bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and success rate of noninvasive mean arterial blood pressure measurements in cf‐LVAD patients: A technical review
Authors: Lankheet Steven , Pieterse Martijn M. , Rijnhout Robin , Tuerlings Emma , Oppelaar Anne‐Marie C. , van Laake Linda W. , Ramjankhan Faiz Z. , Westerhof Berend E. , Oerlemans Marish I. F. J.
Published: August 2022

Background

The life expectancy of patients with a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (cf‐LVAD) is increasing. Adequate determination and regulation of mean arterial pressure (MAP) is important to prevent adverse events. Given the low pulsatility characteristics in these patients, standard blood pressure equipment is inadequate to monitor MAP and not recommended. We provide an overview of currently available noninvasive techniques, using an extensive search strategy in three online databases (Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar) to find validation studies using invasive intra‐arterial blood pressure measurement as a reference. Mean differences with the reference values smaller than 5 ± 8 mm Hg were considered acceptable.

Observations

After deduplication, screening, and exclusion of incorrect sources, eleven studies remained with 3139 successful MAP measurements in 386 patients. Four noninvasive techniques, using Doppler, pulse oximetry, finger cuff volume clamp, or slow upper arm cuff deflation, were identified and evaluated for validity and success rate in cf‐LVAD patients. Here, a comprehensive technical background of the blood pressure measurement methods is provided in combination with a clinical use comparison. Of the reported noninvasive techniques, slow cuff devices performed most optimally (mean difference 1.3 ± 5.2 mm Hg).

Conclusions

Our results are encouraging and indicate that noninvasive blood pressure monitoring options with acceptable validity and success rate are available. Further technical development and validation is warranted for the growing population of patients on long‐term cf‐LVAD support.
Supervisors' interpersonal styles: An integrative perspective and a measure based on self‐determination theory
Authors: Huyghebaert‐Zouaghi Tiphaine , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Ntoumanis Nikos , Berjot Sophie , Gillet Nicolas
Published: August 2022

This research addresses recent calls for an alternative integrative framework to apprehend leaders' behaviors and examines the validity ofaquestionnaire anchored in this theoretical approach. Building upon Self‐Determination Theory, we examined a tripartite approach of supervisors' behaviors (supportive, thwarting, and indifferent toward subordinates' psychological needs). The psychometric properties of this Tripartite Measure of Interpersonal Behaviors‐Supervisor (TMIB‐S) were tested through three studies. Results from bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling supported a solution including one global factor and three specific factors reflecting need supportive, thwarting, and indifferent behaviors. This solution was fully invariant across distinct samples of French‐ and English‐speaking employees. Results also supported the criterion‐related and discriminant validity of the TMIB‐S. More specifically, results supported the added‐value of the TMIB‐S, when compared to well‐established measures of leadership (passive leadership, abusive supervision, LMX, and tranformational leadership) in predicting well‐ and ill‐being. Results also highlighted well‐differentiated effects of the different components of supervisory behaviors and showed that supervisors' need indifferent behaviors constitute a key piece in the prediction of employees' health‐related consequences.
Duodenal CD8+ T resident memory cell apoptosis contributes to gut barrier dysfunction and microbial translocation in early alcohol‐associated liver disease in humans
Authors: Maccioni Luca , Loriot Axelle , Dewulf Joseph , Bommer Guido , Horsmans Yves , Lanthier Nicolas , Leclercq Isabelle , Schnabl Bernd , Stärkel Peter
Published: August 2022

Background

Intestinal T cells are key in gut barrier function. Their role in early stages of alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) remain unknown.

Aim

To explore the links between intestinal T cells, microbial translocation and ALD

Methods

Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) following a rehabilitation programme were compared to subjects with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and healthy controls. Clinical and laboratory data (liver stiffness, controlled attenuation parameter, AST, ALT, K18‐M65) served to identify AUD patients with isolated steatosis (minimal liver disease) or steatohepatitis/fibrosis (ALD). Serum microbial translocation markers were measured by ELISA, duodenal and plasma levels of sphingolipids by targeted LC–MS. T lymphocytes in duodenal biopsies were characterised by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and RNA sequencing on FACS‐sorted cells. Mechanisms for T‐cell alterations were assessed in vitro.

Results

Patients with ALD, but not those with minimal liver disease, showed reduced numbers of duodenal CD8+ T resident memory (TRM) cells compared to controls or patients with NAFLD. TRM transcriptomic analysis, in vitro analyses and pharmacological inhibition of cathepsin B confirmed TRM apoptosis driven by lysosomal membrane permeabilisation and cathepsin B release into the cytosol. Altered lipid metabolism and increased duodenal and plasma sphingolipids correlated with apoptosis. Dihydroceramide dose‐dependently reduced viability of TRM. Duodenal TRM phenotypic changes, apoptosis and transcriptomic alterations correlated with increased levels of microbial translocation markers. Short‐term abstinence did not reverse TRM cell death in patients with ALD.

