bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the nexus between the standardized nursing terminologies and the unfinished nursing care phenomenon: An empty systematic review
Authors: Bertocchi Luca , Chiappinotto Stefania , Palese Alvisa
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To identify and synthesize evidence regarding the documented relationship between the standardized nursing terminologies and the unfinished nursing care phenomenon.

Data sources

A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Complete databases were last consulted on November 27, 2023. The review included primary quantitative studies that reported an association between recognized standardized nursing terminologies and unfinished nursing care. Two researchers completedtitle and abstract and full‐text screening.

Data synthesis

Our search identified 149 citations. A full‐text review of one paper was undertaken. No studies met our inclusion criteria. We report an empty review.

Conclusions

Standardized nursing terminologies and Unfinished Care are two sides of the same coin: despite their potential commonalities, no studies have documented their potential links. Digital systems, such as electronic health records and decision support systems, could foster this linkage.

Implications for nursing practice

This review suggests that linking the conceptual frameworks can promote the diffusion of standardized nursing terminologies in clinical practice and increase accuracy in the measurement of Unfinished Care. This synergy could promote the contribution of nursing knowledge to patient care, nursing visibility, and be beneficial to clinical nurses, managers, and healthcare systems to international level.
United Kingdom: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: MIDDLETON ALIA
Published: April 2024

The year 2023 saw more stability in British politics, with new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak seeking to make his mark on the policy agenda with the announcement of five key policy pledges in January. As part of seeking to address these, the government placed an increased emphasis on immigration over the year, particularly in tackling illegal crossings over the English Channel. The government also moved away from its net zero agenda. Despite this, the party's poll position did not improve. New peers were introduced by departing Prime Ministers Johnson and Truss. Boris Johnson also stepped down as a Member of Parliament, and a November Cabinet reshuffle saw former Prime Minister David Cameron re‐enter politics as Foreign Secretary.
Progressive changes in pulmonary gas exchange during invasive respiratory support for COVID‐19 associated acute respiratory failure: A retrospective study of the association with 90‐day mortality
Authors: Konsberg Ylva , Åneman Anders , Olsen Fredrik , Hessulf Fredrik , Nellgård Bengt , Hård af Segerstad Mathias , Dalla Keti
Published: April 2024

Background

Ratio of arterial pressure of oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F ratio) together with the fractional dead space (Vd/Vt) provides a global assessment of pulmonary gas exchange. The aim of this study was to assess the potential value of these variables to prognosticate 90‐day survival in patients with COVID‐19 associated ARDS admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for invasive ventilatory support.

Methods

In this single‐center observational, retrospective study, P/F ratios and Vd/Vt were assessed up to 4 weeks after ICU‐admission. Measurements from the first 2 weeks were used to evaluate the predictive value of P/F ratio and Vd/Vt for 90‐day mortality and reported by the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] by Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

Almost 20,000 blood gases in 130 patients were analyzed. The overall 90‐day mortality was 30% and using the data from the first ICU week, the HR was 0.85 [0.77–0.94] for every 10 mmHg increase in P/F ratio and 1.61 [1.20–2.16] for every 0.1 increase in Vd/Vt. In the second week, the HR for 90‐day mortality was 0.82 [0.75–0.89] for every 10 mmHg increase in P/F ratio and 1.97 [1.42–2.73] for every 0.1 increase in Vd/Vt.

Conclusion

The progressive changes in P/F ratio and Vd/Vt in the first 2 weeks of invasive ventilatory support for COVID‐19 ARDS were significant predictors for 90‐day mortality.
Comparative ultrastructure of the olfactory system in the East African root rat (Tachyoryctes splendens) and the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber)
Authors: Onyono P. N. , Kavoi B. M. , Kiama S. G. , Makanya A. N.
Published: April 2024

The ultrastructure of the olfactory system of most fossorial rodents remains largely unexplored. This study sought to investigate the functional structure of the olfactory mucosa and olfactory bulb of two species of fossorial rodents that have distinct behaviour and ecology, the East African root rat (RR) and the naked mole rat (NMR). Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed. The basic ultrastructural design of the olfactory system of the two species was largely comparable. In both species, the olfactory mucosa comprised an olfactory epithelium and an underlying lamina propria. The olfactory epithelium revealed olfactory knobs, cilia and microvilli apically and sustentancular cells, olfactory receptor neurons and basal cells in the upper, middle and basal zones, respectively. The lamina propria was constituted by Bowman's glands, olfactory nerve bundles and vasculature supported by loose connective tissue. Within the olfactory bulb, intracellular and extracellular structures including cell organelles, axons and dendrites were elucidated. Notable species differences were observed in the basal zone of the olfactory epithelium and on the luminal surface of the olfactory mucosa. The basal zone of the olfactory epithelium of the RR consisted of a single layer of flattened electron‐dense horizontal basal cells while the NMR had juxtaposed electron‐dense and electron‐lucent heterogenous cells, an occurrence seen as being indicative of quiescent and highly proliferative states of the olfactory epithelia in the two species, respectively. The olfactory epithelial surface of the NMR comprised an elaborate cilia network that intertwined extensively forming loop‐like structures whereas in the RR, the surface was rugged and consisted of finger‐like processes and irregular masses. With gross and histological studies showing significant differences in the olfactory structures of the two species, these findings are a further manifestation that the olfactory system of the RR and the NMR have evolved differently to reflect their varied olfactory functional needs.
Testicular sperm retrieval for intracytoplasmic sperm injection: when to consider it after unsuccessful intracytoplasmic sperm injection with ejaculated sperm?
Authors: Ibis Muhammed Arif , Ozdemir Eda Ureyen , Obaid Khaled , Akpinar Cagri , Ozmen Batuhan , Aydos Kaan , Yaman Onder
Published: April 2024

