bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disability workforce and the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia: Scoping review
Authors: Gilroy John , Veli‐Gold Sarah , Wright Wayne , Dew Angela , Jensen Heather , Bulkeley Kim , Lincoln Michelle
Published: July 2023

Background

The Australian geographically rural and remote disability workforce has historically demonstrated difficulties to keep up with the demand for quality services and supports for people with disability. In 2013, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was launched to provide individualised disability support packages to meet people's needs. To receive funding, people with disability are required to develop a NDIS plan. That plan is then funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the government agency responsible for managing the NDIS. Although the NDIS has been operating for almost 10 years, there is limited research into the planning experiences of the workforce in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia. This review aims to ascertain the level of scholarly investigation into workers' experiences of NDIS planning.

Methodology

Research publication databases were searched using a specific search string to identify publications that included reference to the workforce's experiences of the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was adopted to appraise the quality of the research publications. Research publications that focused on those working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were also appraised using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool developed by the Centre for Excellence in Aboriginal Chronic Disease Knowledge Translation and Exchange. A thematic synthesis of the publications was undertaken to ascertain disability and health workforce experiences of the NDIS planning process.

Results

Seven papers met the selection criteria. Two papers were policy reviews and reported the improvements of the NDIS planning process since its inception. These studies reported four reoccurring themes: (1) cultural/socioeconomic and geographical factors; (2) administrative burden and bureaucracy; (3) values, culture and geography; and (4) burden on allied health workers.

Conclusion

The NDIS planning process has developed and progressed since its rollout in 2013. There are limited research papers available that describe the workforce's experience of the planning process in regional, rural and remote regions. More research in this area is needed to identify the experiences of the disability workforce in relation to the NDIS planning process.
Functional outcome and frailty in colorectal surgery patients
Authors: Elabbas Elhassan , Sharma Anita , Thu Khin , Tan Azriel , Alim Melissa , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2023

Background

Frailty is a recognized risk and predictor of poor health outcomes in older patients undergoing surgery. A significant proportion of elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer‐related surgery are nevertheless not routinely assessed for frailty in current clinical practice in Australia. We examined the preoperative use of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) to predict post‐operative functional outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study included elderly colorectal cancer patients (n = 227) who underwent elective major colorectal surgery from 2016 to 2020 at Nepean Hospital, Australia. CFS was calculated retrospectively from medical records and the relationship between CFS and functional outcome factors was analysed.

Results

Frail patients (n = 111) had a significant postoperative functional decline as demonstrated by discharge to supported care (57% vs. 0.9%), Barthel Index change (P<0.05) and inability to self‐manage stoma (P<0.05) compared to non‐frail patients (n = 116). Multivariate analysis with adjustment for age, comorbidities as measured by Charlson Comorbidities Index (CCI), and cognitive impairment, demonstrated frailty was the most significant independent predictor of discharge to supported care (OR 109.3). Cognitive impairment and an increased CCI were also found to be important predictors.

Conclusion

Preoperative frailty is significantly associated with postoperative functional decline and postoperative adverse outcomes, highlighting the potential utility of CFS in preoperative frailty assessment.
Mental training in general surgery: a qualitative review of Australian trainee perceptions
Authors: Jolly Samantha , Asokan Gayatri
Published: July 2023

Background

Mental training is the cognitive process and pedagogical technique of ‘viewing’ and ‘feeling’ a task without physically performing it. Its application is well‐established within aviation, elite sports and the arts. While surgical trainees often mentally rehearse prior to operating, this technique is yet to be established for educational and skill acquisition purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate trainee awareness of mental training, the use of mental rehearsal, and explore perceived benefits and barriers to its implementation.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study design was employed, with semi‐structured interviews of general surgical trainees across Australia. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis undertaken to identify common themes.

Results

A total of 10 General Surgery trainees were interviewed encompassing each Australian state and territory. A consistent finding was that all teaching of operative skills occurs in the clinical environment, without the adjunct of structured practical or cognitive simulation. All trainees reported mentally rehearsing procedures in some capacity as part of personal preparation, and were supportive of implementing formal mental training for surgical skill development. Themes included standardization of training, enhancing training during times of reduced clinical exposure, minimizing anxiety, and improving communication. Implementation was deemed to be most effective through a bank of online mental training resources.

Conclusion

Mental training was supported by General Surgical trainees, with perceived potential benefits in multiple domains. To mitigate the main perceived barrier of time constraints, an online method of delivery was felt to be optimal.
Persisting facial nerve palsy or trigeminal neuralgia – red flags for perineural spread of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC)
Authors: Zhang Michael , Phung Daniel , Gupta Ruta , Wykes James , Wu Raymond , Lee Jenny , Elliott Michael , Palme Carsten E. , Clark Jonathan , Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert)
Published: July 2023

Background

Perineural spread (PNS) of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) is a unique diagnostic challenge, presenting with insidious trigeminal (CN V) or facial nerve (CN VII) neuropathies without clinically discernible primary masses. These patients are often sub‐optimally investigated and misdiagnosed as Bell's palsy or trigeminal neuralgia. This case series highlights the red flags in history and pitfalls that lead to delays to diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

A retrospective case series of 19 consecutive patients with complete clinical histories with HNcSCC PNS without an obvious cutaneous primary lesion at time of presentation to a quaternary head and neck centre in Australia were identified and included for analysis.

