bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A critical review of bioactive glasses and glass–ceramics in cancer therapy
Authors: Moeini Ali , Hassanzadeh Chinijani Turan , Malek Khachatourian Adrine , Vinicius Lia Fook Marcus , Baino Francesco , Montazerian Maziar
Published: August 2022

There is an ongoing profound shift in using glass as a primarily passive material to one that instills active properties. We believe and demonstrate that bioactive glasses (BGs) and glass–ceramics (BGCs) as functional biomaterials for cancer therapy can transform the world of healthcare in the 21st century. Melt/gel‐derived BGs and BGCs can carry many exotic elements, including less common rare‐earth, and trigger highly efficient anticancer properties via the combination of radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, magnetic hyperthermia, along with drug or therapeutic ions delivery. The addition of these dopants modifies the bioactivity, imparts novel functionalities, and induces specific biological effects that are not achievable using other classes of biomaterials. In this paper, we have briefly reviewed and discussed the current knowledge on promising compositions, processing parameters, and applications of BGs and BGCs in treating cancer. We also envisage the need for further research on this particular, unique class of BGs and BGCs.
A metaheuristic for the double traveling salesman problem with partial last‐in‐first‐out loading constraints
Authors: Mardones Blas , Gatica Gustavo , Contreras‐Bolton Carlos
Published: August 2022

This paper addresses the double traveling salesman problem with partial last‐in‐first‐out (LIFO) loading constraints. A vehicle picks up items in the pickup area and loads them into its container, a horizontal stack. Once all the pickup operations are done, the vehicle can deliver the items to the delivery area because pickup‐and‐delivery areas are geographically separated. Additionally, the loading and unloading operations also follow a partial LIFO policy. The aim is to find a Hamiltonian cycle that satisfies the loading and unloading policy described above in order to minimize the distance traveled by the vehicle in both areas and the cost of the rearrangements that are performed across the routes. The state‐of‐the‐art algorithm finds good solutions to the existing instances. However, finding good‐quality solutions in large instances requires longer computing times. Therefore, we propose an iterated local search that considers two additional components to the classical components, the intensification and restart procedure. The first helps in a more thorough examination of promising neighborhoods, while the second helps in the complete diversity of the solutions in the hopes of escaping the local optima. Moreover, a new unique decoding approach for the solution representation is proposed to effectively generate feasible solutions. The proposed algorithm's performance is evaluated on an existing set of instances and in two new additional sets of larger instances that are proposed. The computational results obtained on the three test sets show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art algorithm in terms of computing time required to find good‐quality solutions.
Super‐response to guselkumab treatment in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis: age, body weight, baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and baseline Investigator's Global Assessment scores predict complete skin clearance
Authors: Reich K. , Gordon K.B. , Strober B. , Langley R.G. , Miller M. , Yang Y.‐W. , Shen Y.‐K. , You Y. , Zhu Y. , Foley P. , Blauvelt A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic immune‐mediated inflammatory skin disease that often leads to a diminished quality of life. Goals of treating patients with psoriasis have shifted with more focus on achieving near or complete clearance of the skin. Guselkumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin‐23, is effective in treating moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Objective

To describe the baseline characteristics of patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis achieving super‐response (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] 100 response at Weeks 20 and 28) after commencing guselkumab treatment.

Methods

Pooled data from VOYAGE 1 and VOYAGE 2 studies identified super‐response; baseline demographic, disease and pharmacokinetic characteristics were compared with non‐super‐response. A stepwise logistic regression analysis identified which factors were potentially predictive of super‐response status, with significance level of 0.1.

Results

A subset of patients randomized to guselkumab comprised this post hoc analysis (n = 664); 271 patients achieved super‐response vs. 393 with non‐super‐response. Patient age at study entry and baseline body weight (≤90 kg vs. >90 kg), PASI, and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score were significant predictors of super‐response status, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.98 (0.967–0.993; P = 0.003), 1.42 (1.026–1.977; P = 0.034), 0.97 (0.955–0.993; P = 0.007) and 0.66 (0.433–0.997; P = 0.048), respectively. More patients with super‐response achieved an early response: Week 2 PASI 75 (5.5% vs. 1.8%) and Week 8 PASI 100 (22.5% vs. 3.3%) vs. non‐super‐response. Median serum guselkumab concentrations through Week 28 were slightly greater in patients with super‐response vs. non‐super‐response.

