bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of intravaginal administration of prostaglandin F2α on luteolysis and subsequent estrus in Shiba goats (Capra hircus)
Authors: Akamatsu Yumi , Tanaka Tomomi , Endo Natsumi
Published: December 2023

This study examined the effects of intravaginal administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on luteolysis and subsequent estrus in cycling goats. Goats with functional corpus lutea received one of five treatments: 2 mg of PG intramuscularly (IM2 × 1; n = 6), 2 mg of PGF2α intravaginally (IVG2 × 1; n = 7), 4 mg of PGF2α intravaginally (IVG4 × 1; n = 7), and 1 or 2 mg of PGF2α intravaginally 8 h apart (IVG1 × 2 group; n = 6 and IVG2 × 2; n = 8). Blood samples were collected at 24‐h intervals from 0 to 7 days after PGF2α administration. Estrus was checked twice daily during the experiment. The proportion of goats with complete luteolysis (reduction of progesterone concentrations to <1 ng/mL until 48 h after treatment) in the IVG2 × 1 group (28.6%) was significantly lower than in the other groups (IM2 × 1; 100%, IVG4 × 1; 57.1%, IVG1 × 2; 87.5%, IVG2 × 2; 100%, respectively). For goats completing luteolysis, there was no significant difference in the onset and duration of estrus among the groups. These results suggest that intravaginal administration of PGF2α can be applied as an alternative to intramuscular administration.
Prenatal and postpartum care during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An increase in barriers from early to mid‐pandemic in the United States
Authors: Diamond‐Smith Nadia , Logan Rachel , Adler Aliza , Gutierrez Sirena , Marshall Cassondra , Kerns Jennifer L.
Published: December 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to changes in the provision of pregnancy and postpartum care. The purpose of this study was to describe changes in access to prenatal and postpartum care over time, from early in the pandemic (July 2020) to mid‐pandemic (January 2021) and to explore socioeconomic and COVID‐19‐related economic factors associated with experiencing barriers to care.

Methods

We recruited two cross sections of women and birthing people in the US in July 2020 (N = 4645) and January 2021 (N = 3343) using Facebook and Instagram Ads.

Results

Three out of four women in the prenatal period and four out of five women in the postpartum period reported barriers to scheduling a visit. The likelihood of not having a visit (OR = 4.44, 95% CI 2.67–7.40), being unable to schedule a visit (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.71–4.35), and not being offered visits (OR = 4.26, 95% CI 2.32–7.81) increased over time. Participants were more likely to report barriers attending scheduled prenatal or postpartum appointments over time (OR = 2.72, 95% CI 2.14–3.45). Women who experienced more economic impacts from COVID‐19 were older, less educated, and were Black, Indigenous, or a person of color, and were more likely to have barriers to attending appointments.

Conclusions

Certain subgroups are more at risk during COVID‐19, and around 9 months into the pandemic, women were not only still facing barriers to care, but these had been amplified. Additional research using other data sources is needed to identify and ameliorate barriers and inequalities in access to prenatal and postpartum care that appear to have persisted throughout the pandemic.
Complex in vitro model: A transformative model in drug development and precision medicine
Authors: Wang Luming , Hu Danping , Xu Jinming , Hu Jian , Wang Yifei
Published: December 2023

In vitro and in vivo models play integral roles in preclinical drug research, evaluation, and precision medicine. In vitro models primarily involve research platforms based on cultured cells, typically in the form of two‐dimensional (2D) cell models. However, notable disparities exist between 2D cultured cells and in vivo cells across various aspects, rendering the former inadequate for replicating the physiologically relevant functions of human or animal organs and tissues. Consequently, these models failed to accurately reflect real‐life scenarios post‐drug administration. Complex in vitro models (CIVMs) refer to in vitro models that integrate a multicellular environment and a three‐dimensional structure using bio‐polymer or tissue‐derived matrices. These models seek to reconstruct the organ‐ or tissue‐specific characteristics of the extracellular microenvironment. The utilization of CIVMs allows for enhanced physiological correlation of cultured cells, thereby better mimicking in vivo conditions without ethical concerns associated with animal experimentation. Consequently, CIVMs have gained prominence in disease research and drug development. This review aimed to comprehensively examine and analyze the various types, manufacturing techniques, and applications of CIVM in the domains of drug discovery, drug development, and precision medicine. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progress made in CIVMs and their potential future use in these fields.
Divergent responses of highly migratory species to climate change in the California Current
Authors: Lezama‐Ochoa Nerea , Brodie Stephanie , Welch Heather , Jacox Michael G. , Pozo Buil Mercedes , Fiechter Jerome , Cimino Megan , Muhling Barbara , Dewar Heidi , Becker Elizabeth A. , Forney Karin A. , Costa Daniel , Benson Scott R. , Farchadi Nima , Braun Camrin , Lewison Rebecca , Bograd Steven , Hazen Elliott L.
Published: December 2023

Aim

Marine biodiversity faces unprecedented threats from anthropogenic climate change. Ecosystem responses to climate change have exhibited substantial variability in the direction and magnitude of redistribution, posing challenges for developing effective climate‐adaptive marine management strategies.

