bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene silencing of endothelial von Willebrand factor reduces the susceptibility of human endothelial cells to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Furini Giulia , De Carli Alessandro , Fonnesu Rossella , Spezia Pietro Giorgio , Scebba Francesca , Pistello Mauro , Lai Michele , Lionetti Vincenzo
Published: April 2023

Mechanisms underlying vascular endothelial susceptibility to infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are not fully understood. Emerging evidence indicates that patients lacking von Willebrand factor (vWF), an endothelial hallmark, are less severely affected by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, yet the precise role of endothelial vWF in modulating coronavirus entry into endothelial cells is unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that effective gene silencing by short interfering RNA (siRNA) for vWF expression in resting human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) significantly reduced by 56% the cellular levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 genomic RNA. Similar reduction in intracellular SARS‐CoV‐2 genomic RNA levels was observed in non‐activated HUVECs treated with siRNA targeting angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the cellular gateway to coronavirus. By integrating quantitative information from real‐time PCR and high‐resolution confocal imaging, we demonstrated that ACE2 gene expression and its plasma membrane localization in HUVECs were both markedly reduced after treatment with siRNA anti‐vWF or anti‐ACE2. Conversely, siRNA anti‐ACE2 did not reduce endothelial vWF gene expression and protein levels. Finally, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of viable HUVECs was enhanced by overexpression of vWF, which increased ACE2 levels. Of note, we found a similar increase in interferon‐β mRNA levels following transfection with untargeted, anti‐vWF or anti‐ACE2 siRNA and pcDNA3.1‐WT‐VWF. We envision that siRNA targeting endothelial vWF will protect against productive endothelial infection by SARS‐CoV‐2 through downregulation of ACE2 expression and might serve as a novel tool to induce disease resistance by modulating the regulatory role of vWF on ACE2 expression.
Impacts of predation by Eurasian otters on Atlantic salmon in two Norwegian rivers
Authors: Sortland Lene Klubben , Lennox Robert J. , Velle Gaute , Vollset Knut Wiik , Kambestad Marius
Published: April 2023

The return of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) to western Norway has sparked human–predator conflicts because otters prey on vulnerable Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations. Although predation may not be the ultimate cause of salmon population declines, otters that kill adult salmon in rivers before they spawn impact the salmon spawning stock, with potential consequences for stock recruitment and ecosystem services (especially fisheries).

To gain insight into impacts of otter predation on salmon populations, we quantified the predation by otters on adult salmon in two rivers in western Norway using a combination of radiotelemetry and temperature loggers. We tagged 30 salmon in Aureelva and 30 salmon in Søre Vartdalselva, and tracked the salmon until they died or left the river.

This method identified the fates of 95% of tagged salmon. Estimated predation rates on adult salmon were 32% in Aureelva and 95% in Søre Vartdalselva. The salmon stock in Søre Vartdalselva was well below the spawning target, partly attributable to putatively additive mortality from predation by otters. Notwithstanding, we found no evidence that otters selectively killed salmon based on sex, length, health status, or activity level.

Salmon in Søre Vartdalselva had greater predation risk compared to salmon in Aureelva, possibly due to differences in habitat types such as availability of holding pools. The presence of more holding area in Aureelva probably provided predation refuges for adult salmon that buffered the effectiveness of otter predation.

Our findings emphasise that management decisions should be guided by river‐specific evaluations of impacts of predation on salmon. Otters are a very visible predator operating at the final phase of the life cycle before spawning, so predation is liable to be controversial given that salmon are now Red Listed in Norway.
(Dis)empowering the feminine? Spatializing the interlace of gender‐class‐neoliberal managerialism in a women‐only café in India
Authors: Chennangodu Rajeshwari , Kandathil George
Published: April 2023

Using the Lefebvrian triad, we explore spatial organizing of classed‐gendered work and working bodies in a cafe space that emerges from urbanized claims of empowering “rural poor women” to become entrepreneurs by employing them in a cafe. Our critical‐interpretive ethnography analyses the process of installing a neoliberal‐managerial path along which foodwork and working bodies are hierarchized and disciplined, creating spatialized hegemonic gendered positionalities interlaced with elite urban‐working class rural binaries. The womanized workers came to embody the binaries and the dialectical contradictions they created, yet performing alternative femininities in the free spaces and times in the cafe.
Unpacking the Cinderella black box of complex intervention development through the Partners at Care Transitions (PACT) programme of research
Authors: Murray Jenni , Baxter Ruth , Lawton Rebecca , Hardicre Natasha , Shannon Rosie , Langley Joseph , Partridge Rebecca , Moore Sally , O'Hara Jane K.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Complex intervention development has been described as the ‘Cinderella’ black box in health services research. Greater transparency in the intervention development process is urgently needed to help reduce research waste.

Methods

We applied a new consensus‐based framework for complex intervention development to our programme of research, in which we developed an intervention to improve the safety and experience of care transitions for older people. Through this process, we aimed to reflect on the framework's utility for intervention development and identify any important gaps within it to support its continued development.

