bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small hive beetle infestation levels correlate with sun exposure but not aggression of honeybee host colonies
Authors: Teixeira Érica Weinstein , Papach Anna , Gonçalves Carla Adriana Machado , Neumann Peter
Published: May 2024

Small hive beetles (SHB), Aethina tumida, are free‐flying parasites, which actively seek and invade honeybee host colonies. Previous research suggests that SHB prefer colonies in the shade. Further, it has been stated that SHB invade any colony with equal impunity. Though, the impact of colony aggressiveness on SHB infestation levels has never been quantified. Here, we confirm significantly higher SHB infestation levels in shaded colonies and further suggest that host colony aggression is of minor importance only. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, local Africanized honeybee colonies at a sunny (N = 10) and at a shaded apiary (N = 11) were tested for aggression and visually screened for SHB infestations using standard methods. Both colony aggression and infestation levels were variable, but not significantly correlated. The results confirm that infestation levels are significantly higher in the shaded apiary than in the sun‐exposed one. However, host colony aggression is unlikely to interfere with SHB infestation levels of colonies. Instead, SHB seem to remain even in aggressive colonies. The underlying mechanisms for the significant differences in colony infestation levels due to sun exposure remain unknown. Beekeepers are advised to prefer sun‐exposed apiary locations in regions, where SHB are a pest of concern.
Opting out of cardiac rehabilitation in local community healthcare services: Patients' perspectives and reflections
Authors: Ravn Maiken Bay , Berthelsen Connie , Maribo Thomas , Nielsen Claus Vinther , Pedersen Charlotte G. , Handberg Charlotte
Published: May 2024

Rationale

Despite cardiac rehabilitation and medical treatment being integrated parts of the pathway of patients with cardiovascular disease, as well as the well‐establish positive effect, cardiac rehabilitation remains underutilised. In recent years, cardiac rehabilitation has increasingly been moved from the hospitals to the community healthcare services. This transition may be challenging for patients with cardiovascular disease.

Aim

To investigate reflections and perspectives of patients opting out of cardiac rehabilitation in community healthcare services to improve participation and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation in the future.

Results

A total of eight patients opting out of cardiac rehabilitation participated in individual interviews. Opting out of cardiac rehabilitation is defined as never enroled or did not complete cardiac rehabilitation. The Interpretive Description methodology was used in the analysis where two themes and six subthemes were identified: (1) ‘Structural and organisational factors’ with three subthemes; Being a patient in the healthcare system, Enroling into CR when it is meaningful, and Getting back to work is vital, and (2) ‘Patients' internal factors’ with three subthemes; Feeling a desire to regain control, Seeing yourself as recovered, and Being aware of own needs. The analysis indicates that patients' decision to opt out of CR was multidimensional and based on a combination of factors.

Conclusion

Ensuring that the healthcare professionals in the community have sufficient information regarding the patient and a clear communication plan between the healthcare professionals and the patient may reduce the transition causing confusion and frustrations for patients. Incorporating a vocational element in CR and ensuring that employers understand the importance of CR may hamper returning to work as a challenge to CR. Ensuring timely CR referral and enrolment and a transition coordinator may reduce the challenge of patients not viewing CR as meaningful. However, further studies are needed to fully understand how CR could become meaningful for patients opting out of CR.
Postintensive care syndrome: Development and psychometric validation of a knowledge test
Authors: Sürmeli Mahmut , Boy Yasemin , Pazarli Ahmet Cemal
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Postintensive care syndrome (PICS) is a combination of short‐, medium‐ and long‐term morbidities that occur in patients discharged from the Intensive care unit (ICU). ICU professionals have a crucial role in managing and understanding the PICS. This study aimed to develop the PICS Knowledge Test (PICS‐KT), which measures ICU professionals' awareness and knowledge levels regarding PICS, and to determine its validity and reliability.

Methods

The databases were searched in detail, scientific research related to PICS was analyzed, and the draft scale was created accordingly. A total of 117 doctors and nurses who had been working in the ICU for at least 6 months were included in the study. For the validity and reliability analysis of the test, content validity ratio, item difficulty index, item discrimination index values and Cronbach α were examined.

Results

The Cronbach's α reliability coefficient for the 46‐item PICS‐KT is 0.93, indicating high reliability. Scores range from 0 to 46, with 32 or higher considered successful, suggesting adequate knowledge of PICS among ICU professionals. Scores of 14 or less indicate minimal knowledge. Those with scores between 14 and 32 possess some knowledge but need improvement. PICS‐KT assesses knowledge in four main areas: general information, risk factors/causes, symptoms and findings and interventions. ICU professionals show high awareness of interventions for preventing and treating PICS, as indicated by a high mean score in the interventions subdimension.

