bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological characteristics of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in patients treated with TNF‐α inhibitors
Authors: Palacios‐Diaz Rodolfo David , Sahuquillo‐Torralba Antonio , Rocamora‐Durán Vicenç , Unamuno‐Bustos Blanca de , Salavert‐Lleti Miguel , Santos‐Alarcón Sergio , Quintero Adriana , Garcías‐Ladaria Joan , Vila‐Payeras Aina , Martínez‐Doménech Alvaro , Mateu‐Puchades Almudena , Nadal‐Lladó Cristina , Botella‐Estrada Rafael
Published: April 2023

Background and objectives

The increasing use of biologics in the treatment of inflammatory diseases has led to more cases of leishmaniasis in patients subjected to iatrogenic immunosuppression. The main objective was to describe the characteristics of the patients with cutaneous (CL) or mucocutaneous (MCL) leishmaniasis who were receiving a biological therapy at the time of diagnosis.

Patients and methods

A multicenter retrospective study was design based on a cohort of patients diagnosed with CL or MCL. All patients who were being treated with biologicals were included. For each case, two matched non‐exposed patients were included for comparison.

Results

38 patients were diagnosed with CL or MCL while being treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) inhibitors. Leishmaniasis presented more frequently as a plaque (58.3%) with a larger median lesion size (2.5 cm), ulceration (92.1%), and required a greater median number of intralesional meglumine antimoniate infiltrations (3 doses) (P < 0.05) than in non‐exposed patients. We found no systemic involvement in patients being treated with anti‐TNF‐α. We did not find differences regarding the treatment characteristics whether biologic therapy was modified or not.

Conclusions

Although management should be individualized, maintenance of biologic therapy does not seem to interfere with treatment of CL or MCL.
From terrible twos to sassy sixes: The development of vocabulary and executive functioning across early childhood
Authors: Bruce Madeleine , Savla Jyoti , Bell Martha Ann
Published: April 2023

Across the early childhood period of development, young children exhibit considerable growth in their executive functioning (EF) and vocabulary abilities. Understanding the developmental trajectory of these seemingly interrelated processes is important as both early vocabulary and EF have been shown to predict critical academic and socio‐emotional outcomes later in childhood. Although previous research suggests that EF and vocabulary are correlated in early childhood, much of the existing longitudinal research has focused on unidirectional relations among preschool child samples. The current large‐scale study, therefore, sought to examine whether children's vocabulary and EF abilities are bidirectionally related over time across four measurement waves in early childhood (i.e., at ages 2, 3, 4, and 6). At each timepoint, children's vocabulary skills were positively correlated with their concurrent EF abilities. After controlling for child sex and maternal education status, the best‐fitting, cross‐lagged panel model was a unidirectional model whereby children's early vocabulary scores predicted their later EF performance at each timepoint. Although age 2 EF significantly predicted age 3 vocabulary size, this association was no longer significant after accounting for maternal education status. Our results illustrate that vocabulary size plays an important role in predicting children's later EF performance across various timepoints in early childhood, even after controlling for children's initial EF scores. These findings have important implications for intervention research as fostering early vocabulary acquisition may serve as a possible avenue for improving EF outcomes in young children.

Research Highlights

Children's vocabulary size is positively correlated with their concurrent executive functioning skill at ages 2, 3, 4, and 6

Young children's early vocabulary scores predict their later EF performance across measurement waves, even after controlling for initial EF skill

There is stability in children's relative vocabulary size and executive functioning performance over time in early childhood
Longitudinal study investigating serum metabolites and their association with type 2 diabetes risk in a Korean population
Authors: Jung Youngae , Ahn Eunyong , Park Taesung , Hwang Geum‐Sook
Published: April 2023

Aim

The lack of longitudinal metabolomics data and the statistical techniques to analyse them has limited the understanding of the metabolite levels related to type 2 diabetes (T2D) onset. Thus, we carried out logistic regression analysis and simultaneously proposed new approaches based on residuals of multiple logistic regression and geometric angle‐based clustering for the analysis in T2D onset‐specific metabolic changes.

Materials and methods

We used the sixth, seventh and eighth follow‐up data from 2013, 2015 and 2017 among the Korea Association REsource (KARE) cohort data. Semi‐targeted metabolite analysis was performed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole‐mass spectrometry systems.

Results

As the results from the multiple logistic regression and a single metabolite in a logistic regression analysis varied dramatically, we recommend using models that consider potential multicollinearity among metabolites. The residual‐based approach particularly identified neurotransmitters or related precursors as T2D onset‐specific metabolites. By using geometric angle‐based pattern clustering studies, ketone bodies and carnitines are observed as disease‐onset specific metabolites and separated from others.

