D was more likely to have an increased LA diameter, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and low LA appendage velocity compared to Group A. Group C had a smaller LA diameter and a higher appendage velocity than Group B. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, with age ≥75 years, female sex, LASEC, LVEF < 50%, and presence of DA plaques included as covariates, showed that LASEC (OR 4.22, 95% CI 1.92–9.26, p < .001) and LVEF < 50% (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.12–6.52, p = .027) were significant determinants of DASEC. The prevalence of DASEC increased with increasing LASEC severity in order of none (13%), mild (28%), and dense (50%) (p < .001).

Conclusions

In nonvalvular AF patients, DASEC is common, and it partly originates from LASEC, particularly in the presence of LV systolic dysfunction.
Using OpenAI GPT to Generate Reading Comprehension Items
Authors: Sayin Ayfer , Gierl Mark
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to introduce and evaluate a method for generating reading comprehension items using template‐based automatic item generation. To begin, we describe a new model for generating reading comprehension items called the text analysis cognitive model assessing inferential skills across different reading passages. Next, the text analysis cognitive model is used to generate reading comprehension items where examinees are required to read a passage and identify the irrelevant sentence. The sentences for the generated passages were created using OpenAI GPT‐3.5. Finally, the quality of the generated items was evaluated. The generated items were reviewed by three subject‐matter experts. The generated items were also administered to a sample of 1,607 Grade‐8 students. The correct options for the generated items produced a similar level of difficulty and yielded strong discrimination power while the incorrect options served as effective distractors. Implications of augmented intelligence for item development are discussed.
Knowledge Integration in Science Learning: Tracking Students' Knowledge Development and Skill Acquisition with Cognitive Diagnosis Models
Authors: Xu Xin , Ren Shixiu , Zhang Danhui , Xin Tao
Published: January 2024

In scientific literacy, knowledge integration (KI) is a scaffolding‐based theory to assist students' scientific inquiry learning. To drive students to be self‐directed, many courses have been developed based on KI framework. However, few efforts have been made to evaluate the outcome of students' learning under KI instruction. Moreover, finer‐grained information has been pursued to better understand students' learning and how it progresses over time. In this article, a normative procedure of building and choosing cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) and attribute hierarchies was formulated under KI theory. We examined the utility of CDMs for evaluating students' knowledge status in KI learning. The results of the data analysis confirmed an intuitive assumption of the hierarchical structure of KI components. Furthermore, analysis of pre‐ and posttests using a higher‐order, hidden Markov model tracked students' skill acquisition while integrating knowledge. Results showed that students make significant progress after using the web‐based inquiry science environment (WISE) platform.
Combined depth and scalp electroencephalographic monitoring in acute brain injury: Yield and prognostic value
Authors: Yuan Fang , Damien Charlotte , Schuind Sophie , Salvagno Michele , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Legros Benjamin , Gaspard Nicolas
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose

Depth electroencephalography (dEEG) is an emerging neuromonitoring technology in acute brain injury (ABI). We aimed to explore the concordances between electrophysiological activities on dEEG and on scalp EEG (scEEG) in ABI patients.

Methods

Consecutive ABI patients who received dEEG monitoring between 2018 and 2022 were included. Background, sporadic epileptiform discharges, rhythmic and periodic patterns (RPPs), electrographic seizures, brief potentially ictal rhythmic discharges, ictal–interictal continuum (IIC) patterns, and hourly RPP burden on dEEG and scEEG were compared.

Results

Sixty‐one ABI patients with a median dEEG monitoring duration of 114 h were included. dEEG significantly showed less continuous background (75% vs. 90%, p = 0.03), higher background amplitude (p < 0.001), more frequent rhythmic spike‐and‐waves (16% vs. 3%, p = 0.03), more IIC patterns (39% vs. 21%, p = 0.03), and greater hourly RPP burden (2430 vs. 1090 s/h, p = 0.01), when compared to scEEG. Among five patients with seizures on scEEG, one patient had concomitant seizures on dEEG, one had periodic discharges (not concomitant) on dEEG, and three had no RPPs on dEEG. Features and temporal occurrence of electrophysiological activities observed on dEEG and scEEG are not strongly associated. Patients with seizures and IIC patterns on dEEG seemed to have a higher rate of poor outcomes at discharge than patients without these patterns on dEEG (42% vs. 25%, p = 0.37).

