bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac and skeletal muscle manifestations in the G608G mouse model of Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Hong Yeojin , Rannou Alice , Manriquez Nancy , Antich Jack , Liu Weixin , Fournier Mario , Omidfar Ariel , Rogers Russell G.
Published: July 2024

Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare premature aging disorder resulting from de novo mutations in the lamin A gene. Children with HGPS typically pass away in their teenage years due to cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke. In this study, we characterized the G608G HGPS mouse model and explored cardiac and skeletal muscle function, along with senescence‐associated phenotypes in fibroblasts. Homozygous G608G HGPS mice exhibited cardiac dysfunction, including decreased cardiac output and stroke volume, and impaired left ventricle relaxation. Additionally, skeletal muscle exhibited decreased isometric tetanic torque, muscle atrophy, and increased fibrosis. HGPS fibroblasts showed nuclear abnormalities, decreased proliferation, and increased expression of senescence markers. These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of the G608G HGPS mouse model and inform potential therapeutic strategies for HGPS.
A clinical observation algorithm for anterior abdominal stab wound is safe in an Australian setting
Authors: Shanmugalingam Aswin , Samarasinghe Priyadarshani , Hitos Kerry , Hsu Jeremy
Published: July 2024

Introduction

We previously published the outcomes associated with the use of diagnostic laparoscopy to determine peritoneal breach for AASW patients without an immediate indication for laparotomy. Although this pathway was 100% sensitive there was a 54% non‐therapeutic laparotomy rate. Another option that has been extensively reported is the clinical observation algorithm (COA) however, majority of the data originate from high‐volume centres. We hypothesized that a COA would also be a safe option in an Australian setting, and reduce the rate of non‐therapeutic operative intervention in managing AASW.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study examining patients with AASW admitted to a level 1 trauma centre in Sydney, Australia, between June 2021 and August 2023. Patient, injury, management and outcome data were collected from electronic medical records and the hospital trauma registry. Data were then analysed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the COA, complication rates and median hospital length‐of‐stay (LOS).

Results

A total of 48 patients presented with AASW. Of these patients, 11 (22.9%) proceeded to immediate laparotomy. Seven patients had a contraindication to COA and underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. Thirty patients were managed with the COA, with three (10%) patients subsequently requiring a laparotomy. Only one patient (3.3%) underwent a non‐therapeutic laparotomy. There were no missed injuries. The COA sensitivity was 100%, specificity 92.7%, PPV 50% and NPV 100%. Patients managed with COA had no complications. Overall median hospital LOS was 1 day (1.0–2.3).

Conclusion

A COA is a safe approach for evaluating patients with AASW in an Australian setting with adequate resources. It reduces the rate of non‐therapeutic operative intervention and has acceptable outcomes compared with a diagnostic laparoscopy pathway.
Usefulness of an interprofessional work manual for perioperative glucose control of an artificial pancreas
Authors: Mibu Kiyo , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Namikawa Tsutomu , Maeda Hiromichi , Fujisawa Kazune , Munekage Masaya , Yamasaki Fumiyasu , Yamamoto Nao , Seo Satoru , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: July 2024

Background

A closed‐loop bedside‐type artificial pancreas for perioperative glucose control has previously been introduced. However, artificial pancreas therapy was often interrupted due to continuous blood sampling failure. We developed an interprofessional work manual to reduce the interruption time of artificial pancreatic therapy for perioperative blood glucose control due to continuous blood sampling failure. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of this manual.

Methods

The manual consisted of the following sections: (1) the roles of the professionals in the preparation and management of the artificial pancreas, (2) how to address continuous blood sampling failure, and (3) checkpoints for interprofessional transfer of the artificial pancreas. We compared the results before the introduction of the manual and 2 years after the introduction of the manual.

Results

There were 35 and 37 patients in the Before and After groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in patient backgrounds between the two groups, although there was significantly less blood loss in the After group (1164 vs. 366 mL; p < 0.001). The mean artificial pancreas therapy and artificial pancreas therapy interruption times were 847 min and 20 min, respectively. Artificial pancreas therapy interruption time (34 vs. 8 min; p = 0.078) and time per interruption (24 vs. 4 min; p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the After group than in the Before group.

Conclusions

The interprofessional working manual was useful in reducing the artificial pancreatic therapy interruption time for perioperative glucose control.
Letter: Helicobacter pylori and metabolic syndrome‐related von Willebrand factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 activity levels for outcome prediction of advanced chronic liver disease
Authors: Kountouras Jannis , Polyzos Stergios A. , Kazakos Evangelos , Papanikolaou Ioannis S. , Liatsos Christos , Vardaka Elisabeth , Tzilves Dimitrios , Vlachaki Efthimia
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Dominik et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17945 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18144
First impressions: Do faces with scars and palsies influence warmth, competence and humanization?
Authors: Paruzel‐Czachura Mariola , Workman Clifford I. , El Toukhy Noha , Chatterjee Anjan
Published: July 2024

