bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of an automated microfluidic perfusion platform for parallelized screening of compounds in vitro
Authors: Brugnoli Francesca R. , Holy Marion , Niello Marco , Maier Julian , Hanreich Marcus , Menzel Mario , Haberler Matthias , Zulus Niklas , Pickl Thomas , Ivanova Christa , Muiznieks Lisa D. , Garlan Benjamin , Sitte Harald H.
Published: September 2023

Monoamine transporters are of great interest for their role in the physiological activity of the body and their link to mental and behavioural disorders. Currently, static well‐plate assays or manual perfusion systems are used to characterize the interaction of psychostimulants, antidepressants and drugs of abuse with the transporters but still suffer from significant drawbacks caused by lack of automation, for example, low reproducibility, non‐comparability of results. An automated microfluidic platform was developed to address the need for more standardized procedures for cell‐based assays. An automated system was used to control and drive the simultaneous perfusion of 12 channels on a microfluidic chip, establishing a more standardized protocol to perform release assays to study monoamine transporter‐mediated substrate efflux. D‐Amphetamine, GBR12909 (norepinephrine transporter) andp‐chloroamphetamine, paroxetine (serotonin transporter) were used as control compounds to validate the system. The platform was able to produce the expected releasing (D‐Amphetamine,p‐chloroamphetamine) or inhibiting (GBR12909, paroxetine) profiles for the two transporters. The reduction of manual operation and introduction of automated flow control enabled the implementation of stronger standardized protocols and the possibility of obtaining higher throughput by increasing parallelization.
A qualitative study assessing the barriers and facilitators to physical activity in adults with hearing loss
Authors: Goodwin Maria V. , Hogervorst Eef , Maidment David W.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Growing epidemiological evidence has shown hearing loss is associated with physical inactivity. Currently, there is a dearth in evidence investigating why this occurs. This study aimed to investigate the barriers and facilitators to physical activity in middle‐aged and older adults with hearing loss.

Design

Individual semi‐structured qualitative interviews.

Methods

A phenomenological approach was taken. Ten adults (≥40 years) were interviewed via videoconferencing. The interview schedule was underpinned by the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour (COM‐B) model. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to generate themes, which were subsequently mapped onto the COM‐B model and behaviour change wheel.

Results

Nine hearing loss specific themes were generated, which included the following barriers to physical activity: mental fatigue, interaction with the environment (acoustically challenging environments, difficulties with hearing aids when physically active) and social interactions (perceived stigma). Environmental modifications (digital capabilities of hearing aids), social support (hearing loss‐only groups) and hearing loss self‐efficacy were reported to facilitate physical activity.

Conclusions

Middle‐aged and older adults with hearing loss experience hearing‐specific barriers to physical activity, which has a deleterious impact on their overall health and well‐being. Interventions and public health programmes need to be tailored to account for these additional barriers. Further research is necessary to test potential behaviour change techniques.
Red blood cell endothelial nitric oxide synthase: A major player in regulating cardiovascular health
Authors: LoBue Anthea , Heuser Sophia K. , Lindemann Marla , Li Junjie , Rahman Masudur , Kelm Malte , Stegbauer Johannes , Cortese‐Krott Miriam M.
Published: September 2023

Red blood cells (RBCs) have traditionally been seen as simple carriers of gases and nutrients in the body. One important non‐canonical function of RBCs in the cardiovascular system is the regulation of nitric oxide (NO) metabolism. It has been shown that RBCs can scavenge NO, transport NO metabolites and produce NO in hypoxic conditions, thereby inducing hypoxic vasodilation. RBCs also express endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). However, the physiological significance of RBC eNOS has been controversial for many years. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the experimental research on RBC eNOS signalling in vivo. The data show that RBC eNOS signalling modulates intracellular NO production and NO–haem levels, as well as participating in extracellular paracrine NO metabolite signalling, which contributes to regulating peripheral vascular resistance, blood pressure and cardioprotection. Additionally, this article explores the molecular mechanisms of sytemic regulation mediated by RBC eNOS and the implications of RBC eNOS in cardiovascular health and disease.
Identification and differentiation of vertical movement through morphological changes and stratigraphic imprint: Two distinct uplifting mechanisms in the upper Calabrian accretionary wedge, western Ionian Sea
Authors: Pandolpho Bruna T. , Urlaub Morelia , Berndt Christian , Bialas Jörg
Published: September 2023

