bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic accuracy of triage tools for adults with suspected COVID-19 in a middle-income setting: an observational cohort study
Authors: Marincowitz Carl , Sbaffi Laura , Hodkinson Peter , McAlpine David , Fuller Gordon , Goodacre Steve , Bath Peter A. , Hasan Madina , Omer Yasein , Wallis Lee
Published: August 2022

Study Objective

Tools proposed to triage acuity in suspected COVID-19 in the ED have been derived and validated in higher-income settings during early waves of the pandemic. We estimated the accuracy of seven risk-stratification tools recommended to predict severe illness in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Methods

An observational cohort study using routinely collected data from EDs across the Western Cape, from the 27th of August 2020 to 11th March 2022 was conducted to assess performance of the PRIEST tool, NEWS2, TEWS, the WHO algorithm, CRB-65, Quick COVID-19 Severity Index and PMEWS in suspected COVID-19. The primary outcome was death or ICU admission.

Results

Of 446,084 patients, 15,397 patients (3.45%, 95% CI:34% to 35.1%) experienced the primary outcome. Clinical decision-making for inpatient admission achieved a sensitivity of 0.77 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.78), specificity 0.88 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.88) and the negative predictive value (NPV) 0.99 (95% CI 0.99 to 0.99). NEWS2, PMEWS and PRIEST tool algorithm identified patients at risk of adverse outcomes at recommended cut-offs with moderate sensitivity (>0.8) and specificity ranging from 0.47 (NEWS2) to 0.65 (PRIEST tool). Use of the tools at recommended thresholds would have more than doubled admissions with only a 0.01% reduction in false negative triage.

Conclusion

Use of the PRIEST score, NEWS2 and PMEWS at a threshold of a point higher would achieve similar accuracy to current clinical admission decision, with possible gains in transparency and speed of decision-making.
Strategies for reducing healthcare supply chain inventory costs
Authors: Essila Jean C.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify empirically proven strategies for reducing healthcare supply chain inventory costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted in-depth interviews in 80 hospitals covering different supply chains. The author treated the healthcare firm as the unit of analysis and examined Vrat's taxonomy of inventory models based on the static and dynamic complexity theories of inventory models to identify an appropriate approach. The author addressed 33 highly priced and moderately priced stock-keeping units from 1,432 items and test several inventory policies. Next, the author applied combinations of inventory models, testing probabilistic hybrid inventory models.

Findings

The study finds that medical supplies, equipment, and medications are indispensable for a quality healthcare system. Hence, healthcare supply chain management (SCM) professionals must adopt basic inventory cost-reduction strategies, implementing inventory software functionalities effectively and efficiently. This study shows that probabilistic hybrid inventory techniques in healthcare SCM effectively determine an optimal stocking level, significantly reducing costs.

Research limitations/implications

This study analyzes data from primary care and (to some extent) secondary care institutions. Although tertiary and quaternary care systems do not represent a large portion of the healthcare system, future research should also address these highly specialized organizations' needs.

Practical implications

This study proposes practical strategies to help continuously improve supply chain operations in healthcare organizations worldwide.

Originality/value

This study suggests probabilistic hybrid inventory models as empirically proven solutions for evaluating stock-keeping units in the healthcare sector. In doing so, the study provides a new healthcare supply chain approach, proposing a modified taxonomy of inventory models.
Performance measurement framework for the oil and gas supply chain
Authors: Menhat Masha , Yusuf Yahaya , Gunasekaran Angappa , Mohammad Al Montaser
Published: August 2022

Purpose

There is evidence in the literature suggesting the usage of performance measurement framework (PMF) has a positive impact on organisational performance. This is in line with resource based view (RBV) theory, which argues attaining competitive advantage through internal resources and capabilities. In this regard, PMF can be viewed as a “resource” that can be explored in enabling organisational performance. This paper is aimed at developing PMF for the oil and gas supply chain (SC) as a resource and strategic capability.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on RBV theory, a questionnaire survey was designed based on prior literature review and exploratory interview with five SC experts. Following this, the questionnaires were distributed to 550 companies in the UK and 120 companies in Malaysia, which resulted in 15% overall response rate.

Findings

This study presents the prevalence of performance measures (PM) for the oil and gas industry based on the level of importance. It also reveals the impact of the usage of PMF on overall organisational performance. In addition, it identifies the challenges in managing SC performance and factors to be considered in choosing PM.

Originality/value

This study identifies the challenges in managing SC performance and establishes distinctive factors to consider when choosing PM in the oil and gas SC.
Lattice-Boltzmann simulation of incompressible fluid flow past immersed bodies: models and boundary conditions
Authors: Krenchiglova Jorge Lucas , dos Santos Luís Orlando Emerich , Siebert Diogo Nardelli , Philippi Paulo Cesar
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper was to investigate Lattice Boltzmann (LB) models for the bulk incompressible flow past immersed bodies and to find the set of boundary conditions (BCs) that can be considered suitable for modeling the borders of the numerical simulation domain in such a way as to avoid any effect of these BC on the flow trail that is formed behind the body.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different models of the Lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) and six different sets of BCs are tested. In addition to the classical LBE based on the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (BGK) single relaxation time collision model, a moments-based model and a model with two relaxation times were investigated.