A glance is enough to assign psychological attributes to others. Attractiveness is associated with positive attributes (‘beauty‐is‐good’ stereotype). Here, we raise the question of a similar but negative bias. Are people with facial anomalies associated with negative personal characteristics? We hypothesized that biases against faces with anomalies arise because of negative stereotypes (less warmth and competence) and forms of dehumanization (animalistic and mechanistic). We enrolled 1493 mTurk participants (N = 1306 after exclusion) to assess 31 traits of photographed people using 60 pairs of photographs of the same person before and after plastic surgery. Half anomalous faces had a scar and the other half had a palsy. To calculate warmth and competence, we conducted a principal components analysis of the 31 attributes. Animalistic dehumanization was assessed by averaging reverse‐scored ratings corresponding to moral sensibility and rationality/logic, and mechanistic dehumanization by averaging across reverse‐scored ratings corresponding to emotional responsiveness and interpersonal warmth. We found that both kinds of anomalous faces were seen as less warm, competent and were dehumanized. Our findings suggest that an ‘anomalous‐is‐bad’ stereotype generalizes regardless of the aetiology of the anomaly. This effect may be related to a reverse halo effect, that is, the horn effect.
Impact of frozen section on long‐term outcomes in robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
Authors: Kinnear Ned , Fonseca Paul Cotter , Ogbechie Catherine , Adam Sana , Haidar Omar , Jinaraj Aromal , O'Callaghan Michael , Agarwal Samita , Lane Tim , Vasdev Nikhil , Adshead James
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To compare 1‐year functional and 5‐year oncological outcomes of men undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) with neurovascular structure‐adjacent frozen‐section examination (NeuroSAFE) with those in men undergoing RALP without NeuroSAFE (standard of care [SOC]).

Subjects and Methods

Men undergoing RALP in our centre between 1 January 2009 and 30 June 2018 were enrolled from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were excluded if they had undergone preoperative therapy or postoperative adjuvant therapy or were enrolled in clinical trials. Patients were grouped based on use of NeuroSAFE. Follow‐up was censored at 5 years. The primary outcome was difference in time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) on multivariable analysis, defined as prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) >0.2 ng/L on two consecutive measurements. Secondary outcomes were difference in 1‐year erectile dysfunction and incontinence.

Results

In the enrolment period, 1199 consecutive men underwent RALP, of whom 1140 were eligible, including 317 with NeuroSAFE and 823 with SOC. The median PSA follow‐up was 60 months in both groups. Rates of 5‐year BCR were similar on Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis (11% vs 11%; P = 0.9), as was time to BCR on multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling (hazard ratio 1.2; P = 0.6). Compared with the SOC group at 1 year, the NeuroSAFE group had similar unadjusted rates of incontinence (5.1% vs 7.7%) and lower unadjusted impotence (57% vs 80%). On multivariable analysis, NeuroSAFE patients had equivalent risk of incontinence (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.17–1.6; P = 0.4) but significantly reduced risk of erectile dysfunction (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.22–0.60; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

For men undergoing RALP, compared with SOC, NeuroSAFE patients had equivalent time to BCR and risk of 1‐year incontinence, and significantly lower risk of 1‐year erectile dysfunction.
The Ukraine War and the Limits of Latin American Fence‐Sitting
Authors: Schenoni Luis , Leiva Diego , Carvalho Thales
Published: July 2024

Why have most Latin American countries – traditionally pro‐Atlantic and staunch defenders of non‐intervention – remained conspicuously neutral during the Ukraine War? We argue that in an increasingly bipolar context, fence‐sitting produces clear strategic gains through partner‐diversification and bargaining power. However, this strategy becomes riskier with polarisation and, at a certain point, these risks may upset benefits. We formalise this argument and examine the foreign policy trajectories of several Latin American countries in the context of the Ukraine War to illustrate how their room for diplomatic flexibility has shrunk with polarisation. As a corollary, we think of scenarios where the costs of fence‐sitting can outweigh its advantages, forcing the region to align.
Time‐varying Extremum Graphs
Authors: Das Somenath , Sridharamurthy Raghavendra , Natarajan Vijay
Published: July 2024

We introduce time‐varying extremum graph (tveg), a topological structure to support visualization and analysis of a time‐varying scalar field. The extremum graph is a sub‐structure of the Morse–Smale complex. It captures the adjacency relationship between cells in the Morse decomposition of a scalar field. We define the tveg as a time‐varying extension of the extremum graph and demonstrate how it captures salient feature tracks within a dynamic scalar field. We formulate the construction of the tveg as an optimization problem and describe an algorithm for computing the graph. We also demonstrate the capabilities of tveg towards identification and exploration of topological events such as deletion, generation, split and merge within a dynamic scalar field via comprehensive case studies including a viscous fingers and a 3D von Kármán vortex street dataset.
Renal function as an effect modifier of intensive glucose control in delaying cognitive function decline among individuals with type 2 diabetes: A revisit to the ACCORD MIND trial
Authors: Li Piaopiao , Kianmehr Hamed , Guan Dawei , Kulshreshtha Ambar , Narayan K. M. Venkat , Ali Mohammed K. , Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Hu Xin , Fonseca Vivian A. , Shi Lizheng , Shao Hui
Published: July 2024