The seafloor morphology reflects both past and on‐going sedimentary, oceanographic and tectonic processes. Vertical movement is one of the drivers responsible for reshaping the seafloor through forming steep flanks that decrease slope stability, favour landslides, change current paths, form minibasins and control the sediment deposition, distribution and geometry. Here, we make use of these interactions to derive vertical movements and constrain the active tectonic processes at the western termination of the upper Calabrian accretionary wedge from the integrated analysis of bathymetric, backscatter, surface attributes and high‐resolution reflection seismic data. Within this area, we identify two types of deformational features and mechanisms that affect the depositional, erosional and tectonic processes at different scales. These include the deviation of channels, landslide scars, mass transport deposits (MTDs), separated drifts, sediment waves, lineaments and offset seafloor structures. The first type (long‐wavelength uplift) is an uplifted 22‐km‐wide region, in which seismic onlap relationships and the dip of deep reflectors suggest long‐lasting but slow tectonic uplift affecting sedimentation, and the second type (short‐wavelength uplift) includes three narrow elongated structures and one circular dome encircling the first region of uplift. We interpret that the first type of uplift feature was caused by tectonic deformation, while the second type is interpreted as formed by the fast uplift, tilting and faulting of modern sediments caused by diapirism due to rapid sedimentation in response to the first tectonically driven uplift. The study provides insight into the complex interaction of tectonic and sedimentary processes in the upper Calabrian accretionary wedge.
A novel cyclic peptide library immobilized on gel‐type beads focusing on rapid construction and characterization for comprehensive drug discovery
Authors: Sasaki Toru , Kasama Takeshi , Nokihara Kiyoshi
Published: September 2023

Medium sized molecules such as peptides and macrocycles have recently drawn much attention as potent sources of medicinal lead compounds, whereas the possibility of obtaining a practical drug from them remains limited. The present paper describes a concept of discovering novel medicinal targets or binding modes as well as lead compounds by the one‐peptide‐on‐one‐bead (OPOB) technology for comprehensive screening. The difficulty and problems in conventional drug discovery methods that generally deal with one predetermined target are considered. The building blocks used for the present libraries were selected based on previous results in development of peptidic drugs. Each constituent has the common structure of cyclic form prepared by disulfide of cysteinyl residues or thioether linkages, additionally a methionine residue was inserted for the site‐specific rapid cleavage by cyanogen bromide to liberate the immobilized peptides allowing reliable characterization by MALDI‐TOF‐MS/MS without LC‐purification. Thus, a high throughput construction method for cyclic peptide libraries as well as characterization of single bead are proposed for drug discovery.
Long term results of video‐assisted anal fistula treatment for complex anal fistula: another shattered dream?
Authors: La Torre Marco , Goglia Marta , Micarelli Alessandro , Fiori Enrico , D'Andrea Vito , Grossi Ugo , Tierno Simone Maria , Tomassini Federico , Gallo Gaetano
Published: September 2023

Aim

Complex anal fistula represents a burden for patients, and its management is a challenge for surgeons. Video‐assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) is one sphincter‐sparing technique. However, data on its long‐term effectiveness are scant. We aimed to explore the outcomes of VAAFT in a retrospective cohort of patients referred to a tertiary centre.

Method

Consecutive adult patients with a minimum of 2 years’ follow‐up after VAAFT were reviewed. Patients were followed up to 5 years postoperatively. Failure was defined as incomplete healing of the external orifice(s) during the first 6 months. Recurrence was defined as new radiologically and/or clinically confirmed onset of the fistula after primary healing. A generalized linear model was fitted to evaluate the association between failure and sociodemographic characteristics. Predictors of recurrence were determined in a subgroup analysis of patients found to be free from disease at 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Overall, 106 patients (70% male; mean age 41 years) were reviewed. Of these 86% had a previous seton placement. Fistulas were either high trans‐sphincteric (74%), suprasphincteric (12%) or extrasphincteric (13%). Eight (7%) patients experienced postoperative complications, none of which required reintervention. Mean follow‐up was 53 ± 13.2 months. VAAFT failed in 14 (13%) patients. The overall recurrence rate ranged from 29% at 1 year to 63% at 5 years. Multiple external orifices, suprasphincteric fistula, younger age, previous surgery and higher complexity of the fistulous tract were independent risk factors for recurrence.

Conclusion

VAAFT is a safe sphincter‐sparing technique. The initially high success rate decreases over time and relates to a higher degree of complexity.
A Stearns–Noechel colour prediction model reconstructed from gridded colour solid of nine primary colours and its application
Authors: Sun Xianqiang , Xue Yuan , Xue Jingli , Jin Guang
Published: September 2023

A full gamut colour solid model consisting of three lightness planes, 18 colour mixing units and 360 grid points is constructed from nine primary coloured fibres: red (R), yellow (Y), green (G), cyan (C), blue (B), magenta (M), dark grey (O1), medium grey (O2) and light grey (O3). Subsequently, the 213 coloured yarns and fabrics containing different lightness, hue and saturation were prepared according to the mixing ratio parameters in the colour solid. The Stearns–Noechel colour prediction algorithm, which predicts reflectance using coloured fibre mixing ratios, was improved and applied according to the requirements of colour prediction; and the Stearns–Noechel proportion prediction algorithm, which predicts coloured fibre mixing ratios by reflectance, was refined and employed in accordance with the demands of proportion prediction. Then, the 12 additional coloured fabrics were fabricated and their corresponding measurement data were used on the algorithm for validating its forecasting capabilities. The final experimental results reveal that the maximum colour difference for colour prediction is 5.5, the minimum is 1.7, and the average is 3.7; the maximum colour difference for proportion prediction is 3.3, the minimum is 0.3, and the average is 1.6. Therefore, this approach is promising to improve the colour reproduction issues encountered in the processing of three‐channel computer numerical control (CNC) spinning.
Flemish equine veterinarians' perceptions on the use of and client communication about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine
Authors: Keller Pia , Hudders Liselot , Decloedt Annelies
Published: September 2023

Background

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) is increasingly popular in horses. As CAVM usage could have risks, client–veterinarian communication about CAVM is crucial.

