bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐biologic immunosuppressive drugs for inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases
Authors: Kanatoula Danai Dionysia , Bodner Euna , Ghoreschi Kamran , Meier Katharina , Solimani Farzan
Published: January 2024

Non‐biologic immunosuppressive drugs, such as azathioprine, dapsone or methotrexate are fundamental treatment options for a wide range of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Some of these drugs were initially used for malignancies (e.g., azathioprine or methotrexate) or infectious diseases (e.g., hydroxychloroquine or dapsone) but are nowadays mostly used for their immunosuppressive/immunomodulating action. Although dermatologists have years of clinical experience with these drugs, some of the mechanisms of action are not fully understood and are the subject of research. Although these drugs are commonly used, lack of experience or knowledge regarding their safety profiles and management leads to skepticism among physicians. Here, we summarize the mechanism of action and detailed management of adverse effects of the most commonly used immunosuppressive drugs for skin diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the management of these drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as their interaction and handling during vaccination.
O‐Health‐Edu: A viewpoint into the current state of oral health professional education in Europe: Part 2: Curriculum structure, facilities, staffing and quality assurance
Authors: Dixon Jonathan , Tubert‐Jeannin Stephanie , Davies Julia , van Harten Maria , Roger‐Leroi Valerie , Vital Sibylle , Paganelli Corrado , Akota Ilze , Manzanares‐Cespedes Maria Cristina , Murphy Denis , Gerber Gabor , Quinn Barry , Field James
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Oral health professional (OHP) education is likely to vary across Europe in accordance with an EU directive that is open to broad interpretation. It is not clear how OHP curricula are structured or delivered across Europe. The objectives of Part 2 of this paper series are: (i) to provide an overview of common practices in curriculum structure, the availability of facilities, staffing (faculty) and quality assurance processes and (ii) to consider how the existing programme structures align to stakeholder guidance documents.

Methods

A total of 27 questions from a 91‐item questionnaire were used for this manuscript. The questionnaire was developed following the Delphi method to establish consensus from a group of experts. Members of the research team and colleagues from other countries in Europe completed a multi‐step piloting process. An online data hub was created to allow the respondents to be data controllers and respond to the questionnaire. ADEE member schools (n = 144) were invited to provide data.

Results

Totally, 71 institutions from 25 European countries provided data between June 2021 and April 2023, which represents a response rate of 49.3% of ADEE members. Data on curriculum approaches, teaching methods, integration of topics of interest, clinical education, staff–student ratios, access to facilities and new technologies, teaching staff (faculty) and quality assurance processes are presented for Primary Dental Degree Programmes.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this series of papers are the first attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of OHP education in Europe. Results showed that the majority of European dental programmes are engaged in providing innovative and scientifically grounded education in order to develop quality future OHPs. Nevertheless, significant variability in the delivery of clinical education across the European OHP schools was notable in this dataset. A comprehensive view of the state of OHP education in Europe is not yet available but the O‐Health‐Edu data hub provides a means for all education providers in Europe to contribute data to reach this goal. It is anticipated that the data hub will be updated and built upon over time to continually establish a clearer picture of the state of OHP education in Europe.
Population links between an insectivorous bird and moths disentangled through national‐scale monitoring data
Authors: Evans Luke Christopher , Burgess Malcolm D. , Potts Simon G. , Kunin William E. , Oliver Tom H.
Published: January 2024

Insects are key components of food chains, and monitoring data provides new opportunities to identify trophic relationships at broad spatial and temporal scales. Here, combining two monitoring datasets from Great Britain, we reveal how the population dynamics of the blue titCyanistes caeruleusare influenced by the abundance of moths – a core component of their breeding diet. We find that years with increased population growth for blue tits correlate strongly with high moth abundance, but population growth in moths and birds is less well correlated; suggesting moth abundance directly affects bird population change. Next, we identify moths that are important components of blue tit diet, recovering associations to species previously identified as key food sources such as the winter mothOperoptera brumata. Our work provides new evidence that insect abundance impacts bird population dynamics in natural communities and provides insight into spatial diet turnover at a national‐scale.
Semiautomated electric source imaging determines epileptogenicity of encephaloceles in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Antal Dorin‐Cristian , Altenmüller Dirk‐Matthias , Dümpelmann Matthias , Scheiwe Christian , Reinacher Peter C. , Crihan Eliza‐Theona , Ignat Bogdan‐Emilian , Cuciureanu Iulian‐Dan , Demerath Theo , Urbach Horst , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Heers Marcel
Published: January 2024

Objective

We aimed to assess the ability of semiautomated electric source imaging (ESI) from long‐term video‐electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring (LTM) to determine the epileptogenicity of temporopolar encephaloceles (TEs) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study involving 32 temporal lobe epilepsy patients with TEs as potentially epileptogenic lesions in structural magnetic resonance imaging scans. Findings were validated through invasive intracerebral stereo‐EEG in six of 32 patients and postsurgical outcome after tailored resection of the TE in 17 of 32 patients. LTM (mean duration = 6 days) was performed using the 10/20 system with additional T1/T2 for all patients and sphenoidal electrodes in 23 of 32 patients. Semiautomated detection and clustering of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) were carried out to create IED types. ESI was performed on the averages of the two most frequent IED types per patient, utilizing individual head models, and two independent inverse methods (sLORETA [standardized low‐resolution brain electromagnetic tomography], MUSIC [multiple signal classification]). ESI maxima concordance and propagation in spatial relation to TEs were quantified for sources with good signal quality (signal‐to‐noise ratio > 2, explained signal > 60%).