Aim

Dysglycaemia accelerates cognitive decline. Intensive glucose control may help delay or prevent cognitive function decline (CFD). We aimed to determine how patient characteristics influence the effect of intensive glucose control [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <6.0%] on delaying CFD in people with type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

In this post‐hoc analysis of 2977 type 2 diabetes participants from the ACCORD MIND trial, we applied the causal forest and causal tree algorithms to identify the effect modifier of intensive glucose control in delaying CFD from 68 variables (demographics, disease history, medications, vitals and baseline biomarkers). The exposure was intensive versus standard glucose control (HbA1c <6.0% vs. 7.0%‐7.9%). The main outcome was cognitive function changes from baseline to the 40th month follow‐up, which were evaluated using the digit symbol substitution test, Rey auditory verbal learning test, mini‐mental state examination and Stroop test. We used Cohen's d, a measure of standardized difference, to quantify the effect size of intensive glucose control on delaying CFD.

Results

Among all the baseline characteristics, renal function was the most significant effect modifier. Participants with urinary albumin levels <0.4 mg/dl [absolute function change (AFC): 0.51 in mini‐mental state examination, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04, 0.98, Cohen's d: 0.25] had slower CFD with intensive glucose control. Patients with preserved renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate between 60 and 90 ml/min/1.73 m2) were associated with small benefits (AFC: 1.28 in Stroop, 95% CI: 0.28, 2.27, Cohen's d: 0.12) when undergoing intensive glucose control. Conversely, participants with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (AFC: −0.57 in the Rey auditory verbal learning test, 95% CI: −1.09, −0.05, Cohen's d: −0.30) exhibited faster CFD when undergoing intensive glucose control. Participants who were <60 years old showed a significant benefit from intensive glucose control in delaying CFD (AFC: 1.08 in the digit symbol substitution test, 95% CI: 0.06, 2.10, Cohen's d: 0.13). All p < .05.

Conclusions

Our findings linked renal function with the benefits of intensive glucose control in delaying CFD, informing personalized HbA1c goals for those with diabetes and at risk of CFD.
Novel biomarkers to identify complicated course of febrile neutropenia in hematological patients receiving intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Jantunen Esa , Hämäläinen Sari , Pulkki Kari , Juutilainen Auni
Published: July 2024

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common consequence of intensive chemotherapy in hematological patients. More than 90% of the patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) develop FN, and 5%–10% of them die from subsequent sepsis. FN is very common also in autologous stem cell transplant recipients, but the risk of death is lower than in AML patients. In this review, we discuss biomarkers that have been evaluated for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in hematological patients with FN. In general, novel biomarkers have provided little benefit over traditional inflammatory biomarkers, such as C‐reactive protein and procalcitonin. The utility of most biomarkers in hematological patients with FN has been evaluated in only a few small studies. Although some of them appear promising, much more data is needed before they can be implemented in the clinical evaluation of FN patients. Currently, close patient follow‐up is key to detect complicated course of FN and the need for further interventions such as intensive care unit admission. Scoring systems such as q‐SOFA (Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) or NEWS (National Early Warning Sign) combined with traditional and/or novel biomarkers may provide added value in the clinical evaluation of FN patients.
Challenges in estimating species' age from phylogenetic trees
Authors: Calderón del Cid Carlos , Hauffe Torsten , Carrillo Juan D. , May Michael R. , Warnock Rachel C. M. , Silvestro Daniele
Published: July 2024

Aim

Species age, the elapsed time since origination, can give insight into how species longevity might influence eco‐evolutionary dynamics, which has been hypothesized to influence extinction risk. Traditionally, species' ages have been estimated from fossil records. However, numerous studies have recently used the branch lengths of time‐calibrated phylogenies as estimates of the ages of extant species. This approach poses problems because phylogenetic trees only contain direct information about species identity at the tips and not along the branches. Here, we show that incomplete taxon sampling, extinction and different assumptions about speciation modes can significantly alter the relationship between true species age and phylogenetic branch lengths, leading to high error rates. We found that these biases can lead to erroneous interpretations of eco‐evolutionary patterns derived from comparing phylogenetic age and other traits, such as extinction risk.

Innovation

For bifurcating speciation, the default assumption in most analyses of species age, we propose a probabilistic approach based on the properties of a birth–death process to improve the estimation of species ages. Our approach can reduce the error by one order of magnitude under cases of high extinction and a high percentage of unsampled extant species.