Objectives

Evaluating equine veterinarians' attitude towards CAVM, their CAVM usage and veterinarian–client communication about CAVM.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study.

Method

A telephone survey was conducted among equine veterinarians providing ambulatory care on a daily or weekly basis. The first section of the survey included questions about the veterinarians' attitude towards CAVM and their CAVM usage. The second section focused on veterinary–client communication about CAVM.

Results

When herbs are included as CAVM modality, 83% of the participants applied CAVM. Nighty‐eight percent had already communicated with horse owners about CAVM and 81% agreed to be open to talk about CAVM. However, 95% agreed that sometimes CAVM usage takes place without disclosure to the veterinarian. The majority of participants communicated about CAVM on a weekly (40%) or daily (22%) basis, most often in person during consultations (99%) or via phone (32%). The median percentage of conversations about CAVM initiated by the owner was 50% (range 50%–80%). When the veterinarian initiated the conversation, this was usually by mentioning it as a treatment option, mostly in addition to conventional treatments. Some participants directly asked about CAVM use in the information‐gathering phase.

Main limitations

A convenience sample was used due to lack of data on the number of equine veterinarians in Flanders. Potential favourability bias with higher participation of veterinarians interested in CAVM.

Conclusion

Equine veterinarians generally had a positive attitude towards CAVM use, although this depended on the specific modality. Veterinarian–client communication about CAVM occurs frequently in ambulatory care. An open dialogue with horse owners about CAVM is important to provide information about CAVM and thus enable them to make informed decisions concerning CAVM usage, together with their veterinarian.
Emotion regulation of the family therapist
Authors: Rober Peter
Published: September 2023

Outcome research highlights the importance of the therapeutic alliance for the outcome of therapy. Meta‐analyses suggest that in family therapy, the therapeutic alliance is even more important than in individual therapy. In family therapy, however, the alliance is more complex than in individual therapy. Through empathy, authenticity and hopefulness the therapist can contribute to an effective alliance. Sometimes during the session, a therapist may experience strong emotions that are in tension with his/her therapeutic aspirations of empathetic listening, authenticity and hopefulness. A therapist might experience boredom instead of curiosity, irritation instead of acceptance, shame instead of authenticity. There is need for some kind of emotion regulation to protect the alliance. Furthermore, as some authors suggest, the therapist's emotions – even the emotions that are first glance seem harmful to the alliance – may also be useful for the therapist. Several case stories illustrate the different ways in which family therapists can deal with their emotions in the session.
A novel damage evaluation method for ultra‐high‐performance fiber reinforced concrete under multiple impact loads
Authors: Shi Dandan , Chen Xudong , Ning Yingjie , Ji Tao , Wang Luyao
Published: September 2023

In this study, repeated compression tests were conducted for ultra‐high‐performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) under three different impact pressures. Results showed that as the impact number increased, the strain rate approximately showed a proportional increase, and the plateau region of the dynamic stress–strain curve became more prominent. Besides, when the repeated impacts increased, the maximum strain and dynamic toughness both exhibited upward trends, while the peak stress decreased. The average toughness was positively correlated with the strain rate. Additionally, under high repeated impact loads, a single crack propagated rapidly within the UHPFRC specimen after single impact. Conversely, cracks propagated from the center to the periphery on the surface of the specimen when repeated loads were low. Furthermore, a quantitative evaluation method for the damage of UHPFRC under repeated impact loads was proposed based on the characteristic parameters of the gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM).
Mudding the playing field. Fiscal contributions to municipalities as a political construction
Authors: Clerici Paula , Demeco Lucía , Galeano Franco , Negri Juan
Published: September 2023

In federal presidential democracies, discretionary transfers are often mentioned as a tool used by the national executive to build and strengthen subnational support, typically governors. Funds to local mayors, however, have been much less studied. With original data, in this study we analyze the distribution of a particular discretionary transfer (ATN) to the Argentine municipalities during two periods: 1997–2000 and 2016–2019. We show that the main driver for transfers is the mayor's political alignment. Indeed, the president is more likely to reward loyal mayors, but especially when both the latter and the President oppose the provincial governor. By this token, we highlight a nested political game, in which the President considers the loyalty of both mayors and governors combined to decide when to reward (or when not to reward) municipalities. Furthermore, we find that the Executive provides aid to smaller municipalities to circumvent the possibility of funding mayors from larger cities who may pose a threat as political rivals in the future. Since this pattern is more evident in localities with aligned mayors, we can infer that the President's strategy is aimed at preventing future challengers from within their own coalition.
UNEMPLOYMENT DURATION UNDER FLEXIBLE INFORMATION ACQUISITION
Authors: Kim Jeong Ho (John) , Kim Kyungmin , Pease Marilyn
Published: September 2023

