bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of access cavity preparation on the dentine thickness of mesial canals of mandibular molars prepared with reciprocating instruments
Authors: Silva Emmanuel J. N. L. , Lima Carolina O. , Barbosa Ana Flávia A. , Moreira Thiago , Souza Erick M. , De‐Deus Gustavo , Versiani Marco A.
Published: October 2021

Aim

To evaluate the influence of traditional and conservative access cavity preparations on the remaining dentine thickness in the coronal third of mesial canals of extracted mandibular molars prepared with reciprocating instruments using micro‐computed tomography as the analytical tool.

Methodology

Seventy extracted mandibular molars were scanned at a pixel size of 19 μm. From this initial sample, 20 teeth were selected, pair‐matched and distributed into two groups (n = 10) according to the access cavity preparation: traditional (TradAC) or conservative (ConsAC). The root canals were sequentially enlarged with Reciproc Blue R25 (size 25, 0.08v taper) and R40 (size 40, 0.06v taper) instruments. A new scan was performed and the postoperative stacks were coregistered with their respective preoperative datasets. A colour‐coded cross sections of the roots were created and used to identify and measure the smallest dentine thickness related to both MB and ML canals at 1.0‐mm intervals from the furcation level of up to 5 mm in the apical direction, in both mesial and distal aspects of the roots, before and after preparation. The statistical analyses were performed with paired‐samples t‐test, independent‐samples Student T‐test and Chi‐Square test with a significance level of 5%.

Results

At all levels of both groups, dentine thickness before preparation was greater than after preparation (p < .05). No difference in the percentage of dentine reduction was observed between TradAC and ConsAC groups (p > .05), but a significantly greater reduction was observed to the distal aspect of the roots (p < .05). After root canal preparation, dentine thinner than 0.5 mm was observed mostly along the distal aspect of the root (10% to 15%) of the MB and ML canals, with no influence of the access cavity type on its incidence to either mesial (X2 = 1.66; p = .2) or distal (X2 = 0.40; p = .5) directions. In the TradAC group, dentine thickness in most slices was greater than 1.0 mm after preparation (n = 124) whilst, in the ConsAC, it ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 mm (n = 136).

Conclusion

Traditional or conservative access cavity preparation in extracted mandibular molars did not influence the remaining dentine thickness in the coronal third of mesial canals enlarged with thermomechanically treated nickel–titanium reciprocating instruments.
Work hours and overtime of nurses working in Cambodian hospitals
Authors: Bae Sung‐Heui , Pen Mom , Sinn Chommrath , Kol Sokry , An Bomi , Yang Sook Ja , Rhee Hyang‐yon , Ha Jaeyoung , Bae Suhyun
Published: October 2021

Aim

To examine the nature and prevalence of Cambodian nurses’ work hours and overtime and related factors

Background

The chronic shortage of nursing workforce is a major cause of overtime among nurses.

Introduction

Nursing shortage and working overtime among nurses negatively affect nurse and patient outcomes, but nurses’ work hours and overtime in Cambodia have not been comprehensively examined.

Methods

A multicenter cross‐sectional study was conducted in four Cambodian hospitals. Data were collected from 253 nurses providing direct nursing care using a questionnaire. The STROBE checklist was used for reporting this study.

Results

More than a fifth of staff nurses worked more than 48 h, which is the legal work hour limit in Cambodia. Two major reasons for working mandatory or voluntary overtime, on‐call or 24‐h on‐call were (a) not wanting to let down colleagues and (b) able to get all work done. The number of patients cared for was related to whether or not nurses worked 48 h or more.

Conclusion

Overtime work and adverse nurse scheduling are common in Cambodia.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Nurse managers and healthcare institutes in Cambodia need to monitor Cambodian nurses’ work hours, which are often beyond the legal work hour limit. Moreover, it is important to understand why nurses work overtime and develop health policies, strategies, and programs that can help promote patient and nurse safety and retain qualified nursing staff. The 24‐h on‐call practice needs to be regulated according to the labor policy in healthcare institutes to prevent adverse nurse and patient outcomes.
Niche evolution and historical biogeography of lady slipper orchids in North America and Eurasia
Authors: Liu Huanchu , Jacquemyn Hans , Chen Wei , Janssens Steven B. , He Xingyuan , Yu Shuai , Huang Yanqing
Published: October 2021

Aim

Dispersal and subsequent adaptation to local environmental and climatic conditions play major roles in the evolution and current‐day distribution of plants and animals, but their relative importance is not always easy to disentangle. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the terrestrial orchid genus Cypripedium to better understand the role of niche evolution and historical dispersal events in driving the radiation of the genus in North America and Eurasia.

Location

Northern Hemisphere.

Taxon

Cypripedium (Orchidaceae).

Methods

We used a relaxed molecular clock analysis to infer phylogenetic relationships among 45 Cypripedium species and to estimate divergence times. Niche modelling was used to assess the potential distribution of each species in both continents, whereas ancestral area reconstructions using BioGeoBEARS were used to estimate changes in historical biogeography. Subsequently, the ancestral state of niche conditions was assessed for each species using maximum likelihood methods and we tested for phylogenetic signal in the evolution of niche conditions using Blomberg's K and Pagel's λ. A mantel test was used to test for a correlation between phylogenetic distances and niche overlap in Cypripedium.