Results

ESI maxima correctly colocalized with a TE in 20 of 32 patients (62.5%) either at the onset or half‐rising flank of at least one IED type per patient. ESI maxima showed propagation from the temporal pole to other temporal or extratemporal regions in 14 of 32 patients (44%), confirming propagation originating in the area of the TE. The findings from both inverse methods validated each other in 14 of 20 patients (70%), and sphenoidal electrodes exhibited the highest signal amplitudes in 17 of 23 patients (74%). The concordance of ESI with the TE predicted a seizure‐free postsurgical outcome (Engel I vs. >I) with a diagnostic odds ratio of 2.1.

Significance

Semiautomated ESI from LTM often successfully identifies the epileptogenicity of TEs and the IED onset zone within the area of the TEs. Additionally, it shows potential predictive power for postsurgical outcomes in these patients.
How dual language bilingual education preservice teachers draw upon and develop students' sociocultural competence
Authors: Domke Lisa M. , May Laura A. , Cerrato María A. , Sanders Elizabeth H. , Kung Melody , Bingham Gary E.
Published: January 2024

US dual language bilingual education (DLBE) programs have a goal to develop students' sociocultural competence, but little is known about how preservice teachers (PSTs) do this. This descriptive study involved quantitative and qualitative analysis of 82 videos of instruction and 76 lesson plans from nine Latinx PSTs placed in Spanish DLBE classrooms across 3 years. PSTs focused more on students' interests or background knowledge than specific family/community and/or cultural practices. Few lessons incorporated culturally relevant/sustaining literature. Findings help teacher educators consider contextual constraints in teacher preparation and ways to better support PSTs in recognizing and developing students' sociocultural competence.
Climate match is key to predict range expansion of the world's worst invasive terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Du Yuanbao , Wang Xuyu , Ashraf Sadia , Tu Weishan , Xi Yonghong , Cui Ruina , Chen Shengnan , Yu Jiajie , Han Lixia , Gu Shimin , Qu Yanhua , Liu Xuan
Published: January 2024

Understanding the determinants of the range expansion of invasive alien species is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies. Nevertheless, we still lack a global picture of the potential factors influencing the invaded range expansion across taxonomic groups, especially for the world's worst invaders with high ecological and economic impacts. Here, by extensively collecting data on 363 distributional ranges of 19 of world's worst invasive terrestrial vertebrates across 135 invaded administrative jurisdictions, we observed remarkable variations in the range expansion across species and taxonomic groups. After controlling for taxonomic and geographic pseudoreplicates, model averaging analyses based on generalized additive mixed‐effect models showed that species in invaded regions having climates more similar to those of their native ranges tended to undergo a larger range expansion. In addition, as proxies of propagule pressure and human‐assisted transportation, the number of introduction events and the road network density were also important predictors facilitating the range expansion. Further variance partitioning analyses validated the predominant role of climate match in explaining the range expansion. Our study demonstrated that regions with similar climates to their native ranges could still be prioritized to prevent the spread of invasive species under the sustained global change.
Assessment of Cryogenic Coring to Preserve Vertical Distributions of Trichloroethylene and Reaction Products in an Aquitard
Authors: Kearney Kade J. , Blount Timothy , Palmer Emma , Arvizu Rosemary , Sanford Robert , Valocchi Albert , Schaefer Charles , Werth Charles J.
Published: January 2024

There is not a clear understanding of the extent by which naturally occurring reactions can attenuate trichloroethene (TCE) and its daughter products within low permeability zones (LPZs), and addressing this knowledge gap requires advancement of methods to accurately measure in situ volatile chemical concentrations. In this study, a soil coring method that freezes the soil in‐situ (a.k.a., cryogenic coring) was utilized to measure depth‐discrete distributions of TCE and its volatile reaction products through a TCE‐impacted silty clay aquitard, and results were compared with those from adjacent soil cores taken using a conventional coring approach. Vertical concentration profiles of TCE, cis‐1,2‐dichloroethylene (DCE), vinyl chloride (VC), ethane, and methane were all compared between the two coring methods, and results indicate the two coring methods recovered statistically equivalent concentrations of volatiles across most depths of the fine‐grained cohesive clayey soil at the study site. Biotic reductive dechlorination was the dominant TCE reaction pathway at the site; several reduced gasses that are possible markers for abiotic reduction were detected, but their concentrations and intervals of occurrence were not sufficiently consistent to indicate whether they were from abiotic TCE reduction or unrelated biological processes. Overall, cryogenic coring yielded improved recovery of sand lenses compared to conventional coring, but offered no apparent benefits for improved recovery of TCE and its volatile reaction products in the low permeability aquitard material at the site.
Venous invasion detectable only by elastic stain shows weak prognostic value in colon cancer
Authors: Fei Linda Y N , Patel Sunil V , Popa Teodora , Boudreau Lee , Caycedo‐Marulanda Antonio , Grin Andrea , Wang Tao
Published: January 2024