Conclusion

Guselkumab was more likely to achieve early clinical responses (complete skin clearance) in younger patients, less obese patients and patients with less severe psoriasis.
Systematic literature review assessing the overall costs and societal impacts of moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis in Europe
Authors: Augustin M. , Misery L. , von Kobyletzski L. , Mealing S. , Redding M. , Chuang C.C. , Massey R. , Cawkwell M. , Bego Le‐Bagousse G. , Haddy L. , Rout R.
Published: August 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease, driven by type 2 inflammation. The condition manifests as moderate‐to‐severe disease in approximately 20% of adults with AD across Europe and is associated with a substantial burden on patients, society and healthcare systems. However, systematic assessments capturing the totality of disease burden associated with moderate‐to‐severe AD are limited; therefore, the overall impacts of the disease may be underestimated. A systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out to assess the overall costs of moderate‐to‐severe AD across Europe, including the financial, societal and humanistic impacts. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched to identify relevant studies published between 1 January 2010 and 2 June 2020. Scientific conference proceedings, health technology assessment websites and patient association group websites were also searched for relevant information. Twenty‐seven publications, corresponding to 22 unique studies, were included in the analysis. Total costs (direct and productivity losses) reached €20 695 per‐person‐per‐year (PPPY) for adults with uncontrolled symptoms of moderate‐to‐severe AD. Direct medical costs ranged between €307 and €6993 PPPY; prescription medications and specialist dermatologist visits were the main contributors. Costs increased with disease severity or with uncontrolled disease. Patients with AD also incurred personal costs of €927 per year for healthcare items not reimbursed, which increased by 9% for those with moderate‐to‐severe forms. Annual work productivity losses comprised most of the total costs reported for adults with moderate‐to‐severe AD (up to 60.8% of the total burden) and were highest in those with uncontrolled disease (€13 702 PPPY). Patients with moderate‐to‐severe disease also experienced physical, emotional, and social impacts. The overall costs of moderate‐to‐severe AD greatly impact on healthcare systems, patients and society. Sustained control of moderate‐to‐severe AD, through effective treatment and care management, is essential to limit the burden caused by the disease.
Nano‐injection method for micro‐insects without sedation using the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis
Authors: Raffin Catherine Lee , Price Briana Elizabeth , Yun Seung Hwan , Choi Man‐Yeon
Published: August 2022

Micro‐injection techniques are invaluable in entomological research as they allow for direct delivery of biological compounds into the hemocoel of specimens at controlled volumes. Despite its prevalent use among embryonic, larval, and adult stages of insects, most current micro‐injections for live insects are restricted to insects over 3 mm in size. Nearly all micro‐injection methods utilize immobilization tactics that may affect specimen fitness and physiology. This alteration can cause an inconclusive interpretation of phenotypic reactions post‐injection. In this study, we detail an improved nano‐volume injection technique for micro‐insects (<3 mm) using the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentallis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), as a model. By constructing and using a modified vacuum stage, injections were performed on live thrips, without sedation and physical injury. A simple survivorship assay in which the thrips were injected with 10 nl of pure water into the thorax or abdomen demonstrated that thoracic injections yield similar survival rates to control thrips that were not injected, while abdominal injections severely limited survivorship. Here we present an integrative method that customizes the vacuum stage, nano‐injection tools, injection volume and site, and other specifications for live micro‐insects (<3 mm).
CAD/CAM single‐retainer monolithic zirconia ceramic resin‐bonded fixed partial dentures bonded with two different resin cements: Up to 40 months clinical results of a randomized‐controlled pilot study
Authors: Bilir Halenur , Yuzbasioglu Emir , Sayar Gulsilay , Kilinc Delal Dara , Bag Harika Gozde Gozukara , Özcan Mutlu
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This pilot study was part of a larger study planned for the future which aimed to compare the clinical success of two different resin cements used in the cementation of CAD/CAM single‐retainer monolithic zirconia ceramic resin‐bonded fixed dentures (RBFPDs).

Methods

Twenty‐four RBFPDs were fabricated with monolithic zirconia (Katana™ Zirconia HT, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc, Tokyo, Japan). Panavia F2.0 (PF2.0; n = 12) and Panavia V5 (PV5; n = 12) were used for cementation. The survival period was defined as the time when the restoration was placed in the mouth and lasted until an irreparable damage occurred. The repairable failures were identified as relative and irreparable failures were identified as absolute failure. The survival rate of the RBFPDs was determined by the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The mean observation times of the PF2.0 group and the PV5 group were 40.45 ± 6.15 months and 40.18 ± 6.41 months, respectively. Four failures occurred in the PF2.0 group. No failure was observed in the PV5 group. The curves of survival rate (PF2.0 = 80%, PV5 = 100%) showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.031), although success rate (PF2.0 = 66.7%, PV5 = 100%) showed statistically significant difference (p = 0.317).

Conclusion

Up to 40 months mean follow‐up period, performance of RBFPDs bonded with PV5 was better than with PF2.0.