Conclusions

Duodenal CD8+ TRM apoptosis related to functional changes in lysosomes and lipid metabolism points to impaired gut adaptive immunity specifically in patients with AUD who developed early ALD.
Modelling inflammatory biomarker dynamics in a human lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge study using delay differential equations
Authors: Liu Feiyan , Aulin Linda B. S. , Guo Tingjie , Krekels Elke H. J. , Moerland Matthijs , van der Graaf Piet H. , van Hasselt Johan G. C.
Published: August 2022

Clinical studies in healthy volunteers challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a constituent of the cell wall of Gram‐negative bacteria, represent a key model to characterize the Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐mediated inflammatory response. Here, we developed a mathematical modelling framework to quantitatively characterize the dynamics and inter‐individual variability of multiple inflammatory biomarkers in healthy volunteer LPS challenge studies. Data from previously reported LPS challenge studies were used, which included individual‐level time‐course data for tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 8 (IL‐8) and C‐reactive protein (CRP). A one‐compartment model with first‐order elimination was used to capture the LPS kinetics. The relationships between LPS and inflammatory markers was characterized using indirect response (IDR) models. Delay differential equations were applied to quantify the delays in biomarker response profiles. For LPS kinetics, our estimates of clearance and volume of distribution were 35.7 L h−1 and 6.35 L, respectively. Our model adequately captured the dynamics of multiple inflammatory biomarkers. The time delay for the secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8 were estimated to be 0.924, 1.46 and 1.48 h, respectively. A second IDR model was used to describe the induced changes of CRP in relation to IL‐6, with a delayed time of 4.2 h. The quantitative models developed in this study can be used to inform design of clinical LPS challenge studies and may help to translate preclinical LPS challenge studies to humans.
Sustainable global health practice: An ethical imperative?
Authors: Pratt Bridget
Published: August 2022

We are in the midst of a crisis of climate change and environmental degradation that will only get worse, unless significant changes are rapidly made. Globally, the healthcare sector causes a large share of our total environmental footprint: 4.4% of greenhouse gases. Sustainable healthcare has emerged as a way for healthcare sectors in high‐income countries to help mitigate climate change by reducing their emissions. Whether global health should be sustainable and what ethical grounds might exist to support such a claim are not questions that have been investigated. The paper argues that global health practice—the delivery of health services to underserved populations in resource‐poor areas of the world—should be sustainable as a matter of climate justice and solidarity. Reducing climate change‐related risks and harms for the vulnerable is integral to the mission of global health and thus it is necessary to consider the climate impact of its practice. The field has a duty to provide sustainable health services that are responsive to climate change‐related changes in the local burden of disease and to build sustainable health system infrastructure. Specific responsibilities for global health funders, managers, and implementers to uphold the duty are proposed. To conclude, the paper considers what limits might be placed on the duty to deliver sustainable global healthcare.
Expert identification for ethics expertise informed by feminist epistemology—Using awareness of biases and situated ignorance as an indicator of trustworthiness
Authors: Gauckler Charlotte
Published: August 2022

The notion of moral expertise poses a variety of challenges concerning both the question of existence of such experts and their identification by laypeople. I argue for a view of ethics expertise, based on moral understanding instead of on moral knowledge, that is less robust than genuine moral expertise and that does not rely on deference to testimony. I propose identification criteria that focus mainly on the awareness and communication of implicit biases and situated ignorance. According to the account of ethics expertise presented in this paper, the expert's testimony is not an epistemic reason for the layperson's belief, but merely an epistemic influence. The epistemic reasons for the layperson's belief are largely independent from the expert. But there is still some epistemic risk involved in the proposed method of knowledge transfer, and therefore criteria for the identification of a trustworthy expert are necessary. The risk involved in knowledge transfer can be both due to willful manipulation and due to the expert's implicit biases and situated ignorance. While willful manipulation cannot really be avoided, the influence from biases and ignorance can be minimized. I argue that the best way to do this is if the expert is aware of their own biases and ignorance and communicates them. Combined with evidence of the expert's education in moral philosophy and experience with the topic in question, this gives the layperson the best chance to identify someone who can really help them consider all relevant aspects of a situation and come to a better justified decision.
Understanding the barriers and facilitators to using self‐sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections and blood‐borne viruses: Thematic analyses for intervention optimization
Authors: Flowers Paul , Vojt Gabriele , Pothoulaki Maria , Mapp Fiona , Woode Owusu Melvina , Estcourt Claudia , Cassell Jackie A. , Saunders John
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Self‐sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood‐borne viruses (BBVs) are widely offered. There are ongoing problems with reach and sample return rates. The packs have arisen without formal intervention development. This paper illustrates initial steps of an intervention optimization process to improve the packs.

Methods

Eleven focus groups and seven interviews were conducted with convenience samples of patients recruited from sexual health clinics and members of the public (n = 56). To enable intervention optimization, firstly, we conducted an inductive appraisal of the behavioural system of using the pack to understand meaningful constituent behavioural domains. Subsequently, we conducted a thematic analysis of barriers and facilitators to enacting each sequential behavioural domain in preparation for future behaviour change wheel analysis.

