bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transketolase drives the development of aortic dissection by impairing mitochondrial bioenergetics
Authors: Wang Chaoyun , Zhang Li , Zhang Qinghua , Zheng Hui , Yang Xi , Cai Weixing , Zou Qiuying , Lin Jingjing , Zhang Lin , Zhong Lin , Li Xinyao , Liao Yuqing , Liu Qin , Chen Liangwan , Li Yumei
Published: February 2024

Aim

Aortic dissection (AD) is a disease with rapid onset but with no effective therapeutic drugs yet. Previous studies have suggested that glucose metabolism plays a critical role in the progression of AD. Transketolase (TKT) is an essential bridge between glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. However, its role in the development of AD has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of TKT in AD.

Methods

We collected AD patients' aortic tissues and used high‐throughput proteome sequencing to analyze the main factors influencing AD development. We generated an AD model using BAPN in combination with angiotensin II (Ang II) and pharmacological inhibitors to reduce TKT expression. The effects of TKT and its downstream mediators on AD were elucidated using human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HAVSMCs).

Results

We found that glucose metabolism plays an important role in the development of AD and that TKT is upregulated in patients with AD. Western blot and immunohistochemistry confirmed that TKT expression was upregulated in mice with AD. Reduced TKT expression attenuated AD incidence and mortality, maintained the structural integrity of the aorta, aligned elastic fibers, and reduced collagen deposition. Mechanistically, TKT was positively associated with impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics by upregulating AKT/MDM2 expression, ultimately contributing to NDUFS1 downregulation.

Conclusion

Our results provide new insights into the role of TKT in mitochondrial bioenergetics and AD progression. These findings provide new intervention options for the treatment of AD.
Comparison of urological outcomes and quality of life after pelvic exenteration: partial vs radical cystectomy
Authors: van Kessel Charlotte S. , Palma Catalina A. , Solomon Michael J. , Leslie Scott , Jeffery Nicola , Lee Peter J. , Austin Kirk K. S.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To compare perioperative morbidity, functional and quality‐of‐life (QoL) outcomes in patients with partial cystectomy vs radical cystectomy as part of pelvic exenteration.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of pelvic exenteration patients (1998–2021) was conducted in a single centre. Study outcomes included postoperative complications, quality‐of‐life, functional and stoma‐related outcomes. The 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey Physical and Mental Health Components, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Colorectal questionnaires and Distress Thermometer were available pre‐ and postoperatively. QoL outcomes were compared at the various time points. Stoma embarrassment and care scores were compared between patients with a colostomy, urostomy, and both.

Results

Urological complications were similar between both groups, but patients with partial cystectomy experienced less wound‐related complications. Overall, 34/81 (42%) partial cystectomy patients reported one or more long‐term voiding complication (i.e., incontinence [17 patients], frequency [six], retention [three], high post‐voiding residuals [10], permanent suprapubic catheter/indwelling catheter [14], recurrent urinary tract infection [nine], percutaneous nephrostomy [three], progression to urostomy [three]). The QoL improved following surgery in both the partial and radical cystectomy groups, differences between cohorts were not significant. Patients with two stomas reported higher embarrassment scores than patients with one stoma, although this did not result in more difficulties in stoma care.

Conclusions

Partial cystectomy patients have fewer postoperative wound‐related complications than radical cystectomy patients, but often experience long‐term voiding issues. The QoL outcomes are similar for both cohorts, with significant improvement following surgery.
Andrographolide regulates H3 histone lactylation by interfering with p300 to alleviate aortic valve calcification
Authors: Wang Chunli , Wang Shunshun , Wang Zijun , Han Juanjuan , Jiang Nan , Qu Linghang , Xu Kang
Published: February 2024

Background and Purpose

Our previous studies have found that andrographolide (AGP) alleviates calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), but the underlying mechanism is unclear. This study explores the molecular target and signal mechanisms of AGP in inhibiting CAVD.

Experimental Approach

The anti‐calcification effects of the aortic valve with AGP treatment were evaluated by alizarin red staining in vitro and ultrasound and histopathological assessment of a high‐fat (HF)‐fed ApoE−/− mouse valve calcification model. A correlation between the H3 histone lactylation (H3Kla) and calcification was detected. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments were further used to confirm p300 as a target for AGP. Overexpression (oe) and silencing (si) of p300 were used to verify the inhibitory effect of AGP targeting p300 on the H3Kla in vitro and ex vivo.