Results

Fifteen had CN VII PNS, 17 had CN V PNS, and 13 had both. The overall median symptom‐to‐diagnosis time was 12‐months (IQR‐15 months). Eight patients had CN VII PNS and described progressive segmental facial nerve palsy with a median symptom‐to‐diagnosis time of 9‐months (IQR‐11.75 months). Eleven patients had primary CN V PNS and described well localized parathesia, formication or neuralgia with a median symptom‐to‐diagnosis time of 19‐months (IQR 27.5 months).

Conclusion

PNS is often mistaken for benign cranial nerve dysfunction with delays in diagnosis worsening prognosis. Red flags such as progressive CN VII palsy or persistent CN V paraesthesia, numbness, formication or pain, particularly in the presence of immuno‐compromise and/or a history of facial actinopathy should raise suspicion for PNS. Gadolinium‐enhanced MR Neurography should be obtained expediently in patients with persistent/progressive CN V/CN VII palsies in patients with red flags, with low threshold for referral to a Head and Neck Surgeon.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of inhaled oxytocin compared with intramuscular oxytocin in women in the third stage of labour: A randomized open‐label study
Authors: Gajewska‐Knapik Katarzyna , Kumar Subramanya , Sutton‐Cole Amy , Palmer Kirsten R. , Cahn Anthony , Gibson Rachel A. , Kirkpatrick Carl , Parry Simon , Schneider Ian , Siederer Sarah , Stylianou Annie , Hacquoil Kimberley , Powell Marcy , Ellis Melissa , McIntosh Michelle P. , Lambert Pete
Published: July 2023

Aims

To compare pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of heat‐stable inhaled (IH) oxytocin with intramuscular (IM) oxytocin in women in third stage of labour (TSL), the primary endpoint being PK profiles of oxytocin IH and secondary endpoint of safety.

Methods

A phase 1, randomized, cross‐over study was undertaken in 2 UK and 1 Australian centres. Subjects were recruited into 2 groups: Group 1, women in TSL; Group 2, nonpregnant women of childbearing potential (Cohort A, combined oral contraception; Cohort B, nonhormonal contraception). Participants were randomized 1:1 to: Group 1, oxytocin 10 IU (17 μg) IM or oxytocin 240 IU (400 μg) IH immediately after delivery; Group 2, oxytocin 5 IU (8.5 μg) intravenously and oxytocin 240 IU (400 μg) IH at 2 separate dosing sessions.

Results

Participants were recruited between 23 November 2016 to 4 March 2019. In Group 1, 17 participants were randomized; received either IH (n = 9) or IM (n = 8) oxytocin. After IH and IM administration, most plasma oxytocin concentrations were below quantification limits (2 pg/mL). In Group 2 (n = 14), oxytocin IH concentrations remained quantifiable ≤3 h postdose. Adverse events were reported in both groups, with no deaths reported: Group 1, IH n = 3 (33%) and IM n = 2 (25%); Group 2, n = 14 (100%).

Conclusion

Safety profiles of oxytocin IH and IM were similar. However, PK profiles could not be established for oxytocin IH or IM in women in TSL, despite using a highly sensitive and specific assay.
Alpha‐synuclein fibrils amplified from multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease patient brain spread after intracerebral injection into mouse brain
Authors: Zhang Shuyu , Dauer Karina , Strohäker Timo , Tatenhorst Lars , Caldi Gomes Lucas , Mayer Simon , Jung Byung Chul , Kim Woojin S. , Lee Seung‐Jae , Becker Stefan , Liesche‐Starnecker Friederike , Zweckstetter Markus , Lingor Paul
Published: July 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are neurodegenerative disorders with alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) aggregation pathology. Different strains of α‐syn with unique properties are suggested to cause distinct clinical and pathological manifestations resulting in PD, MSA, or DLB. To study individual α‐syn spreading patterns, we injected α‐syn fibrils amplified from brain homogenates of two MSA patients and two PD patients into the brains of C57BI6/J mice. Antibody staining against pS129‐α‐syn showed that α‐syn fibrils amplified from the brain homogenates of the four different patients caused different levels of α‐syn spreading. The strongest α‐syn pathology was triggered by α‐syn fibrils of one of the two MSA patients, followed by comparable pS129‐α‐syn induction by the second MSA and one PD patient material. Histological analysis using an antibody against Iba1 further showed that the formation of pS129‐α‐syn is associated with increased microglia activation. In contrast, no differences in dopaminergic neuron numbers or co‐localization of α‐syn in oligodendrocytes were observed between the different groups. Our data support the spreading of α‐syn pathology in MSA, while at the same time pointing to spreading heterogeneity between different patients potentially driven by individual patient immanent factors.
Combination therapy with hydrogen peroxide and irradiation promotes an abscopal effect in mouse models
Authors: Kemmotsu Naoya , Zhu Li , Nagasaki Joji , Otani Yoshihiro , Ueda Youki , Dansako Hiromichi , Fang Yue , Date Isao , Togashi Yosuke
Published: July 2023