Conclusion

To treat patients with early‐stage insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia when metabolic disorders are still reversible, our findings may contribute to a greater understanding of how metabolomics could be used in disease intervention strategies during the early stages of T2D.
A review of current key guidelines for managing high‐risk patients with diabetes and heart failure and future prospects
Authors: Lee Matthew M. Y. , Sattar Naveed
Published: April 2023

We reviewed recent guidelines on the management of heart failure (HF) in patients with diabetes. Major recommendations in European and US society guidelines were scrutinized. First, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors are now recommended treatments for all patients with symptomatic HF (stage C and D; New York Heart Association class II‐IV), irrespective of the presence of type 2 diabetes and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Second, patients with HF and reduced EF (LVEF ≤40%) should have foundational therapies from four drug classes (sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, angiotensin‐receptor neprilysin inhibitor, beta‐blocker and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist). Third, patients with HF with mildly reduced (41%‐49%) and preserved (≥50%) LVEF may also benefit from angiotensin‐receptor neprilysin inhibitor, beta‐blocker and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy, although evidence for these is less robust. Fourth, selected patients should be considered for other therapies such as diuretics (if congestion), anticoagulation (if atrial fibrillation) and cardiac device therapy. Fifth, glucose‐lowering therapies such as thiazolidinediones and certain dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (such as saxagliptin and alogliptin) should be avoided in patients with HF. Sixth, guidelines recommend enrolment of patients with HF into exercise rehabilitation and multidisciplinary HF management programmes. Particular attention should be paid to important comorbidities such as obesity, alongside pharmacological therapies. As diabetes and obesity are major risk factors for HF, earlier consideration of, and diagnosis of HF, followed by guideline‐directed medical therapy can meaningfully improve patients' lives. Diabetes doctors would do well to understand the basics of such guidelines to help improve all aspects of HF diagnosis and care.
Elevated factor XIa as a modulator of plasma fibrin clot properties in coronary artery disease
Authors: Paszek Elżbieta , Malinowski Krzysztof P. , Ząbczyk Michał , Butenas Saulius , Undas Anetta
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) display a prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype, involving low permeability and resistance to lysis. The determinants of this phenotype remain elusive. Circulating tissue factor (TF) and activated factor XI (FXIa) are linked to arterial thromboembolism. We investigated whether detectable active TF and FXIa influence fibrin clot properties in CAD.

Methods

In 118 CAD patients (median age 65 years, 78% men), we assessed Ks, an indicator of clot permeability, and clot lysis time (CLT) in plasma‐based assays, along with the presence of active TF and FXIa. We also analysed proteins involved in clotting and thrombolysis, including fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) and thrombin activatable thrombolysis inhibitor (TAFI). During a median 106 month (interquartile range 95–119) follow‐up, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, systemic thromboembolism (SE) and cardiovascular (CV) death were recorded.

Results

Circulating TF and FXIa, detected in 20.3% and 39.8% of patients, respectively, were associated with low Ks and prolonged CLT. Solely FXIa remained an independent predictor of low Ks and high CLT on multivariable analysis. Additionally, fibrinogen and PAI‐1 were associated with low Ks, while PAI‐1 and TAFI—with prolonged CLT. During follow‐up low Ks and prolonged CLT increased the risk of MI and the latter also a composite endpoint of MI, stroke/SE or CV death.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study is the first to show that circulating FXIa is associated with prothrombotic fibrin clot properties in CAD, suggesting additional mechanisms through which FXIa inhibitors could act as novel antithrombotic agents in CAD.
Undetected eating disorders among adolescent psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Pehlivanturk‐Kizilkan Melis , Campbell Kelly Anne , White Zappitelli Megan
Published: April 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of undetected eating disorders (EDs) among adolescent psychiatric inpatients and to investigate the association between clinical, psychiatric, and sociocultural factors and EDs.

Methods

Between January and December 2018, patients aged 12–18 years, hospitalized for inpatient‐level treatment were given the self‐assessment questionnaires of the Eating Attitudes Test‐26 (EAT‐26), the Contour Drawing Figure Rating Scale (CDFRS), the Child Behaviour Check List, and Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire‐4 after their routine unstructured clinical diagnostic assessment on admission by a psychiatrist. Patients were reassessed after reviewing the psychometric assessment results.

Results

The prevalence of EDs among 117 psychiatric inpatients was 9.4%, all were female and all diagnosed with unspecified feeding and eating disorder. We showed that 63.6% of patients with EDs was diagnosed after the screening and not with the routine clinical interview. EAT‐26 scores were weakly correlated with affective (r = 0.314, p = .001), anxious (r = 0.231, p = .012), somatic (r = 0.258, p = .005), and impulsive maladaptive behaviours (r = 0.272, p = .003). A formal ED diagnosis was positively associated with media pressure, (OR:1.660, 95% CI: 1.105–2.495) and oppositional defiance (OR: 1.391, 95% CI: 1.005–1.926), and negatively with conduct problems (OR: 0.695, 95% CI: 0.500–0.964). The CDFRS results were not different between the ED and non‐ED groups.