Key Results

AGP significantly inhibited calcium deposition in valve interstitial cells (VICs) and ameliorated aortic valve calcification. The multi‐omics analysis revealed the glycolysis pathway involved in CAVD, indicating that AGP interfered with lactate production by regulating lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). In addition, lactylation, a new post‐translational modification, was shown to have a role in promoting aortic valve calcification. Furthermore, H3Kla and H3K9la site were shown to correlate with Runx2 expression inhibition by AGP treatment. Importantly, we found that p300 transferase was the molecular target of AGP in inhibiting H3Kla.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings, for the first time, demonstrated that AGP alleviates calcification by interfering with H3Kla via p300, which might be a powerful drug to prevent CAVD.
Functional oral status and oral health‐related quality of life in community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore
Authors: Chan Pei Yuan , Tan Zhi Hui Janice , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Soh Yu Jie , Teoh Khim Hean
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The objectives were to investigate the association between oral functional status (defined by the number of functional teeth and functional occluding units [FOUs]) on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). It also aimed to determine if dentures could compensate for the loss of FOUs in terms of OHRQoL in community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore.

Methods

Community‐dwelling older adults, aged 60 years and above, were recruited from a community‐based oral health functional screening programme from 1 May 2018 to 31 December 2019. During the screening, an Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) questionnaire and oral examination were administered. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi‐square test, univariate logistic regression and multivariate predictive modelling.

Results

Data from 1037 participants were analysed (52% female; mean age 71.5 (SD 7.15)). The mean OHIP‐14 score was 4.5 ± 7.2. The OHIP‐14 scores were significantly associated with the number of functional teeth and the number of FOUs (p < .001). Having at least 20 functional teeth or 10 FOUs was associated with a significantly lower OHIP‐14 score. Those with no FOUs had higher OHIP‐14 scores compared to those with at least 10 FOUs, even in the presence of a satisfactory denture.

Conclusion

Maintaining at least 20 functional teeth or 10 FOUs was associated with better OHRQoL among community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore. Dentures may have limited compensatory ability in terms of replacing natural functional occlusal units and maintaining OHRQoL.
Greedy‐based user selection for federated graph neural networks with limited communication resources
Authors: Huangfu Hancong , Zhang Zizhen
Published: February 2024

Recently, graph neural networks (GNNs) have attracted much attention in the field of machine learning due to their remarkable success in learning from graph‐structured data. However, implementing GNNs in practice faces a critical bottleneck from the high complexity of communication and computation, which arises from the frequent exchange of graphic data during model training, especially in limited communication scenarios. To address this issue, we propose a novel framework of federated graph neural networks, where multiple mobile users collaboratively train the global model of graph neural networks in a federated way. The utilization of federated learning into the training of graph neural networks can help reduce the communication overhead of the system and protect the data privacy of local users. In addition, the federated training can help reduce the system computational complexity significantly. We further introduce a greedy‐based user selection for the federated graph neural networks, where the wireless bandwidth is dynamically allocated among users to encourage more users to attend the federated training of neural networks. We perform the convergence analysis on the federated training of neural networks, in order to obtain some more insights on the impact of critical parameters on the system design. Finally, we perform the simulations on the coriolis ocean for reAnalysis (CORA) dataset and show the advantages of the proposed method in this paper.
Comparison of echocardiographic and clinical characteristics in embolic stroke and migraine patients with patent foramen ovale
Authors: Polat Fuat , Kaya Zeynettin , Yaylak Barış , Onuk Tolga
Published: February 2024

Background

This single‐center observational study aimed to compare the echocardiographic and clinical features in patients diagnosed with migraine and embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) who presented with a known patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Methods

Two‐dimensional and color Doppler images were obtained using various transthoracic echocardiography views for both migraine and ESUS patients. Suspected PFO cases underwent further assessment through contrast echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). High‐risk PFO characteristics were evaluated using TEE, and the Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPe) score was calculated.

Results

The study included 310 participants (age range: 18–60, 73.2% female), with 43.5% diagnosed with migraine and 56.5% with ESUS. Common comorbidities included diabetes (26.1%). High‐velocity shunting through the interatrial septum was observed in 35.5% of patients. ESUS patients were older, with higher rates of diabetes and hypertension, while active smoking was more prevalent among migraine patients. Basic echocardiographic parameters were mostly similar, except for elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure in ESUS. ESUS patients exhibited a greater occurrence of large microbubble passage through the interatrial septum and longer PFO lengths compared to migraine patients. However, the RoPe and High‐risk PFO scores were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

ESUS patients, characterized by older age and higher rates of diabetes and hypertension, demonstrated increased pulmonary artery pressure, more significant microbubble crossings, and longer PFO lengths. Conversely, migraine patients had a higher prevalence of active smoking. Despite differing clinical profiles, the risk scores for PFO‐related embolic events were comparable between the groups. These findings underscore potential distinctions between ESUS and migraine patients with PFO and their implications for management strategies.
Large language models for science and medicine
Authors: Telenti Amalio , Auli Michael , Hie Brian L. , Maher Cyrus , Saria Suchi , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: February 2024

Large language models (LLMs) are a type of machine learning model that learn statistical patterns over text, such as predicting the next words in a sequence of text. Both general purpose and task‐specific LLMs have demonstrated potential across diverse applications. Science and medicine have many data types that are highly suitable for LLMs, such as scientific texts (publications, patents and textbooks), electronic medical records, large databases of DNA and protein sequences and chemical compounds. Carefully validated systems that can understand and reason across all these modalities may maximize benefits. Despite the inevitable limitations and caveats of any new technology and some uncertainties specific to LLMs, LLMs have the potential to be transformative in science and medicine.
Assessment of dental students' knowledge of infection control and prevention during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Budak Lea , Negovetić Vranić Dubravka , Vranić Lara
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, new guidelines for dental practice were published. This research aims to examine the knowledge of dental students and their attitudes towards current guidelines.