Aims

Large venous invasion (VI) is prognostically significant in colon cancer. The increased use of elastic stains by pathologists results in higher VI detection rates compared to routine stains alone. This study assesses the prognostic value of VI detected by elastic versus routine stains.

Methods and results

Colon cancers resected between 2014 and 2017 underwent pathology slide review for VI. Cases without VI on routine stain were stained by elastic trichrome and re‐examined. Demographic, clinical, pathological and outcome data were gathered by retrospective review. Kaplan–Meier curves with log‐rank tests were performed for survival categorised by VI status. Cox regression was performed for multivariate analysis. Of 277 cases, 97 (35%) showed VI by routine stain alone, with an additional 58 (21%) discovered by subsequent elastic stains. Thus, elastic trichrome increased VI detection by 60%. However, only VI detected by routine stain showed worse overall survival (P < 0.001). VI detected by elastic stain only was not prognostically different from cases without VI (P = 0.428). For stage 2 cancers, VI was not prognostically significant regardless of method of detection. For stage 3 cases, only VI detected by routine stain was prognostic for overall survival (P = 0.002) with a hazard ratio of 4.04 by multivariate regression (P = 0.028).

Conclusions

VI detectable only by elastic stains do not show prognostic significance for survival in colon cancer. For pathologists with high baseline VI detections rates on routine stain, reflexive use of elastic stain may be of limited value.
Effects of transamidation vs. fermentation to reduce the gluten content of the Triticum monococcum wheat cultivar Hammurabi: analysis of biochemical, baking and sensory parameters
Authors: De Sena Vincenzo , Mazzarella Giuseppe , Rossi Mauro
Published: January 2024

The Triticum monococcum cultivar Hammurabi has been considered a wheat with reduced gluten toxicity for intolerant people. To further reduce gluten toxicity, we tested two biotechnological treatments on Hammurabi flour, fermentation by endogenous microbiota and transamidation by microbial transglutaminase. After 1 day of fermentation, the detectable gluten content dropped to 51.4% ± 6.4% (R5‐ELISA). Interestingly, microbial hydrolysis did not change the content of the water‐insoluble gliadin fraction. Transamidation of Hammurabi caused a greater reduction of the native gluten to 33.5% ± 3.3% (P < 0.01) and changed its physical properties, as it became water soluble. Interestingly, only dough from transamidated Hammurabi flour could leaven, similarly to the untreated dough, while in fermented Hammurabi dough, the rising activity of the added yeast was inhibited. Baking analysis indicated no substantial difference between transamidated and untreated Hammurabi breads. Descriptive sensory analysis showed that darkness appearance parameters and texture parameters were significantly altered in transamidated bread. Importantly, the treatment did not influence wheaty flavour or cereal odour, two mainly expected organoleptic features. Our data may have important implications in the perspective of manufacturing innovative foods for people predisposed to or suffering from gluten intolerance.
Evolution of the urinary microbiota in spinal cord injury patients with decubitus ulcer: A snapshot study
Authors: Morsli Madjid , Salipante Florian , Gelis Anthony , Magnan Chloé , Guigon Ghislaine , Lavigne Jean‐Philippe , Sotto Albert , Dunyach‐Remy Catherine
Published: January 2024

Current microbiome investigations of patients with pressure ulcers (PU) are mainly based on wound swabs and/or biopsy sequencing, leaving the colonization scenario unclear. Urinary microbiota has been never studied. As a part of the prospective ESCAFLOR study, we studied urinary microbiota of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with PU without any urinary tract infection at the inclusion, collected at two times (at admission [D0] and after 28 days [D28]) during the patient's care, investigated by 16S rDNA metagenomics next generation sequencing. Subgroup analyses were carried out between patients with wounds showing improved evolution versus stagnated/worsened wounds at D28. Analysis was done using EPISEQ® 16S and R software. Among the 12 studied patients, the urinary microbiota of patients with improved wound evolution at D28 (n = 6) presented a significant decrease of microbial diversity. This modification was associated with the presence of Proteobacteria phylum and an increase of Escherichia‐Shigella (p = 0.005), as well as the presence of probiotic anaerobic bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. In contrast, Proteus abundance was significantly increased in urine of patients with stagnated/worsened wound evolution (n = 6) (p = 0.003). This study proposes urinary microbiota as a complementary factor indirectly associated with the wound evolution and patient cure. It opens new perspectives for further investigations based on multiple body microbiome comparison to describe the complete scenario of the transmission dynamics of wound‐colonizing microorganisms.
Evaluation of bevacizumab biosimilar on wound healing complications in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing endoscopic mucosal resection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis in anorectal medicine
Authors: Li Yixi , Mei Zhimou , Shi Liang , Wan Yin , Zhou Xiaoli , Zeng Ting , Liu Yi , Yang Jia Yao , Shi Zhaohong
Published: January 2024

