bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling perceived parental attitudes and mental well‐being in Chinese young LGBTQ+ individuals: Investigation of weekly diary data using dynamic network analysis
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Ma Zhihao , Wang Yinzhe , Liu Kunxu , Li Jiaqi
Published: March 2024

Existing literature has reported negative parental attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals associated with their LGBTQ+ identity concealment and mental well‐being. However, limited research has explored the dynamic network changes using intensive, repeated weekly diary data. This study aimed to model the associations between perceived parental attitude, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ individuals' identity concealment within dynamic network analysis (DNA); 103 LGBTQ+ youth participated in the study. Participants' perceived parental attitudes toward LGBTQ+ identity and LGBTQ+ identity concealment, depression (by the 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire), and anxiety (by the 7‐item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire) were measured. Each was assessed four times at 1‐week intervals for four consecutive weeks. The graphical vector autoregression explored the DNA of the internal relationships among perceived parental attitudes, identity concealment, depression, and anxiety. Findings in the between‐subjects network revealed that poor perceived parental attitudes toward sexual and gender minorities were positively associated with depression, anxiety, and identity concealment. The contemporaneous network showed that the “expression” (one's identity concealment) was the direct trigger of “suicide” (one's depressive symptom), indicating depression was initiated earlier and subsequently exacerbated a sequence of other psychiatric reactions. The temporal network indicated that only parents' “general attitude” reduced participants' concealment (“self‐disclosure”), which simultaneously stimulated mental benefits.
Development and validation of a brain fog scale for coeliac disease
Authors: Knowles Simon R. , Apputhurai Pragalathan , Tye‐Din Jason A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Brain fog is a subjective cognitive impairment commonly reported in coeliac disease. A standardised tool to define and assess it is an important unmet need.

Aims

To develop a patient‐informed tool to assess brain fog in coeliac disease to support clinical care, research and drug development.

Methods

A pilot online study defined patient descriptors of brain fog. A second study evaluated the factor structure and performance of the scale across two‐time points (‘Now’ and in the ‘Past week’). One month later, participants were invited to repeat the study with two online cognitive processing tests, the Stroop task and the trail making test.

Results

Among adults with treated coeliac disease, 37 (91.9% F) participated in the pilot study and 510 (88.8% F) in the second study of whom 99 repeated the study 1 month later with 51 completing cognitive testing. The most common brain fog descriptors were ‘difficulty focusing’, ‘difficulty thinking’ and ‘difficulty finding the right words and communicating’. The 12‐item scale reflects ‘cognitive impairment’ and ‘somatic and affective experience’ and demonstrates strong psychometric properties. It tracked with patients report of brain fog being present or absent across two‐time points. It did not significantly correlate with the cognitive tests.

Conclusion

The brain fog assessment and severity scale is the first patient‐informed clinical outcomes assessment tool measuring brain fog in coeliac disease. It is brief and validated for two time‐based formats. Further research coupling it with biomarker discovery is needed to confirm its validity as a predictor of cognitive performance.
Cooperative school climates are positively linked with socio‐emotional skills: A Cross‐National Study
Authors: Wang Faming , King Ronnel B. , Zeng Lily Min
Published: March 2024

Background

Socio‐emotional skills are critical to life outcomes such as achievement, well‐being and job success. However, existing research has mostly focused on the consequences of socio‐emotional skills, with less attention devoted to the role of school climate in the deployment of these skills.

Aims

This study investigated the role of school climate in socio‐emotional skills. More specifically, we investigated whether cooperative or competitive school climates are associated with students' socio‐emotional skills.

Sample

Our study utilized data from the OECD Survey on Social and Emotional Skills, collected from 10 cities across nine countries. Participants were 60,985 students, including 31,187 10‐year‐olds (49.70% females) and 29,798 15‐year‐olds (51.6% females).

Methods

We conducted multilevel structural equation modelling to test whether cooperative and competitive climates were associated with socio‐emotional skills. These skills include five broad domain skills and 15 more specific skills: task performance (self‐control, responsibility and persistence), emotion regulation (stress resistance, emotional control and optimism), collaboration (empathy, trust and cooperation), open‐mindedness (tolerance, curiosity and creativity) and engaging with others (sociability, assertiveness and energy).

Results

Our findings indicated a positive relationship between a cooperative climate and socio‐emotional skills. In contrast, the relationship between a competitive climate and socio‐emotional skills was primarily negative.