Conclusion

The PICS‐KT is crucial in assessing healthcare professionals' understanding of the various short‐, medium‐ and long‐term morbidities associated with PICS. The study ensures that the test is a robust and dependable instrument for evaluating ICU professionals' knowledge about PICS.
Efficacy of a full management model in daytime surgery for gastrointestinal polyps based on WeChat: A study protocol for randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Xin , Wu Jiao , Li Hong , Zeng Xin , Luo Huai‐li
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to improve the efficiency of daytime surgery for gastrointestinal polyp and ensure the safety of patients. We tried an information management method based on WeChat platform in patients undergoing daytime gastrointestinal polypectomy and to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a full management model.

Methods

Five hundred and ninety‐three patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group was treated with traditional management methods and the experimental group was treated with the whole‐process management mode based on the WeChat platform. The WeChat platform‐based full management model included establishing a day surgery management WeChat group, developing multidisciplinary, full‐management protocols and processes for day surgery, establishing an information‐based surgical scheduling system and adopting diverse forms of day surgery education and continuity of care. This feature included illustrated brochures, vivid verbal presentations, WeChat public numbers and Internet management platforms. The treatment time, hospitalization cost and patient satisfaction of the two groups were counted.

Results

In the experimental group, 408 patients were enrolled. The preoperative waiting time and patients’ length of stay were 3 days and 1 day, respectively. The medical and nursing intake time was 7 min. The procedure cancellation rate and postoperative complications rate was 0.07% and 0.02%. In the control group, 185 patients were enrolled in the study, The preoperative waiting time and patients’ length of stay was 7 days and 3 days. The medical and nursing intake time was 28 min. The procedure cancellation rate and postoperative complications rate were 0.13% and 0.05%, respectively. The hospitalization costs were reduced by an average of $140/person and the satisfaction scores were higher than the control group. In summary, the preoperative waiting time, medical reception time, surgical cancellation rate, length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost in the observation group were less than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Through the full management model based on WeChat, the preoperative waiting time, medical reception time, surgical cancellation rate, length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost in the experimental group were less than those in the control group. Patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher than those in the control group and the difference was statistically significant.
Efficacy and safety of bemiparin as treatment of venous thromboembolic disease in the elderly
Authors: Ena Javier , Stanimirova‐Nikolova Silvena , Iborra‐Devesa Maria , Raya‐Santos Carmen , Serra‐Manclus Aurora , Seco‐Hanselaar Ignacio J.
Published: May 2024

Background

As the elderly population continues to grow worldwide, it becomes crucial to explore safe and effective treatment options to manage venous thromboembolic disease in this vulnerable demographic group.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort study (January 2017–December 2021) to analyse the efficacy and safety of bemiparin as a treatment for venous thromboembolic disease in 223 patients. We compared patients aged ≥65 years (elderly; n = 153) with patients aged less than 65 years (adults; n = 70) for a combined end point of death, recurrent thromboembolism, and major bleeding at 30 days.

Results

Elderly (mean age 79 ± 7.7 years) and adult patients (mean age 51.5 ± 11.6 years) received similar bemiparin doses 8470 ± 2362 International units (IU)/d versus 8754 ± 1593 IU/d, during a similar median [Interquartile range] period of 28 [9–118] versus 30 [10–90] days, respectively. At 30‐day follow up a total of 24 elderly patients (15.7%), reached at least one of the end points, as compared with six adult patients (8.6%) (absolute difference 7.1%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], −1.6 to 15.8). Recurrence of venous thromboembolic disease occurred in five elderly patients (3.3%) and in five adult patients (7.1%) (absolute difference −3.9%; 95% CI, −10.5 to 2.8). There were two episodes of major bleeding each in elderly (1.3%) and adult (2.9%) patients (absolute difference −1.6%; 95% CI, −5.8 to 2.7).

Conclusion

Bemiparin showed a similar efficacy and safety profile in the treatment of venous thromboembolic disease in elderly and adult patients.
Characterization of Tenacibaculum maritimum isolated from diseased salmonids farmed in Chile reveals high serological and genetic heterogeneity
Authors: Avendaño‐Herrera Ruben , Lopez Pierre , Echeverría‐Bugueño Macarena , Araya‐León Henry , Irgang Rute
Published: May 2024