Findings

The flow pattern and its macroscopic effects on the aerodynamic coefficients appear to be very dependent on the set of BC models used for the borders of the numerical domain. The imposition of pressure at the exit results in pressure perturbations, giving rise to sound waves that propagate back into the simulation domain, producing perturbations on the upwind flow. In the same way, the free-slip BC for the lateral bords appears to affect the trail of vortices behind the body in this range of Reynolds number (Re = 1,000).

Originality/value

The paper investigates incompressible flow past immersed bodies and presents the set of BCs that can be considered suitable for modeling the borders of the numerical simulation domain in such a way as to avoid any effect of these BCs on the flow trail that is formed behind the body.
The financial ambidexterity of the immigrant entrepreneurs: a conceptualization
Authors: Malki Bryan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Access to financing has long been identified as a stumbling block for the economic endeavors of immigrant entrepreneurs (IEs) in host countries. Yet, little is known about the internal enablers for the IEs success to overcome their financing barriers in host countries. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to introduce the theoretical concept of the financial ambidexterity of IEs as a potential behavioral ability some IEs develop over time to access financing in both host and coethnic contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses sociopsychological lenses to introduce and discuss the term “financial ambidexterity of IEs” by synthesizing empirical evidence drawn from the different literature on immigrant entrepreneurship, biculturalism, financial literacy and cultural intelligence. This discussion is carefully embedded within the framework of the immigrant entrepreneurship literature.

Findings

The study proposes and discusses the role of bicultural identity integration, cultural intelligence and financial literacy in enabling the “financial ambidexterity of IEs.” It further defines the “financial ambidexterity of IEs” as their ability to explore and exploit financing opportunities, either simultaneously across the contexts within which they are embedded, e.g. coethnic and mainstream, or alternately in one context when barriers occur in the other.

Originality/value

The paper mainly contributes to the literature on immigrant entrepreneurship by suggesting an explanation for how IEs overcome financing barriers in their host countries, and why some IEs are more successful in that than other peers. Moreover, the paper attempts to advance the understanding of immigrants' entrepreneurial endeavors using a sociopsychological lens that considers cultural, cognitive and knowledge-related factors.
Development of a natural antifungal formulation for grated cheese and a microencapsulation approach using whey protein isolate and maltodextrin blend
Authors: Sassi Ghada , Salmieri Stéphane , Allahdad Zahra , Karboune S. , Lacroix Monique
Published: August 2022

The antifungal activity of natural antimicrobials such as essential oils (EOs), citrus extracts, and other natural derivatives was evaluated against 10 fungal strains using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis. Compounds having the highest inhibitory activity at the lowest concentrations were subsequently selected to evaluate the possible synergistic interactions by checkerboard method (FIC). The results showed that citrus extract A (CEA) and EOs rich in cinnamaldehyde had the highest inhibitory capacity against evaluated strains (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus versicolor, Aureobasidium pullulans, Eurotium rubrum, Paecilomyces spp., Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium commune, Penicillium crustosum, and Penicillium roqueforti). The stability of the antifungal mixture was then optimized using lecithin and sucrose monopalmitate (SMP) as surfactants. Stability test showed that lecithin:SMP at HLB 10 maintains emulsion stability for 15 days of storage at 4°C. Encapsulation process for the loaded emulsion was optimized using whey protein isolate (WPI) and maltodextrin (MD) blend with ratios WPI:MD (1:2) and WPI:MD (1:3). The results showed that WPI:MD (1:3) led to a higher physicochemical stability (−40.5 mV), encapsulation efficiency (91%), and antifungal activity (315 ppm). Microencapsulation maintained the available active compounds content more prolonged with an average interval of 7 days compared to the nonencapsulated formulations during storage at 4°C.
DHA‐enriched phosphatidylserine ameliorates high‐fat diet‐induced kidney injury in mice possibly by regulating TLR4/NF‐κB and AMPK pathways
Authors: Zhou Yafeng , Tian Shanshan , Wang Qiongfen , Yao SiJia , Qian Li , Jiang Su , Tang Yunping , Han Tao
Published: August 2022

The present study sought to investigate the amelioration effects of enzymatically synthesized docosahexaenoic acid‐enriched phosphatidylserine (DHA‐PS) on the high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced kidney injury in mice. After 6 weeks of DHA‐PS intervention, the mice's body weight in the 20 and 40 mg/kg DHA‐PS groups decreased by 7.09% and 9.71%, respectively, compared to the HFD group. Especially, compared to the HFD group, 40 mg/kg DHA‐PS treatment effectively reduced the levels of serum urea nitrogen by 68.48%, creatinine by 38.98%, kidney lipid accumulation (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and nonesterified fatty acids levels by 26.19%, 51.00%, and 26.11%), kidney or serum proinflammatory cytokines and enhanced the levels of kidney or serum oxidative stress parameters, except for malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, 40 mg/kg DHA‐PS treatment decreased the expression levels of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) by 18.63%, IKKα by 31.81%, and p‐p65 by 40.73% in the nuclear factor kappa‐B pathway, thereby upregulating the expression levels of p‐AMPKα by 64.93%, HSL by 99.60%, ATGL by 344.50%, PPARα by 162.02%, CPT1 by 167.95%, p‐ACC1 by 144.92%, and p‐SREBP1 by 1172.95%, and downregulating the expression levels of SREBP1 by 38.80%, ACC1 by 18.10%, and FAS by 82.28% in the AMPK pathway. Furthermore, our results also suggested that improving serum or kidney parameters and regulating intestinal microbial could affect each other after DHA‐PS treatment. These results elucidated that DHA‐PS could be a potential dietary supplement to alleviate HFD‐induced kidney injury.