Materials and methods

The study involved 76 fourth‐year dental medicine students from three public universities in Croatia. A survey questionnaire was developed based on in‐depth interviews and a pilot pretesting. The online questionnaire consisting of 36 questions was published using Google Forms. The survey data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and presented with descriptive statistics.

Results

Survey data showed the dental students' knowledge of the guidelines for dental practices is at an insufficient level (average score of 67% correct answers). Students who have come across the guidelines outside the faculty environment through assistantships have demonstrated lesser knowledge (65%) of the guidelines than the ones who do not (68%). A similar trend is observed with dental students who grew up in a family of doctors of dental medicine (61%) and ones who did not (68%). Students also independently assessed their knowledge of the guidelines as moderate (3.15 out of 5), while evaluating the application of current guidelines as very important (4.38 out of 5).

Conclusion

Awareness of dental students should be improved by adapting the curriculum of dental studies and increasing the availability of information on current guidelines. Dental students need to be motivated to independently inform themselves about the current guidelines for dental practices, thus improving their clinical work.
Brief exposure to enriched environment rapidly shapes the glutamate synapses in the rat brain: A metaplastic fingerprint
Authors: Pintori Nicholas , Piva Alessandro , Mottarlini Francesca , Díaz Fernando Castillo , Maggi Coralie , Caffino Lucia , Fumagalli Fabio , Chiamulera Cristiano
Published: February 2024

Environmental enrichment (EE) has been shown to produce beneficial effects in addiction disorders; however, due to its configurational complexity, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. Recent evidence suggests that EE, acting as a metaplastic agent, may affect glutamatergic mechanisms underlying appetitive memory and, in turn, modulate reward‐seeking behaviours: here, we have investigated such a possibility following a brief EE exposure.

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to EE for 22 h and the expression of critical elements of the glutamate synapse was measured 2 h after the end of EE in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus (Hipp) brain areas, which are critical for reward and memory. We focused our investigation on the expression of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits, their scaffolding proteins SAP102 and SAP97, vesicular and membrane glutamate transporters vGluT1 and GLT‐1, and critical structural components such as proteins involved in morphology and function of glutamatergic synapses, PSD95 and Arc/Arg3.1.

Our findings demonstrate that a brief EE exposure induces metaplastic changes in glutamatergic mPFC, NAc and Hipp. Such changes are area‐specific and involve postsynaptic NMDA/AMPA receptor subunit composition, as well as changes in the expression of their main scaffolding proteins, thus influencing the retention of such receptors at synaptic sites.

Our data indicate that brief EE exposure is sufficient to dynamically modulate the glutamatergic synapses in mPFC‐NAc‐Hipp circuits, which may modulate rewarding and memory processes.
Early history of the European Journal of Neurology. A mirror of the evolution of Europe after 1989
Authors: Boller François , Petrov Anne , Sørensen Per Soelberg
Published: February 2024

This paper retraces the early history of the European Journal of Neurology (EJN), as it is about to enter its 30th year. It describes how our discipline organized itself during the latter part of the 20th century in Europe. In some ways, the creation and the evolution of the journal parallel the process of unification of Europe in its current form in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It started as a new journal with no impact factor and no indexation. It grew progressively thanks to the support of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) and from the European scientific community The progressive merging of EFNS with the European Society of Neurology and the creation of the European Academy of Neurology were essential for reaching the current prominence of EJN within neurological publishing and for making it the widely heard official voice of European neurology.
Anastomotic techniques for small intestinal obstruction in horses. A scoping review
Authors: Giusto Gessica , Cerullo Anna , Gandini Marco
Published: February 2024

Background

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a significant cause of surgery in adult horses presenting with colic pain. SBOs often require resection and anastomosis. While various techniques for intestinal anastomoses have been developed, it remains uncertain if any fully meet our clinical needs.

Objective

To conduct a scoping review of publications on anastomosis techniques and outcomes for the treatment of SBO.

