bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with improved outcomes in the first psychotic episode at a specialized outpatient clinic in northeastern Brazil
Authors: de Fatima Pina de Almeida Isabela , Vilar Aldo Ferreira Castello Branco , Júnior Benjamim Figueiredo Braga Pires , Marques Rodrigo Coelho , Machado Leonardo
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The present study aimed to evaluate data from patients admitted to the first‐episode psychotic (FEP) outpatient clinic at the Hospital of Clinics of the Federal University of Pernambuco from July 2018 to July 2021, seeking to identify factors related to better clinical outcomes.

Methods

This study was conducted using a convenience sample, including all patients between 15 and 65 years of age who were admitted to the FEP outpatient clinic from July 2018 to July 2021. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range for continuous quantitative variables, and absolute number/percentage for qualitative variables. Paired T‐test, a parametric test, was used to compare PANSS scores upon admission and after 6 months. Spearman's correlation test was employed to assess the correlation between duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and treatment response with other variables.

Results

The sample consisted of 85.3% male individuals, with 50% of patients aged between 19 and 30 years, and 82% residing in the metropolitan area of Recife. Seventy percent of patients responded to the treatment implemented by the outpatient clinic, and only 30% required psychiatric hospitalization within 6 months of follow‐up. The majority of patients had a history of psychoactive substance use (82.4%); however, the use of these substances did not impact the prognosis within the analysed sample. The median DUP was 4 weeks, and a shorter DUP was associated with a lower probability of psychiatric hospitalization and a greater treatment response (reduction >50% in PANSS).

Conclusion

A shorter DUP was associated with a lower likelihood of psychiatric hospitalization and a greater treatment response. Furthermore, the specialized early psychosis outpatient clinic itself appears to yield positive outcomes, as 70% of the treated patients exhibited a positive treatment response.
Two decades of patient advocacy
Authors: Baker Mary , Craven Audrey , Galvin Orla , Hawrot Tadeusz , Newton Alistair , Sipido Eveline , Walsh Donna , Jaarsma Joke
Published: May 2024

The European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) brings together European umbrella organizations of pan‐European neurological patient advocacy groups (www.efna.net) and strives to improve the quality of life of people living with neurological conditions and to work towards relieving the immense social and economic burden on patients, carers and society in general. This article provides an overview of EFNA's activities and achievements over the past two decades, the evolution of patient advocacy during those years, and the increased role and impact of the European patient voice in the neurological arena.
The critical role of neuroimaging in hemicrania continua: A systematic review and case series
Authors: Yildiz Goksel Hasna , Bilgin Seyma , Digre Kathleen , Cortez Melissa M. , Ozudogru Seniha N.
Published: May 2024

Background

Hemicrania continua is a primary unilateral headache characterized by ipsilateral parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic features. A key diagnostic criterion is its dramatic response to indomethacin treatment; however, various vascular or structural abnormalities have been reported to cause secondary hemicrania continua, presenting with clinical features similar to those of the primary headache presentation.

Objective

We reviewed the literature to compile secondary hemicrania continua cases, highlighting the importance of imaging during the evaluation. Additionally, we also contributed our three cases to the existing studies.

Methods

We conducted a review of articles from the PubMed and EMBASE databases that described reported cases of secondary hemicrania continua, covering the period from 1993 to 2021. Our review included detailed patient information, signs, and symptoms of hemicrania continua, as well as information on indomethacin usage and headache resolution (if pertinent).

Results

Secondary hemicrania continua can result from a remarkably diverse range of structural and vascular lesions, yet clinical reports on long‐term follow‐up are lacking. Notably, cases may exhibit a classical response to indomethacin, emphasizing the importance of neuroimaging in excluding secondary cases. Our search yielded 41 cases meeting our criteria. We excluded six cases that were not treated with indomethacin or were unresponsive to it. Additionally, we present three cases that highlight the necessity of neuroimaging in evaluating hemicrania continua, along with short‐ and long‐term clinical outcomes following indomethacin and lesion‐directed treatments. Case 1 presented with daily right‐sided headaches and cranial autonomic symptoms. Her pain completely resolved with indomethacin use. Neuroimaging of the brain revealed a laterally directed saccular aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery. Case 2 presented with continuous left‐sided unilateral headaches with superimposed exacerbations. She complained of left‐sided photophobia with a dull sensation in the left ear. Her symptoms decreased after 2 weeks of indomethacin use. Neuroimaging of the head indicated a benign tumor with mass effect into the left lateral medulla and inferior cerebellar peduncle. Case 3 presented with a right side‐locked headache with daily, severe superimposed exacerbations. She had photophobia in the right eye and a right‐sided Horner's syndrome, along with tearing during her exacerbations. Neuroimaging of the brain revealed a pituitary tumor and her pain completely resolved with indomethacin.