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induces oxidative stress and cytotoxicity, and can be used for treating cancers in combination with radiotherapy. A product comprising H2O2 and sodium hyaluronate has been developed as a radiosensitizer. However, the effects of H2O2 on antitumor immunity remain unclear. To investigate the effects of H2O2, especially the abscopal effect when combined with radiotherapy (RT), we implanted murine tumor cells simultaneously in two locations in mouse models: the hind limb and back. H2O2 mixed with sodium hyaluronate was injected intratumorally, followed by irradiation only at the hind limb lesion. No treatment was administered to the back lesion. The H2O2/RT combination significantly reduced tumor growth at the noninjected/nonirradiated site in the back lesion, whereas H2O2 or RT individually did not reduce tumor growth. Flow cytometric analyses of the tumor‐draining lymph nodes in the injected/irradiated areas showed that the number of dendritic cells increased significantly with maturation in the H2O2/RT combination group. In addition, analyses of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes showed that the number of CD8+ (cluster of differentiation 8) T cells and the frequency of IFN‐γ+ (interferon gamma) CD8+ T cells were higher in the noninjected/nonirradiated tumors in the H2O2/RT group compared to those in the other groups. PD‐1 (programmed death receptor 1) blockade further increased the antitumor effect against noninjected/nonirradiated tumors in the H2O2/RT group. Intratumoral injection of H2O2 combined with RT therefore induces an abscopal effect by activating antitumor immunity, which can be further enhanced by PD‐1 blockade. These findings promote the development of H2O2/RT therapy combined with cancer immunotherapies, even for advanced cancers.
Enriched environment ameliorates fear memory impairments induced by sleep deprivation via inhibiting PIEZO1/calpain/autophagy signaling pathway in the basal forebrain
Authors: Zhang Zi‐qing , Lu Yan , Zhang Hao , Dong Su‐he , Wu Ya‐tong , Wang Si‐nian , Huang Ai‐hua , Jiang Qi‐sheng , Yin Shi‐min
Published: July 2023

Aims

To verify the hypothesis that an enriched environment (EE) alleviates sleep deprivation‐induced fear memory impairment by modulating the basal forebrain (BF) PIEZO1/calpain/autophagy pathway.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old male mice were housed in a closed, isolated environment (CE) or an EE, before 6‐h total sleep deprivation. Changes in fear memory after sleep deprivation were observed using an inhibitory avoidance test. Alterations in BF PIEZO1/calpain/autophagy signaling were detected. The PIEZO1 agonist Yoda1 or inhibitor GsMTx4, the calpain inhibitor PD151746, and the autophagy inducer rapamycin or inhibitor 3‐MA were injected into the bilateral BF to investigate the pathways involved in the memory‐maintaining role of EE in sleep‐deprived mice.

Results

Mice housed in EE performed better than CE mice in short‐ and long‐term fear memory tests after sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation resulted in increased PIEZO1 expression, full‐length tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB‐FL) degradation, and autophagy, as reflected by increased LC3 II/I ratio, enhanced p62 degradation, increased TFEB expression and nuclear translocation, and decreased TFEB phosphorylation. These molecular changes were partially reversed by EE treatment. Microinjection of Yoda1 or rapamycin into the bilateral basal forebrain induced excessive autophagy and eliminated the cognition‐protective effects of EE. Bilateral basal forebrain microinjection of GsMTx4, PD151746, or 3‐MA mimicked the cognitive protective and autophagy inhibitory effects of EE in sleep‐deprived mice.

Conclusions

EE combats sleep deprivation‐induced fear memory impairments by inhibiting the BF PIEZO1/calpain/autophagy pathway.
Itch, sleep loss, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and productivity loss in patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis: Analyses of TREATgermany registry data
Authors: Birkner Thomas , Siegels Doreen , Heinrich Luise , Haufe Eva , Abraham Susanne , Heratizadeh Annice , Harder Inken , Bell Magnus , Fell Isabell , Worm Margitta , Handrick Christiane , Effendy Isaak , Asmussen Andrea , Kleinheinz Andreas , Homey Bernhard , Sticherling Michael , Hong‐Weldemann Sung‐Hei , Augustin Matthias , Weisshaar Elke , Schäkel Knut , Schaefer Thomas , Schwarz Beate , Wiemers Franca , Brücher Jens‐Joachim , Quist Sven , Wollenberg Andreas , Biedermann Tilo , Ertner Konstantin , von Kiedrowski Ralph , Werfel Thomas , Weidinger Stephan , Schmitt Jochen ,   and the TREATgermany Study Group
Published: July 2023

Background

TREATgermany is a multicenter registry including patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) from currently 74 study centers (university clinics, hospitals and practices) in Germany. As of August 31, 2021, 1,230 adult patients were enrolled.

Methods

In TREATgermany, patients and physicians fill in questionnaires pertaining to symptoms, disease severity, quality of life, depressiveness, and fatigue. In particular, limitations in work performance are assessed using the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ). To assess associations between occupational performance/work limitations and symptoms, correlations and regression models were calculated.

