bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complications of acute mastoiditis in a paediatric population at a UK Tertiary Centre: A retrospective review
Authors: Heywood Emily G. , Stubington Thomas , Chandarana Karishma , Bowerman Kathryn , Baruah Paramita 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesAcute mastoiditis (AM) and its associated intra and extracranial complications are rare complications of acute otitis media. However, they are associated with a high morbidity. The management of AM with complications carries significant variations in approach. We aimed to evaluate the presentation of children with AM with complications to a tertiary referral centre in the United Kingdom and describe evolution of the treatment approaches.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective chart review of all children admitted with AM to the University Hospitals of Leicester between 2013 and 2022.ResultsTwenty‐seven children were included in this study: 7 patients had sigmoid sinus thrombosis (SST), 4 had an intracranial collection, 3 had cranial nerve palsy and 16 had a subperiosteal abscess (SPA); some patients had more than 1 complication. In this study, treatment of SPA with incision and drainage (I&D) and grommet insertion was effective, as all patients treated with grommet insertion and I&D recovered well and did not require a subsequent cortical mastoidectomy. All patients with SST received anticoagulation and intravenous (IV) antibiotics; surgical input consisted of grommet insertion alone and cortical mastoidectomy was not routinely performed in these patients.ConclusionIn our series, management of SPA with grommet insertion and drainage had good outcomes. SST management mainly consisted of IV antibiotics, anticoagulation and grommet insertion with good recovery. The evidence to guide the management of complications of mastoiditis is of poor quality and further research is needed to clarify the optimal management of these complications.
Impact of a cuff‐based device calibration method on the agreement between invasive and noninvasive aortic and brachial pressure
Authors: Bia Daniel , Salazar Federico , Cinca Luis , Gutierrez Marcos , Facta Álvaro , Diaz Alejandro , Zócalo Yanina 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionBrachial cuff‐based methods are increasingly used to estimate aortic systolic blood pressure (aoSBP). However, there are several unresolved issues.Aimsto determine to what extent the scheme used to calibrate brachial records (1) can affect noninvasive obtained aoSBP levels, and consequently, the level of agreement with the aoSBP recorded invasively, and (2) how different ways of calibrating ultimately impact the relationship between aoSBP and cardiac properties.Methodsbrachial and aortic blood pressure (BP) was simultaneously obtained by invasive (catheterisation) and noninvasive (brachial oscillometric‐device) methods (89 subjects). aoSBP was noninvasive obtained using three calibration schemes: ‘SD’: diastolic and systolic brachial BP, ‘C’: diastolic and calculated brachial mean BP (bMBP), ‘Osc’: diastolic and oscillometry‐derived bMBP. Agreement between invasive and noninvasive aoSBP, and associations between BP and echocardiographic‐derived parameters were analysed.Conclusions‘C’ and ‘SD’ schemes generated aoSBP levels lower than those recorded invasively (mean errors: 6.9 and 10.1 mmHg); the opposite was found when considering ‘Osc’(mean error: −11.4 mmHg). As individuals had higher invasive aoSBP, the three calibration schemes increasingly underestimated aoSBP levels; and viceversa. The ‘range’ of invasive aoSBP in which the calibration schemes reach the lowest error level (−5–5 mmHg) is different: ‘C’: 103–131 mmHg; ‘Osc’: 159–201 mmHg; ‘SD’:101‐124 mmHg. The calibration methods allowed reaching levels of association between aoSBP and cardiac characteristics, somewhat lower, but very similar to those obtained when considering invasive aoSBP. There is no evidence of a clear superiority of one calibration method over another when considering the association between aoSBP and cardiac characteristics.
Understanding the research capacity of alcohol and other drugs services in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Stirling Robert , Hudson Suzie , Ross Joanne , Deans Emily , Tibbetts Joel , Day Carolyn , Deacon Rachel , Dunlop Adrian , Lintzeris Nicholas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionEnhancing health system research capacity can support improved quality care. This study assessed the research capacity of public local health district (LHD) and non‐government organisation (NGO) alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, at the organisational, team and individual level. Research barriers and motivators were also examined.MethodsStaff from LHD and NGO AOD treatment services in New South Wales completed an online survey using the Research Capacity and Culture (RCC) tool. Overall median research capacity scores are presented for the RCC subscales (organisational, team and individual). Comparisons were conducted by service type (LHD/NGO), geographical location (metropolitan/rural) and affiliation with a research network (yes/no). Qualitative questions explored barriers and motivators to research at individual and team levels.ResultsOf 242 participants, 55% were LHD‐based and 45% NGO‐based. Overall RCC scores indicated moderate research capacity at all levels. Organisational capacity (Med = 6.50, interquartile range [IQR] = 3.50) scored significantly higher than the team (Med = 5.00, IQR = 6.00) and individual level (Med = 5.00, IQR = 4.25). No differences in RCC scores existed between NGOs and LHDs. Metropolitan AOD services scored higher research capacity at the organisational level (Med = 7.00, IQR = 3.00) than rural services (Med = 5.00, IQR = 5.00). LHDs affiliated with a research network scored significantly higher at the organisational, team and individual level than non‐affiliated LHD services. Key research barriers were inadequate time and funding. Motivators included skill development and problem‐identification requiring change.Discussions and ConclusionsAOD services in New South Wales have moderate research capacity. Identified barriers and motivators can be used to target responses that enhance capacity and improve treatment outcomes.