Practical Application

Our results elucidated that DHA‐PS could be a potential dietary supplement to alleviate HFD‐induced kidney injury
Impact of SARS‐CoV2 on youth onset type 2 diabetes new diagnoses and severity
Authors: DeLacey Sean , Arzu Jennifer , Levin Laura , Ranganna Adesh , Swamy Anita , Bianco Monica E.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Initial reports show an increase in youth onset type 2 diabetes during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We aim to expand on existing evidence by analyzing trends over a longer period.

Objectives

Our study aims to describe change in the amount, severity, and demographics of youth onset type 2 diabetes diagnoses during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to the five years before.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional review of youth (age ≤ 21) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during the COVID‐19 pandemic (1 May 2020–30 April 2021) and the five years before (1 May 2015–30 April 2020) at a tertiary care center. Children were identified by International Classification of Diseases codes. Charts were reviewed to confirm diagnosis. Chi‐square, t tests, and Fisher's exact tests were used for analyses.

Results

In the prepandemic era annual diagnoses of type 2 diabetes ranged from 41–69 (mean = 54.2), whereas during the pandemic period 159 children were diagnosed, an increase of 293%. The increase resulted in a higher incidence rate ratio during the pandemic than before, 2.77 versus 1.07 (p = .006). New diagnoses increased most, by 490%, in Non‐Hispanic Black patients. The average HbA1c at presentation was higher during the pandemic (9.5% ± 2.6) (79.9 mmol/mol ± 28.2) than before (8.7%±2.1) (72.1 mmol/mol ± 23.1) (p = .003). Of those diagnosed during the pandemic, 59% were tested for COVID‐19 and three tested positive.

Conclusions

New diagnoses of type 2 diabetes increased during the pandemic, most notably in Non‐Hispanic Black youth. There was not a significant correlation found with clinical or biochemical COVID‐19 infection in those tested.
Magnetic resonance imaging during warm ex vivo kidney perfusion
Authors: Schutter Rianne , van Varsseveld Otis C. , Lantinga Veerle A. , Pool Merel B. F. , Hamelink Tim H. , Potze Jan Hendrik , Leuvenink Henri G. D. , Laustsen Christoffer , Borra Ronald J. H. , Moers Cyril
Published: August 2022

Background

The shortage of donor organs for transplantation remains a worldwide problem. The utilization of suboptimal deceased donors enlarges the pool of potential organs, yet consequently, clinicians face the difficult decision of whether these sub‐optimal organs are of sufficient quality for transplantation. Novel technologies could play a pivotal role in making pre‐transplant organ assessment more objective and reliable.

Methods

Ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) at temperatures around 35–37°C allows organ quality assessment in a near‐physiological environment. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques convey unique information about an organ's structural and functional integrity. The concept of applying magnetic resonance imaging during renal normothermic machine perfusion is novel in both renal and radiological research and we have developed the first MRI‐compatible NMP setup for human‐sized kidneys.

Results

We were able to obtain a detailed and real‐time view of ongoing processes inside renal grafts during ex vivo perfusion. This new technique can visualize structural abnormalities, quantify regional flow distribution, renal metabolism, and local oxygen availability, and track the distribution of ex vivo administered cellular therapy.

Conclusion

This platform allows for advanced pre‐transplant organ assessment, provides a new realistic tool for studies into renal physiology and metabolism, and may facilitate therapeutic tracing of pharmacological and cellular interventions to an isolated kidney.
Ehrlichia canisrapid spread and possible enzooty in northern South Australia and distribution of its vectorRhipicephalus linnaei
Authors: Chaber A‐L , Easther R , Cumming B , Irving R , Keyburn AL , Smart C , O'Handley R , Lignereux L
Published: August 2022

Recent concerns have arisen in Australia regarding detections of the exotic bacteriumEhrlichia caniswhich has resulted in ehrlichiosis outbreaks. In Australia, it is spread by the tropical brown dog tickRhipicephalus linnaei, formerlyRhipicephalus sanguineussensu lato tropical lineage. Previously, the tick has been recorded in South Australia in the Coober Pedy and the Oodnadatta areas. This study, which includes historical specimens data held in historical Australian arthropod collections, along with 10 sampled remote communities, confirms the wide distribution range of this species within the State.E. caniswas detected by PCR in the ticks. The percentage of dogs hosting PCR‐positive ticks increased from 2.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.3 to 9.7) in November–December 2020 to 62.9% (95% CI: 44.9 to 78.5) end of February 2021, initially in two then in seven Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands communities in the far northern regions of South Australia. Our results suggest a rapid spread of the pathogen. No evidence ofE. caniswas found in nine regional communities. The extended tropical brown dog tick distribution indicates a greater area whereE. canismay occur and may require management to minimise the impacts of ehrlichiosis outbreaks. Without the implementation of effective detection and control programs, this extended distribution ofR. linnaeiis likely to result in the spread of the bacterium to other regions.
Are historical land‐use patterns and chemical soil characteristics complementary for assessing the restoration potential of Nardus grassland?
Authors: Van Daele Frederik , Onkelinx Thierry , Verheyen Kris , Van Calster Hans , Raman Maud , Van Ruijven Jasper , De Keersmaeker Luc
Published: August 2022