Conclusion

This study highlights the contrasting roles of cooperative and competitive climates in students' socio‐emotional skills.
CXCR4WHIMsyndrome is a cancer predisposition condition for virus‐induced malignancies
Authors: Moulin Clémentine , Beaupain Blandine , Suarez Felipe , Bertrand Yves , Beaussant Sarah Cohen , Fischer Alain , Durin Julie , Ranta Dana , Espéli Marion , Bachelerie Françoise , Bellanné‐Chantelot Christine , Molina Thierry , Emile Jean François , Balabanian Karl , Deback Claire , Donadieu Jean
Published: March 2024

Warts, hypogammaglobulinaemia, infections and myelokathexis syndrome (WHIMS) is a rare combined primary immunodeficiency caused by the gain of function of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor. We present the prevalence of cancer in WHIMS patients based on data from the French Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry and an exhaustive literature review. The median follow‐up of the 14 WHIMS ‘patients was 28.5 years. A central review and viral evaluation of pathological samples were organized, and we conducted a thorough literature review to identify all reports of WHIMS cases. Six French patients were diagnosed with cancer at a median age of 37.6 years. The 40‐year risk of malignancy was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6%–74%). We observed two human papillomavirus (HPV)‐induced vulvar carcinomas, three lymphomas (two Epstein–Barr virus [EBV]‐related) and one basal cell carcinoma. Among the 155 WHIMS cases from the literature, 22 cancers were reported in 16 patients, with an overall cancer 40‐year risk of 23% (95% CI: 13%–39%). Malignancies included EBV‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders and HPV‐positive genital and anal cancers as in the French cohort. Worldwide, nine cases of malignancy were associated with HPV and four with EBV. Immunocompromised WHIMS patients appear to be particularly susceptible to developing early malignancy, mainly HPV‐induced carcinomas, followed by EBV‐related lymphomas.
Molecular characterization of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas associated with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Sciarra Roberta , Merli Michele , Cristinelli Caterina , Lucioni Marco , Zibellini Silvia , Riboni Roberta , Furlan Daniela , Uccella Silvia , Zerbi Caterina , Bianchi Benedetta , Gotti Manuel , Ferretti Virginia Valeria , Varraso Chiara , Fraticelli Sara , Lazic Tanja , Defrancesco Irene , Mora Barbara , Libera Laura , Mazzacane Alessandro , Carpi Federico , Berliner Martha , Neri Giuseppe , Rizzo Ettore , De Paoli Federica , Sessa Fausto , Passamonti Francesco , Paulli Marco , Arcaini Luca
Published: March 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐associated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) displays peculiar clinicopathological characteristics, but its molecular landscape is not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the clinicopathological and molecular features of 54 patients with HCV‐associated DLBCL. The median age was 71 years. An underlying marginal zone lymphoma component was detected in 14.8% of cases. FISH analysis showed rearrangements involving BCL6 in 50.9% of cases, MYC in 11.3% and BCL2 in 3.7%. Lymph2Cx‐based assay was successful in 38 cases, recognizing 16 cases (42.1%) as ABC and 16 cases as GCB subtypes, while six resulted unclassified. ABC cases exhibited a higher lymphoma‐related mortality (LRM). Next‐generation sequencing analysis showed mutations in 158/184 evaluated genes. The most frequently mutated genes were KMT2D (42.6%), SETD1B (33.3%), RERE (29.4%), FAS and PIM1 (27.8%) and TBL1XR1 (25.9%). A mutation in the NOTCH pathway was detected in 25.9% of cases and was associated with worst LRM. Cluster analysis by LymphGen classified 29/54 cases within definite groups, including BN2 in 14 (48.2%), ST2 in seven (24.2%) and MCD and EZB in four each (13.8%). Overall, these results indicate a preferential marginal zone origin for a consistent subgroup of HCV‐associated DLBCL cases and suggest potential implications for molecularly targeted therapies.
Homeless youth with intellectual disabilities: Precarious lives and health inequalities
Authors: Fudge Schormans Ann , Baker Collins Stephanie , Allan Heather , Allen D. O'Neil , Gray Nathan
Published: March 2024

Background

Youth with intellectual disabilities experiencing homelessness are invisible within multiple service sectors. We know little about their experiences of homelessness, or the impacts of such on the social and physical health and well‐being.

Methods

We used quantitative and qualitative methods to measure prevalence and learn from key informants and homeless youth with intellectual disabilities about factors leading to and sustaining homelessness, and the implications of such on their social, physical, and mental health and well‐being. The project involved seven co‐researchers with intellectual disabilities and experience of youth homelessness in research design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. We created Forum Theatre scenes that creatively represent the findings of the project. In this paper we share one of those scenes, as well as the recommendations three co‐researchers with intellectual disabilities have for improving support to homeless youth with intellectual disabilities.

Findings

Lack of awareness of and about homeless youth with intellectual disabilities, combined with siloed ways of working by involved sectors, results in significant disadvantage and health inequities for youth. Also revealed was the likelihood this would continue given existing obstacles to accessing appropriate housing and supports to exit homelessness.