Management practices influence biocontrol potential of generalist predators in maize cropping systems
Authors: Puliga Giovanni Antonio , Sprangers Timo , Huiting Hilfred , Dauber Jens 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntensification of conventional agriculture is a leading cause of negative environmental impact, loss of biodiversity, and reduced delivery of ecosystem services in agroecosystems. Maize, due to its growth habits and cultivation management, provides a poor habitat for beneficial arthropods. Several strategies are available to make maize cropping systems more sustainable and to promote biodiversity at field level. The present study evaluates the effects of various maize cropping systems – precisely, maize continuous monoculture, maize multiple cropping, and three mixed cropping systems (maize‐runner bean, maize‐sorghum, and maize‐flower strips) – on generalist predators and their biological control potential. Overall, we found that the reference system with maize continuous monoculture and conventional crop management had the lowest activity of generalist predators compared in particular to the low‐input mixed cropping systems. Higher activity density and biocontrol potential were found in the systems that provided a dense and permanent vegetation cover of the ground (i.e., maize/sorghum, maize/flower strip). Although these effects were not consistent for all the parameters investigated and for every sampling date, we conclude that generalist predators can benefit from more conservative management practices in maize systems, thereby enhancing their biological pest control potential. Furthermore, spatial intercropping may represent a valid alternative to the conventional monocultural crop system to support the delivery of biodiversity‐mediated ecosystem services towards a more sustainable system.
Prevalence and clinical profile of comorbid anxiety in young adult patients with first‐episode and drug‐naive major depressive disorder
Authors: Luo Rui‐Chen‐Xi , Wang Dongmei , Zhou Huixia , Lang Xiao E , Zhang Xiang‐Yang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimPatients with major depressive disorder (MDD) frequently have coexisting anxiety disorders. However, few studies have focused on the prevalence and risk factors of comorbid anxiety symptoms in young adult first‐episode and drug‐naive (FEDN) MDD patients.MethodsWe recruited 520 FEDN MDD patients and collected their demographic and clinical data. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and the positive scale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to measure depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and psychotic symptoms, respectively.ResultsAnxiety symptoms were found in 79.6% of young adult patients. Besides, anxiety group patients had a higher prevalence of psychotic symptoms than the non‐anxiety group. Anxiety symptoms were substantially related to suicide attempts in young adult patients. Logistic analysis shows that suicide attempts and total HAMD scores were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsThe findings show that anxiety symptoms are common in Chinese young adult MDD patients. The anxiety group was more likely to have psychotic symptoms, suicide attempts, and more severe depressive symptoms than the non‐anxiety group. Suicide attempts were associated with anxiety symptoms in young adult MDD patients, suggesting the importance of reducing anxiety symptoms in this population to prevent suicides.
Influence of feeding and other factors on adrenocorticotropin concentration and thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test in horses and ponies
Authors: Drozdzewska Karolina , Winter Judith , Barton Ann Kristin , Merle Roswitha , Gehlen Heidrun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe basal (bACTH) and post‐thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation concentration of adrenocorticotropin (pACTH) are recommended for diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Many factors influence bACTH (e.g., disease, age, month) and some affect the results only in autumn (e.g., breed, colour, sex). There are discrepancies about the impact of feeding on b/pACTH.ObjectivesTo determine whether feeding, month, age, breed, colour, sex and body condition score affect b/pACTH.Study designProspective crossover.MethodsSixty‐one animals were divided into groups: healthy, PPID, treated‐PPID. The b/pACTH was measured three times (1 mg protirelin; blood collection after 10 min; mid‐November to mid‐July) after different feedings: fasting, hay, hay + grain. Friedman's test was applied to evaluate the influence of feeding on b/pACTH and linear mixed model to evaluate impact of further factors.ResultsThe b/pACTH was not significantly affected by feeding (p = 0.7/0.5). The bACTH was lowest in healthy (29.3 pg/mL, CI 9–49.5 pg/mL) and highest in PPID‐group (58.9 pg/mL, CI 39.7–78.1 pg/mL). The pACTH was significantly lower in healthy (396.7 pg/mL, CI 283.2–510.1 pg/mL) compared to PPID (588.4 pg/mL, CI 480.7–696.2 pg/mL) and treated‐PPID group (683.1 pg/mL, CI 585.9–780.4 pg/mL), highest in July (881.2 pg/mL, CI 626.3–1136.3 pg/mL) and higher in grey (723.5 pg/mL, CI 577.5–869.4 pg/mL) than other colours (338.7 pg/mL, CI 324.8–452.5 pg/mL). The size of effect for those variables was >0.5.Main limitationsSmall number of animals, subsequent bACTH measurements were significantly lower in each horse.ConclusionsThere was no evidence that feeding influences the b/pACTH. There was evidence that pergolide affects the bACTH but it had little effect on pACTH. Further investigation of the impact of month and coat colour on b/pACTH is warranted to better interpret the results.