Complications related to wound healing pose substantial obstacle in the management of colorectal cancer (CRC), specifically in the field of anorectal medicine. Biosimilars of bevacizumab have emerged as crucial therapeutic agents in the management of these complications. With the particular emphasis on effects of Bevacizumab Biosimilar Plus on wound healing among patients diagnosed with CRC, this review underscores the potential of this anorectal medication to improve patient outcomes and was aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of Bevacizumab Biosimilar Plus in relation to complications associated with wound healing in patients with CRC. The assessment centers on its therapeutic potential and safety profile within the domain of anorectal medicine. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was performed, resulting in the identification of 19 pertinent studies out of an initial 918. Priority was given to assessing the safety and adverse effects of Bevacizumab Biosimilar Plus in conjunction with its effectiveness in wound healing. The extracted data comprised the following: study design, patient demographics, comprehensive treatment regimens, wound healing‐specific outcomes and adverse effects. The evaluation of study quality was conducted utilizing the instruments provided by the Cochrane Collaboration and the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS). Bevacizumab Biosimilar Plus demonstrates efficacy in the management of wound healing complications among patients with CRC, with a safety and efficacy profile similar to that of the original Bevacizumab, according to the analysis. Notably, several studies reported improved rates of wound healing in relation to the biosimilar. The safety profiles exhibited similarities to the anticipated anti‐VEGF agent effects. In wound management, the biosimilar also demonstrated advantages in terms of prolonged efficacy. In addition, analyses of cost‐effectiveness suggested that the use of biosimilars could result in cost reductions. Bevacizumab Biosimilar Plus exhibited potential as an anorectal medication for the effective management of wound healing complications in patients with CRC. This has substantial ramifications for improving the quality of patient care, encompassing the affordability and effectiveness of treatments.
Bioanalytical evaluation of wound depth and musculoskeletal injuries: Synergizing focused assessment with sonography for trauma with computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging in orthopaedic trauma care
Authors: Xue Zujun , Wen Bi
Published: January 2024

Orthopaedic trauma care frequently necessitates prompt and precise assessment of musculoskeletal injuries and wound depth. The potential for improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes exists with the integration of sophisticated imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST). The purpose of this research was to examine the benefits and drawbacks of this integrative method in the clinical environment. From June 2022 to September 2023, 250 patients who were admitted to Ningbo University Affiliated People's Hospital, participated in this cross‐sectional observational study. Following the administration of FAST, CT and MRI were utilized to evaluate orthopaedic injuries and skin wounds in patients. Analyses of data centred on the precision of diagnoses, the influence of treatment decisions and patient outcomes. Aged and gendered differently, the study participants sustained the variety of injuries and superficial wounds that were predominantly the result of traffic accidents. The FAST assay exhibited sensitivity of 65%, specificity of 80% and 72% overall accuracy. MRI demonstrated the finest diagnostic performance (85% sensitivity, 95% specificity and 89% accuracy), whereas CT scans offered improved diagnostic efficacy (80% sensitivity, 90% specificity and 84% accuracy). Treatment decisions were substantially impacted by integration of these imaging modalities, resulting in modifications in 20%–35% of cases, depending on the specific modality employed. Specifically, MRI played a pivotal role in informing treatment approaches, influencing non‐surgical as well as surgical procedures. This study substantiates the significant advantages of integrating FAST with CT and MRI in orthopaedic trauma care, particularly in the accurate assessment of wound depth. The synergistic use of these imaging techniques not only enhances diagnostic precision but also positively impacts treatment strategies and patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach in trauma care settings.
RETRACTED: Risk predictions of surgical wound complications based on a machine learning algorithm: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhao Junde , Farzan Ramyar , Alizadeh Otaghvar Hamidreza
Published: January 2024