Conclusion

Services providers, policy makers and representatives of the involved sectors need to recognize and acknowledge homeless youth with intellectual disabilities and take responsibility for learning and working together to develop integrated and responsive approaches to effectively supporting them.
Plant phylogenetic diversity influences arthropod communities in tropical forest restoration plots
Authors: Ugalde Faride , Santos‐Gally Rocío , Pérez‐Ishiwara Rubén , Gálvez‐Reyes Nancy , Wegier Ana , Boege Karina
Published: March 2024

Consideration of plant phylogenetic diversity in ecological restoration carries substantial potential, as communities with a greater diversity of lineages with older evolutionary histories can increase the diversity of niches and thus are likely to recover larger species networks than communities clustered in specific clades with reduced variation in functional traits. In this study, we experimentally assessed how arthropod communities were affected by the phylogenetic diversity of a set of tropical tree species. We established 12 experimental restoration plots with either high or low plant phylogenetic diversity while maintaining constant the number of plant species. After 1 and 3 years, arthropods with different feeding habits (herbivores, predators, pollinators, and detritivores) were collected and identified as morphospecies or operational taxonomic units using metabarcoding techniques. We provide insights on the influence of plant phylogenetic diversity on arthropod abundance and species diversity, particularly among predator, pollinator, and detritivore common and dominant species, which increased with plant phylogenetic diversity. The trend, however, was the opposite for the diversity of herbivore common and dominant species, which decreased as plant phylogenetic diversity increased. These findings highlight the importance of considering plant species richness when designing restoration strategies, but also their evolutionary histories, as the same number of plant species can produce different outcomes for higher trophic levels, as a function of their phylogenetic relationships.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Design, synthesis, in silico molecular docking, and ADMET studies of quinoxaline‐isoxazole‐piperazine conjugates as EGFR‐targeting agents
Authors: Ali Mohammad Imtiyaz , Thirukovela Narasimha Swamy , Kumar Gajjela Bharath , Dasari Gouthami , Badithapuram Vinitha , Manchal Ravinder , Bandari Srinivas
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we report the synthesis of quinoxaline‐isoxazole‐piperazine conjugates. The anticancer activity was evaluated against three human cancer cell lines, including MCF‐7 (breast), HepG‐2 (liver), and HCT‐116 (colorectal). The outcomes of the tested compounds 5d, 5e, and 5f have shown more potent activity when compared to the standard drug erlotinib. In a cell survivability test (MCF‐10A), three potent compounds (5d, 5e, and 5f) were evaluated against the normal breast cell line, although neither of them displayed any significant cytotoxicity with IC50 values greater than 84 μM. Furthermore, the compounds 5d, 5e, and 5f were tested for tyrosine kinase EGFR inhibitory action using erlotinib as the reference drug and compound 5e was shown to be more potent in inhibiting the tyrosine kinase EGFR than sorafenib. In addition to this, molecular docking studies of compounds 5d, 5e, and 5f demonstrated that these compounds had more EGFR‐binding interactions. The potent compounds 5d, 5e, and 5f were subjected to in silico pharmacokinetic assessment by SWISS, ADME, and pkCSM. While the compounds 5d, 5e, and 5f followed Lipinski, Veber, Egan, and Muegge rules without any deviation.
Natural history and biomarkers of KCNV2‐associated retinopathy
Authors: Sakti Dhimas H. , Cornish Elisa E. , Ali Haipha , Retsas Stephanie , Raza Marium , Saakova Nonna , Carvalho Livia S. , Nash Benjamin M. , Jamieson Robyn V. , Grigg John R.
Published: March 2024

Background

KCNV2‐associated retinopathy is an autosomal recessive inherited retinal disease classically named cone dystrophy with supernormal rod response (CDSRR). This study aims to identify the best biomarker for evaluating the condition.

Methods

A retrospective review of eight patients from seven families with genetically confirmed KCNV2‐associated retinopathy was performed. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), full‐field electroretinogram (ffERG), pattern ERG (pERG), fundus imaging: retinal photograph and fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were analysed.

Results

There was a disproportionate increase in b‐wave amplitude with a relatively small light intensity increase, especially between the two dimmest stimuli of DA 0.002 and 0.01 (−2.7 and −2.0 log cd.s/m2). The a‐wave amplitude was normal. The a‐wave peak time was delayed in all stimuli. The b‐wave peak time was delayed compared to normal, but the gap tightened as intensity increased. The b:a wave ratio was above or at the upper limit for the reference values. FAF bull's eye maculopathy pattern was prominent and variable foveal disruption on OCT was apparent in all patients. Legal blindness was reached before the age of 25.

Conclusions

We identified three potential electrophysiology biomarkers to assist in evaluating future therapies: the disproportionate b‐wave amplitude jump, delayed a‐wave and b‐wave peak time, and the higher than normal b:a wave ratio. Any of these biomarkers found with photoreceptor ellipsoid zone foveal‐perifoveal disruption should prompt consideration for KCNV2 retinopathy. The BCVA natural history data suggests the probable optimum therapeutic window in the first three decades of life.
Improving well‐being and reducing deforestation in Indonesia's protected areas
Authors: Morgans Courtney Leslie , Jago Sophie , Andayani Noviar , Linkie Matthew , Lo Michaela G. Y. , Mumbunan Sonny , St. John Freya A. V. , Supriatna Jatna , Voigt Maria , Winarni Nurul L. , Santika Truly , Struebig Matthew J.
Published: March 2024