Results

Overall, we found that self‐sampling packs were acceptable. Participants understood their overall logic and value as a pragmatic intervention that simultaneously facilitated and reduced barriers to individuals being tested for STIs and BBVs. However, at the level of each behavioural domain (e.g., reading leaflets, returning samples) problems with the pack were identified, as well as a series of potential optimizations, which might widen the reach of self‐sampling and increase the return of viable samples.

Conclusions

This paper provides an example of a pragmatic approach to optimizing an intervention already widely offered globally. The paper demonstrates the added value health psychological approaches offer; conceptualizing interventions in behavioural terms, pinpointing granular behavioural problems amenable for systematic further improvement.
Review: System transformation to enhance transitional age youth mental health – a scoping review
Authors: Adu Joseph , Oudshoorn Abe , Van Berkum Amy , Pervez Romaisa , Norman Ross , Canas Eugenia , Virdee Michelle , Yosieph Lily , MacDougall Arlene G.
Published: August 2022

Background

Youth mental health challenges are an emerging and persistent global public health issue despite efforts for improvement. As part of a broader social innovation study to transform youth mental health systems, this scoping review assesses interventions that aim for systems‐level changes to improve the mental well‐being of transitional age youth (TAY) (15–25 years) in high‐income countries.

Methods

The scoping review method of Arksey and O'Malley (International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8, 2005, 19) was used. Seven health and social service databases were utilized with study inclusion criteria applied. Titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers, and four members of the research team were involved in the review and thematic analysis of selected studies.

Results

A total of 5652 peer‐reviewed articles were screened at the title and abstract level, of which 65 were assessed in full for eligibility, and 29 were included for final analysis. The peer‐reviewed articles and gray literature were based in seven different high‐income countries and published between 2008 and 2019. Four major themes to support youth mental health were identified in the literature: (a) improving transitions from youth to adult mental healthcare services; (b) moving care from institutions to the community; (c) general empowerment of youth in society; and (d) youth voice within the system. Inconsistent or limited systems‐level approaches to TAY mental health care were noted.

Conclusions

There remains a need for innovative, evidence‐based approaches to improve TAY mental health care.
5‐Fluorouracil reduces the fibrotic scar via inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase 9 and stabilizing microtubules after spinal cord injury
Authors: Xu Yang , He Xiuying , Wang Yangyang , Jian Jiao , Peng Xia , Zhou Lie , Kang Yi , Wang Tinghua
Published: August 2022

Aims

Fibrotic scars composed of a dense extracellular matrix are the major obstacles for axonal regeneration. Previous studies have reported that antitumor drugs promote neurofunctional recovery.

Methods

We investigated the effects of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), a classical antitumor drug with a high therapeutic index, on fibrotic scar formation, axonal regeneration, and functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI).

Results

5‐FU administration after hemisection SCI improved hind limb sensorimotor function of the ipsilateral hind paws. 5‐FU application also significantly reduced the fibrotic scar formation labeled with aggrecan and fibronectin‐positive components, Iba1+/CD11b+ macrophages/microglia, vimentin, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (NG2/CSPG4), and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ)+ pericytes. Moreover, 5‐FU treatment promoted stromal cells apoptosis and inhibited fibroblast proliferation and migration by abrogating the polarity of these cells and reducing matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression and promoted axonal growth of spinal neurons via the neuron‐specific protein doublecortin‐like kinase 1 (DCLK1). Therefore, 5‐FU administration impedes the formation of fibrotic scars and promotes axonal regeneration to further restore sensorimotor function after SCI.
GDF11 inhibits adipogenesis and improves mature adipocytes metabolic function via WNT/β‐catenin and ALK5/SMAD2/3 pathways
Authors: Frohlich Jan , Kovacovicova Kristina , Raffaele Marco , Virglova Tereza , Cizkova Eliska , Kucera Jan , Bienertova‐Vasku Julie , Wabitsch Martin , Peyrou Marion , Bonomini Francesca , Rezzani Rita , Chaldakov George N. , Tonchev Anton B. , Di Rosa Michelino , Blavet Nicolas , Hejret Vaclav , Vinciguerra Manlio
Published: August 2022

Objective

GDF11 is a member of the TGF‐β superfamily that was recently implicated as potential “rejuvenating” factor, which can ameliorate metabolic disorders. The main objective of the presented study was to closely characterize the role of GDF11 signaling in the glucose homeostasis and in the differentiation of white adipose tissue.

Methods

We performed microscopy imaging, biochemical and transcriptomic analyses of adipose tissues of 9 weeks old ob/ob mice and murine and human pre‐adipocyte cell lines.

Results

Our in vivo experiments employing GDF11 treatment in ob/ob mice showed improved glucose/insulin homeostasis, decreased weight gain and white adipocyte size. Furthermore, GDF11 treatment inhibited adipogenesis in pre‐adipocytes by ALK5‐SMAD2/3 activation in cooperation with the WNT/β‐catenin pathway, whose inhibition resulted in adipogenic differentiation. Lastly, we observed significantly elevated levels of the adipokine hormone adiponectin and increased glucose uptake by mature adipocytes upon GDF11 exposure.