Main conclusion

Our results call for caution in interpreting the relationship between phylogenetic ages and eco‐evolutionary traits, as this can lead to biased and erroneous conclusions. We show that, under the assumption of bifurcating speciation, we can obtain unbiased approximations of species age by combining information from branch lengths with the expectations of a birth–death process.
The Development of Principles for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Preclinical Spinal Cord Research: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Carroll Pádraig , Smith Éimear , Dervan Adrian , McCarthy Ciarán , Woods Ian , Beirne Cliff , Harte Geoff , O'Flynn Dónal , Quinlan John , O'Brien Fergal J. , Flood Michelle , Moriarty Frank
Published: July 2024

Introduction

There is currently limited guidance for researchers on Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) for preclinical spinal cord research, leading to uncertainty about design and implementation. This study aimed to develop evidence‐informed principles to support preclinical spinal cord researchers to incorporate PPI into their research.

Methods

This study used a modified Delphi method with the aim of establishing consensus on a set of principles for PPI in spinal cord research. Thirty‐eight stakeholders including researchers, clinicians and people living with spinal cord injury took part in the expert panel. Participants were asked to rate their agreement with a series of statements relating to PPI in preclinical spinal cord research over two rounds. As part of Round 2, they were also asked to rate statements as essential or desirable.

Results

Thirty‐eight statements were included in Round 1, after which five statements were amended and two additional statements were added. After Round 2, consensus (> 75% agreement) was reached for a total of 27 principles, with 13 rated as essential and 14 rated as desirable. The principles with highest agreement related to diversity in representation among PPI contributors, clarity of the purpose of PPI and effective communication.

Conclusion

This research developed a previously unavailable set of evidence‐informed principles to inform PPI in preclinical spinal cord research. These principles provide guidance for researchers seeking to conduct PPI in preclinical spinal cord research and may also inform PPI in other preclinical disciplines.

Patient and Public Involvement Statement

This study was conducted as part of a project aiming to develop PPI in preclinical spinal cord injury research associated with an ongoing research collaboration funded by the Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust (IRFU CT) and the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (SFI AMBER), with research conducted by the Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG) at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The project aims to develop an advanced biomaterials platform for spinal cord repair and includes a PPI Advisory Panel comprising researchers, clinicians and seriously injured rugby players to oversee the work of the project. PPI is included in this study through the involvement of members of the PPI Advisory Panel in the conceptualisation of this research, review of findings, identification of key points for discussion and preparation of the study manuscript as co‐authors.
The social processes that emergency nurses use to achieve sustainability: A constructivist grounded theory
Authors: Rantung Gilny , Griffiths Debra , Moss Cheryle
Published: July 2024

Aim

To examine the experiences of emergency nurses and develop a substantive theory that describes the processes they use to support or prevent sustainability in their nursing practice.

Design

Constructivist grounded theory.

Methods

Between February 2018 and January 2019, observations and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 29 emergency nurses. Data underwent constant comparison, and coding was performed in three phases: open, focused, and theoretical, employing constructivist grounded theory. Additionally, some situational analysis mapping was undertaken and integrated as a method to explore the broader context affecting nursing practice. The study achieved theoretical saturation and rigour was ensured through evaluations of credibility, transferability, and confirmability.

Results

A substantive grounded theory was constructed to describe the basic social process of ‘Achieving Personal and Professional Sustainability’ with subprocesses that included ‘Driving forces’, ‘Developing and using armouries’, ‘Balancing work‐life’, and ‘Making emergency work effective’. This theory delineates two phases, ‘exploration and establishment’ and ‘maintenance’, and two key properties: ‘Constructing and evolving professional identity’ and ‘Perceiving and reshaping the meaning of effective work and care’. The theory also highlights the dynamic interplay of individual, social, and institutional elements.

Conclusion

‘Achieving Personal and Professional Sustainability’ is important for emergency nurses to sustain themselves personally and professionally in their work.

Impact Statement

This research has substantial and global impacts. Emergency nursing can use this information as a guide to better understand strategies for both personal and professional sustainability. Policymakers may use the findings to foster a supportive work environment and enhance nurse well‐being. Implementation of recommendations can lead to improved patient care outcomes. The methodological approach offers potential for future research, positively impacting emergency nursing practice and workforce sustainability worldwide.

Reporting Method

Reporting adheres to EQUATOR's COREQ guidelines for qualitative studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
The environmental filtering paradigm and non‐filtering community assembly processes
Authors: Baecher J. Alex
Published: July 2024

Motivation for abandoning the ‘environmental filtering’ metaphor has been increasing in the literature, yet it remains a widely used conceptual tool to guide research and education within ecological disciplines. I consider the possible origins of the filtering paradigm through linkages to hypotheses about the potentially oversized role of localized competition in the early development of niche concepts, as well as assumptions about the scale dependence of factors influencing the species distributions at large scales. I believe that these perspectives may have discounted the relevance of non‐competitive interactions to the structure and maintenance of local communities, and the role of biotic interactions in large‐scale ecological processes more generally. I describe the types of ecological phenomena not readily captured by the filtering model, as well as the potential for biotic factors to interact with abiotic gradients (at scale) and influence broad ecological patterns. Lastly, I pose an alternative model of community assembly which emphasizes biotic–abiotic interactions and non‐filtering mechanisms to serve as a springboard for future renovations of the filtering metaphor.
Combating COVID‐19 health disparities in Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Communities—A call for critical systems thinking
Authors: Battle‐Fisher Michele
Published: July 2024

Rationale

The Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour populations in the United States are disproportionately affected by the emerging health threat SARS‐CoV‐2, which causes COVID‐19.