Background

The question of whether patients are more likely to succeed with testicular sperm intracytoplasmic sperm injection (T‐ICSI) after unsuccessful ICSI with ejaculated sperm (Ej‐ICSI) remains unknown.

Objective

The study aimed to identify potential predictors of successful T‐ICSI in men with idiopathic infertility and oligozoospermia (sperm concentration < 15 × 106/mL, non‐azoospermic) who had previously experienced unsuccessful Ej‐ICSI.

Materials and methods

In total, 154 couples with male partners who had oligozoospermic conditions after two unsuccessful cycles of Ej‐ICSI switched to T‐ICSI. Before initiating T‐ICSI, the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was assessed in ejaculated specimens. Participants were divided into two groups: group A (live birth (+), n = 60) and group B (live birth (−), n = 94).

Results

Fertilization, clinical pregnancy, live births, and miscarriages had rates of 72.7%, 44.2%, 39%, and 5.2%, respectively. The total motile sperm (TMS) count in group A was significantly higher (3.8 ± 1.5 million) than in group B (3 ± 1.6 million; p = 0.002). DFI was significantly higher in group A (24.2 ± 12.3) than in group B (18.1 ± 11; p = 0.001). Hormone levels and oocyte counts showed no statistically significant differences between groups. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that TMS (odds ratio [OR]: 1.46; 95% CI, 1.14–1.87, p = 0.003) and DFI (OR: 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.08, p = 0.009) were found to be significant predictors of live birth outcomes. At a cutoff point of 2.55 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.65), the optimal sensitivity and specificity values for TMS were 78% and 48%, respectively. At a cutoff point of 25.8 (AUC = 0.65), DFI had a maximum sensitivity of 51.7% and a specificity of 78.7%.

Conclusions

TMS and DFI were found to be significant predictors of live birth outcomes in couples with oligozoospermic male partners undergoing T‐ICSI. These findings may help clinicians tailor treatment strategies for this specific patient population.
Clinical significance of R‐wave amplitude in lead V1 and inferobasal myocardial infarction in patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Bin , Wu Hai‐Yan , Zhang Ming , Yao Bing‐Qi
Published: April 2024

Objective

To assess electrocardiogram (ECG) for risk stratification in inferior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients within 24 h.

Methods

Three hundred thirty‐four patients were divided into four ECG‐based groups: Group A: R V1 <0.3 mV with ST‐segment elevation (ST↑) V7–V9, Group B: R V1 <0.3 mV without ST↑ V7–V9, Group C: R V1 ≥0.3 mV with ST↑ V7–V9, and Group D: R V1 ≥0.3 mV without ST↑ V7–V9.

Results

Group A demonstrated the longest QRS duration, followed by Groups B, C, and D. ECG signs for right ventricle (RV) infarction were more common in Groups A and B (p < .01). ST elevation in V6, indicative of left ventricle (LV) lateral injury, was more higher in Group C than in Group A, while the ∑ST↑ V3R + V4R + V5R, representing RV infarction, showed the opposite trend (p < .05). The estimated LV infarct size from ECG was similar between Groups A and C, yet Group A had higher creatine kinase MB isoform (CK‐MB; p < .05). Cardiac troponin I (cTNI) was higher in Groups A and C than in B and D (p < .05 and p = .16, respectively). NT‐proBNP decreased across groups (p = .20), with the highest left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) observed in Group D (p < .05). Group A notably demonstrated more cardiac dysfunction within 4 h post‐onset.