Protected areas (PAs) are central to sustainability targets, yet few evaluations explore outcomes for both conservation and development, or the trade‐offs involved. We applied counterfactual analyses to assess the extent to which PAs maintained forest cover and influenced well‐being across >31,000 villages in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia. We examined multidimensional aspects of well‐being, tracking education, health, living standards, infrastructure, environment, and social cohesion in treatment and control villages between 2005 and 2018. Overall, PAs were effective at maintaining forest cover compared to matched controls and were not detrimental to well‐being. However, impacts were highly heterogeneous, varying by island and strictness of protection. While health, living standards, and infrastructure aspects of well‐being improved, education access, environmental conditions, and social cohesion declined. Our analysis reveals the contexts through which individual PAs succeed or fail in delivering multiple benefits and provides insights into where further on‐ground support is needed to achieve conservation and development objectives.
Proposing a framework to quantify the potential impact of pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions caused by a new drug candidate by using real world data about the target patient population
Authors: Dagenais Simon , Lee Christine , Cronenberger Carol , Wang Ellen , Sahasrabudhe Vaishali
Published: March 2024

Drug development teams must evaluate the risk/benefit profile of new drug candidates that perpetrate drug–drug interactions (DDIs). Real‐world data (RWD) can inform this decision. The purpose of this study was to develop a predicted impact score for DDIs perpetrated by three hypothetical drug candidates via CYP3A, CYP2D6, or CYP2C9 in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, or migraine. Optum Market Clarity was analyzed to estimate use of CYP3A, CYP2D6, or CYP2C9 substrates classified in the University of Washington Drug Interaction Database as moderate sensitive, sensitive, narrow therapeutic index, or QT prolongation. Scoring was based on prevalence of exposure to victim substrates and characteristics (age, polypharmacy, duration of exposure, and number of prescribers) of those exposed. The study population of 14,163,271 adults included 1,579,054 with T2DM, 3,117,753 with obesity, and 410,436 with migraine. For T2DM, 71.3% used CYP3A substrates, 44.3% used CYP2D6 substrates, and 44.3% used CYP2C9 substrates. For obesity, 57.1% used CYP3A substrates, 34.6% used CYP2D6 substrates, and 31.0% used CYP2C9 substrates. For migraine, 64.1% used CYP3A substrates, 44.0% used CYP2D6 substrates, and 28.9% used CYP2C9 substrates. In our analyses, the predicted DDI impact scores were highest for DDIs involving CYP3A, followed by CYP2D6, and CYP2C9 substrates, and highest for T2DM, followed by migraine, and obesity. Insights from RWD can be used to estimate a predicted DDI impact score for pharmacokinetic DDIs perpetrated by new drug candidates currently in development. This score can inform the risk/benefit profile of new drug candidates in a target patient population.
Smartphone‐delivered approach bias modification for reducing harmful drinking amongst middle–older age adults: Secondary analyses of a single‐arm pilot study
Authors: Bolt Georgia L. , Piercy Hugh , Bradshaw Jennifer , Manning Victoria
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Novel, scalable, low‐cost interventions are needed to reduce harmful drinking amongst middle–older adults. Approach bias modification (ApBM) is a promising form of cognitive training for preventing/reducing alcohol use that can be delivered via smartphone. This study explored the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of smartphone delivered and personalised ApBM amongst Australians ≥55 years, an age cohort at risk of alcohol‐related harms.

Methods

Secondary analyses in a middle–older adult subsample (≥55 years, n = 289) of an open‐label pilot study using a retrospective, repeated measures design. We explored acceptability (adherence, user mobile acceptability ratings, free‐text responses) and preliminary effectiveness (changes in drinking quantity and frequency, craving, dependence and proportion drinking within government‐recommended guidelines) of two sessions/week over 4 weeks of evidence‐based ApBM training, adapted to include personalisation and smartphone delivery amongst Australians ≥55 years.

Results

Although minor adaptations to training were suggested, the intervention was acceptable amongst survey completers, with 72% training adherence. Relative to baseline, there was a significant increase in the proportion of drinking within recommended single‐session and weekly guidelines post‐training (from 25% to 41% and 6% to 28%, respectively, p < 0.001), with past‐week standard drinks significantly decreasing by 18% (p < 0.001) and significant reductions in drinking days, mean craving and dependence scores (p < 0.001).

Discussion and Conclusions

Findings suggest smartphone ApBM is acceptable amongst middle‐to‐older aged Australians and may support this ‘at risk’ cohort to remain within government‐recommended alcohol consumption guidelines to optimise healthy aging, although, in the context of a single‐arm study, preliminary results should be interpreted cautiously.
Evaluation of mortality, prognostic parameters, and treatment efficacy in mycosis fungoides
Authors: Porkert Stefanie , Griss Johannes , Hudelist‐Venz Mercedes , Steiner Irene , Valencak Julia , Weninger Wolfgang , Brunner Patrick M. , Jonak Constanze
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, is characterized by a variable clinical course, presenting either as indolent disease or showing fatal progression due to extracutaneous involvement. Importantly, the lack of prognostic models and predominantly palliative therapy settings hamper patient care. Here, we aimed to define survival rates, disease prediction accuracy, and treatment impact in MF.

Patients and methods

Hundred‐forty MF patients were assessed retrospectively. Prognosis and disease progression/survival were analyzed using univariate Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan‐Meier estimates.