Aims and Objectives

This paper aims to demonstrate the usefulness of critical systems thinking by using scenario planning based on epidemiological data and tying epidemiology with soft systems methodology to investigate COVID‐19 disparities among disproportionately affected Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour populations.

Methods

Using a review of the COVID‐19 literature and publicly available US COVID‐19 data, critical systems thinking is applied in a scenario planning example and a call to link soft systems methodology with epidemiology.

Results

According to the four plausible Endgame scenarios, levels of community transmission as well as the current state transmission are based on the driving forces of the scenarios. In addition, soft systems methodology explores the effect on stakeholders and strengthens the picture of disease burden beyond sole reliance on traditional data sources.

Conclusion

This analysis underscores employing critical systems thinking to critically assess diverse methods appropriate for the ongoing complexity of global crises. It is argued that critically engaged subjectivity should be given space alongside data‐dependent objectivity. COVID‐19 disparities are reliant on the social determinants of health's effects as driving forces on disease transmission in Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour populations. It is moreover argued that critical systems thinking is demonstrated by linking epidemiological evidence with scenario planning and soft systems methodology. This in turn supports a critical systems thinking approach to uncover the state of health disparities among minoritized communities under COVID‐19.
People with type 2 diabetes experiences of using WhatsApp‐based diabetes self‐management education and support: The process evaluation
Authors: Yaagoob Esmaeel , Lee Regina , Stubbs Michelle , Hakami Mohammed , Chan Sally
Published: July 2024

Rational

Online Diabetes Self‐Management Education and Support (DSMES) offers people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accessible and tailored education, utilising innovative and interactive tools such as social media to enhance engagement and outcomes. Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of social media‐based DSMES in improving health outcomes, there remains a significant gap in qualitative insights regarding participants' experiences.

Aim

This study aims to explore the experiences of people with T2DM who are using a newly developed WhatsApp‐based DSMES.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted. Data consisted of 23 semi‐structured phone interviews with people with T2DM who had received the WhatsApp‐based DSMES. Interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The present study adheres to the COREQ guidelines.

Results

Four themes emerged from the data: (1) acceptability of the programme, (2) flexible accessibility of the programme, (3) promoting healthy lifestyle and (4) future preferences for the programme use.

Conclusion

This study explored the experiences of people with T2DM participating in a 6‐week WhatsApp‐based DSMES. The findings indicated that the programme was acceptable, accessible, effectively revealing necessary self‐management knowledge and skills, and provided essential support from professional and peer. The study also indicated that WhatsApp‐based programmes could be feasibly implemented in various populations, healthcare settings and communities to support people with T2DM globally.
Time to surgical treatment for hip fracture care
Authors: Zhong Haoyan , Poeran Jashvant , Illescas Alex , Reisinger Lisa , Cozowicz Crispiana , Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Liu Jiabin
Published: July 2024

Background

Studies have demonstrated beneficial outcomes associated with timely surgical treatment of hip fracture. Subsequently, practice recommendations changed with 24–48 h as the recommended time for surgery from admission; however, recent data on timing of hip fracture surgery and how this impacts outcomes are lacking.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients who had a primary diagnosis of hip fracture and underwent a subsequent surgical repair within 3 days of admission (Premier Healthcare claims 2006–2021 data). The primary exposure of interest was time from hip fracture diagnosis to surgery (categorized as 0–1 day, 2 days, and 3 days). Outcomes included any major complication, mortality, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Mixed‐effects models measured the association between timing of surgery and outcomes. We report odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Among 501,267 surgical hip fracture patients, 26.0%, 56.0%, and 18.1% of patients received surgery on days 0–1, 2, and 3, respectively. The median ages were 83, 84, and 84 years old, and there were 73.3%, 72.2%, and 68.8% female in each group respectively. Compared with repair on day 0–1, hip fracture surgical treatment on day 2 or day 3 was associated with increased odds of major complications (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.08 and OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.13–1.2), mortality (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.14 and OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.12–1.28), and ICU admission (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.09 and OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.32–1.4) after adjusting major comorbidities; all p < 0.001.