Conclusion

We show evidence that link GDF11 to adipogenic differentiation, glucose, and insulin homeostasis, which are pointing towards potential beneficial effects of GDF11‐based “anti‐obesity” therapy.
The Value of Museums in Averting Societal Collapse
Authors: Janes Robert R.
Published: August 2022

Current research suggests that societal collapse is in progress. The indicators of societal collapse include untenable economic inequality; the spread of authoritarian governments; the collapse of biodiversity; an economic system dependent on the fallacy of endless growth, consumption, and debt, and the failure of governments institutions to respond to these crises. This article explores the implications of societal decline for museums as civil society organizations, including an examination of the untapped potential of museums to contribute to the reimagining and transitioning to a new society in the face of collapse or possible extinction. Given the uncertainty of the world, collapse is not inevitable. Museums, as key civic and intellectual resources with ethical responsibilities, must now examine the meaning and value of their work. As institutions of the commons, belonging to and affecting the public at large, museums can commit to enhancing societal wellbeing and the durability of the more‐than‐human world. There is an important lesson in the history of museums, and that is their ability to learn and adapt as circumstances require. Urgent museum participation is now possible and essential.
Removal of an esophageal foreign body under real‐time miniprobe endoscopic ultrasound guidance
Authors: Hu Kewei , Chen Guilian , Hu Duanmin
Published: August 2022

Watch a video of this article.
Functional development of olfactory nerve‐related neural circuits in the embryonic chick forebrain revealed by voltage‐sensitive dye imaging
Authors: Sato Katsushige , Momose‐Sato Yoko
Published: August 2022

Multiple‐site optical recordings with NK2761, a voltage‐sensitive absorption dye, were applied to the embryonic chick olfactory system, and the functional development of olfactory nerve (N.I)‐related neural circuits was examined in the forebrain. The stimulation of the N. I elicited neural responses in N.I‐olfactory bulb (OB)‐forebrain preparations at the embryonic 8–12 day (E8‐E12) stages. At the E11 stage, we functionally identified two circuits projecting from the OB to the forebrain. The first circuit passed through the ventral side of the forebrain and spread in the dorso‐caudal direction, whereas the second circuit passed through the dorsal side to the first circuit. Pharmacological experiments showed that N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor function was more significant for the transfer of sensory information in these circuits. The functional development of N.I‐related circuits was investigated, and the results obtained revealed that the ventral circuit was generated earlier than the dorsal circuit. Neural responses in the ventral circuit were detected from the E9 stage in normal physiological solution and the E8 stage in Mg2+‐free solution, which activated NMDA receptor function. At the E10 stage, neural responses in the dorsal circuit were clearly recognised in addition to ventral responses. We attempted to identify possible candidates for relay nuclei in the forebrain by comparing contour line maps of the optical signal amplitude with previously reported neuroanatomical data. The results suggest that N.I‐related neural circuits from the periphery to the subpallium functionally mature earlier than those to the pallium during ontogenesis.
A proposal to enhance data quality and FAIRness
Authors: Triki Zegni , Bshary Redouan
Published: August 2022

In recent years, we witnessed an increasing number of funding agencies, scientific journals and scientists agreeing that society and science benefit from open access to research data. Benefits derive mainly from increased access to knowledge for all and improved transparency and credibility in academia. However, despite the advances in open science and open data, three significant aspects still need considerable policing: data quality, the accompanying summaries with basic information of the data files (i.e. metadata) and computational codes used to generate the research outcomes. Only by having these three components together, we can achieve efficient data sharing and reuse, and hence higher transparency. Here, we present two complementary approaches that potentially can help with shared data quality: (i) data file(s) sharing should be guided step‐by‐step in public archives with mandatory metadata, and (ii) journals creating assistant data editor positions at editorial boards with a leading role in data quality and computational reproducibility. Forty‐four editors‐in‐chief in the field of behaviour, ecology and evolution shared their opinion with us regarding these two approaches. Although most of the views were divided, the majority estimated that their current editorial board members do not have the necessary skills to assess the quality of shared data. Since data are the core of research studies, we should consider not only data presence but also quality as a requirement for publication.
Realization of natural language processing and machine learning approaches for text‐based sentiment analysis
Authors: Naithani Kanchan , Raiwani Yadav Prasad
Published: August 2022

The leading intention of the current paper is to review the research work accomplished by various researchers to achieve sentiment analysis on the text and to elaborate on natural language processing (NLP) and various machine learning algorithms used to evaluate textual sentiments. In this study, primitive cases are considered that used crucial algorithms, and knowledge that can be opted for sentiment analysis. A survey of the work that has been done till now is conducted observing the results and outcomes concerning varying parameters of various researchers who worked on previously existing as well as novel and hybrid algorithms opting legion methodologies. The fundamental algorithms like Support Vector Machine (SVM), Bayesian Networks (BN), Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), Conditional Random Fields (CRF) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are also discussed to achieve practice percentage and accuracy score in the field of NLP, sentiment analysis and text analytics. Various other novel approaches and algorithms like CNN, LSTM, KNN, K*, K‐means, K‐means++, SOM and ENORA, along with their limitations and the performance metrics providing accuracies for major open data sets are also analyzed.
Design of decision model for sensitive crop irrigation system
Authors: Thakur Anita , Aggarwal Prakriti , Dubey Ashwani Kumar , Abdelgawad Ahmed , Rocha Alvaro
Published: August 2022