Conclusion

Hemicrania continua is a rare headache disorder that can be either primary or secondary. Importantly, response to indomethacin can still occur in secondary hemicrania continua. Thus, neuroimaging should be considered to rule out underlying structural etiology in all cases, regardless of their clinical responsiveness to indomethacin therapy.
Total bile acids levels as a stratification tool for screening portopulmonary hypertension in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Tajima Kazuaki , Miuma Satoshi , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Matsuo Satoshi , Shimakura Akane , Mori Tomotaka , Takahashi Kosuke , Nakao Yasuhiko , Fukushima Masanori , Haraguchi Masafumi , Sasaki Ryu , Ozawa Eisuke , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: May 2024

Aim

Echocardiography is necessary for portopulmonary hypertension diagnosis, and identifying patients with cirrhosis who require it is challenging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the utility of the total bile acid (TBA) levels as a screening tool for identifying patients with decompensated cirrhosis who should undergo echocardiography for portopulmonary hypertension diagnosis.

Methods

We evaluated 135 patients with decompensated cirrhosis who underwent liver transplantation. Subsequently, factors contributing to tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) elevation (≥30 mmHg) were analyzed using preoperative data, including the TBA levels.

Results

The median age of patients was 58 years (61 women), and 45 and 90 patients had Child–Turcotte–Pugh grades of B and C, respectively. The median TRPG level was 21 mmHg, and 17 patients (12.6%) showed TRPG elevation. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated TBA (odds ratio 4.322; p = 0.013) and main pulmonary artery diameter ≥33 mm (odds ratio 4.333; p = 0.016) were significantly associated with TRPG elevation. The TBA cut‐off value (167.7 μmol/L) showed a high diagnostic performance, with 70.6% sensitivity and 64.4% specificity. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) administration increased the TBA levels dose‐dependently. Analysis stratified by UDCA use revealed that in patients not taking UDCA (n = 59), elevated TBA levels and younger age significantly contributed to TRPG elevation. However, in those taking UDCA (n = 76), this contribution disappeared, suggesting that UDCA consumption reduced TBA levels' efficiency in diagnosing TRPG elevation.

Conclusions

The TBA levels may be a potential screening tool for TRPG elevation; however, caution is warranted when interpreting cases treated with UDCA.
Biological evaluation of novel phosphorylated pullulan‐based calcium hydroxide formulations as direct pulp capping materials: An in vivo study on a rat model
Authors: Islam Md Refat Readul , Islam Rafiqul , Liu Yunqing , Toida Yu , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Sano Hidehiko , Ahmed Hany Mohamed Aly , Tomokiyo Atsushi
Published: May 2024

Aim

Calcium hydroxide (CH) has been considered as a direct pulp capping materials (DPC) for the last decades despite having some limitations. Phosphorylate pullulan (PPL) incorporated with CH (CHPPL) is a novel biomaterial that was introduced as a promising DPC material. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the inflammatory response and mineralized tissue formation (MTF) ability of PPL‐based CH formulations on rat molars after DPC.

Methodology

This study consisted of six groups: CH with 1% PPL (CHPPL‐1); 3% PPL (CHPPL‐3); 5% PPL (CHPPL‐5); Dycal and NEX MTA Cement (N‐MTA) as the positive control, and no capping materials (NC). One hundred twenty maxillary first molar cavities were prepared on Wistar rats. After capping, all the cavities were restored with 4‐META/MMA‐TBB resin and pulpal responses were evaluated at days 1, 7, and 28. Kruskal–Wallis followed by Mann–Whitney U‐test was performed with a significance level of 0.05. Immunohistochemical expression of IL‐6, Nestin, and DMP‐1 was observed.

Results

At day 1, CHPPL‐1, N‐MTA, and Dycal exhibited no to mild inflammation, whilst CHPPL‐3, CHPPL‐5, and NC showed mild to moderate inflammation, and the results were significantly different (p < .05). At day 7, mild to moderate inflammation was observed in CHPPL‐1, N‐MTA, and Dycal, whereas CHPPL‐3, CHPPL‐5, and NC exhibited moderate to severe inflammation. Significant differences were observed between CHPPL‐1 and N‐MTA with NC (p < .05), CHPPL‐1 and CHPPL‐3 with CHPPL‐5 and Dycal (p < .05), and CHPPL‐3 with N‐MTA (p < .05). A thin layer of mineralized tissue formation (MTF) was observed in all groups. At day 28, CHPPL‐1, Dycal, and N‐MTA showed no to mild inflammation, whilst CHPPL‐3, CHPPL‐5, and NC exhibited mild to severe inflammation, and statistically significant difference was detected (p < .05). CHPPL‐1, Dycal, and N‐MTA exhibited continuous MTF, whilst CHPPL‐3, CHPPL‐5, and NC had thicker and interrupted MTF. Significant differences were observed between CHPPL‐1, CHPPL‐3, and N‐MTA with NC group (p < .05). Variable expressions of IL‐6, Nestin, and DMP‐1 indicated differences in the materials' impact on odontoblast‐like cell formation and tissue mineralization.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CHPPL‐1 has the potential to minimize pulpal inflammation and promote MTF and had similar efficacy as MTA cement.
Effect of heating processes on bioactive properties, phenolic components and mineral amounts of rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) leaves
Authors: Ahmed Isam Ali Mohamed , AlJuhaimi Fahad , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Uslu Nurhan , Karrar Emad
Published: May 2024