We consider a worker's job search problem in which firms arrive sequentially, observe the worker's unemployment duration, and conduct an interview to learn about her unobservable productivity. Firms engage in fully flexible information acquisition subject to a uniformly posterior‐separable cost function. We provide a closed‐form characterization of equilibrium job search dynamics and demonstrate that endogenous information amplifies the “stigma” effect of long unemployment duration relative to exogenous information. We also show that lowering firms' information‐acquisition costs has ambiguous implications for a worker's unemployment duration.
Processing and characterization of 2D woven ZrB2‐based ultrahigh‐temperature ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Patel Manish , Kumar Kurapati Pavan
Published: September 2023

Cf‐ZrB2 and Cf‐ZrB2–SiC ultrahigh‐temperature ceramic matrix composites were produced using slurry infiltration in the 2D woven carbon fabric and hot pressing at 2000°C. The mixing time and amount of solid loading of the ZrB2–SiC slurry were found to have a significant effect on both microstructure and mechanical properties and were optimized to obtain an agglomerate‐free composite. The ZrB2–SiC slurry with a solid loading of 20%–30% was found to be effective for infiltration within the intra‐pore in carbon tows. The composites have a nearly completely dense matrix layer with a porous matrix within the fiber layers. The fabricated 2D woven Cf‐ZrB2 and Cf‐ZrB2–SiC composites were non‐brittle.
The effect of web‐based and face‐to‐face training given to office workers on health beliefs and physical activity levels regarding obesity
Authors: Yıldız Metin , Baysal Hasret Yalçinöz
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study compared the effects of web‐based and face‐to‐face education given to office workers on health beliefs and physical activity levels towards obesity.

Methods

The research was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study. The study population consisted of 768 office workers between February 2020 and April 2021, and the sample of the research consisted of 90 individuals selected from the population using the nonprobability sampling method. Clinical trial number of the study is NCT05591846.

Results

A total of 90 people, including 30 people in each group, were included in the study. According to the obesity health belief model, a positive change was achieved in the beliefs of individuals about obesity; it was determined that there was a significant increase in the subdimensions of the importance of health, sensitivity, seriousness and perception of benefit and a decrease in the perception of obstacles (p < 0.05). After both education methods were given according to the health belief model, a positive change was achieved in the physical activity level of the individuals; it was determined that the physical activity level score increased significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It was determined that web‐based and face‐to‐face education given to individuals had a positive effect on the obesity health belief model components and the levels of physical activity level.
The meaning that people with severe mental illnesses ascribe to e‐health in encounters with healthcare professionals – A repeat interview study
Authors: Jørgensen Sally Wulff , Petersen Esben Nedenskov , Harnow Søren , Lee Kim , Nørgaard Birgitte
Published: September 2023

This study sought to explore the meaning that people with severe mental illnesses attribute to e‐health solutions regarding user involvement and encounters with healthcare professionals. A qualitative design with a social phenomenological approach was applied, and data were collected via repeat interviews. Using a purposive sampling strategy, eight people with severe mental illness were interviewed two times between August 2021 to May 2022, at three different treatment sites in southern Denmark. To be included, participants needed to be 18–65 years of age, diagnosed with severe mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression), and using an e‐health solution in collaboration with a health professional. The interviews lasted between 20 and 70 min and were audio recorded and then transcribed. The data were analysed with Braun and Clarke's 6‐step thematic analysis. Participants experienced the use of an e‐health solution as helpful for structuring their everyday lives, and e‐health used together with healthcare professionals was considered to have a positive impact on the collaboration. The participants experienced feeling involved and in control when e‐health solutions were used, which engaged them in their treatment. Furthermore, the participants found it important to have had some in‐person meetings with healthcare professionals to build trust before the e‐health solutions could be implemented successfully. E‐health solutions used in collaboration with a trusted healthcare professional whom the participants had met in person tended to affect treatment engagement positively.
Synthesis and sintering of MAX phases in the Zr–Al–C system
Authors: Perevislov Sergey Nikolaevich , Arlashkin Ilya Evgenievich , Stolyarova Valentina Leonidovna
Published: September 2023