Results

The examined sample of 228 employed patients reported an average of 6% at‐work productivity loss within the past two weeks prior to enrolment in the registry. The WLQ productivity loss score was moderately associated with itch (r = 0.32) and sleep loss (r = 0.39) and strongly associated with depressive symptoms (r = 0.68) and fatigue (r = 0.60).

Conclusions

The analyses of the registry data show that moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis has a negative impact on the work productivity of the patients. The analyses further point out the relevant associations between work productivity, depressive symptoms, and fatigue highlighting the disease burden caused by the psychological components of AD.
Prognosis in stage II melanoma of the head and neck depends on the histological subtype
Authors: Jasper Sophie , Keim Ulrike , Leiter Ulrike , Amaral Teresa , Flatz Lukas , Forschner Andrea
Published: July 2023

Background and objectives

The melanoma guideline is mainly based on the AJCC stage. There is no difference according to histological subtypes such as superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) or nodular malignant melanoma (NM). We aimed to evaluate whether patients with LMM have a different clinical course from patients with SSM/NM. This is particularly important as adjuvant anti‐PD‐1 therapy is approved for stage IIB and IIC melanoma.

Patients and methods

Data were extracted from the Central Registry of Malignant Melanoma. Only patients with LMM, SSM, and NM of the head and neck with primary diagnosis between 01/01/2000 and 12/31/2019 were included. Progression‐free survival (PFS), melanoma‐specific survival (MSS), and pattern of metastases were analyzed for the LMM group compared to SSM/NM.

Results

The LMM cohort (n = 902) had significantly better MSS than the SSM/NM cohort (n = 604). There was no difference in PFS. The 5‐year MSS of the stage II LMM cohort was 88.5% (95% CI 81.4‐95.6) compared to 79.7% (95% CI 72.8‐86.6) in the stage II SSM/NM cohort.

Conclusion

It does not appear appropriate to use adjuvant therapy in stage II LMM patients to the same extent as in patients with SSM/NM.
How to implement adverse events as a quality indicator in gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Moreels Tom G.
Published: July 2023

Quality improvement through the registration of endoscopy‐related adverse events (AEs) has been recognized by major international endoscopy societies as an important quality indicator. The theory behind this is easier to approve than its implementation in daily practice. The results of many valuable attempts have been published in the literature, mainly highlighting the diverse hurdles trying to capture events related to endoscopy and the sedation used for endoscopic procedures. The current review discusses the difficulties encountered attempting to register AEs and incidents related to endoscopic procedures. Government‐driven and financed health‐care databases with automated coupling of specific data seem the only efficient way to implement endoscopy‐related AEs and outcomes on a prospective and complete basis. This will not only allow continuous confidential feedback to endoscopists in relation to the pooled national benchmark data, but also follow‐up in time through data‐driven credentialing aiming to progressively optimize these benchmark data.
Insights of tricuspid regurgitation mechanisms in patients with right ventricular apical pacing by three‐dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Chango‐Azanza Diego Xavier , Munin Martin , Sanchez Gustavo , Raggio Ignacio , Pelayo Maria Eugenia , Garro Hugo , Arevalo Mario , Carbajales Justo , Makhoul Silvia , Ronderos Ricardo
Published: July 2023

Objective

Device lead‐induced tricuspid regurgitation (LITR) mechanisms are well‐defined by 3D transthoracic echocardiography (3D‐TTE). There is a lack of data on the Latin‐American population. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of several mechanisms and insights in patients with permanent right ventricular (RV) implanted devices by 3D‐TTE examination.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 101 patients with permanent cardiac devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators. 3D‐TTE was obtained on all patients in RV‐focused apical views to perform a complete tricuspid valve (TV) evaluation: leaflets, subvalvular apparatus, precise lead location, and functional assessment to evaluate possible mechanisms of tricuspid regurgitation (TR).

Results

In a total of 101 patients, the leads did not interfere with TV function in 53 p. (59%), while LITR was observed in 38 (41%) patients. Adherent, impinging, entangled, and mixed lead‐induced mechanisms were observed. Time in years since device implantation was significantly higher in patients with LITR.

Conclusions

LITR was present in a high proportion of our population. LITR is the result of damage to the TV as well as its subvalvular apparatus due to the fibrotic and inflammatory response over time when leads are situated in unfavorable locations.
Electoral proximity, political violence, and personal wellbeing: An experimental analysis in West Africa
Authors: Doces John A.
Published: July 2023

Does the threat of political violence affect wellbeing? We argue that political violence induced by elections reduces wellbeing as it provokes emotional reactions like anxiety and fear. There is a lingering effect from political violence that reemerges with new rounds of elections, and that reduces wellbeing. To test this claim, we employ an experimental analysis in Côte d'Ivoire. We motivate political violence via a treatment about the 2020 election, and the proximity of the 2020 election. We find that each has a negative effect on wellbeing. In Côte d'Ivoire, we also consider the direct effect of political violence on wellbeing, and find that it is inversely associated with wellbeing. Finally, we extend the analysis of election proximity to Nigeria during the 2023 election. The results here show that proximity is (i) inversely associated with wellbeing and (ii) that it is directly associated with the expectation of political violence. In all cases, political violence lowers self‐assessed wellbeing. We argue that this effect is likely to be greater for women than men, but find that it is generally true for the latter. We conclude the paper with considerations about its generalizability, ideas for future research, and policy implications.
Treatment of extracapsular fractures of the mandibular condylar process: A retrospective evaluation of 377 cases
Authors: Maurer Michael , Klaes Tabea , Meier Johannes K. , Gottsauner Josef Maximilian , Taxis Jürgen , Schuderer Johannes , Reichert Torsten E. , Ettl Tobias
Published: July 2023