Total carotenoid amounts of rocket samples were established between 120.56 μg g−1 (fresh) and 130.06 μg g−1 (microwave). In addition, total phenol and flavonoid results of rockets dried in microwave and oven were found between 655.53 (oven) and 1790.96 mg GAE/100 g (fresh) to 254.03 (oven) and 1668.83 mg/100 g (fresh), respectively. Also, radical scavenging activities (DPPH and FRAP) of rocket samples were measured between 7.55 (oven) and 25.45 mmol kg−1 (fresh) to 35.59 (oven) and 66.74 mg g−1 (fresh), respectively. Gallic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, catechin and rutin were the main phenolic compounds found in rocket samples. Catechin contents of rockets dried in microwave and oven systems were recorded between 349.60 (oven) and 442.47 mg/100 g (fresh). Gallic acid and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid amounts of rocket samples were monitored between 52.84 (oven) and 952.15 mg/100 g (fresh) to 30.92 (oven) and 282.15 mg/100 g (fresh), respectively. The protein amounts of rockets were determined between 11.00% (microwave) and 11.60% (oven). P and K values of fresh and dried rockets were found between 3148.36 (oven) and 3752.33 mg kg−1 (fresh) to 39 363.75 (microwave) and 36 883.41 mg/kg (fw), respectively. Also, Ca and Mg results of fresh and dried‐rockets were found between 26 739.33 (microwave) and 29 534.48 mg kg−1 (fresh) to 3125.32 (microwave) and 3431.70 mg kg−1 (fresh), respectively. The highest S (14 665.30 mg kg−1) was detected in rocket sample dried in microwave.
Más vale escuchar. La respuesta a la voz de los trabajadores afecta a la voz promotora
Authors: SNOEP‐DELLEMAN Arjuna , AKKERMAN Agnes , SLUITER Roderick , MANEVSKA Katerina
Published: May 2024

En este artículo se estudia la relación entre la voz de los trabajadores individuales (en defensa de sus propios intereses) y su voz promotora (en favor de los intereses de su organización empleadora). Se comprueba la validez de las hipótesis aplicando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales a un conjunto de datos único sobre la conducta de la voz de los trabajadores en los Países Bajos (N = 3 159). Se constata que la respuesta de los supervisores a la voz de los trabajadores tiene un efecto indirecto en la voz promotora, de modo que las experiencias de defensa de los propios intereses de los trabajadores repercuten en su contribución al funcionamiento organizacional.
Thermodynamic descriptions of the CaO–Al2O3 and CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 systems over the whole composition and temperature ranges
Authors: Tan Jing , Shi Chenying , Liu Yuling , Deng Tengfei , Wu Qing , Du Yong
Published: May 2024

The CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 system is a fundamental system in aluminosilicate materials, and its thermodynamic description provides key information for ceramic design, cement production, slag tapping, and geological prediction. However, the existing thermodynamic calculations for the CaO–Al2O3 system show inaccurate heats of formation for the compounds and consequently a decomposition of the CA2 (CaO⋅2Al2O3) phase at a low temperature. Besides, the solid solutions in anorthite and cristobalite have never been considered in the previous thermodynamic assessments for the CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 system. Therefore, thermodynamic reassessments of the CaO–Al2O3 and CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 systems are carried out in the present work using the CALculation of PHAse Diagram method, considering the solid solution in anorthite and cristobalite for the first time. The anorthite and cristobalite phases are modeled based on the individual mechanism of solid solution, with the anorthite described by (Ca+2, Va)1(Al+3, Si+4)2(Si+4)2(O−2)8 and the cristobalite described by (Va, Ca+2)1(Si+4, Al+3)2(O−2)4. The present assessment solves the above issues and provides consistent thermodynamic descriptions for the liquid and solid phases. Based on the established thermodynamic database, a Scheil solidification simulation is carried out for a cement clinker and the variations of mass fractions of the phases as well as the composition of liquid during Scheil cooling are calculated. The present work guides the design of relevant materials and lays an essential foundation for the establishment of the thermodynamic database of multicomponent aluminosilicate materials.
Telephone follow‐up based on artificial intelligence technology among hypertension patients: Reliability study
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Shi Yan , Sui Mengyun , Shen Jing , Chen Chen , Zhang Lin , Zhang Xin , Ren Dongsheng , Wang Yuheng , Yang Qinping , Gao Junling , Cheng Minna
Published: May 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) telephone is reliable for the follow‐up and management of hypertensives. It takes less time and is equivalent to manual follow‐up to a high degree. We conducted a reliability study to evaluate the efficiency of AI telephone follow‐up in the management of hypertension. During May 18 and June 30, 2020, 350 hypertensives managed by the Pengpu Community Health Service Center in Shanghai were recruited for follow‐up, once by AI and once by a human. The second follow‐up was conducted within 3–7 days (mean 5.5 days). The mean length time of two calls were compared by paired t‐test, and Cohen's Kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the reliability of the results between the two follow‐up visits. The mean length time of AI calls was shorter (4.15 min) than that of manual calls (5.24 min, P < .001). The answers related to the symptoms showed moderate to substantial consistency (κ:.465–.624, P < .001), and those related to the complications showed fair consistency (κ:.349, P < .001). In terms of lifestyle, the answer related to smoking showed a very high consistency (κ:.915, P < .001), while those addressing salt consumption, alcohol consumption, and exercise showed moderate to substantial consistency (κ:.402–.645, P < .001). There was moderate consistency in regular usage of medication (κ:.484, P < .001).
Comparative assessment of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin and cannabinoid receptors in the adrenals of hypertensive rats
Authors: Smereczańska Magdalena , Domian Natalia , Lewandowska Alicja , Kasacka Irena
Published: May 2024