Conclusions

dEEG can detect abnormal electrophysiological activities that may not be seen on scEEG and can be used as a complement in the neuromonitoring of ABI patients.
Strangulation of the caecum by a pedunculated lipoma in a Rocky Mountain Horse gelding
Authors: Elane George , Holbrook Todd , Iredale Marley , Cock Gemma , Biedrzycki Adam
Published: January 2024

A 19‐year‐old Rocky Mountain Horse gelding was presented for emergency evaluation of colic. A pedunculated lipoma was found to be strangulating the caecum and ileocaecal junction at surgery. Following the resolution of the incarceration, it was found that the pedicle originated on the jejunal mesentery, but the stalk did not appear long enough to have formed a half‐hitch around both the caecum and ileum. The horse was euthanised due to complete caecal devitalisation. A second pedunculated lipoma was identified at necropsy, located on the transverse colon with an area of ischaemia on the mesenteric pedicle (the abnormal stalk of tissue connecting the lipoma to the colonic mesentery), consistent with pressure from being entwined with the jejunal mesenteric pedicle. This report is the first to describe caecal and ileal incarceration and strangulation by a pedunculated lipoma in a horse.
Comparing the effects of intraocular pressure and tear production measurements in horses in two different environments: Horse stable and medical barn
Authors: Cinar Harun , Yanmaz Latif Emrah , Buyukkaraca Nurefsan , Kaya Zehranur , Kosuncu Mirkan
Published: January 2024

Background

To date, there are no studies on the impact of two distinct environments—one familiar to the horse and another unfamiliar—on intraocular pressure (IOP) and tear production.

Objectives

To compare the measured IOP and tear production values in horses between a horse stable and a medical barn.

Study design

Cross‐over.

Methods

Thirty healthy male Arabian horses, aged 6.88 ± 3.34 years were used. IOP and tear production measurements were assessed in both the horse stable and the medical barn, with a paired Student's t‐test and Bland–Altman analysis conducted for comparison and agreement, respectively.

Results

A significant increase in IOP was observed in the medical barn (34.2 ± 6.8 mmHg) compared with the horse stable (29.5 ± 7.2 mmHg, p = 0.02). However, no statistically significant difference in tear production was found between horse stable (22.1 ± 2.8 mm/min) and medical barn (23.6 ± 3.4 mm/min) (p = 0.09). The standard error of the slope was 0.36 for the IOP measured in the medical barn, indicating a difference of −4.7 mmHg compared with the IOP measured in the horse stable (p = 0.02). The bias was fitted to y = −7.9350 + 0.1003x. The standard error of the slope was 0.39 for the tear production measured in the medical barn, indicating a difference of −1.5 mm/min compared with the tear production measured in the horse stable (p = 0.09). The bias was fitted to y = 6.1530 + −0.3367x.

Main limitations

The absence of horses with ocular disorders and an assessment of the potential impact of transportation.

Conclusions

A notable increase in IOP was observed in the medical barn compared with the horse stable, while tear production exhibited no significant variance between the two environments. The Bland–Altman analysis highlighted a discrepancy in IOP measurements in the horse stable, emphasising the potential influence of the environment on ocular parameters in horses.
Marital adjustment and children's early learning behaviors: The mediating role of maternal involvement and parenting
Authors: Liu Cong , Wang Shuang , Xie Hongbin
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study examined associations between marital adjustment and children's learning behaviors, as well as the potential mediation effects of maternal involvement and parenting on these associations in Chinese contexts.

Background

The family is a vital setting for children's early learning behaviors, encompassing self‐efficacy in learning and approaches to learning. Marital adjustment, as well as maternal involvement and maternal parenting, are crucial factors in the family setting. However, there is a paucity of research on the pathway mechanism between these three family factors and children's early learning behaviors.

Method

There were 750 mothers of Chinese preschoolers (48.24% girls, Mage = 5.94 years, SD = 1.43) in three provinces—Fujian, Sichuan, and Xinjiang—who participated in the study. Mothers completed questionnaires related to marital adjustment, maternal involvement, maternal parenting, and children's learning behaviors. Structural equation models were estimated to test the hypothesized paths.

Results

The results revealed a positive association between higher marital adjustment and improved children's self‐efficacy in learning (β = .10, p = .004) and approaches to learning (β = .15, p < .001), with maternal involvement (for self‐efficacy, β = .25, p < .001; for approaches to learning, β = .23, p < .001) and parenting (for self‐efficacy, β = .25, p < .001; for approaches to learning, β = .31, p < .001) recognized as significant mediators in this relationship.

Conclusions

The study indicated that marital adjustment, maternal involvement, and parenting have significant direct and indirect effects on children's early learning behaviors.