Study design

Scoping review.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using the CAB, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Peer‐reviewed scientific articles in English, published between 1992 and 2023, were included. A quality assessment was performed for potentially eligible articles. Experimental studies, case reports, and case series with less than five cases were excluded and relevant data on study methods and sample size were extracted and charted from remaining articles. Anastomosis type and outcome were reported for articles considered potentially eligible for meta‐analysis. Articles in which only overall outcome was reported or details on type of anastomosis were not reported were excluded for the final charting.

Results

Of 3024 articles, 210 underwent a quality assessment. The most common study designs were case reports and case series (64.3%), followed by experimental studies (17.1%). After further exclusions, 104 articles met the inclusion criteria. In only 42 articles detailed data on type of anastomosis and relative outcome were reported. A total of 23 anastomosis types were reported for the treatment of SBO, with 6 different outcomes evaluated. Both short‐ and long‐term survival rates consistently exceed 70% for all types of anastomosis (jejuno‐jejunal, jejuno‐ileal, and jejunocaecal).

Main limitation

Non‐English language studies and conference proceedings were excluded.

Conclusion

The body of literature focused on surgical treatment for SBO exhibits low‐quality evidence. Several techniques of anastomosis were described for different pathologies. However, there is a lack of homogeneity in reporting outcome for each surgical technique. Furthermore, outcomes considered varied significantly among studies and were sometimes poorly reported, although success rates are generally high. Overall, there is a need for better‐structured studies on existing and commonly used techniques before comparing techniques and exploring other innovative approaches.
Backtranslate what you are saying and I will tell who you are
Authors: Siino Marco , Lomonaco Francesco , Rosso Paolo
Published: February 2024

With this work, we hypothesize that semantically enriching a user's text corpus using backtranslation and expansion modules can improve performance for author profiling tasks. To perform this textual enrichment, we translate an author's representative text. Translations are made from one language—the source language—into another—the target language—and then back to the original one. Finally, we expand an author's text by integrating the original version with the back‐translated one. Our framework includes these backtranslation and expansion modules followed by a SOTA classifier successfully employed for text classification. The framework is tested on three author profiling datasets from the last three years’ shared tasks on fake news, hate speech, irony and stereotypes detection hosted at the CLEF conference for the PAN Lab. This work is an extension of our previous one where we just presented our main idea. Here we improve our framework, and we also investigate more languages and more datasets. Finally, a qualitative analysis is provided. The results confirm that the backtranslation and expansion add‐on modules improve model performance on all three datasets evaluated.
Fish weight reduction in response to intra‐ and interspecies competition under climate change
Authors: Lin Zhen , Ito Shin‐ichi
Published: February 2024

As described by the temperature–size rule paradigm, fish living in warmer temperatures grow faster but have a smaller mature body size. However, the changes in the body size of fish communities in the western North Pacific, which is one of the most active fishing grounds, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in the body size of fish assemblages in the western North Pacific and whether fish sizes were potentially driven by the temperature–size rule, bottom‐up effects and intra‐ and interspecies competition at a community scale. We evaluated the fish weight data of 6 stocks of 4 species from 1978 to 2018 and 17 stocks of 13 species from 1995/1997 to 2018. Weight reduction in the fish assemblage was observed in the 1980s and was associated with the biomass peak of the Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus), indicating the effect of intra‐ and interspecies competition. Another weight reduction was observed in the 2010s, which was associated with a moderate increase in the biomass of the Japanese sardine and chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus). Our analyses indicate that stronger stratifications in the surface layers during the 2010s potentially reduced the nutrient supply from the subsurface to the surface layers. This limitation in food availability forced intra‐ and interspecies competition under a moderate increase in fish biomass. Our findings underscore the critical significance of integrating the impacts of species competition and climate change on fish sizes to improve fishery management at a community level.
Community assembly of organisms regulates soil microbial functional potential through dual mechanisms
Authors: Zhu Lingyue , Luan Lu , Chen Yan , Wang Xiaoyue , Zhou Shungui , Zou Wenxiu , Han Xiaori , Duan Yinghua , Zhu Bo , Li Yan , Liu Wenzhao , Zhou Jizhong , Zhang Jiabao , Jiang Yuji , Sun Bo
Published: February 2024

