bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of slatted frame placed in compost pile on enhancing heat generation and organic matter degradation during high‐moisture cow manure composting
Authors: Hanajima Dai
Published: May 2024

Excess moisture content in cow manure inhibits the process of composting. This study examined the effects of introducing a slatted frame on temperature development, organic matter degradation, and moisture content during high‐moisture composting. Twelve tons of cow manure was piled individually, and an iron slatted frame with a pipe and a plain frame filled inside with styrofoam was introduced in the treatment and control piles, respectively. Two hours after the start, running leachate via the pipe in the treatment pile was observed, but not in the control pile. The maximum temperatures as well as durations of the temperatures above 55°C of the treatment piles at all seven positions were higher than those of the control piles. In particular, four of the seven positions in the treatment pile exhibited more than twice the duration. Installing the slatted frame improved the organic matter degradation; the values of organic matter loss in the control and treatment were 48.0% and 58.4%, respectively. The final moisture content in the treated compost was 5% lower than that in the control. Overall, the introduction of a slatted frame generated higher temperatures and produced relatively dried and well‐degraded compost.
Therapeutic drug monitoring of osimertinib in EGFR mutant non‐small cell lung cancer by dried blood spot and plasma collection: A pilot study
Authors: Narayanan Sathya , Yuile Alexander , Venkatesh Bharat , McKay Matthew , Itchins Malinda , Pavlakis Nick , Wheeler Helen , Gray Lauren , Wei Joe , Miller Samuel , Kirwin Brendan , Molloy Mark P. , Clarke Stephen
Published: May 2024

Aims

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has led to significant improvements in individualized medical care, although its implementation in oncology has been limited to date. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a group of therapies for which TDM has been suggested. Osimertinib is one such therapy used in the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation‐driven lung cancer. Herein, we describe a prospective pilot study involving 21 patients on osimertinib primarily as a preliminary evaluation of drug levels in a real‐world setting.

Methods

Concentrations of the drug and its primary metabolites were measured with a validated liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) assay across serial timepoints. As part of this study, inter‐individual variability by dose and ethnicity as well as intra‐individual variability across timepoints are explored. Furthermore, we attempted to validate dried blood spot (DBS)‐based quantitation as an accurate alternative to plasma quantitation.

Results

Successful quantitation of osimertinib and primary metabolites was achieved for our subjects. Compound plasma levels were highly correlated to DBS levels. There was no significant difference in concentrations with ethnicity or dosing or intra‐individual variability across timepoints.

Conclusions

As such, we demonstrate that TDM for osimertinib is practical for future trials. We also validated the use of DBS as an alternative to conventional quantitation for exploration of TDM for osimertinib in larger trials and for other targeted therapies.
Effects of physically active maths lessons on children's maths performance and maths‐related affective factors: Multi‐arm cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Syväoja Heidi J. , Sneck Sirpa , Kukko Tuomas , Asunta Piritta , Räsänen Pekka , Viholainen Helena , Kulmala Janne , Hakonen Harto , Tammelin Tuija H.
Published: May 2024

Background

Physical activity (PA) may benefit academic performance, but it is unclear what kind of classroom‐based PA is optimal for learning.

Aim

We studied the effects of physically active maths lessons on children's maths performance and maths‐related effects, and whether gender and previous mathematical or motor skills modify these effects.

Sample

A total of 22 volunteered teachers and their pupils with signed consent (N = 397, mean age: 9.3 years, 51% females) participated in a 5‐month, teacher‐led, multi‐arm, cluster‐randomized controlled trial.

Methods

The intervention included a PAL group (20 min of physically active learning in each 45‐min lesson), a breaks group (two 5‐min PA breaks in each 45‐min lesson) and a control group (traditional teaching). Maths performance was assessed with a tailored curriculum‐based test. Maths‐related enjoyment, self‐perceptions and anxiety were measured with a self‐reported questionnaire. The individual‐level intervention effects were tested via covariate‐adjusted linear mixed‐effect models with school classes serving as random effects.

Results

Changes in maths performance or self‐perceptions did not differ between the intervention groups. Maths anxiety in learning situations increased in the PAL group (effect .28, 95% CI = .01–.56); there was no change in the other groups. Subgroup analyses suggested that maths anxiety increased in the PAL group among children in the two lowest tertiles of motor skills. It decreased in the highest tertile. Enjoyment decreased in the breaks group among pupils in the lowest motor skill tertile.

Conclusions

Physically active maths lessons did not affect maths performance or self‐perceptions but had divergent effects on maths anxiety and enjoyment, depending on motor skills.
Us, them and we: How national and human identifications influence adolescents' ethnic prejudice
Authors: Bobba Beatrice , Thijs Jochem , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: May 2024