Conclusion

Despite the publication of society guidelines in 2015, most fracture patients still received surgery on day 2 or day 3 of admission and were associated with worse outcomes. Balancing optimization of clinical factors with timing of surgery can be challenging, and further research is needed. Nonetheless, our findings reiterate the importance of timely surgical intervention.
Amphetamine exposure during embryogenesis changes expression and function of the dopamine transporter in Caenorhabditis elegans offspring
Authors: Ambigapathy Ganesh , McCowan Talus J. , Carvelli Lucia
Published: July 2024

The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a transmembrane protein that regulates dopamine (DA) neurotransmission by binding to and moving DA from the synaptic cleft back into the neurons. Besides moving DA and other endogenous monoamines, DAT is also a neuronal carrier for exogenous compounds such as the psychostimulant amphetamine (Amph), and several studies have shown that Amph‐induced behaviors require a functional DAT. Here, we demonstrate that exposure to Amph during early development causes behavioral, functional, and epigenetic modifications at the Caenorhabditis elegans DAT gene homolog, dat‐1, in C. elegans offspring. Specifically, we show that, while embryos exposed to Amph generate adults that produce offspring with no obvious behavioral alterations, both adults and offspring exhibit an increased behavioral response when challenged with Amph. Our functional studies suggest that a decrease in DAT‐1 expression underlies the increased behavioral response to Amph seen in offspring. Moreover, our epigenetic data suggest that histone methylation is a mechanism utilized by Amph to maintain changes in DAT‐1 expression in offspring. Taken together, our data reveal that Amph, by altering the epigenetic landscape of DAT, propagates long‐lasting functional and behavioral changes in offspring.

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The relationship between imaging‐based body composition parameters and disease prognosis in patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Aydın Elçin , Güvel Verdi Ezgi , Balci Mücahit Furkan , Ergin Begüm , Yekta Yürük Yeşim , Simsar Mehmet , Şahin Hilal , Şahin Şükrü , Akdemir Celal , Sanci Muzaffer
Published: July 2024

Background

Obesity is known as a risk factor for endometrial cancer (EC). Only a few studies investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity and EC. In this study, our aim was to investigate the relationship between the cross‐sectional imaging‐based body composition parameters and the disease prognosis in low‐grade (LG) and high‐grade (HG) EC.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in women diagnosed with low and high‐grade EC between January 2014 and May 2022 who had abdominal MRI and thorax CT as a part of routine staging workup. We used the skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the level of the third lumbar vertebra to assess sarcopenia on CT. The T2‐weighted sequence at the level of the L2–L3 intervertebral disc is used for visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), and total fat area (TFA). Two radiologists in consensus, calculated the parameters.

Results

A total of 250 EC patients (144 low‐grade EC, 106 high‐grade EC).Sarcopenia was observed in 122 (48.8%) patients, and sarcopenic obesity was found in 82 (32.8%) patients. Although there was an increase in VFA in cases with high‐grade EC, there was no significant difference in terms of SFA. Additionally, the frequency of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity was higher in cases with high‐grade EC. There was no association between sarcopenia and age, histological type, FIGO staging, or comorbidity in the univariate analysis. However, BMI was found to be associated with sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Quantitative radiological measurement of sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and body fat composition can be used as novel parameters in the prediction of disease prognosis in endometrial cancer.
Assessment of embryologist sufficiency and associated regional disparities in Japanese assisted reproduction facilities using nationwide survey data (IZANAMI project)
Authors: Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Yamada Mitsutoshi , Jwa Seung Chik , Kuroda Keiji , Harada Miyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aims to comprehensively examine the employment and practices of embryologists in Japan's assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories, focusing on the impact of various factors such as ART cycle numbers, add‐ons, and regional differences. Additionally, it seeks to assess the extent to which Japanese ART facilities meet international minimum standards set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Methods

A survey was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022 among 621 ART facilities in Japan. The study categorized facilities into five ART cycle groups and compared the number of embryologists across these groups. It also examined the correlation between the number of embryologists, ART cycles, add‐ons, and regional differences. Data were analyzed using linear regression and multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

The study's findings revealed a significant correlation between the total number of embryologists at each facility and the ART cycles. Notably, there were significant differences in the number of embryologists across all ART cycle categories. Of the 435 facilities, only 44.6% met the ASRM minimum embryologist staffing requirement. The regression analysis further highlighted the significance of ART cycles and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies as factors. Moreover, the number of embryologists stationed at urban facilities was significantly higher than at nonurban facilities, indicating a potential regional disparity.

Conclusion

In Japan, it was first found that more than 50% of ART facilities do not have sufficient embryologists in place relative to the number of ART cycles. Furthermore, the add‐ons and regional differences affect the placement of embryologists.
Place‐based tax incentives and minority employment: Evidence from the New Market Tax Credit Program
Authors: Rupasingha Anil , Marré Alexander , Feliciano Josemari
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we study the impact of the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) program in the United States on overall jobs and jobs held by minority and rural populations within the 2010–2019 period using a dynamic event‐study analysis. We also investigate if the jobs that can be attributed to the program stayed in program recipient neighborhoods or whether those jobs were occupied by non‐residents. The results show that there is clear evidence that the program increased overall workplace jobs and workplace jobs held by White and minority populations in the program recipient tracts. We also see that a larger share of workplace jobs due to the program went to minorities compared to the job shares held by various racial and ethnic groups at the beginning of the investment period. The results further show that even though the NMTC program increased the number of jobs available in a program recipient tract, the individuals who live outside that tract are holding many of the jobs created. The results also suggest that the program had a negative impact on jobs held by residents in nonmetropolitan tracts.
Burnout, Engagement, and Resilience During the COVID‐19 Lockdown: Keys to a Model for Teachers' Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Rodríguez‐Hidalgo Antonio J. , Ruiz‐Córdoba Esther , Ortega‐Ruiz Rosario , Armada‐Crespo José M. , Hurtado‐Mellado Almudena , Dios Irene
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Social isolation measures by the COVID‐19 pandemic have impacted teaching work. In an “Emergency Remote Teaching” (ERT) context, it is relevant to investigate the factors that affect teachers' self‐efficacy.