Findings

The framework was a useful tool for transparent reporting of the process of complex intervention development. We identified potential ‘action’ gaps in the framework including ‘consolidation of evidence’ and ‘development of principles’ that could bracket and steer decision‐making in the process.

Conclusions

We consider that the level of transparency demonstrated in this report, aided through use of the framework, is essential in the quest for reducing research waste.

Patient or Public Contribution

We have involved our dedicated patient and public involvement group in all work packages of this programme of research. Specifically, they attended and contributed to co‐design workshops and contributed to finalizing the intervention for the pilot evaluation. Staff also participated by attending co‐design workshops, helping us to prioritize content ideas for the intervention and supporting the development of intervention components outside of the workshops.
Human papillomavirus and p53 status define three types of vulvar squamous cell carcinomas with distinct clinical, pathological, and prognostic features
Authors: Carreras‐Dieguez Nuria , Saco Adela , del Pino Marta , Marimon Lorena , López del Campo Ricardo , Manzotti Carolina , Fusté Pere , Pumarola Clàudia , Torné Aureli , Garcia Adriana , Rakislova Natalia
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Based on their etiological relationship with human papillomavirus (HPV), the 2020 WHO classification has divided vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCC) into two distinct types, HPV‐associated and HPV‐independent, and HPV‐independent tumours have recently been divided according to p53 status. Nevertheless, the clinical and prognostic significance of this classification has not been clearly established. We analysed the differential clinical, pathological, and behavioural characteristics of these three types of VSCC in a large series of patients.

Methods and results

VSCC samples from patients who underwent primary surgery at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain, during a 47‐year period (January 1975 to January 2022) were analysed (n = 190). HPV detection, p16, and p53 immunohistochemical staining were evaluated. We also analysed recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS). Thirty‐three tumours (17.4%) were HPV‐associated and 157 (82.6%) HPV‐independent. Of these, 20 showed normal and 137 abnormal p53 expression. The two types of HPV‐independent tumours showed worse RFS in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.63; P = 0.023 for the HPV‐independent p53 normal VSCC and HR = 2.78; P = 0.028 for the HPV‐independent p53 abnormal VSCC). Although the differences were not significant, HPV‐independent VSCC had worse DSS than HPV‐associated VSCC. Although patients with HPV‐independent p53 normal tumours had worse RFS than patients with HPV‐independent p53 abnormal tumours, the DSS was better for the former group. Only advanced FIGO stage was associated with worse DSS in multivariate analysis (HR = 2.83; P = 0.010).

Conclusion

The association of HPV and p53 status have prognostic implications, reinforcing a three‐tier molecular classification of VSCC (HPV‐associated VSCC, HPV‐independent VSCC with normal p53, HPV‐independent VSCC with abnormal p53).
Immunosuppressive treatment for autoimmune blistering diseases does not impair production of neutralizing antibodies after “booster” dose of COVID‐19 vaccine
Authors: Russo Roberto , Capurro Niccolὸ , Cozzani Emanuele , Gasparini Giulia , Canepa Paola , Parodi Aurora
Published: April 2023

Since vaccines against COVID‐19 are available, it has been debated if immunosuppressed patients with autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs) should be advised to interrupt the immunosuppressive therapy before receiving the vaccine, with consequent risk to experience a flare of disease. In the present study, we measured the neutralizing antibodies production after anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in patients with AIBDs on immunosuppressive treatment, compared to healthy controls. Our results give strength to the hypothesis that these patients do not need to discontinue their therapy to produce effective levels of neutralizing antibodies, in other words to achieve successful protection.
Prevalence and Distribution of Microplastics in Oysters from the Mississippi Sound
Authors: Wontor Kendall , Cizdziel James V. , Scircle Austin , Gochfeld Deborah J. , Pandelides Ann Fairly
Published: April 2023

Oysters are a foundational part of their ecosystem and research has shown they are negatively impacted by exposure to microplastics (MPs). High MP levels have been documented in waters surrounding oyster reefs, and as filter feeders, oysters can ingest MPs along with their food. Here, we determined MPs (>30 µm) in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from ten sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Further, a subset of these samples was dissected to quantify MPs within specific tissues. Average concentrations ranged from 30.7± 11.5 to 4.7 ± 0.25 putative MPs/g wet weight (ww) of whole tissue, with sites inside bays near population centers displaying higher levels of MPs than those exposed directly to the Gulf. Mantle, gill, and adductor muscle tissues had similar concentrations of putative MPs (15.9 ± 13.4, 11.5 ± 8.6 and 12.8 ± 6.7 MPs/g, respectively), whereas digestive system tissues had lower concentrations (6.8 ± 6.1 MPs/g of tissue). This suggests that most MPs in an oyster likely adhere to external tissues and are not actually ingested. Most of the MPs retained were in the smallest size fraction of 30‐90 µm (80%), followed by 125‐250 µm (9%), 90‐125 µm (8%), and >250 µm (3%). Analysis of samples from Biloxi Bay by µ‐FTIR to assess MP composition shows that polyurethane, polyethylene, and polyamide are common, but additional analyses are needed to fully characterize the MP profile across sites. Overall, this work provides much‐needed empirical data on the abundances and sizes of MPs in oysters from the Mississippi Sound, as well as the tissues where they reside.
Continuous Hydrologic Modeling of a Parking Lot and Related Best Management Practices with PCSWMM
Authors: Pachaly Robson L. , Biessan Don Guy V.V. , Vasconcelos Jose G. , O’Donnell Frances C. , Bowers Benjamin F.
Published: April 2023