Surgical wounds may arise due to harm inflicted upon soft tissue during surgical intervention, and many complications and injuries may accompany them. These complications can lead to prolonged hospitalization and poorer clinical outcomes. Also, Machine learning (ML) is a Section of artificial intelligence (AI) that has emerged in medical care and is increasingly used for diagnosis, complications, prognosis and recurrence prediction. This study aims to investigate surgical wound risk predictions and management using a ML algorithm by R programming language analysis. The systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, spanned electronic databases using search terms like ‘machine learning’, ‘surgical’ and ‘wound’. Inclusion criteria covered experimental studies from 1990 to the present on ML's application in surgical wound evaluation. Exclusion criteria included studies lacking full text, focusing on ML in all surgeries, neglecting wound assessment and duplications. Two authors rigorously assessed titles, abstracts and full texts, excluding reviews and guidelines. Ultimately, relevant articles were then analysed. The present study identified nine articles employing ML for surgical wound management. The analysis encompassed various surgical procedures, including Cardiothoracic, Caesarean total abdominal colectomy, Burn plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, laparotomy, minimal invasive surgery, hernia repair and unspecified surgeries. ML was skillful in evaluating surgical site infections (SSI) in seven studies, while two extended its use to burn‐grade diagnosis and wound classification. Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) were the most utilized algorithms. ANN achieved a 96% accuracy in facial plastic surgery wound management. CNN demonstrated commendable accuracies in various surgeries, and SVM exhibited high accuracy in multiple surgeries and burn plastic surgery. In sum, these findings underscore ML's potential for significant improvements in postoperative management and the development of enhanced care techniques, particularly in surgical wound management.
A meta‐synthesis of the experience of paediatric nurses in communication with children
Authors: Sabetsarvestani Raheleh , Geçkil Emine
Published: January 2024

Aim

This study aimed to conduct a meta‐synthesis to explore the experiences of paediatric nurses in communication with children.

Method

We conducted a meta‐synthesis review, following the outline proposed by Sandelowski, Barrosso & Voils. Our search encompassed six electronic databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO (MEDLINE), Web of Science, SAGE, and Wiley. The Primary keywords used were “nurse”, “child”, “communication”, and “qualitative”. We included qualitative articles in English within the field of paediatric nursing between 1990 and 2023. Initially, 1980 records were identified which reduced to 1339 references after removing duplicates. Subsequently, we assessed 112 full‐text articles for eligibility and 14 relevant studies were ultimately included in our review. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme checklist with no study being excluded based on quality criteria. Data were synthesized using the qualitative thematic analysis method.

Results

The data analysis yielded three themes and seven sub‐themes. These themes include swinging between triadic and dyadic communication, applying a hybrid of communication methods, and influential factor in communication.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the significance of establishing a balanced approach between dyadic communication (nurse and child) and triadic communication (nurse–parent–child) in paediatric care. Paediatric nurses emphasized the simultaneous use of verbal and non‐verbal methods to enhance effective communication. Additionally, identifying the influential factors in communication can aid in developing and improving nurses' competency in communication skills within paediatric departments.

Implications

Understanding the communication process and the factors that influence it can be instrumental in equipping paediatric nurses with enhanced communication skills in their practice.

Impact

Establishing a balanced approach between dyadic communication (nurse and child) and triadic communication (nurse–parent–child) in paediatric care is crucial.

Paediatric nurses emphasized the simultaneous use of verbal and non‐verbal methods to enhance effective communication.

Identifying the influential factors in communication can aid in developing and improving nurses' competency in communication skills within paediatric departments.
Post‐TAVR conduction abnormalities leading to permanent pacemaker implantation: Risk factors, prevention, and management
Authors: Ghazal Rachad , Garabedian Haroutioun , Sawaya Fadi , Refaat Marwan M.
Published: January 2024

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) often leads to conduction abnormalities, necessitating pacemaker implantation. This review of 38 meta‐analyses identified preexisting right bundle branch block (RBBB), LAHB, and new‐onset left bundle branch block as key risk factors, with a higher PPM risk in male and older patients. Procedural factors like transfemoral access and self‐expandable valves also increase this risk. Prevention focuses on tailoring TAVR to individual electrophysiological and anatomical profiles. However, there's a lack of consensus in managing these conduction disturbances post‐TAVR, highlighting the need for further research and standardized treatment strategies.
Organizational Overlap and Bureaucratic Actors: How EU–NATO Relations Empower the European Commission
Authors: Hoeffler Catherine , Hofmann Stephanie C.
Published: January 2024

Organizational overlap is a ubiquitous feature in regional governance. Most studies have focused on member states, demonstrating that overlap enables states differently. We still know little about whether and how overlapping organizations impact international bureaucracies and how this shapes the relationship between bureaucratic actors within organizations. We argue that overlap can empower international bureaucrats, but not equally. Those with autonomous resources from member states are the most attractive interlocuters for bureaucrats from other organizations and, hence, likely to become most empowered. Substantive expertise and formal competence are less consequential in this context. We unpack this argument by looking at a policy domain understood to be heavily guarded by member states, security and defence policy. Based on primary documents and interviews, we show that the European Union (EU)–North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) overlap has enabled the European Commission to leverage its position within the EU to its advantage and further encroach on the EU's security and defence activities.
Oral language enrichment in preschool improves children's language skills: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: West Gillian , Lervåg Arne , Birchenough Julia M. H. , Korell Caroline , Rios Diaz Mariela , Duta Mihaela , Cripps Denise , Gardner Rachel , Fairhurst Caroline , Hulme Charles
Published: January 2024

Background

Oral language skills provide the foundation for formal education, yet many children enter school with language weaknesses. This study evaluated the efficacy of a new language enrichment programme, the Nuffield Early Language Intervention—Preschool (NELI Preschool), delivered to children in the year before they enter formal education.