Although there have been numerous studies on the relations between group identification and ethnic prejudice, it is less clear whether their associations reflect stable individual tendencies or rather situational or temporal fluctuations. This longitudinal multilevel study aimed to fill this gap by examining the between‐ and within‐person associations of identification with the national and superordinate human groups and levels of prejudice against multiple ethnic minorities. A total of 883 Italian majority adolescents (Mage = 15.66, SD = 1.15 at T1, 49.7% females) completed questionnaires at four time points over the course of 1 year. Results showed that national identification was related to more prejudice at the between‐person level but to decreases in prejudice at the within‐person level. Additionally, human identification contributed to lower levels of and steeper decreases in prejudice at both the between‐ and within‐person levels. Common and unique associations also emerged across different ethnic minority targets, but only for between‐person effects. Overall, this study highlights the importance of distinguishing stable individual levels and momentary fluctuations of both ingroup identifications and ethnic prejudice in order to orient future interventions aimed at improving the quality of intergroup relationships.
The language of light: a review of bioluminescence in deep‐sea decapod shrimps
Authors: Collins Stormie B. , Bracken‐Grissom Heather D.
Published: May 2024

In the dark, expansive habitat of the deep sea, the production of light through bioluminescence is commonly used among a wide range of taxa. In decapod crustaceans, bioluminescence is only known in shrimps (Dendrobranchiata and Caridea) and may occur in different modes, including luminous secretions that are used to deter predators and/or from specialised light organs called photophores that function by providing camouflage against downwelling light. Photophores exhibit an extensive amount of morphological variation across decapod families: they may be internal (of hepatic origin) or embedded in surface tissues (dermal), and may possess an external lens, suggesting independent origins and multiple functions. Within Dendrobranchiata, we report bioluminescence in Sergestidae, Aristeidae, and Solenoceridae, and speculate that it may also be found in Acetidae, Luciferidae, Sicyonellidae, Benthesicymidae, and Penaeidae. Within Caridea, we report bioluminescence in Acanthephyridae, Oplophoridae, Pandalidae, and new observations for Pasiphaeidae. This comprehensive review includes historic taxonomic literature and recent studies investigating bioluminescence in all midwater and deep benthic shrimp families. Overall, we report known or suspected bioluminescence in 157 species across 12 families of decapod shrimps, increasing previous records of bioluminescent species by 65%. Mounting evidence from personal observations and the literature allow us to speculate the presence of light organs in several families thought to lack bioluminescence, making this phenomenon much more common than previously reported. We provide a detailed discussion of light organ morphology and function within each group and indicate future directions that will contribute to a better understanding of how deep‐sea decapods use the language of light.
Integrating socioeconomic and ecological data into restoration practice
Authors: Villarreal‐Rosas Jaramar , Brown Christopher J. , Andradi‐Brown Dominic A. , Domínguez Ricardo , Jacobo Pilar , Martínez Anuar , Mascote Coral , Najera Eduardo , Paiz Yves , Vázquez Moran Víctor Hugo , Villarreal Jaime , Adame María F.
Published: May 2024

Driven by the United Nations Decade on Restoration and international funding initiatives, such as the Mangrove Breakthrough, investment in mangrove restoration is expected to increase. Yet, mangrove restoration efforts frequently fail, usually because of ad hoc site‐selection processes that do not consider mangrove ecology and the socioeconomic context. Using decision analysis, we developed an approach that accounts for socioeconomic and ecological data to identify sites with the highest likelihood of mangrove restoration success. We applied our approach in the Biosphere Reserve Marismas Nacionales Nayarit, Mexico, an area that recently received funding for implementing mangrove restoration actions. We identified 468 potential restoration sites, assessed their restorability potential based on socioeconomic and ecological metrics, and ranked sites for implementation with spatial optimization. The metrics we used included favorable conditions for propagules to establish and survive under sea‐level rise, provision of ecosystem services, and community dynamics. Sites that were selected based on socioeconomic or ecological metrics alone had lower likelihood of mangrove restoration success than sites that were selected based on integrated socioeconomic and ecological metrics. For example, selecting sites based on only socioeconomic metrics captured 16% of the maximum attainable value of functioning mangroves able to provide propagules to potential restoration sites, whereas selecting sites based on ecological and socioeconomic metrics captured 46% of functioning mangroves. Our approach was developed as part of a collaboration between nongovernmental organizations, local government, and academics under rapid delivery time lines given preexisting mangrove restoration implementation commitments. The systematic decision process we used integrated socioeconomic and ecological considerations even under short delivery deadlines, and our approach can be adapted to help mangrove restoration site‐selection decisions elsewhere.
Partisanship, optimism, and firm innovation
Authors: Jiao Anqi , Lu Juntai , Ren Honglin
Published: May 2024

Political partisanship significantly shapes firm executives’ economic outlook. We find that firms, whose managers share political alignment with the US president, achieve superior innovation outcomes, including higher patent counts, increased patent citations, and greater patent value. We establish a causal relationship through a difference‐in‐differences approach, focusing on periods around US presidential elections. This effect is more pronounced in firms with overconfident CEOs and during periods of heightened policy uncertainty, suggesting that partisan optimism stimulates innovation incentives. Firms led by partisan‐aligned managers generate patents with greater originality, generality, and an exploratory style.
Unveiling crisis in globalised higher education: Artificial intelligence insights from doctoral research in EThOS
Authors: Montgomery Catherine , Stewart Craig , Aduragba Olanrewaju , Poli Francesca
Published: May 2024