Implications

Given the research findings, marital adjustment is worth considering when recognizing children's early learning. Furthermore, parents may be encouraged to understand proper involvement and parenting practices with their children. Briefly, these findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on how family variables are related to children's learning behaviors.
Arterial hypertension associated with PARPi: A meta‐analysis of 41 placebo randomized controlled trials combined with a World Health Organization's pharmacovigilance study
Authors: Blaize Clémence , Surtouque Ellina , Font Jonaz , Dolladille Charles , Postel‐Vinay Sophie , Da Silva Angélique , Alexandre Joachim , Morice Pierre‐Marie
Published: January 2024

Background

Arterial hypertension has been recently reported from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi).

Objective

In a context of increasing use of PARPi, it is crucial to properly assess risk and incidence of this adverse event for clinical practice.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis in MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov up to January 4, 2023 with an ongoing surveillance up to June 7, 2023. RCTs comparing PARPi to placebo in adult patients with solid tumors were included if hypertension was reported. The primary outcome was the summary risk ratio (RR, with 95% CIs) of any hypertension of PARPi class in placebo RCTs. Secondary outcomes were the summary risk and incidence of hypertension of each individual PARPi. To provide clinical features of PARPi‐associated hypertension, we independently queried the WHO's pharmacovigilance database, up to September 1, 2022.

Results

In total, 41 placebo RCTs (n = 15 264 adult patients) were included. PARPi class was not associated with an increased risk of hypertension compared with placebo. In individual analyses, the risk of hypertension was lower with olaparib than placebo (RR 0.77 [95% CI: 0.68–0.86], P < 0.01; I2 = 19%, χ2 P = 0.26). Niraparib monotherapy increased the risk of any (RR 2.84 [95% CI: 1.76–4.57], P < 0.01; I2 = 66%, χ2 P = 0.01) hypertension with a summary incidence of 19.87% (95% CI: 15.23–25.50). In real‐life setting, niraparib‐associated hypertension occurs within 20 days and was serious in 66%. Co‐prescription of at least one antihypertensive or therapy‐induced hypertension was reported in 20.5% or 14.4% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions

In a context of extensive assessment of niraparib in combination, these data reinforce the need of a close monitoring of this adverse event to preserve its clinical benefit on patients' survival.
Sodium hypochlorite accident diagnosis and management: Analysis from the literature and the French pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Kartit Zahoua , Delacroix Céline , Clement Céline , Beurrier Mathilde , Mouton‐Faivre Claudie , Petitpain Nadine
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is considered as the reference irrigation solution in endodontics. However, NaOCl‐related accidents may occur, and non‐dentist health professionals might under‐recognize this rare adverse effect although it is potentially severe, with possible medical and aesthetic sequelae. We performed a literature review to provide to non‐dentist healthcare professionals a large picture of symptoms, management and potential consequences of NaOCl accidents.

Methods

We queried PubMed and the French Pharmacovigilance database and retrieved 76 cases for analysis (70 from 57 published articles, and six from the database).

Results

The analysis showed that patients were mostly women (79%), aged around of 42 years, undergoing upper jawbone (74%) endodontic procedure. NaOCl concentration ranged from 1% to 10%, with 0.5 to 30 mL injected. Most cases (86%) corresponded to an accidental extrusion beyond the root apex to the periapical tissues, followed by tissular injection by error (8%) and extrusion into the maxillary sinus (3%). Local symptoms always occurred within 24 h, mostly pain (99%), edema (89%) and/or ecchymosis (61%). Complications were mainly neurological (29%), necrotic (22%) and cutaneous (9%). Most of patients (76%) fully recovered after medical management but 18 (24%) required surgical management.

Conclusion

Any healthcare professional should be aware of the classical symptomatic triad of NaOCl accident with sudden pain, haemorrhage/ecchymosis and swelling, to start or recommend adequate management. Patients should be reassured, but a close follow‐up is necessary to avoid delayed complication.
Estimating crack tip position in adhesively bonded joints subjected to mode II quasi‐static loading
Authors: Mehrabi M. , Martulli L. M. , Bernasconi A. , Carboni M.
Published: January 2024

