bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of primary plantar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A: A retrospective case series of 129 patients
Authors: Tsiogka Aikaterini , Agiasofitou Efthymia , Tsimpidakis Antonios , Kontochristopoulos George , Stratigos Alexander , Gregoriou Stamatios
Published: November 2023

Background/Objectives

To date, scientific data on the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) for primary plantar hyperhidrosis (PPH) are mainly derived from case reports and small case series. Herein, we sought to assess the efficacy and safety of BoNT‐A for PPH on a large series of patients.

Methods

Medical records of patients who were referred to the outpatient department for hyperhidrosis of a tertiary care hospital and received BoNT‐A for PPH from March 2003 until December 2022 were reviewed.

Results

A total of 129 patients [12 males, 117 females; median age 32 years (range, 16–72)] were included in the study, after excluding 24 patients with insufficient documented follow‐up data. Most patients [115 (89.1%)] received onabotulinumtoxin‐A, nine (7.0%) abobotulinumtoxin‐A and five (3.9%) both in subsequent sessions. The mean number of sessions was 2.02 [standard deviation (SD), 2.29] and the mean duration of response 6.16 months (SD, 4.01). The percentage of response, as evaluated by Minor's test, was 71.67%, 63.44%, 47.78% and 34.13% after 1, 3, 6 and 9 months, respectively. Most patients were satisfied (21.7%) or very satisfied (58.9%) with the treatment. No serious side effects were reported.

Conclusions

The results of this retrospective study suggest that BoNT‐A is an effective and safe treatment option for PPH.
The impact of body mass index on labour management and mode of delivery: A retrospective matched cohort study
Authors: Zheng Kan‐feng , Jones Madeleine N. , Mol Ben W. , Rolnik Daniel L.
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study aims to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and mode of delivery, progression of labour, and intrapartum interventions.

Methods

This was a retrospective matched cohort study including Class III obese (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) and normal BMI (BMI <25 kg/m2) women planning a vaginal birth who had a live, singleton delivery from January 2015 to December 2018. Patients were matched (1:1) based on age, gestational age, parity, onset of labour and birth weight. The primary outcome was caesarean delivery (CD). Secondary outcomes were delivery outcomes, intrapartum management and interventions. Rates of each outcome were compared with matched analysis, and duration of labour with time‐to‐event analysis.

Results

We studied two groups of 300 pregnant women. The CD rate was significantly higher for obese women than the normal BMI cohort (19.3% vs 13.3%; risk ratio (RR) 1.43, 95% CI 1.02–1.98, P = 0.035). Cervical dilation prior to CD for failure to progress was slower in obese than normal BMI (0.04 vs 0.16 cm/h). The obese cohort had a longer duration of labour in those who underwent induction (13.70 vs 11.48 h, P = 0.024). Intrapartum intervention rates were higher for obese women, with significant differences in rates of fetal scalp electrodes (72.7% vs 22.7%, RR 3.20, 95% CI 2.58–3.99, P < 0.001), intrauterine pressure catheters (18.3% vs 0%, P < 0.001), epidural analgesia (44.0% vs 37.0%, RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01–1.44, P = 0.040) and fetal scalp lactate sampling (8.0% vs 3.0%, RR = 2.67, 95% CI 1.33–5.33, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Class III obesity is associated with an increased risk of CD and intrapartum interventions.
What does it mean to be an allied health professional working in rural Aotearoa New Zealand? A qualitative study
Authors: Walker Sarah M. , Blattner Katharina , Nixon Garry , Koroheke Rogers Marara , Kennedy Ewan
Published: November 2023

Objective

Building health services and workforce that are both well supported and fit for purpose is a key consideration for improving health outcomes in rural populations. Achieving this requires an understanding of the roles and practice characteristic of each professional group, including allied health professionals. This study explores what it means to be an allied health professional practicing in rural Aotearoa New Zealand.

Design

A qualitative study design was used, involving individual semi‐structured interviews with 13 rural allied health professionals in the Otago and Northland regions. The interviews explored participants journey into rural practice, their experiences working rurally, and their views on rural practice.

Findings

Four main themes were derived: Identity; Connectedness; Expectations; and Providing Care.

Discussion

Proud of being rural, these allied health professionals are immersed within their community, intertwining their professional and personal identities. The unique nature of this dual identity while empowering for some, can also isolate rural allied health professionals from their professional bodies and urban peers. This leads to a sense of vulnerability and feeling undervalued and invisible. In response, rural allied health professionals choose to form strong connections to their local interprofessional team and their community. The connections they forge, and the breadth of their skills cumulate to enable allied health professionals to provide dynamic and responsive health services for their rural communities.