METHODS

A total of 289 teachers from schools in southern Spain have participated in this study. They have been asked about their levels of burnout, engagement, and resilience. Comparisons were made by groups in accordance with sex, type of center they belonged to, school social context, and educational level in which the teacher taught. Using a Structural Equations Model, the multivariate relationships between the variables related to burnout, engagement, and resilience were described.

RESULTS

During the ERT, teachers' self‐efficacy was influenced by the 3 factors: burnout—exhaustion and cynicism—engagement, and resilience. During the ERT, the teachers in semi‐private and private centers showed greater self‐efficacy. In turn, the teachers in childhood and primary education showed a significantly higher level of work engagement than the teachers in compulsory and post‐compulsory secondary education.

CONCLUSIONS

The results in relation to ERT are discussed in the context of the exceptionality and universal globality of the pandemic phenomenon and the complex self‐perception of the social value of the teaching function.
Fighting Racism Denial; Becoming a Mother‐Scholar‐Activist
Authors: Bonam Courtney M.
Published: July 2024

Using autoethnography and a Critical Race Theory framework, I recount how I experienced racism denial in my son's school district during 2019–2020 (his kindergarten year). To build this counternarrative, I analyzed multiple data sources (e.g., field notes, personal journal entries, public documents) and, across three chapters, describe my interactions with key school district gatekeepers while advocating for racial equity‐oriented school policies. These policies included: a school desegregation program (Chapter 1), a plan to incorporate critical race education into one school's curriculum (Chapter 2), and a district‐level endorsement of critical race and ethnic studies K‐12 curriculum in California schools (Chapter 3). In responding to this advocacy, the district professed surface‐level support for racial equity, but I saw this form of support as racism denial merely masquerading as support for racial equity. I explain why I interpreted the district's responses in this way, and how I experienced these responses from my perspective as a mixed Black mother, scholar, and activist. I end by reflecting on how these experiences forced me to integrate my mother‐scholar‐activist identities in uncomfortable and productive ways, and with recommendations for how psychological researchers and K‐12 schools can support racial equity.
Cytokine responses of CD4+ T cells and NKT cells to periodontitis‐associated bacteria in individuals with or without periodontitis
Authors: Danielsen Anne Katrine , Massarenti Laura , Minculescu Lia , Jensen Peter Østrup , Hansen Peter Riis , Holmstrup Palle , Damgaard Christian , Nielsen Claus Henrik
Published: July 2024

Aim

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease driven by opportunistic bacteria including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, where T‐cell and NKT‐cell responses to these bacteria in patients with periodontitis grade B or C are not fully elucidated. The objective is to determine if exaggerated proinflammatory Th‐cell responses to periodontitis‐associated bacteria, but not commensal bacteria, is a characteristic of increased periodontitis grade.

Methods

Mononuclear cells from patients with periodontitis grade C (n = 26) or grade B (n = 33) and healthy controls (HCs; n = 26) were stimulated with P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum or the commensal bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes. Cytokine production by different T‐cell populations and FOXP3‐expression by regulatory T cells were assessed by flow cytometry.

Results

Compared to HCs, grade C patients had decreased frequencies of interleukin (IL)‐10‐producing CD4+ T cells before stimulation (p = .02) and increased frequencies of IFN‐y‐producing CD4+ T cells after stimulation with P. gingivalis (p = .0019). Grade B patients had decreased frequencies of FOXP3+ CD4+ T cells before (p = .030) before and after stimulation with anti‐CD2/anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28‐loaded beads (p = .047), P. gingivalis (p = .013) and S. epidermidis (p = .018). Clinical attachment loss correlated with the frequencies of IFN‐y‐producing Th1 cells in P. gingivalis‐ and F. nucleatum‐stimulated cultures in grade B patients (p = .023 and p = .048, respectively) and with the frequencies of Th17 cells in P. gingivalis‐stimulated cultures (p = .0062) in grade C patients. Patients with periodontitis grade C or grade B showed lower frequencies of IL‐10‐producing NKT cells than HCs in unstimulated cultures (p = .0043 and p = .027 respectively).