This study aimed at estimating crack tip position in adhesive bonded joints under mode II quasi‐static loading using experimental and numerical approaches. Experimental techniques were utilized and compared, including optical backscatter reflectometry, visual testing, and a novel strategy based on digital image correlation. Additionally, a finite element analysis was employed to identify the numerical crack tip position and the extent of damage within the bondline. This analysis revealed that a significant portion of the crack propagation region in the adhesive is occupied by the fracture process zone. Moreover, optical backscatter reflectometry shows the potential to detect this process zone within the adhesive that the other methods may not detect. This capability is particularly beneficial for detecting damage at early stages.
Woody and herbaceous invasive alien plant species‐derived biochars are potentially optimal for soil amendment, soil remediation, and carbon storage
Authors: Ceriani Alex , Dalle Fratte Michele , Agosto Gustavo , Beatrice Peter , Reguzzoni Marcella , Bettucci Lorenzo , Casini David , Cerabolini Bruno Enrico Leone , Montagnoli Antonio
Published: January 2024

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) are a global problem, representing a threat to ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and human health. Legislation requires the management and eradication of IAPS populations; yet, management practices are costly, require several interventions, and produce large amounts of waste biomass. However, the biomass of eradicated IAPS can become a resource by being used as feedstock for biochar production and, at the same time, implementing the management of IAPS. Here we carried out an in‐depth characterization of biochar produced at 550°C derived from 10 (five woody and five herbaceous) widespread IAPS in the central‐southern Alps region to determine their potential applications for soil amendment, soil remediation, and carbon storage. Biochar was produced at a laboratory scale, where its physicochemical characteristics, micromorphological features, and lead adsorption from aqueous solutions were measured. To investigate any possible trade‐offs among the potential biochar applications, a principal component analysis was performed. IAPS‐derived biochars exhibited relevant properties in different fields of application, suggesting that IAPS biomass can be exploited in a circular economy framework. We found coordinated variation and trade‐offs from biochars with high stability to biochars with high soil amendment potential (PC1), while the biochar soil remediation potential represents an independent axis of variation (PC2). Specifically, IAPS‐derived biochar had species‐specific characteristics, with differences between the woody and herbaceous IAPS, the latter being more suitable for soil amendment due to their greater pH, macronutrient content, and macropore area. Biochar derived from woody IAPS showed a greater surface area, smaller pores, and had higher lead adsorption potentials from aqueous solutions, hinting at their higher potential for heavy metal pollution remediation. Moreover, biochar derived from woody IAPS had a higher fixed carbon content, indicating higher carbon stability, and suggesting that their biochar is preferable for carbon sequestration in the view of climate change mitigation.
Whose city is it: The impact of an intentional community on the city—A case study from Israel
Authors: Shlomi Hila , Meir Avinoam , Alfasi Nurit
Published: January 2024

Urban geography suffers a considerable disciplinary deficiency in studying urban intentional communities (ICs). Particularly lacking, also in general social sciences, are studies on ICs’ comprehensive impact on cities. The major reason for this might be a failure to realise that there are sub‐city geographical entities which contribute to shaping cityscape, and that an intentional community is not only a social entity but also a geographical entity.   Viewing them from this perspective provides a vehicle for understanding the impact of ICs, thereby enriching the field of urban geography. Following an explanation of the concept of geographical entities and ICs as geographical entities, we present a case study from Israel with a comprehensive analysis of the impact of an IC on a city from various demographic, social, spatial, economic, political, and cultural perspectives as viewed by the residents. By studying the geographies of ICs in this approach and raising questions for further geographical research, we highlight the important role geography can play in this emerging field of urban studies.
PD‐1: A critical player and target for immune normalization
Authors: Liu Xuening , Zhao Alison , Xiao Su , Li Haohao , Li Menghua , Guo Wei , Han Qiuju
Published: January 2024

Immune system imbalances contribute to the pathogenesis of several different diseases, and immunotherapy shows great therapeutic efficacy against tumours and infectious diseases with immune‐mediated derivations. In recent years, molecules targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) immune checkpoint have attracted much attention, and related signalling pathways have been studied clearly. At present, several inhibitors and antibodies targeting PD‐1 have been utilized as anti‐tumour therapies. However, increasing evidence indicates that PD‐1 blockade also has different degrees of adverse side effects, and these new explorations into the therapeutic safety of PD‐1 inhibitors contribute to the emerging concept that immune normalization, rather than immune enhancement, is the ultimate goal of disease treatment. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in PD‐1 research with regard to immune normalization and targeted therapy.
Indian immigrants' constructions of mental health and mental illness in the perinatal period: A qualitative study
Authors: Philip Bridgit , Kemp Lynn , Taylor Christine , Schmied Virginia
Published: January 2024

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore how immigrant women and men from India construct mental health and mental illness in the perinatal period.

Design

Qualitative interpretive design.

