bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐processed vegan foods: Healthy alternatives to animal‐source foods or avoidable junk?
Authors: Estévez Mario , Arjona A. , Sánchez‐Terrón G. , Molina‐Infante J. , Martínez R.
Published: October 2024

Animal‐source foods (ASFs), namely, meat, milk, eggs, and derived products, are crucial components of a well‐balanced diet owing to their contribution with multiple essential nutrients. The benefits of the consumption of ASFs in terms of hedonic responses, emotional well‐being, and mood are also widely documented. However, an increasing share of consumers decide to exclude ASFs from their diets. Some of these vegan consumers are inclined to consume so‐called “meat” and/or “dairy analogs,” which are produced from plant materials (soy, wheat, and oat, among others). In order to simulate appearance, texture, and flavor of ASFs, these industrial vegan foods are designed using an intricate formulation and industrial processing, which justifies their identification as ultraprocessed foods (UPFs). While the introduction of these processed vegan products is becoming popular in developed countries, the consequences of the sustained intake of these products on human health are mostly ignored. Contrarily to common belief, which emphasizes their role as “healthy” alternatives to ASFs, these plant‐based UPFs may enclose certain threats, which are reviewed in the present paper. The remarkable differences between vegan UPFs and the genuine ASFs (meat/dairy products) from sensory, nutritional, hedonic, or health perspectives precludes the designation of the former as analogs of the latter. Understanding the basis of these differences would contribute to (i) providing consumers with grounds to make reasoned decisions to consume meat/dairy products and/or the vegan alternatives and (ii) providing food companies with strategies to produce more appealing, nutritive, and healthy industrially processed vegan products.
Bidirectional associations between sleep and cannabis and alcohol (co‐)use in daily life
Authors: Wycoff Andrea M. , Miller Mary Beth , Trull Timothy J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Poor sleep is common in the context of cannabis use, but experimental and daily‐life studies provide mixed evidence for whether cannabis use helps or disturbs same‐night sleep. Despite a high prevalence of co‐use of alcohol and cannabis, most studies of cannabis use and sleep do not consider alcohol use. We sought to add to this literature by examining associations between cannabis and sleep in the context of alcohol co‐use and to examine these associations bidirectionally using ecological momentary assessment.

Methods

Participants were 88 adults reporting cannabis use at least 3×/week and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use at least 2×/week. For 14 days, participants completed morning surveys assessing hours slept and perceived sleep quality from the night before. In morning surveys, random surveys, and substance‐specific surveys, participants also reported on alcohol and cannabis craving, use, and amounts.

Results

Primary results from multilevel models demonstrated that cannabis use was not independently associated with sleep (duration or quality). However, cannabis use attenuated alcohol's negative effects on sleep quality.

Conclusions

Results question the utility of cannabis use to improve sleep but highlight the attenuated negative effects of alcohol as a potential reinforcer of alcohol‐cannabis co‐use. Future work should continue to consider polysubstance use and integrate additional self‐report and objective measures of sleep health to further clarify how cannabis use affects sleep.
The risk of diabetes and HbA1c deterioration during antipsychotic drug treatment: A Danish two‐cohort study among patients with first‐episode schizophrenia
Authors: Madsen Nanna M. , Sørensen Marc A. , Danielsen Andreas A. , Højlund Mikkel , Rohde Christopher , Köhler‐Forsberg Ole
Published: October 2024

Background

Antipsychotics increase the risk of developing diabetes, but clinical trials are not generalizable with short follow‐up, while observational studies often lack important information, particularly hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

Methods

We followed two Danish cohorts with schizophrenia. First, using Danish nationwide registers, we identified all individuals diagnosed with first‐episode schizophrenia (FES) between 1999 and 2019 (n = 31,856). Exposure was a redeemed prescription for an antipsychotic, and the outcome was diabetes, defined via hospital‐based diagnosis and redeemed prescriptions for glucose‐lowering drugs. Adjusted Cox regression calculated hazard rate ratios (HRR). Second, using data from the Central Denmark Region, we identified all individuals diagnosed with FES from October 2016 to September 2022 (n = 2671). Using a within‐subject design, we analyzed the change in HbA1c during the 2 years after initiation of specific antipsychotics compared to the 2 years before.

Results

In the nationwide cohort, 2543 (8.0%) individuals developed diabetes (incidence rate = 9.39 [95% CI = 9.03–9.76] per 1000 person‐years). Antipsychotics, compared to periods without, were associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes (HRR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.75–2.38). We found a dose–response association, particularly for second‐generation antipsychotics, and different risk rates for specific antipsychotics. In the Central Denmark Region cohort, a total of 9.2% developed diabetes but mean HbA1c levels remained stable at 37 mmol/mol during the 2 years after initiation of antipsychotic medication.