This paper seeks to illuminate new perspectives on the concept of crisis in globalised higher education (HE) by focusing on knowledge generated by doctoral research. Doctoral research is a significant part of research and knowledge building in HE, particularly in science, and doctoral students contribute to the research capacity and knowledge building of institutions. This source of knowledge offers alternative perspectives on crisis in HE, providing a rich source of research which is often under‐consulted. Using the British Library's digital repository EThOS, a collection of around 637,000 doctoral studies carried out in British universities, the research harnesses Generative Artificial Intelligence approaches in order to analyse the ways in which crisis is defined and constructed in doctoral research since 2000. Through a pilot study using a prototype of a new AI tool, the paper offers both conceptual and methodological insights into constructions of crisis in this under‐used field of research.
Essential oil vapour inclusion in protective atmosphere packaging for shelf‐life management of fisheries
Authors: Nobile Maria , Ghidini Sergio , Panebianco Felice , Pessina Davide , Chiesa Luca Maria , Panseri Sara
Published: May 2024

Fish is well known for its perishable nature. Essential oils in food packaging seem to be safe and reliable both in terms of safety for the consumer and in terms of improving the shelf life of the product. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two different essential oil vapours (one with rosemary and the other one with lemon extract) on three different types of fishery products (swordfish steaks, bluefin tuna steaks and Argentinian prawns) stored in a protective atmosphere packaging, monitoring the shelf life up to 8 days through microbiological, chemical and sensorial analyses. The results showed that the products preserved with the inclusion of essential oils have reached the end of the shelf‐life period respecting the process hygiene and food safety criteria, receiving a greater appreciation rating from the consumer panel at the end of shelf life for the prawns and swordfish samples with the addition of rosemary essential oils vapours, which instead highlighted the worst result at the end of shelf life for tuna.
The impact of passion fruit peel powder on the physicochemical, sensory properties, and antioxidant activity of goat milk yoghurt
Authors: Liu Zhaohan , Yang Tongxiang , Chen Junliang , Yang Chenze , Niu Junqiang , Duan Xu , Ren Guangyue , Li Linlin
Published: May 2024

There is significant economic potential in reusing passion fruit peel as an industrial by‐product, and there has been enthusiasm for creating new goat milk yoghurt (GMY) products. Consequently, a thorough investigation regarding the impact of passion fruit peel on fermented GMY is crucial for the advancement of new food products. This study aimed to assess the impact of passion fruit peel powder (PFPP) on the quality characteristics, sensory properties, and antioxidant activity of GMY during storage. Six GMY formulations were prepared by varying the amount of PFPP addition (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%). The results revealed that several characteristics of GMY were positively affected by the addition of PFPP, including the acidity, rheology, and texture property of the samples. It was observed that GMY with 1.0% addition of PFPP exhibited improved taste, flavour, and colour. Additionally, the total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and antioxidant properties of GMY with PFPP were significantly increased across all levels. The results obtained from this study demonstrate that PFPP has the potential to be utilised in GMY to optimise the benefits of products with high antioxidant activity.
Genetic polymorphisms of TLR1, TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 in patients with recurrent or severe infections
Authors: Teräsjärvi Johanna , Kainulainen Leena , Peltola Ville , Mertsola Jussi , Hakanen Antti , He Qiushui
Published: May 2024

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in innate immunity. Previous studies have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes coding for these innate immune molecules can affect susceptibility to and the outcome of certain diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine the clinical relevance of well‐studied TLR1–4 SNPs in individuals who are prone to infections. Four functional SNPs, TLR1 rs5743618 (1805C > A, Ser602Ile), TLR2 rs5743708 (2258G > A, Arg753Gln), TLR3 rs3775291 (1234C > T, Leu412Phe) and TLR4 rs4986790 (896A > G, Asp299Gly), were analysed in 155 patients with recurrent respiratory infections (n = 84), severe infections (n = 15) or common variable immunodeficiency (n = 56), and in 262 healthy controls, using the High Resolution Melting Analysis method. Polymorphisms of TLR2 rs5743708 (odds ratio [OR] 3.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45–6.83, p = .004, ap = .016) and TLR4 rs4986790 (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.05–3.12, p = .028, ap = .112) were more frequent in patients with recurrent or severe infections than in controls. Interestingly, seven patients were found to carry both variant genotypes of TLR2 and TLR4, whereas none of the control group carried such genotypes (p  ≤ .0001). Moreover, TLR2 polymorphism was associated with increased risk for acute otitis media episodes (OR, 3.02; 95% CI 1.41–6.47; p = .012). This study indicates that children and adults who are more prone to recurrent or severe respiratory infections carry one or both variant types of TLR2 and TLR4 more often than control subjects. Genetic variations of TLRs help explain why some children are more susceptible to respiratory infections.
The Decline and Retrieval of Divine Incomprehensibility in Modern Reformed Theology
Authors: O'Grady Jack
Published: May 2024