Methods

Data were collected by conducting in‐depth interviews with 19 participants. Photo elicitation, free listing and pile sorting were used during the interviews. Purposive sampling was used, and data were collected in 2018 and 2019. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Finding/Results

One major theme and three subthemes were identified. ‘We do not talk about it’ was the major theme and the subthemes: (1) ‘living peacefully and feeling happy’ described the views on mental health; (2) ‘that's the elephant in the room still’ captures how participants felt when talking about mental illness; and (3) ‘why don't we talk about it’ offers reasons why the Indian community does not talk about mental health and illness.

Conclusion

The findings of this study have highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of immigration and being culturally sensitive when assessing mental health in the perinatal period.

Impact

The findings of this study identify some of the reasons for non‐disclosure of mental health issues by immigrants. Incorporating these findings during psychosocial assessment by health professionals in the perinatal period will help translate the cultural aspects into more effective communication.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patient and public contribution to the study was provided by the Community Stakeholders Group; these were members of the immigrant community from India who had expertise in mental health. They contributed to the study design and the key terms and phrases for the free list used in interviews.
Augmentation of keratinized tissue using autogenous soft‐tissue grafts and collagen‐based soft‐tissue substitutes at teeth and dental implants: Histological findings in a pilot pre‐clinical study
Authors: Lim Hyun‐Chang , Strauss Franz J. , Shin Seung‐Il , Jung Ronald E. , Jung Ui‐Won , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: January 2024

Aim

To histomorphometrically assess three treatment modalities for gaining keratinized tissue (KT) at teeth and at dental implants.

Materials and Methods

In five dogs, the distal roots of the mandibular second, third and fourth premolars were extracted. Dental implants were placed at the distal root areas 2 months later. After another 2 months, KT augmentation was performed at both distal (implants) and at mesial root (teeth) areas in the presence (wKT groups) or absence (w/oKT groups) of a KT band at the mucosal/gingival level. Three treatment modalities were applied randomly: apically positioned flap only (APF), free gingival grafts (FGGs) and xenogeneic collagen matrices (XCMs). A combination of the above produced six groups. Two months later, tissue sections were harvested and analysed histomorphometrically.

Results

The median KT height and length were greatest at implants with FGG in both wKT (3.7 and 5.1 mm, respectively) and w/oKT groups (3.7 and 4.6 mm), and at teeth with FGG in wKT groups (3.7 and 6.1 mm) and with APF in the w/oKT groups (3.9 and 4.4 mm). The XCM and APF produced more favourable results at teeth than at implants.

Conclusions

FGG was advantageous in gaining KT, especially at implants.
Dynamic optical coherence tomography evaluation in locally advanced basal cell carcinoma during sonidegib treatment
Authors: Cantisani C. , Musolff N. , Longo C. , Di Guardo A. , Rovaldi E. , Rossi G. , Sasso F. , Farnetani F. , Rega F. , Bánvölgyiv A. , Azzella G. , Paolino G. , Pellacani G.
Published: January 2024

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in the Caucasian population. It has a multifactorial pathogenesis, in which constitutive activation of the Sonic Hedgehog signalling (SHH) pathway (via mutations in PTCH1 or SMO genes) represents by far the most common genetic aberration. The introduction of vismodegib and sonidegib, two SHH pathway inhibitors, changed the therapeutic approach of locally advanced and metastatic BCCs. EADO's (European Association of Dermato‐Oncology) new staging system refers to these as ‘difficult‐to‐treat’ BCCs.

Objective

The aim was to evaluate sonidegib's effectiveness in patients affected by difficult‐to‐treat BCCs by using non‐invasive diagnostic techniques.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 14 patients (4 females, 10 males; mean age 77 ± 11 years) affected by difficult‐to‐treat BCCs treated with oral sonidegib 200 mg/day that were followed with total body videodermoscopy (V‐Track, Vidix 4.0) and dynamic optical coherence tomography (D‐OCT, VivoSight Dx) since May 2022. Considering the risk of rhabdomyolysis routine blood tests, especially for creatine kinase concentrations, were performed. All treated patients were inserted in the BasoCare database, which aims to offer support to patients taking sonidegib. Complete and partial responses were evaluated by the overall reduction of the number of lesions and their individual sizes. Safety was evaluated by assessing the occurrence and severity of adverse reactions.

Results

Eighty per cent achieved complete clearance and 75% reduction of diameter. D‐OCT scans performed at every follow‐up showed concordance with clinical appearance and demonstrated reduction of hyporeflective structures, that is, islets of tumour cells and overall improvement of morphology.

