bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological‐based cord clamping stabilised cardiorespiratory parameters in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Hoeller Nina , Wolfsberger Christina Helene , Prethaler Ernst , Schwaberger Bernhard , Pichler Gerhard , Urlesberger Berndt
Published: January 2024

Aim

We investigated the influence of physiological‐based cord clamping (PBCC) on cardiorespiratory stability in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants during the first 72 h of life.

Methods

This retrospective study comprised VLBW infants born at <32 + 0 weeks of gestation and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Medical University of Graz, Austria, from December 2014 to April 2021. VLBW infants delivered with PBCC were matched by gestational age and birth weight to delayed cord clamping controls. The PBCC group was stabilised after birth with an intact cord. Routine monitoring parameters were compared between the groups.

Results

We included 54 VLBW infants. The mean gestational ages of the PBCC group and controls were 27.4 ± 1.9 versus 27.4 ± 1.8 weeks (p = 0.87), and the mean birth weights were 912 ± 288 versus 915 ± 285 g (p = 0.96), respectively. The mean cord clamping time was 191 ± 78 s in the PBCC group. Heart rate was lower in the PBCC group during the first 3 days after birth, reaching significance by 10 h. Other monitoring parameters did not reveal any differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

PBCC stabilised cardiorespiratory parameters in VLBW infants. The lower heart rate in the PBCC group suggested higher blood volume following intact cord resuscitation.
The “colonial object” in autoethnography: Examples from Ireland, Hong Kong, and Zambia
Authors: Widdis Briony
Published: January 2024

This article uses autoethnography to explore objects from Zambia, Hong Kong, and Ireland, dated between 1848 and the 1990s. It explores subjective conceptualizations of the “colonial object,” and seeks to disrupt imperialist narratives as well as to decenter the white family from which its examples come. The paper discusses the objects as potential sites for developing transcultural collaboration, and examines their relevance to decolonization in the Anthropocene.
Hydrocortisone cardioprotection in ischaemia/reperfusion injury involves antioxidant mechanisms
Authors: Escudero Daiana S. , Fantinelli Juliana C. , Martínez Valeria R. , González Arbeláez Luisa F. , Amarillo María E. , Pérez Néstor G. , Díaz Romina G.
Published: January 2024

Background

Glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors are highly expressed in cardiac tissue, and both can be activated by corticosteroids. MR activation, in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), worsens cardiac function, and increase NHE activity contributing to the deleterious process. In contrast, effects of GR activation are not fully understood, probably because of the controversial scenario generated by using different doses or potencies of corticosteroids.

Aims

We tested the hypothesis that an acute dose of hydrocortisone (HC), a low‐potency glucocorticoid, in a murine model of AMI could be cardioprotective by regulating NHE1 activity, leading to a decrease in oxidative stress.

Materials and Methods

Isolated hearts from Wistar rats were subjected to regional ischemic protocol. HC (10 nmol/L) was added to the perfusate during early reperfusion. Infarct size and oxidative stress were determined. Isolated papillary muscles from non‐infarcted hearts were used to evaluate HC effect on sodium‐proton exchanger 1 (NHE1) by analysing intracellular pH recovery from acute transient acidosis.

Results

HC treatment decreased infarct size, improved cardiac mechanics, reduced oxidative stress after AMI, while restoring the decreased level of the pro‐fusion mitochondrial protein MFN‐2. Co‐treatment with the GR‐blocker Mifepristone avoided these effects. HC reduced NHE1 activity by increasing the NHE1 pro‐inhibiting Ser648 phosphorylation site and its upstream kinase AKT. HC restored the decreased AKT phosphorylation and anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 protein expression detected after AMI.

Conclusions

Our results provide the first evidence that acute HC treatment during early reperfusion induces cardioprotection against AMI, associated with a non‐genomic HC‐triggered NHE1 inhibition by AKT and antioxidant action that might involves mitochondrial dynamics improvement.
‘phyloraster': an R package to calculate measures of endemism and evolutionary diversity for rasters
Authors: Alves‐Ferreira Gabriela , Mota Flávio Mariano Machado , Custódio Talora Daniela , Oliveira Cynthia Valéria , Solé Mirco , Heming Neander Marcel
Published: January 2024

The spatial exploration of richness, endemism, and evolutionary diversity patterns has become an important part of biogeographic research and conservation planning. As the volume and complexity of biogeographical and phylogenetic data increase, the need for efficient tools to manipulate and analyze these datasets becomes essential. The 'phyloraster' package addresses this need by facilitating the analysis of evolutionary diversity and endemism for rasters. Our package offers a set of functions to support the linkage of species distribution models (SDMs) with phylogenies, providing then an understanding of the spatial distribution of biodiversity. It covers three main stages: pre‐processing, processing, and post‐processing of macroecological and phylogenetic data. During the pre‐processing step, basic functions are provided to prepare the data. The processing step combines functions to calculate indices including species richness, Faith's phylogenetic diversity, phylogenetic endemism, weighted endemism, and evolutionary distinctiveness. Additionally, this step includes functions to compute the standardized effect size for each metric using spatial and phylogenetic randomization methods, ensuring proper control for richness effects. The post‐processing stage includes functions to calculate the change of metrics between different times (e.g. present and future). In relation to processing in our functions, we show that 'phyloraster' takes up considerably less RAM than the other packages when computing the same metrics (weighted endemism). Lower RAM usage minimizes the hardware requirements to work with high‐resolution datasets from local to global scales. This broadens user accessibility of the spatialized measures of endemism and evolutionary diversity.
Power dynamics in Australian public sector accounting reform: A Machiavellian interpretation
Authors: Chau Ching
Published: January 2024