Conclusions

For inferior STEMI patients, concurrent R V1 <0.3 mV with ST↑ V7–V9 suggests prolonged ventricular activation and notable myocardial damage. RV infarction's dominance over LV lateral injury might explain these observations.
Exploring the immune‐modulating properties of boswellic acid in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Shadab Alireza , Abbasi‐Kolli Mohammad , Yazdanpanah Esmaeil , Esmaeili Seyed‐Alireza , Baharlou Rasoul , Yousefi Bahman , Haghmorad Dariush
Published: April 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition where the central nervous system loses its myelin coating due to autoimmune inflammation. The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) simulates some aspects of human MS. Boswellic acids are natural compounds derived from frankincense extract, known for their anti‐inflammatory properties. The purpose of this research was to investigate therapeutic potential of boswellic acids. Mice were divided into three groups: low‐dose (LD), high‐dose (HD), and control groups (CTRL). Following EAE induction, the mice received daily doses of boswellic acid for 25 days. Brain tissue damage, clinical symptoms, and levels of TGF‐β, IFN‐γ, and IL‐17 cytokines in cell cultured supernatant of lymphocytes were assessed. Gene expression of transcription factors in brain was measured using real‐time PCR. The levels of brain demyelination were significantly lower in the treatment groups compared to the CTRL group. Boswellic acid reduced the severity and duration of EAE symptoms. Furthermore, boswellic acid decreased the amounts of IFN‐γ and IL‐17, also the expression of T‐bet and ROR‐γt in brain. On the contrary, it increased the levels of TGF‐β and the expression FoxP3 and GATA3. Our findings suggest that boswellic acids possess therapeutic potential for EAE by modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation.
On‐ and off‐the‐job embeddedness differentially shape stress‐related reactions to job insecurity
Authors: Porter Caitlin M. , Peltokorpi Vesa , Allen David G.
Published: April 2024

The prevalence of job insecurity is increasing due to technological, geopolitical, and environmental changes worldwide, leading to negative stress‐related reactions and health outcomes for employees and productivity loss for organizations. Despite these consequences, few recommendations exist for how people can effectively cope with perceived job insecurity to mitigate stress‐related reactions. Drawing from resource‐based stress theories, we highlight job embeddedness, which captures contextual resources derived from on‐the‐job and off‐the‐job domains, as a key factor shaping employee's stress‐related reactions to job insecurity. Data collected at three time points over 12 months from 483 employees in various organizations in Japan reveals that on‐the‐job embeddedness exacerbates the positive relationships of job insecurity with both emotional exhaustion and chronic insomnia, whereas off‐the‐job embeddedness mitigates these associations. This study contributes to the literature by identifying off‐the‐job embeddedness as a bundle of contextual resources that helps employees cope with perceived job insecurity and demonstrating the contrasting effects of the two dimensions of embeddedness in shaping health‐related consequences of job insecurity.
She made it with her friend: How social object history influences children's thinking about the value of digital objects
Authors: Price Keiana , DeJesus Jasmine M. , Nancekivell Shaylene E.
Published: April 2024

Two studies examine how social object histories from collaborative experiences influenced North American children (N = 160, 5–10 years) thinking about the value of digital objects (48% male/51% female; 51% White/24% Black/11% Asian). With forced‐choice judgments, Study 1 found (moderate–large effects) that children viewed digital and physical objects with social histories as more special than objects without such histories. On a 10‐point scale, Study 2 found (large effects) that children rated digital objects with positive social histories as more special than objects with negative ones. Overall, the studies found that children's tendencies to use object history to understand object value extends into digital contexts. They also reveal how an unexplored kind of history—social history—affects judgments.
Clinical, onychoscopic, nail clipping, and histopathological findings of malignant onychopapilloma
Authors: Haynes Dylan , Haneke Eckart , Rubin Adam I.
Published: April 2024

This report describes the clinical, onychoscopic, nail clipping, and histopathologic features of a malignant onychopapilloma. A 71‐year‐old male presented to our outpatient clinic for a stable, asymptomatic lesion on his left middle finger that had been present for 2 years. Prior nail clipping histopathology showed nail plate thinning with subungual abnormal onychocytes. Clinical examination revealed a 2‐mm‐wide streak of longitudinal xanthonychia extending to the proximal nail fold, with distal hyperkeratosis and onycholysis. Onychoscopy showed irregular longitudinal nail plate ridging with scattered punctate hemorrhagic foci. An excisional nail unit biopsy demonstrated cellular atypia of the nail bed epithelium, matrix metaplasia, longitudinal abnormal onychocytes, increased Ki‐67 staining, and negative HPV immunoperoxidase staining, confirming the diagnosis of malignant onychopapilloma.
Cannabidiol use in France in 2022: Results from a nationwide representative sample of adults
Authors: Barré Tangui , Lahaie Emmanuel , Di Beo Vincent , Carrieri Patrizia , Andler Raphaël , Nguyen‐Thanh Viêt , Beck François
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non‐intoxicating cannabis compound found in diverse commercial products worldwide. However, its use may not be fully harmless. Accordingly, it is important to document the prevalence of CBD use and user characteristics in the general population.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide survey from a random sample of adults living in France using computer‐assisted telephone interviews between 2 March and 9 July 2022. We estimated the prevalence of CBD awareness and CBD use, and explored the different routes of administration. We also performed logistic regression models to identify factors associated with past‐year CBD use.

Results

Based on data from 3229 participants, we estimated that 71.0% (95% confidence interval) (69.0–73.0) of the French adult population had heard of CBD, and 10.1% (8.7–11.4) had used it in the previous year. Past‐year CBD use was associated with younger age, a higher educational level, not living in a middle‐sized urban unit, tobacco consumption and e‐cigarette use. The most common route of administration was smoking (56.1%).