Aims

Historical land‐use legacies and chemical soil characteristics both explain either directly or indirectly the habitat quality of Nardus grassland, which is protected under the European habitat directive. Yet the relative importance and complementarity of both sets of variables are generally unknown. This knowledge is also relevant for practical reasons, as historical land‐use variables can be used in desktop spatial analyses, whereas soil characteristics require field surveys to collect samples for laboratory analyses. To this end, we aim to disentangle the relative importance of historical land‐use legacies and soil chemistry for the Nardus grassland quality, and determine the potential of habitat suitability mapping for predicting potential restoration areas.

Location

Natura 2000 grasslands in Flanders (northern Belgium).

Methods

We compared the model performance of three generalized additive models (GAMs), using either land‐use history metrics, soil chemistry, or both as explanatory variables, with the Nardus grassland indicator species count as response.

Results

All three models were able to predict areas suitable for at least three Nardus grassland indicator species with high sensitivity and specificity. However, a minimum of four indicator species are required for a favorable conservation status of Natura 2000 Nardus grasslands in Flanders. Using this threshold to detect high‐priority zones, the model based on historical land‐use variables resulted in a lower sensitivity than models which included soil chemistry.

Conclusions

We suggest a two‐step approach, with an a priori desktop spatial analysis based on historical land‐use variables subdivided in a high‐priority zone and a lower‐priority zone. If the targeted area for restoration or conservation can be found within the high‐priority zone, additional soil analyses are only required to help guide conservation and restoration measures. If additional sites are considered within the lower‐priority zone, a field survey to collect additional soil data is recommended.
TFG mutation induces haploinsufficiency and drives axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease by causing neurite degeneration
Authors: Chen Xihui , Liu Fangfang , Chen Kun , Wang Yufeng , Yin Anan , Kang Xiaowei , Yang Shanming , Zhao Hanwen , Dong Songqi , Li Yunqing , Chen Jing , Wu Yuanming
Published: August 2022

Aims

TFG‐related axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is a late‐onset, autosomal dominant, hereditary motor, and sensory neuropathy characterized by slowly progressive weakness and atrophy of the distal muscles. The objective of this study was to determine the common pathogenic mechanism of TFG‐related CMT type 2 (CMT2) caused by different mutations and establish a direct association between TFG haploinsufficiency and neurodegeneration.

Methods

Three individuals carrying the TFG p.G269V mutation but with varying disease durations were studied. The effect of the p.G269V mutation was confirmed by analyzing protein samples extracted from the blood of two individuals. The functional consequences of both CMT2 mutant gene products were evaluated in vitro. The effect of TFG deficiency in the nervous system was examined using zebrafish models and cultured mouse neurons.

Results

Overexpression of p.G269V TFG failed to enhance soluble TFG levels by generating insoluble TFG aggregates. TFG deficiency disrupted neurite outgrowth and induced neuronal apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro and further impaired locomotor capacity in zebrafish, which was consistent with the phenotype in patients. Wnt signaling was activated as a protective factor in response to TFG deficiency.

Conclusion

CMT2‐related TFG mutation induces TFG haploinsufficiency within cells and drives disease by causing progressive neurite degeneration.
Estimating the True Cost of Garden Pathing: A Computational Model of Latent Cognitive Processes
Authors: Paape Dario , Vasishth Shravan
Published: August 2022

What is the processing cost of being garden‐pathed by a temporary syntactic ambiguity? We argue that comparing average reading times in garden‐path versus non‐garden‐path sentences is not enough to answer this question. Trial‐level contaminants such as inattention, the fact that garden pathing may occur non‐deterministically in the ambiguous condition, and “triage” (rejecting the sentence without reanalysis; Fodor & Inoue, 2000) lead to systematic underestimates of the true cost of garden pathing. Furthermore, the “pure” garden‐path effect due to encountering an unexpected word needs to be separated from the additional cost of syntactic reanalysis. To get more realistic estimates for the individual processing costs of garden pathing and syntactic reanalysis, we implement a novel computational model that includes trial‐level contaminants as probabilistically occurring latent cognitive processes. The model shows a good predictive fit to existing reading time and judgment data. Furthermore, the latent‐process approach captures differences between noun phrase/zero complement (NP/Z) garden‐path sentences and semantically biased reduced relative clause (RRC) garden‐path sentences: The NP/Z garden path occurs nearly deterministically but can be mostly eliminated by adding a comma. By contrast, the RRC garden path occurs with a lower probability, but disambiguation via semantic plausibility is not always effective.
A roadmap for a comprehensive diagnostic approach to fine needle cytology of lymph node metastases
Authors: Acanfora Gennaro , Iaccarino Antonino , Dello Iacovo Filippo , Pisapia Pasquale , De Luca Caterina , Giordano Claudia , Bellevicine Claudio , Picardi Marco , Troncone Giancarlo , Vigliar Elena
Published: August 2022