Background/Aim

Mandibular condylar fractures represent 25%–35% of all mandibular fractures. Despite profound research, there is still a controverse debate about treating these fractures conservatively or by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

The aim of this study is to analyse the outcome after open and closed treatment of extracapsular mandibular condyle fractures regarding general characteristics, post‐treatment malocclusion, facial nerve palsy (FNP), maximum mouth opening (MMO) and parotid complications.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 377 fractures (350 open, 27 closed treatment) was reviewed by reference to clinical and radiological pre‐ and postoperative documentation. Follow‐up period was 12 months. Pearsons' chi‐square‐test, correlations, Kruskal–Wallis test and t‐test were carried out for statistical analysis.

Results

The dominant type of fracture was type II in Spiessl and Schroll classification (50.1%). In the open treated fractures, the most common approach was retromandibular transparotid (91.7%). Post‐treatment malocclusion occurred in 18.0% and was significantly increased in bilateral fractures (p = .039), in luxation fractures (p = .016) and in patients with full dentition (p = .004). After open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), temporary FNP was documented in 7.1% whereas a permanent paresis occurred in 1.7%. FNP was significantly associated with high fractures (p = .001), comminution (p = .028) and increased duration of surgery (p = .040). Parotid complications were significantly associated with revision surgery (p = .009). Post‐treatment reduction of MMO mainly occurred in female patients (p < .001) as well as in patients with bilateral fractures (p < .001), high fractures (p = .030) and concomitant mandibular (p = .001) and midfacial fractures (p = .009).

Conclusion

Malocclusion seems to be the most frequent long‐term complication after open reduction and osteosynthesis of extracapsular mandibular condyle fractures. We suggest ORIF by a transparotid approach to be an appropriate treatment with a low complication rate regarding especially FNP for extracapsular fractures of the mandibular condyle.
Vitamin D deficiency and genetic polymorphisms of vitamin D‐associated genes in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Pal Randrita , Choudhury Supriyo , Kumar Hrishikesh , Dey Sanjit , Das Nilansu , Basu Barnali Ray
Published: July 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) and vitamin D share a unique link as vitamin D deficiency (VDD) prevails in PD. Thus, an in‐depth understanding of vitamin D biology in PD might be crucial for therapeutic strategies emphasising vitamin D. Specifically, explicating the effect of VDD and genetic polymorphisms of vitamin D‐associated genes in PD, like VDR (vitamin D receptor) or GC (vitamin D binding protein) may aid the process along with polymorphisms of vitamin D metabolising genes (e.g., CYP2R1 and CYP27A1) in PD. Literature review of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to vitamin D levels [GC (GC1‐rs7041 and GC2‐rs4588), CYP2R1, CYP24A1 and CYP27B1] and vitamin D function [VDR (FokI ‐ rs2228570 and rs10735810; ApaI ‐ rs7976091, rs7975232BsmI and rs1544410; and TaqI ‐ rs731236)] was conducted to explore their relationship with PD severity globally. VDR‐FokI polymorphism was reported to be significantly associated with PD in Hungarian, Chinese and Japanese populations, whereas VDR‐ApaI polymorphism was found to affect PD in the Iranian population. However, VDR‐TaqI and BsmI polymorphisms had no significant association with PD severity. Conversely, GC1 polymorphisms reportedly affected vitamin D levels without influencing the disease severity. CYP2R1 (excluding rs1993116) was also reportedly linked to clinical manifestations of PD. Genetic polymorphisms might cause VDD despite enough sunlight exposure and vitamin D‐rich food intake, enhancing inflammation, there by influencing PD pathophysiology. Knowledge of the polymorphisms associated with VDD appears promising for developing precision vitamin D‐dosing therapeutic strategies against PD.
Understanding of refugees in management studies and implications for future research on workplace integration
Authors: Pesch Robin , Ipek Ebru
Published: July 2023

Due to the ongoing refugee crises, refugees and their workplace integration have attracted the attention of management scholars. The understanding of refugees varies and often lacks clarity in this emerging research. In analyzing how management scholars define the term “refugee,” detailing their approaches to heterogeneous refugee populations and outlining their assumptions about refugees' coping agency, this literature review provides a structured analysis of the emerging field's collective knowledge and theorization. We propose detailed implications to enhance the understanding of refugees in management research and show future avenues for research.
BERTuit: Understanding Spanish language in Twitter with transformers
Authors: Huertas‐Tato Javier , Martín Alejandro , Camacho David
Published: July 2023