Discussion and Conclusion

Past‐year CBD use prevalence in France appeared to be as high as that for cannabis. Proper prevention, regulation and control of CBD products is necessary to ensure that people have access to safe and high‐quality products. Reliable information on CBD should be sought and disseminated, especially regarding the harms associated with smoking the compound.
Dual glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucagon receptor agonism reduces energy intake in type 2 diabetes with obesity
Authors: Golubic Rajna , Kennet Jane , Parker Victoria , Robertson Darren , Luo Dan , Hansen Lars , Jermutus Lutz , Ambery Phil , Ryaboshapkina Maria , Surakala Manasa , Laker Rhianna C. , Venables Michelle , Koulman Albert , Park Adrian , Evans Mark
Published: April 2024

Aims

To establish which components of energy balance mediate the clinically significant weight loss demonstrated with use of cotadutide, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)/glucagon receptor dual agonist, in early‐phase studies.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a phase 2a, single‐centre, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes. Following a 16‐day single‐blind placebo run‐in, participants were randomized 2:1 to double‐blind 42‐day subcutaneous treatment with cotadutide (100–300 μg daily) or placebo. The primary outcome was percentage weight change. Secondary outcomes included change in energy intake (EI) and energy expenditure (EE).

Results

A total of 12 participants (63%) in the cotadutide group and seven (78%) in the placebo group completed the study. The mean (90% confidence interval [CI]) weight change was −4.0% (−4.9%, −3.1%) and −1.4% (−2.7%, −0.1%) for the cotadutide and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.011). EI was lower with cotadutide versus placebo (−41.3% [−66.7, −15.9]; p = 0.011). Difference in EE (per kJ/kg lean body mass) for cotadutide versus placebo was 1.0% (90% CI −8.4, 10.4; p = 0.784), assessed by doubly labelled water, and −6.5% (90% CI −9.3, −3.7; p < 0.001), assessed by indirect calorimetry.

Conclusion

Weight loss with cotadutide is primarily driven by reduced EI, with relatively small compensatory changes in EE.
Influence of new complete dentures on the touch perception threshold and quality of life of edentulous patients
Authors: Penitente Paulo Augusto , Onuki Victoria Tiyemi Lopes , Goiato Júlio César Vieira , da Silva Emily Vivianne Freitas , de Moraes Melo Neto Clóvis Lamartine , Turcio Karina Helga Leal , de Magalhães Bertoz André Pinheiro , dos Santos Daniela Micheline , Goiato Marcelo Coelho
Published: April 2024

Objective

To evaluate the touch perception threshold of the alveolar mucosa and quality of life of edentulous patients before (T0) and 30 days after (T1) the insertion of new complete dentures.

Background

Touch perception is important so that edentulous patients can detect the position of complete dentures in their mouth.

Materials and methods

This study included 32 complete denture wearers with good oral and systemic health and no temporomandibular disorders for at least 5 years. At each time point (T0 and T1), two tests were performed (touch perception threshold and quality‐of‐life scale). The touch perception threshold (Von Frey or Semmes–Weinstein test) was assessed using nylon monofilaments on the regions of the alveolar mucosa of the maxilla and mandible. The Oral Health Impact Profile for edentulous individuals (OHIP‐EDENT) was administered to evaluate oral health‐related quality of life.

Results

In the maxilla and mandible, the touch perception thresholds for all regions of the alveolar mucosa were significantly lower at T1 than at T0. The OHIP‐EDENT mean scores showed that the overall quality of life was significantly better at T1 (3.6) than at T0 (4.7), and a significant improvement in quality of life was observed in all domains of the OHIP‐EDENT at T1. For touch perception threshold, effect sizes ranged from 0.4 to 0.8; and for quality of life, effect sizes ranged from 0.4 to 1.0.

Conclusions

New complete dentures reduced the touch perception threshold of the alveolar mucosa of both edentulous arches and improved individuals' quality of life.
Prognostic significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy in elderly with cutaneous melanoma: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Martínez Campayo Nieves , Paradela de la Morena Sabela , Pértega‐Díaz Sonia , Tejera Vaquerizo Antonio , Fonseca Eduardo
Published: April 2024

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the most powerful prognostic indicator to date for cutaneous melanoma. Even though elderly patients have a lower incidence of sentinel node involvement, its results are still necessary for access to adjuvant therapies. This is highly relevant considering that the Western population shows an aging trend, and the incidence of melanoma has grown exponentially over the years, making elderly patients more likely to die from melanoma than younger ones. We performed a systematic review to investigate the prognostic significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy in elderly patients with melanoma. The systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. The authors searched the Cochrane Database, EMBASE, PubMed, and WOS. Eligible studies for the systematic review were clinical trials, observational population studies, clinical or hospital‐based cohort studies, and case–control studies. The meta‐analysis was conducted using the R software program applying the meta package. Six reports were identified to meet the inclusion criteria. All studies were retrospective, non‐randomized cohorts. The results obtained in this systematic review show a statistically significant influence of sentinel lymph node biopsy on disease‐specific survival (HR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.73–4.74) but also suggest that a positive result negatively impacts disease‐free survival (HR = 3.41; 95% CI: 0.96–12.11). This meta‐analysis shows that a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy does not imply differences in overall survival but significantly influences disease‐specific survival and suggests an unfavorable impact on disease‐free survival.
Echo‐intensity characterization at implant sites and novel diagnostic ultrasonographic markers for peri‐implantitis
Authors: Galarraga‐Vinueza Maria Elisa , Barootchi Shayan , Mancini Leonardo , Sabri Hamoun , Schwarz Frank , Gallucci German O. , Tavelli Lorenzo
Published: April 2024

Aim

To apply high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) echo intensity for characterizing peri‐implant tissues at healthy and diseased sites and to investigate the possible ultrasonographic markers of health versus disease.