Clinical Significance

For clinicians, it is a matter of hesitation to apply single‐retainer RBFPDs. This study contains results of 40 months (minimum 32, maximum 50.47 months) clinical follow‐ups of single‐retainer RBFPDs. These results will enlighten clinicians about the clinical success of the resin cement type for single‐retainer monolithic zirconia ceramic RBFPDs.
Detection of trh+Vibrio parahaemolyticus in seafood by lac dye coloration‐based label‐free lateral flow immunoassay strip
Authors: Liu Tao , Wu Meijiao , Tian Yachen , Liu Xiaoting , Liu Cheng , Xu Qingqiang , Liu Qing
Published: August 2022

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is an important foodborne pathogen known to cause severe enteric disease. Thus, timely detection of V. parahaemolyticus in seafood is crucial to prevent food poisoning and reduce economic losses. Traditional lateral flow immunoassay strips (LFIS) required good labelling materials and pairing of two antibodies, which made them costly and difficult to manufacture. In this study, a label‐free and lac dye coloration‐based LFIS (LD‐LFIS) to detect trh+ V. parahaemolyticus was developed for the first time. Lac dye was used to stain V. parahaemolyticus, and LFIS was used to detect stained bacteria. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and simultaneous mordanting were chosen as the best solvent and the best staining method for lac dye. In addition, three mordants [KAl(SO4)2·12H2O, NH4Fe(SO4)2·12H2O, and AlCl3·6H2O] were selected to improve dyeing efficiency. The detection limit of LD‐LFIS was 3.9 × 105 CFU/ml when NH4Fe(SO4)2·12H2O was used as mordant. Feasibility of the LD‐LFIS method was verified by detecting trh+ V. parahaemolyticus in true and spiked seafood samples. The method developed in this study is expected to reduce restrictions on labelling materials and pairing of two antibodies on LFIS, and proposes a novel idea for the rapid detection of V. parahaemolyticus in seafood.
Residential substance use treatment outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women: Distinct patterns for women enrolled before versus during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chou Jessica L. , Noel Jeffrey G. , Williams Catherine , Spruell Sharon , Nixon Kevana , Riedel Edward , Zaarur Asif
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Substance use among pregnant and postpartum women (PPW) is a serious public health concern. The COVID‐19 pandemic has exacerbated substance use among the general population including pregnant women, and disrupted operations for substance use treatment centers. Little is known about the outcomes of substance use treatment for PPW before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Method

Data from a longitudinal program evaluation were analyzed to examine outcomes among 136 PPW participating in a residential SUD treatment program, and to explore differences in treatment outcomes for women who enrolled in services before versus during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Analyses were used to test the significance of change from treatment intake to 6‐month post‐intake on assessments of substance use, mental health symptoms, and functioning collected to evaluate the Healthy Families Program (HFP), a comprehensive program for PPW located within a gender‐specific SUD treatment facility in the United States.

Results

Results indicated that from treatment intake to follow‐up assessment, clients self‐reported statistically significant improvements in family functioning and daily functioning as well as reduced days of substance use. Notably, the rate of treatment intakes declined during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In separate analyses by subgroup, mental health indicators showed improvements only for clients engaged in treatment before the COVID‐19 pandemic and not for clients served during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but substance use decreased significantly for both pre‐pandemic and pandemic enrollees.

Conclusion

Specialized treatment considerations and implications for PPW are discussed, including a need for added emphasis on co‐occurring mental health symptoms and family system stress during a pandemic, and the role of nurses in identifying and addressing these concerns. Additionally, potential relapse prevention efforts during COVID‐19 for PPW with substance use disorders are examined.

Clinical Relevance

The present research continues to highlight the importance of specialized treatment programming for PPW with SUDs as well as the potential need for additional recovery support mechanisms to be utilized during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Ontogeny of the paraphalanges and derived phalanges of Hemidactylus turcicus (Squamata: Gekkonidae)
Authors: Griffing Aaron H. , Gamble Tony , Bauer Aaron M. , Russell Anthony P.
Published: August 2022

Gekkotan lizards of the genus Hemidactylus exhibit derived digital morphologies. These include heavily reduced antepenultimate phalanges of digits III and IV of the manus and digits III–V of the pes, as well as enigmatic cartilaginous structures called paraphalanges. Despite this well‐known morphological derivation, no studies have investigated the development of these structures. We aimed to determine if heterochrony underlies the derived antepenultimate phalanges of Hemidactylus. Furthermore, we aimed to determine if convergently evolved paraphalanges exhibit similar or divergent developmental patterns. Herein we describe embryonic skeletal development in the hands and feet of four gekkonid species, exhibiting a range of digital morphologies. We determined that the derived antepenultimate phalanges of Hemidactylus are the products of paedomorphosis. Furthermore, we found divergent developmental patterns between convergently evolved paraphalanges.
Association between sleep quality, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and sleep‐disordered breathing in pregnant women with and without obesity: An observational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ura Midori , Fujimoto Keisaku , Kanai Makoto
Published: August 2022

Aim

To elucidate whether pregnancy and obesity are associated with poor sleep quality, and to investigate if sleep quality is associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in pregnant women with obesity.

Methods

This observational cross‐sectional study examined 15 obese pregnant women (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) (p‐Ob group), 15 nonobese pregnant women (p‐nOb group), and 30 nonobese nonpregnant women (n‐Pr group), using home recording devices to monitor sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB): respiratory disturbance index, oxygen saturation, and sleep stage and quality. These variables were compared among the groups. Moreover, obese women with and without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were compared.