Conclusions

Our study suggests EDs remain a prevalent yet often overlooked diagnosis in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Health care providers should screen for EDs in inpatient psychiatric settings as a part of routine assessment to improve the identification of disordered eating behaviours that often begin during adolescence.
Seed limitation interacts with biotic and abiotic factors to constrain novel species' impact on community biomass and richness
Authors: Pichon Noémie A. , Kaarlejärvi Elina , Eskelinen Anu
Published: April 2023

Seed limitation can narrow down the number of coexisting plant species, limit plant community productivity, and also constrain community responses to changing environmental and biotic conditions. In a 10‐year full‐factorial experiment of seed addition, fertilisation, warming and herbivore exclusion, we tested how seed addition alters community richness and biomass, and how its effects depend on seed origin and biotic and abiotic context. We found that seed addition increased species richness in all treatments, and increased plant community biomass depending on nutrient addition and warming. Novel species, originally absent from the communities, increased biomass the most, especially in fertilised plots and in the absence of herbivores, while adding seeds of local species did not affect biomass. Our results show that seed limitation constrains both community richness and biomass, and highlight the importance of considering trophic interactions and soil nutrients when assessing novel species immigrations and their effects on community biomass.
Antibiotic resistance gene abundance and bacterial community composition in macroinvertebrates of an urban stream
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sohini , Eagar Andrew C. , Engohang‐Ndong Jean , Leff Laura G.
Published: April 2023

Increase in antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in freshwater ecosystems as a consequence of anthropogenic activities is a matter of public health concern. Although researchers have looked at ARG abundance and the factors affecting them in biofilms, water and sediment, the role of freshwater macroinvertebrate gut microbiomes in harbouring and disseminating ARGs is unknown. In the current study, we tested whether: (a) macroinvertebrate gut microbiomes serve as hotspots of ARGs in comparison to their immediate environment, (b) functional feeding groups (FFGs) impact ARG abundance in macroinvertebrate guts, (c) bacterial community composition and ARG abundance are correlated, and (d) macroinvertebrates can be potential vectors of ARGs.

Macroinvertebrates, sediment and water samples were collected from seven different sites along northeastern Ohio (U.S.A.) streams and abundances of three ARGs (sulI, sulII and tetW) were determined. Bacterial community composition also was examined for respective microbiomes and a microcosm study was designed for testing hypothesis 4.

In many cases, the gut microbiome had higher relative ARG abundance (sulI and sulII) at sites along Tinker's Creek compared to the surrounding substrate and water. ARG abundances along with taxonomic differences in bacterial community composition were different among the FFGs (ARG abundance higher in omnivores). Certain bacterial taxa were significantly correlated with one or more ARGs. We did not find that freshwater macroinvertebrates can serve as vectors of ARGs (from the microcosm study).

Overall, our site‐based results suggest that freshwater macroinvertebrate guts may serve as reservoirs of ARGs, differences in ARG abundance among FFGs was possibly a result of differences in bacteria ingested and gut morphophysiological conditions.

Because this study indicates that macroinvertebrate guts can be potential reservoirs of ARGs, future studies can be designed to understand the role of macroinvertebrates in dissemination of ARGs in freshwater ecosystems.
Agronomic and forage nutritive responses of Kentucky bluegrass dominated pastures in the northern Great Plains
Authors: Toledo David , Swanson Kendall , Meehan Miranda , Dahlen Carl , Christensen Rachael , Asplin Daniel
Published: April 2023

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) has become dominant in many portions of the northern Great Plains. During hot and/or dry periods, pastures consisting of mostly cool‐season grasses will most likely lack the productivity and diversity needed to provide sufficient forage for livestock. Determining the impact of weather conditions on the variation of forage production and nutritive response of Kentucky bluegrass is becoming increasingly important to agricultural producers. Sampling occurred at the USDA Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory near Mandan, North Dakota, USA. Kentucky bluegrass samples were clipped every 2–3 weeks in mowed and unmowed unfertilized rangeland plots during the growing seasons of 2017 and 2018. Samples were dried, weighed, ground to pass a 1‐mm sieve, and analysed for nutritive value. There are differences between the modelled supply of metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein and the requirements for cow‐calf pairs for all years and most months. Early defoliation of Kentucky bluegrass decreases productivity and nutritive value as the grazing season progresses. Adjusting management to allow an adequate growth interval and plant canopy cover throughout the year can ensure a more consistent supply of Kentucky bluegrass. Our data and models provide a glimpse into future scenarios, which allow producers to be more proactive in dealing with Kentucky bluegrass and projected changes in climate.
Delirium incidence, predictors and outcomes in the intensive care unit: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Alzoubi Elaf , Shaheen Feras , Yousef Khalil
Published: April 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of delirium in intensive care units.

Background

Delirium is a common complication in intensive care units. In developing countries, it can be misdiagnosed or unrecognised.

Design

Prospective cohort study reported according to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology criteria.

Methods

We included patients who were conscious, >18 years old, and admitted to the intensive care units for at least 8 h between December 2019 and February 2020. Patients with a Richmond score of −4 or −5, mental disability, receptive aphasia and/or visual or auditory impairment were excluded from the study. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM‐ICU), whereas the functional outcome was assessed by the Katz Activity of Daily Living Index.