Results

We found that Cypripedium originated in Central America and underwent multiple dispersal events between North America and Eurasia after long‐distance seed dispersal or dispersal via the Bering land bridge. The mountainous area of Southwest China provided refuge areas for Cypripedium orchids during episodes of increased glaciation. Our results further showed that Cypripedium has gradually increased its tolerance to seasonal temperature changes, providing evidence for significant niche evolution through time. No significant correlation between current niches and phylogenetic relatedness was observed.

Main conclusions

Our study provides clear evidence that repeated dispersal and adaptation to increased cooling after the Eocene−Oligocene Transition has contributed to the radiation of Cypripedium in the Northern Hemisphere.
Downregulation of p300/CBP‐associated factor inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis via suppression of NF‐κB pathway in ischaemia/reperfusion injury rats
Authors: Qiu Liqiang , Liu Xiaoxiong , Li Wenjing , Liu Zhebo , Xu Changwu , Xia Hao
Published: October 2021

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is the main reason of cardiac injury after myocardial ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury (MIRI), but the role of p300/CBP‐associated factor (PCAF) on myocardial apoptosis in MIRI is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the main mechanism of PCAF modulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis in MIRI. The MIRI model was constructed by ligation of the rat left anterior descending coronary vessel for 30 min and reperfusion for 24 h in vivo. H9c2 cells were harvested after induced by hypoxia for 6 h and then reoxygenation for 24 h (H/R) in vitro. The RNA interference PCAF expression adenovirus was transfected into rat myocardium and H9c2 cells. The area of myocardial infarction, cardiac function, myocardial injury marker levels, apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress were detected respectively. Both I/R and H/R remarkably upregulated the expression of PCAF, and downregulation of PCAF significantly attenuated myocardial apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress caused by I/R and H/R. In addition, downregulation of PCAF inhibited the activation of NF‐κB signalling pathway in cardiomyocytes undergoing H/R. Pretreatment of lipopolysaccharide, a NF‐κB pathway activator, could blunt these protective effects of PCAF downregulation on myocardial apoptosis in MIRI. These results highlight that downregulation of PCAF could reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway, thereby providing protection for MIRI. Therefore, PCAF might be a promising target for protecting against cardiac dysfunction induced by MIRI.
Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)‐based quantitative analysis of the salivary proteome during healthy pregnancy and pregnancy gingivitis
Authors: Balan Preethi , Chong Yap S. , Lin Qingsong , Lim Teck Kwang , Li Huihua , Wong Mun L. , Lopez Violeta , He Hong Gu , Seneviratne Chaminda Jayampath
Published: October 2021

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate the salivary proteome profiles of pregnant women with gingivitis (PG) or without gingivitis (HP) and non‐pregnant healthy controls (HC) by employing iTRAQ‐based proteomics.

Materials and methods

Saliva samples were collected from 30 Chinese women comprising 10 subjects in each of the three groups (PG, HP, and HC). The samples were subjected to iTRAQ‐based proteomics analysis, and ELISA was performed to validate the results. The subsequent observations were validated in a cohort of 48 subjects.

Results

Pathways associated with neutrophil‐mediated immune response and antioxidant defence mechanism were significantly higher in PG than HC. The abundance of salivary cystatins (S, SA, and SN) and antimicrobials were significantly decreased in PG and HP, while cystatin C and D were additionally decreased in PG. Cystatin C was mapped to all the major catabolic pathways and was the most re‐wired protein in pregnancy gingivitis. Further validation demonstrated cystatin C to be significantly lower in PG than HC.

Conclusions

While the decrease in levels of salivary cystatins and antimicrobial proteins may predispose healthy pregnant women to pregnancy gingivitis, it may cause persistence of inflammation in pregnant women with gingivitis.
Sleep duration and severe periodontitis in middle‐aged Japanese workers
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Usui Michihiko , Ariyoshi Wataru , Nakashima Keisuke , Nagai‐Yoshioka Yoshie , Inoue Maki , Kobayashi Kaoru , Nishihara Tatsuji
Published: October 2021

Aim

To evaluate the association between sleep duration and severe periodontitis in Japanese workers.

Materials and methods

This cross‐sectional study included 1130 workers (mean age 43.0 years) who underwent full‐mouth periodontal examinations and health check‐ups and completed a self‐administered questionnaire that included questions on sleep duration. Logistic regression and a restricted cubic spline model were used to analyse the data.

Results

Severe periodontitis was identified in 6.3% of the study population. Those with <5, 5–5.9, 6–6.9, 7–7.9, and ≥8 hr of sleep were 6.7%, 17.4%, 40.3%, 26.3%, and 8.9%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, study participants who slept <5 hr were more likely to have severe periodontitis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.64; 95% confidence interval = 1.06–6.60) than those who slept 7–7.9 hr. The spline model, with a reference value of 399 min (the median sleep duration), showed a non‐linear association between sleep duration and severe periodontitis, where an increased prevalence of severe periodontitis was observed only among those with a shorter sleep duration. The prevalence of severe periodontitis did not increase with longer sleep duration.