Conclusion

Sonidegib can be considered an effective treatment option in cases where surgery or radiotherapy would be unfeasible or has previously failed, although pigmented lesions did not show complete clearance, suggesting that there are factors other than the SHH pathway involved in tumour growth. Videodermoscopy and D‐OCT were useful in the quick and seamless follow‐up of lesions and added valuable information in assessing efficacy.
Greening the dike revetment with historic sod transplantation technique in a living lab
Authors: van den Hoven Kim , Grashof‐Bokdam Carla J. , Slim Pieter A. , Wentholt Ludolph , Peeters Patrik , Depreiter Davy , Koelewijn André R. , Stoorvogel Marte M. , van den Berg Mario , Kroeze Carolien , van Loon‐Steensma Jantsje M.
Published: January 2024

Coastal flood managers seek to anticipate future flood risk and as a result consider the adaptation of flood defences. Instead of crest heightening, dikes can be adapted to include hydrodynamic reducing vegetated foreshores to form a nature‐based hybrid flood defence, for instance; at managed realignments. In this study we investigated the potential of vegetated revetments as a natural continuous connection between the realigned dike and restored foreshore. We applied the historic grass sod transplantation technique with the aim to improve our understanding of the strength of a transplanted sod revetment. In Living Lab Hedwige‐Prosperpolder, dikes were available for in‐situ experiments during managed realignment preparations. We transplanted grass sods and studied erosion resistance after one growth season. Our results show transplanted sod vegetation continued to grow and started to attach to the clay layer. While erosion occurred under extreme wave impact and overflow, the sod pulling method revealed individual sod strength. In conclusion, sod transplantation is a good technique to source local material for green realigned dike revetments. A vegetated dike revetment can hereby create a natural continuous connection between the realigned dike and foreshore, which benefits flood protection as well as flora and fauna.
Evaluation of the nutrition care process documentation in the patients' records using the Diet‐NCP‐Audit: experience in a medium‐sized multi‐site Swiss hospital
Authors: Aurélien Clerc , Isabelle Carrard , Ludivine Soguel
Published: January 2024

Background

The nutrition care process (NCP) is a four‐step systematic approach to guide dietitians in providing high‐quality nutrition care. It fosters critical thinking and enhances the consistency of dietitians' documentation. Following international recommendations, University Training Hospital of Fribourg (HFR) implemented it in 2013. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of NCP documentation in electronic patient records (EPRs) and to determine the nutrition problems dietitians most often identified while documenting their actions.

Methods

The audit was performed on 92 EPRs using the Diet‐NCP‐Audit, which was translated into French for this study.

Results

The documentation quality was assessed as high in 62% of the EPRs, and nutrition diagnoses were mostly documented. In half of the EPRs, nutrition assessment (step 1 of the NCP) was inconsistent with nutrition diagnosis (step 2). Dietitians often used the same nutrition problems: out of the 73 nutrition problems defined in NCP terminology, only 4 (5%) represented 58% of the 189 problems identified in the EPR audit.

Conclusion

EPRs were mostly assessed as high quality. However, the entire process requires improved consistency. The poorly documented link between the NCP steps and the restricted choices of nutrition problems dietitians identified should be addressed because they could reveal that dietitians have not fully adopted critical thinking, which the NCP stresses.
Influence of high‐strain deformation on major element mobility in garnet: Nanoscale evidence from atom probe tomography
Authors: Dubosq Renelle , Camacho Alfredo , Rogowitz Anna , Zhang Siyuan , Gault Baptiste
Published: January 2024

Garnet is a common rock‐forming mineral that occurs in a variety of rock types and over a wide range of pressure (P)–temperature (T) conditions in the Earth's lithosphere. Because garnet is considered a high‐strength mineral stable across an extensive range of conditions (1–25 GPa, <300–2000°C), it is generally accepted that garnets can retain their microstructures and chemical composition during deformation and metamorphism. Therefore, garnet is commonly used as a geothermobarometer and geochronometer to provide P–T and timing constraints on tectonic events. Herein, we study garnet from an eclogite facies mylonite (central Australia) to investigate the mechanisms of element mobility during high‐strain deformation under relatively dry, lower crustal conditions. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI) reveal evidence of crystal plasticity associated with brittle deformation in the form of heterogeneous misorientation patterns and low‐angle grain boundaries developed over length scales of 20–50 μm in the rims of garnet porphyroclasts. Atom probe tomography (APT) analysis of a low‐angle grain boundary within a highly strained portion of a clast shows Ca enrichment and Mg depletion along dislocations, whereas APT data along the rim of a mostly undeformed clast reveal a homogeneous distribution of garnet major components in the specimen matrix with the exception of Ca, Fe and Mg enrichment within a healed microfracture. The above‐mentioned results suggest that under relatively dry conditions, crystal plasticity enhances bulk element mobility via pipe diffusion, highlighting the importance of deformation‐induced microstructures on element mobility, with important implications for the robust and reliable use of garnet as a petrological tool.
Tocopherol succinate‐loaded ethosomal gel synthesized by cold method technique: Deeper biophysical characterizations for translational application on human skin
Authors: Akhtar Naheed , Menaa Farid , Akhtar Naveed , javed Nayla , Sethi Aisha , Khan Muhammad Shahzad
Published: January 2024