Permeable pavements are a green infrastructure stormwater management practice that can serve as a functional component of the site design. However, previous field studies suggest high uncertainty in the parameters used for performing hydrologic calculations for permeable pavements. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) within the PCSWMM software package was used to simulate the hydrologic dynamics of a parking lot that is 25% covered with permeable interlocking concrete pavers in Auburn, AL. The model was calibrated to field observations of water level at two points where the pavement system outflows to a bioretention basin and rainfall data from a nearby weather station. The use of the Curve Number (CN) method within SWMM resulted in good prediction of pavement outflow by the calibrated model, with R2 and Nash‐Sutcliffe model efficiency both greater than 0.8, except where issues with precipitation data coverage occurred. This demonstrates that permeable pavements can be modeled as a land cover type rather than as detention storage. The calibrated value of the runoff CN for permeable pavement was 60, much lower than what is recommended in many design guidelines for the underlying soil type at the research site, which is hydrologic soil group B. Based on evaluation of alternative model scenarios, the permeable pavement reduced runoff by 11‐38% across contrasting rain events.
Total Microcystin Concentration Variability in Water Samples and Recommended Minimum Volume (20 mL) for Freeze Thaw Cycles
Authors: Haggard Brian E. , Austin Bradley J.
Published: April 2023

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) continue to be a monitoring and research focus, particularly on the occurrence of toxins like total microcystins. The objectives of this study were to evaluate sampling and analytical variability in measured total microcystin concentrations and then to evaluate the volume of raw water needed in the freeze thaw cycle to reduce sampling variability. Water samples were collected from a recreational lake with annual cyanoHABs, and then 2 mL was used in freeze thaw cycles before total microcystin analysis. Then, sample volumes used in the freeze thaw cycles varied from 2 to 300 mL for total microcystin analysis. With three separate experiments, we observed a great deal of sampling variability (when using 2 mL in the freeze thaw cycles) while analytical variability was much less. In fact, sampling variability could potentially account for temporal variability observed in the routine monitoring. However, when sample volume used in the freeze thaw cycles increased, total microcystin variability decreased. We recommend at least 20 mL to be used in the freeze thaw cycles when analyzing total microcystins in environmental samples.
A randomised proof‐of‐concept trial on the effectiveness of a game‐based training of phoneme‐grapheme correspondences in pre‐readers
Authors: Verwimp Cara , Snellings Patrick , Wiers Reinout W. , Tijms Jurgen
Published: April 2023

Background

Learning which letters correspond to which speech sounds is fundamental for learning to read. Based on previous experimental studies, we developed a serious game aiming to boost letter‐speech sound (L‐SS) correspondences in a motivational game environment.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of this game in training L‐SS correspondences in pre‐readers. Additionally, an extended version of the game was developed given the importance of handwriting in audio‐visual integration. We established whether including a motoric component in the game boosted the letter‐speech sound training on top of the effect of the game without the motoric component.

Methods

One‐hundred forty‐five kindergartners were randomly allocated to play either the standard audio‐visual version of the game, the motoric version or a control math game. All children were pre‐ and post‐tested on L‐SS knowledge and reading accuracy.

Results and conclusions

We found that playing the game enhanced pre‐readers' L‐SS knowledge, but not reading accuracy, after a short, intensive intervention period of 3 weeks. However, children who played the motoric version of the game did not differ significantly from either the standard or the control condition.

Implications

This game was efficient in training L‐SS correspondences in pre‐readers. These results suggest that this game might be useful as a preventive evidence‐based intervention for at‐risk children in kindergarten who might benefit from a head start before learning how to read. Future studies are needed to examine whether a longer intervention period results in L‐SS knowledge being translated into reading skills.
Aspiration before tissue filling with hyaluronic acid‐safety enhancement by using a lidocaine‐primed syringe
Authors: Peng Yu‐Pin , Lin Yi‐Wen , Yang Yu‐Yen
Published: April 2023

Objective

Most of the doctors would regularly aspirate the plunger of a syringe before injection to make sure that the needle would not be mis‐inserted into vessels. Yet pulling the plunger back only cannot guarantee the injecting status is safe. Injecting all of the non‐fluid fillers, including colloidal hyaluronic acid (HA) into the vessel may cause “No blood return while pulling back the plunger,” which is defined as false‐negative aspiration.

Methods

In the first experiment, HA syringes were inserted into vessel simulators in vitro with standard needle sizes and residual dosages. In the second experiment, the lidocaine‐primed syringe were inserted into the vessel simulator instead to observe its aspiration.

Results

There was no difference using different sizes of needles or dosages except for group 0.1 mL and the lidocaine‐primed syringe. The rest of the groups need to wait more seconds to observe the blood return.