Conclusions

Short sleep duration was associated with severe periodontitis in this cohort of Japanese adults.
Design and development of resistance heating apparatus‐cum‐solar drying system for enhancing fish drying rate
Authors: Richa Rishi , Shahi Navin chandra , Lohani Umesh C. , Kothakota Anjineyulu , Pandiselvam Ravi , Sagarika Nukasani , Singh Anupama , Omre Pramod kumar , Kumar Anil
Published: October 2021

Resistance heating is unique to thermic food manufacturing applications, particularly getting popularity across the food sector. Here, a prototype ohmic heating device over a capability of 6.25 kg/hr has been developed to process fish. The developed device was used combined with PID‐controlled solar dryer, and the parameters have been optimized by using central composite rotatable design and artificial neural network (ANN). During the processing of hybrid drying (ohmic heating with solar drying), the selected input variables were voltage (160–200 V), salt concentration (0–2%), solar drying temperature (40–72°C), and loading density (109–190 g) to improve the drying rate (drying time, overall temperature, and final moisture content). The designed ohmic heater reduced the moisture in fish muscles from 348.5% (db) to 260.91% at the first stage of drying under optimum conditions (180 V ohmic voltage and 1% salt concentration) in the time interval of 165–300 s for all experiments, followed by final moisture content, which was reduced to 12.66% (db), and the overall drying rate was improved to 2.73 g/min at the second stage of solar drying during optimum conditions (72°C temperature and 0.672 cm2 load density). The R2 (determination coefficient 0.96–0.94) values, SSE (sum of square error values 0.15–025) values, and MSE (mean square values 1–8.7) were more significant for RSM than ANN. This developed resistance heating apparatus for enhancing fish drying rate and also reduced post‐harvest losses, and it is considered to be a good technology for drying the fish and making a fish powder that can be further used for value‐added product.

Practical Applications

The fish comes readily digestible; on the other hand, extremely spoilable accordingly, and fish cannot be gathered for a longer time below atmosphere circumstance, leading to enormous reap as well as commercial disadvantage. The processing of fish may impede against spoiling before reaching the consumers. Dehydration becomes a more frequent also essential approach to post‐processing conservation. Fish dehydration must be promoted by farmers' stage in addition to micro‐industry scale by way of convenience to frozen food locker. Hybrid or combined drying is an attraction for its nutritive values retention, uniformity of drying, reducing the microbial load, and improving product storage properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop an ohmic device accompanied by solar drying for preservation of Rohu fish muscles under ambient condition.
The effect of COVID‐19 on patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria treated with omalizumab and antihistamines: A cross‐sectional, comparative study
Authors: Bostan Ecem , Zaid Fethi , Karaduman Aysen , Dogan Sibel , Gulseren Duygu , Yalici‐Armagan Basak , Akdogan Neslihan , Ersoy‐Evans Sibel , Elcin Gonca
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as recurrent attacks of urticaria present for more than six weeks. The monoclonal anti‐immunoglobulin E antibody, omalizumab, was approved for the treatment of CSU in patients who remain refractory to H1‐antihistamines. Biologic agents are shown not to increase the risk of COVID‐19 infection in different studies.

Objective

In the present study, we aimed to determine the prevalance of COVID‐19 infection in relation to the age, gender, presence of other comorbidities, and treatment given for CSU.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive cross‐sectional study of 233 patients diagnosed with CSU in a tertiary referral hospital. Demographical data, treatment given for CSU, the presence of COVID‐19‐related symptoms, history of close contact to a person with COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) results were determined via a telephone survey and checked from medical data records.

Results

One hundred sixty patients were female; whereas 73 were male. The mean age was 44.76. Out of 233 patients with chronic urticaria, 125 had symptoms related to COVID‐19 infection. RT‐PCR testing for COVID‐19 was performed in 156 patients. Of 156 patients with COVID‐19 RT‐PCR test, RT‐PCR result was positive in 15 cases.

Conclusions

No statistically significant relationship was found between COVID‐19 RT‐PCR positivity and the type of treatment administered for chronic urticaria when the patients are divided into omalizumab ± oral antihistamines and only oral antihistamines treatment groups (p = 0.150). Omalizumab seems to be safe in the era of COVID‐19.
Focused radiofrequency and ultrasound for face and neck rejuvenation: A retrospective evaluation of 158 patients
Authors: Hugul Huray , Oba Muazzez Cigdem , Kirisci Murat , Kutlubay Zekayi
Published: October 2021

Background

Radiofrequency is a commonly used method to non‐invasively tighten the skin that can be safely applied to any skin type.

Aims

The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the focused radiofrequency and ultrasound hybrid device for face and neck rejuvenation, in terms of improvement of facial wrinkles and jaw sagging.