During the era of New Public Management from the 1970s to the 1990s, government accountability in Australia underwent a significant transformation from compliance to performance evaluation. This change underscores a Machiavellian interpretation presented in this paper, emphasizing the politicized and power‐driven nature of public sector accounting reforms. The Australian Government employed a commercial accounting model to legitimize these reforms, leveraging Machiavellian principles to strengthen political power. Despite the accounting profession's role in legitimizing public sector financial reporting, its control over Australian accounting standard setting diminished. The new public sector accountability framework allowed the shifting of blame to the profession when problems arose. An analysis of the New South Wales Government's journey through the reform, from embracing accrual accounting to rejecting heritage assets measurement and applauding fair value, illustrates the complex interplay between self‐interest and the protection of public interest. The Australian Government strategically enlisted the support of the outer fringe accounting profession and successfully instituted reforms premised on the principle of public accountability and liberty for Australian society. Once the reformer's goals were achieved, the facilitating elites found themselves marginalized from the bureaucratic group and power reclaimed deftly to the Government with CLERP reforms paving the way for the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards. This shift exemplifies Machiavelli's perspective, where liberty is used as a means to garner public support and ultimately attain power, a strategy that continues to hold validity in contemporary political contexts.
A comparative study of hepatic steatosis using two different qualitative ultrasound techniques measured based on magnetic resonance imaging‐derived proton density fat fraction
Authors: Ogawa Sadanobu , Kumada Takashi , Gotoh Tatsuya , Niwa Fumihiko , Toyoda Hidenori , Tanaka Junko , Shimizu Masahito
Published: January 2024

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of attenuation measurement (ATT; dual‐frequency method) and improved algorithm of ATT (iATT; reference method) for the assessment of hepatic steatosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived proton density fat fraction (PDFF) as the reference standard.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 427 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent ATT, iATT, or MRI‐derived PDFF. Correlation coefficients were analyzed, and diagnostic values were evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The steatosis grade was categorized as S0 (<5.2%), S1 (≥5.2%, <11.3%), S2 (≥11.3%, <17.1%), and S3 (≥17.1%) according to MRI‐derived PDFF values.

Results

The median ATT and iATT values were 0.61 dB/cm/MHz (interquartile range 0.55–0.67 dB/cm/MHz) and 0.66 dB/cm/MHz (interquartile range 0.57–0.77 dB/cm/MHz). ATT and iATT values increased significantly as the steatosis grade increased in the order S0, S1, S2, and S3 (p < 0.001). The correlation coefficients between ATT or iATT values and MRI‐derived PDFF values were 0.533 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.477–0.610) and 0.803 (95% CI 0.766–0.834), with a significant difference between them (p < 0.001). For the detection of hepatic steatosis of ≥S1, ≥S2, and ≥S3, iATT yielded AUROCs of 0.926 (95% CI 0.901–0.951), 0.913 (95% CI 0.885–0.941), and 0.902 (95% CI 0.869–0.935), with significantly higher AUROC values than for ATT (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

iATT showed excellent diagnostic performance for hepatic steatosis, and was strongly correlated with MRI‐derived PDFF, with AUROCs of ≥0.900.
Distinct bird communities in forests and fruit farms of Caatinga landscapes
Authors: Zielonka Natalia B. , Arellano Eduardo , Crowther Liam P. , Ferreira Vinina , Muñoz‐Sáez Andrés , Oliveira‐Rebouças Patricia , da Silva Fabiana Oliveira , Butler Simon J. , Dicks Lynn V.
Published: January 2024