Conclusions

The time lag does exist in every single aspiration and 88% of the blood return would happen in 10 s. We suggested that operators should aspirate regularly before giving an injection with at least 10 s of waiting or use the lidocaine‐primed syringe instead. Blood returns could mostly be recognized in both ways.
Determinants and consequences of corporate social responsibility disclosure: A survey of extant literature
Authors: Ali Waris , Bekiros Stelios , Hussain Nazim , Khan Sana Akbar , Nguyen Duc Khuong
Published: April 2023

This paper systematically analyzes and synthesizes the literature on the determinants and consequences of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure. The study is unique in that it synthesizes based on the geographical setting of the original research. We analyzed 135 empirical studies published in Chartered Association of Business Schools (ABS) ranked journals from 1982 to 2020. The results reveal that various global, country‐specific, market‐specific, and firm‐specific factors are important in determining a firm's CSR disclosure policies. These factors are consistently relevant in both developed and developing economies. Furthermore, the synthesis shows that companies achieve various CSR disclosure‐related benefits in the form of a better reputation, enhanced financial performance, better access to external finances, better stakeholder management, and enhanced corporate accountability. In terms of theories, we observe a high heterogeneity among various studies examining the same empirical phenomenon. Based on the analysis and review results, we identify avenues for future research.
Salivary E‐cadherin as a biomarker for diagnosis and predicting grade of periodontitis
Authors: Kazem Nadia M. , Abdulkareem Ali A. , Milward Michael R.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To determine the abilities of salivary E‐cadherin to differentiate between periodontal health and periodontitis and to discriminate grades of periodontitis.

Background

E‐cadherin is the main protein responsible for maintaining the integrity of epithelial‐barrier function. Disintegration of this protein is one of the events associated with the destructive forms of periodontal disease leading to increase concentration of E‐cadherin in the oral biofluids.

Materials and Methods

A total of 63 patients with periodontitis (case) and 35 periodontally healthy subjects (control) were included. For each patient, periodontal parameters including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. Concentration of salivary E‐cadherin was determined by ELISA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine the diagnostic potentials of E‐cadherin.

Results

Level of salivary E‐cadherin was significantly higher in periodontitis cases than controls. The ROC analysis showed that salivary E‐cadherin exhibits excellent sensitivity and specificity (AUC 1.000) to differentiate periodontal health from periodontitis with a cutoff concentration equal to 1.325 ng/mL. The AUCs of E‐cadherin to differentiate grade A from grade B and C periodontitis were 0.731 (cutoff point = 1.754 ng/mL) and 0.746 (cutoff point = 1.722 ng/mL), respectively. However, the AUC of salivary E‐cadherin to differentiate grade B from grade C periodontitis was lower (0.541). Additionally, BOP and PPD were significantly and positively correlated with the concentration of salivary E‐cadherin.

Conclusion

Salivary E‐cadherin exhibited excellent sensitivity and specificity to differentiate periodontitis from a healthy periodontium. The level of accuracy of E‐cadherin was also sufficient to recognize grade A periodontitis from grade B and C periodontitis.
Albuminuria and proteinuria in dogs infected with Dirofilaria repens: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Falus Fruzsina A. , Szabó Korinna É. , Becker Zsolt , Müller Linda , Fok Éva , Balogh Nándor , Manczur Ferenc
Published: April 2023

Background

It is unknown whether Dirofilaria repens is capable of causing similar glomerular lesions, as does Dirofilaria immitis.

Objective

To determine whether D. repens infection could cause albuminuria or proteinuria.

Animals

Sixty‐five clinically healthy laboratory beagle dogs.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, dogs were tested for D. repens infection (modified Knott test, PCR test, D. immitis antigen test) and were grouped as “D. repens infected” or “control” dogs. Urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UAC) and urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC) were measured from samples taken by cystocentesis.

Results

Forty‐three (26 infected, 17 control) dogs were included in the final study group. UAC but not UPC level was significantly higher in the infected group (UAC median 12.5; range, 0‐700 mg/g and UPC median 0.15; range, 0.06‐1.06) than in the control group (UAC median 6.3; range, 0‐28 mg/g and UPC median 0.13; range, 0.05‐0.64; P = .02 and P = .65). Overt proteinuria (UPC > 0.5) was present in 6/26 (23%) of the infected dogs and 1/17 (6%) of the control dogs. Albuminuria (UAC > 19 mg/g) was detected in 9/26 (35%) dogs in the infected group, and 2/17 dogs (12%) in the control group.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

D. repens might cause similar glomerular lesions to those caused by D. immitis.
Evaluation of the stress‐reducing effect of trace mineral injection in beef calves
Authors: Megahed Ameer A. , Bittar João H. J. , Palomares Roberto A. , Mercadante Vitor R. G. , Dias Nicholas W.
Published: April 2023

Background

Little is known about the effects of trace mineral supplementation on the stress response in beef calves.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of injectable trace mineral supplementation (ITM) on the stress response in beef calves exposed to different types of stress.

Animals

Thirty weaned Angus and Angus crossbred calves.