Location

The California Current Ecosystem (CCE), USA.

Methods

We project suitable habitat for 10 highly migratory species in the California Current System using an ensemble of three high‐resolution (~10 km) downscaled ocean projections under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5). Spanning the period from 1980 to 2100, our analysis focuses on assessing the direction and distance of distributional shifts, as well as changes in core habitat area for each species.

Results

Our findings reveal a divergent response among species to climate impacts. Specifically, four species were projected to undergo significant poleward shifts exceeding 100 km, and gain habitat (~7%–60%) in response to climate change. Conversely, six species were projected to shift towards the coast, resulting in a loss of habitat ranging from 10% to 66% by the end of the century. These divergent responses could typically be characterized by the mode of thermoregulation (i.e. ectotherm vs. endotherm) and species' affiliations with cool and productive upwelled waters that are characteristic of the region. Furthermore, our study highlights an increase in niche overlap between protected species and those targeted by fisheries, which may lead to increased human interaction events under climate change.

Main Conclusions

By providing valuable species distribution projections, our research contributes to the understanding of climate change effects on marine biodiversity and offers critical insight and support for developing climate‐ready management of protected and fished species.
A comparison of intracardiac echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography for guiding device closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defect: A 15‐year experience
Authors: De Cillis Emanuela , Acquaviva Tommaso , Ursi Raffaella , Soldato Nicolò , Basile Paolo , Siena Paola , Carella Maria Cristina , Baggiano Andrea , Mushtaq Saima , Fusini Laura , Rabbat Mark G. , Pontone Gianluca , Bottio Tomaso , Bortone Alessandro Santo , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Milano Aldo Domenico , Guaricci Andrea Igoren
Published: December 2023

Background and aim

Our aim was to evaluate the fluoroscopy time (FT), procedure time (PT) safety and efficacy when using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in comparison to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance for transcatheter closure of Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect (OS‐ASD).

Method

Ninety patients (n = 90) diagnosed with OS‐ASD underwent transcatheter closure between March 2006 and October 2021. Fifty‐seven patients were treated under ICE guidance, while 33 patients were treated under TEE guidance.

Results

Mean age was 43 ± 15 years and 42 ± 10 years in the ICE and TEE groups, respectively. The majority of patients had a centrally placed defect. Median FT was 8.40 min versus 11.70 min (p < .001) in the ICE group compared to the TEE group, respectively. Median PT was 43 min versus 94 min (p < .001) in the ICE group compared to the TEE group, respectively. Both ICE and TEE provided high quality images. All interventions were completed successfully, except for one patient in the ICE group who experienced a device migration, the development of atrial tachycardia in one patient and atrial fibrillation in two patients in the ICE group which spontaneously cardioverted. There were no other complications.

Conclusion

This study on a consistent cohort of patients with OS‐ASD undergoing percutaneous closure suggests that use of ICE is safe and efficacious. Compared to TEE, ICE demonstrated significantly shorter FT and PT, decreasing the entire duration of the procedure and x‐ray exposure. No relevant differences were observed in terms of success rate and complications.
Imaging‐based risk stratification of patients with pulmonary embolism based on dual‐energy CT‐derived radiomics
Authors: Gotta Jennifer , Koch Vitali , Geyer Tobias , Martin Simon S. , Booz Christian , Mahmoudi Scherwin , Eichler Katrin , Reschke Philipp , D'Angelo Tommaso , Klimek Konrad , Vogl Thomas J. , Gruenewald Leon D.
Published: December 2023

Background

Technological progress in the acquisition of medical images and the extraction of underlying quantitative imaging data has introduced exciting prospects for the diagnostic assessment of a wide range of conditions. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic utility of a machine learning classifier based on dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) radiomics for classifying pulmonary embolism (PE) severity and assessing the risk for early death.

Methods

Patients who underwent CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) between January 2015 and March 2022 were considered for inclusion in this study. Based on DECT imaging, 107 radiomic features were extracted for each patient using standardized image processing. After dividing the dataset into training and test sets, stepwise feature reduction based on reproducibility, variable importance and correlation analyses were performed to select the most relevant features; these were used to train and validate the gradient‐boosted tree models.

Results

The trained machine learning classifier achieved a classification accuracy of .90 for identifying high‐risk PE patients with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of .59. This CT‐based radiomics signature showed good diagnostic accuracy for risk stratification in individuals presenting with central PE, particularly within higher risk groups.