Conclusion

This comprehensive real‐world two‐cohort study emphasizes that diabetes affects almost 10% of patients with FES. Antipsychotics increase this risk, while HbA1c deterioration requires longer treatment. These findings are important for clinicians and young patients with FES.
The glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and other endocrine responses to alcohol ingestion in women with versus without metabolic surgery
Authors: Molina‐Castro Mariel , Seyedsadjadi Neda , Nieto Danisa , Leggio Lorenzo , Rowitz Blair , Pepino Marta Yanina
Published: October 2024

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)‐based therapies, effective in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, hold potential for reducing alcohol‐seeking behaviour. However, the understanding of how alcohol consumption affects endogenous GLP‐1 responses—important for understanding GLP‐1‐based therapies' potential in addressing alcohol misuse—is limited, given the absence of placebo‐controlled studies examining these effects. This study aimed to determine the acute effects of alcohol ingestion on GLP‐1 and other peptides and evaluate whether metabolic surgery, which increases GLP‐1 responses, blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) and alcohol misuse risk, influences this effect. Additionally, we assessed the acute effects of alcohol on plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. Using a placebo‐controlled crossover study, we examined hormonal and glucose responses after oral alcohol consumption (0.5 g/kg of fat‐free mass) versus placebo drinks in 18 women who underwent metabolic surgery <5 years ago and in 14 non‐operated controls (equivalent in age, body mass index [BMI], race and alcohol consumption patterns). Women had a mean (SD) age of 41 (10) years and a BMI of 33 (5) kg/m2. Compared with the control group, the surgery group exhibited a higher peak BAC (0.99 [0.20] g/L vs. 0.75 [0.16] g/L; P < 0.005). Alcohol decreased GLP‐1 by 34% (95% CI, 16%–52%) in both groups and decreased ghrelin more in the control (27%) than in the surgery group (13%). Alcohol modestly decreased plasma glucose and transiently increased insulin secretion in both groups (P < 0.05). However, alcohol lowered blood glucose concentrations to the hypoglycaemic range in 28% of the women in the surgery group versus none in the control group. These findings provide compelling evidence that acute alcohol consumption decreases GLP‐1, a satiation signal, elucidating alcohol's ‘apéritif’ effect. This study also highlights the potential increase in alcohol‐related hypoglycaemic effects after metabolic surgery.
Genetic analyses of a large consanguineous south Indian family reveal novel variants in NAGPA and four hitherto unreported genes in developmental stuttering
Authors: Nandhini Devi G. , Yadav Navneesh , Jayashankaran Chandru , Margret Jeffrey Justin , Krishnamoorthy Mathuravalli , Lakshmi A Sorna , Sundaram Chandralekha Meenakshi , Karthikeyan N. P. , Thelma B. K. , Srisailapathy C. R. Srikumari
Published: October 2024

Background

Developmental stuttering, a multifactorial speech disorder with remarkable rate of spontaneous recovery pose challenges for gene discoveries. Exonic variants in GNPTAB, GNPTG, and NAGPA involved in lysosomal pathway and AP4E1, IFNAR1, and ARMC3‐signaling genes reported till date explain only ∼2.1% – 3.7% of persistent stuttering cases.

Aim

We aimed to identify additional genetic determinants of stuttering in a multiplex family by exome sequencing (n = 27) and further validation on additional extended family members (n = 21).

Materials & Methods

We employed hypothesis‐free and pathway‐based analyses.

Results

A novel heterozygous exonic variant NM_016256.4:c.322G > A in NAGPA with reduced penetrance and predicted pathogenicity segregated with the phenotype in a large subset of the family. Reanalysis to identify additional disease‐causing variant(s) revealed exonic heterozygous variants each in RIMS2 and XYLT1 in severely affected members; and IGF2R variant in a small subset of the family. Furthermore, pathway‐based analysis uncovered NM_022089.4:c.3529G > A in ATP13A2 (PARK9) in affected members; and variants in GNPTAB and GNPTG of minor significance in a few affected members.

Discussion

Genotype–phenotype correlation efforts suggest that the combined effect of gene variants at multiple loci or variants in a single gene in different subsets of the pedigree (genetic heterogeneity) may be contributing to stuttering in this family. More importantly, variants identified in ATP13A2, a Parkinson's disease gene also implicated in lysosomal dysfunction, and RIMS2 suggests for the first time a likely role of dopamine signaling in stuttering.