Background

Tocopherols are well‐known antioxidant and moisturizing agent. Tocopherol succinate (TS) are widely used in many skin products especially used in anti‐aging and skin whitening product formulation.

Aim

We previously reported the successful synthesis and preliminary characterizations of stable TS ethosomal gels (TSEG) (DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14907). Herein, we develop and further characterize TSEG to enhance the stability of the developed formulation with increased permeation through skin.

Methods

Cold method technique was used to prepare TS ethosomes. The developed ethosomal vesicle size was 250 nm, which allowed TS to penetrate through the stratum corneum layer and act on melanocytes. For stability study was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) by placing TSEG and unloaded/control ethosomal gel (CEG) at various temperature conditions, that is, 8°C, 25°C, 40°C, and 40°C ± 75% RH for 3 months. Organoleptic evaluation was done in terms of color, odor, and phase separation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), zeta potential (ZP) and particle size (PS) was used for TSEG physical characterizations. In vitro dissolution and ex‐vivo permeation studies (using Franz diffusion cell) were performed for both TSEG and CEG formulations. Human women (N = 34) were used to evaluate in vivo biophysical parameters including erythema, melanin, moisture content, sebum level, and skin elasticity.

Results

Developed formulation was highly thermostable during the 3 months. Erythema, melanin, and sebum level decreased while marked improvement (p < 0.05) in moisture content and elasticity have been observed for the developed TSEG.

Conclusion

The developed TSEG formulation was found to be efficient, safe (no adverse effects observed), stable (at least for 3 months), and easy to use for topical application with improved skin complexation and skin integrity.
“You don't want to know just about my lungs, you…want to know more about me”. Patients and their caregivers' evaluation of a nurse‐led COPD supportive care service
Authors: Ora Linda , Wilkes Lesley , Mannix Judy , Gregory Linda , Luck Lauretta
Published: January 2024

Aim

To evaluate a nurse‐led model of supportive care in a COPD outpatient service from patient and caregiver perspectives.

Design

Case study methodology.

Methods

Data were collected from semi‐structured interviews with patients (n = 12) and caregivers (n = 7) conducted between April 2020 and September 2022. A purposive sampling strategy was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis with an inductive approach. COREQ guidelines informed reporting of this study.

Results

Eight categories were identified from the data evaluating of the model of care relating to the most helpful aspects of COPD supportive care and suggested improvements to the model of care. The categories were: guidance with managing symptoms; participating in advance care planning; home visiting; expert advice; continuity and trust; caring; caregiver support and improvements to the model of care.

Conclusion

In a nurse‐led model of COPD supportive care, what patients and caregivers valued most was expert advice and guidance with symptom management, flexible home visiting, participation in advance care planning, caring and continuity within an ongoing trusted therapeutic relationship. Understanding what patients and caregivers value most is essential in designing and delivering models of care that meet the needs of patients living with chronic, life‐limiting illness.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Nurses can lead effective models of supportive care that offer valuable support to patients living with COPD and their caregivers.
Efficacy of art therapy in enhancing mental health of clinical nurses: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Na , Chen Shuoxin , Li Qing , He Zhiqiang , Jiang Wenhui
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Art therapy (AT) has been widely utilized as a therapeutic approach for clinical nurses. In recent years, more and more researchers have applied art therapy to enhance clinical nurses' mental well‐being. However, many studies conducted in this area have suffered from limited sample sizes and insufficient research evidence.

Aim

This study aims to conduct a systematic evaluation of the efficacy of art therapy on the mental health of clinical nurses.

Methods

RCTs on art therapy for clinical nurses were searched across databases such as PubMed, Embase, etc., the results were analysed using RevMan 5.3.

Results

There were 19 RCTs encompassing 1338 clinical nurses involved in this analysis. The Meta‐analysis revealed that art therapy exhibited a significant reduction in anxiety levels (measured by the SAS) among clinical nurses, as well as depression levels and perceived stress levels (measured by the CPSS). Furthermore, art therapy demonstrated a reduction in negative coping style and an improvement in positive coping style.