The appearance of complex attention‐based language models such as BERT, RoBERTa or GPT‐3 has allowed to address highly complex tasks in a plethora of scenarios. However, when applied to specific domains, these models encounter considerable difficulties. This is the case of Social Networks such as Twitter, an ever‐changing stream of information written with informal and complex language, where each message requires careful evaluation to be understood even by humans given the important role that context plays. Addressing tasks in this domain through Natural Language Processing involves severe challenges. When powerful state‐of‐the‐art multilingual language models are applied to this scenario, language specific nuances get lost in translation. To face these challenges we present BERTuit, the largest transformer proposed so far for Spanish language, pre‐trained on a massive dataset of 230 M Spanish tweets using RoBERTa optimization. Our motivation is to provide a powerful resource to better understand Spanish Twitter and to be used on applications focused on this social network, with special emphasis on solutions devoted to tackle the spreading of misinformation in this platform. BERTuit is evaluated on several tasks and compared against M‐BERT, XLM‐RoBERTa and XLM‐T, very competitive multilingual transformers. The utility of our approach is shown with applications, in this case: an unsupervised methodology to visualize groups of hoaxes; and supervised profiling of authors spreading disinformation.
Paclitaxel alters melanogenesis and causes pigmentation in the skin of gynecological cancer patients
Authors: Montero Paula , Sanz Celia , Pérez‐Fidalgo Jose Alejandro , Pérez‐Leal Martín , Milara Javier , Cortijo Julio
Published: July 2023

Background

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a microtubule‐stabilizing antineoplastic that has been shown to damage healthy tissues like the skin. Hyperpigmentation can be found among the adverse effects caused by PTX, but the literature is limited and the mechanisms driving PTX‐induced pigmentary alterations are unknown.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the pigmentary alterations caused by PTX and to determine the effects of PTX on melanocytes.

Methods

Pigmentary skin alterations were measured in 20 gynecological cancer patients under PTX treatment by using specific probes, which determine the melanin index and the pigmentation level. Melanocytes were incubated with paclitaxel to analyze melanogenesis markers gene expression, melanin content, and transcription factors activation.

Results

Paclitaxel induced alterations in the skin pigmentation with no visible clinical manifestations. Gynecological cancer patients under paclitaxel treatment had an increase in the melanin index and pigmentation levels. In vitro, PTX exposure to melanocytes increased the expression of melanogenesis markers, melanin content, and induced activation of ERK and MITF.

Conclusions

The results suggest that PTX alters pigmentation in patients with no clinically visible manifestations, and these alterations might be driven by its capacity to stimulate melanogenesis on melanocytes through the MITF activation pathway.
Enhanced CO2 uptake is marginally offset by altered fluxes of non‐CO2 greenhouse gases in global forests and grasslands under N deposition
Authors: Xiao Shuqi , Wang Chao , Yu Kai , Liu Genyuan , Wu Shuang , Wang Jinyang , Niu Shuli , Zou Jianwen , Liu Shuwei
Published: July 2023

Despite the increasing impact of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on terrestrial greenhouse gas (GHG) budget, through driving both the net atmospheric CO2 exchange and the emission or uptake of non‐CO2 GHGs (CH4 and N2O), few studies have assessed the climatic impact of forests and grasslands under N deposition globally based on different bottom‐up approaches. Here, we quantify the effects of N deposition on biomass C increment, soil organic C (SOC), CH4 and N2O fluxes and, ultimately, the net ecosystem GHG balance of forests and grasslands using a global comprehensive dataset. We showed that N addition significantly increased plant C uptake (net primary production) in forests and grasslands, to a larger extent for the aboveground C (aboveground net primary production), whereas it only caused a small or insignificant enhancement of SOC pool in both upland systems. Nitrogen addition had no significant effect on soil heterotrophic respiration (RH) in both forests and grasslands, while a significant N‐induced increase in soil CO2 fluxes (RS, soil respiration) was observed in grasslands. Nitrogen addition significantly stimulated soil N2O fluxes in forests (76%), to a larger extent in grasslands (87%), but showed a consistent trend to decrease soil uptake of CH4, suggesting a declined sink capacity of forests and grasslands for atmospheric CH4 under N enrichment. Overall, the net GHG balance estimated by the net ecosystem production‐based method (forest, 1.28 Pg CO2‐eq year−1 vs. grassland, 0.58 Pg CO2‐eq year−1) was greater than those estimated using the SOC‐based method (forest, 0.32 Pg CO2‐eq year−1 vs. grassland, 0.18 Pg CO2‐eq year−1) caused by N addition. Our findings revealed that the enhanced soil C sequestration by N addition in global forests and grasslands could be only marginally offset (1.5%–4.8%) by the combined effects of its stimulation of N2O emissions together with the reduced soil uptake of CH4.
Association between mouth rinse use and changes in blood pressure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Farook Fathima Fazrina , Alnasyan Bothinah , Alhamid Reem , AlAmri Zahra , Alshammari Abdulsalam , Nizam Mohamed Nuzaim Mohamed , Alorf Roaa Ali
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Previous randomized controlled trials have shown that the use of antiseptic mouth rinses not only eradicates oral bacteria but also disrupts their ability to convert nitrate to nitrite, which is the key molecule in regulating blood pressure (BP).

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the use of mouth rinses and changes in BP.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from their respective inception dates to 18th December 2022 to identify potential interventional studies with information on the association between the use of mouth rinse and changes in BP. Five trials using a controlled, crossover design were identified for data analysis.