Conclusion

Screening for these variants in independent stuttering cohorts would be astute.
Civil society alliance building in Hong Kong: The case of preservation movements
Authors: Ortmann Stephan
Published: October 2024

Very little research has focused on types of cooperation between different civil society organizations at the domestic level. This article fills this gap by developing the distinction between organization‐based and society‐based cooperation. Examining Hong Kong's unique political system, the paper highlights both types. The Save Our Country Park Alliance (SOCP) exemplifies organization‐centric collaboration, requiring consensus among diverse NGOs, which can hinder decision‐making. Conversely, the Save Lantau Alliance (SLA) demonstrates society‐centric cooperation with flexible, quick mobilization through core active member organizations and collaboration with pro‐democratic groups. Despite the 2020 National Security Law forcing many liberal organizations to disband, the SLA persists in its efforts to preserve Lantau, though it faces increased challenges in an environment hostile to society‐based activism. This distinction enhances our understanding of civil society alliances in varying political contexts.
Sub‐ and supratherapeutic efavirenz plasma concentrations with risk for HIV therapy failure are mainly genetically explained in Ugandan children: The prospective GENEFA cohort study
Authors: Soeria‐Atmadja Sandra , Amuge Pauline , Nanzigu Sarah , Bbuye Dickson , Eriksen Jaran , Rubin Johanna , Kekitiinwa Adeodata , Obua Celestino , Dahl Marja‐Liisa , Pettersson Bergstrand Madeleine , Pohanka Anton , Gustafsson Lars L. , Navér Lars
Published: October 2024

Aims

Interindividual variations in efavirenz (EFV) plasma concentrations are extensive, but paediatric data on its consequences for viral control are scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the role of genetic variation in achieving therapeutic efavirenz plasma concentrations in a cohort of Ugandan children and the linkage between genetic CYP2B6 variants, EFV plasma variability, viral resistance and viral outcome.

Methods

Ninety‐nine treatment‐naïve children, aged 3–12 years and living with HIV, were followed for 24 weeks after ART initiation assessing mid‐dose efavirenz plasma concentrations, HIV RNA, HIV drug resistance and adherence. Polymorphisms in genes coding for drug‐metabolizing enzymes were genotyped. Efavirenz concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Metabolizer phenotype was predicted from composite genotypes of CYP2B6 (c.516G>T and c.983 T>C). A mixed effects restricted maximum likelihood regression model was used to identify important factors for efavirenz exposure.

Results

Efavirenz plasma concentrations were below the therapeutic interval (1000–4000 mg/mL) in 12–17% and above in 21–24% of measurements. Eight children had persisting subtherapeutic concentrations, five of which failed virologically and three acquired at least one new resistant mutation. Multivariate modelling explained 70% of interindividual variation in plasma concentration, with treatment duration, adherence, CYP2B6c.136A>G, and metabolizer phenotype as independent predictors of EFV concentration. In univariate analysis, metabolizer phenotype explained 50% of interindividual variation.

Conclusions

Metabolizer phenotype explained 50% of interindividual variation in efavirenz plasma concentration. Autoinduction was not confirmed and >33% of the concentrations were outside the therapeutic interval. Subtherapeutic concentrations worsened virological resistance and outcomes. Genotype‐based dosing may help avert both sub‐ and supratherapeutic efavirenz plasma concentrations in Ugandan children.
Late Middle Pleistocene (MIS 11‐6) in Europe – introduction
Authors: Marks Leszek , Gibbard Philip L. , Sanchez Goni Maria‐Fernanda
Published: October 2024

The following collection of contributions presents both unique and synthesized regional evidence that provides considerable clarification regarding this part of the European Quaternary stratigraphical sequence. It is a reliable step forward to overcome an over‐simplistic view, because progress over recent years in many different fields has led to significant advances in our understanding regarding the interactions between environmental processes and climate.
Avoiding the transactional “feel” while getting paid: Affect and relational work in sugar dating
Authors: Lavoie Mongrain Catherine
Published: October 2024

Following Viviana Zelizer's extensive scholarship on the interweaving of money and intimacy, this paper discusses the often overlooked yet critical role of affect in the production of relational work and in the success of relational packages. Drawing from the results of a grounded‐theory‐driven research study on sugar dating, the motions through which affect seeps through and structures negotiations of payments and emotional attachment are explored. The paper discusses the management of feelings as a component of relational work—so that arrangements neither feel too transactional nor too intimate—as well as the role that affect plays in differentiating sugar dating from illicit sexual transactions. It also contributes to the literature on sugar dating and sex work by critically discussing the limits of the commodification of intimate services and affect under a dominant belief system that rejects the possibility of selling “real” intimacy.
Learning to Play Guitar with Robotic Hands
Authors: Luo Chaoyi , Tang Pengbin , Ma Yuqi , Huang Dongjin
Published: October 2024

Playing the guitar is a dexterous human skill that poses significant challenges in computer graphics and robotics due to the precision required in finger positioning and coordination between hands. Current methods often rely on motion capture data to replicate specific guitar playing segments, which restricts the range of performances and demands intricate post‐processing. In this paper, we introduce a novel reinforcement learning model that can play the guitar using robotic hands, without the need for motion capture datasets, from input tablatures. To achieve this, we divide the simulation task for playing guitar into three stages. (a): for an input tablature, we first generate corresponding fingerings that align with human habits. (b): based on the generated fingerings as the guidance, we train a neural network for controlling the fingers of the left hand using deep reinforcement learning, and (c): we generate plucking movements for the right hand based on inverse kinematics according to the tablature. We evaluate our method by employing precision, recall, and F1 scores as quantitative metrics to thoroughly assess its performance in playing musical notes. In addition, we conduct qualitative analysis through user studies to evaluate the visual and auditory effects of guitar performance. The results demonstrate that our model excels in playing most moderately difficult and easier musical pieces, accurately playing nearly all notes.
Long‐term Motion In‐betweening via Keyframe Prediction
Authors: Hong Seokhyeon , Kim Haemin , Cho Kyungmin , Noh Junyong
Published: October 2024