Results

Significant differences in respiratory disturbance index (median: 10.3 [p‐Ob], 7.1 [p‐nOb], 3.5 [n‐Pr]) and oxygen saturation (95.1%, 96.5%, and 96.6%) were observed among the groups. Seven participants in the p‐Ob group experienced hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with SDB before or after sleep examination. Particularly, those who developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy before sleep examination showed a lower delta power throughout the night than those without this condition.

Conclusion

Pregnant women had poor sleep quality; those with obesity had higher frequency of SDB with worsened respiratory conditions that might cause complications. Our findings suggest that the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in some obese pregnant women might be associated with insufficient delta power. Focusing on delta power may reflect subtle changes in sleep quality that occur in pregnant women. Future longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these findings and investigate causality.
Young‐age exposure to armed conflict and women's experiences of intimate partner violence
Authors: Torrisi Orsola
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study examines the legacy of experiencing armed conflict in childhood and adolescence on women's later risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) in four ex‐Soviet countries.

Background

Prior research is largely concerned with male soldiers and perpetration, and rarely considers when, during the life course, conflict occurs. This study focuses on civilians, women's victimization and pays attention to the age at conflict exposure. This aspect is crucial to understand if war has lasting consequences for family violence, beyond contemporaneous effects. This paper further contributes by providing insights on driving mechanisms.

Method

The study combines cross‐national data on IPV from the Demographic and Health Surveys (N = 17,787) and geo‐referenced conflict information from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. Using linear models with fixed effects, it compares the IPV outcomes of women exposed to conflict before the end of their teens with nonexposed peers and older women.

Results

Young‐age conflict exposure is associated with greater adult IPV risk. Childhood exposure (ages 0–10) matters the most, especially for physical forms of IPV. Results are not driven by migration. Analyses of potential pathways show no relationship between war and changing marriage market conditions, or attitudes towards IPV in women. Conversely, men experiencing conflict in late adolescence (16–19) are more likely to condone violence against partners. Furthermore, women's childhood exposure to conflict correlates with having a violent father.

Conclusion

War in young‐ages has long‐term implications for family violence. These appear in part related to greater exposure to family violence, and to a normalization of the use of violence in future potential perpetrators.
Kiss‐Up‐Kick‐Down to Get Ahead: A Resource Perspective on How, When, Why, and With Whom Middle Managers Use Ingratiatory and Exploitative Behaviours to Advance Their Careers
Authors: Gerpott Fabiola H. , Van Quaquebeke Niels
Published: August 2022

There are myriad organizational anecdotes about middle managers who advance their careers by ingratiating themselves with their superiors while exploiting and abusing their subordinates. We formally define this behavioural combination as the Kiss‐Up‐Kick‐Down (KUKD) phenomenon and develop a resource‐focused framework that not only explains when middle managers will engage in KUKD, but also how such behaviour helps their career progression via three resource‐related pathways: One path involving sponsorship resource gains from superiors, another path involving productive resource gains from subordinates, and an intra‐individual path related to middle managers' own psychological resources. Staying within the resource framework, we theorize that superiors and subordinates become likely targets of KUKD when the former is resource‐poor and the latter is resource‐rich. Finally, we deliberate on the role of time as a crucial boundary condition: not only in terms of when middle managers engage in KUKD behaviours, but also how such actions involve diminishing returns.
The Role of Intraoral Scanners in the Shade Matching Process: A Systematic Review
Authors: Akl Mohammed A. , Mansour Dina E. , Zheng Fengyuan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The variation in findings with regards to the accuracy and precision of intraoral scanners for shade selection are no doubt confusing for clinicians who may find it difficult to make evidence‐based decisions. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive and in‐depth assessment of available studies to determine the viability of using intraoral scanners for the purpose of shade matching. The PICO‐guided research question is as follows: when shade matching, are intraoral scanners as valid as visual or other digital shade measuring devices in determining tooth colors.

Methods

Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EBSCO, Cochrane, and ProQuest were systematically searched for articles published between January 1, 2011 and December 30, 2021 using the main search terms: “intraoral scanners,” “scanners,” “TRIOS,” “CEREC,” “Planmeca,” “Medit,” “digital dentistry” in concurrence with one of the following keywords: “EasyShade” OR “shade selection” OR “shade matching” OR “shade” OR “tooth color” OR “tooth shade” OR “digital shade matching.” Bibliographies of included articles and the following journals were searched for relevant articles: Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Journal of Prosthodontics, Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics, and Journal of Dentistry. A total of 15 articles were included in the review.

Results

Intraoral scanners are highly repeatable for shade matching, and outperformed visual shade matching. Accuracy varied significantly between studies, with the majority recommending the use of visual shade matching to confirm/verify the intraoral scanner results. Setting intraoral scanners to the Vita 3D Master shade guide improved both accuracy and precision. Shade matching with intraoral scanners may be influenced by external factors such as ambient light sources and incorrect use or manipulation.