Results

The weighted mean difference was pooled using a random‐effects model. The pooled results of five trials together showed that the use of mouth rinses did not result in a statistically or clinically significant increase in the systolic BP (SBP) (1.59 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.15 to 3.33) or diastolic BP (DBP) (0.46 mmHg; 95% CI, −0.72 to 1.64). The trial sequential analysis did not present conclusive evidence supporting the association between mouth rinse use and BP elevation.

Conclusion

Within the limits of the available evidence, our review and meta‐analysis showed that mouth rinse use did not result in a statistically significant increase in the SBP, DBP, or mean arterial pressure (MAP). Nevertheless, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to the high degree of inconsistency across the studies.
The value of complaints mechanisms in the private labour regulation of GVCs: A case study of the Fair Labor Association
Authors: HARRISON James , PAREJO Margarita , WIELGA Mark
Published: July 2023

Can complaints mechanisms strengthen the private labour regulation of global value chains (GVCs)? This article empirically investigates the results produced by the Fair Labor Association's (FLA) complaints mechanism, which alone allows outcomes to be verified from the complainant's perspective. Although the vast majority of complainants find this mechanism to be valuable, it also has a number of limitations that seriously affect outcomes for workers. The authors utilize the concept of “grounding” to explore how national, social and corporate dimensions affect the performance of the FLA complaints mechanism for workers. The implications of these findings are then considered for complaints mechanisms in other GVCs.
International marriage migration: The predicament of culture and its negotiations
Authors: Ahsan Ullah A. K. M. , Chattoraj Diotima
Published: July 2023

Marriage‐led migration or migration‐led marriage was rarely discussed in public or private realms just over two decades ago. However, international marriage migration (IMM) has become a norm in today's globalised world. While a substantial body of literature deals with this growing practice, existing literature does not adequately address the role that ethnicity plays in the context of IMM. The purpose of this study is to explore the question of ethnicity in IMM in Southeast Asian contexts. It focusses on what we have called the ‘predicament of ethnicity’ and the negotiations around ethnicity, culture and identity among couples where at least one partner migrated for the purpose of the marriage. The study is based on interviews with international couples selected using a snowball sampling method and demonstrates complex and intriguing patterns of cultural and ethnic identity negotiations between international Southeast Asian couples.
Measuring patients' experiences of continuity of care in a primary care context—Development and evaluation of a patient‐reported experience measure
Authors: Ljungholm Linda , Årestedt Kristofer , Fagerström Cecilia , Djukanovic Ingrid , Ekstedt Mirjam
Published: July 2023

Background

Continuity of care is viewed as a hallmark of high‐quality care in the primary care context. Measures to evaluate the quality of provider performance are scarce, and it is unclear how the assessments correlate with patients' experiences of care as coherent and interconnected over time, consistent with their preferences and care needs.

Aim

To develop and evaluate a patient‐reported experience measure of continuity of care in primary care for patients with complex care needs.

Method

The study was conducted in two stages: (1) development of the instrument based on theory and empirical studies and reviewed for content validity (16 patients with complex care needs and 8 experts) and (2) psychometric evaluation regarding factor structure, test–retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, and convergent validity. In all, 324 patients participated in the psychometric evaluation.

Results

The Patient Experienced Continuity of care Questionnaire (PECQ) contains 20 items clustered in four dimensions of continuity of care measuring Information (four items), Relation (six items), Management (five items), and Knowledge (five items). Overall, the hypothesized factor structure was indicated. The PECQ also showed satisfactory convergent validity, internal consistency, and stability.

Conclusion/Implications

The PECQ is a multidimensional patient experience instrument that can provide information on various dimensions useful for driving quality improvement strategies in the primary care context for patients with complex care needs.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients have participated in the content validation of the items.
Adaptive phenotypic and genomic divergence in the common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) following niche expansion within a small oceanic island
Authors: Recuerda María , Palacios Mercè , Frías Oscar , Hobson Keith , Nabholz Benoit , Blanco Guillermo , Milá Borja
Published: July 2023

According to models of ecological speciation, adaptation to adjacent, contrasting habitat types can lead to population divergence given strong enough environment-driven selection to counteract the homogenizing effect of gene flow. We tested this hypothesis in the common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) on the small island of La Palma, Canary Islands, where it occupies two markedly different habitats. Isotopic (δ13C, δ15N) analysis of feathers indicated that birds in the two habitats differed in ecosystem and/or diet, and analysis of phenotypic traits revealed significant differences in morphology and plumage colouration that are consistent with ecomorphological and ecogeographical predictions respectively. A genome-wide survey of single-nucleotide polymorphism revealed marked neutral structure that was consistent with geography and isolation by distance, suggesting low dispersal. In contrast, loci putatively under selection identified through genome-wide association and genotype-environment association analyses, revealed a marked adaptive divergence between birds in both habitats. Loci associated with phenotypic and environmental differences among habitats were distributed across the genome, as expected for polygenic traits involved in local adaptation. Our results suggest a strong role for habitat-driven local adaptation in population divergence in the chaffinches of La Palma, a process that appears to be facilitated by a strong reduction in effective dispersal distances despite the birds' high dispersal capacity.