Taking into account homeostatic disorders resulting from arterial hypertension and the key importance of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin and endocannabinoids in the functioning of many organs, it was decided to assess the presence and distribution of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin, CB1 and CB2 in the adrenal glands of hypertensive rats of various aetiology. The study was conducted on the adrenal glands of rats with spontaneous and renovascular hypertension. The expression of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin, CB1 and CB2 was detected by immunohistochemistry and real‐time PCR method. The results of the present study revealed both lower gene expression and immunoreactivity of CacyBP/SIP in the adrenal glands of all hypertensive groups compared to the normotensive rats. This study demonstrated a reduction in the immunoreactivity and expression of the β‐catenin, CB1 and CB2 genes in the adrenals of 2K1C rats. While in SHR, the reaction showing β‐catenin and CB1 was very weak or negative, and the expression of CB2 in the adrenal glands of these rats increased. The results of this study show, for the first time, marked differences in the expression of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin and CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the adrenal glands of rats with primary (SHR) and secondary hypertension (2K1C).
Borax affects cellular viability by inducing ER stress in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting SLC12A5
Authors: Hacioglu Ceyhan , Oral Didem
Published: May 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a persistent challenge to conventional therapeutic approaches. SLC12A5 is implicated in an oncogenic capacity and facilitates the progression of cancer. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the inhibitory effects of borax on endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐stress and apoptosis mediated by SLC12A5 in HepG2 cells. Initially, we evaluated the cytotoxic impact of borax on both HL‐7702 and HepG2 cell lines. Subsequently, the effects of borax on cellular morphology and the cell cycle of these lines were examined. Following this, we explored the impact of borax treatment on the mRNA and protein expression levels of SLC12A5, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), glucose‐regulated protein‐78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor‐6 (ATF6), caspase‐3 (CASP3), and cytochrome c (CYC) in these cellular populations. The determined IC50 value of borax for HL‐7702 cells was 40.8 mM, whereas for HepG2 cells, this value was 22.6 mM. The concentrations of IC50 (22.6 mM) and IC75 (45.7 mM) of borax in HepG2 cells did not manifest morphological aberrations in HL‐7702 cells. Conversely, these concentrations in HepG2 cells induced observable morphological and nuclear abnormalities, resulting in cell cycle arrest in the G1/G0 phase. Additionally, the levels of SLC12A5, ATF6, CHOP, GRP78, CASP3, and CYC were elevated in HepG2 cells in comparison to HL‐7702 cells. Moreover, SLC12A5 levels decreased following borax treatment in HepG2 cells, whereas ATF6, CHOP, GRP78, CASP3, and CYC levels exhibited a significant increase. In conclusion, our data highlight the potential therapeutic effects of borax through the regulation of ER stress in HCC by targeting SLC12A5.
National tertiary public hospital performance appraisal: Using FOCUS‐PDCA to improve external quality assessment
Authors: Xie Chunbao , Xiang Yunhui , Lin Qingqing , Luo Jiangrong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To innovatively use the FOCUS‐PDCA quality improvement strategy to establish an external quality assessment (EQA) working group to continuously improve EQA performance, an important indicator of the national tertiary public hospital performance appraisal.

Methods

The project was carried out at the National Center for Clinical Laboratories. Using FOCUS‐PDCA, which combines problem‐focused steps (FOCUS) and improvement steps (PDCA), a project team was established to carry out improvement work. Root cause analysis was carried out to analyze the problems in quality control from EQA project application to results analysis and an improvement plan was implemented according to the steps of FOCUS‐PDCA. The project was executed in three cycles from 2019 to 2021 to obtain more satisfactory results.

Results

After implementing three cycles of FOCUS‐PDCA, the EQA participation rate increased from 66.5% in 2018 to 100% in 2021, and the EQA pass rate increased from 94.9% in 2018 to 99.3% in 2021. Consequently, the hospital moved into the top 50 in performance assessment for the first time in 2020 and ranked 27th in 2021.

Conclusion

The use of the FOCUS‐PDCA quality improvement strategy can improve the EQA performance of national tertiary public hospitals and help them achieve satisfactory results in the national examination.
Challenges and solutions of conducting dementia clinical trials: A palliative care at home pilot for persons with dementia
Authors: Estrada Leah V. , Gelfman Laura , Zhang Meng , Espino Christian , Goldstein Nathan
Published: May 2024

Background

Recruitment and retention are common challenges in clinical trials, particularly with older adults and their caregivers who often benefit from palliative care but have significant strain from caregiving. In recent years, there has been an expansion in home‐based palliative care programs, especially for patients with dementia. Because these programs often rely on physicians or advanced practice nurses, they are quite costly and may be difficult to staff due to workforce shortages.

Methods

We created a novel program of home‐based palliative care for patients with advanced dementia and their families, which centers around a community health worker, a social worker, and a nurse. We report on challenges our trial encountered and corresponding solutions.