Conclusion

This study provides the first insight into experiences and perspectives of allied health professionals within rural Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite the challenges, a sense of pride is associated with practicing rurally for allied health professionals.
Host defense amyloids: Biosensors of the immune system?
Authors: Myers Caitlyn , Cornwall Gail A.
Published: November 2023

There is considerable evidence showing that highly ordered aggregate structures known as amyloids carry out essential biological roles in species ranging from bacteria to humans. Indeed, many antimicrobial peptides/proteins form amyloids to carry out their host defense functions and many amyloids are antimicrobial. The similarity of host defense amyloids from bacterial biofilms to the mammalian epididymal amyloid matrix implies highly conserved host defense structures/functions. With an emphasis on the epididymal amyloid matrix, here we review the common properties of host defense amyloids including unique traits that would allow them to function as powerful biosensors of the immune system.
Minimising alarm pressure on a single room NICU through automated withdrawal of resolved alarms
Authors: Broer Shole D. L. , Cramer Sophie J. E. , Tan Ratna N. G. B. , Witlox Ruben S. G. M.
Published: November 2023

Aim

In 2017, the Leiden University Medical Centre implemented a secondary alarm system using handheld devices to ensure accurate patient monitoring on the single room NICU. Initially, alarms remained active on the handheld devices until one of the caregivers in the alarm chain accepted the alarm. In 2020, a bidirectional communication protocol (BCP) was implemented, enabling automated withdrawal of resolved alarms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this implementation on the alarm duration and pressure.

Methods

Data of all alarms of the secondary alarm chain in the 90 days before and after the implementation were analysed and compared between both periods.

Results

Following the implementation of the BCP, 60% of the alarms were withdrawn before the designated nurse responded. Despite a significant higher total number of alarms, the median alarm duration decreased from 9 (7–14) to 6 (4–10) s, the acceptance rate of the designated nurse increased from 93% to 95% and the median time of alarm sounding per phone per hour significantly decreased from 71 (51–101) to 51 (35–69) s following implementation of the BCP.

Conclusion

This study showed that automated withdrawal of resolved alarms significantly reduces alarm duration and pressure on a NICU.
Gender pay gap in the microfinance industry: A global perspective
Authors: Mia Md Aslam , Dalla Pellegrina Lucia , Wong Wai‐Yan , Sangwan Sunil
Published: November 2023

We use a database composed of 2,545 Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) worldwide for the period 2008–18 to explore the effect of a larger share of women's workforce on both staff wages and overall monetary compensation within MFIs. MFIs are different from other industries, as they are traditionally women‐centered, i.e. they have a significant share of women employees at every level of the corporate hierarchy and mostly serve women clients. Applying both traditional estimation methodology and techniques aimed at accounting for possible endogeneity among the main variables, we find that a higher proportion of women on staff significantly increases the average expense per worker (which also includes the incentive components of remuneration) while the effects are considerably smoothed (or not significant) on the base salary. This leads us to conclude that, unlike what is seen in other sectors of the economy, MFIs do not pay women less. Yet, significant positive effects of women in the workforce, especially on average overall monetary compensation, suggest that women are likely to exploit their superior skills and/or gender affinity advantages with customers of the same gender to enhance MFIs’ efficiency and profitability, thereby achieving higher incentive compensation, mostly in the form of bonuses and other benefits.
Sequential cellular and humoral responses after repetitive COVID‐19 vaccination in patients treated with anti‐CD20 antibodies
Authors: Nishikubo Masashi , Shimomura Yoshimitsu , Yamamoto Ryusuke , Maruoka Hayato , Nasu Seiko , Sakizono Kenji , Nagai Yuya , Hiramoto Nobuhiro , Yonetani Noboru , Kondo Tadakazu , Miyakoshi Chisato , Doi Asako , Ishikawa Takayuki
Published: November 2023

Patients treated with anti‐CD20 antibodies for haematological disorders have insufficient immune responses to mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines; however, relevant sequential data are lacking. We sequentially evaluated the humoral and cellular immune responses in 22 patients who had received anti‐CD20 antibodies within 12 months before the first vaccination, before and after the third and fourth vaccinations. Humoral responses improved gradually, along with the resolution of B‐cell depletion. A steady increase was noted in cellular responses, regardless of the B‐cell status. Our findings suggest the potential benefit of repeated vaccinations in these patients until B‐cell recovery is confirmed while enhancing cellular responses.
The use of mesenchymal stromal cell secretome to enhance guided bone regeneration in comparison with leukocyte and platelet‐rich fibrin
Authors: Shanbhag Siddharth , Al‐Sharabi Niyaz , Kampleitner Carina , Mohamed‐Ahmed Samih , Kristoffersen Einar K. , Tangl Stefan , Mustafa Kamal , Gruber Reinhard , Sanz Mariano
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Secretomes of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) represent a novel strategy for growth‐factor delivery for tissue regeneration. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of adjunctive use of conditioned media of bone‐marrow MSC (MSC‐CM) with collagen barrier membranes vs. adjunctive use of conditioned media of leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF‐CM), a current growth‐factor therapy, for guided bone regeneration (GBR).

Methods

MSC‐CM and PRF‐CM prepared from healthy human donors were subjected to proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry and multiplex immunoassay. Collagen membranes functionalized with MSC‐CM or PRF‐CM were applied on critical‐size rat calvaria defects and new bone formation was assessed via three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐CT analysis of total defect volume (2 and 4 weeks) and 2D histomorphometric analysis of central defect regions (4 weeks).