In this paper, synthesis and sintering of MAX phases in the Zr–Al–C system is described. Different mixtures of initial Zr/Al/C and Zr/Al/ZrC powders were used to synthesize the MAX phases of Zr2AlC and Zr3AlC2 compositions by a combined method (high‐temperature sintering followed by spark plasma sintering [SPS]). The highest content of the Zr3AlC2 MAX‐phase was obtained using initial Zr/Al/ZrC powders in a component ratio of 1:1.5:2—51.1 vol.%. The optimal temperature for the synthesis of a material based on the Zr2AlC MAX phase is 1525°C, and a material based on Zr3AlC2 is 1575°C. During subsequent SPS at a temperature of 1500°C, a pressure of 50 MPa, within 5 min, it was obtained a material containing up to 71.1 vol.% Zr3AlC2. The relative density of the samples synthesized and consolidated by the SPS method reaches 98.9%. The structure of the obtained synthesized MAX materials includes elongated grains of the composition Zr2AlC and Zr3AlC2, which determines their high strength. The influence of the sintering time and temperature on the formation of the MAX phase of Zr3AlC2 from the initial powders of Zr/Al/ZrC is shown. Zirconium carbide, as an intermediate phase, is always present in the final products. Due to the large evaporation of aluminum, the ZrAl2 phase is also present in the synthesis products. An excess of aluminum contributes to the greatest formation of the Zr2AlC and Zr3AlC2 phases during the combined synthesis.
Violence against nurses by patients and visitors in the emergency department: An integrative review
Authors: Hou Yongchao , Corbally Melissa , Timmins Fiona
Published: September 2023

Aim

This integrative review explored violence against emergency nurses by patients/visitors, examining its nature, contributing factors and consequences.

Design

Integrative review.

Data Sources

Articles were obtained from PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science and PsycInfo databases, up until December 2021.

Review Methods

26 articles were reviewed, evaluating study quality with the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool and synthesizing conclusions through theme development and coding.

Results

This review delves into the issue of violence perpetrated against emergency nurses by patients and visitors. It elucidates three overarching themes: the nature of violence, the contributing factors and the consequences of such acts.

Conclusion

The findings inform healthcare policy for the development of prevention approaches while identifying research gaps and emphasizing the need for alternative study designs and methodologies.

Impact

This review has implications for nursing practice, policymaking and research, emphasizing the need for stakeholder engagement and tailored interventions for at‐risk emergency nurses.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This project was an integrative review of the literature therefore no patient or public contribution was necessary.

What Already is Known

Violence by patients and visitors in healthcare settings, especially in emergency departments, has garnered considerable attention.

What this Paper Adds

This review specifically examines violence‐targeting emergency department nurses from patients and visitors, assessing its characteristics, contributing factors and consequences.

Implications for Practice/Policy

The findings will guide stakeholder engagement in developing interventions to support vulnerable emergency nurses.
Evaluation of the implementation of advanced practice nursing roles in France: A multiple case study
Authors: Schwingrouber Jocelyn , Bryant‐Lukosius Denise , Kilpatrick Kelley , Mayen Sandrine , Colson Sébastien
Published: September 2023

Aims

The aims of the study were to describe the processes used to introduce advanced practice nursing roles and factors that facilitated or hindered role implementation, examine the time advanced practice nurses (APNs) spend in role activities and how these activities relate to domains of advanced practice nursing and examine how implementation processes influenced APN integration within healthcare teams.

Design

A multiple case study was conducted.

Methods

Five cases were included, representing the four population areas approved for advanced practice nursing in France. Data were collected from January to March 2021 using observation, interview and document analysis methods. Data were examined using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants included APNs (n = 5), nurses/allied health providers (n = 5), physicians (n = 5), managers (n = 4) and decision‐makers (n = 4). Stakeholder engagement and leadership provided by decision‐makers, managers, physicians and APNs facilitated role implementation. Poor stakeholder role understanding, uncertain role funding, and the COVID‐19 pandemic hindered role implementation. APNs spent the most time in clinical activities. Participants perceived the integration of APNs within the healthcare team and their impact on patient care to be positive.

Conclusion

Stakeholder engagement and organizational and APN leadership facilitated the implementation of the roles, especially related to team‐based patient care. Further efforts are needed to strengthen APN involvement in non‐clinical activities and address role barriers.

Implications for nursing and patient care

Systematic and system‐wide approaches are needed to improve role clarity, role autonomy and health systems integration of APNs. Research should examine patient perspectives about APNs in France.

Impact

The results highlight how policies can create favourable conditions for advanced practice nursing role implementation in France. Internationally, this study serves as a reminder to APNs and nurse leaders about the strategies for and importance of implementation evaluation to support the optimal development of advanced practice nursing roles.

Reporting Method

The study reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Periodontitis is associated with multimorbidity in a large dental school population
Authors: Beukers Nicky G. F. M. , Su Naichuan , van der Heijden Geert J. M. G. , Loos Bruno G.
Published: September 2023

Aim

To investigate whether and which diseases co‐occur with periodontitis (PD) to assess the prevalence of comorbidities and multimorbidity and to identify patterns and profiles of comorbidity and multimorbidity and the influence of demographic and lifestyle factors to identify distinct groups of multimorbid patients.