Conclusion

Models utilizing DECT‐derived radiomics features can accurately stratify patients with pulmonary embolism into established clinical risk scores. This approach holds the potential to enhance patient management and optimize patient flow by assisting in the clinical decision‐making process. It also offers the advantage of saving time and resources by leveraging existing imaging to eliminate the necessity for manual clinical scoring.
Trait‐based analyses reveal global patterns in diverse diets of albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga)
Authors: Hardy Natasha A. , Matuch Cindy , Roote Zachary , George Iris , Muhling Barbara A. , Jacox Michael G. , Hazen Elliott L. , Bograd Steven J. , Crowder Larry B. , Green Stephanie J.
Published: December 2023

Simplifying complex species interactions can facilitate tracking and predicting functional responses to ecological stressors. This is important for highly migratory pelagic predators, exploiting diverse prey fields as they respond to dynamic environments. We reconstructed the historical resource use of albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) globally from the 1900s to 2015 and confirmed highly biodiverse diets with 308 prey species, and an additional 238 taxa at coarser taxonomic resolution. We synthesised prey diversity into seven functional trait guilds using hierarchical divisive clustering algorithms as a function of four traits that describe habitat use and influence predator–prey encounter rates – prey habitat association vertically in the water column, horizontally along the coastal to pelagic gradient, seasonal and diel vertical migratory behaviour. We explored variability in historical composition of albacore diets across geographies based on species identity, individual trait information and functional trait guilds using a multi‐matrix modelling framework. Taxonomic information remains important for trophic ecology, however, species‐based diet composition in albacore tuna was highly variable across geographies and years sampled, making interpretation of these patterns difficult. By simplifying species identity into habitat‐based traits, we highlight changes in prey resources consumed, such as the historical importance of near‐surface epipelagic prey resources from coastal to oceanic habitats, and seasonally migrating continental shelf prey, with less frequent pulses of deeper water and demersal taxa. Trait information and trait guilds serve as useful classification frameworks for identifying functionally redundant food web linkages across biodiverse prey, and will prove useful in tracking predators' foraging responses to changing resource availability.
Public and patient involvement in the development of an internet‐based guide for persistent somatic symptoms (GUIDE.PSS): A qualitative study on the needs of those affected
Authors: Fränkl Eirin , Hasenbank Nele , Dumröse Karin , Löwe Bernd , Kohlmann Sebastian
Published: December 2023

Background

Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) frequently remain under‐treated in health care settings. Evidence‐based services that lead affected individuals to early guideline‐based care are currently missing. This study aimed to identify the needs of those affected concerning an internet‐based guide. The second aim was to evaluate public and patient involvement (PPI).

Methods

Participants experiencing PSS for at least 6 months were recruited via hospitals, psychotherapeutic practices and self‐help organizations. Qualitative data were gathered via ideation discussions and prioritization tasks. Thematic analysis was conducted to gain insight on the needs of people with lived experiences. PPI was quantitatively evaluated with the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool.

Results

A total of 12 individuals participated (eight females, ages 22–66 years, duration of symptoms 1–43 years). Participants wanted to feel more supported, validated, in control and engaged with managing their health. Content‐related preferences included education, self‐help, social support and contact addresses. The majority of participants (>90%) experienced their involvement as worthwhile.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies describing PPI in intervention development for PSS. The involvement was perceived as a valuable contribution to the development process.

Patient or Public Contribution

Adults with lived experiences were involved at the level of collaboration through the establishment of a participatory research team (PRT) and at the level of consultation through a workshop series, including one of the coauthors. They were involved in developing and validating intervention material and checking data interpretation.
Martin Luther King Jr. and Liberation Theology: James Cone, J. Deotis Roberts, and a Methodology of the Oppressed
Authors: Trudeau George Harold
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Martin Luther King's legacy as a Black, Baptist preacher and activist is widely known, but his influence in the public sphere has eclipsed his influence in Black Theology. Additionally, since the Black Power movement succeeded the Civil Rights movement, and thereby the Liberationist movement succeeded the Black Social Gospel movement, the foundations King laid became seamlessly integrated into the theology of James Cone and J. Deotis Roberts. Taking King's social analysis, his concern for crucified peoples, and grassroots activism, Cone and Roberts craft the school of Black Theology. Frederick Ware's book, Methodologies of Black Theology outlined the schools of Black Methodology, including the Black Hermeneutical School, which incorporates indigenous sources to inform theology. Walter Strickland II, building upon Ware, argues the Black Hermeneutical School has three schools of interpretive emphasis: Courthouse, Schoolhouse, and Church House. Cone's theology utilises the methodology of the Courthouse while Roberts utilises the methodology of the Church House. This paper argues that Martin Luther King Jr's activism and theology helped develop Cone and Roberts's Black Theological Method. Roberts carries King's legacy as a pastor‐theologian, and Cone carries King's legacy as a social activist.
Fracture of all‐oxide ceramic composites: Crack path analysis by surface strain monitoring
Authors: Janowski Michaela , Bock Katrin , Moosburger‐Will Judith , Koch Dietmar
Published: December 2023