Results

This study included 111 patients with a delirium incidence of 31.5%. The severity of illness was the only significant predictor of delirium. Patients with delirium had longer intensive care unit and in‐hospital stays in contrast to those without delirium. Delirium was associated with in‐hospital and 4‐month mortality but not the activities of daily living.

Conclusions

Delirium is associated with increased length of stay and mortality. Further investigation to determine whether delirium management can improve outcomes is warranted.
Maize (Zea mays L.) responses to heat stress: Mechanisms that disrupt the development and hormone balance of tassels and pollen
Authors: Sun Jing , Wang Huiqin , Ren Hao , Zhao Bin , Zhang Jiwang , Ren Baizhao , Liu Peng
Published: April 2023

Global climate changes have led to frequent and recurrent heat stress, which has seriously affected the world maize production. The experiment presented in this paper was carried out during the maize‐growing season in 2021 and 2022 at the Huang–Huai–Hai Region Maize Science and Technology Innovation Center (36°09′N, 117°09′E) in Tai'an, Shandong province, China. The test site is located in the semi‐humid warm temperate continental monsoon climate zone, soil is brown loam. We selected different heat‐sensitive maize varieties: heat‐tolerant variety Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) and heat‐sensitive variety Xianyu335 (XY335) to study the stress effects of high temperature on the development of tassel in the key stage of its differentiation (the 12‐leaf stage, V12). We found that exposure to heat stress during the V12 stage significantly reduced the tassel size and the anther dehiscence area, making it difficult to disperse pollen, thus effectively reducing pollen production. In addition, heat stress had significant negative effects on pollen development, resulting in deformed pollen and lower pollen viability and germination rate. Our results also showed that heat stress significantly increased the activities of key reactive oxygen species‐scavenging enzymes including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase, and that the malondialdehyde and H2O2 content in tassels exposed to heat stress were significantly higher than those control group, where it should be noted that for the XY335, these effects were more pronounced than for the ZD958. The endogenous hormone content of tassels exhibited a variety of responses. After heat stress, the zeatin and salicylic acid content in tassels of both maize varieties were significantly lower than those in the respective control groups, while the abscisic acid and gibberellin acid content were significantly higher. With respect to the jasmonic acid and 3‐indoleacetic acid content, the two maize varieties exhibited opposite responses: in tassels from ZD958 plants subjected to heat stress were higher than those in the respective control group, while in tassels from XY335 plants, they were lower. The observed changes in protective enzyme activities and endogenous hormone contents induced by heat stress significantly affected the development of maize tassels and significantly reduced the amount, activity and germination rate of pollen.
Implementing shared decision making according to the choosing wisely programme: Perioperative medicine for older people undergoing surgery
Authors: Lal Rajni , O'Halloran Tessa , Santhirapala Ramai , Dhesi Jugdeep , Partridge Judith
Published: April 2023

Background

Shared decision making (SDM) is the process whereby patients and healthcare professionals work together to achieve a consensus management decision, based on best clinical evidence and patient's preferences. No formal approach to documentation of SDM conversations exists in setting of peri‐operative medicine.

Objective

To assess and improve the quality and consistency of documentation regarding SDM conversations in an elective surgical outpatient population and appraise the satisfaction of patients and professionals in SDM.

Methods

The study was conducted in a geriatrician led perioperative medicine for older people undergoing surgery service, at an inner‐city teaching hospital serving a tertiary surgical referral population. The quality improvement programme intervention comprised a Choosing Wisely, UK SDM tool, consisting of Benefits, Risks, Alternatives and Doing Nothing (BRAN mnemonic), clinic posters, patient leaflets, and an introductory SDM workshop and education sessions, and observation and standardised feedback of SDM. Clinic letters were reviewed to identify SDM documentation compliance. Participants included clinicians of all grades and disciplines, and consecutive patients attending the clinic.

Results

Clinician interviews revealed inconsistent documentation of SDM. We reviewed 203 clinic letters following the initial implementation of SDM documentation tool, only 59% (n = 120) had fully completement BRAN tool. Additional interventions improved clinic SDM documentation compliance to 98%. A prospective observation study conducted revealed patients and clinician satisfaction at 93% and 79%, respectively.

Conclusion

The BRAN tool is adaptable to many health decision settings, including discussions related to treatment, investigations, and procedures, which expands its potential to improve patient safety.
Maxillary lip dynamics and gingival display revisited: Utilizing standardized metrics
Authors: Bakeman Elizabeth M. , Kois John C.
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study was initiated to validate a predictable system for establishing maximum maxillary lip dynamics and highlight the clinical significance of the findings.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐five subjects, ranging in age from 25 to 71 years old were photographed with lips in maximum and minimum reveal. The images were digitally analyzed using set references. The statistical analysis was performed using Meta. Numerics version 4.1.4. A Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was carried out to identify relationships between age and maxillary lip dynamics. A p‐value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered to be significant.

Results

A greater percentage of participants have posterior gingival display than anterior gingival display. There is greater movement of the maxillary lip at the cuspid than at the central incisor.