Motion in‐betweening has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the efficiency of motion creation due to its flexibility and time performance. However, previous in‐betweening methods are limited to generating short transitions due to growing pose ambiguity when the number of missing frames increases. This length‐related constraint makes the optimization hard and it further causes another constraint on the target pose, limiting the degrees of freedom for artists to use. In this paper, we introduce a keyframe‐driven approach that effectively solves the pose ambiguity problem, allowing robust in‐betweening performance on various lengths of missing frames. To incorporate keyframe‐driven motion synthesis, we introduce a keyframe score that measures the likelihood of a frame being used as a keyframe as well as an adaptive keyframe selection method that maintains appropriate temporal distances between resulting keyframes. Additionally, we employ phase manifolds to further resolve the pose ambiguity and incorporate trajectory conditions to guide the approximate movement of the character. Comprehensive evaluations, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative analyses, were conducted to compare our method with state‐of‐the‐art in‐betweening approaches across various transition lengths. The code for the paper is available at https://github.com/seokhyeonhong/long-mib
PartwiseMPC: Interactive Control of Contact‐Guided Motions
Authors: Khoshsiyar N. , Gou R. , Zhou T. , Andrews S. , van de Panne M.
Published: October 2024

Physics‐based character motions remain difficult to create and control. We make two contributions towards simpler specification and faster generation of physics‐based control. First, we introduce a novel partwise model predictive control (MPC) method that exploits independent planning for body parts when this proves beneficial, while defaulting to whole‐body motion planning when that proves to be more effective. Second, we introduce a new approach to motion specification, based on specifying an ordered set of contact keyframes. These each specify a small number of pairwise contacts between the body and the environment, and serve as loose specifications of motion strategies. Unlike regular keyframes or traditional trajectory optimization constraints, they are heavily under‐constrained and have flexible timing. We demonstrate a range of challenging contact‐rich motions that can be generated online at interactive rates using this framework. We further show the generalization capabilities of the method.
Reconstruction of implicit surfaces from fluid particles using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Zhao C. , Shinar T. , Schroeder C.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we present a novel network‐based approach for reconstructing signed distance functions from fluid particles. The method uses a weighting kernel to transfer particles to a regular grid, which forms the input to a convolutional neural network. We propose a regression‐based regularization to reduce surface noise without penalizing high‐curvature features. The reconstruction exhibits improved spatial surface smoothness and temporal coherence compared with existing state of the art surface reconstruction methods. The method is insensitive to particle sampling density and robustly handles thin features, isolated particles, and sharp edges.
Using digital mobile games to increase the support for nature conservation
Authors: Veríssimo Diogo , Fiennes Sicily , Dunn Matilda
Published: October 2024

Digital games are an increasingly dominant form of digital entertainment with billions of players globally. While most of these games have a commercial focus, fields like public health and education have seen a growth of “serious games,” which aim to solve real world problems. In the context of biodiversity conservation, mobile games have been controversial, with some raising concerns around the way digital channels risk replacing the very nature they portray, therefore deepening a “nature‐deficit disorder.” We ran a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of the mobile game “Kākāpō Run” on pro‐environmental behaviors amongst a cohort of 200 participants in New Zealand. Kākāpō Run was developed by a UK conservation charity, and aims to increase the support for Kākāpō conservation, as well as to increase pro‐environmental behaviors linked to Kākāpō conservation. Study participants completed a 10‐minute questionnaire before spending 1 hour playing their assigned mobile game over seven days. This was monitored by asking participants to share screenshots of their app usage for the duration of the experiment. After this, all participants re‐took the questionnaire. We found a positive impact across some knowledge and attitudes questions, behavioral intentions linked to willingness to volunteer time and support policies aiming to remove invasive predators, as well as manage pet cats actively. However, we found no change in willingness to donate or actual donations. This research showcases both the potential of mobile games for conservation outreach and marketing, and the importance of rigorous impact evaluation. We call for conservationists engaged in designing and promoting mobile games to approach game design and evaluation in a more research‐centered way to help develop an evidence base around the intended and unintended consequences of game playing. This mainstreaming of gaming science across conservation will be critical to allow mobile games to realize their potential as a leading communication channel.
Metformin continuation post‐metabolic bariatric surgery and relapse of diabetes
Authors: Dicker Dror , Pinto Danna , Reges Orna
Published: October 2024

Aim

To evaluate the association of metformin continuation with relapse of diabetes after metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity who achieved an HbA1c level of less than 6.5%.