Methods

A total of 158 patients had undergone four weekly sessions of focused radiofrequency and ultrasound to face and neck area. Photodocumentation was obtained before first visit and two weeks after last visit. An independent, blinded dermatologist evaluated the severity of wrinkles and sagging of seven different anatomical regions on a validated scale of 0–4 (0: no lines/sagging, 1: mild, 2: moderate, 3: severe, 4: very severe) before and after the procedure. Patients rated their satisfaction with the result of the treatment on a scale of 1–5 (1: dissatisfied, 2: poorly satisfied 3: satisfied, 4: very satisfied, 5: perfectly satisfied).

Results

For seven anatomical regions, statistically significant reduction was observed in mean wrinkle/sagging scores (p = < 0.001). Patients were satisfied with the effects of the procedure, with a mean satisfaction score of 4.61 ± 0.55.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that combined focused radiofrequency and ultrasound is an effective and safe method for the rejuvenation of different sub‐areas of the face and neck with high patient satisfaction scores.
Serum and tissue levels of coenzyme Q10 in pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Abdelkader Heba Ahmed , Rashed Laila Ahmed , Assaad Eman , Saleh Marwah Adly
Published: October 2021

Background

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a debilitating autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. It occurs due to the action of autoantibodies against various keratinocyte self‐antigens. Anti‐mitochondrial autoantibodies are detected in patients with PV. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a member of the mitochondrial respiratory chain involved in cellular metabolism, including apoptosis. This study aimed to assess the serum and tissue levels of CoQ10 of patients with PV and healthy controls to determine its relevance to the disease pathogenesis.

Methods

In this case‐control study, 20 patients with PV and 20 healthy controls were included. Blood and skin samples were collected for the measurement of CoQ10 levels using ELISA.

Results

CoQ10 was significantly lower in both serum and tissue of patients with PV compared with controls (p = 0.001). Similar results were found when gender subgroups were separately compared. A significant positive correlation was found between serum and tissue CoQ10 levels in controls (p = 0.019, r = 0.521), but not in patients with PV.

Conclusion

CoQ10 appears to be one of the parameters affected by the autoimmune response in PV, which may contribute to the tissue damage caused by autoantibodies. The absence of a significant correlation between CoQ10 level and disease severity or duration may be caused by the complex pathophysiological process in PV with multiple autoantibodies against different keratinocyte antigens.
Role of thigh circumference in predicting the fetal weight: Comparison with other ultrasound methods—A prospective observational study
Authors: Mohamed Menna‐Allah , Ali Ali El‐Shabrawi , Mohamed Mohamed Sabry , Abd El‐Rahman Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: October 2021

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the addition of fetal thigh circumference (TC) to other ultrasound parameters to predict fetal weight compared to two standard formulae (Hadlock's and Vintzileos methods).

Methods

We conducted this prospective study on pregnant women between November 2018 and September 2019. The actual fetal weight was estimated within 48 h of delivery; then, it was compared to the estimated fetal weight by ultrasound. We used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0 to perform the statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 123 pregnant women, with a mean age of 26.68 (5.24) years and a mean gestational age of 38.78 (0.85) weeks, were included in our study. We detected a significant positive correlation between different ultrasound parameters and actual weight (all p ≤ 0.001). The highest correlation was observed between TC and actual fetal weight (r = 0.685). Regarding both formulae, the correlation coefficient was higher in the Vintzileos formula than the Handlock formula (0.976 vs. 0.823). Our linear regression analysis showed that fetal TC could be an indicator for estimating fetal weight (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the actual weight and the weight estimated by the Hadlock formula (p < 0.001). We detected no statistically significant difference between the estimated TC by ultrasound and the actual TC (p = 0.0602).

Conclusion

Fetal TC can help accurately measure fetal birth weight when incorporated with other fetal parameters. The inclusion of fetal TC assessment in routine ultrasound examination is suggested to improve the birth estimates.
Self‐defining memories—Narrative features in relation to adaptive and maladaptive personality traits (replication and extension of Blagov & Singer, 2004)
Authors: Blagov Pavel S. , Singer Jefferson A. , Oost Kathryn M. , Goodman Joshua A.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Self‐defining memories (SDMs) are units of life‐story analysis, whose features resemble elements from narrative identity’s factorial structure. To bridge narrative‐identity and personality‐trait domains, we conducted a replication and extension of prior research.

Method

We linked four SDM features – affect, specificity, meaning making, and content – to the Big Three trait domains of personality and psychopathology in a small sample that was well‐powered for multilevel modeling (133 participants, 1330 SDMs).

Results

Affect

SDM affect correlated with indices of Positive Emotionality and Negative Emotionality, and narrative themes of contamination were associated with Negative Emotionality.

Specificity

SDM specificity vs. overgenerality related to Constraint and Negative Emotionality indices, lending support to the executive dysfunction and emotional disorder theories of overgeneral autobiographical memory. (Tests of the avoidance thesis of overgeneral memory were inconclusive.)

Meaning making

Explicit meaning making in SDMs reflected adaptive personality. It moderated (or buffered) the link between SDMs’ affect and chronic emotional distress.

Content

The links between SDM content and traits suggest that SDMs reflect personal goals, whose fulfillment or frustration relate to psychological health.