Agricultural expansion and intensification drive changes in bird assemblages and contribute to the homogenization of communities. By working across the semi‐arid biome of the Caatinga in northeastern Brazil, this study is the first to compare the bird communities found in intensively managed fruit farms with those in remnant Caatinga forest patches. We show that fruit farm patches host 56% lower bird abundance and 61% lower species richness compared with the remnant Caatinga forest fragments. Bird communities within the fruit farms were distinct from those within the forest patches, and they were characterized by species with broader niches, including two non‐native species.
Digital mental health interventions for the mental health care of refugees and asylum seekers: Integrative literature review
Authors: Mabil‐Atem Jacob Mabior , Gumuskaya Oya , Wilson Rhonda L.
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to provide a critical analysis of the current literature on the use of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) for the management and treatment of mental health disorders among refugees and asylum seekers. These groups are among the most disadvantaged compared to the general population in terms of health and socio‐economic status, due to conflicts and wars. The number of refugees fleeing their home countries is growing exponentially, and refugees experience trauma, torture, persecution and human right abuses, which have a profound effect on their mental health and overall well‐being. The researchers conducted an integrative literature review from electronic databases Medline, CINAHL and Google Scholar, selecting articles published in English from 2010 to 2023. The thematic analysis of the 10 articles identified in the review revealed four main themes and two sub‐themes: (1) types of digital health intervention/apps used; (2) barriers encountered in digital health intervention; (3) user experience of the digital health intervention and (4) mapping gaps. Two sub‐themes were identified located in Theme 2: (2.1) Language and demographic barriers and (2.2) Structural barriers. The study showed that the use of DMHIs was associated with positive experiences among refugees and asylum seekers. Limited mental health care is offered to refugees and asylum seekers due to a range of logistical, political, economic, geographical, language, cultural and social barriers. DMHIs have the potential to overcome and/or moderate these barriers. The study concludes that the scaled implementation of effective DMHIs holds the possibility to improve the wider distribution of mental health care among refugees and asylum seekers. However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of DMHIs and to scale up studies for their utilisation among this group. In summary, this study highlights the potential of DMHIs in improving the mental health care of refugees and asylum seekers. The results of this study have important implications for mental health service providers, policymakers and researchers to address the mental health needs of this vulnerable/priority group.
The effect of mindfulness‐based interventions on mental health outcomes and wellbeing of informal caregivers of people with mental illness: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Ren Huilin , Wang Caixia , Zhang Yongping , Zhou Qilun , Fan Jianming
Published: January 2024

The increasing prevalence of mental illness has resulted in a growing burden on informal caregivers. Mindfulness‐based interventions, as a form of psychotherapy, have shown efficacy in alleviating psychological stress and enhancing emotional and physical well‐being. However, the utilisation of mindfulness‐based interventions for informal caregivers of individuals with mental illness remains limited. The aim of the meta‐analysis is to evaluate the impact of mindfulness‐based interventions on the mental health and well‐being among informal caregivers of people with mental illness. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across seven electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, APA PsycINFO and CINAHL Ultimate) from the inception of these databases until 20 July 2023. Two authors independently screened the studies and extracted the relevant data. The meta‐analysis was performed by using Stata 12.0 software, and the effect sizes were calculated utilising standardised mean difference (SMD) along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). The meta‐analysis included 13 studies with 1007 participants, and the results demonstrated that mindfulness‐based interventions were efficacious in reducing stress (SMD = −0.80, 95% CI [−1.33, −0.28], p = 0.003), depression (SMD = −0.43, 95% CI [−0.62, −0.24], p < 0.001) and caregiver burden (SMD = −0.21, 95% CI [−0.40, −0.01], p = 0.038), and enhancing the mindfulness level (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI [0.09, 0.65], P = 0.010) and quality of life (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI [0.04, 0.39], p = 0.015) among informal caregivers of people with mental illness, but not on anxiety reduction (SMD = −0.19, 95% CI [−0.49, 0.10], p = 0.198). Furthermore, future research should aim to employ more rigorous methodologies to confirm the effectiveness.
Development and evaluation of a post‐traumatic growth promotion programme for North Korean refugees
Authors: Chang Ae‐Kyung , Kim Ah‐Young , Kim Sun‐Hui
Published: January 2024

North Korean refugees exposed to traumatic events often experience a high recurrence of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms. However, a post‐traumatic growth programme has the potential to transform these traumatic events into increasing post‐traumatic growth, reduced emotional stress and enhanced well‐being. This study investigated the effects of a post‐traumatic growth promotion programme on post‐traumatic stress disorder recovery among North Korean refugees. Using a non‐equivalent control group non‐synchronised pretest–posttest design, 60 North Korean refugees who have been in South Korea for 6–8 or 12–13 years were assigned to the experimental (post‐traumatic growth promotion programme; n = 30) or control group (post‐traumatic growth promotion education brochure; n = 30). The programme comprised group sessions and discussions, each lasting 120 min/session, conducted twice a week for 5 weeks. Mindfulness, anxiety, depression, blood cortisol and post‐traumatic growth were assessed at baseline, immediately after intervention and 4 weeks after intervention. The findings showed the programme was effective in significantly increasing post‐traumatic growth and decreasing anxiety, depression and cortisol level. The two‐way analysis of variance showed a significant interaction between groups and time. Consequently, this post‐traumatic growth promotion programme can be utilised as a non‐invasive, cost‐effective and safe intervention for promoting post‐traumatic growth and well‐being among North Korean refugees.
An evaluation of a trauma‐informed educational intervention to enhance therapeutic engagement and reduce coercive practices in a child and adolescent inpatient mental health unit
Authors: Heffernan Sinéad , O'Malley Maria , Curtin Margaret , Hawkins Andrew , Murphy Rachel , Goodwin John , Barry Karen , Taylor Alice , Happell Brenda , O’ Donovan Áine
Published: January 2024