Conclusion

Intraoral scanners set to the Vita 3D Master shade guide may be used for shade matching, but shade should be verified with visual shade matching. Further studies are required to address limitations of current studies.
Evidence for a conserved queen‐worker genetic toolkit across slave‐making ants and their ant hosts
Authors: Feldmeyer Barbara , Gstöttl Claudia , Wallner Jennifer , Jongepier Evelien , Séguret Alice , Grasso Donato A. , Bornberg‐Bauer Erich , Foitzik Susanne , Heinze Jurgen
Published: August 2022

The ecological success of social Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps) depends on the division of labour between the queen and workers. Each caste exhibits highly specialized morphology, behaviour, and life‐history traits, such as lifespan and fecundity. Despite strong defences against alien intruders, insect societies are vulnerable to social parasites, such as workerless inquilines or slave‐making ants. Here, we investigate whether gene expression varies in parallel ways between lifestyles (slave‐making versus host ants) across five independent origins of ant slavery in the “Formicoxenus‐group” of the ant tribe Crematogastrini. As caste differences are often less pronounced in slave‐making ants than in nonparasitic ants, we also compare caste‐specific gene expression patterns between lifestyles. We demonstrate a substantial overlap in expression differences between queens and workers across taxa, irrespective of lifestyle. Caste affects the transcriptomes much more profoundly than lifestyle, as indicated by 37 times more genes being linked to caste than to lifestyle and by multiple caste‐associated modules of coexpressed genes with strong connectivity. However, several genes and one gene module are linked to slave‐making across the independent origins of this parasitic lifestyle, pointing to some evolutionary convergence. Finally, we do not find evidence for an interaction between caste and lifestyle, indicating that caste differences in gene expression remain consistent even when species switch to a parasitic lifestyle. Our findings strongly support the existence of a core set of genes whose expression is linked to the queen and worker caste in this ant taxon, as proposed by the “genetic toolkit” hypothesis.
Content validity of a Safe Nursing Care Checklist for a neonatal unit
Authors: Manzo Bruna Figueiredo , Silva Daniela Cristina Zica , Fonseca Marina Pereira , Tavares Ingrid Vitória Ramalho , de Oliveira Marcatto Juliana , da Mata Luciana Regina Ferreira , Parker Leslie A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Nursing checklists have been shown to improve communication, reduce the occurrence of adverse events, and promote safe, quality care in different care settings. However, to date, there is no validated patient care safety checklist for nurses caring for infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU).

Aim

To describe development and content validation of the “Safe Nursing Care Checklist for Infants Hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit”.

Study Design

Online Survey.

Methods

Based upon an integrative literature review, we developed a checklist focused on safe nursing care for infants in the NICU. Nursing experts participated in three rounds of a content validation process where they rated the items online. An agreement level ≥0.90 was required for inclusion in the checklist. Forty‐ three expert nurses with experience working in the NICU and who were certified in neonatal nursing or had a master's or doctoratal degree in child health provided content validation of the patient care checklist.

Results

The final checklist contained 45 items with content validation index scores greater than 90%. The instrument was structured into six dimensions including patient identification, effective communication, medication safety, infection prevention, fall prevention, and pressure injuries/skin injuries prevention.

Conclusion

Content validity was established for the “Safe Nursing Care Checklist for Infants Hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit” which can identify strengths and weaknesses in safe nursing care for infants in the NICU as well as direct educational interventions to promote nursing care based on scientific evidence.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This checklist can potentially be used by bedside nurses to promote provision of safe care to infants in the NICU and to guide corrective strategies and encourage evidence‐based decision‐making. Validation in the clinical setting is needed.
The synergistic efficacy and safety of combined low‐concentration atropine and orthokeratology for slowing the progression of myopia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zheng Ning‐Ning , Tan Kai‐Wen
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To explore the efficacy and safety of combined low‐concentration atropine and orthokeratology (OK) for slowing the progression of myopia.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of English and Chinese databases to collect potentially eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomised controlled trials (non‐RCTs) and retrospective cohort studies (REs) published between the establishment of the database and 1 January 2022. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each outcome.

Results

Fifteen studies were ultimately included in the meta‐analysis, which indicated that compared with OK lenses alone, the combination of low‐concentration atropine with OK lenses significantly slowed axial growth (WMD = −0.12 mm; 95% CI: −0.13 to −0.11, p < 0.001) and reduced the rate of change of the spherical equivalent refraction (WMD = 0.15 D; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.24, p < 0.001). Additionally, the combined treatment may cause a slight increase in pupil diameter (WMD = 0.62 mm; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.81, p < 0.001). No significant difference in the amplitude of accommodation, intraocular pressure, tear film break‐up time or corneal endothelial cell density was found between the OK and combination therapy groups.