This article explores the way in which two modern Reformed theologians, Charles Hodge and Herman Bavinck, articulate their theologies of divine incomprehensibility and the knowability of God in radically different ways, against the backdrop of post‐Kantian epistemology. This contrast will draw attention to why the doctrine of divine incomprehensibility has diminished in influence in modern Reformed theology, while also making some suggestions as to how it can be retrieved in order to supplement and strengthen contemporary discussions on the doctrine of God in the Reformed tradition.
Combining antibiotic‐loaded bone cement‐based free vastus lateralis muscle‐sparing flap with split‐thickness skin grafts: A reliable strategy for reconstructing diabetic foot ulcers at non‐weight‐bearing areas
Authors: Chang Shusen , Jian Yang , Liu Chenxiaoxiao , Dal Prà Ilaria , Armato Ubaldo , Chen Xin , Zhou Jian , Chen Wei , Zhang Fang , Nie Kaiyu , De Santis Daniele , Deng Chengliang , Wei Zairong
Published: May 2024

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) present significant challenges due to their associated amputation rates, mortality, treatment complexity and excessive costs. Our earlier work introduced a wound surgical integrated treatment (WSIT) for DFUs, yielding promising outcomes. This study focuses on a specific WSIT protocol employing antibiotic‐loaded bone cement (ALBC) in the first Stage, and free vastus lateralis muscle‐sparing (VLMS) flaps and split‐thickness skin grafts (STSGs) in the second stage to repair non‐weight‐bearing DFUs. From July 2021 to July 2023, seven DFU patients (aged 47–71 years) underwent this treatment. Demographic data, hospital stay and repair surgery times were collected. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses assessed angiogenesis, collagen deposition and inflammation. SF‐36 questionnaire measured pre‐ and postoperative quality of life. Preoperative ultrasound Doppler showed that the peak blood flow velocity of the recipient area artery was significantly >30 cm/s (38.6 ± 6.8 cm/s) in all patients. Muscle flap sizes varied from 8 × 3.5 × 1 to 18 × 6 × 2 cm. The operation time of the repair surgery was 156.9 ± 15.08 minutes, and the hospital stay was 18.9 ± 3.3 days. Histological analysis proved that covering DFUs with ALBC induced membrane formation and increased collagen, neovascularization and M2 macrophages fraction while reducing M1 macrophages one. All grafts survived without amputation during a 7‐ to 24‐month follow‐up, during which SF‐36 scores significantly improved. A combination of ALBC with free VLMS flaps and STSGs proved to be safe and effective for reconstructing non‐weight‐bearing DFUs. It rapidly controlled infection, enhanced life quality and foot function, and reduced hospitalization time. We advocate integrating this strategy into DFU treatment plans.
A meta‐analysis of left ventricular dysfunction in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Bolaji Olayiwola , Oriaifo Osejie , Adabale Olanrewaju , Dilibe Arthur , Kuruvada Krishna , Ouedraogo Faizal , Ezeh Ebubechukwu , Nair Ambica , Olanipekun Titilope , Mazimba Sula , Alraies Chadi
Published: May 2024

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, presenting a considerable morbidity risk. Although evidence consistently indicates an elevated risk of ischemic heart disease among AS patients, debates persist regarding the likelihood of these patients developing left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Our investigation aimed to determine whether individuals with AS face a greater risk of LVD compared to the general population. To accomplish this, we identified studies exploring LVD in AS patients across five major databases and Google Scholar. Initially, 431 studies were identified, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria, collectively involving 2933 participants. Results show that AS patients had: (1) poorer Ejection Fraction (EF) [mean difference (MD): −0.92% (95% CI: −1.25 to −0.59)], (2) impaired Early (E) and Late (atrial—A) ventricular filling velocity (E/A) ratio [MD: −0.10 m/s (95% CI: −0.13 to −0.08)], (3) prolonged deceleration time (DT) [MD: 12.30 ms (95% CI: 9.23–15.36)] and, (4) a longer mean isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) [MD: 8.14 ms (95% CI: 6.58–9.70)] compared to controls. Though AS patients show increased risks of both systolic and diastolic LVD, we found no significant differences were observed in systolic blood pressure [MD: 0.32 mmHg (95% Confidence Interval (CI): −2.09 to 2.73)] or diastolic blood pressure [MD: 0.30 mmHg (95% CI: −0.40 to 1.01)] compared to the general population. This study reinforces AS patients' susceptibility to LVD without a notable difference in HTN risk.
Dynamic analyses of a soft tissue–implant interface: Biological responses to immediate versus delayed dental implants
Authors: Aellos Fabiana , Grauer Joseph A. , Harder Kasidy G. , Dworan Julia S. , Fabbri Giacomo , Cuevas Pedro L. , Yuan Xue , Liu Bo , Brunski John B. , Helms Jill A.
Published: May 2024

Aim

To qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the formation and maturation of peri‐implant soft tissues around ‘immediate’ and ‘delayed’ implants.

Materials and Methods

Miniaturized titanium implants were placed in either maxillary first molar (mxM1) fresh extraction sockets or healed mxM1 sites in mice. Peri‐implant soft tissues were evaluated at multiple timepoints to assess the molecular mechanisms of attachment and the efficacy of the soft tissue as a barrier. A healthy junctional epithelium (JE) served as positive control.