Methods

We conducted a preregistered cluster randomised controlled trial in 65 nursery schools in England (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN29838552). NELI Preschool consists of a 20‐week whole‐class language enrichment programme delivered by a teacher each day for 20 min. In addition, children with the weakest language skills in each class are allocated to receive additional targeted support delivered by classroom assistants (whole‐class + targeted). The language skills of all children (n = 1,586) in participating classrooms were assessed using the LanguageScreen automated app (https://oxedandassessment.com/languagescreen/). Settings were then randomly allocated to an intervention or control group. The children with the weakest language in each class (whole‐class + targeted children n = 438), along with four randomly selected children in each class allocated to the whole‐class only programme (n = 288) were individually tested on a range of language measures.

Results

Children receiving NELI Preschool made larger gains than children in the control group on an oral language latent variable (whole‐class children d = .26; whole‐class + targeted children d = .16).

Conclusions

This study provides good evidence that whole‐class intervention delivered in preschool can produce educationally significant improvements in children's language skills. The intervention is scaleable and relatively low cost. These findings have important implications for educational and social policy.
Comparison of efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/liraglutide and insulin glargine U‐100/lixisenatide in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus using professional continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Kawaguchi Yuji , Hajika Yuriko , Rinka Maho , Masumoto Koji , Sawa Jun , Hamazaki Kenji , Kumeda Yasuro
Published: January 2024

Aim/Introduction

Insulin glargine U100/lixisenatide and insulin degludec/liraglutide are fixed‐ratio combinations containing basal insulin and a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist capable of reducing both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels with a single formulation. This study aimed to compare the time in range (TIR) and the time below range (TBR) level 1 using professional continuous glucose monitoring and to establish criteria for the differential use of the fixed‐ratio combinations.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐six outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (24 men and 12 women; average age, 62.1 years) were randomly assigned to the groups. At 0 and 18 weeks, a device was worn to compare the TIR and TBR level 1. The correlation between the C‐peptide index at baseline and TIR at 18 weeks was assessed.

Results

The TIR and TBR level 1 showed no significant differences between the two groups. Both groups showed significant positive correlations between the C‐peptide index and the TIR (P = 0.002, r = 0.679; P = 0.002, r = 0.681, respectively). The changes in glycemic variability, therapeutic indices, and body mass index were not significantly different among the groups (P > 0.05). The receiver operating curve analysis revealed that the cut‐off values of the C‐peptide index to achieve TIR of >70% at 18 weeks were 1.258 (sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 100%) and 1.099 (sensitivity, 57.1%; specificity, 90.9%) in the insulin glargine U100/lixisenatide and insulin degludec/liraglutide groups, respectively.

Conclusions

A TIR of >70% was achieved for both fixed‐ratio combinations without significant differences.
Treponema pallidum protein Tp47 induced prostaglandin E2 to inhibit the phagocytosis in human macrophages
Authors: Yi D.‐Y. , Xu Q.‐Y. , He Y. , Zheng X.‐Q. , Yang T.‐C. , Lin Y.
Published: January 2024

Background

During Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) infection, the host's immune system actively engages in pursuit and elimination of T. pallidum, while T. pallidum skillfully employs various mechanisms to evade immune recognition. Macrophages exhibit incomplete clearance of T. pallidum in vitro and the underlying mechanism of how T. pallidum resists the attack of macrophage remains unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of T. pallidum membrane protein Tp47 on the phagocytosis of macrophages.

Methods

THP‐1‐derived macrophages were used to investigate the role of Tp47 in the secretion of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in macrophages and the mechanism by which Tp47 induced the production of PGE2, as well as the impact of PGE2 on the macrophage's phagocytosis.

Results

Tp47 (1–10 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the phagocytosis of latex beads and T. pallidum in macrophages (p ≤ 0.05). PGE2 production by macrophages could be induced by Tp47, and the phagocytic function of macrophages could be restored using PGE2 antibody. Tp47 produced PGE2 by activating the PERK/NF‐κB/COX‐2 pathway in macrophages. Inhibitors targeting PERK, NF‐κB and COX‐2, respectively, reduced the level of PGE2 and restored the phagocytic function of macrophages.