Results

We enrolled 30 patients and their 30 caregivers in our pilot trial of home‐based palliative care. We found two significant barriers to enrollment: (1) the electronic health record was insufficient to determine the severity of patients' dementia; and (2) rates of follow‐up survey completion were low, with completion rates at 6 months between 14 and 44%. We created an iterative training process to determine dementia severity from electronic health records and applied person‐centered approaches to improve survey completion.

Conclusions

Electronic health records are not set up to include discrete fields for dementia severity, which makes enrollment of older adults with dementia in a clinical trial challenging. The strain of caring for a loved one with advanced dementia may also make participation in health‐services research difficult for patients and their families. Novel approaches have the potential to counteract these challenges, improve recruitment and retention, and ultimately improve care for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Natural variation in MORE GRAINS 1 regulates grain number and grain weight in rice
Authors: Han Yingchun , Hu Qianfeng , Gong Nuo , Yan Huimin , Khan Najeeb Ullah , Du Yanxiu , Sun Hongzheng , Zhao Quanzhi , Peng Wanxi , Li Zichao , Zhang Zhanying , Li Junzhou
Published: May 2024

Grain yield is determined mainly by grain number and grain weight. In this study, we identified and characterized MORE GRAINS1 (MOG1), a gene associated with grain number and grain weight in rice (Oryza sativa L.), through map‐based cloning. Overexpression of MOG1 increased grain yield by 18.6%–22.3% under field conditions. We determined that MOG1, a bHLH transcription factor, interacts with OsbHLH107 and directly activates the expression of LONELY GUY (LOG), which encodes a cytokinin‐activating enzyme and the cell expansion gene EXPANSIN‐LIKE1 (EXPLA1), positively regulating grain number per panicle and grain weight. Natural variations in the promoter and coding regions of MOG1 between Hap‐LNW and Hap‐HNW alleles resulted in changes in MOG1 expression level and transcriptional activation, leading to functional differences. Haplotype analysis revealed that Hap‐HNW, which results in a greater number and heavier grains, has undergone strong selection but has been poorly utilized in modern lowland rice breeding. In summary, the MOG1–OsbHLH107 complex activates LOG and EXPLA1 expression to promote cell expansion and division of young panicles through the cytokinin pathway, thereby increasing grain number and grain weight. These findings suggest that Hap‐HNW could be used in strategies to breed high‐yielding temperate japonica lowland rice.
Leading Stressors and Coping Strategies Associated With Maternal Physical and Mental Health During the Extended Postpartum Period
Authors: Walker Lorraine O. , Murry Nicole , Becker Heather , Li Yang
Published: May 2024

Introduction

A critical gap exists in understanding stressors and coping that affect women's health beyond 6 weeks postpartum. Using new stressor and coping scales tailored to postpartum women, we examined the relationship of postpartum‐specific stressors and coping to women's physical and mental health between 2 to 22 months after childbirth.

Methods

A total of 361 women of diverse race, ethnicity, and functional abilities recruited through clinical and online methods completed online surveys that included Sources of Stress‐Revised subscales, such as overload, changes after pregnancy, and low support resources; Postpartum Coping Scale subscales, such as self‐regulation, self‐care, and health promotion; Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health, covering physical and mental health dimensions; and social demographic items. Analyses included hierarchical linear regression models adjusted for social factors.

Results

Education and employment were the only social factors associated with physical and mental health, respectively. After adjusting for social factors, overload (P < .001) and coping through health promotion (P = .020) were the only additional variables associated with physical health. After adjusting for social factors, overload (P < .001) and low support resources (P = .002) and coping through self‐care (P = .036) were the only additional variables associated with mental health. Thus, being overloaded was the key stressor associated with decreases in physical and mental health. Health promotion was associated with increases in physical health, and self‐care was associated with increases in mental health.

Discussion

These findings point to directions for health care and community interventions to promote health for postpartum women under stress. Strengths of our study include application of stress and coping scales tailored to postpartum women, whereas a limitation is use of a cross‐sectional design.
Correction of age‐related changes in the skin at the dermal and subdermal level using radiofrequency macroneedling therapy
Authors: Flegontova Elena , Kreindel Michael , Vranis Neil M. , Mulholland R. Stephen
Published: May 2024

Background

The negative effects of skin aging are primarily related to the destruction of dermal architectural structure. More specifically, this includes changes in the spatial arrangement of collagen, elastin fibers, mucopolysaccharides, proteoglycans, and ground substances.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to investigate the histologic effects of dermal and subdermal tissue after a controlled single treatment with radiofrequency (RF) macroneedling. This therapy provides a controlled, localized, thermal effect on the dermis whereby triggering the body's own healing processes of extracellular matrix remodeling. Clinically benefits include skin tightening.

Methods

Biopsies were obtained for histologic evaluation from four patients (n = 4), 4 weeks after completing a single RF macroneedling facial treatment.

Results

Age‐related changes of the dermal and subdermal architecture were observed at baseline. After treatment, all biopsies demonstrated an increase in epidermal cells, collagen, elastin, fibroblasts, vasculature, and a decrease in inflammatory cells.