Unraveling the influence of community assembly processes on soil ecosystem functioning presents a major challenge in the field of theoretical ecology, as it has received limited attention. Here, we used a series of long‐term experiments spanning over 25 years to explore the assembly processes of bacterial, fungal, protist, and nematode communities using high‐throughput sequencing. We characterized the soil microbial functional potential by the abundance of microbial genes associated with carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycling using GeoChip‐based functional gene profiling, and determined how the assembly processes of organism groups regulate soil microbial functional potential through community diversity and network stability. Our results indicated that balanced fertilization (NPK) treatment improved the stochastic assembly of bacterial, fungal, and protist communities compared to phosphorus‐deficient fertilization (NK) treatment. However, there was a nonsignificant increase in the normalized stochasticity ratio of the nematode community in response to fertilization across sites. Our findings emphasized that soil environmental factors influenced the assembly processes of the biotic community, which regulated soil microbial functional potential through dual mechanisms. One mechanism indicated that the high phosphorus levels and low soil nutrient stoichiometry may increase the stochasticity of bacterial, fungal, and protist communities and the determinism of the nematode community under NPK treatment, ultimately enhancing soil microbial functional potential by reinforcing the network stability of the biotic community. The other mechanism indicated that the low phosphorus levels and high soil nutrient stoichiometry may increase the stochastic process of the bacterial community and the determinism of the fungal, protist, and nematode communities under NK treatment, thereby enhancing soil microbial functional potential by improving the β‐diversity of the biotic community. Taken together, these results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the assembly processes of the biotic community that regulate ecosystem functioning.
Dentistry for patients with haemophilia: Trialling a safe and economical change in management
Authors: Sundaresan Pritam Daniel , Kruger Estie , Lim Mathew , McGeachie John , Tennant Marc
Published: February 2024

Introduction

While the dental management of patients with haemophilia has changed considerably in the last decade, haemophiliacs in Western Australia have continued to receive pre‐operative factor support for dentistry regardless of the type of dental procedure.

Aim

To review the efficacy and safety of established dental protocols that reduce factor use in the dental management of patients with haemophilia and to estimate cost savings.

Methods

Records of 11 patients with haemophilia that were seen in the pilot programme period were reviewed. These were cross‐referenced with previous dental and haematology notes that stated the amount and type of pre‐operative factor used. Cost savings were estimated using the Australian National Blood Authority's Product List.

Results

All study participants were male, and included those with haemophilia A (n = 9), and B (n = 2). Mean age was 45 years (range 22–80). A variety of dental treatments were undertaken, and no pre‐operative factor was used. Patients on prophylaxis (n = 6) received dental treatment the same day as their regular factor administration. It was estimated AUD$26,314 was saved by not using pre‐operative factor. One patient had bleeding post‐extraction and was seen the following day to achieve haemostasis using local measures. The remaining patients had no complaints of post‐operative bleeding, and did not require any further haemostatic measures.

Conclusion

This pilot programme supports data that haemophiliacs can safely receive a variety of dental treatments without the need for pre‐operative factor, and the significant cost savings of doing so. Further data is required to support this protocol for invasive dental procedures.
Reliability and construct validity of the ACTIVLIM‐Hemo and Haemophilia Activities List (HAL) questionnaires in individuals with haemophilia
Authors: Lobet Sébastien , Hermans Cedric , Chantrain Valérie‐Anne , Foubert Anthe , Lambert Catherine , Penta Massimo
Published: February 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the reliability and construct validity of ACTIVLIM‐Hemo, a newly developed Rasch‐built questionnaire designed to evaluate activity limitations in people with haemophilia (PwH), in comparison with the Haemophilia Activities List (HAL), which was developed using Classical Test Theory.

Methods

A total of 130 participants with haemophilia A or B were included. They underwent various assessments, including joint health scoring (HJHS), functional tests (TUG and 2MWT) and completed questionnaires such as the BPI, IPAQ, HAL and ACTIVLIM‐Hemo. Reliability indices and the minimum detectable change (MDC95) were determined for ACTIVLIM‐Hemo and for HAL. Construct validity was evaluated through correlations and multiple linear regression, considering demographic and clinical factors.

Results

Both ACTIVLIM‐Hemo (Person Separation Index = 0.92) and HAL (Cronbach's α = 0.98) demonstrated high reliability. The MDC95 for ACTIVLIM‐Hemo represented 11.6% of its measurement range, while for HAL, it amounted to 18/100 score points. Activity limitations measured by both instruments were significantly correlated with demographic and clinical factors. Joint health (HJHS), pain severity (BPI) and walking performance (2MWT) emerged as the main predictors of activity limitations, explaining 75% of the variance in ACTIVLIM‐Hemo and 60% in HAL.

Conclusion

ACTIVLIM‐Hemo stands as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing activity limitations in PwH. Both instruments exhibited significant correlations with demographic and clinical factors, but ACTIVLIM‐Hemo displayed a more homogeneous construct. Given its linear scale and lower MDC95 and better targeting, ACTIVLIM‐Hemo shows promise as a patient‐centric instrument for assessing responsiveness to treatment during individual follow‐up.
Canadian clinical experience on switching from standard half‐life recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII), octocog alfa, to extended half‐life rFVIII, damoctocog alfa pegol, in persons with haemophilia A ≥ 12 years followed in a Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Program in Canada
Authors: Matino Davide , Germini Federico , Chan Anthony K. C. , Decker Kay , Iserman Emma , Chelle Pierre , Edginton Andrea N. , Oladoyinbo Olayide , Trinari Elisabetta , Keepanasseril Arun , Iorio Alfonso
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Damoctocog alfa pegol (BAY 94–9027, Jivi®) is an extended half‐life recombinant factor (F)VIII replacement, indicated for the treatment of haemophilia A in patients aged ≥12 years. Following introduction of damoctocog alfa pegol in Canada in 2020, there have been no reports on routine clinical effectiveness and satisfaction, when switching from a previous FVIII product in Canada.