Materials and Methods

A database from the Academic Centre of Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) with 37,801 adult individuals containing information about demographic (age, sex, socio‐economic position [SEP]) and lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol use and addictive substance use) and PD and systemic diseases was constructed. PD assessment was based on clinical information by the use of claim codes and systemic diseases data were derived from self‐reported medical history. For analyses, univariable and multivariable (adjusted for age, sex, SEP, smoking, alcohol use and addictive substance use) logistic regression analyses and cluster analysis were used.

Results

Individuals with PD more often had one or multiple diseases. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for PD patients having up to four systemic diseases ranged from 1.46 to 1.20. Co‐occurrence of PD with several systemic diseases and a higher prevalence of multimorbidity was found (adjusted OR comorbidity = 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–1.43; multimorbidity = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.11–1.25). Four clusters existed: cluster 1 was defined as a periodontal and systemically healthy group and cluster 4 as burdened with PD but not containing any systemic diseases. Individuals in cluster 1 were of the lowest age (44.9 [SD: 15.5]) and had the lowest prevalence of the lifestyle factors of smoking (13.6%) and alcohol use (3.9%). Clusters 2 and 3 contained both PD and had several systemic diseases but were different from each other. Cluster 2 contained 34.5% of PD individuals and had mainly respiratory tract, immune system and digestive system diseases. Cluster 3 contained 45.9% of PD individuals and had mainly cardiometabolic diseases. Cluster 2 had the highest prevalence of females (63.1%) and the highest prevalence of smokers (23.8%) and addictive substance users (8.9%). Cluster 3 included individuals of the highest age (63.5 [SD: 11.9]), and had highest prevalence of alcohol users (17.7%) and lowest prevalence of addictive substance users (3.8%).

Conclusions

This study shows that individuals with PD are more often burdened with comorbidity and multimorbidity. Presence of distinct clusters suggests overlap in pathophysiology between certain types of PD and specific systemic diseases. Therefore, PD can be considered as part of multimorbidity, as one of the systemic diseases co‐occurring in certain groups of individuals.
Division of BlastocystisST10 into three new subtypes: ST42‐ST44
Authors: Santin Monica , Figueiredo Ana , Molokin Aleksey , George Nadja S , Köster Pamela C. , Dashti Alejandro , González‐Barrio David , Carmena David , Maloney Jenny G.
Published: September 2023

The Blastocystis subtype ST10 has been recognized to contain a great deal of diversity at the sequence level, potentially indicating the presence of multiple new STs within the clade. However, the data needed to validate these new STs were not available. To help resolve this diversity, full‐length small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene reference sequences were generated using Oxford Nanopore MinION long‐read sequencing from 21 samples representing multiple domestic and wild hosts and geographic regions and covering the sequence diversity previously described using fragments of the SSU rRNA gene. Phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses were used to compare full‐length sequences of the SSU rRNA gene generated in this study with all other valid STs of Blastocystis. We present data supporting the division of ST10/ST23 cluster into five subtypes, ST10, ST23, and three new subtypes with the proposed ST designations of ST42, ST43, and ST44. As the host range of Blastocystis continues to expand with new subtypes and new hosts being frequently identified, the reference sequences provided in this study will assist in accurate sequence classification and help to clarify the epidemiology of this common intestinal microeukaryote.
Genome‐wide characterization of microsatellites in cobia Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766): Survey and analysis of their abundance and diversity
Authors: Tseng Mei‐Chen , Lee Yen‐Hung , Yen Tsair‐Bor , Li Shu‐Ming
Published: September 2023

The cobia Rachycentron canadum, mainly distributed in the warm waters of tropical and subtropical regions around the world, remains a fish of considerable economic importance. Detailed diversity and the number of microsatellite sequences in the cobia genome are still unintelligible. The primary aim of this work was to identify and quantify the miscellaneous SSR sequences in the cobia genome. More than 280,000 sequences were sequenced and screened using next‐generation sequencing technology and microsatellite identification. Perfect mononucleotide repeats, dinucleotide microsatellites, and trinucleotide microsatellites contain (A)10/(T)10, (AC)6/(TG)6, and (AAT)5–32 as the largest number of motifs in each type of microsatellite, respectively. The tetranucleotide and pentanucleotide microsatellites (TTM and PTM) consist of the largest number of motifs of both (ATCT)5–32 and (TCAT)5–31 in TTMs, and (CTCTC)5–9 in PTMs, whereas the hexanucleotide microsatellites are rarely observed in the cobia genome. All c. 38000 sequences of composite microsatellites are extremely diverse, including compound (11.71%), interrupted compound (71.77%), complex (0.45%), and interrupted complex (16.07%). In this study, we developed a convenient and useful recording system for writing down and categorizing diverse composite microsatellite types. This system will provide great support for exploring repeat origins, evolutionary mechanisms, and the application of polymorphic microsatellites.
Utilisation of probiotics for disease management in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii): Administration methods, antagonistic effects and immune response
Authors: Ahmmed Mirja Kaizer , Bhowmik Shuva , Ahmmed Fatema , Giteru Stephen G. , Islam Shikder Saiful , Hachem Mayssa , Hussain Md. Ashraf , Kanwugu Osman N. , Agyei Dominic , Defoirdt Tom
Published: September 2023

The giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is a high‐yielding prawn variety well‐received worldwide due to its ability to adapt to freshwater culture systems. Macrobrachium rosenbergii is an alternative to shrimp typically obtained from marine and brackish aquaculture systems. However, the use of intensive culture systems can lead to disease outbreaks, particularly in larval and post‐larval stages, caused by pathogenic agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeasts and protozoans. White tail disease (viral), white spot syndrome (viral) and bacterial necrosis are examples of economically significant diseases. Given the increasing antibiotic resistance of disease‐causing microorganisms, probiotics have emerged as promising alternatives for disease control. Probiotics are live active microbes that are introduced into a target host in an adequate number or dose to promote its health. In the present paper, we first discuss the diseases that occur in M. rosenbergii production, followed by an in‐depth discussion on probiotics. We elaborate on the common methods of probiotics administration and explain the beneficial health effects of probiotics as immunity enhancers. Moreover, we discuss the antagonistic effects of probiotics on pathogenic microorganisms. Altogether, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of disease control in M. rosenbergii aquaculture through the use of probiotics, which could enhance the sustainability of prawn culture.
Older people's connectedness with people in the community in contemporary contexts: A concept analysis
Authors: Kikuchi Mami , Hirano Michiyo
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study aimed to clarify the concept of older people's connectedness with people in the community within the literature.

Methods

This study was based on Walker and Avant's concept analysis method. We used PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases and included peer‐reviewed articles that were published in English between January 2010 and April 2023. After assessing eligibility and applying exclusion criteria, 25 articles were analyzed.

Results

Attributes included sense of belonging to the community achieved through interactions and feeling of togetherness through interrelationships, which consequently led to the maintenance of healthy physical and mental states and independent living, the acquisition of the ability to overcome difficulties, and the creation of a sense of meaning in life through coexistence.

Conclusion

We identified the concept of older people's connectedness with people in the community in a contemporary context. Connectedness is a useful concept to consider in nursing care because it seems to evolve into comprehensive health, including the physical and psychosocial health of older adults.
Viral evolution of SIV chimpanzee toward HIV‐1 using humanized mice
Authors: Curlin James Z. , Schmitt Kimberly , Remling‐Mulder Leila , Tibbitts Corina Valencia , O'Connor Shelby , Marx Preston , Akkina Ramesh
Published: September 2023

HIV‐1 emerged from SIVcpz evolving in humans. Humanized mice are an effective tool for assessing viral evolution via measuring viral loads, CD4+ T cell decline, and analyzing genetic changes. Four serial passages showed many non‐synonymous mutations important for the adaptation and evolution of SIVcpz to human immune cells.
Exploring longitudinal changes in implicit awareness of dementia: An investigation of the emotional Stroop effect in healthy ageing and mild dementia
Authors: Martyr Anthony , Nelis Sharon M. , Morris Robin G. , Marková Ivana S. , Roth Ilona , Woods Robert T. , Clare Linda
Published: September 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate responses to dementia‐relevant words in healthy older people and to investigate changes in response over 20‐months in people with early‐stage dementia. An emotional Stroop task, using colour‐naming dementia‐relevant words, was used as an indicator of implicit awareness of dementia. Overall, 24 people with dementia and 24 healthy older people completed an emotional Stroop task (T1). People with dementia completed the same task again after 12 (T2) and 20 (T3) months. For people with dementia emotional Stroop performance was contrasted with ratings of explicit awareness based on a detailed interview at T1 and at T2. For healthy older people and people with dementia response times to dementia‐relevant words were significantly longer than those for neutral words. The effect was absent for people with dementia at T3. This decline in the emotional Stroop effect was not associated with cognitive decline as measured by the MMSE. Ratings of explicit awareness showed no significant change over time. There was no association between explicit awareness and implicit awareness. Implicit awareness of the condition is evident in early‐stage dementia and can be elicited even where there is reduced explicit awareness. The emotional Stroop effect for dementia‐relevant words in people with dementia appears to decline over time, independently of changes in MMSE score, suggesting that implicit awareness fades as time progresses.
Paclitaxel‐carboplatin plus bevacizumab therapy for advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix: A retrospective case series
Authors: Kotaka Saki , Kondo Eiji , Kawai Yosuke , Okamoto Kota , Kishigami Yasuyuki , Yamawaki Takaharu , Nagao Kenji , Toru Hirata , Suzuki Shiro
Published: September 2023

Aim

There is no conclusive data on the prognosis of patients who receive paclitaxel‐carboplatin (TC) plus bevacizumab therapy for advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the uterine cervix, a rare histological subtype of cervical cancer. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of TC chemotherapy plus bevacizumab and bevacizumab single maintenance therapy for advanced NEC of the cervix.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of patients who received TC plus bevacizumab therapy for metastatic, recurrent, or persistent NEC of the cervix at seven institutions between 2015 and 2020. Relevant data were extracted from the patients' medical records and analyzed.