Results

Skin tumors were linked to shorter progression‐free, overall survival and a 3.48 increased risk for disease progression when compared to erythroderma. The Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index identified patients at risk in early‐stage disease only. Moreover, expression of Ki‐67 >20%, CD30 >10%, CD20+, and CD7– were associated with a significantly worse outcome independent of disease stage. Only single‐agent interferon‐α and phototherapy combined with interferon‐α or retinoids/bexarotene achieved long‐term disease control in MF.

Conclusions

Our data support predictive validity of prognostic factors and models in MF and identified further potential parameters associated with poor survival. Prospective studies on prognostic indices across disease stages and treatment modalities are needed to predict and improve survival.
Luther's interpretation of communicatio idiomatum in a new key
Authors: Pedersen Else Marie Wiberg
Published: March 2024

Into the debates about Christ's two natures, divine and human, and how they relate, Martin Luther threw his extended interpretation of the communicatio idiomatum, the communication of the person Christ's attributes. Luther's Christology is incarnational and it is fundamental to him that God can and will be known only as a human being (homo/Mensch), yet Christ's real presence is presented three dimensionally and in bodily intersectionality. Luther's complex understanding of Christ as really human and the Word incarnate is reflected in his intense work with the sacraments as well as with semantics and the art of translation. Luther aims at an inclusive Christology, sacramentology, and language. Hence Christ is human, not male; sacraments are seen as direct exchange between God and humans in the body of Christ; and ministry is reconfigured as a human function of preaching the Word (ministerium verbi), not a substitute representing divine sacredness.
Blaming the dead
Authors: Jefferson Anneli
Published: March 2024

Should moral blame stop at the grave? We often blame the dead for the bad things they did while alive. But blaming the dead poses a prima facie challenge to accounts which take our blaming practices to aim at communicating moral disapproval to wrongdoers or at improving their moral agency. If these kinds of aims are made definitional for blame, blaming the dead becomes impossible. But even on accounts which say that paradigmatically, blame is a form of moral engagement which aims to effect changes in the wrongdoer, blaming the dead may seem unjustified, pointless or even irrational. In this paper, I explain how blaming the dead can be made sense of and justified. However, not all cases of blaming the dead fit this explanation, because blaming the dead is not a homogenous practice.
Disentangling the variability of symbiotic nitrogen fixation rate and the controlling factors
Authors: Yao Yanzhong , Han Bingbing , Dong Xunzhuo , Zhong Yunyao , Niu Shuli , Chen Xinping , Li Zhaolei
Published: March 2024

Symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation (SNF), replenishing bioavailable N for terrestrial ecosystems, exerts decisive roles in N cycling and gross primary production. Nevertheless, it remains unclear what determines the variability of SNF rate, which retards the accurate prediction for global N fixation in earth system models. This study synthesized 1230 isotopic observations to elucidate the governing factors underlying the variability of SNF rate. The SNF rates varied significantly from 3.69 to 12.54 g N m−2 year−1 across host plant taxa. The traits of host plant (e.g. biomass characteristics and taxa) far outweighed soil properties and climatic factors in explaining the variations of SNF rate, accounting for 79.0% of total relative importance. Furthermore, annual SNF yield contributed to more than half of N uptake for host plants, which was consistent across different ecosystem types. This study highlights that the biotic factors, especially host plant traits (e.g. biomass characteristics and taxa), play overriding roles in determining SNF rate compared with soil properties. The suite of parameters for SNF lends support to improve N fixation module in earth system models that can provide more confidence in predicting bioavailable N changes in terrestrial ecosystems.
Effects of thumb‐tack needling combined with sporting on older adult patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized active‐control clinical trial
Authors: Wang Qiaoling , Cai Genghui , Lu Tianxiang , Fu Xiaofen , Peng Le
Published: March 2024

Aim

The aim of this clinical study was to explore the effects of thumb‐tack needling combined with sporting (TTNS) therapy on the improvement of pain and joint function in older adult patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

A total of 120 older adult patients with KOA were randomly assigned to receive TTNS therapy or medicine treatment (Med group) only for 1 month. The patients were followed up for 3 months and clinical efficacies were evaluated using a visual analog scale to assess pain, the Lequesne scoring system to assess motor function, and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index to assess KOA severity. Blood was collected to measure the levels of interleukin‐6 and tumor necrotic factor‐alpha using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The data suggested that TTNS therapy resulted in a significantly higher clinical efficacy (P = 0.012). Visual analog scale score, Lequesne index, and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index of the TTNS group at the time of post‐treatment (1 month) and post‐follow‐up (3 months) were also lower compared with the Med group. Patients in the TTNS group also showed lower levels of serum tumor necrotic factor‐alpha and interleukin‐6.

Conclusions

TTNS therapy is more efficacious than pharmacological treatment in improving the clinical outcomes of patients with KOA, which suggests its clinical utility in the management of KOA. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 415–420.
Meta‐analysis of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy using vonoprazan as an acid suppressor compared with bismuth quadruple therapy
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang Miao , Ma Gang , Yang Jiaqi , Wang Kemei , Jiang Shuangshuang , Dong Jiaqiang , Han Ying
Published: March 2024

Background

Vonoprazan, a novel acid suppressant, has recently emerged as a regimen for eradicating Helicobacter pylori. However, uncertainties exist about the effectiveness and safety of VPZ‐based regimens compared with those of bismuth‐based quadruple therapy in eradicating H. pylori. The present meta‐analysis was performed to compare the effectiveness and safety of vonoprazan‐based regimens with those of bismuth quadruple therapy in eradicating H. pylori.