The diversity of Tenacibaculum maritimum in Chile remains poorly understood, particularly in terms of antigenic and genetic diversity. This information is crucial for the future development of a vaccine against tenacibaculosis and would increase understanding of this important fish pathogen. With this aim, the biochemical, antigenic, and genetic characteristics were analysed for 14 T. maritimum isolates, recovered from diseased Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farmed in Chile between 1998 and 2022. Biochemical analysis showed a homogeneity among all the Chilean T. maritimum isolates and all four other strains included for comparison purposes. Serological characterization using dot‐blot assaying revealed antigenic heterogeneity with the use of unabsorbed antisera. The majority of isolates showed cross‐reactions, identifying three main serological patterns. When the PCR‐based serotyping scheme was performed, the existence of antigenic heterogeneity was confirmed. Four Atlantic salmon isolates were 4–0; and most isolates, including the rainbow trout isolate, were 3–1 (n = 9). A turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) isolate was 1–0. Using an existing Multilocus Sequence Typing system, two newly identified sequence types (ST193 and ST198) in the database were detected. ST193 encompassed nine isolates obtained from Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout, while ST198 regrouped four isolates, all retrieved from diseased Atlantic salmon in 2022. These findings highlight significant antigenic and genetic diversity among the Chilean isolates. This information is useful for epizootiology and the selection of suitable candidate strain(s) for vaccine development against tenacibaculosis caused by T. maritimum in Chilean salmon farming.
Beta amyloid PET scans for dementia diagnoses: Practice and research implications from CARE‐IDEAS
Authors: Wetle Terrie T. , Van Houtven Courtney H. , Shepherd‐Banigan Megan E. , Belanger Emmanuelle , Couch Elyse , Sorenson Corinna , Gadbois Emily A. , Burke James R. , Jutkowitz Eric , O'Brien Emily C. , Plassman Brenda L.
Published: May 2024

Beta amyloid PET scans are a minimally invasive biomarker that may inform Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis. The Caregiver's Reactions and Experience (CARE) study, an IDEAS supplement, aimed to understand experiences of PET scan recipients and their care partners regarding motivations for scans, reporting and interpreting results, and impact of results. Patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia who agreed to join the CARE‐IDEAS study and their care partners participated in a baseline survey and follow‐up survey approximately 18 months later, supplemented by in‐depth qualitative interviews with subsets of participants. Patients who received scans and volunteered for follow‐up research were more likely to be male, better educated, and have higher income than the general population. Survey information was merged with Medicare data. This article integrates findings from several CARE‐IDEAS publications and provides implications for practice and research. Although most participants accurately reported scan results, they were often confused about their meaning for prognosis. Some participants reported distress with results, but there were no significant changes in measured depression, burden, or economic strain over time. Many respondents desired more information about prognosis and supportive resources. Scan results were not differentially associated with changes in service use over time. Findings suggest a need for carefully designed and tested tools for clinicians to discuss risks and benefits of scans and their results, and resources to support patients and care partners in subsequent planning. Learning of scan results provides a point‐of‐contact that should be leveraged to facilitate shared decision‐making and person‐centered longitudinal AD care.
Do people with type 2 diabetes find continuous and intermittent low‐energy diets for weight loss and diabetes remission acceptable?
Authors: Brooks Joanna , Ruane Helen , McDiarmid Sarah , Vyas Avni , Issa Basil , Harvie Michelle
Published: May 2024

Background

The Manchester Intermittent versus Daily Diet App Study (MIDDAS) tested the feasibility and potential efficacy of two remotely delivered low‐energy diet (LED) programmes (800 kcal/day) to support weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes: continuous [CLED] (8 weeks of daily LED) and intermittent [ILED] (2 days of LED/week for 28 weeks). Understanding participant experiences can help us to understand the acceptability of LED programmes to people with type 2 diabetes, informing future programme development and implementation.

Methods

Twenty participants (10 CLED; 10 ILED) took part in interviews conducted at the end of the active weight loss phase (CLED week 12, ILED week 28). Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically using the template analysis approach, with an a priori focus on acceptability. Four themes are presented: prospective acceptability, intervention coherence and perceived effectiveness, opportunity costs and self‐efficacy.

Results

Both remotely supported CLED and ILED interventions appeared acceptable to participants. CLED participants found the rapid initial weight loss phase comparatively easy and highly motivating but expressed more concerns around weight maintenance. ILED participants found the more gradual weight loss initially frustrating but expressed greater confidence in their longer‐term adherence. The importance of continued individualised support from healthcare professionals was emphasised, and evidence of weight loss and improvement in other medical markers through monitoring via the mobile phone app was useful.