Conclusions

The combination therapy of low‐concentration atropine and OK lenses had a greater effect in slowing myopia progression during a 6‐to‐12‐month treatment interval and was still effective over a 24‐month period. Increased pupil diameter was the major side effect of the combination therapy, with no negative impact on the amplitude of accommodation, intraocular pressure, tear film break‐up time or corneal endothelial cell density.
Lumps and bumps: What not to miss
Authors: Levin Laura E. , Kinariwalla Neha , Behr Gerald G. , Morel Kimberly D. , Lauren Christine T. , Garzon Maria C.
Published: August 2022

The evaluation of pediatric patients with subcutaneous nodules remains a diagnostic challenge. Pediatric dermatologists are regularly confronted with patients who have a nonspecific nodule. Though most masses that require evaluation are ultimately benign, the possibility of a more aggressive process, including borderline or malignant neoplasms, underscores the pivotal role of the pediatric dermatologist in recognizing these lesions. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of lumps and bumps that are important to recognize to prevent delay in diagnosis or treatment of a serious underlying condition. Clinical clues that may lead the pediatric dermatologist to have a higher index of suspicion for more aggressive lesions are reviewed. Suggestions for evaluation and workup, as well as tips for the difficult to discern lesion, are proposed.
Transcriptome analysis reveals candidate genes related to steroid alkaloid biosynthesis in Fritillaria anhuiensis
Authors: Shan Tingyu , Shi Yuanyuan , Xu Jingyao , Zhao Liqiang , Tao Yijia , Wu Jiawen
Published: August 2022

Fritillaria anhuiensis (F. anhuiensis), a traditional medicinal herb of the Liliaceae family, has various pharmacological effects, including anti‐tussive, anti‐asthmatic, and expectorant activities. Peimine, a steroidal alkaloid, is a major active constituent of F. anhuiensis. Although steroidal alkaloids of F. anhuiensis have been explored chemically and pharmacologically, the molecular basis of their biosynthesis remains unknown due to a lack of genomic and transcriptomic information. In this study, peimine was detected in bulbs, stems, and leaves of F. anhuiensis, with the highest content in the bulbs. We analyzed the transcriptomes of the bulbs, stems, and leaves of F. anhuiensis using an Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform. A total of 92,829 unigenes with a mean length of 804 base pairs (bp) and an N50 value of 1354 bp were assembled from a total of 30.56 Gb high‐quality reads. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotation, 83 unigenes were found to be related to the steroid biosynthesis pathway, while 155 unigenes were related to the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway. Numerous transcription factors are involved in the regulation of alkaloid biosynthesis. A putative steroidal alkaloid biosynthesis pathway in F. anhuiensis was constructed, providing a novel understanding of peimine biosynthesis. We performed extensive bioinformatics and phylogenetic analyses to investigate the functional characteristics and evolutionary history of cycloartenol synthase. This study is the first to report transcriptome data from F. anhuiensis and extends our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of steroid alkaloid biosynthesis.
Sensory suppression and increased neuromodulation during actions disrupt memory encoding of unpredictable self‐initiated stimuli
Authors: Paraskevoudi Nadia , SanMiguel Iria
Published: August 2022

Actions modulate sensory processing by attenuating responses to self‐ compared to externally generated inputs, which is traditionally attributed to stimulus‐specific motor predictions. Yet, suppression has been also found for stimuli merely coinciding with actions, pointing to unspecific processes that may be driven by neuromodulatory systems. Meanwhile, the differential processing for self‐generated stimuli raises the possibility of producing effects also on memory for these stimuli; however, evidence remains mixed as to the direction of the effects. Here, we assessed the effects of actions on sensory processing and memory encoding of concomitant, but unpredictable sounds, using a combination of self‐generation and memory recognition task concurrently with EEG and pupil recordings. At encoding, subjects performed button presses that half of the time generated a sound (motor‐auditory; MA) and listened to passively presented sounds (auditory‐only; A). At retrieval, two sounds were presented and participants had to respond which one was present before. We measured memory bias and memory performance by having sequences where either both or only one of the test sounds were presented at encoding, respectively. Results showed worse memory performance – but no differences in memory bias –, attenuated responses, and larger pupil diameter for MA compared to A sounds. Critically, the larger the sensory attenuation and pupil diameter, the worse the memory performance for MA sounds. Nevertheless, sensory attenuation did not correlate with pupil dilation. Collectively, our findings suggest that sensory attenuation and neuromodulatory processes coexist during actions, and both relate to disrupted memory for concurrent, albeit unpredictable sounds.
Reasons for Rule Consequentialists
Authors: Woodard Christopher
Published: August 2022

This paper explores what a Rule Consequentialist of Brad Hooker's sort can and should say about normative reasons for action. I claim that they can provide a theory of reasons, but that doing so requires distinguishing different roles of rules in the ideal code. Some rules in the ideal code specify reasons, while others perform different functions. The paper also discusses a choice that Rule Consequentialists face about how exactly to specify reasons. It ends by comparing the theory of reasons offered by Rule Consequentialism with the theory offered by Act Consequentialism, noting that Rule Consequentialism seems better able to explain moral constraints.
Bayesian adaptive clinical trial designs for respiratory medicine
Authors: Ryan Elizabeth G. , Couturier Dominique‐Laurent , Heritier Stephane
Published: August 2022