Materials and Methods

All randomized controlled trials and non‐randomized controlled trials comparing the vonoprazan‐based therapy with the bismuth quadruple therapy were included in this meta‐analysis. Information was also extracted by two evaluators, and if heterogeneity existed, a random‐effects model was used to calculate the combined relative ratio and 95% confidence interval; otherwise, a fixed‐effects model was used. And subgroup analyses were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 10 studies, comprising 2587 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. The results showed that the combined eradication rate of patients treated with the vonoprazan‐based regimen was significantly higher than that of patients treated with bismuth quadruple therapy, in both intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses, and the differences were statistically significant. Among the intention‐to‐treat analyses results: (90.28% vs. 83.64% [odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.27, 2.70), p = 0.001]); in the per‐protocol analyses: (94.80% vs. 89.88%, [OR = 2.25, 95% CI (1.37, 3.69), p = 0.001]). The occurrence of adverse events was significantly lower in patients treated with vonoprazan‐based regimens than in those treated with bismuth quadruple therapy, (14.50% vs. 25.89%, [OR = 0.49, 95% CI (0.32, 0.75), p = 0.001]).

Conclusions

For eradicating H. pylori, vonoprazan‐based regimens are remarkably advantageous over bismuth quadruple therapy. Furthermore, vonoprazan‐based regimens exhibit a lower rate of adverse events than bismuth quadruple therapy.
Patient and public involvement in the development of the digital tool MyBoT to support communication between young people with a chronic condition and care providers
Authors: van Schelven Femke , van Weele Mara , van der Meulen Eline , Wessels Elise , Boeije Hennie
Published: March 2024

Introduction

To guide good practices in patient and public involvement (PPI), several calls have been made to share detailed accounts of practical experiences. We describe our collaboration with young people with a chronic condition (YPCC) in the development, testing and implementation of the digital communication tool MyBoT (Map your Burden of Treatment).

Methods

MyBoT was developed by a team of academic researchers, some of whom were practising care providers, YPCC and designers. In addition to the two co‐researchers in the research team, various groups of YPCC were involved in decision‐making through participation in a design session, workshops and a dialogue session. The Involvement Matrix was used to reflect on the PPI of all YPCC.

Results

Initially, the two co‐researchers were involved in the roles of informer and co‐thinker, but their decision‐making power within the study increased over time. In the final stages of the study, the co‐researchers and researchers became partners. The other YPCC who participated in the different sessions and workshops were co‐thinkers in all stages of the study.

Conclusion

The PPI of two YPCCs as co‐researchers within the research team ensured continuous involvement, whereas the PPI of various groups of YPCCs guaranteed a representative and inclusive approach. Researchers play an essential role in bringing all perspectives together, integrating them within the technical and financial constraints and ultimately building a tool that is tailored to its users' needs.

Patient or Public Contribution

YPCC played a significant role in the present study. Two YPCC—who are also co‐authors of this paper—were involved in all stages of this project as members of the research team. In addition, various YPCCs were involved in the development, testing and implementation stage of MyBoT by organizing design sessions, workshops and a dialogue session.
Effect of storage conditions and packaging on the quality of flaxseed in Chinese dried noodles during long‐term storage
Authors: Duan Yiting , Xie Xiaoqing , Kang Dan , Li Qi , Gao Yuan , Zhang Siyu , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: March 2024

In this study, Chinese dried noodles (CHDNs) were fortified with unhulled flaxseed flour (UHFF) and hulled flaxseed flour (HFF). The effects on texture properties and antioxidant activity during different storage conditions were investigated. The quality of wheat noodles can be significantly enhanced when UHFF and HFF were determined as 5% and 10%, respectively. During storage under various conditions for 60 days, the hardness, chewiness, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the CHDNs gradually decreased over time. However, the resistance and extensibility initially increased and then declined in semi‐closed packaging storage under accelerated conditions. Antioxidant activity was found to have significant correlations with texture, packaging of flaxseed CHDNs during storage. In general, fully closed‐packaging CHDNs should be stored at room temperature; flaxseed CHDNs in semi‐closed packaging are recommended to be stored in cold storage, which is conducive to maintaining their texture and antioxidant activity.
Maternal‐driven immune education in offspring
Authors: Fernandes Krist Antunes , Lim Ai Ing
Published: March 2024