Materials and Methods

Sixty patients presenting 60 implants diagnosed as healthy (N = 30) and peri‐implantitis (N = 30) were assessed with HFUS. HFUS scans were imported into a software where first‐order greyscale outcomes [i.e., mean echo intensity (EI)] and second‐order greyscale outcomes were assessed. Other ultrasonographic outcomes of interest involved the vertical extension of the hypoechoic supracrestal area (HSA), soft‐tissue area (STA) and buccal bone dehiscence (BBD), among others.

Results

HFUS EI mean values obtained from peri‐implant soft tissue at healthy and diseased sites were 122.9 ± 19.7 and 107.9 ± 24.7 grey levels (GL); p = .02, respectively. All the diseased sites showed the appearance of an HSA that was not present in healthy implants (area under the curve = 1). The proportion of HSA/STA was 37.9% ± 14.8%. Regression analysis showed that EI of the peri‐implant soft tissue was significantly different between healthy and peri‐implantitis sites (odds ratio 0.97 [95% confidence interval: 0.94–0.99], p = .019).

Conclusions

HFUS EI characterization of peri‐implant tissues shows a significant difference between healthy and diseased sites. HFUS EI and the presence/absence of an HSA may be valid diagnostic ultrasonographic markers to discriminate peri‐implant health status.
Interactions between microsporidia and other members of the microbiome
Authors: Tersigni Jonathan , Tamim El Jarkass Hala , James Edward B. , Reinke Aaron W.
Published: April 2024

The microbiome is the collection of microbes that are associated with a host. Microsporidia are intracellular eukaryotic parasites that can infect most types of animals. In the last decade, there has been much progress to define the relationship between microsporidia and the microbiome. In this review, we cover an increasing number of reports suggesting that microsporidia are common components of the microbiome in both invertebrates and vertebrates. These microsporidia infections can range from mutualistic to pathogenic, causing several physiological phenotypes, including death. Infection with microsporidia often causes a disruption in the normal microbiome, with both increases and decreases of bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoan species being observed. This impact on the microbiome can occur through upregulation and downregulation of innate immunity as well as morphological changes to tissues that impact interactions with these microbes. Other microbes, particularly bacteria, can inhibit microsporidia and have been exploited to control microsporidia infections. These bacteria can function through regulating immunity, secreting anti‐microsporidia compounds, and, in engineered versions, expressing double‐stranded RNA targeting microsporidia genes. We end this review by discussing potential future directions to further understand the complex interactions between microsporidia and the other members of the microbiome.
Identification of long‐preserved specimens reveals the historical geographic range of the Patagonian lamprey Geotria macrostoma (Burmeister, 1868) in southern South America
Authors: Riva Rossi Carla , Renaud Claude B. , Quiroga Pamela , Baker Cindy F. , Baigún Claudio , Potter Ian C. , Neira Francisco J. , Morawicki Santiago N. , Solimano Patricio
Published: April 2024

The lamprey genus Geotria Gray, 1851 currently includes only two species: G. australis and G. macrostoma. However, taxonomic relationships within the genus have traditionally been ambiguous and difficult to establish due to the extreme changes in morphology, dentition, and coloration that lampreys undergo during their life cycles, particularly during upstream migration and sexual maturation. Consequently, several lamprey specimens held in museum collections have remained unidentified, especially those from Argentina. In this study, a series of morphometric characters were subjected to discriminant function analysis (DFA) to identify the lamprey species collected during 1867–2004 from the de la Plata River and Patagonia. These specimens are housed at the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” in Buenos Aires, the Museo de Historia Natural de Montevideo, and the Naturhistoriska riksmuseet in Stockholm. Based on the proportions of the length of the oral disc, prebranchial, and pre‐caudal body regions, and the depth of the trunk, DFA provided conclusive evidence that the specimens corresponded to the recently revalidated G. macrostoma (Burmeister, 1868), which was originally incorrectly named as Petromyzon macrostomus Burmeister, 1868, Exomegas macrostomus (Berg, 1899), Geotria chilensis (Berg, 1895), and Geotria macrostoma f. gallegensis Smitt, 1901, as well as other nontype museum individuals of uncertain taxonomic status. The identifications of these long‐preserved museum specimens provided key information on the historical geographic range of Argentinian lampreys and suggest that the disappearance of the species reported from northern localities (the Pampean Region) can be attributed to the degradation of their critical habitats, primarily caused by anthropogenic impact and climate change.
Effect of pH‐shifting treatment on the structural characteristics and nutritional quality of the ultrasonically extracted protein isolate from soybean meal
Authors: Das Dipak , Panesar Parmjit S. , Saini Charanjiv S.
Published: April 2024