Conclusion

Tp47‐induced PGE2 production via the PERK/NF‐κB/COX‐2 pathway contributed to macrophage phagocytosis inhibition, which potentially contributes to immune evasion during the T. pallidum infection.
(−)‐myrtenol and (−)‐α‐pinene: Aggregation pheromone components of the cypress bark beetle Phloeosinus aubei
Authors: Bozsik Gábor , Molnár Béla Péter , Hegedüs Kristóf , Soós Tibor , Schulz Stefan , Tröger Armin , Francke Wittko , Szőcs Gábor
Published: January 2024

The cypress bark beetle, Phloeosinus aubei, is of increasing concern in the European market of scale‐leafed conifers. Neither the reproductive behaviour nor the chemical ecology have been studied in detail so far, and no specific attractant traps are available to monitor the flight of adults. We established that stridulation by males is crucial for acceptance by calling females. To unravel the chemical communication, hindgut extracts from unmated females were analysed by GC‐EAD, using male antennae. Gut extracts and Thuja occidentalis leaf extracts were analysed by GC/MS. Two antennally active compounds from gut extracts were identified as (−)‐myrtenol and (−)‐α‐pinene by enantioselective GC/MS. (−)‐Myrtenol was shown to be female‐specific, while (−)‐α‐pinene was found as a 2:1 mixture with the (+)‐enantiomer also among the volatiles of the host tree, T. occidentalis. To prove that the production of the above compounds in the beetles is related to reproduction, we treated females with JHIII. The gut extracts from these sexually mature females showed elevated levels of (−)‐α‐pinene compared to untreated control groups. Synthetic enantiomers of myrtenol and α‐pinene were tested separately by electroantennography, and all were found to be electrophysiologically active. The attractiveness of different mixtures of these compounds was compared using 4‐arm olfactometer tests: 4:1 mixtures of racemic α‐pinene with either (−)‐ or (+)‐myrtenol were significantly attractive to males and females, respectively. In field tests, multifunnel traps baited with a 5:1 mixture of (−)‐α‐pinene and (−)‐myrtenol caught significantly more males and females than unbaited control traps. We concluded that (−)‐α‐pinene and (−)‐myrtenol are components of a female‐produced aggregation pheromone. EAD activity and behaviour assays indicated that α‐pinene from Thuja is used by the beetles as part of a host plant kairomone. The complex communication system of P. aubei is discussed in a chemoecological context.
Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and incident risk of dementia: The AMI cohort
Authors: Hernández‐Ruiz Virgilio , Roubaud‐Baudron Claire , Von Campe Hugo , Retuerto Noelia , Mégraud Francis , Helmer Catherine , Amieva Hélène , Pérès Karine
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic infectious diseases are increasingly being considered as potential contributors to dementia risk. Among those infections, Helicobacter pylori, the main cause of chronic gastritis worldwide, has been suggested. As the prevalence of H. pylori infection has decreased, the main objective of this work was to reconsider the association between H. pylori infection and the risk of incident dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

Prospective cohort of 689 older (≥65 years) agricultural workers from Southwest France. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed according to H. pylori status determined by serology at baseline. The risk of incident dementia according to H. pylori status over a 7‐year follow‐up was explored by survival analyses: Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Two‐hundred (29.0%) participants were H. pylori‐positive at baseline. Compared to H. pylori‐negative participants, they showed worse cognitive performances at baseline. Eighty‐five incident dementia cases were diagnosed during the follow‐up period. After adjustment for age, sex, education, apolipoprotein ε4, and several cardiovascular risk factors, H. pylori remained associated with an increased risk of dementia (HR 1.70, 95% CI, 1.05–2.74). The risk was stronger for Alzheimer's disease (HR 2.85, 95% CI, 1.58–5.12).

Conclusions

Despite an observed decrease in H. pylori infection prevalence, this study provides evidence for the association between H. pylori infection and dementia. These results should encourage further research on the mechanisms underlying the contribution of infectious diseases to pathological brain aging, especially the influence of gut inflammation on the brain.
Factors associated with non‐urgent presentations in the paediatric emergency department using Andersen's behavioural model: A cross‐sectional descriptive study
Authors: Montoro‐Pérez Néstor , Montejano‐Lozoya Raimunda , Escribano Silvia , Richart‐Martínez Miguel
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To explore the rate of NUPs and associated factors in the PED of the ‘Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe’ in Valencia (Spain) using Andersen's Behavioural Model.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive cross‐sectional study using Andersen's Behavioural Model in parents visiting the PED with their children at the ‘Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe’ in Valencia (Spain).

Results

The study involved a total of 530 participants, of whom 419 (79%) had made an NUP. The predisposing factors identified were: (I) paediatric patients brought in by their fathers (OR = 0.460; p = 0.005), (II) lower educational attainment (OR = 3.841; p = 0.000), (III) first‐time parenthood (OR = 2.335; p = 0.000) and (IV) higher parental stress (OR = 1.974; p = 0.023). The enabling factors included: (I) responsibility for a significant part of the childcare shared with others (OR = 0.348; p = 0.041) and (II) the perception that PEDs provide better care than primary care (PC) services (OR = 1.628; p = 0.005). The need factors were: (I) existing chronic illness in the child seeking care (OR = 0.343; p = 0.000) and (II) the perceived severity of the urgency (OR = 0.440; p = 0.031).

Conclusions

The NUP rates found in this study are similar to those found internationally. In accordance with Andersen's Behavioural Model, we identify predisposing, enabling and need factors to explain the multifactorial nature of NUPs in PEDs.