Agriculture Industry is highly dependent on environmental and weather conditions. Many times, crops are spoiled because of sudden changes in weather. Therefore, we need a decision model to take care the water requirement of sensitive crops of agriculture industry. The proposed work presents a novel and proficient hybrid model for sensitive crop irrigation system (SCIS). For implementation of the model, brassica crop is taken. The duration and amount of water to be supplied is based upon the weather prediction and soil condition information. The decision model is developed using adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN) for brassica crops. In this model, if the input data values are available in range, then ANFIS model would be preferred and if the data sets are available for training, testing and validation then ANN model would be the best choice. The soil moisture, soil status in terms of temperature and leaf wetness are the input and flow control of sprinklers is the out for SCIS. The predicted outputs are analysed to assert the suitability of the proposed approach in the brassica crops. The proposed SCIS achieved an accuracy of 91% and 99% for ANFIS and ANN models respectively.
Parent–Child Recurring Conflict: A Mediator between Parental Anger Management and Adolescent Behavior
Authors: Donohue Erin , Halgunseth Linda C. , Chilenski Sarah M. , Perkins Daniel F.
Published: August 2022

Guided by social learning theory, this longitudinal study examined whether parent–child recurring conflict mediated the association between parental anger management, an understudied antecedent to parent–child recurring conflict, and adolescent deviant and problem‐solving behaviors in 415 rural families. Parental use of anger management in 6th grade was associated with less parent–child recurring conflict in 9th grade, which was associated with more adolescent problem‐solving behavior in 11th grade. Family practitioners seeking to promote adolescent problem‐solving behaviors may consider teaching families strategies for reducing parent–child recurring conflict and fostering parental anger management.
C‐type lectin Mincle‐dependent and ‐independent activation of invariant NKT cells by exposure to Helicobacter pylori α‐cholesteryl glucosides
Authors: Shimamura Michio , Kamijo Shin‐ichi , Illarionov Petr
Published: August 2022

Helicobacter pylori extracts cholesterol from the host and converts it to its glycosides. We found that cholesteryl 6′‐O‐acyl α‐glucoside (ChAcαG) produced by H. pylori is recognised by both invariant Vα14+ NKT (iNKT) cells and a C‐type lectin receptor Mincle (Clec4e). However, it is unclear how these duplicated recognitions cooperate and contribute to host defence against H. pylori. Among T cell populations in the liver, iNKT cells predominantly expressed the T cell activation marker CD69 just after stimulation with ChAcαG. The production of IFN‐γ and IL‐4 was strictly dependent on both CD1d and Jα18 expressions, indicating the necessity of iNKT cell activation for the initiation of immune responses. Production of IFN‐γ by iNKT cells was markedly reduced by the Mincle deficiency on antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), while IL‐4 production was not significantly influenced. IL‐2 production by iNKT cell hybridomas was also diminished by the Mincle deficiency upon stimulation with APCs previously loaded with ChAcαG. Here, the immune responses of iNKT cell hybridomas stimulated with wild‐type APCs were reduced by the addition of anti‐IL‐12 blocking antibody to the level stimulated with Mincle‐deficient APCs. Collectively, these results suggest that iNKT cells can be activated with the cholesteryl glycosides via a Mincle‐dependent, IL‐12 signal‐dependent pathway and a Mincle‐independent, invariant TCR signal‐dominant pathway. iNKT cells activated via the Mincle‐dependent pathway produce IFN‐γ‐dominant cytokines; hence, they may contribute to enhancing proinflammatory responses against H. pylori infection.
Real‐world outcomes of molecular targeted agents for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma over 80 years old
Authors: Sato Rui , Moriguchi Michihisa , Iwai Kenji , Tsuchiya Satoshi , Seko Yuya , Takahashi Aya , Kobayashi Kazufumi , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Watanabe Shunji , Morimoto Naoki , Kato Naoya , Itoh Yoshito , Aramaki Takeshi
Published: August 2022

Aim

There is insufficient evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of molecular targeted agents (MTAs) for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), who are likely to be vulnerable to adverse events (AEs) of therapy. The aim of this study was to compare sorafenib and lenvatinib use in elderly patients with HCC from the viewpoint of overall survival (OS) and rate of AE‐induced MTA discontinuation.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with HCC over 80 years old who received first‐line molecular targeted therapy (MTT) at four hospitals between June 2009 and September 2019. They were divided into three groups according to the era and type of first‐line MTA: E1‐Sora (sorafenib, between 2009 and 2016), E2‐Sora (sorafenib, between 2017 and 2019), and E2‐Len (lenvatinib, between 2017 and 2019).