Soybean meal is an underutilized byproduct of the soybean oil processing industry, which is rich in high quality protein but mostly used as an animal feed. Valorization of soybean meal on a large scale is possible by extracting protein isolate and modifying its structural characteristics through pH‐shifting or ultrasonic treatment, which has a direct association with the better functional properties of protein isolate. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of pH‐shifting treatment on the structural characteristics and nutritional quality of ultrasonically extracted soybean meal protein isolate (SMPI). The results showed that the pH shifted SMPI had higher hydrophobicity (60.5–104.3) and free sulfhydryl group (22.67–24.45 μmol/g) than without pH shifted SMPI (53.5 and 19.67 μmol/g, respectively). The fluorescence intensity of the SMPI treated at extreme acidic and alkaline pH was higher than that of other pH‐treated samples. The ꞵ‐sheet (39.68%) components of SMPI treated at pH 10 showed the highest value when compared to other pH‐treated (38.18–39.26%). The alkaline pH‐treated sample had higher concentration of essential amino acids (36.16 g/100 g) than other acidic or near neutral pH‐treated sample (30.06–32.30 g/100 g). The quality parameters such as biological value (67.62), and amino acid index (72.77) were higher for the SMPI treated at pH 10 as compared to the SMPI treated at other pH conditions. Hence, the pH‐treatment method can be utilized as an effective technique to improve the characteristics of SMPI, which will increases its applications in various food sectors.

Practical Applications

The current investigation demonstrated that pH‐shifting treatment had a substantial impact on the structural and nutritional quality of the soybean meal protein isolate extracted by ultrasonication. Improvements in soybean meal protein's surface hydrophobicity, free sulfhydryl groups, and secondary structural components will expand its uses in the dairy, bread, meat, and infant food development industries, among other food sectors as these structural changes improve the functionality of protein. Furthermore, the treatment of soybean meal protein isolate with pH shifting led to a considerable increase in nutritional quality, as measured by the essential amino acid composition, essential amino acid index, and protein efficiency ratio, which is expected to increase its utilization in novel food product development.
A Qualitative Exploration of Self‐Advocacy Experiences of Black Women in the Perinatal Period: Who Is Listening?
Authors: Hagan Thomas Teresa , Vetterly Savannah , Kaselitz Elizabeth B. , Doswell Willa , Braxter Betty
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Black women face poor maternal health outcomes including being over 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than White women. Yet the lived experience of how these women self‐advocate has not been clearly explored. The goal of this cross‐sectional qualitative study was to describe the lived experiences of Black women advocating for their needs and priorities during the perinatal period.

Methods

Between January and October of 2022, we recruited Black women from obstetric clinics, research registries, and community advocacy groups who were either in their third trimester of pregnancy or within a year postpartum. Participants completed one‐on‐one interviews describing their experiences of self‐advocacy. These data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis approaches that summarized women's experiences by iteratively creating major themes and subthemes that encapsulate their self‐advocacy descriptions.

Results

Fifteen Black women completed interviews. Major themes and subthemes describing women's experience of self‐advocacy were the following: (1) carrying a burden with subthemes of having to be good and easy, not trusting health care information and providers, and being dismissed; (2) building comfort with health care providers with subthemes of trusting I have a good provider, comfort in knowing they understand, and wanting low‐touch, high‐concern care; and (3) advocating for my child and myself when I need to with subthemes of going with the flow, becoming informed, pushing to ask questions, and balancing being proactive and pushy.

Discussion

Women reported self‐advocating mainly due to experiences related to the burdens associated with not trusting providers and health care information. These findings provide clarity to how women carefully balance between ensuring their health is taken seriously while not jeopardizing their health or that of their newborn. This study offers promising directions to support Black women in advocating for their perinatal health care needs and values.
Cyclic loading failed to promote growth in a pig model of midfacial hypoplasia
Authors: Herring Susan W. , Rafferty Katherine L. , Shin David U. , Smith Kelsey , Baldwin Michael C.
Published: April 2024