Conclusions

This research serves replication purposes as well as the purpose of connecting two major domains of personality: narrative identity and adaptive and maladaptive traits.
Effects of an intergenerational program on adolescent self‐concept clarity: A pilot study
Authors: Thomas Nicole Maria , Hofer Jan , Kranz Dirk
Published: October 2021

Objective

This pilot study examined the effects of a newly developed intergenerational program on self‐concept clarity (SCC) of adolescent participants.

Method

In 12 encounter groups, 58 secondary school students and 50 nursing home residents shared their life stories and discussed existential questions about life (e.g., important values in life, how to deal with failure and regret). The life story encounter program (LSEP) is based on the dyadic Life Story Interview and was expanded into a group format consisting of ten 90‐min sessions. SCC was measured with the SCC Scale before, shortly after, and three months after the end of the LSEP.

Results

Analyses suggest that adolescent LSEP participants' SCC improved compared to a control group (no LSEP participation). Findings also indicate that increases in SCC were associated with LSEP participants' extraversion and agreeableness.

Conclusions

The LSEP is a promising program for fostering SCC in adolescence. Implications for the application of the LSEP are discussed.
Utilizing high‐fidelity simulation to improve newly licensed pediatric intensive care unit nurses' experiences with end‐of‐life care
Authors: Hillier Maureen M. , DeGrazia Michele , Mott Sandra , Taylor Matthew , Manning Mary J. , O'Brien Mary , Schenkel Sara R. , Cole Alexandra , Hickey Patricia A.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

New pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurses face distinct challenges in transitioning from the protected world of academia to postlicensure clinical practice; one of their greatest challenges is how to support children and their caregivers at the end‐of‐life (EOL). The purpose of this quality improvement project was to create, implement, and assess the efficacy of a high‐fidelity EOL simulation, utilizing the “Debriefing with Good Judgment” debriefing model.

Design and methods

Participants were nurses with 4 years or less of PICU experience from a 404‐bed quaternary care, free‐standing children's hospital in the northeastern United States. Data were collected with the Simulation Effectiveness Tool‐Modified (SET‐M) and the PICU EOL Simulation Evaluation Survey.

Results

Twenty‐four nurses participated; the majority (54%) were 25–29 years of age. The SET‐M results indicate that the EOL simulation was beneficial to their learning and increased nurse confidence in delivering EOL care. Responding to the EOL Simulation Survey, participants rated high levels of confidence with tasks such as utilizing unit and hospital‐based supports, self‐care, ability to listen and support families, and medicating their patients at the EOL.

Practice implications

This high‐fidelity EOL simulation is a robust teaching tool that serves to support the unmet needs of the PICU nurses who care for dying children. Nurse participants had a unique opportunity to practice procedural and communication skills without risk for patient or family harm. Findings from this project can serve to guide curriculum changes at the undergraduate level as well as provide direction for new nurse orientation classes.
Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene and circulating concentrations of neurotransmitters in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Reimann Maria J. , Fredholm Merete , Cremer Signe E. , Christiansen Liselotte B. , Meurs Kathryn M. , Møller Jacob E. , Häggström Jens , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Olsen Lisbeth H.
Published: October 2021

Background

The neurotransmitter serotonin (5‐HT) affects valvular degeneration and dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) exhibit alterations in 5‐HT signaling. In Maltese dogs, 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5‐HT transporter (SERT) gene are suggested to associate with MMVD.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Determine the association of SERT polymorphisms on MMVD severity and serum 5‐HT concentration in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS). Additionally, investigate the association between selected clinical and hematologic variables and serum 5‐HT and assess the correlation between HPLC and ELISA measurements of serum 5‐HT.

Animals

Seventy‐one CKCS (42 females and 29 males; 7.8 [4.7;9.9] years (median [Q1;Q3])) in different MMVD stages.

Methods

This prospective study used TaqMan genotyping assays to assess SERT gene polymorphisms. Neurotransmitter concentrations were assessed by HPLC and ELISA.

Results

TaqMan analyses identified none of the selected SERT polymorphisms in any of the CKCS examined. Serum 5‐HT was associated with platelet count (P < .001) but not MMVD severity, age or medical therapy and did not correlate with serum concentration of the 5‐HT metabolite, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid. The ELISA serum 5‐HT correlated with HPLC measurements (ρ = .87;P < .0001) but was lower (mean difference = −22 ng/mL;P = .02) independent of serum 5‐HT concentration (P = .2).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Selected SERT SNPs associated with MMVD in Maltese dogs were not found in CKCS and only platelet count influenced serum 5‐HT concentration. These SNPs are unlikely to be associated with MMVD pathophysiology or serum 5‐HT concentration in CKCS. HPLC and ELISA serum 5‐HT demonstrated good correlation but ELISA systematically underestimated 5‐HT.
Mesophyll conductance exerts a significant limitation on photosynthesis during light induction
Authors: Liu Tao , Barbour Margaret M. , Yu Dashi , Rao Sen , Song Xin
Published: October 2021

Past studies have established mesophyll diffusion conductance to CO2 (gm) as a variable and significant limitation to plant photosynthesis under steady‐state conditions. However, the role of gm in influencing photosynthesis (A) during the transient period of light induction is largely unknown.