Results

While both MSC‐CM and PRF‐CM revealed several bone‐related proteins, differentially expressed proteins, especially extracellular matrix components, were increased in MSC‐CM. In rat calvaria defects, micro‐CT revealed greater total bone coverage in the MSC‐CM group after 2 and 4 weeks. Histologically, both groups showed a combination of regular new bone and ‘hybrid’ new bone, which was formed within the membrane compartment and characterized by incorporation of mineralized collagen fibers. Histomorphometry in central defect sections revealed greater hybrid bone area in the MSC‐CM group, while the total new bone area was similar between groups.

Conclusion

Based on the in vitro and in vivo investigations herein, functionalization of membranes with MSC‐CM represents a promising strategy to enhance GBR.
The Meaning of Motion Lines?: A Review of Theoretical and Empirical Research on Static Depiction of Motion
Authors: Hacımusaoğlu Irmak , Cohn Neil
Published: November 2023

Static depiction of motion, particularly lines trailing behind a mover, has long been of interest in the psychology literature. Empirical research has demonstrated that these “motion lines” benefited motion comprehension in static images by disambiguating the direction of movement. Yet, there is no consensus on how those lines derive their meaning. In this article, we review three accounts suggesting different interpretations of what motion lines represent. While a perceptual account considers motion lines originating from motion streaks in the primary visual cortex, metaphorical and lexical accounts propose them as graphical conventions that should be learned—either through resemblance to sensory experiences (e.g., natural path marks) or directly being mapped to a conceptual category of paths. To contrast these three accounts, we integrate empirical research on motion lines and their understanding. Overall, developmental, proficiency, and cross‐cultural variances indicate that the understanding of motion lines is neither innate nor universal, thus providing less support for lines having a purely perceptual origin. Rather, we argue the empirical findings suggest that motion lines are not iconic depictions of visual percepts but are graphical conventions indexing conceptual path information, which need to be learned and encoded in a visual lexicon.
Performance of estimated glomerular filtration rate equations in Black living kidney donor candidates
Authors: Augustine Joshua J. , Liaqat Aimen , Arrigain Susana , Schold Jesse D. , Poggio Emilio D.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

New estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations using serum creatinine and/or cystatin C have been derived to eliminate adjustment by perceived Black ancestry. We sought to analyze the performance of newer eGFR equations among Black living kidney donor candidates.

Methods

Black candidates (n = 64) who had measured iothalamate GFR between January 2015 and October 2021 were included, and eGFR was calculated using race adjusted (eGFRcr2009 and eGFRcr‐cys2012) and race unadjusted (eGFRcys2012, eGFRcr2021, and eGFRcr‐cys2021) CKD‐EPI equations. Bias and accuracy were calculated.

Results

The eGFRcr2021 equation had a negative bias of 9 mL/min/1.73 m2, while other equations showed a modest positive bias. Accuracy within 10% and 30% was greatest using the eGFRcr‐cys2021 equation. With the eGFRcr2021 equation, 9.4% of donors with an mGFR > 80 mL/min/1.73 m2 were misclassified as having an eGFR < 80 mL/min/1.73 m2. eGFR was also compared among 18 kidney donors at 6–24 months post‐donation. Post‐donation, the percentage of donors with an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 44% using the eGFRcr2021 equation compared to 11% using the eGFRcr‐cys2021 equation.

Conclusion

The CKD‐EPICr2021 equation appears to underestimate true GFR in Black living donor candidates. Alternatively, compared to CKD‐EPICr2021, the CKD‐EPICr‐CysC2021 equation appears to perform with less bias and improved accuracy.
Artificial intelligence calculated global longitudinal strain and left ventricular ejection fraction predicts cardiac events and all‐cause mortality in patients with chest pain
Authors: O'Driscoll Jamie M. , Tuttolomondo Domenico , Gaibazzi Nicola
Published: November 2023

Background

Assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and myocardial deformation with global longitudinal strain (GLS) has shown promise in predicting adverse cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether artificial intelligence (AI) calculated LVEF and GLS is associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all‐cause mortality in patients presenting with chest pain.

Methods

We studied 296 patients presenting with chest pain, who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Clinical data, downstream clinical investigations and patient outcomes were collected. Resting TTE images underwent AI contouring for automated calculation of LVEF and GLS with Ultromics EchoGo Core 2.0. Regression analysis was performed to identify clinical and AI calculated parameters associated with MACE and all‐cause mortality.

Results

During a median follow‐up period of 7.8 years (IQR 6.4, 8.8), MACE occurred in 34 (11.5%) patients and all‐cause mortality in 60 (20%) patients. AI calculated LVEF (Odds Ratio [OR] .96; 95% CI .93–.99 and .96; 95% CI .93–.99) and GLS (1.11; 95% CI 1.01–1.21 and 1.08; 95% CI 1.00–1.16) were independently associated with MACE and all‐cause mortality, respectively. According to Cox proportional hazards, a LVEF < 50% was associated with a 3.7 times MACE and 2.8 times all‐cause mortality hazard rate compared to those with a LVEF ≥ 50%. Those with a GLS ≥ 15% was associated with a 2.5 times MACE and 2.3 times all‐cause mortality hazard rate compared to those with a GLS ≤ 15.