Conclusions

Both periodontitis groups showed decreased frequencies of immunoregulatory T‐cell and NKT cell subsets at baseline. Clinical attachment loss correlated with P. gingivalis‐induced Th17‐responses in grade C patients and with Th1‐responses in grade B patients when cells were stimulated with P. gingivalis, supporting that dysregulated pro‐inflammatory T‐cell responses to periodontitis‐associated bacteria contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Native vs. ribosome‐crosslinked collagen membranes for periodontal regeneration: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Xia Yiru , Qian Jielei , Xie Yufeng , Shu Rong , Lin Zhikai
Published: July 2024

Aim

To evaluate whether the ribosome‐crosslinked collagen membrane (RCCM) is non‐inferior to the natural collagen membrane (NCM) used in regeneration surgery in terms of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain at 6 months.

Methods

Eighty patients diagnosed as generalized periodontitis presenting with isolated infrabony defect (≥4 mm deep) were enrolled and randomized to receive regenerative surgery, either with NCM or RCCM, both combined with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM). CAL, pocket probing depth (PPD), and gingival recession (GR) were recorded at baseline, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Periapical radiographs were taken at baseline, immediately, and 6 months after surgery. Early wound healing index (EHI) and patients' responses were recorded at 2 weeks postoperatively.

Results

At 6 months post‐surgery, the mean CAL gain was 3.1 ± 1.5 mm in the NCM group and 2.9 ± 1.5 mm in the RCCM group, while the mean PPD was 4.3 ± 1.1 mm in the NCM group and 4.2 ± 1.0 mm in the RCCM group. Both groups demonstrated a statistically significant improvement from the baseline (p < .01). RCCM was non‐inferior to NCM concerning the primary outcome (CAL gain at 6 months). The GR at 6 months postoperatively was 1.3 ± 1.2 and 1.2 ± 1.1 mm, which showed no difference compared with baseline. At 6 months follow‐up, the radiographic linear bone fill (RLBF) was 6.5 ± 2.8 and 5.5 ± 2.6 mm (p > .05), while the bone fill percentage (BF%) was 102.3 ± 53.5% and 92.3 ± 40.1% (p > .05), in the NCM and RCCM groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in EHI and postoperative responses between two groups.

Conclusion

RCCM + DBBM resulted in no‐inferior clinical and radiographic outcomes to NCM + DBBM for the treatment of isolated infrabony defect in 6 months.
Liver injury in paraquat poisoning: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hou Linlin , Yuan Ding , Wu Jingtao , Wang Yibo , Yu Yanwu , Meng Cuicui , Yang Fang , Yan Hongyi , Du Yuqi , Zhu Huanzhou , Walline Joseph H. , Jiang Yong , Gao Yanxia , Li Yi
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Liver injury is one of the common complications of paraquat (PQ) poisoning, but whether the degree of liver injury is related to patient prognosis is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether liver injury was a risk factor for death in PQ‐poisoned patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PQ‐poisoned patients from the past 10 years (2011–2020) from a large tertiary academic medical centre in China. PQ‐poisoned patients were divided into a normal liver function group (n = 580) and a liver injury group (n = 60). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was then performed.

Results

A total of 640 patients with PQ poisoning were included in this study. To reduce the impact of bias, dose of PQ, urinary PQ concentration and time from poisoning to hospital admission were matched between the two groups. A 3:1 PSM analysis was performed, ultimately including 240 patients. Compared with the normal liver function group, patients in the liver injury group were older, had a higher R value ([ALT/ULN]/[ALP/ULN]) (p < .001) and had a higher mortality rate. Cox regression analysis showed that there was no significant association between alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin levels and hazard of death, but age, PQ dose, creatine kinase isoenzyme, creatine kinase, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage and lymphocyte percentage were associated with mortality in patients with PQ poisoning.

Conclusions

The occurrence of liver injury within 48 h after PQ poisoning was a risk factor for mortality, and such liver injury was likely of a hepatocellular nature. Age, PQ dose, creatine kinase isoenzyme and white blood cell count were positively correlated with mortality, while creatine kinase, percentage of neutrophils and lymphocytes were inversely correlated.
A facilitator's reflection on the democratizing potential of emancipatory practice development
Authors: Peet Jacqueline , Theobald Karen A. , Douglas Clint
Published: July 2024

Emancipatory practice development (ePD) is a practitioner‐led research methodology which enables workplace transformation. Underpinned by the critical paradigm, ePD works through facilitation and workplace learning, with people in their local context on practice issues that are significant to them. Its purpose is to embed safe, person‐centred learning cultures which transform individuals and workplaces. In this article, we critically reflect on a year‐long ePD study in an acute care hospital ward. We explore the challenges of practice change within systems, building collective strength with frontline collaborations and leadership to sustain new learning cultures. Our work advances practice development dialogue through working closely with the underpinning theories. Our critique analyses how ePD can enact and sustain change within a complex system. We argue that ePD works to strengthen safety cultures by challenging antidemocratic practices through communicative action. By opening communicative spaces, ePD enables staff to collectively deliberate and reach consensus. Their raised awareness supports staff to resist ways of working which conspire against safe patient care. Sustainability of practice change is fostered by the co‐operative democracies created within the frontline team and meso level enablement. We conclude that the democratising potential of ePDt generates staff agency at the frontline.