High‐risk behaviours are sometimes encountered in Child and Adolescent inpatient mental health units and can prompt the use of coercive practices to maintain safety. Coercive practices may lead to re‐traumatisation of young people and deteriorating therapeutic relationships. Trauma‐informed practice (TIP) has successfully reduced coercive practices. While education is identified as foundational to implementation, evaluations of programmes remain minimal. The aim of this study was to explore mental health professionals' views and experiences of a trauma‐informed education programme and its likely impact on their approach to practice. Five mental health professionals agreed to participate, four contributed in a focus group and one in an individual interview. Data were analysed thematically using the Braun and Clarke Framework. Three main themes were identified. Firstly, shifting attitudes and perceptions of trauma‐informed practice. Participants believed they had developed more compassion towards clients and these attitudes were reflected in their clinical practice. Secondly, challenges associated with trauma‐informed practice educational intervention. Staffing issues and shift work made it difficult for participants to attend education sessions regularly. Participants identified barriers to practicing in a trauma‐informed manner in the current clinical environment. Finally, the need for interdisciplinary communication and support was identified. Participants saw the need for all professionals, not only nurses, to take responsibility for changing practice, and for stronger support at the organisational level. Trauma‐informed practice is crucial to recovery‐focused mental health nursing practice. These findings highlight the importance of TIP education and suggest areas for further improvement to enhance positive mental health outcomes for young people.
Chatbot interactions: How consumption values and disruptive situations influence customers' willingness to interact
Authors: Meier Marco , Maier Christian , Thatcher Jason B. , Weitzel Tim
Published: January 2024

Chatbots offer customers access to personalised services and reduce costs for organisations. While some customers initially resisted interacting with chatbots, the COVID‐19 outbreak caused them to reconsider. Motivated by this observation, we explore how disruptive situations, such as the COVID‐19 outbreak, stimulate customers' willingness to interact with chatbots. Drawing on the theory of consumption values, we employed interviews to identify emotional, epistemic, functional, and social values that potentially shape willingness to interact with chatbots. Findings point to six values and suggest that disruptive situations stimulate how the values influence WTI with chatbots. Following theoretical insights that values collectively contribute to behaviour, we set up a scenario‐based study and employed a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis. We show that customers who experience all values are willing to interact with chatbots, and those who experience none are not, irrespective of disruptive situations. We show that disruptive situations stimulate the willingness to interact with chatbots among customers with configurations of values that would otherwise not have been sufficient. We complement the picture of relevant values for technology interaction by highlighting the epistemic value of curiosity as an important driver of willingness to interact with chatbots. In doing so, we offer a configurational perspective that explains how disruptive situations stimulate technology interaction.
The effect of placing prophylactic abdominal drainage tube after hepatobiliary surgery on postoperative infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liang Lingbo , Liu Xiangping , Liu Feng , Su Qiaoli
Published: January 2024

Whether prophylactic abdominal drainage tube is routinely placed in patients after hepatobiliary surgery remains controversial. To evaluate the effect of prophylactic abdominal drainage tube placement after hepatobiliary surgery on postoperative infection. Randomized controlled trials on the placement of prophylactic abdominal drainage tube after hepatobiliary surgery were collected through a computerized search of PubMed, Embase, Conchrane Library and Web of Science databases, with a time range from the establishment of the database to August 2023. After two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted information, and evaluated the quality of the included studies. Finally, 13 studies were included, including 3620 patients, and the results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in postoperative infection rate between the drainage group (1840 patients and the non‐drainage group [1783 patients] [relative risk, RR = 1.17, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.94–1.47, p = 0.16]. Compared with the drainage group, the incidence of infectious abdominal fluid in the non‐drainage group was lower (RR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.57–2.80, p < 0.00001), and the incidence of postoperative bile leakage was lower (RR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.27–2.47, p < 0.001) and shorter hospital stays after surgery (mean difference = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.32–2.22, p = 0.009). In conclusion, placing a prophylactic abdominal drainage tube after hepatobiliary surgery does not reduce postoperative infection rates compared with no drainage.
Effect of endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection on postoperative wound bleeding‐related complications in patients with superficial esophageal cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Daibin , Luo Kuo , Zhou Xue , Yang Shengfei
Published: January 2024