Yucatan miniature pigs, often used as large animal models in clinical research, are distinguished by a breed‐specific midfacial hypoplasia with anterior crossbite. Although this deformity can be corrected by distraction osteogenesis, a less invasive method is desirable. We chose a mechanical cyclic stimulation protocol that has been successful in enhancing sutural growth in small animals and in a pilot study on standard pigs. Yucatan minipigs (n = 14) were obtained in pairs, with one of each pair randomly assigned to sham or loaded groups. All animals had loading implants installed on the right nasal and frontal bones and received labels for cell proliferation and mineral apposition. After a week of healing and under anesthesia, experimental animals received cyclic tensile loads (2.5 Hz, 30 min) delivered to the right nasofrontal suture daily for 5 days. Sutural strains were recorded at the final session for experimental animals. Sham animals received the same treatment except without loading or strain gauge placement. In contrast to pilot results on standard pigs, the treatment did not produce the expected sutural widening and increased growth. Although sutures were not fused and strains were in the normal range, the targeted right nasofrontal suture was narrowed rather than widened, with no statistically significant changes in sutural cell proliferation, mineral apposition, or vascularity. In general, Yucatan minipig sutures were more vascular than those of standard pigs and also tended to have more proliferating cells. In conclusion, either because the sutures themselves are abnormal or because of growth restrictions elsewhere in the skull, this cyclic loading protocol was unable to produce the desired response of sutural widening and growth. This treatment, effective in normal animals, did not improve naturally occurring midfacial hypoplasia in Yucatan minipigs.
Phytochemicals demonstrate potential fungicidal activity against Fusarium commune, a newly identified pathogenic fungus causing rhizome rot in Polygonatum cyrtonema (giant Chinese Solomon's seal)
Authors: Wei Guoyu , Zhao Wei , Xu Huayang , Wang Guangming , Wang Hualei , Hu Anlong
Published: April 2024

Polygonatum cyrtonema (giant Chinese Solomon's seal) is a perennial herb belonging to the family Liliaceae, with significant medicinal and dietary value. However, a severe rhizome rot has led to a decline in the yield and quality of this species. In this study, a fungus was isolated from symptomatic rhizome samples and identified as Fusarium commune through molecular and morphological analyses. In pathogenicity tests, the identification of F. commune as the causative agent of rhizome rot was confirmed by fulfilling Koch's postulates. Biological characteristics indicated that the optimal growth conditions for F. commune were a temperature of 25°C, pH of 8, carbon source of soluble starch, nitrogen source of peptone and a photoperiod of 24 h light. In order to reduce the use of chemical fungicides and explore natural substances to control the disease, the sensitivity of F. commune to seven phytochemicals was studied. Four phytochemicals (honokiol, 2‐allylphenol, magnolol and carvacrol) showed inhibitory activity, with honokiol having a 50% of the maximal effect concentration (EC50) of 9.99 ± 0.14 mg/L. The results of pot experiment showed that the four phytochemicals had significant control efficacy on the rhizome rot of P. cyrtonema, and the highest control efficacy was observed with honokiol. These findings provide a scientific basis for the control of rhizome rot in P. cyrtonema.
Perceptions of mental health screening and referral to treatment in National Dental‐Practice Based Research Network practices: A qualitative study
Authors: Berryhill M. Blake , Culmer Nathan , Smith Todd , Kopycka‐Kedzierawski Dorota , Gurganus Ria , Curry Gabrielle
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Dental practices can have additional positive impacts on public health by implementing mental health screening and referral to treatment in dental care workflows. In this study, we examined how dental practices identify and address adult patient mental health concerns, attitudes about implementing mental health screening and referral, and potential barriers and facilitators to treatment.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured focus groups with 17 dentists, 10 dental hygienists, and 5 dental assistants/office staff in the South‐Central region of the National Dental Practice‐Based Research Network. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

We identified five main themes from dental practitioners and office staff responses. Practitioners and office staff: (1) discover patient mental health concerns through record review, patient/caregiver disclosure, and patient observation; (2) respond to patients' mental health concerns by making the patient more comfortable, documenting the concern in the patient's chart, and directly addressing the mental health concern; (3) want a systematic process for mental health screening and referral to treatment in their dental office; (4) recognize potential barriers in implementing health screening and referral to treatment processes; (5) desire training on mental health matters. An overarching theme emerged: developing a trusting relationship with patients.

Conclusions

Participants noted the importance of implementing systematic procedures for mental health screening and referral to services into dental practices, while also recognizing the potential barriers for integrating such processes. They also expressed a desire for quality training and resources that can support better care for patients with mental health concerns.
Bootstrap prediction inference of nonlinear autoregressive models
Authors: Wu Kejin , Politis Dimitris N.
Published: April 2024

The nonlinear autoregressive (NLAR) model plays an important role in modeling and predicting time series. One‐step ahead prediction is straightforward using the NLAR model, but the multi‐step ahead prediction is cumbersome. For instance, iterating the one‐step ahead predictor is a convenient strategy for linear autoregressive (LAR) models, but it is suboptimal under NLAR. In this article, we first propose a simulation and/or bootstrap algorithm to construct optimal point predictors under an or loss criterion. In addition, we construct bootstrap prediction intervals in the multi‐step ahead prediction problem; in particular, we develop an asymptotically valid quantile prediction interval as well as a pertinent prediction interval for future values. To correct the undercoverage of prediction intervals with finite samples, we further employ predictive – as opposed to fitted – residuals in the bootstrap process. Simulation and empirical studies are also given to substantiate the finite sample performance of our methods.
Does Early Unit Size Impact the Formation of Linguistic Predictions? Grammatical Gender as a Case Study
Authors: Abu‐Zhaya Rana , Arnon Inbal
Published: April 2024