Conclusion

Different approaches to remotely delivered LEDs appear acceptable; therefore asking patients which approach may be more acceptable to them may be a useful way to offer individualised and tailored support.
An investigation of employer perceptions of Irish nutrition graduate competencies
Authors: O'Donovan Sarah , Owens Shannon , Hubble Elaine , Ryan Lisa
Published: May 2024

Background

Undergraduate nutrition programmes prepare students and graduates for a wide range of employment opportunities. However, little is known about how employers perceive current nutrition education practices in Ireland and how well graduates are prepared for the realities of today's workforce. The present study aimed to explore employers' perspectives of nutrition placement students and graduates' competencies for the workforce.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 12 nutrition employers across Ireland and the UK who currently or have recently employed Irish nutrition graduates or supervised placement students. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results

Three themes were identified including: “adapting to modern workforce needs”, “professional competency expectations” and “valuing competency‐based educational and professional systems”. Employers reported an overall positive experience with Irish nutrition placement students and graduates. They are perceived as adaptable, willing to learn and professional. Many felt nutrition students and graduates had received quality education with knowledge, skills and attitudes meeting expectations of nutrition education being provided but felt that students and graduates often lacked confidence in their abilities. Employers remarked that graduates who had undergone placements were better prepared for the professional work environment. However, gaps were identified because employers felt nutrition curricula lack training on business skills and digital competencies.

Conclusions

Employers had a positive experience with Irish nutrition graduates and students and felt they were competent for the workforce. Addressing the gaps identified by employers to adapt curricula to modern workforce needs would further enhance graduate employability.
Milk fat globule membranes for psychological and physical health: qualitative results from the Employing Milk Phospholipids to Observe Well‐being and Emotional Resilience (EMPOWER) randomised trial
Authors: Slykerman Rebecca , Davies Naomi , Fuad Maher , Dekker James
Published: May 2024

Background

Milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) present a nutritional intervention with the potential to improve psychological well‐being and mitigate the negative effects of stress on health. The present study aimed to investigate participant's experience of different aspects of health during a trial of MFGM supplementation and determine the effect of MFGM on qualitative measures of psychological and physical well‐being.

Methods

Seventy‐three adults in New Zealand who were enrolled in a clinical trial to test MFGM supplementation for improvement of psychological well‐being took part in a post‐intervention interview. Participants and researchers remained blinded to intervention group allocation. Interviews were conducted over the video conferencing platform Zoom and transcribed. A mixed methods analytical approach included thematic analysis to identify emerging themes and χ2 regression models to examine frequency of improvements in different aspects of well‐being between the MFGM and placebo groups.

Results

There were no significant demographic or psychological differences between interviewees and non‐interviewed study participants. Four central themes emerged from the data for all participants: improved well‐being, increased ability to cope with stress and improvements in mood, improvement in physical energy or activity, and improved sleep. The frequency of improved ability to cope with stress and improved sleep quality was significantly higher in participants who received MFGM supplementation compared to those receiving the placebo.

Conclusions

Qualitative data may capture aspects of improved sleep or psychological well‐being not measured by rating scales. The results suggest that MFGM supplementation may improve the ability to cope with stress and improve sleep quality in healthy adults.
Family‐oriented care and health‐related quality of life for women with gynaecological cancer: A cross‐sectional mixed‐method study
Authors: Metsävainio Tea , Vaajoki Anne , Sopo Minna , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: May 2024

Aims

This study aims to describe the experiences of women with gynaecological cancer regarding family‐oriented care (FOC) and how they rated their health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) using a 15D instrument (15D©).

Design

A cross‐sectional mixed‐method study.

Methods

The data were collected by electronic surveys of two Finnish cancer associations from gynaecological cancer patients (n = 53). The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The HRQoL answers were analysed statistically using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 27).

Results

The results emphasized that FOC is not yet part of the care process. Furthermore, comprehensive encounters are lacking, and the experience of being a woman is forgotten during the care process. The results of the HRQoL analysis suggest that distress and the discomfort and symptoms of cancer patients are perceived as significant factors affecting their quality of life during different phases of treatment. Family status also has an impact on perceived quality of life, whereby those living alone gave worse ratings for the depression and vitality dimensions.

Conclusion

In part, the quantitative and qualitative data supported each other, but the descriptions provided a more comprehensive view of issues that affect women in a more multidimensional way, such as sexual health issues. More research on the effectiveness of FOC is needed to develop the capacity for effective healthcare.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This study was able to identify important areas for improvement in clinical practice from the perspective of patients and their families.

Reporting Method

This study was prepared and reported according to the STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Core competencies among nurses engaged in pallative care: A scoping review
Authors: Guo Junchen , Dai Yunyun , Chen Yongyi , Liang Zhen , Hu Yonghong , Xu Xianghua , Xiao Yazhou
Published: May 2024

Aim

To synthesize available evidence about core competencies for nurses engaged in palliative care.

Design

A scoping review conducted according to the framework from Joanna Briggs Institute.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist was adopted to report this scoping review. The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDriect, CNKI, WangFang, VIP and Sinomed databases were used to systematically search for published studies from their inception to December 2023. Two researchers independently screened and selected relevant studies and performed the data charting.