Conclusion

AI calculated resting LVEF and GLS is independently associated with MACE and all‐cause mortality in high CVD risk patients. These results may have significant clinical implications through improved risk stratification of patients with chest pain, accelerated workflow of labour‐intensive technical measures, and reduced healthcare costs.
Fetal cardiac left ventricle functional changes in pregnancies with maternal hypothyroidism
Authors: Özalp Miraç , Genç Simten , Özalp Gülçin , Mihmanli Veli
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To evaluate fetal cardiac function in cases with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism and to determine the effect of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment and Anti‐thyroid peroxidase (Anti‐TPO) antibody status on fetal cardiac functions in cases with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Methods

Within the scope of the study, fetuses of 23 overt hypothyroid, 52 subclinical hypothyroid and 250 control group pregnant women were evaluated. Fetal cardiac function was assessed via cardiac Doppler.

Results

Isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) and myocardial performance index (MPI) values in the overt hypothyroid group were significantly higher than both the subclinical hypothyroid group (p: .006, p: .000, respectively) and the control group (p: .000, p: .000, respectively). In addition, both IRT and MPI were significantly higher in the subclinical hypothyroid group than in the control group (p: .000, p: .000, respectively). In the subclinical hypothyroid group, there was no significant difference in terms of cardiac function parameters in the fetuses of pregnant women who received LT4 therapy and those who did not. When pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism were evaluated according to their Anti‐TPO antibody status, IRT and MPI values were found to be significantly higher in fetuses of Anti‐TPO (+) pregnant women (respectively, p: .005, p: .019).

Conclusion

In the presence of maternal overt or subclinical hypothyroidism, fetal cardiac functions may be affected as early as the second trimester. Anti‐TPO antibody positivity in cases with subclinical hypothyroidism seems to negatively affect fetal cardiac functions.
Pandemic containment and inequality in a developing economy
Authors: Dasgupta Kunal , Murali Srinivasan
Published: November 2023

Using individual‐level panel data from India, we show that income inequality between high‐skilled and low‐skilled workers increased following COVID‐19 lockdown. Integrating a susceptible, infected, recovered, dead epidemiological model into a general equilibrium framework with high‐skilled and low‐skilled workers, working either from their offices (onsite) or from their homes (remote), we can explain between 24 and 59 percent of the observed increase in inequality. We also find that disease incidence is higher among low‐skilled workers as they choose to work more onsite compared to their high‐skilled counterparts. Direct transfers for low‐skilled workers reverses this increase in inequality and improves the effectiveness of containment policies.
Electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis of Pinus thunbergii needles: Stomatal penetration by seawater and solutes
Authors: Park Junhyung , Seo Dahye , Kim Ki Woo
Published: November 2023

Seawater salt deposition was investigated in the needles of Pinus thunbergii trees growing in the coastal area of Pohang, Korea. Both green asymptomatic and brown necrotized needles were air‐dried and processed for field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis. Seawater salt crystals appeared randomly deposited on the asymptomatic needles. No distinct epicuticular waxes were found in the stomata or on the needle surface. The salt crystals, which varied in size, were observed in the stomatal chambers as well as on the apertures of the Florin rings, and similar crystals were also observed on the necrotized brown needles. Sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) were prevalent on the needles and mostly co‐localized in the crystals. Magnesium was partially co‐localized with Cl, but often co‐occurred with potassium. Depending on the elemental composition of salts, two types of salt deposition were observed on the needles: (i) the coffee‐ring pattern and (ii) the uniform pattern. The apparent NaCl crystal depositions in the stomatal chambers indicated the stomatal penetration by seawater and solutes in the seawater‐sprayed needles of P. thunbergii. These results provide insights into the initial phase of seawater salt‐induced injury occurring through the stomatal pathway in pine species distributed in coastal areas.
Dermal papilla cell‐secreted biglycan regulates hair follicle phase transit and regeneration by activating Wnt/β‐catenin
Authors: Zhu Ningxia , Yan Junping , Gu Weifan , Yang Qilin , Lin En , Lu Siyue , Cai Bozhi , Xia Bin , Liu Xin , Lin Changmin
Published: November 2023