Crack propagation in ceramic matrix composites is very difficult to observe

and to quantify. To investigate crack formation in all‐oxide ceramic composites, single edge notched bending tests were performed including loading‐unloading cycles and online monitoring of surface deformation using digital image correlation. The crack length was calculated by the compliance method with the crack opening displacement determined optically using digital image correlation. Obtained crack length values were found to be too small considering the sample geometry. Secondly, surface strain monitoring was used to investigate the crack growth. Analysis of cyclic force‐crack opening displacement curves and the results from strain monitoring indicated no major crack growth for loads below maximum force but still a moderately decay of force after onset of cracking. Graphical analysis of the surfaces of broken samples showed crack flank lengths ranging from 3 to 6 mm. Due to highly individual crack deflection mechanisms throughout the thickness of the oxide ceramic composites, deviations between front and back of specimens are found. The results demonstrate the necessity to use individual crack length measurements of each specimen for quantitative fracture mechanical evaluation. Strain monitoring during testing was shown to be a valuable tool for online crack path investigation.
Incidence, risk factors and treatment of central nervous system immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in non‐HIV patients with tuberculous meningitis: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Robert Marie , Mageau Arthur , Gaudemer Augustin , Thy Michael , Peiffer Smadja Nathan , de Lastours Victoire , De Broucker Thomas , Papo Thomas , Goulenok Tiphaine , Sacré Karim
Published: December 2023

Background

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is associated with poor outcomes.

Aims

To report on risk factors for CNS‐IRIS following tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in HIV‐negative patients.

Methods

In this retrospective multicentre study, all HIV‐negative adult patients admitted between 2003 and 2021 with microbiologically proven TBM were included. The primary outcome measure was IRIS onset over follow‐up. Characteristics of patients who developed IRIS were described. Factors associated with IRIS were identified using a multivariable logistic regression procedure.

Results

Fifty‐six patients (33.0 (27.0–44.3) years, 39 (69.6%) men) with microbiologically proven TBM were studied. All patients received antituberculosis treatment and 48 (n = 48/56; 85.7%) steroids at TBM diagnosis. During a median follow‐up of 18.0 (12.0–27.3) months, IRIS occurred in 28 (n = 28/56, 50.0%) patients, at a median time of 2.0 (1.0–3.0) months after antituberculosis treatment was started. IRIS involved the CNS in all but one case. Imaging revealed new (n = 23/28, 82.1%) and/or worsening (n = 21/28; 75.0%) of previously recognised lesions. Multivariable analysis showed that meningeal enhancement on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (odds ratio (OR): 15.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.19–1193.5)) at TBM diagnosis and high blood albumin level (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: (1.02–1.60)) were associated with the occurrence of CNS‐IRIS during follow‐up.

Conclusion

CNS‐IRIS following TBM in non‐HIV patients appears frequent and severe. Meningeal enhancement on brain MRI at tuberculosis diagnosis is a risk factor for CNS‐IRIS.
Orodental health status of patients with inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Chaiboonyarak Thitaya , Chantarangsu Soranun , Gavila Patcharaporn , Lao‐Araya Mongkol , Suratannon Narissara , Porntaveetus Thantrira
Published: December 2023

Background

Various orodental problems affect patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI), but there are limited studies on these issues.

Aim

To study orodental status and its confounding factors in patients with IEI.

Design

Caries, enamel defects, gingival, and soft tissue conditions were examined. Data on patient characteristics, dental hygiene habits, dental attendance, and household income were collected. Statistical analysis and logistic regression were performed.

Results

Forty‐five participants with a mean age of 9.20 ± 6.41 years were included. Almost all participants had gingivitis (42 of 45; 93.3%), whereas a small number had periodontitis (five of 45; 11.1%). Calculus was found in 33 (73.3%) and caries in 30 (66.7%). Mucosal ulcers, enamel defects, and candidiasis were observed in 23 of 45 (51.1%), 16 of 43 (37.2%), and six of 43 (14.0%), respectively. Chances of having caries, moderate‐to‐severe gingivitis, periodontitis, calculus, and ulcers increased with age. Taking antibiotics in the last two months increased the risk of caries by five times. Lower income increased the risk of calculus deposit by nine times.

Conclusion

Gingivitis, calculus, caries, and mucosal ulcers were the most common orodental findings in patients with IEI. Antibiotics increased the risk of caries, and low‐income children had higher calculus accumulation.
From mutualism to commensalism: Assessing the evolving relationship between complementors and digital platforms
Authors: Gastaldi Luca , Appio Francesco Paolo , Trabucchi Daniel , Buganza Tommaso , Corso Mariano
Published: December 2023

Digital platforms are increasingly dominating markets by bringing together two or more groups of users and facilitating the exchange of value between them. Although several significant issues concerning the dynamics of digital platforms have been addressed, much of the research effort has focused on the platform owner. On the other hand, research on complementors neither takes into account the individual level nor clearly shows what an individual complementor can do to benefit from platform participation. By studying the evolving relationship between YouTube and its ecosystem of complementors (content creators), we shed light on the strategies that complementors use to progressively avoid but still benefit from platform governance. We find that content creators are, first, in a mutual relationship with the YouTube platform, benefiting from direct monetization. Then, they shift to commensalism as the relationship evolves, allowing them to avoid YouTube's governance and take advantage of multi‐homing. Our findings illuminate the effects of platform governance, particularly how it shapes the actions of complementors.
Balancing on life's ladder: A meta‐ethnography of the existential experiences of siblings of children with complex care needs
Authors: Nygård Carina , Clancy Anne , Kitzmüller Gabriele
Published: December 2023

Aim

To synthesize and interpret existing qualitative research on the existential experiences of siblings of children with complex care needs.