Results

Twenty‐six studies were included in this scoping review. Among these, 14 studies identified core competency assessment instruments among nurses engaged in palliative care, with the Palliative Care Core Competence Questionnaire was used most frequently; 13 studies investigated the status of core competencies of nurses engaged in palliative care, the majority of included studies indicated that nurse's core competencies were at moderate levels; 11 studies explored the factors influencing the core competencies of the nurses engaged in palliative care, which were classified as sociodemographic‐related factors, palliative care education‐related factors, death attitude, palliative care practice‐related experience and others.

Conclusion

This scoping review offers a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of core competencies among nurses in palliative care. Findings suggested that the clinical nursing leaders need to develop tailored strategies and interventions to address specific factors and promote the continuous development of nurses' competencies in palliative care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Core competency assessment instruments equip nurses and healthcare organizations with a range of validated tools for evaluating their proficiency in palliative care. Targeted core competency enhancement programmes need to be developed to foster a nursing workforce better equipped to improve the quality of life of end‐of‐life patients and their families.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Development and validation of a nomogram for oral mucosal membrane pressure injuries in ICU patients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Jia Lingli , Deng Yuchun , Xu Yu , Wu Xiaoli , Liu Dan , Li Muying , Huang Shijun , Zhang Yaodan , Du Aiping , Liu Huan , Tian Yongming
Published: May 2024

Aims

Establishing a nomogram to estimate the probability of oral mucosal membrane pressure injury of endotracheal tube‐intubated hospitalized patients in intensive care unit.

Design

Multicentre prospective cohort study.

Methods

Using Lasso regression and COX regression, variable selection was performed on demographic, clinical and laboratory data of 1037 ICU endotracheal tube‐intubated hospitalized patients from West China Hospital, to construct a nomogram. External validation was conducted on 484 ICU endotracheal tube‐intubated patients from People's Hospital of Zhongjiang County.

Results

Among 38 potential predictors, five variables emerged as independent predictors, integrated into the nomogram: administration of antibiotics, nutritional therapy duration, agitation, hypotension and albumin levels.

Conclusions

We established a nomogram based on the hospital characteristics of ICU endotracheal tube‐intubated patients, aiding in the prediction of the occurrence of oral mucosal membrane pressure injury.

Reporting Method

The study followed TRIPOD guidelines.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The nomogram we developed can assist clinical worker in better identifying at‐risk patients and risk factors. It enables the implementation of evidence‐based nursing interventions in care to prevent the development of oral mucosal membrane pressure injury.

Trial registration

The study has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn) under registration number ChiCTR2200056615.
Analysis of the factors influencing of sleep quality in intensive care unit awake patients based on a structural equation model: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Yanting , Xu Ying , Cao Zheng , Zhang Yuan , Yang Yihua , Li Jin , Ding Xinbo , Hu Fen , Ma Jing
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to construct and validate a structural equation model (SEM) to identify factors associated with sleep quality in awake patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to assist in the development of clinical intervention strategies.

Research Methods/Setting

In this cross‐sectional study, 200 awake patients who were cared for in the ICU of a tertiary hospital in China were surveyed via several self‐report questionnaires and wearable actigraphy sleep monitoring devices. Based on the collected data, structural equation modelling analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS statistical analysis software. The study is reported using the STROBE checklist.

Results

The fit indices of the SEM were acceptable: χ2/df = 1.676 (p < .001) and RMSEA = .058 (p < 0.080). Anxiety/depression had a direct negative effect on the sleep quality of awake patients cared for in the ICU (β = −.440, p < .001). In addition, disease‐freeness progress had an indirect negative effect on the sleep quality of awake patients cared for in the ICU (β = −.142, p < .001). Analgesics had an indirect negative effect on the sleep quality of awake patients cared for in the ICU through pain and sedatives (β = −.082, p < .001). Sedation had a direct positive effect on the sleep quality of conscious patients cared for in the ICU (β = .493; p < .001).

Conclusion

The results of the SEM showed that the sleep quality of awake patients cared for in the ICU is mainly affected by psychological and disease‐related factors, especially anxiety, depression and pain, so we can improve the sleep quality of patients through psychological intervention and drug intervention.
Trend in prevalence, associated risk factors, and longitudinal outcomes of sarcopenia in China: A national cohort study
Authors: Qiu Weida , Cai Anping , Li Liwen , Feng Yingqing
Published: May 2024

Aims

To estimate the contemporary trend in the prevalence of sarcopenia and evaluate its risk factors and the longitudinal associations with multiple chronic conditions and mortality among Chinese middle‐aged and older adults.

Methods

This was a nationwide, prospective cohort study using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The definition of sarcopenia was based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 algorithm. In the cross‐sectional analysis, we estimated the trend in the weighted prevalence of sarcopenia from 2011 to 2015 and examined the associated risk factors for sarcopenia severity in 2011. In the longitudinal analysis, we assessed the longitudinal associations between sarcopenia and 14 chronic conditions and mortality during a 9‐year follow‐up.