Results

Seven patients, including six with small‐cell NEC and one with large‐cell NEC, were included for analysis. Three patients received bevacizumab single maintenance therapy following TC plus bevacizumab therapy, whereas four patients did not receive bevacizumab single maintenance therapy. The median overall survival and progression‐free survival of the patients who received bevacizumab single maintenance therapy were longer than those of the patients who did not receive the therapy (34 months vs. 10.5 months and 19 months vs. 5 months, respectively). However, the patients who received bevacizumab single maintenance therapy had received cisplatin‐based chemotherapy previously.

Conclusions

On the premise that cisplatin‐based chemotherapy is administered as the first‐line treatment for advanced NEC of the cervix, bevacizumab single maintenance therapy following TC plus bevacizumab may be considered the second‐ or third‐line treatment. However, the risk of adverse events, such as intestinal perforation, should be discussed with patients.
Laparoscopic versus open radical hysterectomy in FIGO 2018 early‐stage cervical adenocarcinoma: Long‐term survival outcomes after propensity score matching
Authors: Yin Zhaohong , Cui Zhumei , Kang Shan , Ji Mei , Li Donglin , Chen Biliang , Zhan Xuemei , Li Weili , Liu Ping , Chen Chunlin
Published: September 2023

Objective

To compare the long‐term survival outcomes of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) and open radical hysterectomy (ORH) in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018 early‐stage cervical adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Based on the clinical diagnosis and treatment for cervical cancer in mainland China (Four C) database, the medical records of 1098 patients with FIGO 2018 early‐stage cervical adenocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. Long‐term and short‐term survival outcomes of the two groups were compared using a multivariate Cox regression model and the log‐rank method in the whole study population and after propensity score matching.

Results

There was no difference in disease‐free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.921, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.532–1.595, p = 0.770) and overall survival (HR 1.168, 95% CI: 0.526–2.592, p = 0.702) between LRH (n = 468) and ORH (n = 468) in the risk‐adjusted analysis. LRH resulted in significantly lower estimated blood loss (342.7 vs. 157.5 mL, p < 0.001) and shorter postoperative anal exhaust time (2.8 vs. 2.5 days, p < 0.001) in risk‐adjusted analysis. The overall rates of intraoperative complications (2.4% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.100) and postoperative complications (7.5% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.437) showed no significant difference between the two groups. However, the LRH group had a significantly higher incidence of ureter injury (0.4% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.012) and great vessel injury (0.0% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.045) compared to the other group. No statistical variation in the site of recurrence was observed between the two groups (p = 0.613).

Conclusions

LRH has comparable survival outcomes with ORH and was associated with earlier recovery in FIGO 2018 early‐stage adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. However, the LRH group had higher risk of ureter injury and great vessel injury.
A technique to convert a 3D printed cast used in the fabrication of an interim implant‐supported crown into a definitive cast capturing the acquired emergence profile
Authors: Mohsen Rawan , Chen Yu‐Jen , Liu Fei
Published: September 2023

An esthetic peri‐implant soft tissue contour is a critical element of the success of implant restorations in the esthetic zone. Once the optimal transmucosal soft tissue profile is formed, it needs to be accurately replicated on the master cast. This clinical technique involves the utilization of a silicone putty positioning index placed in the patient's mouth to accurately duplicate the external contour of teeth and soft tissue. By combining this positioning index with the implant‐supported interim crown, the 3D‐printed initial cast, which was used to fabricate the interim crown, can be conveniently and efficiently transformed into a definitive master cast.
The Effects of Internal Focus of Attention and Interoceptive Abilities on Golf Putting Performance
Authors: Mizuno Kanta , Masaki Hiroaki
Published: September 2023

An internal focus on movement interferes with automated movement execution, but physical sensations may not diminish performance. We hypothesized that interoception—a perception of the inner workings of the body—is associated with maintaining performance under internal focus. Eighteen competitive swimmers with high interoceptive ability and nine controls with no sports experience executed a golf putting task under pressure and no‐pressure tests, while the direction of attentional focus was manipulated. We recorded electroencephalograms and electrocardiograms during the task in three attentional conditions (i.e., sensation‐focus, movement‐focus, and no‐focus instruction). Interoceptive accuracy was evaluated by a heartbeat counting task and interoceptive sensibility was obtained using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness questionnaire. Results showed that internal focus on movement led to lower performance compared to the no‐focus instruction in both groups, whereas focusing on physical sensations did not change performance. Higher interoceptive sensibility predicted better performance when focusing on movement. These results suggest that higher interoceptive ability may prevent performance deterioration due to an internal focus toward movement.