Operative therapy for superficial esophagus carcinoma is the main way to treat the disease. Endoscopic excision of lesions in the esophagus has become an alternative to surgical treatment for patients with esophageal carcinoma. To overcome the disadvantages of endoscope mucosa excision (EMR), an endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) technique has been developed. Although ESD is one of the most effective methods of endoscopy in patients with digestive tract tumors, there are potential complications after surgery, including hemorrhage in the surgical area and stenosis of the esophagus. The objective of this study was to evaluate EMR versus ESD based on post‐operative hemorrhage and esophagus stenosis. All the related articles were retrieved from the e‐databases. The main results were postoperative perforation, hemorrhage, and stenosis after surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of post‐operative wound hemorrhage (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.36–3.29 p = 0.89). Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in the rate of perforation after surgery (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.17–1.95 p = 0.37). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of esophageal stricture after surgery (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.26–5.15 p = 0.85). This analysis was different from the earlier meta‐analysis because ESD and EMR did not show any notable differences with respect to the incidence of perforation after surgery, the hemorrhage of the wound or the stenosis of the esophagus. These findings must, however, be supported by more high‐quality studies.
Thermodynamic description of the FeO–Fe2O3–MgO system and its extrapolation to the X–MgO–FeO–Fe2O3 (X = CaO and SiO2) systems
Authors: Zhang Liang , Liu Yuling , Gao Fengyang , Tan Jing , Yang Lianfeng , Deng Tengfei , Chen Wei , Ouyang Yifang , Du Yong
Published: January 2024

The content of iron oxides has a large impact on the properties of magnesium refractories, knowledge about the thermodynamic equilibria of the FeO–Fe2O3–MgO system is important for the design of refractory materials and resource utilization of solid wastes. The phase equilibria and thermodynamic data of the FeO–Fe2O3–MgO system have been critically evaluated and re‐optimized using the CALPHAD method. The ionic two‐sublattice model (Fe+2, Mg+2)P(O−2, Va, FeO1.5)Q was used to describe the liquid phase. A set of self‐consistent thermodynamic model parameters is presented to describe the phase equilibrium of the FeO–Fe2O3–MgO system. The calculated phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties, employing the optimized model parameters, exhibit excellent agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the results demonstrate improved consistency when extrapolated to the multicomponent system, such as CaO–MgO–FeO–Fe2O3 and SiO2–MgO–FeO–Fe2O3 systems. The present thermodynamic modeling is useful to construct multicomponent oxide thermodynamic database and to guide the utilization of solid waste resources.
Personal support networks of young people with and without intellectual disability. A comparative study
Authors: Freire Ana Rey , Noell Judit Fullana , Díaz Maria Pallisera
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous studies show that the personal support networks of people with intellectual disability are smaller and less diverse than those of people without intellectual disability. This article aims to compare the characteristics of the personal networks of young people with and without intellectual disability.

Method

The Personal Network Analysis (McCarty, Revista Hispana Para El Análisis de Redes Sociales, 2010, 19, 242–271) was applied. The participants comprised 51 young people aged between 13 and 19, of whom 27 had an intellectual disability. The Egonet programme was used to compile information, and SPSS v.27 for the statistical analysis.

Results

Young people with intellectual disabilities have smaller personal networks than people without disability, while they also comprise more people with disability and fewer ‘friends’ and support people.

Conclusions

The full social inclusion of people with intellectual disability requires schools, families, the community and the individual to work together to develop activities that help them initiate and maintain relationships, prioritising mainstream contexts.
Agenesis of the maxillary permanent lateral incisors with the deciduous retained: Conservative and biomimetic approach using the BAIR technique
Authors: Giachetti Luca , Scaminaci Russo Daniele , Cinelli Francesca
Published: January 2024

Objective

Agenesis of the maxillary permanent lateral incisors is a condition that requires treatment aimed at improving the esthetics, even at an early age. However, traditional therapeutic protocols are long, invasive and have limitations and contraindications imposed by the age of the patient.

Clinical Considerations

Recent developments in restorative dentistry have provided a new approach to this clinical situation, in particular when the deciduous laterals are retained. We report two cases regarding the management of missing lateral incisors using Biologically Active Intrasulcular Restoration (BAIR) technique. The BAIR technique allows us to transform the shape of the deciduous lateral incisor into the permanent, acting both on the dental morphology and proportions, and on the appearance of the soft tissues and the gingival parables.

Conclusions

The BAIR technique is a valid approach to cases of agenesis of the maxillary permanent lateral incisors, when the deciduous are retained. It does not require any preparation of the dental tissues, is reversible and minimally invasive. It is applicable to patients of all ages, and results are obtained in a single appointment.

Clinical Significance

The BAIR technique allows a biomimetic conservative approach for the rehabilitation of congenitally missing permanent lateral incisors, when the deciduous are retained. It is a non‐invasive protocol and effective in successfully restoring esthetics.
IbNIEL‐mediated degradation of IbNAC087 regulates jasmonic acid‐dependent salt and drought tolerance in sweet potato
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Zhen , Sun Sifan , Dai Zhuoru , Zhang Jun , Wang Wenbin , Peng Kui , Geng Wenhao , Xia Shuanghong , Liu Qingchang , Zhai Hong , Gao Shaopei , Zhao Ning , Tian Feng , Zhang Huan , He Shaozhen
Published: January 2024