Conclusions

The results of this histologic study confirm a significant “subsurfacing” thermal effect from the noncoagulative ascendant thermal injury. The obtained results characterize RF macroneedling therapy as an effective method for correcting age‐related changes in facial skin.
Use of neurofilament light chain to identify structural brain diseases in dogs
Authors: Sung Jookyung , Chae Yeon , Yun Taesik , Koo Yoonhoi , Lee Dohee , Kim Hakhyun , Yang Mhan‐Pyo , Kang Byeong‐Teck
Published: May 2024

Background

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is released into the peripheral circulation by damaged axons.

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum NfL concentration in dogs with intracranial diseases.

Animals

Study included 37 healthy dogs, 31 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE), 45 dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE), 20 dogs with hydrocephalus, and 19 dogs with brain tumors.

Methods

Cohort study. Serum NfL concentrations were measured in all dogs using single‐molecule array technology.

Results

Serum NfL concentration in dogs with each structural disease was significantly higher than in healthy dogs and dogs with IE (P = .01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of NfL for differentiating between dogs with structural diseases and IE was 0.868. An optimal cutoff value of the NfL 27.10 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 86.67% and a specificity of 74.19% to differentiate the dogs with IE from those with structural brain diseases. There were significant correlations between NfL concentrations and lesion size: (1) MUE, P = .01, r = 0.429; (2) hydrocephalus, P = .01, r = 0.563.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Serum NfL could be a useful biomarker for distinguishing IE from structural diseases in dogs and predicting the lesion sizes of MUE and hydrocephalus.
Rules, organizations, and the institutional origins of the great productivity revolution
Authors: Wallis John Joseph
Published: May 2024

Human productivity began increasing in the mid‐19th century in a group of societies whose institutional structures simultaneously transformed. This paper develops a general way of thinking about institutional structures and identifies how specific institutional changes that occurred in the mid‐19th century could have caused an increase in productivity across many of the organizations in a society. External rules enforced by one organization but used by other organizations, are central to the argument, as is the emergence of impersonal rules that apply equally to all citizens. The productivity revolution of the late 19th century occurred in an era when a few societies adopted impersonal rules on a broad scale for the first time in human history.
Tripogon salunkhei (Poaceae), a new grass species from Maharashtra state, India
Authors: Gosavi Kumar Vinod Chhotupuri , Madhav Nilesh Appaso , Chandore Arun Nivrutti
Published: May 2024

Tripogon salunkhei sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Sinnar tehsil of Nashik district, Maharashtra state, India. The new species is very distinct among the species of Tripogon Roem. & Schult by all spikelets having two florets. Coloured photographs, distribution, and ecological notes of the new species are provided.
Sequencing methods, functional characterization, prevalence, and penetrance of rare coding mutations in panels of monogenic obesity genes from the leptin‐melanocortin pathway: A systematic review
Authors: Dosda Sonia , Renard Emeline , Meyre David
Published: May 2024

The recent development of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has led to an increase of mutation screening reports of monogenic obesity genes in diverse experimental designs. However, no study to date has summarized their findings. Two reviewers independently conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection databases from inception to September 2022 to identify monogenic non‐syndromic obesity gene screening studies. Of 1051 identified references, 31 were eligible after title and abstract screening and 28 after full‐text reading and risk of bias and quality assessment. Most studies (82%) used NGS methods. The number of genes screened varied from 2 to 12 genes from the leptin‐melanocortin pathway. While all the included studies used in silico tools to assess the functional status of mutations, only 2 performed in vitro tests. The prevalence of carriers of pathogenic/likely pathogenic monogenic mutations is 13.24% on average (heterozygous: 12.31%; homozygous/heterozygous composite: 0.93%). As no study reported the penetrance of pathogenic mutations on obesity, we estimated that homozygous carriers exhibited a complete penetrance (100%) and heterozygous carriers a variable penetrance (3–100%). The review provides an exhaustive description of sequencing methods, functional characterization, prevalence, and penetrance of rare coding mutations in monogenic non‐syndromic obesity genes.
Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Cervical Disc Arthroplasty in Patients with Modic Change
Authors: Deng Yifei , Sheng Xiaqing , Wang Beiyu , Hong Ying , Rong Xing , Ding Chen , Liu Hao
Published: May 2024

Objective

Modic change (MC) is defined as abnormalities observed in the intervertebral disc subchondral and adjacent vertebral endplate subchondral bone changes. Most studies on MC were reported in the lumbar spine and associated with lower back pain. However, MC has been rarely reported in the cervical spine, let alone in those who underwent cervical disc replacement (CDR). This study aimed to focus on MC in the cervical spine and reveal clinical and radiological parameters, especially heterotopic ossification (HO), for patients who underwent CDR. Furthermore, we illustrated the association between MC and HO.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent CDA from January 2008 to December 2019. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Radiological evaluations were used to conclude the cervical alignment (CL) and range of motion (ROM) of C2‐7, functional spinal unit angle (FSUA), shell angle (SA), FSU height, and HO. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify the risk factors for HO. The Kaplan–Meier (K‐M) method was used to analyze potential risk factors, and multivariate Cox regression was used to identify independent risk factors.