Alopecia is a prevalent problem of cutaneous appendages and lacks effective therapy. Recently, researchers have been focusing on mesenchymal components of the hair follicle, i.e. dermal papilla cells, and we previously identified biglycan secreted by dermal papilla cells as the key factor responsible for hair follicle‐inducing ability. In this research, we hypothesized biglycan played an important role in hair follicle cycle and regeneration through regulating the Wnt signalling pathway. To characterize the hair follicle cycle and the expression pattern of biglycan, we observed hair follicle morphology in C57BL/6 mice on Days 0, 3, 5, 12 and 18 post‐depilation and found that biglycan is highly expressed at both mRNA and protein levels throughout anagen in HFs. To explore the role of biglycan during the phase transit process and regeneration, local injections were administered in C57BL/6 and nude mice. Results showed that local injection of biglycan in anagen HFs delayed catagen progression and involve activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Furthermore, local injection of biglycan induced HF regeneration and up‐regulated expression of key Wnt factors in nude mice. In addition, cell analyses exhibited biglycan knockdown inactivated the Wnt signalling pathway in early‐passage dermal papilla cell, whereas biglycan overexpression or incubation activated the Wnt signalling pathway in late‐passage dermal papilla cells. These results indicate that biglycan plays a critical role in regulating HF cycle transit and regeneration in a paracrine and autocrine fashion by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway and could be a potential treatment target for hair loss diseases.
Lessons From the Field Psychosocial consequences of the COVID‐19 homestay for preschoolers and their parents
Authors: Cherry Katie E. , DiCarlo Cynthia F. , Willis Matthew L. , Bordes Piper J. , Calamia Matthew R. , Marks Loren D.
Published: November 2023

Objective

The authors explored the psychosocial consequences of the COVID‐19 homestay lockdown for preschool‐age children and their parents using a mixed‐method design.

Background

Few studies have examined the impact of a global pandemic on family adaptive processes among parents and their preschool age children.

Method

Participants were 24 highly educated White and Asian parents with children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (ECELP) at Louisiana State University. Parents completed an online survey that assessed sociodemographic and health characteristics, and they participated in an interview with their children.

Results

Content analysis of parent and child narratives yielded four core themes: (a) expanded family time with family needs prioritized, (b) staying informed with current pandemic news, (c) positive experiences included more time spent with family, and (d) negative experiences included disruptions to family and work‐related routines.

Conclusion

Personal and professional challenges that families faced during the COVID‐19 lockdown were loss of familiar routines, managing stressors, and protecting health. Positive factors included prioritization of family needs and new opportunities for intergenerational relationships with extended family and grandparents.

Implications

Parents, teachers, and extended family support adaptive family processes that promote resilience and psychosocial well‐being despite the uncertainties of a global pandemic.
Wetland cover in agricultural landscapes is positively associated with bumblebee abundance
Authors: Cohen Abigail L. , Devries James H. , Galpern Paul
Published: November 2023

Conversion of land for agricultural use is a leading driver of global biodiversity loss. Natural and semi‐natural lands within agricultural landscapes are targeted for protection because they provide habitat for many organisms.

Pothole (or kettle) wetlands occur across the Northern Hemisphere and are a focus for conservation both because of their location within agriculturally intensive landscapes and their importance to vertebrates, especially migratory birds.

Recent evidence suggests that wetlands may also be an important habitat for arthropods, including insects that provide ecosystem services. To understand how insects associate with wetlands and landscape features, we examine the relationship between bumblebees (Bombus), and wetland area, cropland area and wetland perimeter‐area ratio.

We found that wetland area is significantly positively associated with the occurrence and abundance of the species studied. We also found that the relationship between bumblebees and wetland perimeter‐area ratio varied across the growing season. This suggests that the importance of wetland edge as a foraging habitat varies across the season.

These results show the utility of wetlands to bees, though their resources are likely not being used uniformly by all bumblebee species or across the entire growing season. Our results also suggest that pothole wetlands in agricultural landscapes are likely to support biodiversity, and their conservation contributes to overall ecosystem health and function.
Oral mucosa involvement in pediatric patients with xeroderma pigmentosum: a comprehensive review
Authors: Baskurt Defne , Vural Secil , Ertekin Sümeyre S. , Baykal Can
Published: November 2023

Background

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder presenting with an inability to repair UV‐induced DNA damage. This can lead to the development of neoplasms affecting multiple organ systems, with onset often in childhood. Unfortunately, no cure currently exists for XP, and management strategies focus on sun protection and early intervention for malignancies. Although most skin problems in XP patients are UV induced, various oral lesions are also described. However, the literature has not extensively characterized the oral manifestations and their prognostic significance.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive review to evaluate the prevalence and nature of oral mucosal lesions in pediatric XP patients.

Results

Our literature search yielded 130 pediatric XP patients with oral involvement and 210 associated tumoral or non‐tumoral lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type of oral mucosal tumor reported, with other malignancies including basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, angiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and trichilemmal carcinoma.