Results

No differences were observed in the rate of soft‐tissue integration of immediate versus delayed implants; however, overall, mucosal integration took at least twice as long as osseointegration in this model. Qualitative assessment of Vimentin expression over the time course of soft‐tissue integration indicated an initially disorganized peri‐implant connective tissue envelope that gradually matured with time. Quantitative analyses showed significantly less total collagen in peri‐implant connective tissues compared to connective tissue around teeth around implants. Quantitative analyses also showed a gradual increase in expression of hemidesmosomal attachment proteins in the peri‐implant epithelium (PIE), which was accompanied by a significant inflammatory marker reduction.

Conclusions

Within the timeframe examined, quantitative analyses showed that connective tissue maturation never reached that observed around teeth. Hemidesmosomal attachment protein expression levels were also significantly reduced compared to those in an intact JE, although quantitative analyses indicated that macrophage density in the peri‐implant environment was reduced over time, suggesting an improvement in PIE barrier functions. Perhaps most unexpectedly, maturation of the peri‐implant soft tissues was a significantly slower process than osseointegration.
A BEST classification system of large to giant congenital melanocytic nevi based on expert consensus and distribution characteristics
Authors: Song Ge , Dai Tao , Chang Yajie , Pei Huile , Liu Wuping , Guo Pengfei , Ren Yongqiang , Shen Guiping , Feng Jianghua
Published: May 2024

Background

Large to giant congenital melanocytic nevi (LGCMN) significantly decrease patients' quality of life, but the inaccuracy of current classification system makes their clinical management challenging.

Objectives

To improve and extend the existing LGCMN 6B/7B classification systems by developing a novel LGCMN classification system based on a new phenotypic approach to clinical tool development.

Methods

Three hundred and sixty‐one LGCMN cases were categorized into four subtypes based on anatomic site: bonce (25.48%), extremity (17.73%), shawl (19.67%) and trunks (37.12%) LGCMN. A ‘BEST’ classification system of LGCMN was established and validated by a support vector machine classifier combined with the 7B system.

Results

The most common LGCMN distributions were on bonce and trunks (bathing trunk), whereas breast/belly and body LGCMN were exceptionally rare. Sexual dimorphism characterized distribution, with females showing a wider range of lesions in the genital area. Nearly half of the patients with bathing trunk LGCMN exhibited a butterfly‐like distribution. Approximately half of the LGCMN with chest involvement did not have nipple–areola complex involvement. Abdomen, back and buttock involvement was associated with the presence of satellite nevi (r = 0.558), and back and buttock involvement was associated with the presence of nodules (r = 0.364).

Conclusions

The effective quantification of a standardized anatomical site provides data support for the accuracy of the 6B/7B classification systems. The simplified BEST classification system can help establish a LGCMN clinical database for exploration of LGCMN aetiology, disease management and prognosis prediction.
Drug utilization among young adults with atopic dermatitis: Influence of sex, socio‐economic status and disease severity
Authors: Carmanius P. L. , Lundin S. , Ödling M. , Kimland E. , Ballardini N. , Melén E. , Bergström A. , Dahlén E.
Published: May 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects individuals of all ages, and the first‐line treatment are emollients and topical corticosteroids. There is insufficient knowledge about factors possibly affecting the drug utilization of young adults with AD.

Objectives

To describe the drug utilization of young adults with AD in relation to sex, socio‐economic status and disease severity.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study based on the 24‐year follow‐up from the population‐based BAMSE (Children, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiology Survey) birth cohort linked with dispensing data from the National Drug Register (n = 2912). Self‐reported AD and socio‐economic status were defined from questionnaire data and disease severity was determined through the clinical examination and Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of AD in young adults was 17.7% (n = 516) and 45.5% of them were dispensed at least one drug for the treatment of AD during the study period (January 2016 to June 2019). Topical corticosteroids (TCS) were the most common drugs (32.9%) followed by emollients (21.7%). A larger proportion of men were dispensed TCS than women (39.0% vs. 29.1%: p‐value = 0.020). A larger proportion of young adults with moderate‐to‐severe AD were dispensed TCS than those with mild AD (52.6% vs. 35.3%: p‐value = 0.026). No one was dispensed the recommended amount of emollients and less than five individuals were dispensed the recommended amount of TCS for mild disease. Male sex (adj.OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.34) and moderate‐to‐severe AD (adj.OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.59–4.31) were associated with dispensation of TCS.

Conclusions

A large proportion of young adults with AD was undertreated or untreated. Sex and disease severity did affect the dispensing patterns of investigated drugs.
Lipids as biomarkers to assess the nutritional and physiological status of two diadromous fish (Anguilla anguilla and Chelon auratus) at early life stages in a temperate macrotidal estuary
Authors: Arevalo Elorri , Mazzella Nicolas , Cabral Henrique N. , Moreira Aurélie , Jan Gwilherm , Villeneuve Bertrand , Possémé Carl , Lepage Mario
Published: May 2024