Abstract

We study the process of local adaptation in the common chaffinch to two contrasting habitats on the island of La Palma, the humid laurel forest and the dry pine forest. We document habitat-related phenotypic divergence, and using genome–environment association analysis on a small fraction of the genome, we detect adaptive genomic divergence at a small spatial scale associated with habitat type.
The effects and predictive value of calcium and magnesium concentrations on nutritional improvement, inflammatory response and diagnosis in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Zheng Ying , Liao Yijun , Ouyang Ye , Wu Ziying , Li Zebin , Lin Jiasen , Zhang Kaijun , Wang Xu , Cen Zhuoxian , Ma Wenjun , Dai Shixue
Published: July 2023

Background

Crohn's disease (CD) is a progressive inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract associated with malnutrition, high levels of inflammation and calcium and magnesium deficiencies. However, the relationships between these symptoms are poorly defined.

Method

Seventy‐six adult CD patients who had not yet started treatment and 83 healthy volunteers were recruited. The dietary intakes, serum calcium and magnesium levels, nutritional indicators and biochemical markers of disease activity were measured.

Results

Most participants had inadequate magnesium and calcium intake. The serum magnesium and calcium levels, as well as nutritional and inflammatory indicators, differed significantly between CD patients and controls, especially in the active phase. Serum levels of magnesium and calcium correlated with both nutritional status and inflammation. The cut‐off values for CD development were 0.835 mmol/L (magnesium) and 2.315 mmol/L (calcium), whereas those for the active phase were 0.785 and 2.28 mmol/L, respectively.

Conclusion

Adequate intake of magnesium and calcium may both improve the nutritional status of CD patients and reduce inflammation, benefiting disease relief. As both magnesium and calcium reflect CD status, they may be useful markers for CD diagnosis and disease activity.
Clinical decision‐making and the nursing process in digital health systems: An integrated systematic review
Authors: Hants Laura , Bail Kasia , Paterson Catherine
Published: July 2023

Aims

To identify how the nursing process (assessment, planning, intervention and outcome evaluation) has been incorporated into digital health systems (electronic medical records, electronic care plans and clinical decision support systems) to gain an understanding of known benefits and challenges posed to nurses' decision‐making processes.

Background

Nursing terminologies, including the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP), and Nursing Minimum Data Set's (NMDS), have been developed to improve standardised language integration of components of nursing care into digital systems. However, there is limited evidence regarding whether the complete nursing process is effectively being incorporated into digital health systems.

Methods

An integrative systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. A search strategy was applied to extract articles from included databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Web of Science Core Collection. Articles were limited to English language and published January 2007–March 2022 and assessed using a pre‐determined eligibility criteria. Quality assessment and a narrative synthesis were conducted.

Results

A total of 3321 articles were identified, and 27 studies included. There were (n = 10) qualitative, (n = 4) quantitative non‐randomised controlled trials, (n = 3) quantitative descriptive studies and (n = 10) mixed methods. Nurse assessment and planning components were the most comprehensive phases incorporated into digital health systems, and interventions and outcome evaluation were scarcely reported.

Conclusions

Inadequate capture of nursing work is a problem unresolved by digital health systems. This omission may be hindering nurse clinical decision‐making for patient care and limiting the visibility of the nursing role in health care interventions and the associated impact on patient outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Further research is needed on how digital systems can support nurses to apply the full nursing process and to further evaluate patient outcomes. Digital systems can support health‐service level evaluation through capturing missed nursing care and the consequences on patients utilising nurse‐sensitive‐outcomes; however, this is not yet being realised.
The master regulator for entry into sporulation in Bacillus subtilis becomes a mother cell‐specific transcription factor for forespore engulfment
Authors: Marathe Anuradha , Zarazúa‐Osorio Brenda , Srivastava Priyanka , Fujita Masaya
Published: July 2023

The Spo0A transcription factor is activated by phosphorylation in starving Bacillus subtilis cells. The activated Spo0A (Spo0A~P) regulates genes controlling entry into sporulation and appears to control mother‐cell‐specific gene expression after asymmetric division, but the latter remains elusive. Here, we found that Spo0A~P directly binds to three conserved DNA sequences (0A1‐3) in the promoter region of the mother cell‐specific lytic transglycosylase gene spoIID, which is transcribed by σE‐RNA polymerase (RNAP) and negatively controlled by the SpoIIID transcription factor and required for forespore engulfment. Systematic mutagenesis of the 0A boxes revealed that the 0A1 and 0A2 boxes located upstream of the promoter positively control the transcription of spoIID. In contrast, the 0A3 box located downstream of the promoter negatively controls the transcription of spoIID. The mutated SpoIIID binding site located between the −35 and −10 promoter elements causes increased expression of spoIID and reduced sporulation. When the mutations of 0A1, 0A2, and IIID sites are combined, sporulation is restored. Collectively, our data suggest that the mother cell‐specific spoIID expression is precisely controlled by the coordination of three factors, Spo0A~P, SpoIIID, and σE‐RNAP, for proper sporulation. The conservation of this mechanism across spore‐forming species was discussed.