Materials and Methods

This observational, retrospective cohort study included Clalit Health Service members aged 24 years or older with obesity and diabetes, who were treated with metformin, underwent MBS during 2005‐2020 and achieved an HbA1c level of less than 6.5% up to 6 months after surgery (index date). Patients who continued metformin treatment (> 2 prescriptions filled, n = 122) after the index date were matched (1:2) on age, sex and HbA1c level at index date and compared with those who stopped treatment (no filled prescriptions, n = 244). The outcome was relapse of diabetes as measured by an HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher (yes/no).

Results

The two matched groups maintained a mean HbA1c level of less than 6.5% during the follow‐up (mean ~ 5 years). An adjusted Cox proportional hazards model revealed no significant association of metformin continuation after MBS with relapse of diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.98‐2.94). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in weight loss and filled prescriptions for other diabetes medications during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Among individuals living with obesity and diabetes who achieved diabetes remission post‐MBS, metformin continuation was not associated with relapse of diabetes. This lack of an association indicates that metformin did not provide an additional benefit for maintaining glycaemic control or weight reduction during an average of 5 years postsurgery.
Diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy: A threat to both limb and life
Authors: Bell David S. H. , Jerkins Terri
Published: October 2024

Diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (DCN), first described in 1936, occurs in less than 1% of diabetic patients, but in those diabetic subjects with distal symmetrical polyneuropathy, the overall incidence increases to 30% and the risk is even greater in those with type 1 diabetes. Factors that precipitate DCN are trauma, ischaemia due to arterio‐venous shunting, increased osteoclastic activity and inflammation. DCN usually presents with a painless swollen foot and/or ankle which is ‘hot to the touch’. These clinical findings are soon followed by characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities and later X‐ray changes. The joints that are most typically involved in chronological order are the tarsometatarsals followed by the naviculocuniform, sub‐tarsal, talonavicular and metatarsal and tarsophalangeal. The cornerstone of therapy is prolonged (3–12 months) offloading with immobilization. Bisphosphonates may possibly accelerate recovery, whereas other unproven possible therapies include rhPTH, 1–34, calcitonin and methylprednisolone, which are not only ineffective but in some cases may also prolong the time to healing. Denosumab is potentially an efficacious, if unproven, therapy to accelerate healing. The risk of amputation is high and increases in the presence of a foot ulcer. DCN is associated with manifestations of autonomic neuropathy, including cardiac denervation, so that the risks of a cardiac event and heart failure are increased with DCN. Mortality is also increased with DCN, especially in the presence of a foot ulcer. To avoid the recurrence of DCN and especially to lower the risk of the recurrence of a foot ulcer recurrence reconstructive, surgery may be needed.
Assessing investment priorities for inclusive agricultural transformation in Tanzania
Authors: Aragie Emerta A. , Benfica Rui , Pauw Karl , Randriamamonjy Josée , Thurlow James
Published: October 2024

Motivation

Policy‐makers dealing with conflicting development goals and constrained budgets must comprehend the relative cost effectiveness of agricultural and rural development initiatives.

Purpose

We assess the impact of alternative interventions on development outcomes—economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and diet quality—to inform decision‐making and resource allocation in Tanzania's agriculture. We analyse trade‐offs among development objectives and explore budget reallocation to enhance the efficiency of public spending.

Approach and methods

We used a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model linked top‐down with microsimulation modules to simulate the impact of public investment options.

Findings

No single option emerges as the most effective across all development objectives. Investments in improved inputs and extension for horticulture and cash crops stand out for diet quality and employment creation. Livestock services show consistently high rankings across multiple objectives. Investments to boost cereals and root crops promote growth and reduce poverty but do little to increase employment and diet quality.

Budget reallocation towards more cost‐effective interventions can significantly enhance the development effectiveness of Tanzania's agricultural expenditures and would substantially increase cumulative gross domestic product growth between 2019 and 2028.

Policy implications

Policy‐makers can use the findings to design and prioritize agricultural interventions that better align with broader development objectives. Tanzania can achieve higher benefits and contribute to overall development goals by reallocating resources towards more cost‐effective expenditure options.
Evolution of the Cdk4/6–Cdkn2 system in invertebrates
Authors: Yuki Shiori , Sasaki Shunsuke , Yamamoto Yuta , Murakami Fumika , Sakata Kazumi , Araki Isato
Published: October 2024