Estuaries are considered as key habitats for the early life stages of fish. However, in the face of massive destruction of many estuarine intertidal areas, management and conservation measures are needed. Fish condition indicators may be used as a proxy of habitat quality and provide valuable information for management of coastal areas. In this study, the larvae of golden mullet (Chelon auratus) and European glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) were sampled in three sites of the Gironde Estuary. Different lipid classes and fatty acids were quantified: phospholipids (globally, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine), triglycerides, omega‐3 (particularly docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids), omega‐6 and C18:1. These biomarkers provide information on the nutritional status of the larvae as well as on prey availability and larvae diet between sites. One site significantly differed from the others as it seemed to offer abundant and better‐quality prey. The very high levels of omega‐3 contained in mullet larvae suggested that this site provided a high amount of diatoms. However, the mullet larvae that colonized this site also showed physiological stress that could be explained by exposure to pollutants through their prey. This work constitutes an essential baseline for developing biomarkers to assess the quality of habitats in a global change context.
Randomized, crossover trial: comparing the effects of standardized egg‐white meal and Vital® on global gastric emptying parameters and intragastric meal distribution in healthy Asian participants
Authors: Tagiling Nashrulhaq , Ibrahim Izleen Laili , Lee Yeong Yeh , Udin Muhamad Yusri , Mohamad Kamarulzaman Mohamad Dzulhilmi , Phoa Picholas Kian Ann , Damulira Edrine , Mohd Rohani Mohd Fazrin , Wan Zainon Wan Mohd Nazlee , Mat Nawi Norazlina
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Measurements of gastric emptying and accommodation for alternative test‐meal protocol during gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES), such as high‐calorie nutrient drinks, are not fully established. We aimed to compare the effects of standardized egg‐white meal (EWM) versus high‐calorie nutrient drink (Vital®; Abbott Laboratories) on global GES parameters and intragastric meal distribution at immediate scan (IMD0h).

Methods

Of 84 screened participants, 60 asymptomatic healthy Asian population (38 females; 24.0 ± 1.5 years; 23.8 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were recruited in this 2 × 2 (AB/BA) crossover trial. Participants were randomized to a 4‐h GES with 99mTc‐radiolabeled EWM (~255.8 kcal), followed by a 200 mL Vital® (300 kcal), or vice versa, separated by a 2‐week washout period. Global meal retention (GMR), power‐exponential model emptying parameters (half‐emptying [T1/2], lag phases [Tlag2%, Tlag5%, Tlag10%]), and IMD0h were determined and compared.

Results

GMRs for both test meals were within the international standard references for solid GES. Compared to EWM, Vital® exhibited significantly lower GMRs (faster emptying) from 0.5 to 3 h (all P < 0.001) but comparable at 4 h (P = 0.153). Similar observations were found for the model‐based T1/2 and the different Tlag thresholds (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, IMD0h was found to be lower with Vital®, indicating lower gastric accommodation (faster antral filling) immediately post‐ingestion (P < 0.001). Both test meals showed significant moderate‐to‐strong positive associations at the late‐phase GE (GMR 2–4 h, T1/2) (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Overall, Vital® is an acceptable alternative test meal to the EWM for GES; however, exercise caution when interpreting early‐phase GE. The normative values for global GES parameters and IMD0h are also established.
Genetic and clinical profile of 15 Chinese families with GDAP1‐related Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease and identification of H256R as a frequent mutation
Authors: Li Zhongzheng , Zeng Sen , Xie Yongzhi , Li Xiaobo , Huang Shunxiang , Zhao Huadong , Cao Wanqian , Liu Lei , Wang Mengli , Gong Qiaoyu , Liu Jun , Rong Pengfei , Zhang Ruxu
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Mutations in ganglioside‐induced differentiation‐associated protein 1 (GDAP1) cause axonal or demyelinating Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) with autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance. In this study, we aim to report the genotypic and phenotypic features of GDAP1‐related CMT in a Chinese cohort.

Methods

Clinical, neurophysiological, genetic data, and available muscle/brain imaging information of 28 CMT patients with GDAP1 variants were retrospectively collected.

Results

We identified 16 GDAP1 pathogenic variants, among which two novel variants c.980dup(p.L328FfsX25) and c.480+4T>G were first reported. Most patients (16/28) presented with AR or AD CMT2K phenotype. Clinical characteristics in our cohort demonstrated that the AR patients presented earlier onset, more severe phenotype compared with the AD patients. Considerable intra‐familial phenotypic variability was observed among three AD families. Muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration in the lower extremity were detected by Muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in four patients. MRI showed two AR patients showed more severe muscle involvement of the posterior compartment than those of the anterolateral compartment in the calf. One patient carrying Q38*/H256R variants accompanied with mild periventricular leukoaraiosis.

Conclusions

In this study, we conducted an analysis of clinical features of the GDAP1‐related CMT patients, expanded the mutation spectrum in GDAP1 by reporting two novel variants, and presented the prevalent occurrence of the H256R mutation in China. The screening of GDAP1 should be particularly emphasized in Chinese patients with CMT2, given the incomplete penetrance and pathogenic inheritance patterns involving dominant and recessive modes.
Critical care nurses' role in rapid response teams: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Holtsmark Christina , Larsen Marie Hamilton , Steindal Simen A. , Solberg Marianne Trygg
Published: May 2024

Aim

To analyse the qualitative evidence on the role of critical care nurses in rapid response teams.

Design

Qualitative systematic review.

Methods

This qualitative systematic review employed Bettany‐Saltikov and McSherry’s guidelines and is reported according to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research checklist. Two pairs of blinded researchers screened the articles. The data were synthesised using a thematic analysis approach.

Data Sources

A systematic literature search was conducted using the CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE databases.