Discussion

Findings indicate that art therapy can reduce anxiety, depression and stress levels in clinical nurses, while also enhance positive coping styles and promote mental well‐being. Therefore, the widespread implementation of art therapy in this context is highly recommended.

Declaration

I hereby declare that my article is directly relevant to the field of mental health nursing. It highlights the critical importance of psychological well‐being and supplements the evidence on The effects of art therapy on the occupational mental health of clinical nurses.
A systematic review of contaminants in donor human milk
Authors: Thayagabalu Sionika , Cacho Nicole , Sullivan Sandra , Smulian John , Louis‐Jacques Adetola , Bourgeois Marie , Chen Henian , Weerasuriya Wasana , Lemas Dominick J.
Published: January 2024

Donor human milk (DHM) from a milk bank is the recommended feeding method for preterm infants when the mother's own milk (MOM) is not available. Despite this recommendation, information on the possible contamination of donor human milk and its impact on infant health outcomes is poorly characterised. The aim of this systematic review is to assess contaminants present in DHM samples that preterm and critically ill infants consume. The data sources used include PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science. A search of the data sources targeting DHM and its potential contaminants yielded 426 publications. Two reviewers (S. T. and D. L.) conducted title/abstract screening through Covidence software, and predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria yielded 26 manuscripts. Contaminant types (bacterial, chemical, fungal, viral) and study details (e.g., type of bacteria identified, study setting) were extracted from each included study during full‐text review. Primary contaminants in donor human milk included bacterial species and environmental pollutants. We found that bacterial contaminants were identified in 100% of the papers in which bacterial contamination was sought (16 papers) and 61.5% of the full data set (26 papers), with the most frequently identified genera being Staphylococcus (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus) and Bacillus (e.g., Bacillus cereus). Chemical pollutants were discovered in 100% of the papers in which chemical contamination was sought (eight papers) and 30.8% of the full data set (26 papers). The most frequently identified chemical pollutants included perfluoroalkyl substances (six papers), toxic metal (one paper) and caffeine (one paper). Viral and fungal contamination were identified in one paper each. Our results highlight the importance of establishing standardisation in assessing DHM contamination and future studies are needed to clarify the impact of DHM contaminants on health outcomes.
Genetic basis and expression of ventral colour in polymorphic common lizards
Authors: Recknagel Hans , Leitão Henrique G. , Elmer Kathryn R.
Published: January 2024

Colour is an important visual cue that can correlate with sex, behaviour, life history or ecological strategies, and has evolved divergently and convergently across animal lineages. Its genetic basis in non‐model organisms is rarely known, but such information is vital for determining the drivers and mechanisms of colour evolution. Leveraging genetic admixture in a rare contact zone between oviparous and viviparous common lizards (Zootoca vivipara), we show that females (N = 558) of the two otherwise morphologically indistinguishable reproductive modes differ in their ventral colouration (from pale to vibrant yellow) and intensity of melanic patterning. We find no association between female colouration and reproductive investment, and no evidence for selection on colour. Using a combination of genetic mapping and transcriptomic evidence, we identified two candidate genes associated with ventral colour differentiation, DGAT2 and PMEL. These are genes known to be involved in carotenoid metabolism and melanin synthesis respectively. Ventral melanic spots were associated with two genomic regions, including a SNP close to protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) genes. Using genome re‐sequencing data, our results show that fixed coding mutations in the candidate genes cannot account for differences in colouration. Taken together, our findings show that the evolution of ventral colouration and its associations across common lizard lineages is variable. A potential genetic mechanism explaining the flexibility of ventral colouration may be that colouration in common lizards, but also across squamates, is predominantly driven by regulatory genetic variation.
UAE's Balancing Strategy Between the United States and China
Authors: Bin Huwaidin Mohamed
Published: January 2024

With its thriving economy, well‐crafted policies, diverse and lively multicultural society, and advanced infrastructure, the United Arab Emirates plays a significant role in the Middle East. It has become strategically and economically important to both the United States and China, and both countries have established strong strategic partnerships with the Gulf state. As the UAE is a small yet ambitious state, both powers are crucial to its strategy for maintaining security and diversifying its economy. Thus, to secure its interests, the UAE has adopted a strategy of balancing its relationships with Washington and Beijing. This article examines the strategy and aims to predict its direction in light of the increasing competition and rivalry between the two global powers. The analysis is part of a special issue examining the responses of Gulf countries to rising Sino‐American competition, edited by Andrea Ghiselli, Anoushiravan Ehteshami, and Enrico Fardella.