Making adults learn from larger linguistic units can facilitate learning article–noun agreement. Here we ask whether initial exposure to larger units improves learning by increasing the predictive associations between the article and noun. Using an artificial language learning paradigm, we taught 106 Hebrew‐speaking participants novel article–noun associations with either segmented input first or unsegmented input first, and tested their learning of the article–noun association and their ability to use articles to predict nouns. Our results showed that participants exposed to unsegmented input first were more likely to treat the article–noun unit as one word and were more accurate at learning the correct article–noun associations. However, participants in the unsegmented‐first condition did not show increased gaze to the target compared to those in the segmented‐first condition. We discuss how these findings inform our understanding of the challenges that adults face when learning a second language.
Estimating the prevalence of hepatitis delta virus infection among adults in the United States: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wong Robert J. , Brosgart Carol , Wong Steven S. , Feld Jordan , Glenn Jeffrey , Hamid Saeed , Cohen Chari , Zovich Beatrice , Ward John , Wedemeyer Heiner , Yurdaydin Cihan , Gish Robert
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Suboptimal awareness and low rates of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) testing contribute to underdiagnosis and gaps in accurate estimates of U.S. HDV prevalence. We aim to provide an updated assessment of HDV prevalence in the U.S. using a comprehensive literature review and meta‐analysis approach.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review of articles reporting HBsAg seroprevalence and anti‐HDV prevalence was conducted to calculate country‐specific rates and pooled prevalence of CHB and HDV using meta‐analyses. Country‐specific CHB and HDV rate estimates were combined with number of foreign‐born (FB) persons in the U.S. in 2022 from U.S. Census Bureau to estimate total numbers of FB with CHB and HDV, respectively. These estimates were further combined with updated estimates of U.S.‐born persons with CHB and HDV to yield the total number of persons with CHB and HDV.

Results

In 2022, we estimated 1.971 million (M) (95% CI 1.547–2.508) persons with CHB; 1.547 M (95% CI 1.264–1.831) were FB and 0.424 M (95% CI: 0.282–0.678) were U.S.‐born. The weighted average HDV prevalence among FB persons in the U.S. was 4.20% (64 938 [95% CI 33055–97 392] persons), among whom 45% emigrated from Asia, 25% from Africa, and 14% from Europe. When combined with updated estimates of U.S.‐born persons with HDV, we estimate 75 005 (95% CI: 42187–108 393) persons with HDV in the U.S.

Conclusions

Including both FB and U.S.‐born persons, we estimated that 1.971 M and 75 005 persons were living with CHB and HDV, respectively, in the U.S. in 2022.
River restoration as a sociocultural process: A case study from the Waimatā Catchment, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Cairns Danielle , Boswijk Gretel , Brierley Gary
Published: April 2024

Surveys of sociocultural relations to rivers provide critical baseline information to appraise the effectiveness of restoration programmes. Findings from a mixed‐methods case study (document analysis, catchment‐wide questionnaire, semi‐structured interviews) show how local relations to the Waimatā River vary in upper, middle and lower catchment areas, in part influenced by historical (family) connections. Personal interactions with the river, and implications for mental and physical well‐being, decline with the perceived condition of the river. While respondents indicate the negative influence of governance arrangements upon river condition, they also highlight positive prospects that blue spaces can shape the co‐design and implementation of restoration activities.
Plexiform neurofibroma masquerading as a giant congenital melanocytic nevus
Authors: Olsen Gerilyn M. , Siegel Dawn H. , Sokumbi Olayemi , Chiu Yvonne E.
Published: April 2024

A 4‐month‐old male presented for a large, hypertrichotic brown patch on the upper back with several scattered 0.5–1.5 cm, round to oval, brown macules and patches on the trunk and extremities. The lesion was initially diagnosed as a giant congenital melanocytic nevus based on clinical exam and histopathology with immunohistochemical stains. The patient was later diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1, and the lesion on the back developed a “bag of worms” texture consistent with a plexiform neurofibroma and found to harbor a pathogenic variant in the NF1 gene. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of differentiating these lesions and their overlapping clinical and histopathological features.
Trade wars and trade disputes: The role of equity and political support
Authors: Bekkers Eddy , Francois Joseph F. , Nelson Douglas R. , Rojas‐Romagosa Hugo
Published: April 2024

Recent theoretical and quantitative analysis of trade wars is grounded in a relatively narrow treatment of optimal tariff theory and noncooperative Nash equilibria. The lynchpin of this approach is the assumption that trade policy makers are rational and have a simple well‐established objective function to optimize. We argue that the preferred specification of this objective function ignores inequality at its peril. We work with a quantitative trade model, introducing a comprehensive tariff‐space grid search new to the literature. This allows us to explicitly check for the presence of multiple Nash outcomes. We show that including income inequality—a primary focus of the earlier literature—as a determinant of social welfare can substantially change noncooperative Nash outcomes. We also show that the optimal tariff of the US falls by half when the social welfare function includes inequality as an objective. Hence, the economic outcomes of actual trade wars may be very different from what recent estimates grounded in optimal tariff theory would suggest.