Results

A total of 139 patients were evaluated, with a mean follow‐up time of 46.53 ± 26.60 months. Forty‐nine patients were assigned to the MC group and 90 to the non‐MC group. The incidence of MC was 35.3%, with type 2 being the most common. Clinical outcomes (JOA, NDI, VAS) showed no significant difference between the two groups. The differences in C2‐7 ROM between the two groups were not significant, while the differences in SA ROM and FSUA ROM were significantly higher in the non‐MC than in the MC group (p < 0.05). Besides, FSU height in MC group was significantly lower than that in non‐MC group. Parameters concerning CL, including C2‐7, FSUA, SA, were not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of HO and high‐grade HO, respectively, in the MC group was 83.7% and 30.6%, while that in the non‐MC group was 53.3% and 2.2%, and such differences were significant (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses and Cox regression showed that MC and involved level were significantly associated with HO occurrence (p < 0.05). No implant migration and secondary surgery were observed.

Conclusion

MC mainly affected the incidence of HO. Preoperative MC was significantly associated with HO formation after CDR and should be identified as a potential risk factor for HO. Rigorous criteria for MC should be taken into consideration when selecting appropriate candidates for CDR.
Tea green leafhopper infestations affect tea plant growth by altering the synthesis of brassinolide
Authors: Gu Dachuan , Wu Shuhua , Wang Yuxin , Yang Yuhua , Chen Jiaming , Mao Kaiquan , Liao Yinyin , Li Jianlong , Zeng Lanting , Yang Ziyin
Published: May 2024

Tea green leafhoppers are insects widely distributed in major tea‐growing areas. At present, less attention has been paid to the study on effect of tea green leafhopper infestation on tea growth phenotype. In this study, tea green leafhoppers were used to treat tea branches in laboratory and co‐treated with brassinolide (BL), the highest bioactivity of brassinosteroids (BRs), in tea garden. The results showed that the expression of genes related to BRs synthesis was inhibited and BL content was reduced in tea shoots after infestation by tea green leafhoppers. In addition, area of each leaf position, length and diameter of internodes, and the biomass of the tender shoots of tea plant were decreased after infestation by tea green leafhoppers. The number of trichomes, leaf thickness, palisade tissue thickness and cuticle thickness of tea shoots were increased after tea green leafhoppers infestation. BL spraying could partially recover the phenotypic changes of tea branches caused by tea green leafhoppers infestation. Further studies showed that tea green leafhoppers infestation may regulate the expression of CsDWF4 (a key gene for BL synthesis) through transcription factors CsFP1 and CsTCP1a, which finally affect the BL content. Moreover, BL was applied to inhibit the tea green leafhoppers infestation on tea shoots. In conclusion, our study revealed the effect of plant hormone BL‐mediated tea green leafhoppers infestation on the growth phenotype of tea plants.
Essential principles for blood centrifugation
Authors: Quirynen Marc , Siawasch Sayed Ahmad Manoetjer , Yu Jize , Miron Richard J.
Published: May 2024

Currently, autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) are frequently used for soft‐ and hard‐tissue regeneration, not only within the oral cavity, but also extra‐orally including chronic wounds, burns, joints, dermatological conditions, among others. The benefits of APCs are largely influenced by the treatment strategy but also their preparation. This paper therefore discusses in detail: the physical properties of blood cells, the basic principles of blood centrifugation, the impact of the centrifugation protocol (rotations/revolutions per minute, g‐force, variation between centrifuges), the importance of timing during the preparation of APCs, the impact of the inner surface of the blood tubes, the use/nonuse of anticoagulants within APC tubes, the impact of the patient's hematocrit, age, and gender, as well as the important requirements for an optimal centrifugation protocol. All these variables indeed have a significant impact on the clinical outcome of APCs.
High variability in self‐pay pricing for vasectomy and vasectomy reversal in the United States
Authors: Brant Aaron , Lewicki Patrick , Zhu Alec , Rhodes Stephen , Arenas‐Gallo Camilo , Shoag Jonathan E. , Schlegel Peter N. , Halpern Joshua
Published: May 2024

Context

In the United States (US) men who undergo vasectomy and/or vasectomy reversal (vasovasotomy) are likely to pay out‐of‐pocket for these procedures. We characterized the publicly disclosed pricing of both procedures with a focus on variability in self‐pay prices.

Methods

We queried all US hospitals for publicly disclosed prices of vasectomy and vasovasotomy. We assessed interhospital variability in self‐pay pricing and compared hospitals charging high (≥75th percentile) and low (≤25th percentile) self‐pay prices for either procedure. We also examined trends in pricing after the 2022 US Supreme Court decision that allowed individual states to ban abortion.

Results

Of 6692 hospitals, 1375 (20.5%) and 281 (4.2%) disclosed self‐pay prices for vasectomy and vasovasotomy, respectively. There was a 17‐fold difference between the 10th and 90th percentile self‐pay prices for vasectomy ($421–$7147) and a 39‐fold difference for vasovasotomy ($446–$17,249). Compared with hospitals charging low (≤25th percentile) self‐pay prices for vasectomy or vasovasotomy, hospitals charging high (≥75th percentile) prices were larger (median 150 vs. 59 beds, p < 0.001) and more likely to be for‐profit (31.2% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001), academic‐affiliated (52.7% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001), and located in an urban zip code (70.1% vs. 41.3%, p < 0.001). From October 2022 to April 2023, the median self‐pay price of vasectomy increased by 10% (from $1667 to $1832) while the median self‐pay price of vasovasotomy decreased by 16% (from $3309 to $2786).