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) is a crucial staple and bioenergy crop. Its abiotic stress tolerance holds significant importance in fully utilizing marginal lands. Transcriptional processes regulate abiotic stress responses, yet the molecular regulatory mechanisms in sweet potato remain unclear. In this study, a NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) transcription factor, IbNAC087, was identified, which is commonly upregulated in salt‐ and drought‐tolerant germplasms. Overexpression of IbNAC087 increased salt and drought tolerance by increasing jasmonic acid (JA) accumulation and activating reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, whereas silencing this gene resulted in opposite phenotypes. JA‐rich IbNAC087‐OE (overexpression) plants exhibited more stomatal closure than wild‐type (WT) and IbNAC087‐Ri plants under NaCl, polyethylene glycol, and methyl jasmonate treatments. IbNAC087 functions as a nuclear transcriptional activator and directly activates the expression of the key JA biosynthesis‐related genes lipoxygenase (IbLOX) and allene oxide synthase (IbAOS). Moreover, IbNAC087 physically interacted with a RING‐type E3 ubiquitin ligase NAC087‐INTERACTING E3 LIGASE (IbNIEL), negatively regulating salt and drought tolerance in sweet potato. IbNIEL ubiquitinated IbNAC087 to promote 26S proteasome degradation, which weakened its activation on IbLOX and IbAOS. The findings provide insights into the mechanism underlying the IbNIEL‐IbNAC087 module regulation of JA‐dependent salt and drought response in sweet potato and provide candidate genes for improving abiotic stress tolerance in crops.
Electrodiagnostic methods to verify Guillain‐Barré syndrome subtypes in Istanbul: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Tasdemir Volkan , Sirin Nermin Gorkem , Cakar Arman , Culha Ayla , Soysal Aysun , Elmali Ayse Deniz , Gunduz Aysegul , Arslan Beyza , Yalcin Destina , Atakli Dilek , Orhan Elif Kocasoy , Sanli Elif , Tuzun Erdem , Gozke Eren , Gursoy Esra , Savrun Feray Karaali , Uslu Ferda Ilgen , Aysal Fikret , Durmus Hacer , Bulbul Hafsa , Ertas F. Inci , Uluc Kayihan , Tutkavul Kemal , Baysal Leyla , Baslo Mehmet Baris , Kiziltan Meral , Mercan Metin , Pazarci Nevin , Uzun Nurten , Akan Onur , Cokar Ozlem , Koytak Pinar Kahraman , Sürmeli Reyhan , Gunaydin Sefer , Ayas Selahattin , Baslo Sezin Alpaydin , Yayla Vildan , Yilmaz Vuslat , Parman Yesim , Matur Zeliha , Acar Zeynep Unlusoy , Oge Ali Emre
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and electrodiagnostic subtypes of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) in Istanbul.

Methods

Patients with GBS were prospectively recruited between April 2019 and March 2022 and two electrodiagnostic examinations were performed on each patient. The criteria of Ho et al., Hadden et al., Rajabally et al., and Uncini et al. were compared for the differentiation of demyelinating and axonal subtypes, and their relations with anti‐ganglioside antibodies were analyzed.

Results

One hundred seventy‐seven patients were included, 69 before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (April 2019–February 2020) and 108 during the pandemic (March 2020–March 2022), without substantial changes in monthly frequencies. As compared with the criteria of Uncini et al., demyelinating GBS subtype diagnosis was more frequent according to the Ho et al. and Hadden et al. criteria (95/162, 58.6% vs. 110/174, 63.2% and 121/174, 69.5%, respectively), and less frequent according to Rajabally et al.'s criteria (76/174, 43.7%). Fourteen patients' diagnoses made using Rajabally et al.'s criteria were shifted to the other subtype with the second electrodiagnostic examination. Of the 106 analyzed patients, 22 had immunoglobulin G anti‐ganglioside antibodies (14 with the axonal subtype). They had less frequent sensory symptoms (54.5% vs. 83.1%, p = 0.009), a more frequent history of previous gastroenteritis (54.5% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.007), and a more severe disease as compared with those without antibodies.

Interpretation

Serial electrodiagnostic examinations are more helpful for accurate subtype diagnosis of GBS because of the dynamic pathophysiology of the disease. We observed no significant increase in GBS frequency during the pandemic in this metropolis.
Superficial radiotherapy (SRT‐100) for refractory plantar warts: An alternative noninvasive treatment strategy
Authors: Song Ying‐hua , Deng Shuang , Cai Wei‐na , Zhang Liang
Published: January 2024

Background

Verrucas that occur on the soles of the feet are called plantar warts, most of which can recur repeatedly and are difficult to eradicate. Hypertrophic and refractory plantar warts are often accompanied by pain and discomfort, which cause many inconveniences in patients' daily lives.

Aim

This study aimed to analyze the therapeutic effect of superficial radiotherapy (SRT‐100) on refractory plantar warts and further create favorable conditions for the subsequent treatment of this disease with a high recurrence rate.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted for refractory plantar warts treated with superficial radiotherapy in our outpatient department from January to June 2023.