The cell cycle is driven by cyclin‐dependent kinases (Cdks). The decision whether the cell cycle proceeds is made during G1 phase, when Cdk4/6 functions. Cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2 (Cdkn2) is a specific inhibitor of Cdk4/6, and their interaction depends on D84 in Cdkn2 and R24/31 in Cdk4/6. This knowledge is based mainly on studies in mammalian cells. Here, we comprehensively analyzed Cdk4/6 and Cdkn2 in invertebrates and found that Cdk4/6 was present in most of the investigated phyla, but the distribution of Cdkn2 was rather uneven among and within the phyla. The positive charge of R24/R31 in Cdk4/6 was conserved in all analyzed species in phyla with Cdkn2. The presence of Cdkn2 and the conservation of the positive charge were statistically correlated. We also found that Cdkn2 has been tightly linked to Fas associated factor 1 (Faf1) during evolution. We discuss potential interactions between Cdkn2 and Cdk4/6 in evolution and the possible cause of the strong conservation of the microsynteny.
Between Public Guidelines for User Involvement and Ideals About Free Research: Using Collaborative Autoethnography to Explore Researcher Experiences From a User Involvement Process
Authors: Werner Anne , Knutsen Ingrid Ruud , Johannessen Anne‐Kari
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

User participation is a prerequisite for receiving research funding in healthcare in Norway. Despite many positive benefits, studies report challenges from users' and researchers' perspectives. Limited knowledge exists concerning researchers' experiences in scenarios where the users are professionals within healthcare and research. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore and reflect on personal experiences as researchers from a process of planning and developing research questions for a PhD project, following the James Lind Alliance guidelines, which were a requirement for funding. We focused on how the process of collaboration with a specific group of users influenced the researchers' sense of selves.

Design and Method

We used a qualitative design based on collaborative autoethnography, exploring personal experiences from a sociocultural point of view. Two of the three researchers in the team recollected their experiences from the user involvement process while applying the James Lind Alliance guidelines. We used different data sources to develop two autoethnographic narratives. The narratives were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The autoethnographic narratives demonstrate the complexity of user involvement from the researchers' perspectives. We identified four themes in the analysis: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, competing paradigms, hierarchy and dual roles. The accounts illustrated the researchers' ambivalence within the process, indicating that they feared a loss of control over the direction of the research project. The narratives visualised a struggle to appear as credible researchers, illustrating how the involvement of a specific group of users and adherence to a specific guideline for user involvement influenced the researchers' experiences of their roles and identities in the collaboration.

Conclusion

The results point to the relevance of the sociocultural backdrop; researchers might become frontline providers of policy implementation in research, balancing tensions between regulatory constraints, user involvement and researchers' professional identity and research ideals, when a specific, detailed procedure for user involvement is required.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two user panels comprising participants from clinical practice, education and research, along with a service user, collaborated in the planning and development of research questions for a PhD project. This autoethnographic study elaborates this process.
Underactive bladder as defined by the International Continence Society in the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey
Authors: Sekido Noritoshi , Omae Kenji , Kubota Yasue , Mitsui Takahiko , Masumori Naoya , Haga Nobuhiro , Saito Motoaki , Sakakibara Ryuji , Yoshida Mikako , Takahashi Satoru
Published: October 2024

Objective

To investigate the characteristics of underactive bladder (UAB) in participants of the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey (JaCS 2023).

Methods

The JaCS 2023 was conducted among individuals aged 20–99 years old who had anonymously registered with a Japanese online research company. We divided the 6210 participants of JACS 2023 into UAB and non‐UAB groups as defined by the International Continence Society Working Group (ICS‐WG) and evaluated the prevalence of UAB as well as concomitant lower urinary tract symptoms. In addition, an association between UAB and vulnerability‐related factors, namely participants' characteristics including frailty and comorbidities, was explored by univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

The prevalence of UAB in Japanese community‐dwelling men and women aged 20 years or older was 9.3% and 4.0% overall (p < 0.0001), respectively, and when excluding benign prostatic hyperplasia or pelvic organ prolapse, 7.0% and 3.7%, respectively, (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in the prevalence of UAB with age was observed (p < 0.0001). In addition, storage symptoms including overactive bladder were more frequent in the UAB group than the non‐UAB group (p < 0.0001). Frailty and several comorbidities were independently associated with UAB.

Conclusions

According to the definition proposed by the ICS‐WG, the JaCS 2023 demonstrated that UAB was more prevalent in men than in women and increased in prevalence with age. Storage symptoms including overactive bladder sometimes coexisted with UAB. Vulnerability‐related factors were associated with UAB.
How do Japanese patients really feel about losing potency after radical prostatectomy? (MAJI study)
Authors: Kobayashi Ko , Nofuji Seisuke , Okabe Ko , Yorozuya Wakako , Sakai Yasuyuki , Kyoda Yuki , Hashimoto Kohei , Tanaka Toshiaki , Masumori Naoya
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To investigate actual patients' feelings about losing erectile function because of treatment for prostate cancer.

Methods

The study participants were 20 patients who were going to receive robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy without nerve sparing. Before surgery, we interviewed them using an original questionnaire. The questionnaire included inquiries concerning their feelings about losing sexual function, whether they were sad or not, wanted to preserve sexual function, wanted to receive treatment if there were one that would restore sexual function and how much they would be willing to pay to recover their sexual function.