Results

The weighted prevalence of sarcopenia remained consistently high in the overall population from 2011 (15.9%, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 15.1, 16.6) to 2015 (15.0%, 95% CI: 14.3, 15.6; p for trend = 0.075). A range of risk factors were independently associated with the severity of sarcopenia, including older age, female sex, lower socioeconomic status, smoking status, malnutrition, and several chronic conditions. Possible sarcopenic and sarcopenic individuals had higher odds of several chronic conditions (i.e., heart disease, chronic lung disease, and memory‐related disease) and increased risks of mortality (possible sarcopenia: odds ratios (OR): 1.66, 95% CI: 1.37, 2.00; sarcopenia: OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.36, 2.11) in 9 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

The prevalence of sarcopenia remained consistently high in the investigated population. Various risk factors were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia. Sarcopenic individuals had higher odds of several chronic conditions and increased risks of mortality, highlighting that the urgent need for dedicated efforts to improve the management of sarcopenic patients.
Evaluation of occlusal force in Class II subdivision malocclusion
Authors: Ciavarella Domenico , Lorusso Mauro , Fanelli Carlotta , Ferrara Donatella , Laurenziello Michele , Montaruli Graziano , Esposito Rosa , Tepedino Michele
Published: May 2024

Background

Class II subdivision is a malocclusion characterized by dental and functional asymmetry that is difficult to manage. Impaired muscle function can result in asymmetrical growth, leading to occlusal instability.

Objective(s)

The study aimed to assess occlusal force in patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion using Innobyte. Additionally, the discrepancies of force generated at the position of maximum intercuspidation between the left and right sides of the arches were evaluated.

Methods

The occlusal force of 66 patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion (group S) was measured and compared with that of 66 patients with Class I (group I) and 66 patients with Class II malocclusion (group II). The S group patients had a Class I molar on the right side and a Class II molar on the left side. ANOVA test, followed by the Games‐Howell post hoc test, was performed to compare the mean of the total force among the groups. To assess the difference in force between the right and left arches, one‐way ANOVA test followed by Tukey's post hoc comparison was performed. Finally, a boxplot was created to show the trend of occlusal force recorded in the three groups of patients.

Results

The occlusal force differed significantly among the groups (p < .001). Post hoc Games‐Howell analysis showed significant differences as follows: the total force in group S was 165.24 N greater than in group II and in group I was 218.06 N greater than in group II. The difference (right–left) in total force between the groups was statistically significant (p < .001). Tukey's post hoc test showed following significant correlation: in group S was 53.51 N greater than in group II and 63.12 N greater than in group I.

Conclusions

Among the analysed groups, patients with Class II malocclusion exhibited the lowest value of occlusal force. In patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion, force asymmetry, characterised by a higher value on the Class I side and a lower value on the Class II side was observed.
Erythroblast transformation‐specific‐related gene promotes metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma by transcriptionally upregulating peroxiredoxin 1
Authors: Gu Yujia , Chen Xue , Tian Mei , Liu Ke
Published: May 2024

Background

Some studies confirmed that erythroblast transformation‐specific‐related gene (ERG) may be a pathogenic factor of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the undergoing molecular mechanism has not been elucidated yet.

Objective

In this study, the investigation will focus on how the transcription factor ERG modulates the biological behaviors of OSCC.

Methods

In this study, cancer tissue specimens and corresponding paracancer tissues were collected from 54 patients. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis and Western blots were employed to detect the expression of multiple genes. Cell proliferation assays, Transwell, and flow cytometry assay were utilized to detect the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of OSCC cell, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to verify the regulation of ERG on PRDX1.

Results

ERG exhibits high expression levels in OSCC. Inhibition of ERG has been shown to effectively suppress the malignant growth of OSCC cells. Moreover, ERG has been found to transcriptionally upregulate the expression of PRDX1. The knockdown of PRDX1 has demonstrated its ability to inhibit the malignant growth of OSCC cells. Interestingly, when PRDX1 is overexpressed, it attenuates the inhibitory effect of si‐ERG on the malignant growth of OSCC cells. This suggests that PRDX1 may play a crucial role in mediating the impact of ERG on malignancy in OSCC cells.