Results

A total of 30 patients were included in our study (median age, 33 years). The female‐to‐male ratio was 1:3.29. Two to six months after radiotherapy, all of the warts subsided in 23 (76.67%) patients, most of the warts subsided in 4 (13.33%) patients, 3 (10%) patients did not respond to treatment, and 7 (23.33%) patients had recurrent or new warts after their warts subsided.

Conclusions

Most patients with refractory plantar warts improved after superficial radiotherapy. Our study presented that men are more susceptible to plantar warts than women, and young and middle‐aged people are the main population affected by the disease. Superficial radiotherapy is an effective treatment for refractory plantar warts, which can quickly remove the warts in a short period. It is safe and noninvasive, with minimal adverse reactions. Some patients relapse after the lesion is clear, and superficial radiotherapy can create favorable conditions for the subsequent treatment of viral warts in clinical practice.
Understanding the impact of chronic diseases on COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy using propensity score matching: Internet‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Miao Yudong , Shen Zhanlei , Li Quanman , Ma Mingze , Xu Dongyang , Tarimo Clifford Silver , Gu Jianqin , Wei Wei , Zhou Xue , Zhao Lipei , Feng Yifei , Wu Jian , Wang Meiyun
Published: January 2024

Aims and Objectives

To investigate whether chronic diseases are associated with higher COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy and explore factors that influence COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in patients with chronic diseases.

Background

Vaccine hesitancy has been acknowledged as one of the greatest hazards to public health. However, little information is available about COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with chronic diseases who may be more susceptible to COVID‐19 infection, severe disease or death.

Methods

From 6 to 9 August 2021, we performed an internet‐based cross‐sectional survey with 22,954 participants (14.78% participants with chronic diseases). Propensity score matching with 1:1 nearest neighbourhood was used to reduce confounding factors between patients with chronic diseases and the general population. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, the factors impacting COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy were identified among patients with chronic diseases.

Results

Both before and after propensity score matching, patients with chronic diseases had higher COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy than the general population. In addition, self‐reported poor health, multiple chronic diseases, lower sociodemographic backgrounds and lower trust in nurses and doctors were associated with COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with chronic diseases.

Conclusions

Patients with chronic diseases were more hesitant about the COVID‐19 vaccine. Nurses should focus on patients with chronic diseases with poor health conditions, low socioeconomic backgrounds and low trust in the healthcare system.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Clinical nurses are recommended to not only pay more attention to the health status and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with chronic diseases but also build trust between nurses and patients by improving service levels and professional capabilities in clinical practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or the public were not involved in setting the research question, the outcome measures, or the design or implementation of the study. However, all participants were invited to complete the digital informed consent and questionnaires.
Adoption of evidence‐based end‐of‐life and bereavement support to families in cancer care: A contextual analysis study with health professionals
Authors: Riguzzi Marco , Thaqi Qëndresa , Peng‐Keller Simon , Lorch Anja , Blum David , Naef Rahel
Published: January 2024

Aims

To investigate the level of adoption of evidence‐based family engagement and support during end‐of‐life cancer care and subsequent bereavement and its contextual facilitators and barriers from health professionals' perspectives, and to explore differences between professional groups.

Design

Contextual analysis using an online cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

This study was conducted in four Swiss hospitals and three home care oncology and palliative care services. Non‐parametric testing was used to investigate the level of adoption and differences between nurses, physicians, occupational‐ and physiotherapists and psychosocial professionals (chaplains, onco‐psychologists and social workers). The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was followed.

Results

The majority of the 111 participating health professionals were nurses. Adoption was statistically significantly higher during end‐of‐life care than bereavement, with nurses and physicians reporting higher levels than the other professional groups. Guidance on end‐of‐life family care was available in about half of the cases, in contrast to a quarter for bereavement care. Self‐perceived knowledge, skills and attitudes were moderate to high, with nurses and physicians reporting higher levels than others, except for general skills in working with families. Organisational structures were experienced as rather supportive, with the psychosocial group appraising the organisational context as significantly less conducive to fully implementing end‐of‐life and bereavement care than others, particularly during the end‐of‐life phase.

Conclusion

Evidence‐based family engagement and support were better adopted during end‐of‐life care than bereavement. Overall, nurses and physicians felt better enabled to care for families compared to other professional groups.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Protocol registration

https://osf.io/j4kfh.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Implementation and quality improvement efforts should focus particularly on the bereavement phase and be tailored to professional groups.

Impact

The findings show that evidence‐based family engagement and support practices during end‐of‐life were rather well adopted in contrast to subsequent bereavement care, with nurses and physicians better enabled than other professionals to provide care. A better understanding of health professionals' contributions and roles in family care is important to build interprofessional capacity for evidence‐based end‐of‐life and bereavement support.

Reporting Method

The STROBE checklist for reports of cross‐sectional studies was followed (von Elm et al., 2007).
Older persons' experiences of care encounters in their home: A multiple‐case study
Authors: Gerdin Anna Larsson , Hellzén Ove , Alm Annika Kjällman , Rising Malin Holmström
Published: January 2024

Aim

To explore and describe older persons' unique experiences of care encounters with home care nurses in a real‐life context.