Conclusion

Given the potential morbidity and mortality associated with oral mucosal tumors in XP patients, our study aims to raise awareness of these manifestations. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these lesions effectively, and routine oral exams should be considered a critical component of dermatological evaluations for XP patients, especially in the pediatric age group.
Exploring the impact of a multilevel intervention focused on reducing the practices of seclusion and restraint in acute mental health units in an Australian mental health service
Authors: Havilla Sizwile , Alanazi Faisal Khalaf , Boon Brad , Patton Declan , Ho Yen‐Chung , Molloy Luke
Published: November 2023

Reducing and eliminating seclusion and restraint in inpatient settings has been a key area of focus in mental health policy and research for many years. To address this issue, numerous programmes aimed at minimising the use of these practices have been developed over the past two decades, with varying degrees of success. This article reports on research focused on the implementation of a localised, multilevel complex intervention that targeted both organisational and individual factors related to the use of seclusion and restraint. The researchers followed the impact of the intervention by interviewing medical, nursing and allied health staff who worked within the service (N = 12) and analysing the rates of seclusion and restraint over an 18‐month period. Post‐adoption, participants identified that there were clear changes in practice culture. Seclusion clearly became a practice of last resort and other options became prominent in staff's practice. Participants identified that there was a sense of shared purpose across the multidisciplinary team. The clinical environment was viewed as being more therapeutic for service users and less frightening for staff. There was a significant difference in the total number of seclusion events between pre‐ (Mean = 6.22, SD = 5.82) and post‐implementation (Mean = 2.55, SD = 2.44, p = 0.002, d = 0.94), demonstrating a significantly lower number of seclusions was observed after the intervention. Similarly, a significant difference in restraint events between pre‐ (Mean = 5.50, SD = 3.77) and post‐implementations (Mean = 3.38, SD = 3.21, p = 0.037, d = 0.62) was observed.
Association of high‐normal albuminuria and vascular aging: Hanzhong adolescent hypertension study
Authors: Du Ming‐Fei , Wang Yang , Hu Gui‐Lin , Wang Dan , Man Zi‐Yue , Chu Chao , Liao Yue‐Yuan , Chen Chen , Ma Qiong , Yan Yu , Jia Hao , Sun Yue , Zhang Xi , Luo Wen‐Jing , Chang Ming‐Ke , Mu Jian‐Jun
Published: November 2023

Normoalbuminuria has recently been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and vascular aging is proposed as the early manifestation of cardiovascular disease. Here, the authors aimed to examine the association of high‐normal albuminuria and vascular aging in a Chinese cohort. From our previously established cohort, 1942 participants with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or urinary albumin‐creatinine ratio (UACR) <30 mg/g were enrolled. Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) ≥1400 cm/s and/or carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) ≥0.9 mm were used as indicators of vascular aging. Multivariate regression and receiving operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to examine the relationship between continuous and categorical UACR with vascular aging. We found an average UACR value of 8.08 (5.45–12.52) mg/g in this study. BaPWV and CIMT demonstrated positive correlations with lg‐UACR (p < .05). High‐normal albuminuria (10–29 mg/g) was significantly associated with the presence of vascular aging after adjusting for multiple cardiovascular confounders (OR = 1.540, 95% CI = 1.203–1.972, p = .001). In addition, a lg‐UACR cutoff point of 0.918 lg(mg/g) (equal to UACR of 8.285 mg/g) was significantly associated with the presence of vascular aging and its components for all participants and those without hypertension or diabetes and without medication (p < .05). Briefly, high‐normal albuminuria was significantly associated with vascular aging in this sample of Chinese adults. These findings implied the warning of elevated UACR even within normal range in clinical practice and the importance of UACR screening in normoalbuminuria for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease in otherwise healthy participants.
Periodontal conditions and association of periodontitis with oral‐health‐related quality of life in patients experiencing different episodes of bipolar disorder compared with healthy controls
Authors: Sari Aysegul , Kokacya M. Hanifi , Ide Mark
Published: November 2023

Aim

The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to evaluate periodontal conditions and the association of periodontitis with oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with a history of bipolar disorder.

Materials and Methods

A total of 160 participants were recruited in four groups for the study: 40 patients with euthymic episodes, 40 patients with depression, 40 patients with manic episodes and 40 systemically healthy individuals. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) was used to measure the impact of oral health on the quality of life.

Results

Bipolar disorder groups exhibited generally higher clinical parameters compared with the control group (p < .05). OHIP‐14 total score (β = 3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08–6.56, p = .044), functional limitation (β = .89, 95% CI: 0.27–1.49, p = .005) and physical pain (β = .64, 95% CI: 0.01–1.27, p = .046) were associated with bipolar depression episodes. Psychological discomfort was associated with the presence of generalized periodontitis (β = .76, 95% CI: 0.01–1.51, p = .047) and psychological disability was associated with the presence of stage III–IV (β = .83, 95% CI: 0.07–1.59, p = .033) and generalized (β = .75, 95% CI: 0.07–1.42, p = .029) periodontitis.

Conclusions

According to this study, a history of bipolar disorder episodes (exposure) may be associated with increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis and related reported OHRQoL impacts (outcomes). Bipolar depression episodes had a higher impact on OHRQoL than other bipolar episodes.
Asia‐Pacific survey on green endoscopy
Authors: Ho Jacky C. L. , Lui Rashid N. , Ho Shiaw‐Hooi , Hock Nicholas T. C. , Luo Xiaobei , Tang Raymond S. Y. , Chiu Philip W. Y. , Ang Tiing Leong ,   The Green Endoscopy Initiative of Asia‐Pacific (GEIA)
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

Greenhouse gas emissions are the fundamental cause of global warming, with CO2 being the most contributive. Carbon reduction has been widely advocated to mitigate the climate crisis. The endoscopy unit is the third highest waste‐generating department in a hospital. The awareness and acceptance of the practice of green endoscopy among healthcare workers is unclear.