Results

Seven studies were included, and three main roles were identified: (1) balancing between confidence and fear in clinical encounters, (2) facilitating collaboration and (3) managing challenging power dynamics in decision‐making.

Conclusion

Critical care nurses possess extensive knowledge and skills in providing critical care to patients experiencing deterioration on general wards. They play a vital role in facilitating collaboration between team members and ward staff. Furthermore, within the rapid response team, critical care nurses assume leadership responsibilities by overseeing the comprehensive coordination of patient care and actively engaging in the decision‐making process concerning patient care.

Implications for the Profession

Highlighting the central role of critical care nurses in rapid response teams as well such a team’s benefits in healthcare organisations can promote applications for funding to support further quality assurance of rapid response teams and thus enhance patient safety.

Impact

Health care organisations can assure the quality of rapid response team by providing economical resources and training. The education providers should facilitate and standardise curriculum for critical care nursing students to achieve necessary knowledge and skills as members in rapid response teams.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Disentangling between‐ and within‐person variation in relationship science
Authors: Mund Marcus , Park Yoobin , Nestler Steffen
Published: May 2024

Objective

This article provides an overview of the Cross‐Lagged Panel Model (CLPM), Random‐Intercept Cross‐Lagged Panel Model (RI‐CLPM), and Latent Curve Model with Structured Residuals (LCM‐SR), highlighting the major issues of the CLPM for relationship science, and discusses dyadic extensions of those three models.

Background

Understanding interdependencies among people and constructs is a central interest in relationship science. Addressing such research questions requires complex designs ideally using data collected at multiple measurement occasions of multiple constructs from at least two persons (e.g., both partners of a couple). The Cross‐Lagged Panel Model (CLPM) has been widely used to analyze such data, however, particularly during the last decade, it has been pointed out that the CLPM confounds between‐ and within‐person variation. As a consequence, alternative models such as the Random‐Intercept Cross‐Lagged Panel Model (RI‐CLPM) and the Latent Curve Model with Structured Residuals (LCM‐SR) were proposed that aim to disentangle between‐ and within‐person variation and, hence, allow conclusions regarding within‐person dynamics.

Method

As an illustrative example, we apply dyadic extensions of the CLPM, RI‐CLPM, and LCM‐SR to investigate the dynamic interplay between depression and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 1699 mixed‐gender couples surveyed in the German Family Panel.

Results

While the CLPM indicated a reciprocal relationship between depression and satisfaction, the RI‐CLPM and LCM‐SR indicated a unidirectional association flowing from depression to satisfaction.

Conclusion

We discuss how findings like this can foster theory‐building and, ultimately, strengthen relationship science.
Can We Explain the Generation Gap in Churchgoing?
Authors: Stolz* Jörg , Lipps Oliver , Voas David , Antonietti Jean‐Philippe
Published: May 2024

In western societies, secularization in the sense of declining individual religiosity is mainly caused by cohort replacement. Every cohort is somewhat less religious than its predecessor, indicating that religious transmission is incomplete. The puzzle is just what causes this incomplete transmission and whether there is one or a restricted number of factors that mainly explain the process. Our aim in this article is to establish, describe, and explain this lack of religious transmission in West Germany, comparing parents’ and children's level of church attendance and their determinants over time. We use a data set of more than 8,000 parent‐child pairs across four cohorts from the German Socio‐Economic Panel (SOEP) and test whether indicators measuring parent attributes, family relations, or parental context influence the attendance gap. As expected, we find a substantial parent‐child attendance gap. However, we do not find factors that mainly explain the process. Only family disruption and the percentage of nones in the state slightly increase the attendance gap, but effect sizes are small. Our surprising result is that secularization happens largely independently of attributes of the parents and their immediate surroundings. We discuss how this finding may give credibility to new theories of secular transition and present an agenda for future research on religious transmission.
Inference for calendar effects in microstructure noise
Authors: Tan Yingwen , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: May 2024

We develop a statistical inference procedure for the ubiquitous calendar effects in microstructure noise using high frequency data. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first inference theory ever built for noise calendar effect under the general semi‐martingale‐plus‐noise setup for prices contaminated with non‐stationary, endogenous, and serially dependent microstructure noise. We devise a noise‐calendar‐effect estimator by an appropriately scaled average of high‐frequency returns that precede a time of day across a large number of trading days. Feasible central limit theorem for the estimator is established under a joint infill and long‐span asymptotics. Monte Carlo simulations corroborate our theoretical findings. An empirical study on the high‐frequency data of the e‐mini S&P 500 futures and a Chinese stock demonstrates that the noise calendar effect has undergone significant changes over time for the latter, yet remains stable for the former.
Ten Years After: Revisiting the Ouster Of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood
Authors: Hussein Ebtisam
Published: May 2024