Conclusion

There was a tendency for lip dynamics to increase at the right central incisor when there is an increase in lip dynamics at the right cuspid. Lip dynamics does not appear to decrease with age.

Clinical Significance

Accurately recording and considering maximum lip dynamics helps avoid asymmetric, excessive or insufficient gingival architecture, insufficient or excessive tooth length and visible restorative margins.
International takeover laws and corporate cash holdings
Authors: Yang Donghe , Su Zihao , Zhu Xindong Kevin
Published: April 2023

We examine the impact on corporate cash holdings of international merger and acquisition (M&A) laws, which facilitate corporate takeovers. We use the staggered enactment of M&A laws from 1992 to 2005 and a sample spanning 34 jurisdictions, and find that levels of corporate cash holdings increase after passage of M&A laws. We also find that firms with better operating performance, higher earnings volatility, higher P/E ratio, and in jurisdictions with high M&A intensity hoard more cash after the enactment of M&A laws. These firms decrease dividends and capital expenditure and increase cash‐based acquisitions in the post‐M&A law period. Additional analysis shows that the effect is manifested in the subsample of firms in jurisdictions with better institutional environments. Lastly, we find that investor valuations of cash holdings decrease after the enactment of M&A laws. Collectively, our results suggest that managers hoard cash to finance M&A activities after the enactment of M&A laws, driven by the motive of empire‐building, and that cash hoarding behaviors are viewed by investors as value‐decreasing.
IgM anti‐MAG± peripheral neuropathy (IMAGiNe) study protocol: An international, observational, prospective registry of patients with IgM M‐protein peripheral neuropathies
Authors: Hamadeh Tatiana , van Doormaal Perry T. C. , Pruppers Mariëlle H. J. , van de Mortel Johannes P. M. , Hoeijmakers Janneke G. J. , Cornblath David R. , Vrancken Alexander F. J. E. , Faber Catharina G. , Notermans Nicolette C. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. ,   the IMAGiNe Consortium
Published: April 2023

Background

International consensus on IgM ± anti‐MAG ± PNP (IgM PNP) is lacking. Despite increasing interest in clinical trials, validated disease‐specific measures are needed to adequately capture limitations and changes over time. The IMAGiNe (IgM ± anti‐myelin associated glycoprotein [MAG] peripheral neuropathy) study surges as an international collaboration to create a standardized registry of patients with IgM ± anti‐MAG PNP. The consortium, which currently consists of 11 institutions from 7 countries, presents here the IMAGiNe study design and protocol.

Aims

Functional outcome measures will be constructed at the level of impairment, as well as activity and participation. We aim to describe the natural history of the cohort, the role of anti‐MAG antibodies, the presence of clinical subtypes, and potential biomarkers.

Methods

The IMAGiNe study is a prospective, observational cohort study with a 3‐year follow‐up. At each assessment, researchers collect clinical data and subjects complete a list of preselected outcome measures. Among these, the “Pre‐Rasch‐built Overall Disability Scale (Pre‐RODS)” questionnaire will be submitted to Rasch analysis to assess classic and modern clinimetric requirements.

Results

The final measures will include the IgM‐PNP‐specific RODS and Ataxia Rating Scale (IgM‐PNP‐ARS). Descriptions of the disease course, clinical heterogeneity, treatment regimes, variations in laboratory values, and antibody titers will help reach consensus on diagnosis and follow‐up strategies.

Conclusion

The constructed interval scales will be cross‐culturally valid and suitable for use in future clinical trials and daily practice. The ultimate goals are to improve functional individualized assessment, reach international consensus, and lay the foundations for successful designs in future studies.
Histological features and Gαolf expression patterns in the nasal cavity of sea turtles
Authors: Kondoh Daisuke , Kaneoya Yuka , Tonomori Wataru , Kitayama Chiyo
Published: April 2023

Sea turtles use olfaction to detect volatile and water‐soluble substances. The nasal cavity of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) comprises morphologically defined the anterodorsal, anteroventral, and posterodorsal diverticula, as well as a single posteroventral fossa. Here, we detailed the histological features of the nasal cavity of a mature female green turtle. The posterodorsal diverticulum contained spongy‐like venous sinuses and a wave‐shaped sensory epithelium that favored ventilation. Secretory structures that were significant in sensory and non‐sensory epithelia were probably involved in protection against seawater. These findings suggested that green turtles efficiently intake airborne substances and dissolve water‐soluble substances in mucous, while suppressing the effects of salts. In addition, positive staining of Gαs/olf that couples with olfactory, but not vomeronasal, receptors was predominant in all three types of sensory epithelium in the nasal cavity. Both of airborne and water‐soluble odorants seemed to be detected in cells expressing Gαolf and olfactory receptors.
Life events sometimes alter the trajectory of personality development: Effect sizes for 25 life events estimated using a large, frequently assessed sample
Authors: Dugan Keely A. , Vogt Randi L. , Zheng Anqing , Gillath Omri , Deboeck Pascal R. , Fraley R. Chris , Briley D. A.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Personality changes across the life span. Life events, such as marriage, becoming a parent, and retirement, have been proposed as facilitating personality growth via the adoption of novel social roles. However, empirical evidence linking life events with personality development is sparse. Most studies have relied on few assessments separated by long time intervals and have focused on a single life event. In contrast, the content of life is composed of small, recurrent experiences (e.g., getting sick or practicing a hobby), with relatively few major events (e.g., childbirth). Small, frequently experienced life events may play an important and overlooked role in personality development.