Design

Noblit and Hare's interpretive meta‐ethnography.

Methods

The study has been registered in the international prospective register for systematic reviews (PROSPERO). Noblit and Hare's 7‐step procedure was followed and reciprocal translation was performed to analyse the data and develop a line of argument synthesis.

Data Sources

A comprehensive systematic literature search of five databases, along with extensive manual searches, was completed in November 2022. The final sample comprised 18 studies published between 2010 and 2022.

Results

A line of argument, expressed through an overarching metaphor, “balancing on life's ladder”, illustrates the core findings of siblings' fluctuating experiences of existential well‐being, and encapsulates four third‐order themes: the emotional turmoil of siblings, interrupted family life, siblings strive to be themselves and siblings struggle to cope.

Conclusion

Growing up with a sibling with complex care needs made children feel invisible, lonely and struggling to find the courage to cope. By adopting a lifeworld approach, nurses can become aware of healthy siblings' unmet needs. Future research is needed on how nurses can contribute to siblings' existential well‐being, in primary – and secondary health care settings.

Implications

The study provides insight into siblings' existential experiences and factors improving their well‐being, enabling nurses to provide a more optimized lifeworld‐led clinical practice.

Impact

Healthcare, nursing education and practice should be informed by the knowledge of existential issues. Nurses are well‐positioned to work alongside families to provide family‐centered care. Our findings have implications for health policies tailored to the needs of children with chronically ill siblings.

Reporting Method

This review adheres to the Equator and improving reporting of meta‐ethnography (eMERGe) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution, because the data comprised previously published studies.
Bullying in persons with skin diseases
Authors: Chernyshov P. V. , Tomas‐Aragones L. , Manolache L. , Pustisek N. , Darlenski R. , Marron S. E. , Koumaki D. , Pochynok T. V. , Szepietowski J. С. , Wala‐Zielinska K. , Wójcik E. , Szepietowska M. , Lisicki B. , Tsidylo I. G. , Chernyshov A. V. , Poot F. , Magin P.
Published: December 2023

Background

There are few studies on bullying in skin diseases. Persons with skin diseases are especially prone to bullying.

Objectives

This component of the project ‘Bullying among Dermatologic Patients’ aimed to study the prevalence and nature of bullying in patients with skin diseases from different countries and age groups.

Methods

Data were collected from participants of international social media groups for patients with skin diseases, in‐patients and out‐patients with skin diseases, and parents of children with skin diseases from six European countries. School and university students from Poland and Ukraine were asked to answer the question: Have you been bullied because of skin problems?

Results

Bullying was reported in 1016 patients with 36 different skin diseases. Prevalence of self‐reported and parental‐reported bullying was quite heterogeneous among different countries In total, self‐reported bullying was noted by 25.6% of patients with skin diseases during face‐to‐face consultations, by 63.7% of respondents from international patients' groups and by 12.2% of school and university students. Parental‐reported bullying was detected in 34.5% of 3–4 years old children with skin diseases. The peak of bullying prevalence occurred between the ages of 13 and 15. The most prevalent forms of bullying were verbal abuse and social isolation. Physical abuse was the least often reported form of bullying. Only 33.2% of participants talked to anyone about being bullied. Negative long‐term effects of bullying were reported by 63% of respondents.

Conclusions

Skin disease‐related bullying was reported by patients in all centres of the project. The main manifestations of bullying were similar in different countries and among patients with different skin diseases. International activities aimed to decrease or prevent skin disease‐related bullying in different age groups are needed. These activities should be multidirectional and target teachers, parents of classmates and classmates of children with skin diseases, patients' parents and patients themselves.
Clinically uninvolved but not healthy—The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis is primed for itch and inflammation
Authors: Moon S. , Stasikowska‐Kanicka O. , Wągrowska‐Danilewicz M. , Hawro M. , Metz M. , Maurer M. , Hawro T.
Published: December 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by episodic exacerbations and remissions. Why the clinically healthy skin of AD patients becomes rapidly inflamed and very pruritic is poorly understood.

Objective

To investigate cowhage‐ and histamine‐induced itch and skin expression levels of their target receptors in lesional and non‐lesional skin of AD, compared to the skin of patients with psoriasis, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and healthy subjects.