Maternal environmental exposures, particularly during gestation and lactation, significantly influence the immunological development and long‐term immunity of offspring. Mammalian immune systems develop through crucial inputs from the environment, beginning in utero and continuing after birth. These critical developmental windows are essential for proper immune system development and, once closed, may not be reopened. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which maternal exposures, particularly to pathogens, diet, and microbiota, impact offspring immunity. Mechanisms driving maternal‐offspring immune crosstalk include transfer of maternal antibodies, changes in the maternal microbiome and microbiota‐derived metabolites, and transfer of immune cells and cytokines via the placenta and breastfeeding. We further discuss the role of transient maternal infections, which are common during pregnancy, in providing tissue‐specific immune education to offspring. We propose a “maternal‐driven immune education” hypothesis, which suggests that offspring can use maternal encounters that occur during a critical developmental window to develop optimal immune fitness against infection and inflammation.
BAUSTEIN—A design tool for configuring and representing design research
Authors: Schoormann Thorsten , Möller Frederik , Chandra Kruse Leona , Otto Boris
Published: March 2024

Today's Information Systems (IS) design research projects pursue digital innovation to conquer complex societal challenges. Many of these projects reach out beyond disciplinary and organisational boundaries, as evident in interdisciplinary consortia and academia‐industry collaboration. The design activities in each project differ based on contextual requirements and the team's underlying design logic. As diversity increases, shared understanding is essential for project success. Established design research methodologies need complementary tools to support design researchers in configuring their design activities and representing them faithfully, dimensions that contribute to a shared understanding. This article presents Baustein as an instance of such design tools. Baustein is tailorable to the contextual requirements of each design research project, comprising an ensemble of card‐deck, ready‐made configurations, and a manual. To ensure theoretical and practical relevance, the design of Baustein is based on primary empirical data (workshop and interviews with 16 IS design researchers) and a literature analysis of 99 published IS design research projects. We demonstrate its proof‐of‐value through three main evaluation episodes, altogether involving over 110 IS design researchers. With Baustein, design research teams can balance the trade‐off between creative messiness and standardised configurations of design activities.
Evaluating the role of wound‐healing genes in conjunction with stool routine and serum tumor markers for colorectal cancer diagnosis and prognostic implications
Authors: Yu Kunze , Fang Xing
Published: March 2024

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant digestive tract tumour with high morbidity and mortality. Early detection, treatment and diagnosis are crucial for preventing and treating colorectal cancer, which develops through multi‐stage accumulation and gene participation, affecting tumour marker levels. Chronic wounds can lead to the development of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer. The prolonged inflammation and tissue repair caused by chronic wounds can trigger cellular changes, potentially promoting cancerous cell growth in the colon. The formation and progression of colorectal cancer involve changes in tumour markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), sugar chain antigen 19–9 (CA199) and CA125. This study explores the clinical application value of a stool routine combined with serum tumour marker detection in diagnosing colorectal cancer. The experiment team examined the clinical information of 56 colorectal cancer patients alongside a control group of 56 healthy patients. Distinct stool characteristics and heightened occult blood rates were evident in colorectal cancer cases. The combined approach integrating stool routine and serum tumour markers improved diagnostic accuracy, displaying enhanced sensitivity and specificity compared with individual markers or stool routines alone. Bioinformatics analysis indicated increased CEA and CA125 levels in colorectal cancer tissues versus normal tissues, hinting at potential prognostic implications. Exploring wound‐healing genes like Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA), Tumour Protein 53 (TP53) and Transforming Growth Factor Alpha (TGFA) revealed heightened expression in colorectal cancer, suggesting their potential role in disease progression. These markers showed associations with various immune cell types, suggesting their impact within the tumour microenvironment (p < 0.05). Single‐cell RNA sequencing data highlighted varying CEA expressions across different cell populations in colorectal cancer. The findings indicated that integrating clinical assessments with accurate biomarkers may provide valuable insights into prognostic implications.
The impact of glucocorticoids therapy on cutaneous wounds in Kawasaki disease: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hu Jian , Gao Lichao , Fu Songling , Wang Wei , Xie Chunhong , Zhang Yiying , Ke Haiyan , Gong Fangqi
Published: March 2024

Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most challenging diseases that is defined as an acute vasculitis that affects the coronary arteries primarily in children. It causes complications if left untreated at early stages, ultimately leading to death. Corticosteroids have been recognized to treat and cause great impact on the patients with KD. Glucocorticoid is one of the main corticosteroids that are being used to treat KD and cutaneous wounds. However, ineffectiveness of a few glucocorticoids can limit the efficacy of this treatment. This study particularly aimed to elucidate the impact of glucocorticoids on cutaneous wounds in KD. To perform the meta‐analysis, a comprehensive literature survey was conducted to unveil the studies and research conducted on Kawasaki patients that revealed different glucocorticoids in the form of specific interventions influencing KD. The literature was searched using numerous keywords, screened and data was extracted to perform the meta‐analysis and then it was conducted using the metabin function of R package meta. A total of 2000 patients from both intervention and control groups were employed to carry out the meta‐analysis to analyse and evaluate the impact of glucocorticoids on curing KD and cutaneous wounds in patients. The results disclosed that glucocorticoids along with other steroids, mainly IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin), was an effective intervention to patients suffering from Kawasaki. The results depicted significant outcomes with the values (risk ratio [RR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58–2.00, p < 0.01) and enlightened the fact that adopting different glucocorticoids may significantly improve the efficacy of skin lesions along with KD. Hence, interventions of glucocorticoids must be utilized in the clinical practice to reduce the incidence of skin wounds and adverse effects caused due to KD.
Kurt Rowland's Visual Education: A Quiet Force in Post‐War Art Pedagogy
Authors: Goodwin Donna , Uhrmacher P. Bruce
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces the life and work of art educator and designer Kurt Rowland (1920–1980) who authored the first set of textbooks on visual education and played a role in the shifting world of art and design education in post‐war Britian. We detail the foundational experiences of his extraordinary life in the first half of the 20th century including surviving the Spanish Civil War and La Retirada, being a ‘friendly enemy alien’, and becoming one of the Dunera boys forced into Australian internment camps. He later went on to develop a new aspect of art and design education he called visual education. We explore Rowland's notion of a visual education, explicating its features, appraising its import, and situating Rowland's ideas to those of his contemporaries. We explore his motivations and how his work advanced art pedagogy. Finally, we argue that Kurt Rowland has been absent in recent literature on art and design education and that his work, which contains elements that have continued relevance today, should not be overlooked.
Impact of the COVID‐19‐pandemic and perception of self‐efficacy on the mental health of out‐of‐hospital emergency healthcare professionals by modality of care
Authors: Cárdaba‐García Rosa María , Soto‐Cámara Raúl , García‐Santa‐Basilia Noemi , Matellán‐Hernández María Paz , Onrubia‐Baticón Henar , Martínez‐Caballero Carmen María , Thuissard‐Vasallo Israel John , Navalpotro‐Pascual Susana ,   Membership of the IMPSYCOVID‐19 Study Group
Published: March 2024

Objective

To analyse the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the perception of self‐efficacy on the health professionals of the Spanish out‐of‐hospital emergency services.

Design

Observational, cross‐sectional and descriptive with a survey methodology of 1710 participants from Spain (1 February–30 April, 2021).

Methods

The mental health of healthcare workers was assesed in terms of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as their self‐efficacy. Linear and logistic regression models were fitted to predict these variables. A moderation analysis was conducted to determine the effect of self‐efficacy on mental health.

Results

The means of the sample for stress, anxiety, depression and self‐efficacy were 20.60, 15.74, 13.07 and 70.87, respectively. In the regression models, being a woman was the most significant factor for severe mental health impairment. Female gender was also a relevant factor for self‐efficacy. Self‐efficacy had a direct effect on the mental health for working in patient care.

Conclusions

Healthcare workers showed moderate stress, severe anxiety, mild depression and good self‐efficacy. Direct patient care was associated with more stress and severe anxiety. Age, female gender, job changes and job adjustment were associated with levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Self‐efficacy is a determining factor of mental health in the direct care modality.

Implications

The mental health of healthcare workers has been of great importance in the aftermath of the pandemic, but out‐of‐hospital emergency workers have been neglected in research. The levels of stress, anxiety and depression during the pandemic justify the creation of prevention and early diagnosis programmes, as they are essential in a health disaster. Surprisingly, their high level of perceived self‐efficacy directly impact on the mental health of patient helthcare workers, so improving it will reduce the psychological risk.

Reporting Method

We have followed the STROBE guidelines. It has been partially funded by the Asistencia Sanitanitaria Interprovincial de Seguros ‐ ASISA Foundation (Spain).

Patient or Public Contribution

‘No patient or public involvement’.
Network visualization to interpret which healthcare services are central to people living with HIV
Authors: Kim Gwang Suk , Baek Seoyoung , Kim Namhee , Shim Mi‐So , Lee SangA , Lee YoungJin , Park Chang Gi , Kim Layoung
Published: March 2024

Aim

To employ network analysis to identify the central healthcare service needs of people living with HIV (PLWH) for integrated care.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A list of healthcare services was identified through literature reviews, expert workshops and validity evaluations by PLWH. A total of 243 PLWH participated at five hospitals and self‐reported their need for healthcare services on a four‐point Likert scale. Centrality of healthcare service needs was analysed using network analysis.

Results

The mean score for 20 healthcare service needs was 3.53 out of 4. The highest scoring need, “Precaution for interaction between antiretroviral therapy and other drugs,” received a rating of 3.73 but had a centrality of only 0.31. The most central node in the network of healthcare service needs, “Information and coping with opportunistic infections,” had a strength centrality of 1.63 and showed significant relationships with “non‐HIV‐related medical services (e.g., health check‐ups)” and “Regular dental services.” The correlation stability coefficient, which quantifies the stability of centrality, was 0.44 with an acceptable value.

Conclusions

The most central need was information on opportunistic infections that had connections with many nodes in network analysis. By interpreting the relationships between needs, healthcare providers can design interventions with an integrative perspective.

Implications for Patient Care

Network visualization provides dynamic relationships between needs that are unknown from the score scale by presenting them graphically and qualitatively.

Impact

Using network analysis to interpret need assessment offers an integrated nursing perspective. Coping with opportunistic infection is central to connecting the chain of healthcare. This study highlights the multifaceted understanding of patients' needs that nurses gain when they conduct network analysis.

Reporting Method

We adhered to the STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.