Methods

The enrolled calves were randomly assigned to 2 groups: ITM, 15 calves received modified‐live virus vaccine (MLV) and ITM SC and 15 calves received MLV and saline SC (CONT). The calves were exposed to 3 types of stress: the stress of MLV vaccination (d0), nasal aerosol with bovine viral diarrhea virus‐2 (BVDV‐2) challenge (d5), and liver biopsy (d26). The calves' body weights and health status were monitored. Leukocyte counts, serum cortisol concentration ([cort]), BVDV‐2 serum neutralizing antibodies (SNA), and percentages of CD4+, CD8+, WC1+, and CD25+ T‐lymphocytes were measured.

Results

Serum cortisol concentration ([cort]) showed strong associations with the percentage of CD8+ (rs = .50), BVDV2‐SNA (rs = −.43), and WC1CD25+ (rs = .41) cells, and rectal temperature (rs = .40). The highest [cort] was reported 3 days after aerosol BVDV‐2 challenge. Serum [cort] was decreased in ITM‐treated calves 3 days post‐BVDV‐2 challenge, compared with CONT calves, with an average decrease of 18.5 ng/μL (95% confidence interval [CI], −6.07 to −31.3). The ITM‐treated calves were heavier and healthier (P < .01) than the CONT calves.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Trace mineral supplementation appears to have stress mitigation effects in beef cattle that may reflect positively on growth and health performance. Viral exposure is associated with a high degree of stress, which is considered a major welfare concern.
Chicken by‐product meal as a replacement to fish meal in juvenile abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino 1952) feed
Authors: Dai Qihu , Cho Sung Hwoan
Published: April 2023

This study aims to assess the effect of replacing anchovy meal with chicken by‐product meal (CBM) in juvenile abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) feed. Five diets were formulated to contain 0 (CBM0), 25 (CBM25), 50 (CBM 50), 75 (CBM75), and 100% (CBM100) CBM in replacement to 24% fish meal (FM). Dried Saccharina japonica, which is the natural food for this species of abalone was also prepared. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of abalone. 1260 abalone assigned into eighteen cages were fed for 16 weeks. After the 16‐week feeding trial, 30 abalones from each cage were exposed to air for 24 h, and survival was monitored for 7 days. Results showed that weight gain and specific growth rate of abalone fed the CBM0 (185.4 ± 12.83% and 0.93 ± 0.040%/day, respectively) diet were significantly (p < 0.04 for both) higher than those of abalone fed the CBM100 (139.0 ± 6.36% and 0.78 ± 0.024%/day, respectively) diet. Shell length and width of abalone fed the CBM0 diet were significantly (p < 0.003 and p < 0.02, respectively) longer and wider than those of abalone fed the CBM75 and CBM100 diets. Survival of abalone during the 7‐day post‐observation period after the 24‐h air exposure exhibited no remarkable (p > 0.1 for Log Rank and Wilcoxon tests) difference among all formulated diets according to the analysis of the Kaplan–Meier survival curve. In conclusion, CBM can replace FM up to 50% in an abalone diet without compromising growth performance and survival.
Automation and economic growth in a task‐based neoclassical growth model
Authors: Ikeshita Kenichiro , Uchida Hideaki , Nakamura Tamotsu
Published: April 2023

This paper incorporates a task‐based approach into the Solow growth model to analyze the effects of automation on economic growth. We find that if task producers smoothly adopt automation technology along the capital accumulation path, sustained growth is possible even without technological progress. This result is brought about by the fact that task automation makes the aggregate production function linear. In addition, we demonstrate that both the rental price of capital and the wage are constant on the growth path. In sum, while the interaction between task automation and capital accumulation can be a pathway for sustained growth in output, it leads to the cease of wage growth in the long run.
Sudden bilateral hearing loss due to vertebral artery dissection
Authors: Marumori Mai , Sakuta Kenichi , Miyagawa Shinji , Yaguchi Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

A 69‐year‐old man suddenly developed bilateral hearing impairment and dizziness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple infarctions in the area of the bilateral posterior circulation, and magnetic resonance angiography showed a completely occluded right vertebral artery (VA) and severe stenosis of the left VA. Pearl and string sign was detected in the left VA by cerebral angiography, leading to the diagnosis of arterial dissection. The infarctions in the anterior inferior cerebellar artery area were considered a result of artery‐to‐artery embolism. He regained his hearing gradually and was discharged in 2 weeks. Acute ischemic stroke with bilateral hearing loss is generally accompanied by proximal severe vascular legions, with poor outcome. Prognosis may depend on the underlying vascular pathology.
Risk factors of delirium in a paediatric intensive care unit: A prospective case series study
Authors: Xu Ting‐Ting , Zhang Yu‐Cai , Ye Xiao‐Fei , Fu Cong‐Hui , Li Yan , Ju Min‐Jie , Liu Ji , Yang Xiao‐Ya , Zhang Wei‐Ying
Published: April 2023

Background

Delirium is one of the most common complications in critically ill children. Once delirium occurs, it will cause physical and psychological distress in children and increase the length of their ICU stay and hospitalization costs. Understanding the risk factors for delirium in critically ill children can help develop targeted nursing interventions to reduce the incidence of delirium.