Methods

Patients with AD, psoriasis and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) as well as healthy control subjects (HC) (n = 20 each) were assessed for differences in itch parameters, neurogenic flare reaction and local blood flow responses to skin provocations with cowhage and histamine. Skin biopsies from 10 AD, 10 psoriasis,11 CSU and 12 HC were obtained to assess expression of protease‐activated receptors 2 and 4 (PAR‐2, PAR‐4), histamine H1 and H4 receptors (H1R, H4R), and mast cells.

Results

Provocation of non‐lesional skin of AD patients with cowhage resulted in prolonged itch (p = 0.020), which was not observed in psoriasis and CSU. Significantly prolonged and more intense cowhage‐ and histamine‐induced itch (for duration, peak and overall intensity) was also observed in lesional AD skin. Diminished neurogenic flare reaction and blood flow after histamine provocation were shown in AD and psoriasis patients. Non‐lesional AD skin along with lesional AD and psoriasis skin showed an increased expression of PAR‐2 and PAR‐4, H1R and H4R. Mast cell number was higher in lesional AD and psoriasis skin (p = 0.006 and p = 0.006, respectively).

Conclusion

The non‐lesional skin of AD patients markedly differs from healthy skin in cowhage‐induced itch responses and the expression of receptors for proteases and histamine. Proactive therapeutic interventions that downregulate these receptors may prevent episodic exacerbation in AD.
Poor oral health and dementia risk under time‐varying confounding: A cohort study based on marginal structural models
Authors: Kusama Taro , Takeuchi Kenji , Kiuchi Sakura , Aida Jun , Osaka Ken
Published: December 2023

Background

Bidirectional association between oral health, including tooth loss and oral hypofunction, and cognitive impairment can induce time‐varying confounding in association with dementia. This study aimed to investigate the association between oral health and the development of dementia among older adults, considering cognitive impairment as a time‐varying confounder.

Methods

This nine‐year follow‐up cohort study targeted independent older adults aged ≥65 years who participated in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. The exposure variables were self‐reported poor oral health (≤19 remaining teeth, edentulousness, chewing difficulty, swallowing problems, and xerostomia), which were assessed in 2010 and 2013. The outcome variable was the incidence of dementia between 2013 and 2019, which was obtained from the municipalities' administrative database. Furthermore, in 2010 and 2013, we considered cognitive impairment as a time‐varying confounder and treated it based on a marginal structural model (MSM), including possible baseline confounders. Oral health and cognitive impairment were assessed using the items of Kihon checklist. We employed a Cox proportional hazards model with a stabilized inverse probability weight and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Among 37,556 participants (mean age: 72.8 years [1 SD = 5.5], males: 46.8%), the dementia incidence rate was 2.2/100 person‐year. The proportions of those with ≤19 remaining teeth, edentulousness, chewing difficulty, swallowing problems, and xerostomia were 61.3%, 11.0%, 24.4%, 14.7%, and 19.2%, respectively. From the regression analysis based on MSM, ≤19 remaining teeth (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.03–1.23), edentulousness (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.09–1.32), chewing difficulty (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02–1.21), and xerostomia (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.01–1.20) were significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia; however, swallowing problems were not significantly associated with dementia onset (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Even after considering time‐varying confounding by cognitive function at baseline and follow‐up, we observed significant associations between poor oral health and increased risk of dementia among older adults.
Verb generation for presurgical mapping: Gaining specificity
Authors: Salillas Elena , Luisi Concetta , Arcara Giorgio , Varlı Elif Nur , d'Avella Domenico , Semenza Carlo
Published: December 2023

Verb generation is among the most frequently used tasks in presurgical mapping. Because this task involves many processes, the overall brain effects are not specific. While it is necessary to identify the whole network involving noun comprehension or semantic retrieval and lexical selection to produce the verb, isolation of those components is also crucial. Here, we present data from four patients undergoing presurgical brain mapping. The study implied a reanalysis of magnetoencephalography data with a recategorization of the used items. It aimed to extract the task component that relies on the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). The task could be applied with higher specificity when targeting frontal areas. For that, we based item classification on the selection demands imposed by the noun. It is a robust finding that the IFG carries out this selection and that a quantitative index can be calculated for each noun, which depends on the selection effort (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1997; 94(26):14792–14797, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1998; 95(26):15855–15860). Data showed focality and specificity, with a correlation between this derived index and source activations in the inferior frontal gyrus for all patients. Strikingly, we detected when the right‐hemisphere homologue area was involved in the selection process in two patients showing reorganization or language right lateralization. The present data are a step towards a dissection of broad specific tasks frequently used in presurgical protocols.
A cancer personalised activity and lifestyle tool (CAN‐PAL): A codesign study with patients and healthcare professionals
Authors: Gale Nichola , Jones Una , Rees Tracy , Hicks Alexandra , Davies Janet , Holliday Samantha , Hopkinson Jane
Published: December 2023

Aims

To codesign a cancer personalised activity and lifestyle tool (CAN‐PAL) based on an existing tool. To help cancer care workers support people affected by cancer to plan and integrate physical activity into lifestyles.

Design

Mixed‐methods codesign study.