Conclusion

The transcription factor ERG promotes the expression of PRDX1, which could enhance the proliferation and invasion while inhibiting the apoptosis of OSCC cells.
Global elimination of HBV: Is it really achievable?
Authors: Vo‐Quang Erwan , Lemoine Maud
Published: May 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of premature death worldwide. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for HBV elimination and set up very ambitious elimination targets. The development of effective vaccines, accurate diagnostic tools and safe antiviral drugs make HBV elimination a realistic goal. However, the most constrained‐resource regions, which bear the highest burden of HBV, are facing major challenges in implementing strategies to reduce HBV incidence and mortality. Developing simplified approaches adapted to resource‐limited settings and scaling up interventions for the prevention and control of HBV globally are urgently needed. Whether HBV elimination will be achieved in an equitable manner and in a reasonable timeframe remains highly uncertain.
Critical appraisal of the SIBO hypothesis and breath testing: A clinical practice update endorsed by the European society of neurogastroenterology and motility (ESNM) and the American neurogastroenterology and motility society (ANMS)
Authors: Kashyap Purna , Moayyedi Paul , Quigley Eamonn M. M. , Simren Magnus , Vanner Stephen
Published: May 2024

Background

There is compelling evidence that microbe‐host interactions in the intestinal tract underlie many human disorders, including disorders of gut‐brain interactions (previously termed functional bowel disorders), such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been recognized for over a century in patients with predisposing conditions causing intestinal stasis, such as surgical alteration of the small bowel or chronic diseases, including scleroderma and is associated with diarrhea and signs of malabsorption. Over 20 years ago, it was hypothesized that increased numbers of small intestine bacteria might also account for symptoms in the absence of malabsorption in IBS and related disorders. This SIBO‐IBS hypothesis stimulated significant research and helped focus the profession's attention on the importance of microbe‐host interactions as a potential pathophysiological mechanism in IBS.

Purpose

However, after two decades, this hypothesis remains unproven. Moreover, it has led to serious unintended consequences, namely the widespread use of unreliable and unvalidated breath tests as a diagnostic test for SIBO and a resultant injudicious use of antibiotics. In this review, we examine why the SIBO hypothesis remains unproven and, given the unintended consequences, discuss why it is time to reject this hypothesis and its reliance on breath testing. We also examine recent IBS studies of bacterial communities in the GI tract, their composition and functions, and their interactions with the host. While these studies provide important insights to guide future research, they highlight the need for further mechanistic studies of microbe‐host interactions in IBS patients before we can understand their possible role in diagnosis and treatment of patient with IBS and related disorders.
Effect of post‐printing curing time on cytotoxicity of direct printed aligners: A pilot study
Authors: Iodice Giorgio , Ludwig Bjorn , Polishchuk Elena , Petruzzelli Raffaella , Di Cunto Roberto , Husam Soboh , Farella Mauro
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the potential impact of different curing times of 3D‐printed orthodontic aligners on their cytotoxicity.

Method

Some 60 samples of aligner material were directly 3D printed using Tera Harz TC‐85 DAC resin and randomly allocated to three different curing time groups (14, 24 and 50 min). Zendura FLX samples were used as control. The samples were incubated in saliva for 14 days, and then the supernatant was collected. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF‐1)‐CRL2014 were used to evaluate potential cytotoxicity. Furthermore, HGF‐1 cells were plated on the samples as well as on a glass control sample. After 72 h of growth, their viability was tested.

Results

Compared with the glass, only the 50‐min curing time markedly reduced fibroblast cell growth. Additionally, a negative linear trend was observed between curing time and fibroblast growth. In comparison with the aligner control group, all samples, including the aligner control samples, exhibited a significant reduction in the viability of human fibroblasts when exposed to saliva.

Conclusions

3D directly printed aligners showed a cytotoxic effect similar to that of thermoformed conventional aligners in terms of fibroblasts growth. A linear trend was found between curing time and cells growth, indicating that directly printed aligners could exhibit higher cytotoxicity if exposed to a longer curing time. This dependence on curing time underscores the importance of following a strict manufacturing process.
Climatic disequilibrium of recruit communities across a drought‐induced die‐off gradient in Mediterranean shrubland
Authors: Díaz‐Borrego Raquel , Ángeles Pérez‐Navarro María , Jaime Luciana , Elvira Nuria J. , Lloret Francisco
Published: May 2024