Objective

Fine needle cytology (FNC) is widely used as a first‐line procedure in the diagnostic algorithm of lymphadenopathies. In a metastatic setting, a first‐line diagnostic approach identifies non‐haematopoietic malignancy; however, cytopathologists could also provide a second diagnostic level, identifying the origin of the primary tumour. This paper outlines a comprehensive and practical approach to the cytological diagnosis of lymph node metastases.

Methods

Cytological diagnoses of lymph node metastases performed over a 10‐year period were selected and divided into two groups. The first group, labelled “oncological,” comprised patients with a previous history of malignancy; the second group, labelled “naïve,” included patients with no relevant history. Pathology records were retrieved to record microscopic findings, namely, background appearance, group architecture, and specific cell features; data from cell block (CB) preparations were also collected.

Results

Overall, 982 cases were selected: 497 cases (50.61%) in the naïve group, and 485 (49.39%) in the oncological group. Overall, a second diagnostic level was achieved in 834/982 cases (84.92%); cases diagnosed as carcinoma not otherwise specified were more frequent in the naïve group than in the oncological group (17.51% vs. 8.04%, P < 0.01). Notably, although CB material was available in only 44.87% of the naïve cases, we were able to achieve a second diagnostic level thanks to the integration of clinical and cytomorphological findings, plus lymph node topography, in 82.49% of the cases.

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that in a metastatic setting, FNC can reliably lead to the identification of the origin of the primary tumour.
Sense of vitality is associated with cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes independently of traditional risk factors and arterial stiffness
Authors: Vergara Marta , Östgren Carl Johan , Nyström Fredrik H. , Israelsson Hanna
Published: August 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine if single items in the quality of life questionnaire short form 36 (SF36) were associated with cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

In 756 T2DM patients (260 women) from the CARDIPP study, nine questions from the domains vitality and well‐being in SF36 were analysed. Patients, 55–66 years, were recruited in 2005–2008 and followed up until 31 December 2018 for the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), that is, myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular death.

Results

Median follow‐up time: 11.6 years, during which 119 (16%) MACE occurred. The SF36 items: ‘seldom full of pep’ (HR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.4, p = 0.006), ‘seldom a lot of energy’ (HR 1.3, 95%CI: 1.1–1.5, p < 0.001), ‘worn out’ (HR 1.2, 95%CI: 1.0–1.4, p = 0.020) and ‘seldom happy’ (HR 1.2, 95%CI: 1.0–1.4, p = 0.012) were independent risk factors for MACE in separate models, as well as male sex, diabetes duration, HbA1c, sagittal abdominal diameter and aortic pulse wave velocity. The variables ‘seldom full of pep’ and ‘seldom a lot of energy’ remained associated with MACE when conducting separate analyses for sexes. Only ‘seldom a lot of energy’ remained associated with MACE when all items from SF‐36 were comprised in the same model.

Conclusions

One single question regarding energy levels from SF36 may be used as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events in T2DM patients in primary care, for both men and women. This item may be included in future risk assessment for use in clinical practice for cardiovascular risk stratification of T2DM patients.

Trial registration

The study was registered in clinicaltrial.gov (NCT 01049737) in 14 January 2010.
The Impact of Centre‐based Childcare on Non‐cognitive Skills of Young Children
Authors: Morando Greta , Platt Lucinda
Published: August 2022

Early development of non‐cognitive skills has long‐lasting benefits for children's subsequent educational attainment and wages. Drawing on a rich, nationally representative longitudinal sample of young children in Ireland, we present new evidence on whether the use of centre‐based childcare (CBC) in infancy and early years promotes non‐cognitive skills by school entry. We focus on the type of non‐parental childcare used by mothers who are working when their child is 9 months old, comparing CBC with other forms of non‐parental care. We consider the impact of childcare type on three domains of socio‐emotional skills: externalizing, internalizing and prosocial behaviours. We find negative effects of CBC on both externalizing and prosocial behaviours. With a cumulative value‐added model, we estimate that CBC at age 3 worsens externalizing behaviour at age 5 by 0.11 standard deviations compared to other forms of non‐parental care, equivalent to 44% of the difference in externalizing behaviour between children with a mother with/without tertiary education. The effect of CBC on the externalizing dimension of socio‐emotional skills of children entering school is consistent across several specifications and robustness checks. Given planned expansion of CBC for those needing subsidized provision, we conclude that such measures could exacerbate socio‐emotional inequalities.
A comprehensive and longitudinal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study of the impact of coronary ischemia duration on myocardial damage in a highly translatable animal model
Authors: Radike Monika , Sutelman Pablo , Ben‐Aicha Soumaya , Gutiérrez Manuel , Mendieta Guiomar , Alcover Sebastià , Casaní Laura , Arderiu Gemma , Borrell‐Pages María , Padró Teresa , Badimon Lina , Vilahur Gemma
Published: August 2022

Objectives

We performed a comprehensive assessment of the effect of myocardial ischemia duration on cardiac structural and functional parameters by serial cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and characterized the evolving scar.