Methods

Phase 1: Focus groups with people affected by cancer (n = 10) or interviews (n = 2) to discuss suitable physical activities and adaptation of the existing tool. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Themes informed the design of the prototype CAN‐PAL and user guide. Phase 2: Healthcare professionals considered the potential use of the CAN‐PAL prototype and completed an online survey including the system usability scale and free text responses.

Results

Phase 1: Identified suitable physical activities and four themes were identified including: Capability, benefits, barriers and resources which informed the prototype CAN‐PAL and user guide. Phase 2: The user survey was completed by 12 healthcare professionals. Median (range) system usability scale was 80 (50–95) (best score 100), scores >68 indicate good or better usability. Themes from the free text comments included strengths, amendments, considerations and limitations. Results were used to finalise CAN‐PAL and the user guide.

Conclusion

The codesigned CAN‐PAL tool had good usability. Further work is needed to evaluate the impact of CAN‐PAL on activity levels and behaviour in people affected by cancer.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

People affected by cancer need support to undertake physical activity. The purpose of CAN‐PAL is to assist cancer care workers to support people affected by cancer to plan and integrate physical activity into lifestyles.

Patient or Public Contribution

Public partners considered the findings from Phase 1 and 2 and informed the design of the prototype, final CAN‐PAL and user guide and coauthored the paper.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines; the study was reported according to the COREQ checklist.
Gradated silicone shade guide utilized for shade matching extraoral prostheses
Authors: Handel Steven E. , Pizzini James , Hart Ethan , Sabol Jennifer V.
Published: December 2023

Shade matching of extraoral prostheses is completed by mixing pigments and rayon flocking into medical‐grade silicone and using a carrier to evaluate the color match. This process does not account for how material thickness affects the appearance of the silicone. This clinical case report discusses an innovative way to match the patient's skin tone using a digitally designed gradated silicone carrier and how this device allows for the assessment of shade from the thin marginal edge to 5 mm thickness.
Periodontitis causally affects the brain cortical structure: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Mengqiao , Wang Ziyao , Zhao Delu , Yu Yajie , Wei Fulan
Published: December 2023

Objective

To estimate whether genetically proxied periodontitis causally impacts the brain cortical structure using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Background

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent inflammatory conditions globally, and emerging evidence has indicated its influences on distal organs, including the brain, whose disorders are always accompanied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐identified brain cortical changes. However, to date, no available evidence has revealed the association between periodontitis and brain cortical structures.

Methods

The instrumental variables (IVs) were adopted from previous genome‐wide association study (GWAS) studies and meta‐analyses of GWAS studies of periodontitis from 1844 to 5266 cases and 8255 to 12 515 controls. IVs were linked to GWAS summary data of 51 665 patients from the ENIGMA Consortium, assessing the impacts of genetically proxied periodontitis on the surficial area (SA) or the cortical thickness (TH) of the global and 34 MRI‐identified functional regions of the brain. Inverse‐variance weighted was used as the primary estimate; the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR‐PRESSO), the MR–Egger intercept test, and leave‐one‐out analyses were used to examine the potential horizontal pleiotropy.

Results

Genetically proxied periodontitis affects the SA of the medial orbitofrontal cortex, the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, the inferior temporal cortex, the entorhinal cortex, and the temporal pole, as well as the TH of the entorhinal. No pleiotropy was detected.

Conclusions

Periodontitis causally influences the brain cortical structures, implying the existence of a periodontal tissue–brain axis.
Culturable endophytic Sordariomycetes from Rosa roxburghii: New species and lifestyles
Authors: Zhang Hong , Mao Yu‐Tao , Ma Ming‐Xia , Tao Guang‐Can , Wei Tian‐Peng , Jiang Yu‐Lan
Published: December 2023

Rosa‐associated fungi are rich in species and diverse in function, with many potential new taxa. However, only a few publications have reported Rosa‐associated endophytic fungi using a combination of molecular systematics and morphology. Rosa roxburghii is an economically important source of medicine and food. We reported earlier the diversity and antimicrobial activities of the fungal endophytes of this plant, but further confirmation is needed for possible new taxa. In this study, we describe 10 novel species and two new host records isolated from healthy tissues of R. roxburghii while identifying three new combinations, all belonging to the Sordariomycetes. The new species described herein include Chaetomium rosifloricola, Chaetomium rosiradicicola, Chrysofolia fructicola, Coniella cili, Hypoxylon florendophyticum, Hypoxylon rosicaulendophyticum, Ilyonectria radicigena, Neopestalotiopsis caulicola, Neopestalotiopsis fructicola, and Seimatosporium endophyticum. Monochaetia bulbophylli, Neopestalotiopsis anacardii, and Neopestalotiopsis termitarii were introduced as new combinations, while Coniella quercicola and Hypoxylon pulicicidum were described as new host records on R. roxburghii. All the taxa have been described, illustrated, and phylogenetically analyzed, in addition to the lifestyles of each genus. Altogether, the results of this study have important implications for identifying novel endophytic fungi and developing potential applications of these fungi in the future.
Diversity and distribution of foraminifera and tintinnids (bio‐indicators) from Pulicat Lake, India
Authors: Govindan S. , Ramanibai R. , Murugan R.
Published: December 2023