Method

The present study examined the extent to which 25 major and minor life events alter the trajectory of personality development in a large, frequently assessed sample (Nsample = 4904, Nassessments = 47,814, median retest interval = 35 days).

Results

Using a flexible analytic strategy to accommodate the repeated occurrence of life events, we found that the trajectory of personality development shifted in response to a single occurrence of some major life events (e.g., divorce), and recurrent, “minor” life experiences (e.g., one's partner doing something special).

Conclusion

Both stark role changes and frequently reinforced minor experiences can lead to personality change.
Deep learning improves prediction of periodontal therapy effectiveness in Chinese patients
Authors: Wang Ruiyang , Wang Ruixin , Yang Tong , Jiao Jian , Cao Zhanqiang , Meng Huanxin , Shi Dong
Published: April 2023

The objective

This study aims to propose a new model to predict the specific treatment effectiveness at site level by analyzing massive amounts of periodontal clinical data with deep learning methods.

The background data discussing the present status of the field

In light of the low accuracy of current tools, the proposed models cannot fully meet the needs of clinical effectiveness prediction and cannot be applied to on site level prognosis development and formulation of specific treatment plan.

Materials and Methods

Periodontal examination data of 9273 Chinese patients were extracted and used to propose a Sequence‐to‐Sequence model after performing data management and reconstruction. The model was optimized by introducing the Attention mechanism.

Results

In the test set, the model obtained an average site‐level probing depth (PD) accuracy (defined as the proportion of sites with <1 mm deviation of the predicted result from the true value) of 92.4% and high sensitivity (98.6%) for the pocket closure variable. For sites with baseline PD <5 mm, the model achieved a prediction accuracy of 94.6%, while it decreased to 79.9% at sites with PD ≥5 mm. In contrast, for teeth with initial mean PD ≥5 mm, the prediction accuracy significantly differed between molars and non‐molars.

Conclusion

Our model is the first to predict the site‐level effectiveness with high accuracy and sensitivity. Future prediction models should incorporate deep learning for improved clinical prediction.
Biomarker panel discriminates diabetics with and without periodontitis pre‐ and post‐therapy
Authors: Miller Craig S. , Ding Xiuhua , Nagarajan Radha , Dawson Dolph R. , Ebersole Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective

Biological regulators of periodontal inflammation, collagen degradation, and insulin resistance have not been determined in association with severity of periodontitis and response to periodontal treatment in diabetics. Our objective was to determine whether type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with periodontal disease present a distinct salivary biomarker profile compared with T2DM patients without periodontal disease and healthy subjects (without diabetes and periodontitis) pre‐ and post‐nonsurgical therapy.

Methods

Clinical parameters of periodontal health and whole unstimulated saliva were collected from 92 participants (31 Not Periodontitis, NP; 32 T2DM without periodontitis, DWoP; and 29 with T2DM with periodontitis, DWP) at baseline. The T2DM groups received scaling and root planning (SRP) and provided saliva at 6‐week follow‐up. Salivary concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8), and resistin were measured by immunoassay.

Results

The DWP group had significantly more disease and higher salivary concentrations at baseline for IL‐1β, MMP‐8, and resistin (p's < .01) compared with DWoP and NP. SRP resulted in significant improvement in periodontal parameters for the T2DM groups; however, more disease persisted (p < .001), and IL‐1β, MMP‐8, and resistin concentrations remained significantly higher in the DWP than the DWoP group (p < .01) at 6 weeks post‐treatment. Principal component analysis demonstrated the DWoP group appeared more biologically similar to the NP group than the DWP group. Concentrations of these salivary biomarkers increased with increasing periodontal disease severity (p < .05) in this study population.

Conclusion

Salivary concentrations of IL‐1β, MMP‐8, and resistin appear to serve as biomarkers of periodontal status pre‐ and post‐treatment, irrespective of diabetes status.
Low risk of viral hepatitis amongst patients with severe mental disorders
Authors: Fernández Tábatha , Plana Teresa , Tardón Laia , Marco Oriol , Navarro Lourdes , Bartrés Concepció , Colom Joan , Goikolea José Manuel , Cavero Myriam , Pacchiarotti Isabella , Lens Sabela , Forns Xavier , Martín‐Santos Rocío , Mariño Zoe
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Patients with severe mental disorders (SMD) have been classically considered as a particularly high‐risk population for bloodborne virus infections. We performed a systematic screening of hepatitis B and C virus among the population with SMD in the area of influence of Hospital Clínic (Barcelona) in order to evaluate the real prevalence of these infections and achieve HCV microelimination in this subpopulation.