Conclusion

We found large variability in self‐pay pricing for vasectomy and vasectomy reversal, which may serve as a barrier to the accessibility of male reproductive care.
The risk paradox: Exploring asymmetric nexus between climate policy uncertainty and renewable energy technology budgets
Authors: Zhou Ming , Wang Junkai , Ullah Muhammad Imdad , Ali Sajid
Published: May 2024

The ups and downs of climate policy uncertainty (CPU) cast a captivating shadow over the budgets allocated to renewable energy (RE) technologies, where strategic choices and risk assessment will determine the course of our green environmental revolution. The main intention of this investigation is to scrutinize the effect of CPU on the RE technology budgets (RETBs) in the top 10 countries with the highest RE research and development budgets (the USA, China, South Korea, India, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Australia, and Italy). Although former researchers have typically employed panel data tools to contemplate the connection between CPU and RE technology, they repeatedly ignored variations in this connection throughout different economies. In contrast, our research adopts a unique approach, “quantile‐on‐quantile,” to check this association at the country‐to‐country level. This approach offers a comprehensive worldwide perspective while procuring tailor‐made perceptions for individual economies. The outcomes suggest that CPU significantly decreases RETBs across several data quantiles in our sample nations. In addition, the outcomes underscore that the connections between our variables differ among nations. These outcomes highlight the significance of policymakers implementing thorough appraisals and skillfully governing plans relevant to CPU and RETBs.
Migration and controls of Shenhu submarine canyons in the upper continental slope of northern South China Sea: Insights from three‐dimensional seismic data mapping
Authors: Huang Ke , Zhong Guangfa , He Min , Zhu Weilin , Wu Zhe
Published: May 2024

Submarine canyons, prominent features on continental margins, hold significant scientific and engineering implications. Despite extensive research on various types of submarine canyons, current understanding of those canyons developed on the upper continental slope, recognized as the most common type globally, remains limited. The Shenhu Canyons on the upper continental slope of the northern South China Sea, comprising over 19 subparallel features persistently developed from the Late Miocene to Quaternary, offer an excellent opportunity for in‐depth study. Previous assumptions suggested a unidirectional eastward migration of these canyons parallel to the host margin, primarily based on observations from two‐dimensional transverse seismic profiles. However, this study's analysis using three‐dimensional seismic data mapping reveals that not all canyons have migrated eastward; 28% display an opposite or a zigzag patterned migration, challenging previous assumptions. The eastward migration of the Shenhu Canyons on the eastern slope of the palaeo‐Pearl River shelf‐edge delta can be linked to the south‐east–southward progradation of the host margin and the palaeo‐shelf‐edge delta. However, the overall eastward migration pattern is complicated by submarine landslides and turbidity current processes. Landslides can influence the direction and magnitude of canyon migration through four mechanisms: turbidity current diversion; retrogressive development of canyon‐wall landslides; retrogressive landslides on surrounding open slopes; and emplacement of landslides in canyon thalwegs. These mechanisms may result in widening, bifurcation, confluence or obstruction of canyons, contributing to canyon migration. Erosion by turbidity currents can trigger canyon‐wall failures, which in turn promote the lateral migration of the canyons. If overspilled turbidity currents lead to the growth of levées in the lower reaches, canyon confinement increases, suppressing lateral migration. The inherited high‐gradient Palaeogene syn‐rift tectonic slope, combined with the depositional delta‐front slope of the palaeo‐shelf‐edge delta, creates favourable conditions for the initiation and persistent development of the straight Shenhu Canyons. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics and factors influencing the migration of upper continental slope submarine canyons.
Perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness as mediators of the relation between anxiety and suicidal ideation among adolescents
Authors: Seibel Lauren , Harris Katherine M. , López Roberto , Wolff Jennifer , Spirito Anthony , Esposito‐Smythers Christianne
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Anxiety and suicidal ideation have been shown to be positively related in adolescents. However, less is known about the strength of this association across different types of anxiety or the mechanisms through which this relation exists. Joiner's interpersonal theory of suicide suggests that thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) lead to suicidal ideation; these constructs may explain a pathway through which anxiety and suicidal ideation are related. It was hypothesized that TB would mediate the relation between social anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms and suicidal ideation, and PB would mediate the relation between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and suicidal ideation.

Methods

These longitudinal mediation models were assessed using data collected from 147 depressed adolescents, who were recently hospitalized for suicidal ideation or behavior, enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Results

Consistent with study hypotheses, PB mediated the relation between GAD symptoms and suicidal ideation severity. However, TB did not mediate the relation between SAD symptoms and suicidal ideation severity.

Conclusion

These results suggest that screening for and addressing PB among youth with GAD may help reduce risk for suicidal behavior.
Growth of products of subsets in finite simple groups
Authors: Dona Daniele , Maróti Attila , Pyber László
Published: May 2024

We prove that the product of a subset and a normal subset inside any finite simple non‐abelian group grows rapidly. More precisely, if and are two subsets with normal and neither of them is too large inside , then where can be taken arbitrarily small. This is a somewhat surprising strengthening of a theorem of Liebeck, Schul, and Shalev.