Background

CMR follow‐up on the cardiac impact of time of ischemia in a closed‐chest animal model of myocardial infarction with human resemblance is missing.

Methods

Pigs underwent MI induction by occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery for 30, 60, 90 or 120 min and then revascularized. Serial CMR was performed on day 3 and day 42 post‐MI. CMR measurements were also run in a sham‐operated group. Cellular and molecular changes were investigated.

Results

On day 3, cardiac damage and function were similar in sham and pigs subjected to 30 min of ischemia. Cardiac damage (oedema and necrosis) significantly increased from 60 min onwards. Microvascular obstruction was extensively seen in animals with ≥90 min of ischemia and correlated with cardiac damage. A drop in global systolic function and wall motion of the jeopardized segments was seen in pigs subjected to ≥60 min of ischemia. On day 42, scar size and cardiac dysfunction followed the same pattern in the animals subjected to ≥60 min of ischemia. Adverse left ventricular remodelling (worsening of both LV volumes) was only present in animals subjected to 120 min of ischemia. Cardiac fibrosis, myocyte hypertrophy and vessel rarefaction were similar in the infarcted myocardium of pigs subjected to ≥60 min of ischemia. No changes were observed in the remote myocardium.

Conclusion

Sixty‐minute LAD coronary occlusion already induces cardiac structural and functional alterations with longer ischemic time (120 min) causing adverse LV remodelling.
Comparison of Malaysia's Bachelor of Dental Technology curriculum with three other countries: Proposing a basic curriculum framework
Authors: Lin Galvin Sim Siang , Lee Yuet Qi , Ng Yue Myng , Cheah Yong Yie
Published: August 2022

Introduction

A dental technologist is one of the most essential allied dental health professionals and the dental technology curriculum should be comprehensively reviewed on a regular basis. This study aims to compare the only existing Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDT) curriculum in Malaysia with BDT programmes offered by other well‐established universities, and map out the similarities and differences, as well as to explore future recommendations and propose a new curriculum framework.

Materials and Methods

A descriptive analysis was carried out using Laurie Brady's four‐stage strategy. First, available curriculum materials were collected from four different institutions' electronic webpage: AIMST (Malaysia), GU (Australia), UO (New Zealand) and CMU (United Kingdom), and then compared based on three key domains: curriculum contents, teaching and learning strategies and assessments. Following that, the similarities and differences between various curricula were identified. Future recommendations and a curriculum framework were then proposed.

Results

The core BDT curriculum content is concurred upon by all four universities, with an emphasis on basic sciences, laboratory materials, practical sessions and research projects. However, the credit weightage for each course or module varied across the four institutions, with some offering unique subjects and implementing different teaching methods and assessments. A simple BDT curriculum framework with a proposed syllabus was designed based on the three key domains and future recommendations for curriculum improvement were explored.

Conclusion

The present study identified several areas for Malaysian BDT curriculum development and improvement. The proposed framework can be a guide for Malaysian dental schools in designing a comprehensive dental technology programme.
Narrowly defined taxa on a global scale: The phylogeny and taxonomy of the genera Catriona and Tenellia (Nudibranchia, Trinchesiidae) favours fine‐scale taxonomic differentiation and dissolution of the “lumpers & splitters” dilemma
Authors: Korshunova Tatiana , Lundin Kennet , Malmberg Klas , Martynov Alexander
Published: August 2022

By applying morphological and molecular data on two genera of the nudibranch molluscs it is shown that the tension between taxonomic practice and evolutionary processes persists. A review of the related genera Catriona and Tenellia is used to demonstrate that the fine‐scale taxonomic differentiation is an important tool in the integration of morphological and molecular data. This is highlighted by the hidden species problem and provides strong argument that the genus must be kept as a maximally narrowly‐defined entity. Otherwise, we are forced to compare a highly disparate species under the putatively lumped name “Tenellia”. We demonstrate this in the present study by applying a suite of delimitation methods and describing a new species of Tenellia from the Baltic Sea. The new species possesses fine‐scale morphological distinguishing features, which were not investigated before. The true, narrowly defined genus Tenellia represents a peculiar taxon with a clearly expressed paedomorphic characters and predominantly brackish‐water habitats. The phylogenetically related genus Catriona, of which three new species are described here, clearly demonstrates different features. A lumping decision to call many morphologically and evolutionary different taxa as “Tenellia” will downgrade the taxonomic and phylogenetic resolution of the entire family Trinchesiidae to just a single genus. The dissolution of the dilemma of “lumpers & splitters”, which still significantly affects taxonomy, will further help to make systematics a true evolutionary discipline.
The ultimate question? Evaluating the use of Net Promoter Score in healthcare: A systematic review
Authors: Adams Corey , Walpola Ramesh , Schembri Anthony M. , Harrison Reema
Published: August 2022

Background

Patient experience is a complex phenomenon that presents challenges for appropriate and effective measurement. With the lack of a standardized measurement approach, efforts have been made to simplify the evaluation and reporting of patient experience by using single‐item measures, such as the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Although NPS is widely used in many countries, there has been little research to validate its effectiveness and value in the healthcare setting. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the evidence that is available about the application of NPS in healthcare settings.