The ouster of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011 marked a turning point in Egypt's modern history. The long‐persecuted Muslim Brotherhood immediately became a key political player, and its candidate, Mohamed Morsi, won election to lead the country. But despite those two years of popular engagement and victories at the ballot box, Morsi was ousted and the movement banished once again after a confrontation with the military in July 2013. Why did the Brotherhood choose to risk a conflict with the armed forces and not seek a compromise? This article contends that the decision was driven by the Muslim Brotherhood's long history of persecution, its broad base of support, its impressive successes after Mubarak fell, and its fear of losing the presidency. These set the Brotherhood on a course of action that suited its experiences and preferences. This path led the movement to ignore several facts suggesting it must seek to coordinate with the armed forces: The Brotherhood and the military did not enjoy cordial relations after Morsi's election in 2012; the movement's grassroots power was substantial, but there was no evidence it could prevail over the military's demand for Morsi to step down; and the military maintained its internal cohesion. Therefore, the Muslim Brotherhood's historical path guided its decision to avoid cooperation.
Diffuse infiltrating tumour with the molecular profile of an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour (AT/RT SHH‐1B) in an adult patient
Authors: Cordier Fleur , Schouten Joost W. , Geurts Marjolein , Kros Johan M. , Dubbink Hendrikus J. , Verlinden Vincent , Federico Aniello , Kool Marcel , Maas Sybren L. N.
Published: May 2024

We describe a 46‐year‐old patient with an IDH‐wildtype diffusely infiltrating atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumour (AT/RT), SHH‐1B molecular subtype. The unusual histology and subsequent diagnosis in an adult patient will be discussed.
Hyper‐Selective Posterior Fusion is Recommended When the Modified S‐Line is Positive in Lenke 5C Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Gu Qi , Bao Hongda , Shu Shibin , Zhang Xin , Qiu Yong , Zhu Zezhang
Published: May 2024

Objective

Postoperative coronal decompensation and less fusion level are dilemmas and the proper selective posterior fusion (SPF) strategy should be investigated. We proposed a parameter, modified S‐line, and aimed to investigate if the modified S‐line could predict postoperative coronal decompensation in patients with Lenke 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

This is a retrospective radiographic study and Lenke 5C AIS patients undergoing SPF during the period from September 2017 to June 2021 were included. The modified S‐line was defined as the line linking the centers of the concave‐side pedicles of the upper end vertebra (UEV) and lower end vertebra (LEV) at baseline. A modified S‐line tilt to the right is established as modified S‐line+ (UEV being to the right of the LEV). The patients were further categorized into two groups: the Cobb to Cobb fusion group and the Cobb‐1 to Cobb fusion group. Outcomes including thoracic Cobb angle, TL/L Cobb angle, coronal balance, upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) translation, lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) translation, UIV tilt, LIV tilt, LIV disc angle, thoracic apical vertebral translation, lumbar apical vertebral translation (L‐AVT), L‐T AVT ratio, L‐T Cobb were measured at baseline, immediately after surgery, and the last follow‐up. Radiographic parameters and the incidence of both proximal and distal decompensation between the two groups were compared by chi‐square test.

Results

Among 92 patients, 48 were modified S‐line+ and 44 were modified S‐line−. Modified S‐line+ status was identified as a risk factor for postoperative proximal decompensation (p = 0.005) during follow‐up. In Cobb to Cobb group, a higher occurrence of proximal decompensation in individuals with modified S‐line+ status (p = 0.001) was confirmed. Also, in the Cobb to Cobb group with baseline modified S‐line+ status, patients presenting decompensation showed a significantly larger baseline of the UIV tilt and postoperative disc angle below the lower instrumented vertebra. However, In Cobb‐1 group, the incidence of decompensation after surgery showed no association with baseline modified S‐line tilt status (p = 0.815 and 0.540, respectively).

Conclusion

The modified S‐line could serve as an important parameter in surgical decision‐making for Lenke 5C AIS patients. Cobb to Cobb SPF is not recommended with a modified S‐line+ status, and the Cobb‐1 to Cobb fusion may serve as a potential alternative.
Effects of EGFR‐TKI on epidermal melanin unit integrity: Therapeutic implications for hypopigmented skin disorders
Authors: Xu Ping , Yang Lingli , Lai Sylvia , Yang Fei , Kuroda Yasutaka , Zhang Huimin , Tsuruta Daisuke , Katayama Ichiro
Published: May 2024

Epidermal melanin unit integrity is crucial for skin homeostasis and pigmentation. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) is a pivotal player in cell growth, wound healing, and maintaining skin homeostasis. However, its influence on skin pigmentation is relatively unexplored. This study investigates the impact and underlying mechanisms of EGFR inhibitors on skin pigmentation. We evaluated EGF and EGFR expression in various skin cells using quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. EGF and EGFR were predominantly expressed in epidermal keratinocytes, and treatment with the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) gefitinib and PD153035 significantly increased stem cell factor (SCF) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) expression in cultured keratinocytes. Enhanced melanocyte migration and proliferation were observed in co‐culture, as evidenced by time‐lapse live imaging and single‐cell tracking assays. Furthermore, topical application of gefitinib to guinea pig dorsal skin induced increased pigmentation and demonstrated efficacy in mitigating rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma. Suppression of EGF signaling indirectly enhanced skin pigmentation by upregulating SCF and ET‐1 in epidermal keratinocytes. This novel mechanism highlights the pivotal role of EGF signaling in regulating skin pigmentation, and topical EGFR‐TKI therapy at an appropriate dose may be a promising approach for depigmentation disorder management.