Results

The study included 173 patients (E1‐Sora, n = 79; E2‐Sora, n = 50; E2‐Len, n = 44) with a median age of 81.9 years (range, 80–93 years). Median OS was 15.1 months in the entire cohort (E1‐Sora, 12.7 months; E2‐Sora, 20.5 months; E2‐Len, 10.3 months). The rate of treatment discontinuation due to AEs was high in the entire cohort, especially in E1‐Sora and E2‐Len (49.4% in E1‐Sora, 28.0% in E2‐Sora, and 54.6% in E2‐Len, p = 0.0753). More E2‐Sora patients received subsequent MTT than E2‐Len patients (E2‐Sora, 50%; E2‐Len, 28.6%; p = 0.0111).

Conclusion

Both sorafenib and lenvatinib were effective and feasible for elderly patients with HCC. In terms of discontinuation due to AEs and subsequent MTT, sorafenib might be more desirable for elderly patients with HCC over 80 years.
Wanted! Health information students & early career health information workers new to writing for publication
Authors: Johnson Frances
Published: August 2022

Invitation to health information students and early career health information workers new to writing for publication to share evaluations of existing services or investigations into service improvement.
Oral hygiene status and factors related to oral health in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Kurokawa Yoshiya , Watanabe Satoshi , Miyabe Satoru , Ishibashi Kenichiro , Yamamoto Satoshi , Goto Mitsuo , Hasegawa Shogo , Miyachi Hitoshi , Fujita Kohei , Nagao Toru
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate the oral hygiene status and the factors associated with poor oral hygiene among patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

The relationships of oral hygiene status (calculus index [CI], debris index [DI]), the mean number of decayed‐missing‐filled teeth (mean DMFT), and Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG) with related factors (hospitalization, chlorpromazine equivalents [CPZE], age, Barthel Index [BI], frequency of cleaning teeth, and self‐oral hygiene ability) among 249 hospitalized schizophrenic patients were investigated.

Results

The results for oral hygiene status were as follows: median (range); CI 0.5 (0–6.0), DI 1.7 (0–6.0), ROAG 10.0 (7.0–15.0); and mean DMFT 21.7 ± 7.3. The average CPZE was 524.4 ± 353.6 mg (mean ± SD), and the BI was 76.4 ± 30.7. There was a negative correlation between BI and DI (r = −0.34), and a positive correlation between age and mean DMFT (r = 0.57). Male patients tended to have worse oral conditions (ROAG) than females. The least‐squares multiple regression analysis revealed that BI for DI, age for mean DMFT, sex for ROAG, and self‐oral hygiene ability for CI, DI, and mean DMFT were factors related to oral health status.

Conclusion

Patients with schizophrenia tended to have poor oral hygiene. BI, being male, and low activities of daily living were associated with poor oral hygiene. Furthermore, advanced age was associated with an increased risk of dental caries.
Physicochemical properties and correlation analysis of retrograded starch from different varieties of sorghum
Authors: Gao Fei , Li Xiaoqiang , Li Xin , Liu Ziwei , Zou Xiangyu , Wang Lidong , Zhang Hongwei
Published: August 2022

Sorghum germplasm resources were abundant, and their comprehensive utilisation was also more in‐depth. Starch had attracted much attention as the main component in grain, but starch retrogradation limited its better development and utilisation. Therefore, the property changes of sorghum starch retrogradation were studied. The differences in the properties of the four kinds of sorghum starches during retrogradation were mainly due to composition and structure among the varieties. With the increase in retrogradation days, the order of L1 starch was better at 0.994, the retrogradation rate of L13 starch increased by 36.23%, and the recrystallisation degree of H5 starch was 0.064 worse than that of native starch. However, the physicochemical properties of H1 retrograded starch were different from those of the other three. It was shown that the solubility increased to 47.67%, the transparency was 43.36%, and the water‐holding capacity was 91.35%. Retrogradation made that the surface of sorghum starch gel fragments had an orderly scale‐like structure, which did not cause the generation of new groups, reduced the crystalline strength and the energy required for gelatinisation. The crystallisation rate was positively correlated with syneresis, swelling and orderliness, as well as T0, Tp, Tc and ΔH, and negatively correlated with water‐holding capacity.
Perception of export intenders on relevant resources and competences for the internationalization of vocational education and training (VET) providers
Authors: Kassberg Gunnar , Dornberger Utz
Published: August 2022

The local market conditions for VET in Germany naturally affect the exportability of these educational products. In the rarest of cases, education and training products are transferable to foreign markets without any adaptation. The existing literature on international VET cooperation focuses on several transfer aspects as well as case studies of active exporters, investigating drivers and challenges of foreign engagement or analysing international business models. The perspective of resources and competences of VET providers going international has not been considered so far, failing to understand the relevancy of specific factors. This study analyses the required resources and capabilities of internationally active VET organizations (exporters) as well as those without any international experience, but intending to internationalize (intenders). Based on a literature review, this study applied four constructs of company resources and six constructs of competences necessary for conducting international business, each containing two to five indicators. Applying a quantitative research approach, data from 43 exporters and 37 intenders were collected to explore the most relevant resources and competences of both groups. Based on a ranking of all factors, a significant difference in terms of relevance perception was detected comparing both groups. Exporters rate relational resources, intercultural competence, physical resources, and product adaption abroad as much more relevant than export intenders do. Intenders, on the other hand, seem to rely heavily on their strengths in the national market and give high priority to organizational resources like quality management and strategy development for opening up international markets. These findings indicate that support programmes fostering the internationalization of VET providers should put more emphasis on the relevant resource and competence development that export intenders need.
Optimal ordering decisions for an omnichannel retailer with ship‐to‐store and ship‐from‐store
Authors: Wang Hang , Zhang Wen , He Yi
Published: August 2022