Aim

To report changes in pharmacokinetics, effectiveness, utilization and patient satisfaction when switching to damoctocog alfa pegol prophylaxis from previous standard half‐life octocog alfa (BAY 81–8973, Kovaltry®) treatment.

Methods

A single‐centre, intra‐patient comparison of pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes was performed. Blood samples drawn once pre‐dose and ≥2 times post‐dose were measured by a one‐stage assay to assess pharmacokinetic parameters including area under the curve (AUC, primary endpoint). Patient‐reported outcomes data were collected using the Patient‐Reported Outcomes, Burdens and Experiences questionnaire (PROBE). Clinical outcomes included annualized bleeding rate (ABR) and factor utilization.

Results

Dose‐normalized AUC was significantly increased after switch to damoctocog alfa pegol from octocog alfa. Median (quartile [Q]1; Q3) annualized bleeding rates were 0.67 (0.00; 1.33) with damoctocog alfa pegol and 1.33 (0.00; 2.67) with octocog alfa. Half of the patients receiving damoctocog alfa pegol prophylaxis experienced zero bleeds (n = 9, 50.0%) versus 38.9% (n = 7) of patients treated with octocog alfa. Patients’ good quality of life was maintained.

Conclusion

This study provides routine clinical evidence supporting the benefits of switching from octocog alfa to damoctocog alfa pegol for patients with severe haemophilia A.
Mentoring and creativity: Resources for working women to thrive in a challenging workplace after COVID‐19
Authors: Sakakibara Keiko
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the association between mentoring and creativity among male and female office workers. A web survey was administered to individuals aged 20–59 years using the survey monitors of an internet company; 2106 valid responses (1048 men and 1058 women) were analyzed to examine the association between mentoring and creativity. A three‐way analysis of covariance was conducted using mentoring, gender, and managerial status as the independent variables, which were adjusted for occupation. The analysis of the main effects showed that mentored individuals had higher creativity than nonmentored individuals, regardless of gender or managerial status. In addition, managers had significantly higher creativity than nonmanagers. There was no significant difference in creativity between men and women. The interaction effect of gender and managerial status was significant, and the analysis of the simple main effects indicated that male nonmanagers had higher creativity than female nonmanagers, whereas no significant gender difference was found between male and female managers. The difference in the creativity score between mentored and nonmentored female managers was 0.467, whereas the difference between mentored and nonmentored male managers was 0.357; this suggests that mentoring is critical, particularly for female managers. The primary focus of mentoring research has been the role of mentoring in promoting career‐related behaviors and attitudes. This study illustrates the potential to enhance creativity, which is an asset for working women in managing challenges after COVID‐19.
Has globalization of the Japanese economy contributed to satisfying career‐building for women? The case of Japanese female migrants to East Asia
Authors: Sakai Chie
Published: February 2024

This paper analyzes the shift in career strategies among Japanese women due to the globalization of Japan's economy since the 1980s. It highlights how economic changes led to a gender‐based division of labor, propelling women to seek opportunities abroad. The research draws on interviews with 81 women who moved to financial centers in East Asia, mainly in Hong Kong and Shanghai, examining their experiences in the workforce, the impact of human resource agencies in their migration, and the challenges and opportunities they encountered. The study reveals a complex landscape where Japanese women navigate gendered expectations and discrimination both in Japan and abroad in pursuit of career advancement. The conclusion emphasizes three points. First, women found opportunities abroad to do what they wanted, even if it was not what they initially expected before leaving Japan. Second, although supportive and subordinate to male managers, their work was indispensable to the management of Japanese companies abroad. Their contribution has long been underestimated but needs to be considered. Third, the experience abroad gave them direct interaction with various clients and colleagues and a view of rapid societal change in Hong Kong and China, contributing to choosing their diverse career trajectories and life plans.
The lupus anticoagulant titer is associated with elevated antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin immunoglobulin‐M isotype antibody levels
Authors: Saadalla Abdulrahman , Chen Dong , Stuart Melissa , Pruthi Rajiv , Heikal Nahla , Snyder Melissa , Ashrani Aneel , Seheult Jansen
Published: February 2024

Background

Clot based assays used for lupus anticoagulant (LAC) detection are typically interpreted in a qualitative fashion and may not reflect LAC potency. In this cross‐sectional study, we describe a method for quantifying the LAC titer using serial (dependent) two‐fold dilutions in normal pooled plasma.