Methods

Studies were identified using words and synonyms that relate to NPS, which was applied to five electronic databases: Medline, CINAHL, Proquest, Business Journal Premium, and Scopus. Titles and abstracts between January 2005 and September 2020 were screened for relevance, with the inclusion of quantitative and qualitative studies in the healthcare setting that evaluated the use of NPS to measure patient experience.

Results

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies identified benefits associated with using NPS, such as ease of use, high completion rates and being well‐understood by a range of patients. Three studies questioned the usefulness of the NPS recommendation question in healthcare settings, particularly when respondents are unable to select their service provider. The free‐text comments section, which provides additional detail and contextual cues, was viewed positively by patients and staff in 4 of 12 studies. According to these studies, NPS can be influenced by a wide range of variables, such as age, condition/disease, intervention and cultural variation; therefore, caution should be taken when using NPS for comparisons. Four studies concluded that NPS adds minimal value to healthcare improvement.

Conclusion

The literature suggests that many of the proposed benefits of using NPS are not supported by research. NPS may not be sufficient as a stand‐alone metric and may be better used in conjunction with a larger survey. NPS may be more suited for use in certain healthcare settings, for example, where patients have a choice of provider. Staff attitudes towards the use of NPS for patient surveying are mixed. More research is needed to validate the use of NPS as a primary metric of patient experience.

Patient or Public Contribution

Consumer representatives were provided with the research findings and their feedback was sought about the study. Consumers commented that they found the results to be useful and felt that this study highlighted important considerations when NPS data is used to evaluate patient experience.
Vocal behaviour, parasitic infection, chronic stress and body condition in rufous‐naped wrens (Campylorhynchus rufinucha)
Authors: Meza‐Montes Estefanía , Fernández‐Gómez Ronald A. , Llanes‐Quevedo Alexander , Navarro‐Sigüenza Adolfo G. , Santiago‐Alarcon Diego , Sosa‐López J. Roberto
Published: August 2022

We explored the relationship between haemosporidian infection (infected vs. uninfected), parasite load, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, body condition and vocal behaviour of the Rufous‐naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha. Our results, albeit based on a small sample size, showed no evidence of an association between vocal behaviour and infection status, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio or body condition. Infections did not vary between localities. Our results showed, however, that infection status was associated with a higher song rate, and that in males and females belonging to the same reproductive pair there was a strong positive correlation in terms of infection status and parasite load.
Improved survival in real‐world patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma: A multicenter propensity score‐matched cohort study comparing a period before the introduction of pembrolizumab (2003–2011) and a more recent period (2016–2020)
Authors: Taguchi Satoru , Kawai Taketo , Nakagawa Tohru , Miyakawa Jimpei , Kishitani Kenjiro , Sugimoto Kazuma , Nakamura Yu , Kamei Jun , Obinata Daisuke , Yamaguchi Kenya , Kaneko Tomoyuki , Yoshida Kanae , Yamamoto Sachi , Kakutani Shigenori , Kanazawa Koichiro , Sugihara Yuriko , Tokunaga Mayuko , Matsumoto Akihiko , Uemura Yukari , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Yamada Yuta , Sato Yusuke , Yamada Daisuke , Enomoto Yutaka , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Ishikawa Akira , Tanaka Yoshinori , Nagase Yasushi , Fujimura Tetsuya , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Takahashi Satoru , Kume Haruki
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Although the treatment strategy for advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC) has drastically changed since pembrolizumab was introduced in 2017, studies revealing current survival rates in aUC are lacking. This study aimed to assess (1) the improvement in survival among real‐world patients with aUC after the introduction of pembrolizumab and (2) the direct survival‐prolonging effect of pembrolizumab.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included 531 patients with aUC undergoing salvage chemotherapy, including 200 patients treated in the pre‐pembrolizumab era (2003–2011; earlier era) and 331 patients treated in a recent 5‐year period (2016–2020; recent era). Using propensity score matching (PSM), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the earlier and recent eras, in addition to between the recent era, both with and without pembrolizumab use, and the earlier era.

Results

After PSM, the recent era cohort had significantly longer CSS (21 months) and OS (19 months) than the earlier era cohort (CSS and OS: 12 months). In secondary analyses using PSM, patients treated with pembrolizumab had significantly longer CSS (25 months) and OS (24 months) than those in the earlier era cohort (CSS and OS: 11 months), whereas patients who did not receive pembrolizumab in the recent era had similar outcomes (CSS and OS: 14 months) as the earlier era cohort (CSS and OS: 12 months).