Method

An online survey was conducted over a 5‐week period from July to August 2023 in the Asia‐Pacific region, which targeted endoscopists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals of the endoscopy unit. The primary outcome was the agreement to adopt green endoscopy. The secondary outcomes included views on sustainable practices, factors associated with increased acceptance of green endoscopy, the acceptance of different carbon reduction measures, and the perceived barriers to implementation.

Results

A total of 259 valid responses were received. Overall, 79.5% of participants agreed to incorporate green endoscopy into their practice. Nevertheless, existing green policies were only reported by 12.7% of respondents. The level of understanding of green endoscopy is the only significant factor associated with its acceptance (odds ratio 3.10, P < 0.007). Potential barriers to implementation include healthcare cost increment, infection risk, inadequate awareness, and lack of policy and industrial support.

Conclusion

Green endoscopy is well accepted among healthcare workers but not widely implemented. The level of understanding is highly associated with its acceptance, highlighting the importance of education. A reliable assessment tool is needed to quantify the environmental impact of endoscopy. Further studies are needed to ascertain its benefit and cost effectiveness.
Randomized controlled trials in nursing conducted by Latin American research teams: A scoping review
Authors: Medina‐Aedo Melixa , Segura‐Carrillo Cristian , Torralba‐Martinez Elena , Buitrago‐García Diana , Solà Ivan , Pardo‐Hernandez Hector , Bonfill Xavier
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the cornerstone of systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis. RCT identification remains challenging because of limitations in their indexation in major databases and potential language bias. Scientific production in Latin American nursing is steadily increasing, but little is known about its design or main features. We aimed to identify the extent of evidence from RCTs in nursing conducted by Latin American research teams and evaluate their main characteristics, including potential risk of bias.

Design

Scoping review with risk of bias assessment.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review including a comprehensive electronic search in five relevant databases. We completed a descriptive data analysis and a risk of bias assessment of eligible studies using Cochrane's guidance.

Results

We identified 1784 references of which 47 were RCTs published in 40 journals. Twenty (42.6%) RCTs were published in journals in English. Chronic diseases were the most common health conditions studied (29.7%). Fifteen (31.9%) RCTs had a high risk of bias. Thirty (75%) journals were included in the Journal Citation Report (JCR) catalog and 5 (16.7%) were journals classified under nursing category. Twenty‐one (52.5%) journals explicitly required CONSORT checklist recommendations for RCTs reporting.

Conclusion

Publication of RCTs in nursing by Latin American authors has increased. Most journals where RCTs are published are in English and not specific to nursing. Searches in journals of other disciplines may be necessary to facilitate identification of RCTs in nursing. CONSORT statements need to be actively promoted to facilitate rigorous methodology and reporting of RCTs.

Clinical Relevance Statement

This study highlights the need for an increased research focus on RCTs in nursing in Latin America, and the importance of enhancing the reporting quality of these studies to support evidence‐based nursing practice.
Anti‐Müllerian hormone for screening, diagnosis, evaluation, and prediction: A systematic review and expert opinions
Authors: Iwase Akira , Asada Yoshimasa , Sugishita Yodo , Osuka Satoko , Kitajima Michio , Kawamura Kazuhiro ,   from the subcommittee “Survey of AMH measurement in Japan” in Reproductive Endocrinology Committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2021‐2022
Published: November 2023

Aim

To present evidence‐based recommendations for anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) measurement as an ovarian reserve test.

Methods

A systematic literature search for the clinical utility of AMH was conducted in PubMed from its inception to August 2022 to identify studies, including meta‐analyses, reviews, randomized controlled trials, and clinical trials, followed by an additional systematic search using keywords. Based on this evidence, an expert panel developed clinical questions (CQs).

Results

A total of 1895 studies were identified and 95 articles were included to establish expert opinions subdivided into general population, infertility treatment, primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, surgery, and oncofertility. We developed 13 CQs and 1 future research question with levels of evidence and recommendations.