The use of Bayesian adaptive designs for clinical trials has increased in recent years, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Bayesian adaptive designs offer a flexible and efficient framework for conducting clinical trials and may provide results that are more useful and natural to interpret for clinicians, compared to traditional approaches. In this review, we provide an introduction to Bayesian adaptive designs and discuss its use in recent clinical trials conducted in respiratory medicine. We illustrate this approach by constructing a Bayesian adaptive design for a multi‐arm trial that compares two non‐invasive ventilation treatments to standard oxygen therapy for patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. We highlight the benefits and some of the challenges involved in designing and implementing Bayesian adaptive trials.
Reversal of collateral ventilation using endoscopic polymer foam in COPD patients undergoing endoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves: A controlled parallel group trial
Authors: Ing Alvin J. , Jayapadman Anand , Kim Woo‐Veen , Ly Chelsea , Ho‐Shon Kevin , Lilburn Paul , Carew Alan , Ng Benjamin J. H. , Saghaie Tajalli , Williamson Jonathan P.
Published: August 2022

Background and objective

We have previously described reversal of collateral ventilation (CV) in a severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient with endoscopic polymer foam (EPF), prior to endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) with valves. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of this in a larger cohort and compare outcomes with a similar cohort with no CV.

Methods

Patients with severe COPD, with the left upper lobe (LUL) targeted for ELVR, were assessed for CV with high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). If fissure completeness was >95% they were enrolled as controls for valves alone (endobronchial valve control group [EBV‐CTRL]). If fissure completeness was 80%–95%, defects were mapped to the corresponding segment, where EPF was instilled following confirmation of CV with CHARTIS. EBVs were inserted 1 month afterwards.

Results

Fourteen patients were enrolled into both arms. After 6 months, there were significant improvements in both groups in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1; +19.7% EPF vs. +27.7% EBV‐CTRL, p < 0.05); residual volume (RV; −16.2% EPF vs. −20.1% EBV‐CTRL, p = NS); SGRQ (−15.1 EPF vs. −16.6 EBV‐CTRL p = NS) and 6 min walk (+25.8% EPF [77.2 m] vs. +28.4% [82.3 m] EBV‐CTRL p = NS). Patients with fissural defects mapped to the lingula had better outcomes than those mapped to other segments (FEV1 +22.9% vs. +16.3% p < 0.05). There were no serious adverse reactions to EPF.

Conclusion

EPF successfully reverses CV in severe COPD patients with a left oblique fissure that is 80%–95% complete. Following EBV, outcomes are similar to patients with complete fissures undergoing ELVR with EBV alone. EPF therapy to reverse CV potentially increases the number of COPD patients suitable for ELVR with minimal adverse reactions.
Professionals' experiences of supporting two‐mother families in antenatal and child health care in Sweden
Authors: Engström Helene Appelgren , Borneskog Catrin , Häggström‐Nordin Elisabet , Almqvist Anna‐Lena
Published: August 2022

Background

In Sweden, antenatal and child health care are offered free of charge to all expectant and new parents. Professionals in antenatal and child health care play an important role in supporting parents. Previous research shows that same‐sex mothers face heteronormative assumptions and insufficient support during their transition to parenthood.

Objective

To explore professionals' experiences of supporting two‐mother families in antenatal and child health care.

Method

A qualitative method with focus group discussions was used. An interview guide was followed, and the discussions were held online. The data was analysed according to inductive content analysis.

Settings and participants

The participants were midwives (n = 8) and nurses (n = 5) in antenatal and child health care from different parts of Sweden. Participants were recruited through the coordinating midwives and child health care nurses in the different regions.

Findings

One main category was identified: Striving to be open‐minded in supporting same‐sex mothers. Health care professionals described meeting well‐prepared mothers, with an equal commitment between each other, and mothers on guard against heteronormative views. Professionals provided support through empowerment by creating a safe environment and aiming at providing equal support to all parents or tailored support to same‐sex mothers. Mothers described handling challenges, as a balancing act to acknowledge both mothers. Struggling with documents and communication and a lack of information were other challenges to be handled. Professionals reflected on their own professional competence and expressed that knowledge acquired through education, experience and personal interest all contributed to their competence.

Conclusions

Forms and documentation need to be updated to be gender neutral to be including to a variety of family constelleations. Health care professionals need time to reflect on norms and challenges to better support both mothers in a two‐mother family.
The adaptation model of immunity: Is the goal of central tolerance to eliminate defective T cells or self‐reactive T cells?
Authors: Manjili Masoud H.
Published: August 2022