Results

The median age of the participant was 67 years (range 60–73 years). Fourteen patients (70%) were sad about losing their sexual function and 17 (85%) wanted to preserve it if they could. Thirteen patients (65%) wanted to receive treatment that would restore their lost sexual function, and they thought that they would be willing to pay a median of 500 000 yen (range 0–1 000 000 yen) to recover it.

Conclusions

Most of the patients felt sad about losing their potency just before radical prostatectomy without nerve sparing. Although almost all patients wanted to preserve their sexual function if they could, they did not want to spend a great deal of money for it.
A novel anterior approach toward robotic radical prostatectomy is associated with earlier continence recovery than the conventional approach
Authors: Washino Satoshi , Saito Kimitoshi , Yazaki Kai , Miyagawa Tomoaki
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To advance robotic radical prostatectomy, we developed a novel anterior approach that uses a peritoneal incision created between the umbilical ligaments to develop the Retzius space and thus spares vessels that surround the bladder and prostate, with the space being closed after prostatectomy and vesicourethral anastomosis. This approach may improve continence recovery. We investigated continence recovery following the novel anterior approach compared to after the conventional anterior approach.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 516 patients who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy from January 2019 to July 2023. We compared continence recovery following our novel anterior approach (N = 282) to that after conventional anterior approach (N = 234), and we compared the oncological outcomes and safety profiles of the two groups.

Results

Patient demographics did not differ significantly between the two groups. Continence recovery in patients undergoing the novel anterior approach was significantly better than that of patients treated via the conventional approach (hazard ratio: 1.651, 95% confidence interval: 1.325–2.057, p < 0.0001). Use of the novel anterior approach in addition to nerve sparing and preservation of the detrusor apron independently predicted continence, and the mixture of these three techniques afforded excellent continence recovery (1‐ and 2‐year total continence rate of 81.1% and 93.7%). Neither the biochemical recurrence‐free survival nor the complication rate differed significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our novel anterior approach may improve continence recovery compared to the conventional anterior approach, without compromising the oncological outcomes. Prospective comparative studies are necessary to confirm the benefits of this approach.
The correlation between sub‐epidermal moisture assessment and other early indicators of pressure ulcer development: A prospective cohort observational study. Part 2. The correlation between sub‐epidermal moisture assessment, temperature, epidermal hydration and pain
Authors: Wilson Hannah Jane Elizabeth , Patton Declan , Budri Aglecia Moda Vitoriano , Boland Fiona , O'Connor Tom , McDonnell Ciarán Osmond , Rai Himanshu , Moore Zena Elizabeth Helen
Published: October 2024

There is growing interest in the roles of temperature, epidermal hydration (EH) and pain in pressure ulcer (PU) development. Investigating correlations between these measures and sub‐epidermal moisture (SEM) will address this knowledge deficit. A prospective observational study enrolled 60 surgical patients from February to November 2021. SEM, temperature, EH and pain were assessed using a SEM scanner, thermography imaging, skin hydration device and numeric pain intensity scale, respectively. Measurements were taken at the sacrum, both heels and a control site, before and after surgery for 3 days. Data were analysed using Pearson or Spearman's correlation. Of the participants, 50% were male with a mean age of 58 years (±13.46). Low positive/negative correlations between SEM and temperature were found at the sacrum. However, after removing outliers, these results were not statistically significant. Other sites and follow‐up days showed negligible correlations. No evidence of a correlation, to low correlations between SEM and EH were observed, but unreliable due to little variation in EH at the heels. Pain showed negligible correlations with SEM. This study did not find consistent evidence of a correlation between SEM, temperature, EH and pain, highlighting the unreliability of temperature and EH for early PU detection. Post‐operative pain may also confound accurate pain assessments.
A systematic review of the claw toe deformity: What is known and what is needed apart from surgical procedures
Authors: de Jesús Mayagoitia‐Vázquez José , López‐López Daniel , Miguel‐Andrés Israel , Becerro‐de‐Bengoa‐Vallejo Ricardo , Losa‐Iglesias Marta , Gómez‐Salgado Juan , Ortiz‐Lango Luis Ángel
Published: October 2024

The claw toe deformity is a painful condition that mainly affects the adult population. Although there are many different treatments to solve the deformity, there is no optimal procedure to restore the normal foot mechanics. The objective of this review was to identify the technical features of the kinematic evaluation methods used in patients with claw toes. Furthermore, the aim of this review was to clarify what is known and what is needed apart from the surgical procedures to correct the claw toe deformity, with the purpose of reducing risk factors of falling in elderly people. A search in electronic databases, such as Scopus (n = 78), Google Scholar (n = 705) and ScienceDirect (n = 290) was conducted. There were seven articles (43.75%) related to the fixation (arthrodesis) of proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, one article (6.25%) describes the correction of the claw toe through plantar plate tenodesis and release of collateral ligaments, four articles (25%) describe the procedure of tendon transfer, one article (6.25%) describes flexor digitorum brevis tenotomy and a proximal interphalangeal joint arthrolysis, and another article (6.25%) presented the impact of partial phalanx osteotomy to treat the claw toe deformity. In conclusion, the review indicates that there are several studies related to the treatment or correction of claw toe deformity. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the postsurgical effects of treating claw toe condition, especially in the structural mechanics (plantar pressure distribution, stability, gait, foot mechanics and so on) of the foot after the correction of the claw toe deformity. The analysis of the foot mechanics after the correction of the claw toes has to be paramount to determine the benefits of the correction.
Modulations of the skin microbiome in skin disorders: A narrative review from a wound care perspective
Authors: Piazzesi Antonia , Scanu Matteo , Ciprandi Guido , Putignani Lorenza
Published: October 2024