Methods

We screened two cohorts for anti‐HCV and HBsAg: Cohort A (hospitalized patients with SMD, done systematically) and Cohort B (outpatients, mental health centre‐CSMA, done voluntarily). Risk factors and socio‐demographic variables were collected. In positive cases, telematic review was activated by Hepatology, calculation of FIB‐4 and prescription of direct‐acting agents (DAA) in HCV or follow‐up in HBV.

Results

In Cohort A, 404 patients were screened. 3 HBV patients were detected (0.7%). In all of them, there was a history of drug use. 12 anti‐HCV positive patients were detected (3%); 8 of them had a history of drug use. Among the HCV positive, only 2 patients were viraemic (received DAA, both achieving SVR) as most of them (n = 6) had already been cured with DAA. In cohort B, 305 patients were screened, after 542 (64% of the target population) declined to participate. No cases of HCV or HBV were detected.

Conclusions

HCV/HBV prevalence among SMD population with no history of drug use does not seem to be different from the general population. These data may be of interest for defining health policies.
The Santa Filomena meteorite shower: Trajectory, classification, and opaque phases as indicators of metamorphic conditions
Authors: Tosi Amanda , Zucolotto Maria Elizabeth , Andrade Diana Paula , Winter Othon Cabo , Mourão Daniela Cardozo , Sfair Rafael , Ziegler Karen , Perez Pablo Daniel , Suarez Sergio , Ornellas Iara Deniz , Zurita Marcelo , Mendes Julio Cezar , Kellner Alexander Wilhelm , Wolff Wania
Published: April 2023

On August 19, 2020, at 13:18—UTC, a meteor event ended as a meteorite shower in Santa Filomena, a city in the Pernambuco State, northeast Brazil. The heliocentric orbital parameters resulting from images by cameras of the weather broadcasting system were semimajor axis a = 2.1 ± 0.1 au, eccentricity e = 0.55 ± 0.03, and inclination i = 0.15o ± 0.05. The data identified the body as an Apollo object, an Earth‐crossing object with a pericenter interior to the Earth's orbit. The chemical, mineralogical, and petrological evaluations, as well as the physical analysis, followed several traditional techniques. The meteorite was identified as a H5‐6 S4 W0 ordinary chondrite genomict breccia. The large amount of metal in the meteorite made a metallographic evaluation based on the opaque phases possible. The monocrystalline kamacite crystals suggest a higher petrological type and the distorted Neumann lines imply at least two different shock events. The absence of the plessite phase shows that the meteorite did not reach the highest shock levels S5 and S6. The well‐defined polycrystalline taenite is indicative of petrologic types 4 and 5 due to the conserved internal tetrataenite rim at the boundaries. The presence of polycrystalline taenites and the characteristics of the Agrell Effect suggest that the Santa Filomena meteorite did not reheat above 700°C. The absence of martensite confirms reheating temperatures <800°C and a slow cooling rate. The Ni contents and sizes of the zoned taenite particles indicate a slow cooling rate ranging from 1 to 10 K Myr−1.
Kalecki meets Schumpeter: The decline of competition in a demand‐led dynamic model
Authors: Bottega Ana , Ribeiro Rafael S. M.
Published: April 2023

This paper contributes to the post‐Keynesian literature by building a macrodynamic Kaleckian model that incorporates recent evidence on market concentration and its relationship with capital accumulation and income distribution using Schumpeterian insights. This is done in two steps. First, we model a two‐dimensional system that sets the dynamics between the wage share and the capital‐effective labor supply ratio. Then, we extend the model, in the second step, to a three‐dimensional system that incorporates the state‐transition function of concentration. Our model suggests that higher market concentration may be associated with a permanent decline in employment, capacity utilization, wage share, and capital accumulation.
Phenotypic plasticity: The role of a phosphatase family Rap in the genetic regulation ofBacilli
Authors: Gallegos‐Monterrosa Ramses , Kovács Ákos T.
Published: April 2023

In the last two decades, an increasing number of bacterial species have been recognized that are able to generate a phenotypically diverse population that shares an identical genotype. This ability is dependent on a complex genetic regulatory network that includes cellular and environmental signals, as well as stochastic elements. AmongBacilli, a broadly distributed family of Rap (Response‐regulatoraspartylphosphate) phosphatases is known to modulate the function of the main phenotypic heterogeneity regulators by controlling their phosphorylation. Even more, their related extracellular Phr (Phosphataseregulator) peptides function as signals, creating a cell–cell communication network that regulates the phenotypic development of the entire population. In this review, we examine the role that the Rap phosphatases and their Phr peptides play in the regulation ofBacillus subtilisphenotypic differentiation, and in other members of theBacillusgenus. We also highlight the contribution of these regulatory elements to the fitness of bacterial cells and mobile genetic elements, for example, prophages and conjugative vectors.
Blood crossmatching patterns in a population of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in managed care
Authors: Nollens Hendrik H. , Teman Sarah J. , Burgess Rebecca L. , St. Leger Judy A. , Schmitt Todd L.
Published: April 2023