Aims

To investigate the incidence and the risk factors of delirium in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Study design

We performed a prospective observational study in critically ill patients in the PICU between February and July 2020. Delirium was diagnosed by the Cornell Assessment of Paediatric Delirium (CAPD) and the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale and analysed via univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression to determine the independent risk factors of delirium in critically ill children.

Results

The study enrolled 315 patients ranging in age from 1–202 (65.3–54.3) months, with 56.2% (n = 177) being male. The incidence of delirium was 29.2% (n = 92) according to CAPD criteria. Among them, 33 cases (35.9%) were of hyperactive delirium, 16 cases (17.4%) were of hypoactive delirium, and 43 cases (46.7%) were of mixed delirium. By using stepwise logistic regression, the independent risk factors of delirium included mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 11.470; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.283–30.721), nervous system disease (OR, 5.596; 95%CI, 2.445 to 12.809), developmental delay (OR, 5.157; 95% CI, 1.990–13.363), benzodiazepine (OR, 3.359; 95% CI 1.278–8.832), number of catheters (OR, 1.918; 95% CI, 1.425 to 2.582), and age (OR, 0.985; 95% confidence interval CI, 0.976–0.993).

Conclusions

Delirium is a common complication in the PICU. The independent risk factors include mechanical ventilation, nervous system disease, developmental delay, benzodiazepines, higher number of catheters, and younger age. This study may help develop intervention strategies to reduce the incidence of delirium in critically ill children by targeting modifiable risk factors.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Recommendations for practice include paying attention to high‐risk children in the ICU who are prone to delirium, removing influencing factors as soon as possible, and providing targeted nursing interventions.
Role of instrumental factors in Meibomian gland contrast assessment
Authors: Diz‐Arias Elena , Fernández‐Jiménez Elena , Peral Assumpta , Gomez‐Pedrero Jose A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Meibomian gland contrast has been suggested as a potential biomarker in Meibomian gland dysfunction. This study analysed the instrumental factors related to contrast. The objectives were to determine whether the mathematical equations used to compute gland contrast (e.g., Michelson or Yeh and Lin), impact the ability to identify abnormal individuals, to ascertain whether contrast between the gland and the background could be an effective biomarker and to assess whether using contrast‐enhancement on the gland image improves its diagnostic efficacy.

Methods

A total of 240 meibography images from 40 participants (20 controls and 20 having Meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis), were included. The Oculus Keratograph 5M was used to capture images from the upper and lower eyelids of each eye. The contrast of unprocessed images and those pre‐processed with contrast‐enhancement algorithms were analysed. Contrast was measured on the eight central glands. Two equations for contrast computation were used, and the contrast both between glands and within a gland were calculated.

Results

Significant differences were found between the groups for inter‐gland area in the upper (p = 0.01) and lower eyelids (p = 0.001) for contrast measured with the Michelson formula. Similar effects were observed when using the Yeh and Lin method in the upper (p = 0.01) and lower eyelids (p = 0.04). These results were obtained for images enhanced with the Keratograph 5M algorithm.

Conclusions

Meibomian gland contrast is a useful biomarker of disease related to the Meibomian glands. Contrast measurement should be determined using contrast‐enhanced images in the inter‐gland area. However, the method used to compute contrast did not influence the results.
Risks of adverse perinatal outcomes in relation to maternal depressive symptoms: A prospective cohort study in Kenya
Authors: Larsen Anna , Pintye Jillian , Abuna Felix , Bhat Amritha , Dettinger Julia C. , Gomez Laurén , Marwa Mary M. , Ngumbau Nancy , Odhiambo Ben , Phipps Amanda I. , Richardson Barbra A. , Watoyi Salphine , Stern Joshua , Kinuthia John , John‐Stewart Grace
Published: April 2023

Background

Evidence gaps remain regarding the influence of prenatal psychosocial factors on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate relationships between psychosocial factors and adverse perinatal outcomes among Kenyan women.

Methods

We analysed data from a prospective cohort study enrolling HIV‐negative women in pregnancy (NCT03070600) in 20 antenatal clinics in Western Kenya. Study nurses assessed depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD‐10), social support using the Medical Outcomes Survey scale (MOS‐SSS), intimate partner violence (IPV) with the Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream scale (HITS), and pregnancy outcomes at 6 weeks postpartum. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate relationships between depressive symptoms (moderate‐to‐severe [MSD, CESD‐10 ≥10] and mild‐to‐severe [Mild‐SD, CESD‐10 ≥5]), low social support (MOS‐SSS <72), and IPV (HITS ≥10) with adverse perinatal outcomes of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age, and neonatal mortality. We also estimated the population attributable risk.

Results

Among 4153 women, 23.9% (n = 994) had MSD, 54.7% (n = 2273) mild‐SD, 37.3% (n = 1550) low social support, and 7.8% (n = 323) experienced IPV. Pregnancy loss was 5‐fold higher among women with MSD (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 5.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.44, 10.42); 37.4% of losses were attributable to MSD. Mild‐SD was associated with PTB (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03, 1.87). Stillbirth risk more than doubled among women reporting low social support (HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.14, 4.94).