The cutaneous microbiome represents a highly dynamic community of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Scientific evidence, particularly from the last two decades, has revealed that these organisms are far from being inconsequential microscopic hitchhikers on the human body, nor are they all opportunistic pathogens waiting for the chance to penetrate the skin barrier and cause infection. In this review, we will describe how dermatological diseases have been found to be associated with disruptions and imbalances in the skin microbiome and how this new evidence had shaped the diagnosis and clinical practice relating to these disorders. We will identify the microbial agents which have been found to directly exacerbate skin diseases, as well as those which can ameliorate many of the symptoms associated with dermatological disorders. Furthermore, we will discuss the studies which suggest that bacteriotherapy, either by topical use of probiotics or by bacteria‐derived compounds, can rectify skin microbial imbalances, thereby offering a promising alternative to antibiotic treatment and reducing the risks of antibiotic resistance.
A systematic review of procedural treatments for burn scars in children: Evaluating efficacy, safety, standard protocols, average sessions and tolerability based on clinical studies
Authors: Roohaninasab Masoumeh , Najar Nobari Niloufar , Ghassemi Mohammadreza , Behrangi Elham , Jafarzadeh Alireza , Sadeghzadeh‐Bazargan Afsaneh , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: October 2024

Managing burn scars in children presents significant challenges. This study investigates effective treatment methods for burn scars, focusing on efficacy, safety, standard protocols and tolerability. Major databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were thoroughly searched up to August 2024, emphasizing procedural treatments for burn scars in children. Key data collected included participant demographics, sample sizes, intervention methods, follow‐up protocols, treatment effectiveness and reported adverse events. A total of 256 children were assessed, with all procedural treatments yielding satisfactory outcomes. Among the various methods, trapeze‐flap plasty and percutaneous collagen induction showed improvements in all patients. In the laser treatment group, which included 161 children, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score reduction ranged from 55.55% to 76.31%, with outcomes rated as good (24.61%) to excellent (60%). Laser treatment using local anaesthesia proved to be well tolerated by children. Our findings indicate that various methods—including trapeze‐flap plasty, percutaneous collagen induction, phototherapy and fractional CO2 laser—demonstrate a relatively good response and an acceptable safety profile. Notably, light‐based therapies/lasers may serve as safe, effective and tolerable options for scar treatment in this age group, often eliminating the need for general anaesthesia.
A Worked Example of Qualitative Descriptive Design: A Step‐by‐Step Guide for Novice and Early Career Researchers
Authors: Villamin Princess , Lopez Violeta , Thapa Deependra Kaji , Cleary Michelle
Published: October 2024

Aim

To provide a worked example informed by relevant literature and related studies that novice and early career researchers may use to reflect on, prepare and conduct a thoughtful and rigorous qualitative descriptive study.

Design

Methodological discussion of qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Seminal work and recent related literature were reviewed to situate the discussion and identify the concepts and steps to conduct a qualitative descriptive study.

Results

Qualitative descriptive design is widely used in nursing and health science research. This design offers flexible use of qualitative methods, which presents a double‐edged sword, posing challenges in preparing a well‐developed study and achieving methodological rigour. The design often borrows methods from other qualitative traditions, which may need to be clarified for novice and early career researchers, wherein studies may be conducted using a mix and match of methods without giving justice to the heart of qualitative descriptive design. In this paper, we present a step‐by‐step guide, using a worked example, to demonstrate how to conduct a qualitative descriptive study.

Conclusion

Qualitative descriptive design may be confusing due to its flexibility, which may limit the scope of research and subsequently, the quality and impact of the findings. With the appropriate application of research methods producing high‐quality and relevant findings, qualitative descriptive design is a valuable qualitative method in its own right.

Implications for the Profession

Novice and early career researchers may increase the impact of their findings through rigorously conducting their studies. Clarifying steps for thoughtful execution may inform novice and early career researchers, allowing for a rigorous application of the method, which, in turn, may contribute to impactful findings.

Impact

A clear presentation of steps, supported by a worked example and related studies, may support novice and early career researchers in conducting a qualitative descriptive study with methodological rigour.

Reporting Method

Not applicable.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.