Background

The increasing number of older persons in society contributes to increases in age‐related impairments compromising their quality of life. Future care consists of “hospitals at home” where care encounters occur in a person's private domain, partly becoming a clinical workplace. Scant research has focused on how older persons experience care encounters with home care nurses and needs to be highlighted.

Design

Multiple‐case study.

Methods

The cases relied on replication logic and five purposive sampled older persons were interviewed. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and differences within and between cases were explored and findings across the cases were replicated.

Findings

The cross‐analysis emerged in three categories: “Nursing routine rules the care encounters”, “Lack of knowledge and information” and “Dependency on support from others”.

Conclusions

Our research has found that older persons face challenges while receiving home care, including limited engagement in their care and the need for enhanced support. Implementing person‐centred care in homes poses ethical challenges that require careful consideration. Home care nurses should prioritise understanding each patient individually, recognising them beyond their patient role, which necessitates more thorough and time‐sensitive care encounters.

Reporting Method

Findings were reported using COREQ guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were interviewed and contributed with data for this study.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

This study emphasises the need to prioritise individualised care in home settings and listen to the voices of older individuals to enhance quality.
Novel insights into metabolic‐associated steatotic liver disease preclinical models
Authors: Montero‐Vallejo Rocío , Maya‐Miles Douglas , Ampuero Javier , Martín Franz , Romero‐Gómez Manuel , Gallego‐Durán Rocío
Published: January 2024

Metabolic‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of metabolic conditions associated with an excess of fat accumulation in the liver, ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Finding appropriate tools to study its development and progression is essential to address essential unmet therapeutic and staging needs. This review discusses advantages and shortcomings of different dietary, chemical and genetic factors that can be used to mimic this disease and its progression in mice from a hepatic and metabolic point of view. Also, this review will highlight some additional factors and considerations that could have a strong impact on the outcomes of our model to end up providing recommendations and a checklist to facilitate the selection of the appropriate MASLD preclinical model based on clinical aims.
Cost‐effectiveness study of FIB‐4 followed by transient elastography screening strategy for advanced hepatic fibrosis in a NAFLD at‐risk population
Authors: Park Huiyul , Yoon Eileen L. , Kim Mimi , Kwon Sun‐Hong , Kim Donghee , Cheung Ramsey , Kim Hye‐Lin , Jun Dae Won
Published: January 2024

Background & Aims

The cost‐effectiveness to screen hepatic fibrosis in at‐risk population as recommended by several professional societies has been limited. This study aimed to investigate the cost‐effectiveness of this screening strategy in the expanded at‐risk population recently proposed by several societies.

Methods

A combined model of the decision tree and Markov models was developed to compare expected costs, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) between screening and no screening groups. The model included liver disease‐related health states and cardiovascular disease (CVD) states as a base‐case analysis. Screening strategy consisted of fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) followed by vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) as a treatment for diagnosed patients.

Results

Cost‐effectiveness analysis showed that screening the at‐risk population entailed $298 incremental costs and an additional 0.0199 QALY per patient compared to no screening (ICER $14 949/QALY). Screening was cost‐effective based on the implicit ICER threshold of $25 000/QALY in Korea. When the effects of ILI on CVD and extrahepatic malignancy were incorporated into the cost‐effectiveness model, the ICER decreased by 0.85 times from the base‐case analysis (ICER $12 749/QALY). In contrast, when only the effects of liver disease were considered in the model, excluding cardiovascular disease effects, ICER increased from the baseline case analysis to $16 305. Even when replacing with medical costs in Japan and U.S., it remained cost‐effective with the estimate below the countries' ICER threshold.

Conclusions

Our study provides compelling evidence supporting the cost‐effectiveness of FIB‐4‐based screening the at‐risk population for advanced hepatic fibrosis.
Monitoring of hepatitis E virus in wastewater can identify clinically relevant variants
Authors: Rau Fiona , Elsner Carina , Meister Toni Luise , Gömer André , Kallies René , Dittmer Ulf , Steinmann Eike , Todt Daniel
Published: January 2024

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is prevalent worldwide and can cause persistent infection with severe morbidity. Antiviral treatment approaches can lead to the emergence of viral variants encoding escape mutations that may impede viral clearance. The frequency of these variants remains unknown in the human population as well as environment due to limited comprehensive data on HEV diversity. In this study, we investigated the HEV prevalence and diversity of circulating variants in environmental samples, that is, wastewater and rivers from North‐Rhine Westphalia, Germany. HEV prevalence could be determined with 73% of samples tested positive for viral RNA via qRT‐PCR. Using high‐throughput sequencing, we were able to assess the overall genetic diversity in these samples and identified the presence of clinically relevant variants associated with drug resistance. In summary, monitoring variants from environmental samples could provide valuable insights into estimating HEV prevalence and identifying circulating variants that can impact treatment outcome.