Methods

Serial dilutions of 51 residual plasma samples from 50 patients were tested using the Russell's viper venom screening time (DRVVT) and activated partial thromboplastin screening time (APTT) methodologies. The measured clotting times and the corresponding dilution factors were then used to derive a four‐parameter logistic model. The LAC titer for each patient was interpolated as the sample dilution that corresponds to the upper reference interval limit of the corresponding assay.

Results

Calculated APTT and DRVVT LAC titers displayed a strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.84) between each other, but not with the degree of prolongation of the APTT/DRVVT screening time in the neat undiluted samples. Using data driven partitioning, patients could be grouped into low (<10) or high (≥10) DRVVT LAC titer. There were no significant differences in anticardiolipin (aCL) or anti‐beta 2 glycoprotein 1 (aB2GPI) antibody levels or prevalence of thromboembolic events between low and high LAC titer groups. In contrast, antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin (aPS/PT) IgM antibody levels, but not IgG, were significantly higher in the high LAC titer group.

Conclusions

The degree of prolongation of the APTT/DRVVT screening time is not correlated with the LAC titer. Only aPS/PT IgM antibodies levels were strongly correlated with the LAC titers. Additional studies are warranted to determine clinical implications of high LAC titers.
Experiences of postpartum Chinese women undergoing confinement practices: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Xin Jocelyn Khor Yun , Shian Goh Yong , Han Tan Ting , San Wilson Tam Wai
Published: February 2024

Aims

We aim to review the experiences and needs of postpartum Chinese women undergoing ‘confinement’ or ‘doing‐the‐month’ a postpartum practice after childbirth.

Methods

A meta‐synthesis was reported in alignment with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement. Ten electronic databases were searched for eligible primary qualitative or mixed‐methods studies in English and Chinese from their inception until December 2021. Two reviewers independently reviewed the methodological quality of the included studies using the 10‐item Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) qualitative checklist, with discrepancies resolved through discussions. The meta‐synthesis was conducted based on the two‐step approach by Sandelowski and Barroso.

Results

Four themes were meta‐synthesized from 13 studies: ‘confinement’ as an essential practice; physical and psychological stressors during ‘confinement’; coping strategies by postpartum women; and needs for family, social, and professional support in enhancing satisfaction with ‘confinement’. The review showed that ‘confinement’ remains a significant practice shaped by socio‐cultural and health constructs.

Conclusion

This review suggested re‐evaluating the ‘confinement’ practice and promoting evidence‐based care to improve maternal well‐being. Nurses and midwives should be cognisant of such postpartum customs and adopt non‐judgemental attitudes as early as the prenatal period to provide culturally sensitive care.
La falacia de la teoría de la cantidad fija de trabajo. Evidencia empírica de América Latina
Authors: APELLA Ignacio
Published: February 2024

En este artículo se analiza la teoría de la cantidad fija de trabajo con datos empíricos de América Latina en un contexto de envejecimiento demográfico. Las estimaciones con un modelo de efectos fijos sobre un panel de datos anuales de hogares de 2002 a 2019 en 11 países no muestran un efecto de exclusión, sino una correlación positiva entre las tasas de ocupación de los adultos de edad avanzada y de los jóvenes, junto con una asociación positiva entre los ingresos laborales de ambos grupos. Se concluye que la expansión del empleo de la población de mayor edad mantiene el crecimiento económico, generando una demanda de trabajo que puede cubrirse con jóvenes.
Soil drought during the development of cotton ovule destroyed the antioxidant balance of cotton pistil to hinder the ovule formation
Authors: Cheng Mengdie , Wang Zhanhan , Cao Yuting , Zhang Jipeng , Yu Huilian , Wang Shanshan , Zhou Zhiguo , Hu Wei
Published: February 2024