Positive plant–plant interactions (facilitation) may enhance the recruitment and establishment of species less adapted to local macroclimatic conditions. A major cause of this effect is climatic buffering, which implies an increased mismatch between the macroclimatic conditions and the climatic requirements of the existing community – climatic disequilibrium – of plants living under canopies. Here we explore the effect of drought‐induced defoliation of Mediterranean shrubland canopy on the recruitment of woody species. We analyzed the differences in the climatic disequilibrium across different categories of canopy defoliation and plant–plant interactions: facilitation, neutral and inhibition. Climatic disequilibrium was estimated as the Euclidean distance in the multivariate environmental space between observed macroclimate and community inferred climate. The inferred climate was calculated by averaging the coordinates of the species' climatic niche centroids, obtained from species distribution, weighted by the species' relative abundances in each community. We found that the recruiting community growing under canopy showed higher climatic disequilibrium than the community growing in the gaps. The facilitated recruiting community growing under dead and living canopy showed the highest disequilibrium, followed by the community growing under mid‐affected canopy. The climatic disequilibrium of the recruiting communities experiencing neutral and inhibited interaction was not affected by canopy defoliation. These findings indicate that the climatic disequilibrium of the recruiting community is determined by the facilitation–competition balance. Living canopy provides climatic buffering, but it also implies competition, while dead canopy may provide some structural climatic buffering, without implying competition for resources. These results highlight the relevance of incorporating plant–plant interactions, particularly facilitation, to better forecast plant community responses to extreme climate events and climate change.
Adult‐plant resistance to net form net blotch in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): Durability and genetic control
Authors: Wallwork Hugh , Vassos Elysia , Garrard Tara , Butt Mark , Abood Entesar , Sznajder Beata , Mather Diane
Published: May 2024

The research reported here was conducted to follow up on observations of durable adult‐plant resistance to net form net blotch in several Australian varieties of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Over 11 years, isolates of Pyrenophora teres f. teres were collected and used to inoculate barley varieties. The resistance of five varieties (Clipper, Schooner, Sloop SA, Buloke and Scope) endured until the ninth year. To investigate the genetic control of this durable resistance, doubled haploid lines developed from the F1 generation of a cross between Sloop SA and the susceptible variety Fathom were inoculated with an isolate that appeared fully virulent on Fathom and were evaluated for adult plant resistance. Six quantitative trait loci were mapped: three with resistance from Sloop SA and three with resistance from Fathom. Effects were additive across loci and transgressive segregation provided a few lines with better resistance than Sloop SA. Although the resistance investigated here is no longer effective, insights gained from this research could help guide ongoing efforts in resistance breeding and disease control.
Transcriptional and structural analysis of non‐specific lipid transfer proteins modulated by fungal endophytes in Antarctic plants under drought
Authors: Morales‐Quintana Luis , Rabert Claudia , Mendez‐Yañez Angela , Ramos Patricio
Published: May 2024

Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) play crucial roles in various biological processes in plants, such as pollen tube adhesion, phospholipid transfer, cuticle synthesis, and response to abiotic stress. While a few members of the non‐specific LTPs (nsLTPs) have been identified, their structural characteristics remain largely unexplored. Given the observed improvement in the performance of Antarctic plants facing water deficit when associated with fungal endophytes, this study aimed to assess the role of these symbiotic organisms in the transcriptional modulation of putative nsLTPs. The study focused on identifying and characterizing two nsLTP in the Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis that exhibit responsiveness to drought stress. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of Antarctic endophytic fungi on the expression profiles of these nsLTPs, as these fungi have been known to enhance plant physiological and biochemical performance under water deficit conditions. Through 3D modeling, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations with different substrates, the conducted structural and ligand‐protein interaction analyses showed that differentially expressed nsLTPs displayed the ability to interact with various ligands, with a higher affinity towards palmitoyl‐CoA. Overall, our findings suggest a regulatory mechanism for the expression of these two nsLTPs in Colobanthus quitensis under drought stress, further modulated by the presence of endophytic fungi.
The moving wave: Applications of the mobile EEG approach to study human attention
Authors: Mathewson Kyle E. , Kuziek Jonathan P. , Scanlon Joanna E. M. , Robles Daniel
Published: May 2024

Although historically confined to traditional research laboratories, electroencephalography (EEG) paradigms are now being applied to study a wide array of behaviors, from daily activities to specialized tasks in diverse fields such as sports science, neurorehabilitation, and education. This transition from traditional to real‐world mobile research can provide new tools for understanding attentional processes as they occur naturally. Early mobile EEG research has made progress, despite the large size and wired connections. Recent developments in hardware and software have expanded the possibilities of mobile EEG, enabling a broader range of applications. Despite these advancements, limitations influencing mobile EEG remain that must be overcome to achieve adequate reliability and validity. In this review, we first assess the feasibility of mobile paradigms, including electrode selection, artifact correction techniques, and methodological considerations. This review underscores the importance of ecological, construct, and predictive validity in ensuring the trustworthiness and applicability of mobile EEG findings. Second, we explore studies on attention in naturalistic settings, focusing on replicating classic P3 component studies in mobile paradigms like stationary biking in our lab, and activities such as walking, cycling, and dual‐tasking outside of the lab. We emphasize how the mobile approach complements traditional laboratory paradigms and the types of insights gained in naturalistic research settings. Third, we discuss promising applications of portable EEG in workplace safety and other areas including road safety, rehabilitation medicine, and brain–computer interfaces. In summary, this review explores the expanding possibilities of mobile EEG while recognizing the existing challenges in fully realizing its potential.