Many retailers have recently integrated online and offline channels to give consumers a seamless shopping experience. Our study considers an omnichannel retailer fulfilling order delivery by adopting two common strategies, ship‐to‐store (STS) and ship‐from‐store (SFS), when one of the channels is in short supply. We develop a newsvendor model to investigate the effects of these two omnichannel fulfillment strategies on the retailer's order decisions and expected profits. The analysis reveals the key roles of the external market and inventory cost of different channels in adopting an omnichannel strategy. An interesting finding is that the retailer may adopt the STS (SFS) strategy and take the offline (online) channel as a showroom (virtual webroom) to obtain higher profits than without adopting an omnichannel strategy.
The Politics of Emigration in Europe: A Research Agenda*
Authors: Kyriazi Anna , Mendes Mariana S. , Rone Julia , Weisskircher Manès
Published: August 2022

While the politics of immigration in destination countries has been a prominent topic of research in comparative political science in Europe, the same does not apply to emigration and to the perspective of peripherical EU countries. This is true even though the flows of people moving from east to west and from south to north pose potentially significant challenges to ‘sending countries’ in Europe. This article sets up a research agenda aimed at contributing to redress this imbalance. It highlights the need to explore more systematically themes such as (1) the impact of emigration on the political behaviour of both those who stay and those who leave and (2) and how emigration is framed and politicized by relevant societal actors. Ultimately, it draws attention to the fact that a lot of the questions that have been asked about ‘entry’ (immigration) need to be asked about ‘exit’ too (emigration).
Dermoscopy as response evaluation tool for cutaneous malignant melanoma metastases treated with Talimogene Laherparepvec: a prospective feasibility study
Authors: Stahlie E.H.A. , van Akkooi A.C.J. , Plasmeijer E.
Published: August 2022

Background

Currently, the response of cutaneous melanoma metastases (CMM) to treatment with Talimogene Laherparepvec (T‐VEC) is evaluated by clinical examination, macroscopic lesion photography and 3‐monthly PET‐CT scans. When a complete response (CR) is suspected, biopsies are taken for histopathological confirmation.

Objectives

We set out to investigate the feasibility of dermoscopy in monitoring the response to T‐VEC in a pilot study.

Methods

Six patients with CMM treated with T‐VEC monotherapy were enrolled in the pilot study. Patients were treated with T‐VEC according to protocol, and the response was monitored with clinical examination, macroscopic lesion photography and 3‐monthly PET‐CT scans. For this study, 1–3 cutaneous metastases per patient were selected. Macroscopic and dermoscopic pictures of these metastases were taken at baseline, prior to each treatment with T‐VEC and prior to histological biopsy. The pictures were evaluated by two investigators, using a colour‐based pattern classification.

Results

In total, 11 CMM were dermoscopically assessed, 93% was located on the extremities. Four metastases had a blue pattern, two metastases had a pink pattern, three metastases had a brown pattern, and two metastases had mixed patterns. Metastases with a pink pattern harboured glomerular and arborizing vessels that diminished and vanished during treatment T‐VEC, indicating CR. The remaining metastases did not show changes on a dermoscopic level that were not also seen on macroscopic level. Five patients achieved CR to T‐VEC, one patient is still on treatment.

Conclusions

These results suggest that for CMM with a pink pattern, dermoscopy can provide additional information regarding the response to T‐VEC. For cutaneous metastases with a blue, brown or a mixed patterns, dermoscopy did not provide additional information on top of the information obtained through physical examination and lesion photography. More studies would be needed to determine the exact role of dermoscopy in the evaluation of CMM.
Childhood maltreatment is not associated with atopic dermatitis in adults: results from a cross‐sectional population‐based cohort study
Authors: Piontek K. , Ittermann T. , Wiesmann U. , Arnold A. , Grabe H.J. , Völzke H. , Apfelbacher C.
Published: August 2022

Background

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is related to poor physical and mental health outcomes in adults. Knowledge on the impact of CM on skin diseases is limited, and no study has previously addressed the association of CM with atopic dermatitis (AD) in adult age.

Objectives

To analyse the prevalence of CM in individuals with physician‐diagnosed AD, and to examine the relationship between different types of CM with physician‐diagnosed AD in a general population sample of German adults.

Methods

Data from 2973 participants from the cross‐sectional population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) TREND‐0 were analysed (aged 20 to 83 years; 51.4% female). We administered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) assessing emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect. AD was diagnosed by dermatologists in a standardized clinical examination. We conducted logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex and school education to investigate the association of CM types with AD.

Results

Among all individuals with AD, 20.6% reported to have experienced at least one type of moderate or severe CM. Emotional and physical neglect were the most frequently reported CM types. Overall, the prevalence of CM types among individuals with AD did not differ from those among individuals without AD. We found no association of CM type with AD.