The self‐non‐self model and the danger model are designed to understand how an immune response is induced. These models are not meant to predict if an immune response may succeed or fail in destroying/controlling its target. However, these immunological models rely on either self‐antigens or self‐dendritic cells for understanding of central tolerance, which have been discussed by Fuchs and Matzinger in response to Al‐Yassin. In an attempt to address some questions that these models are facing when it comes to understanding central tolerance, I propose that the goal of negative selection in the thymus is to eliminate defective T cells but not self‐reactive T cells. Therefore, any escape from negative selection could increase lymphopenia because of the depletion of defective naïve T cells outside the thymus, as seen in the elderly.
Beyond COVID‐19 and lessons learned in the United States
Authors: Gammon Richard , Katz Louis M. , Strauss Donna , Rowe Kathleen , Menitove Jay , Benjamin Richard J. , Goel Ruchika , Borge Dayand , Reichenberg Stefan , Smith Roxane
Published: August 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic severely tested the resilience of the US blood supply with wild fluctuations in blood donation and utilisation rates as community donation opportunities ebbed and hospitals post‐poned elective surgery. Key stakeholders in transfusion services, blood centres, supply chains and manufacturers reviewed their experiences during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic as well as available literature to describe successes, opportunities for improvement and lessons learned. The blood community found itself in uncharted territory responding to restriction of its access to donors (approximately 20% decrease) and some supplies; environmental adjustments to address staff and donor concerns about coronavirus transmission; and the development of a new product (COVID‐19 convalescent plasma [CCP]). In assuring that the needs of the patients were paramount, the donation process was safe, that clinicians had access to CCP, and vendor relationships aligned, the blood banking community relearned its primary focus: improving patient outcomes.
COVID‐19 vaccine humoral response in frequent platelet donors with plateletpheresis‐associated lymphopenia
Authors: Laumaea Annemarie Eare , Lewin Antoine , Chatterjee Debashree , Marchitto Lorie , Ding Shilei , Gendron‐Lepage Gabrielle , Goyette Guillaume , Allard Marie‐Ève , Simard Carl , Tremblay Tony , Perreault Josée , Duerr Ralf , Finzi Andrés , Bazin Renée
Published: August 2022

Background

Plateletpheresis involves platelet separation and collection from whole blood while other blood cells are returned to the donor. Because platelets are replaced faster than red blood cells, as many as 24 donations can be done annually. However, some frequent apheresis platelet donors (>20 donations annually) display severe plateletpheresis‐associated lymphopenia; in particular, CD4+T but not B cell numbers are decreased. COVID‐19 vaccination thereby provides a model to assess whether lymphopenic platelet donors present compromised humoral immune responses.

Study Design and Methods

We assessed vaccine responses following 2 doses of COVID‐19 vaccination in a cohort of 43 plateletpheresis donors with a range of pre‐vaccination CD4+T cell counts (76–1537 cells/μl). In addition to baseline T cell measurements, antibody binding assays to full‐length Spike and the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) were performed pre‐ and post‐vaccination. Furthermore, pseudo‐particle neutralization and antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays were conducted to measure antibody functionality.

Results

Participants were stratified into two groups: <400 CD4/μl (n = 27) and ≥ 400 CD4/μl (n = 16). Following the first dose, 79% seroconverted within the <400 CD4/μl group compared to 87% in the ≥400 CD4/μl group; all donors were seropositive post‐second dose with significant increases in antibody levels. Importantly differences in CD4+ T cell levels minimally impacted neutralization, Spike recognition, and IgG Fc‐mediated effector functions.

Discussion

Overall, our results indicate that lymphopenic plateletpheresis donors do not exhibit significant immune dysfunction; they have retained the T and B cell functionality necessary for potent antibody responses after vaccination.
Development and validation of an owner‐assessed Visual Analog Scale for feline pruritus severity scoring (VAScat)
Authors: Colombo Silvia , Sartori Roberta , Schievano Carlo , Borio Stefano
Published: August 2022

Background

Assessment of the severity of pruritus is difficult in cats, because they manifest discomfort by increased licking, increased scratching or both.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Our objective was to develop and validate a feline‐specific pruritus scale (VAScat).

Methods

The scale was designed as a double Visual Analog Scale (VAS), one VAS for licking and one for scratching, with severity and behavioural descriptors. The highest score (VAS‐max) on either VAS was taken as the pruritus score for each cat. Owners of 153 cats with skin diseases and of 108 healthy cats scored their pet's pruritus using the VAScat. Ninety‐six of 153 cats with skin diseases also were re‐evaluated after four to eight weeks of treatment.

Results

Pearson's correlation value between VAS‐licking and VAS‐scratching scores was r = 0.26 (p < 0.01), and Cronbach's alpha was 0.41. Both indexes indicated that the two scales measure different manifestations of pruritus and supported the use of a dual assessing system. Comparison with a numerical pruritus severity scale (0, absent; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, severe) suggested that VAS‐licking and VAS‐scratching scales taken alone are unsuitable for measuring absent to mild pruritus (grades 0–1), while VAS‐max is (p = 0.001). VAS‐licking, VAS‐scratching and VAS‐max all were suitable to assess higher levels of pruritus (grades 2–3, p < 0.01). The VAScat was able to measure pruritus improvement following therapy, as post‐treatment scores were significantly decreased compared to pre‐treatment ones (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions and clinical importance

The VAScat proved to be a useful tool to assess pruritus in cats and for monitoring the response to treatment for pruritus.