We combined gas exchange measurements with laser‐enabled carbon isotope discrimination measurements to assess gm during photosynthetic induction, using Arabidopsis as the measurement species.

Our measurements revealed three key findings: (1) we found that the rate at which gm approached steady state during induction was not necessarily faster than the induction rate of the carboxylation process, contradictory to what has been suggested in previous studies; (2) gm displayed a strong and consistent coordination with A under both induction and steady‐state settings, hinting that the mechanism driving gm–A coupling does not require physiological stability as a prerequisite; and (3) photosynthetic limitation analysis of our data revealed that when integrated over the entire induction period, the relative limitation of A imposed by gm can be as high as > 35%.

The present study provides the first demonstration of the important role of gm in limiting CO2 assimilation during photosynthetic induction, thereby pointing to a need for more research attention to be devoted to gm in future induction studies.
Oral status and homebound status: A 6‐year bidirectional exploratory prospective cohort study
Authors: Abbas Hazem , Aida Jun , Kiuchi Sakura , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Little is known about the association between oral status and homebound status, and there is a possibility of a bidirectional relationship between them. In this exploratory prospective cohort study, we examined the association between four oral status measurements and being homebound bidirectionally.

Methods

We used 2010–2016 panel data gathered from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. All functionally independent participants aged 65 years or older (n = 26,579) were included in this study. Multiple imputation and Poisson regression were used for analyses. We adjusted for age, sex, education, comorbidity, and depressive symptoms.

Results

In the fully adjusted model, the prevalence ratio (PR) of being homebound at follow‐up was 1.42 for having <20 remaining teeth, 1.28 for having chewing difficulty, 0.99 for having choking experience, and 0.94 for having dry mouth at baseline. Reversely, being homebound at baseline predicted having chewing difficulty at follow‐up (PR = 1.17), while no significant association was demonstrated with having <20 teeth (PR = 1.00), choking experience (PR = 1.06), and dry mouth (PR = 1.02).

Conclusion

Chewing difficulty and having <20 remaining teeth predicted homebound status after 6 years. Reversely, homebound status at baseline only predicted having chewing difficulty at follow‐up. These findings may help to determine the oral frailty assessment measures for older people.
A European survey of management approaches in chronic urticaria in children: EAACI pediatric urticaria taskforce
Authors: Tsabouri Sophia , Arasi Stefania , Beken Burcin , Church Martin K. , Alvaro‐Lozano Montserrat , Caffarelli Carlo , Flohr Carsten , Janmohamed Sherief R. , Konstantinou George N. , Lau Susanne , Lefevre Sebastien , Mortz Charlotte G. , Pajno Giovanni , Pite Helena , Rutkowski Krzysztof , Staubach Petra , Van der Poel Lauri‐Ann , Zuberbier Torsten , Leslie Tabi A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Although well described in adults, there are scarce and heterogeneous data on the diagnosis and management of chronic urticaria (CU) in children (0–18 years) throughout Europe. Our aim was to explore country differences and identify the extent to which the EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/WAO guideline recommendations for pediatric urticaria are implemented.

Methods

The EAACI Task Force for pediatric CU disseminated an online clinical survey among EAACI pediatric section members. Members were asked to answer 35 multiple choice questions on current practices in their respective centers.

Results

The survey was sent to 2,773 physicians of whom 358 (13.8%) responded, mainly pediatric allergists (80%) and pediatricians (49.7%), working in 69 countries. For diagnosis, Southern European countries used significantly more routine tests (eg, autoimmune testing, allergological tests, and parasitic investigation) than Northern European countries. Most respondents (60.3%) used a 2nd‐generation antihistamine as first‐line treatment of whom 64.8% updosed as a second line. Omalizumab was used as a second‐line treatment by 1.7% and third line by 20.7% of respondents. Most clinicians (65%) follow EAACI/WAO/GA2LEN/EDF guidelines when diagnosing CU, and only 7.3% follow no specific guidelines. Some clinicians prefer to follow national guidelines (18.4%, mainly Northern European) or the AAAAI practice parameter (1.7%).

Conclusions

Even though most members of the Pediatric Section of EAACI are familiar with the EAACI/WAO/GA2LEN/EDF guidelines, a significant number do not follow them. Also, the large variation in diagnosis and treatment strengthens the need to re‐evaluate, update, and standardize guidelines on the diagnosis and management of CU in children.
Turn Up the Lights, Leave them On and Shine them All Around—Numerical Simulations Point the Way to more Efficient Use of Far‐UVC Lights for the Inactivation of Airborne Coronavirus
Authors: Wood Kenneth , Wood Andrew , Peñaloza Camilo , Eadie Ewan
Published: October 2021