Implications for Practice

Identifying the factors associated with NUPs enables interventions to be targeted at those groups most likely to engage in NUPs, thereby optimising the functioning of the PED and improving the well‐being of children and families. These interventions should focus on improving parental health literacy, providing education on making appropriate decisions about accessing health services and recognising severe symptoms in children, as well as improving access to high‐quality PC services. Providing support to parents during the transition to parenthood would also be beneficial.

Reporting Method

This paper adheres to the STROBE initiative guidelines.

Contribution from patients or members of the public

Participants, who voluntarily agreed to take part, contributed to the study by completing a paper‐based questionnaire containing all the study variables as prepared by the research team.
A phase I/II study evaluating the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of drospirenone as an oral contraceptive in Japanese women
Authors: Kitamura Kunio , Colli Enrico , Azuma Rieko , Kikuyama Ryoko , Kanai Masayuki
Published: January 2024

Aim

Drospirenone (DRSP) is a synthetic progestogen approved as a progestin‐only pill for contraception in both the United States and Europe. Herein, we conducted a phase I/II study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of DRSP in Japanese women.

Methods

Single and multiple doses of 4 mg of DRSP were orally administered to healthy premenopausal Japanese women. In the multiple‐dose period, 4 mg of DRSP was administered once daily for 24 days. Pharmacokinetics, hormone levels, and adverse events (AEs) were investigated.

Results

Twelve Japanese women participated in this study. The single‐ and multiple‐dose pharmacokinetics of DRSP was similar to that reported in previous studies in Caucasians. In the multiple‐dose period, no subject displayed a progesterone level of more than 5.03 ng/mL. AEs were observed in 11 (91.7%) subjects. The most common AE was genital hemorrhage, which was observed in six (50.0%) subjects, followed by diarrhea and acne in four (33.3%) subjects each. All AEs resolved or improved at the end of the study, and complete recovery was confirmed in all subjects at follow‐up.

Conclusions

The pharmacokinetics of DRSP in Japanese women was similar to that of previous studies performed in Caucasian women. Repeated administration of DRSP maintained low plasma progesterone levels indicating effective inhibition of ovulation. No notable safety concerns were observed. In this phase I/II study, DRSP had no obvious pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, or safety issues to consider in Japanese women.
Emotional Expression between CEO and Chairperson as a Micro‐Foundation of Organizational Capabilities: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Stephens John Paul , Srour Yossef , Carmeli Abraham
Published: January 2024

The work relationships between CEOs and Chairpersons are key to the functioning of the firm. This study uses survey and interview data to explore how these work relationships serve as a micro‐foundation for an organization's communication climate. Survey data suggested that CEO‐Chairperson relationships can be characterized by emotional carrying capacity (ECC; constructively expressing more positive and negative emotions). The survey‐based model further demonstrated that CEOs and Chairpersons perceive their ECC to positively predict organizational communication climate and, in turn, knowledge creation capabilities. The latter, in turn, are positively associated with firm performance. CEO‐Chairperson dyadic interview data supplemented the associations identified in our survey model. Interviewees identified specific mechanisms behind the associations in the survey model, such as the strategic sharing of positive and negative emotions. Our mixed‐methods approach provides initial evidence for the importance of emotional expression and management as micro‐relational foundations that underpin firm‐level capabilities and performance.
Comparative study of feeding and rumination behaviour of goats and sheep fed mixed grass hay of different chop length
Authors: Krone Birthe , Hummel Jürgen , Riek Alexander , Clauss Marcus , Hünerberg Martin
Published: January 2024

Rumination is reported to be more pronounced in sheep compared to goats. This study compared the feeding and rumination behaviour of small ruminants and consisted of two experiments (E1 and E2). In E1, four sheep and four goats were offered low‐quality hay (NDFom: 692 g/kg dry matter [DM]), processed to two chop lengths (long hay [LH]: 35 mm; short hay [SH]: 7 mm) in a 2 × 2 factorial (2 species × 2 chop lengths), cross‐over design. In E2, the same animals were offered moderate‐quality hay (NDFom: 636 g/kg DM) processed as LH and SH. Hay was offered for ad libitum consumption. Feeding and rumination behaviour was evaluated using video recordings. Aspects of rumination like chewing frequency were evaluated for 30 min per day. Faecal samples were analysed for faecal‐N and particle size. There was no species effect on feed intake and organic matter digestibility (faecal N as proxy); however, goats consumed more LH than SH in E1 and E2. There was an effect of species on rumination:eating duration (R:E) ratio (higher in sheep) in E1 but not in E2, where there was a tendency for a species effect on rumination duration. In E1 and E2, sheep had a higher R:E ratio for SH than for LH. For rumination behaviour, there was a species effect for number of daily boli, chewing frequency and chews per day (more in sheep) in E1 and E2. No effect of species was found for faecal particle size. Despite much concordance, feed comminution behaviour differed in some aspects between sheep and goats. In an evolutionary context, a shift of significance of rumination could be triggered by a higher amount of abrasives in natural diets of sheep, rendering a shift of chewing towards ruminally prewashed material a rewarding strategy.