Conclusions

Adverse perinatal outcomes were common and associated with prenatal depressive symptoms and low social support in this large cohort of Kenyan mother–infant pairs.
The effect of health literacy and health empowerment on quality of life in the elderly
Authors: Çiftci Necmettin , Yıldız Metin , Yıldırım Ömer
Published: April 2023

Background

This study was conducted to determine the effect of health literacy and health promotion on quality of life in the elderly.

Method

This descriptive and cross‐sectional study was conducted with 981 elderly individuals aged 65 years and older in Turkey. ‘Introductory Information Form’, ‘Health Literacy Scale’, ‘Elderly Health Empowerment Scale’ and ‘Quality of Life Scale for the Elderly’ were used to collect data. The research data were analyzed by Structural Equation Modelling using SPSS 22.0, AMOS V 24.0, G*Power 3.1 statistical package programs.

Results

Health literacy level increased health empowerment level (t = 5.929R2 = 0.035,P < 0.05). Health literacy level increased quality of life level (t = 13.439R2 = 0.156,P < 0.05). Health empowerment level was found to affect quality of life level (t = 17.746R2 = 0.243,P < 0.05). Health empowerment was found to have a mediating role in the effect of health literacy on quality of life (β = 0.502, 95% confidence interval (lower bound‐upper bound) = 0.013–1.038). It was determined that the model created in line with the hypotheses was compatible and the model fit indicesx2/SD = 4.919, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06, comparative fit index = 0.91, fit index = 0.95, adjusted fit index = 0.93, incremental fit index = 0.91 were within the desired limits.

Conclusions

As the level of health literacy increases, so does the level of health empowerment and quality of life. As the level of health empowerment increases, so does the level of quality of life. It is recommended to design policies that will help to increase the health literacy and health empowerment levels of the elderly. Longitudinal studies on quality of life in the elderly are recommended.
Multiregional, multi‐industry impacts of fairness on pandemic policies
Authors: Soltanisehat Leili , Barker Kash , González Andrés D.
Published: April 2023

The health and economic crisis caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic highlights the necessity for a deeper understanding and investigation of state‐ and industry‐level mitigation policies. While different control strategies in the early stages, such as lockdowns and school and business closures, have helped decrease the number of infections, these strategies have had an adverse economic impact on businesses and some controversial impacts on social justice. Therefore, optimal timing and scale of closure and reopening strategies are required to prevent both different waves of the pandemic and the negative socioeconomic impact of control strategies. This article proposes a novel multiobjective mixed‐integer linear programming formulation, which results in the optimal timing of closure and reopening of states and industries in each. The three objectives being pursued include: (i) the epidemiological impact of the pandemic in terms of the percentage of the infected population; (ii) the social vulnerability index of the pandemic policy based on the vulnerability of communities to getting infected, and for losing their job; and (iii) the economic impact of the pandemic based on the inoperability of industries in each state. The proposed model is implemented on a dataset that includes 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 19 industries in the United States. The Pareto‐optimal solutions suggest that for any control decision (state and industry closure or reopening), the economic impact and the epidemiological impact change in the opposite direction.
Dental student readiness to treat special care patients upon graduation
Authors: López Rosa Moreno , Bovaird Iain , Olmo González Belisa , Abu‐Eid Rasha
Published: April 2023

Introduction

There has been a global increase in patients with special needs. Undergraduate dental curricula need to adjust to meet the needs of these patients. This study aimed to identify how confident final year dental students felt about treating patients with special needs upon graduation and evaluate the influence that the curriculum had on their preparedness based on competencies outlined by the International Association for Disability and Oral Health (iADH).

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to final year dental students at two different Universities in Scotland and in Spain to: (1) evaluate how prepared students felt when treating patients with special needs and (2) assess the competencies outlined by iADH.

Results

The response rate was 18.4% (30/163 students). Overall, 83.3% of the students (n = 25) perceived they would benefit from more practical sessions with patients with learning and physical disabilities to improve their clinical management of these patients. 53.3% (n = 16) didn't feel that had the knowledge to properly treat all special care dentistry (SCD) patients upon graduation (scored 5 or 6 on the IADH competency framework). 83.3% of the students (n = 25) felt that the mode of teaching should be problem‐based complemented with small group seminars.

Conclusion

Students from both Universities agreed that more clinical practice might be required for them to further their skills to treat special needs patients upon graduation, which correlates with the need to have more practical sessions to consolidate competency 4 (communication skills with SCD) and competency 6 (clinical management of patients requiring SCD).
The Neglected Role of Domestic Migration on Family Patterns in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1950–2000
Authors: Castro Torres Andres Felipe
Published: April 2023