Conclusions

This is the first study investigating the association of CM with AD in adults. CM was common in the present general population sample, emphasizing that CM is an important public health problem. Our findings suggest that CM is not a risk factor for AD. It might be hypothesized that AD severity is a crucial outcome, and that CM history is a factor with impact on disease severity and course rather than a risk factor for the development of AD. Longitudinal studies are required to address this question.
Transcriptional regulation of glucose transporters in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Paolini Rita , Moore Caroline , Matthyssen Tamara , Cirillo Nicola , McCullough Michael , Farah Camile S. , Botha Heinrich , Yap Tami , Celentano Antonio
Published: August 2022

The increased glucose uptake observed in cancer cells is mediated by glucose transporters (GLUTs), a class of transmembrane proteins that facilitate the transport of glucose and other substrates across the plasma membrane. Despite the important role of glucose in the pathophysiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), there is very limited data regarding the expression of GLUTs in normal or malignant cells from the oral mucosa. We analysed the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of all 14 GLUTs in two OSCC (H357/H400) and one non‐malignant oral keratinocyte (OKF6) cell line using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. GLUT expression was evaluated at baseline and after treatment with two specific GLUT inhibitors, namely, BAY876 (GLUT1) and WZB117 (GLUT1, GLUT3 and GLUT4). Here, we show that GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4, GLUT5, GLUT6, GLUT8, GLUT12 and GLUT13 transcripts were measurably expressed in all cell lines while GLUT2, GLUT7, GLUT9, GLUT11 and GLUT14 were not expressed. GLUT10 was only found in H357. In the presence of BAY876 and WZB117, OSCC cells exhibited significant alterations in the transcriptional profile of GLUTs. In particular, we observed distinct proliferation‐dependent changes of mRNAs to GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4, GLUT5 and GLUT6 in response to selective GLUT inhibitors. In summary, we documented for the first time the expression of GLUT5, GLUT6 and GLUT12 in normal and malignant oral keratinocytes. Whilst regulation of GLUT transcripts was cell line and inhibitor specific, GLUT3 was consistently upregulated in actively proliferating OSCC cell lines, but not in OKF6, regardless of the inhibitor used, suggesting that modulation of this transporter may act as one of the primary compensation mechanisms for OSCC cells upon inhibition of glucose uptake.
Nutritional Quality of School Breakfasts: An Experience Based on Improvements of the School Food Program in Buenos Aires
Authors: Zapata María E. , Buffarini Romina , Rovirosa Alicia , Pérez Martín Joaquín , Tomé Joaquín , Carmuega Esteban
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Since 2016, the School Food Program in the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, implemented a nutritional regulatory framework (NRF) and varying administration systems (AS). Here, we examined the association between the interventions (only NRF and NRF + AS) and breakfast nutritional and food indicators between 2016 and 2019.

METHODS

Data collected from the Survey of the School Food Program, 2016‐2019, were analyzed. The dependent variables were the energy, macro‐and micronutrients, milk/yogurt, and fruit quantities in school breakfasts. The independent variables were the school's status: (a) control group, (b) Intervention 1 (only NRF), and (c) Intervention 2 (NRF + AS). We preformed crude and adjusted linear regressions with robust variances.

RESULTS

We evaluated 4,060 schools (control group: 24%; Intervention 1: 39%; Intervention 2: 37%). Only vitamin A levels increased after Intervention 1, and almost all indicators (80%) showed better values when applying Intervention 2.

SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Nutritional and food indicator improvements were associated with the implementation of the NRF and AS, emphasizing the significance of design and management of school food public policies, along with the amount of investment/territorial coverage.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the importance of school food and nutrition policies with a potential impact on improving the nutritional status of children.
Transepithelial channels for leukocytes in the junctional epithelium
Authors: Oh Changseok , Kim Hyun Jung , Kim Hyun‐Man
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives

The junctional epithelium (JE) has been recognized as a defensive organ rich in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). However, the migration of PMNs through the JE has not been clearly documented. For mucosal defense, PMNs migrate outwards over the epithelium to defend the intestinal or respiratory tract on the epithelial surface. With this background, the present study investigated whether there is any structural evidence showing the transepithelial migration of PMNs through the JE in gingival mucosa.

Methods

Three‐dimensional modeling of gingiva surrounding mouse molars at varying ages was performed by array tomography. Images of the serial sections for array tomography at the 800 nm thickness were obtained using back scattered electron (BSE) detector equipped in the field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Expressions of neutrophil marker or CD47 were immunohistochemically examined on the frozen sections.

Results

Array tomography using FESEM and 3‐dimensional modeling clearly showed that a system of epithelial channels developed between keratinocytes and generally ran along the long axis of the JE. Most PMNs were found inside the channels, rather than being scattered throughout the JE. The channels could be traced from the base of the JE to the bottom of the gingival sulcus, although some channels were fragmented and interrupted with short intercellular gaps.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the JE may be an organ for transepithelial migration of PMNs to the bottom of the gingival sulcus through epithelial channels, as occurs in the epithelial lining of other organs such as the intestinal or respiratory tract.