Conclusion

The findings of the current systematic review covered the clinical utility of AMH including its screening, diagnosis, evaluation, and prediction. Although some clinical implications of AMH remain debatable, these expert opinions may help promote a better understanding of AMH and establish its clinical significance.
Alcohol Prohibition and Pricing at the Pump*
Authors: Fischer Kai
Published: November 2023

Firms often sell a transparent base product and a valuable add‐on. If only some consumers are aware of the latter, the add‐on's effect on the base product's price will be ambiguous. Cross‐subsidization between products to bait uninformed consumers might lower, intrinsic utility from the add‐on for informed consumers might raise the price. We study this trade‐off in the gasoline market by exploiting an alcohol sales prohibition at stations as an exogenous shifter of add‐on availability. Gasoline margins drop by 5% during the prohibition. The effect is mediated by shop variety and competition. Using traffic data, we unveil sizeable consumer‐side reactions.
Leader affective presence, psychological safety and team proactive problem prevention
Authors: Madrid Hector P. , Vasquez Cristian A. , Escaffi‐Schwarz Maximiliano
Published: November 2023

Leader affective presence, the tendency of leaders to consistently evoke feelings in team members, has gained prominence in the context of leadership and teamwork. However, prior research lacks a comprehensive theoretical framework, focuses on limited team processes, and relies mainly on cross sectional designs to study this construct. Building upon theories of the social functions of affect, this study examines the relationship between leaders' affective presence and team member behaviour, specifically focusing on team proactive problem prevention and examining whether this relationship is mediated by team psychological safety. Using a two‐wave panel model with 504 professionals in 134 teams, our findings revealed that positive leader affective presence, characterized by instilling enthusiasm, joy and inspiration among team members, was positively associated with perceptions of team psychological safety. In turn, team psychological safety was positively related to leaders' assessments of proactive problem prevention. Interestingly, negative leader affective presence, which triggers worry, tension and stress, was not related to team psychological safety but was positively associated with team proactive problem prevention. These results highlight the importance of leader affective presence in shaping emergent team states and team member behaviour. Researchers and practitioners should thus consider these insights when assessing and intervening in leadership and teamwork processes in organizations.
Effect of artificial eccentric occlusal interferences on masticatory performance: A randomised double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Da Silva Fernanda Pereira , Dos Santos Isabela Maria , Carneiro Dominique Ellen , De La Torre Canales Giancarlo , Sánchez‐Ayala Alfonso
Published: November 2023

Background

Occlusal interferences lead to changes in mandibular kinematics to compensate and improve function. However, the effects of different types of eccentric disturbance on the comminution capacity are not known.

Objective

To determine the immediate effect of eccentric occlusal interferences on masticatory performance.

Methods

This crossover clinical trial included 12 healthy dentate subjects aged 25.2 ± 3.3 years who were randomly submitted to seven types of occlusal interference: unilateral and bilateral laterotrusive and mediotrusive, protrusive, dummy and control (no interference). The interference forms were planned in a semi‐adjustable articulator, fabricated with composite resin and adhered to the mandibular first molars such that subjects' maximum intercuspation was maintained. Masticatory performance and the chewing rate during 20 cycles were evaluated during subjects' comminution of silicone test food under one interference condition per test day; the multiple sieve method was applied to the comminuted particles. The interference was removed upon test completion, and a 1‐week washout period was applied between tests.

Results

Comminuted median particle sizes were larger under unilateral (4.94 ± 0.41 mm) and bilateral (4.81 ± 0.49 mm) laterotrusive, bilateral mediotrusive (4.65 ± 0.50 mm) and protrusive (4.83 ± 0.54 mm) interferences (p < .05) than under the control (4.01 ± 0.52 mm) and dummy (4.18 ± 0.58 mm) conditions (p < .05). Only unilateral and bilateral laterotrusive interferences narrowed the comminuted particle size dispersion (p < .05). The chewing rate did not differ among conditions (p = .1944).

Conclusion

Artificial eccentric interferences had an immediate adverse effect on masticatory performance by resulting in larger comminuted particles.

Clinical trial registration

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR‐8g5zfg8).
Relationship between maximal isometric tongue pressure and limit of fracture force of gels in tongue squeezing
Authors: Murakami Kazuhiro , Kasakawa Naohiko , Hori Kazuhiro , Kosaka Takayuki , Nakano Kosuke , Ishihara Sayaka , Nakauma Makoto , Funami Takahiro , Ikebe Kazunori , Ono Takahiro
Published: November 2023

Background

There is no clear objective indicator for selecting soft foods that are required for food bolus formation in older people with impaired oral function.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maximal isometric tongue pressure (MITP) and the mechanical properties of gels that can be crushed by the tongue.

Methods

This study included 65 healthy participants aged 22–96 (young group; 15 males, 15 females; older dentate group; 7 males, 8 females; older edentulous group; 10 males, 10 females). MITP was measured by the balloon‐probe device. Agar gel with 10 different kinds of fracture force from 10N to 100N was used. The limit of fracture force of gels (LFFG) that were crushed by the tongue was measured by the up‐and‐down method. In the older edentulous group, two items were measured with and without dentures. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between MITP and LFFG in each group (p < .05).

Results

There were positive correlations between MITP and LFFG in all groups (overall groups: rs = .66, young group: rs = .46, older dentate group: rs = .61, older edentulous group with dentures: rs = .60, older edentulous group without dentures: rs = .47).

Conclusion

MITP and LFFG were positively correlated in young, older dentate and older edentulous groups, suggesting that MITP has the potential to be an objective indicator of the range of mechanical properties of soft food that can be crushed by the tongue.