Urbanization has played a key role in shaping twentieth‐century demographic changes in Latin America and the Caribbean (LACar). As a result, scholarly research on domestic migration and the family has primarily focused on fertility differentials by migration status in urban areas, finding a robust negative correlation between internal migration and fertility. This research has overlooked how this relationship varies across types of migration flows other than rural‐to‐urban migration and by women's age at migration and social class. Additionally, not enough attention has been paid to the family formation and dissolution trajectories underlying the lower fertility of rural migrants. I use a life‐course inductive approach to examine these overlooked aspects among women from 10 LACar countries, including the three largest countries by population. Using retrospective information on women's childbearing and marital histories from the Demographic and Health Surveys, I build an eight‐category typology of family paths and study the conditional distribution of this typology by women's age at migration, educational attainment, and origin/destination area. This examination demonstrates that social class is the primary source of differentiation across family formation and dissolution trajectories and that low‐class young rural migrants played a crucial role in the demographic transformations that occurred in the region.
Efficient t0$$ {t}_0 $$‐year risk regression using the logistic model
Authors: Martinussen Torben , Harder Scheike Thomas
Published: April 2023

In some clinical studies patient survival beyond a specific point in time, , say, may be of special interest as it may for instance indicate patient cure. To analyze the ‐year risk for such patients may be accomplished using logistic regression with appropriate weights (IPWCC) that may further be augmented (AIPWCC) to improve efficiency. In this paper, we derive the most efficient estimator for this problem, which is different from the AIPWCC based on the full data efficient influence function. We first give the result for a survival endpoint and then generalize to the competing risk setting. The proposed estimators superior behavior is illustrated using simulations as well as applying it to some real data concerning the survival of blood and marrow transplanted patients.
Hyperhaemolysis caused by anti‐HI antibodies in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome following a first ever red cell transfusion
Authors: Hinton Richard , Haji Ruby , Kaczmarski Richard , Layton Mark , Danga Akila
Published: April 2023

Background

Hyperhaemolysis is a rare and life‐threatening delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction characterised by complement‐mediated destruction of both host and transfused red cells. It is well recognised as a complication of transfusion in patients with haemoglobinopathies and has occasionally been described in haematological malignancy and anaemia of chronic disease. Anti‐HI antibodies are usually clinically insignificant but have rarely been associated with haemolytic transfusion reactions, including cases of hyperhaemolysis in sickle cell disease.

Methods and materials

Here, we describe a novel case of a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome developing hyperhaemolysis as a result of an anti‐HI alloantibody following their first‐ever transfusion. The patient required multiple lines of treatment, including erythropoietin, haematinic supplementation, corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab.

Results

Following treatment, steady‐state haemoglobin was achieved with quiescent haemolysis, and complement inhibition with eculizumab was considered but ultimately not required.

Conclusion

This is the first known report of hyperhaemolysis with an anti‐HI antibody in a non‐haemoglobinopathy patient. The treatment of hyperhaemolysis is evolving, and future commissioning needs to consider the role of complement inhibition in non‐haemoglobinopathy patients.
Evaluating the Operating Parameters of a Compression Ignition Engine Fueled With Waste Cooking Oil—Diesel Blends Using Artificial Neural Network and Ensemble Methods
Authors: More Shubham M. , Kakati Jyotirmoy , Saha Ujjwal K.
Published: April 2023

Fossil fuels being the primary source of energy for industrial and power sectors are being consumed at an alarming rate. There is a dire need to search for alternative fuels and optimize the performance parameters of internal combustion (IC) engines. Traditional methods of testing and optimizing the performances of IC engine are complex, time-consuming, and expensive. This has led the researchers to shift their focus to faster and computationally feasible techniques like soft computing (SC) and machine learning (ML) algorithms, which predict the optimum performance with a substantial accuracy. This study focuses on the implementation of artificial neural network (ANN) and ensembling methods (random forest regression and extreme gradient boosting algorithm) modeling of a compression ignition (CI) diesel engine run on waste cooking oil (WCO). A single-cylinder, four-stroke, variable compression ratio diesel engine's performance, combustion, and emission parameters have been predicted using ANN and ML approaches. These models have been developed to predict the brake power, brake thermal efficiency, brake-specific fuel consumption, ignition delay, combustion duration, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen. All the models have been trained by tuning and optimizing a different number of hyper-parameters and training algorithms (Levenberg–Marquardt (LM), scaled conjugate gradient, and Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno). Further the most optimum parameters have been selected using hyper-parameter optimization. The mathematical models are assessed for their generalization capability by subjecting them to a set of new testing data.
R. BRUCE LINDSAY AWARD 2023: Julianna C. Simon
Authors: Simon Julianna C.
Published: April 2023

The R. Bruce Lindsay Award (formerly the Biennial Award) is presented in the Spring to a member of the Society who is no more than 10 years post terminal degree on 1 July at the time of Award acceptance and who, during a period of two or more years immediately preceding the award, has been active in the affairs of the Society and has contributed substantially, through published papers, to the advancement of theoretical or applied acoustics, or both. The award was presented biennially until 1986. It is now an annual award.
Helmholtz-Rayleigh Interdisciplinary Silver Medal in Biomedical Acoustics and Physical Acoustics 2023: Vera A. Khokhlova
Authors: Khokhlova Vera A.
Published: April 2023

The Silver Medal is presented to individuals, without age limitation, for contributions to the advancement of science, engineering, or human welfare through the application of acoustic principles, or through research accomplishment in acoustics.