Blood crossmatching is necessary to determine transfusion compatibility between individuals, especially for species for which blood groups have not yet been defined, such as the killer whale (Orcinus orca). This study evaluated methodology for crossmatching in killer whales from a managed care population using individuals of known lineages. Twenty killer whales were evaluated for major or minor crossmatch incompatibilities, determined by evidence of macro‐agglutination. Crossmatching incompatibilities were rarely observed, both when considering 1+ reactions as incompatibilities (~15%; 59/400 pairings with 1+ to 4+) and when omitting 1+ reactions (6%; 24/400 pairings with 2+ to 4+). A universal red blood cell donor within this population (whale T) and universal recipients of red blood cells within this population (whales E, M, O, P, R, S) were identified. Relationships were examined between the most common major crossmatch phenotypes and maternal or paternal lineages. Since these whales have not been previously transfused, the diversity of crossmatch reactions could indicate the presence and diversity of preexisting alloantibodies in killer whale plasma. This study highlights the clinical value of applying a personalized medicine approach to a managed care population.
Ailments of the Soul
Authors: Beran Ondřej
Published: April 2023

The paper aims to trace the distinctive character of the talk of the soul and to disentangle it from the talk of the mind. The key context will be the way in which we talk about souls that are ailing. As a point of departure, I use the later Wittgenstein's notion of the soul as anti‐dualist and anti‐substantive, which brings it close to Dennett's or Davidson's philosophy of mind, but which Wittgensteinian ethicists have elaborated upon as concerned with matters of good and evil, and beauty. In relation to these concerns, the sense of the ailing soul is different from issues relating to mental health. I then discuss cases of ailments of the soul that would be misleading to analyse as matters of mental health (issues): addiction, racism, and environmental grief. I conclude with a plea for maintaining the talk of the soul as helpful for making sense of existential or beauty‐ or morality‐related ailments, yet as something that does not necessarily subscribe to any doctrine of the soul as a substance. In support, I also use arguments from the spheres of eco‐theology and public theology.
Clinical and genetic characterization of Netherton syndrome due to SPINK5 founder variant in Latvian population
Authors: Nartisa Inga , Kirsteina Rasa , Neiburga Katrina Daila , Zigure Sanita , Ozola Lota , Grantina Ineta , Micule Ieva , Murmane Daiga , Slisere Baiba , Gailite Linda , Vilne Baiba , Rots Dmitrijs , Taurina Gita , Kurjane Natalja
Published: April 2023

Objective

Netherton syndrome (NS) (OMIM:256500) is a very rare autosomal recessive multisystem disorder mostly affecting ectodermal derivatives (skin and hair) and immune system. It is caused by biallelic loss‐of‐function variants in the SPINK5 gene, encoding the protease inhibitor lymphoepithelial Kazal‐type‐related inhibitor (LEKTI).

Material, Methods and Results

Here, we describe NS clinical and genetic features of homogenous patient group: 9 individuals from 7 families with similar ethnic background and who have the same SPINK5 variant (NM_006846.4: c.1048C > T, p.(Arg350*)) in homozygous or compound heterozygous states, suggesting that it is a common founder variant in Latvian population. Indeed, we were able to show that the variant is common in general Latvian population, and it shares the same haplotype among the NS individual. It is estimated that the variant arose >1000 years ago. Clinically, all nine patients exhibited typical NS skin changes (scaly erythroderma, ichthyosis linearis circumflexa, itchy skin), except for one patient who has a different skin manifestation—epidermodysplasia. Additionally, we show that developmental delay, previously underrecognized in NS, is a common feature among these patients.

Conclusions

This study shows that the phenotype of NS individuals with the same genotype is highly homogeneous.
Implementation of nursing services in community corrections: A community‐academic partnership
Authors: Johnson Amy , Reising Virginia , Cruz Cindy , Franklin Charisse , Martin Andre
Published: April 2023

Persons who are incarcerated (PWAI) suffer from a disproportionately higher number of physical and mental health conditions. While most jails and prisons provide onsite healthcare, community correctional centers often do not and accessing community healthcare is challenging due to insurance issues, inadequate health literacy, mistrust, and long waits for appointments.

A registered nurse‐led wellness clinic provides a viable solution to addressing the healthcare needs of PWAI in a community correctional setting. Through a community‐academic partnership between a college of nursing and two community correctional transitional centers for men, a registered nurse (RN) faculty member and nursing students provide onsite healthcare. Services include, but are not limited to, acute and chronic disease management, case management, healthcare navigation, and health education.

In the first 2 years of operation, there have been 587 new resident health assessments, 882 RN visits, and 152 group education sessions. RN visits have been primarily for: connection to resources (42.6%), medication management (15.6%), and acute conditions (12%).

A RN‐led wellness clinic is an innovative way to address health needs for PWAI. While this model of care focuses on an academic RN faculty practice at community correctional centers it could be replicated across community settings.