Reproductive failure in cotton caused by drought has been reported to be closely associated with alterations in pistil fertility; however, the mechanism of the effect of drought on pistil fertility in cotton is less studied. We hypothesized that drought would inhibit the ovule formation to alter pistil potential fertility. To address this hypothesis, we conducted a water deficit induction experiment with a cotton cultivar, Dexiamian 1. Results showed that drought damaged the cytological structure of the developing ovules. This resulted in a lower ovule number, finally leading to lower cottonseed number and boll weight. And the decreased ovule number was closely related to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in pistil during ovule development. Further analysis of antioxidant metabolism found that in the enzymatic antioxidant system, drought decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), resulting in the accumulation of superoxide anion () and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Regarding the non‐enzymatic antioxidant system, the elevated glutathione reductase gene (GhGR) expression under drought promoted the glutathione (GSH) accumulation; however, the decreased dehydroascorbate reductase gene (GhDHAR2) expression under drought inhibited the conversion of GSH to ascorbic acid (AsA). Although the increased monodehydroascorbate reductase gene (GhMDHAR) expression under drought promoted AsA accumulation, drought‐induced reduced ascorbate peroxidase gene (GhAPX) expression inhibited the reduction of H2O2 by AsA, which ultimately led to higher AsA content and H2O2 content. We conclude that drought impedes the ovule formation by disturbing pistil's antioxidant metabolic homeostasis to destruct the cytological structure of the developing ovules.
High‐strength Si–SiC lattices prepared by powder bed fusion, infiltration‐pyrolysis, and reactive silicon infiltration
Authors: Pelanconi Marco , Bottacin Samuele , Bianchi Giovanni , Koch Dietmar , Colombo Paolo , Ortona Alberto
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on the design, additive manufacturing, and characterization of silicon carbide‐based components with complex geometries. These parts were produced using a novel hybrid technique, previously developed: powder bed fusion of polyamide was used to 3D print two different templates with complex architectures. Preceramic polymer infiltrations and pyrolysis with polycarbosilane and furan resin were performed to obtain the ceramic parts. The final densification was achieved with reactive or nonreactive silicon infiltrations according to four different strategies, producing ceramics comprised of crystalline βSiC, reaction‐bonded βSiC, and low residual silicon. The final gyroid samples (∼70 vol% macroporosity) exhibited a maximum compressive strength of 24.7 ± 2.2 MPa, with a skeleton density of 3.173 ± 0.022 g/cm3, and a relative density of 0.935 ± 0.016. These findings underscore the potential of this manufacturing approach and showcase its effectiveness in fabricating intricate ceramic structures for engineering applications as heat exchangers and catalytic supports.
Reliability and validity of the dynamic risk outcome scales—short version for clients with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning
Authors: Delforterie M. J. , Turhan A. , Driessen M. , Neijmeijer L. , Hesper B. , Didden R.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study investigated the reliability and validity of the dynamic risk outcome scales—short version (DROS‐SV). This instrument is developed to monitor treatment progress using dynamic risk factors in clients with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning and behavioural and/or mental health problems.

Method

Data were collected from 264 clients who received Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT), a form of intensive outpatient treatment.

Results

A principal component analysis showed that there were six components explaining 73.9% of the variance. Furthermore, the DROS‐SV showed good internal consistency of its subscales and total score (α > 0.78). Correlating the DROS‐SV with the Historical and Clinical subscales of the Historical, Clinical and Future—30 indicated convergent and divergent validity.

Discussion

The DROS‐SV has good psychometric properties for measuring dynamic risk factors in clients with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning in FACT teams.
Threats to human capital: The effect of health risk on corporate financial policy
Authors: Öztekin Özde
Published: February 2024

I examine the relation between threats to human capital and corporate financial policy using morbidity and mortality data related to infectious diseases. I observe a strong association between deteriorating health and declines in leverage, which seems to be influenced by increasing human capital costs offsetting debt benefits. Firms consider reducing debt as a strategic response to perceived employee valuation of human capital insurance, which tends to be affected by a disease‐induced rise in human capital costs. This association appears more pronounced in technology firms, distressed firms, and labor‐intensive firms, and during higher disease‐induced labor uncertainty, with some moderation by labor unions.
Physicochemical properties and flow behavior of natural sweetener and colorant from foam‐mat dried grape powder
Authors: Milani Elnaz , Hashemi Neda , Hashemi Majid
Published: February 2024

The effects of whey protein concentrate, glycerol monostearate, methyl cellulose at a concentration of 1‐3% and gum arabic on the expansion, density and stability of the foam as well as the physicochemical properties of the powder were investigated. The findings identified that the simultaneous addition of foaming and stabilizer agents noticeably affected the quality of the foam. The most stable foam occurred at 3% WPC and 3% MC with density 0.374, expansion 134.4, and stability 95.6. The dried grape powder with a higher proportion of GMS and WPC exhibited the most brightness. The higher level of foaming agents demonstrated lower moisture content, aw, cohesiveness and higher hygroscopicity, flow ability and wettability compared to the non‐foamed one. The study demonstrated the potential use of grape powder as a hygroscopic ingredient in an instant food product, Furthermore, it highlights the importance of selecting appropriate foaming agents to achieve desired properties in the products.

Practical applications

Considering today's hectic lifestyles and people's increasing awareness of nutrient consumption, consumers prefer ready‐to‐eat and readily available foods that are also health‐oriented. Foam mat drying is an economical alternative to drum, spray, and freeze drying in the production of fruit powders. This process can be used for large‐scale production, because of its suitability for all types of juices, rapid drying at lower temperature, retention of nutritional quality, easy reconstitution, and cost‐effective for producing easily juice powders. Fruit juice powders obtained through this process have high economic potentials over their liquid counterparts such as reduced volume or weight, reduced storage space, simpler handling and transportation, and much longer shelf life. Thus, by conducting this comparative study, valuable insights can be gained into the potential use of foam‐mat dried grape syrup powder as a desirable natural sweetener, colorant, and hygroscopic ingredient for ready meals.