It has been demonstrated in laboratory environments that ultraviolet‐C (UVC) light is effective at inactivating airborne viruses. However, due to multiple parameters, it cannot be assumed that the air inside a room will be efficiently disinfected by commercial germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) systems. This research utilizes numerical simulations of airflow, viral spread, inactivation by UVC and removal by mechanical ventilation in a typical classroom. The viral load in the classroom is compared for conventional upper‐room GUV and the emerging “Far‐UVC.” In our simulated environment, GUV is shown to be effective in both well and poorly ventilated rooms, with greatest benefit in the latter. At current exposure limits, 18 commercial Far‐UVC systems were as effective at reducing viral load as a single upper‐room GUV. Improvements in Far‐UVC irradiation distribution and recently proposed increases to exposure limits would dramatically increase the efficacy of Far‐UVC devices. Modifications to current Far‐UVC devices, which would improve their real‐world efficacy, could be implemented now without requiring legislative change. The prospect of increased safety limits coupled with our suggested technological modifications could usher in a new era of safe and rapid whole room air disinfection in occupied indoor spaces.
Associations of depressive symptoms and perceived social support with addictive use of social media among elderly people in Turkey
Authors: Özbek Melih Gökçek , Karaş Hakan
Published: October 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of addictive use of social media (AUSM) with depressive symptoms, perceived social support and demographic variables among people aged 65 years and older.

Methods

People aged 65 years and older who use social media constituted the study sample. The data were obtained from social networking sites via Google survey link. Bergen social media addiction scale (BSMAS) for determining AUSM, Multidimensional Scale of Social Support for determining social support, Geriatric Depression Scale to identify depressive symptoms and sociodemographic data form were administered to the participants.

Results

The mean age of the sample was 68.86 ± 2.0 years. AUSM showed significant differences depending on gender, marital status, economic status, educational level, settlement, occupation, and time spent in social media (P = 0.00). AUSM had correlations with both sub‐dimensions of perceived social support and depressive symptoms (P < 0.01). In the regression analysis, it was found that the depressive symptoms, social support from family (P = 0.00) and from a significant other (P = 0.001) had significant effects on AUSM.

Conclusions

When evaluating elderly individuals with depressive symptoms, it is important to evaluate these individuals in terms of social media addiction. Interventions to improve social support systems, especially for older people with little perceived social support can help prevent the development of AUSM.
Heterogeneity in returns to agricultural technologies with incomplete diffusion: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Mohammed Sadick , Abdulai Awudu
Published: October 2021

In this study, we employ a dynamic treatment effect approach to analyze heterogeneity in returns to farmers at different stages of adoption of a newly introduced inoculant technology, using a recent survey data of 600 soybean farmers from northern Ghana. Although farmers differ in their returns to adoption of new technologies, many empirical studies often fail to account for this heterogeneity. The empirical results reveal that farmers who are at advanced stages of adoption appear to, on average, more than double their yields and farm net returns, suggesting that the inoculant technology may be a game changer in the fight against extreme poverty in the region, where poverty is endemic and crop yields are persistently below the average potential yield target. Our findings further reveal that extension services as well as efficient input and output markets are key to the adoption process, by influencing knowledge acquisition, adoption, and continued adoption. Our findings also show significant impact heterogeneity at each adoption stage, with the long‐term benefits of the inoculant technology outweighing its short‐term benefits.
Genomic full‐length sequence of the HLA‐B*40:60 allele was identified by full‐length group‐specific sequencing
Authors: An Run , Hu Bin , Jiao Shuxian , Pang Shutao
Published: October 2021

Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐B*40:60 was identified by group‐specific sequencing in a Chinese individual.
Immunohistochemical detection of “ex novo” HLA‐DR in tumor cells determines clinical outcome in laryngeal cancer patients
Authors: Prampolini Chiara , Almadori Giovanni , Bonvissuto Davide , Barba Marta , Giraldi Luca , Boccia Stefania , Paludetti Gaetano , Galli Jacopo , Parolini Ornella , Settimi Stefano , Cadoni Gabriella
Published: October 2021

There are controversial results about the role of “ex novo” HLA‐DR expression by tumor cells and its correlation with the oncological outcomes. Unfortunately, little is known about HLA‐DR expression in laryngeal cancer tumor cells. The main purpose of this retrospective study is to strengthen the usefulness of studying “ex novo” HLA‐DR expression on tumor cells from primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients and investigate its correlation with clinical outcome. We analyzed HLA‐DR expression by immunohistochemical analysis in 56 patients with LSCC. The “ex novo” HLA‐DR expression on laryngeal cancer tumor cells, assessing non‐neoplastic LSCC – adjacent tissue, and the association of HLA‐DR expression (HLA‐DR+) with clinical outcomes were investigated. HLA‐DR+ tumor cells were detected in 18/56 LSCC patients (32.1%). All specimens of non‐neoplastic laryngeal carcinoma‐adjacent tissue resulted HLA‐DR negative (HLA‐DR‐). A statistically significant association was observed between HLA‐DR + and well differentiated tumors (G1) (p<0.001). The Kaplan‐Meier method showed how HLA‐DR+ is significantly associated with both a better disease specific survival (HLA‐DR+=100% vs. HLA‐DR‐=77.4%; p=0.047) and a better relapse free survival (HLA‐DR+=100% vs. HLA‐DR‐=72.3%; p=0.021). Cox regression univariate analysis for death of disease confirmed a higher HR for HLA‐DR absence on the surface of epithelial tumor cell [HR:37.489; 95% CI:0.750‐18730.776; p=0.253] and for high‐grade (G3) tumors [HR:18.601; 95% CI:3.613‐95.764; p<0.0001]. Our results confirm that MHC class II HLA‐DR expression is activated in a sub‐set of LSCC patients. Evaluation of HLA‐DR expression in LSCC could be useful for prognosis and future approaches towards personalized therapy.
3,5‐Diiodothyronine protects against cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion injury in male rats
Authors: Louzada Ruy Andrade , Padron Alvaro Souto , Marques‐Neto Silvio Rodrigues , Maciel Leonardo , Werneck‐de‐Castro João Pedro , Ferreira Andrea Claudia Freitas , Nascimento Jose Hamilton Matheus , Carvalho Denise Pires
Published: October 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