The foraminifera and tintinnids are essential indicators of the health status of marine and estuarine ecosystems, both past and present, and can be used for monitoring purposes in the future. Tintinnids are known to group among ciliates possessing hard loricate to be considered by hydrogeologists as one of the bio‐indicator species, exhibiting a strong positive correlation with phytoplankton. Pulicat Lake is a marginal marine environment present near the south coast of India. Intertidal sediment samples were collected from September 2013 to August 2014 and were subjected to isolate the foraminiferans and tintinnids by adopting standard methods. In all, twenty‐one genera and 24 species of foraminifera have been identified from the stream, where Quinquelina seminulum was found to be abundant. Contrary to this, a minimum number of species was present in the freshwater inflow zone, mainly Amomalinula glabrata, Haplophragmoides kirki, Natlandia secasensi and Valvulineria candeiana. Tintinnopsis are recorded in the sampling sites, belonging to 5 families and 6 genera, and 12 species have been identified, and among these Favella campanula species was found to be abundant in the study area. From our results, the recorded species in terms of numerical abundance of foraminiferans appeared predominant over the tintinnids. The dominant role of foraminiferans may be a significant contribution to the carbon cycle of marine/estuarine ecosystems proved elsewhere in turn responsible for the substantial uptake of phytodetritus deposition. Based on these findings, our preliminary study may be useful to explore the carbon sequestration process in the Pulicat Lake ecosystem.
The effect of divergent and parallel selection on the genomic landscape of divergence
Authors: Ali Hisham A. A. , Coulson Tim , Clegg Sonya M. , Quilodrán Claudio S.
Published: December 2023

While the role of selection in divergence along the speciation continuum is theoretically well understood, defining specific signatures of selection in the genomic landscape of divergence is empirically challenging. Modelling approaches can provide insight into the potential role of selection on the emergence of a heterogenous genomic landscape of divergence. Here, we extend and apply an individual‐based approach that simulates the phenotypic and genotypic distributions of two populations under a variety of selection regimes, genotype–phenotype maps, modes of migration, and genotype‐environment interactions. We show that genomic islands of high differentiation and genomic valleys of similarity may respectively form under divergent and parallel selection between populations. For both types of between‐population selection, negative and positive frequency‐dependent selection within populations generated genomic islands of higher magnitude and genomic valleys of similarity, respectively. Divergence rates decreased under strong dominance with divergent selection, as well as in models including genotype‐environment interactions under parallel selection. For both divergent and parallel selection models, divergence rate was higher under an intermittent migration regime between populations, in contrast to a constant level of migration across generations, despite an equal number of total migrants. We highlight that interpreting a particular evolutionary history from an observed genomic pattern must be done cautiously, as similar patterns may be obtained from different combinations of evolutionary processes. Modelling approaches such as ours provide an opportunity to narrow the potential routes that generate the genomic patterns of specific evolutionary histories.
Recurrent transient severe hypocalcaemia in two siblings with type 1 Bartter syndrome
Authors: Kanda Juri , Kanda Shoichiro , Hayashi Yoshiki , Nozu Kandai , Ariji Shohei , Shimoda Mai , Ono Mayumi , Kanda Sachiko , Yokoyama Seiichiro , Takahashi Kan
Published: December 2023

Type 1 Bartter syndrome causes hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis owing to mutation in the SLC12A1 gene. Meanwhile, hypocalcaemia is rare in Bartter syndrome, except in type 5 Bartter syndrome. Herein, we describe two siblings with type 1 Bartter syndrome with recurrent transient severe hypocalcaemia. They each visited our hospital several times with chief complaints of numbness in the limbs, shortness of breath and tetany after stresses such as exercise or fever. Severe hypocalcaemia was also observed with a serum calcium level of approximately 6.0 mg/dL at each visit. The clinical symptoms and abnormalities in laboratory findings quickly improved with rest and intravenous treatment. In a steady state, no severe hypocalcaemia was evident, but serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were high. In recent years, a large‐scale study has revealed that type 1 and type 2 Bartter syndrome have high PTH values. In addition, there are reports that these patients develop hypocalcaemia due to PTH resistance. Therefore, our patient was also in a PTH‐resistant state, and hypocalcaemia was thought to be exacerbated by physical stress. It is not well known that Bartter syndrome patients other than those with type 5 suffer from hypocalcaemia. And hypocalcaemia was not detected in normal examinations under steady‐state conditions. Therefore, in patients with type 1 and type 2 Bartter syndrome, severe hypocalcaemia may occur, but may go unnoticed. When following up these patients, the attending physician must keep in mind that such patients are in a PTH‐resistant state and that physical stress can cause severe hypocalcaemia.