Conclusions

Patients with aUC treated in the recent era exhibited significantly longer survival than those treated before the introduction of pembrolizumab. The improved survival was primarily attributable to the use of pembrolizumab.
Targeting deoxycytidine kinase improves symptoms in mouse models of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chen Bao Ying , Salas Jessica R. , Trias Alyssa O. , Perez Rodriguez Arely , Tsang Jonathan E. , Guemes Miriam , Le Thuc M. , Galic Zoran , Shepard H. Michael , Steinman Lawrence , Nathanson David A. , Czernin Johannes , Witte Owen N. , Radu Caius G. , Schultz Kenneth A. , Clark Peter M.
Published: August 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease driven by lymphocyte activation against myelin autoantigens in the central nervous system leading to demyelination and neurodegeneration. The deoxyribonucleoside salvage pathway with the rate‐limiting enzyme deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) captures extracellular deoxyribonucleosides for use in intracellular deoxyribonucleotide metabolism. Previous studies have shown that deoxyribonucleoside salvage activity is enriched in lymphocytes and required for early lymphocyte development. However, specific roles for the deoxyribonucleoside salvage pathway and dCK in autoimmune diseases such as MS are unknown. Here we demonstrate that dCK activity is necessary for the development of clinical symptoms in the MOG35–55 and MOG1–125 experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse models of MS. During EAE disease, deoxyribonucleoside salvage activity is elevated in the spleen and lymph nodes. Targeting dCK with the small molecule dCK inhibitor TRE‐515 limits disease severity when treatments are started at disease induction or when symptoms first appear. EAE mice treated with TRE‐515 have significantly fewer infiltrating leukocytes in the spinal cord, and TRE‐515 blocks activation‐induced B and T cell proliferation and MOG35–55‐specific T cell expansion without affecting innate immune cells or naïve T and B cell populations. Our results demonstrate that targeting dCK limits symptoms in EAE mice and suggest that dCK activity is required for MOG35–55‐specific lymphocyte activation‐induced proliferation.
Understanding the Turkish adolescents' weight perception: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Esenay Figen I. , Sezer Tufan A.
Published: August 2022

Problem

Adolescence is regarded as a period in which adolescents go through a number of physical changes in appearance and a transition from childhood to adulthood. Throughout this transitional period, adolescents become more concerned with their size and weight. The aim of this study was to determine the self‐perceived weights status of adolescents 11–19 years old.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1459 students, aged 11–19 years, in Turkey. Anthropometric measurements of weight and height were measured with appropriate tools and adolescents' self‐perception of weight status was assessed by the Figure Rating Scale.

Findings

Nearly half of the adolescents had misperceptions about their weight status (49.6%). There was a significant association between body mass index (BMI) z‐score categories and weight status misperception. Overall, the weight status misperception was more common among the girls than boys.

Conclusion

Misperception of weight status in adolescent should take into account the following: development of intervention programs aimed at screening weight and weight perception, empowering young people to have accurate weight status perception, and raising awareness of the issue in school health professionals.
The efficacy of coenzyme Q10 treatment in alleviating the symptoms of primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Ying , Hekimi Siegfried
Published: August 2022

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is necessary for mitochondrial electron transport. Mutations in CoQ10 biosynthetic genes cause primary CoQ10 deficiency (PCoQD) and manifest as mitochondrial disorders. It is often stated that PCoQD patients can be treated by oral CoQ10 supplementation. To test this, we compiled all studies describing PCoQD patients up to May 2022. We excluded studies with no data on CoQ10 treatment, or with insufficient description of effectiveness. Out of 303 PCoQD patients identified, we retained 89 cases, of which 24 reported improvements after CoQ10 treatment (27.0%). In five cases, the patient's condition was reported to deteriorate after halting of CoQ10 treatment. 12 cases reported improvement in the severity of ataxia and 5 cases in the severity of proteinuria. Only a subjective description of improvement was reported for 4 patients described as responding. All reported responses were partial improvements of only some symptoms. For PCoQD patients, CoQ10 supplementation is replacement therapy. Yet, there is only very weak evidence for the efficacy of the treatment. Our findings, thus, suggest a need for caution when seeking to justify the widespread use of CoQ10 for the treatment of any disease or as dietary supplement.
Reduced lifetime fitness (growth, body condition and survivability) of hatchery‐reared tiger pufferfish Takifugu rubripes compared to wild counterparts
Authors: Ogino Yoshimi , Yamaguchi Atsuko
Published: August 2022

Tiger pufferfish Takifugu rubripes (order Tetraodontiformes, family Tetraodontidae) is a highly exploited species and stocks continue to decline, although hatchery‐reared juveniles have been released since 1965 for stock enhancement. To determine why the stock has not recovered through hatchery‐release practices, this study investigated and compared the population characteristics of wild and hatchery‐origin fish. The length–mass relationship showed that hatchery‐origin fish were skinnier, with males weighing less than 90% of the mass of wild males of the same length. The hepatosomatic index tended to be lower in hatchery‐origin fish. Age was estimated using the otolith‐based method, and the estimates were more accurate and precise than those obtained by the conventional vertebra‐based method. At the age of 2.9 years, an age at which specimens were the most abundant in catches, hatchery‐origin males weighed only 67% of wild males. The maximum observed age was 12 years for wild fish and 5 years for hatchery‐origin fish. The instantaneous total mortality rates of hatchery‐origin fish were more than twice as high as those of wild fish. In summary, the hatchery‐origin fish had poor health status, poor growth and high mortality, and their fitness in natural environments was therefore hypothesized to be low throughout life.