3,5‐Diiodothyronine (3,5‐T2) administration increases resting metabolic rate, prevents or treats liver steatosis in rodent models, and ameliorates insulin resistance: what are its effects on cardiac electrical and contractile properties and autonomic regulation?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Chronic 3,5‐T2 administration has no adverse effects on cardiac function. Remarkably, 3,5‐T2 improves the autonomous control of the rat heart and protects against ischaemia–reperfusion injury.

The use of 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) to treat metabolic diseases has been hindered by potential adverse effects on liver, lipid metabolism and cardiac electrical properties. It is recognized that 3,5‐diiodothyronine (3,5‐T2) administration increases resting metabolic rate, prevents or treats liver steatosis in rodent models and ameliorates insulin resistance, suggesting 3,5‐T2 as a potential therapeutic tool. However, a comprehensive assessment of cardiac electrical and contractile properties has not been made so far. Three‐month‐old Wistar rats were daily administered vehicle, 3,5‐T2 or 3,5‐T2+T4 and no signs of atrial or ventricular arrhythmia were detected in non‐anaesthetized rats during 90 days. Cardiac function was preserved as heart rate, left ventricle diameter and shortening fraction in 3,5‐T2‐treated rats compared to vehicle and 3,5‐T2+T4 groups. Power spectral analysis indicated an amelioration of the heart rate variability only in 3,5‐T2‐treated rats. An increased baroreflex sensitivity at rest was observed in both 3,5‐T2‐treated groups. Finally, 3,5‐T2 Langendorff‐perfused hearts presented a significant recovery of left ventricular function and remarkably smaller infarction area after ischaemia–reperfusion injury. In conclusion, chronic 3,5‐T2 administration ameliorates tonic cardiac autonomic control and confers cardioprotection against ischaemia–reperfusion injury in healthy male rats.
Deficit in knee extension strength following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is explained by a reduced neural drive to the vasti muscles
Authors: Nuccio Stefano , Del Vecchio Alessandro , Casolo Andrea , Labanca Luciana , Rocchi Jacopo Emanuele , Felici Francesco , Macaluso Andrea , Mariani Pier Paolo , Falla Deborah , Farina Dario , Sbriccoli Paola
Published: October 2021

The persistence of quadriceps weakness represents a major concern following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The underlying adaptations occurring in the activity of spinal motoneurons are still unexplored. This study examined the discharge patterns of large populations of motor units (MUs) in the vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis muscles following ACLR. Nine ACLR individuals and 10 controls performed unilateral trapezoidal contractions of the knee extensor muscles at 35%, 50% and 70% of the maximal voluntary isometric force (MVIF). High‐density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) was used to record the myoelectrical activity of the vasti muscles in both limbs. HDsEMG signals were decomposed with a convolutive blind source separation method and MU properties were extracted and compared between sides and groups. The ACLR group showed a lower MVIF on the reconstructed side compared to the contralateral side (28.1%; P < 0.001). This force deficit was accompanied by reduced MU discharge rates (∼21%; P < 0.05), lower absolute MU recruitment and derecruitment thresholds (∼22% and ∼22.5%, respectively; P < 0.05) and lower input–output gain of motoneurons (27.3%; P = 0.009). Deficits in MU discharge rates of the VL and in absolute recruitment and derecruitment thresholds of both vasti MUs were associated with deficits in MVIF (P < 0.05). A strong between‐side correlation was found for MU discharge rates of the VL of ACLR individuals (P < 0.01). There were no significant between‐group differences (P > 0.05). These results indicate that mid‐ to long‐term strength deficits following ACLR may be attributable to a reduced neural drive to vasti muscles, with potential changes in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs.

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Key points

Impaired expression and control of knee extension forces is common after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and is related to high risk of a second injury.

To provide novel insights into the neural basis of this impairment, the discharge patterns of motor units in the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis were investigated during voluntary force contractions.

There was lower knee extensor strength on the reconstructed side with respect to the contralateral side, which was explained by deficits in motor unit discharge rate and an altered motoneuronal input–output gain. Insufficient excitatory inputs to motoneurons and increased inhibitory afferent signals potentially contributed to these alterations.

These results further our understanding of the neural underpinnings of quadriceps weakness following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and can help to develop effective rehabilitation protocols to regain muscle strength and reduce the risk of a second injury.