Prospective pilot study evaluating a vitamin D3 loading dose in critically ill children with vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Covington Elizabeth W. , Jasper‐Trotter Shaneese L. , Arnold Robert D. , Amin Raj , Egbert Susan , Chung Allison 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D deficiency is a common finding in critically ill children. However, the optimal supplementation strategy in this patient population is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of high‐dose (10 000 IU/kg, max. 400 000 IU) vitamin D supplementation on 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) levels in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients with baseline vitamin D deficiency.MethodsThis was a prospective, institutional review board‐approved pilot research study performed at the University of South Alabama Women's and Children's Hospital in Mobile, AL. The study sample consisted of patients less than 18 years old admitted to the PICU with baseline 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level less than 30 ng/ml. Included patients received a one‐time dose of vitamin D3 orally or via gastric tube (10 000 IU/kg, max. 400 000 IU).ResultsA total of 17 patients were screened with 11 included in the study. Blood analysis revealed a significant increase in 25(OH)D3 level from baseline to 12‐h post dose (21.6 [4.5] ng/ml vs. 46.7 [15.5] ng/ml, P < 0.001). At the 12‐h post‐dose time point, 10/11 patients (91%) had 25(OH)D3 levels that were greater than 30 ng/ml. No adverse effects were observed.ConclusionVitamin D3 supplementation at a dose of 10 000 IU/kg (max. 400 000 IU) significantly increased 25(OH)D3 levels in critically ill pediatric patients.
Development of a decision‐support framework to support professionals and promote comfort among older hospital inpatients living with dementia
Authors: Davies Nathan , West Emily , Smith Ellen M. , Vickerstaff Victoria , Manthorpe Jill , Shah Malvi , Rait Greta , Wilcock Jane , Ward Jane , Sampson Elizabeth L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundAcute hospital wards can be difficult places for many people living with dementia. Promoting comfort and wellbeing can be challenging in this environment. There is little evidence‐based support for professionals working on acute care wards on how to respond to distress and maximise comfort and wellbeing among patients living with dementia.ObjectivesOur overall aim was to codesign an evidence‐based easy‐to‐use heuristic decision‐support framework, which was acceptable and practical but acknowledges the complex and acute nature of caring for patients with dementia in the hospital. This paper presents the development process and resulting framework.MethodsA codesign study was informed by data from (1) a literature review of the care and management of people living with dementia in acute hospitals; (2) a cohort study of comfort and discomfort in people with dementia in acute hospitals; and (3) interviews with family carers and health care professionals. We synthesised evidence from these data sources and presented to key stakeholders through codesign meetings and workshops to produce our decision‐support framework.ResultsThe framework consists of a series of flowcharts and operates using a three‐stage process of: (1) assess comfort/discomfort; (2) consider causes of discomfort; and (3) address patient needs to manage the discomfort.ConclusionWorking with key stakeholders, synthesising diverse quantitative and qualitative evidence to build a clinical framework is a feasible approach to help address the needs of patients living with dementia in an acute hospital setting. The result is a framework which is now ready for evaluation and implementation.Patient and Public ContributionWe worked closely with people living with dementia and family carers throughout this study, including the development of the study protocol with input on study development and design, through to inclusion in stakeholder workshops and codesign of the decision support framework.
Antioxidant properties of wheat bran FOs prepared by Bacillus amyloliquefaciensIT‐45 fermentation
Authors: Yu Xiaohong , Mao Wanjie , Gao Wenbo , Liu Jinbin , Wang Bingqian , Zhang Xiaoyang , Liu Xiaochen , Wang Dujun , Lyu Yongmei 
Published: November 2023

SummaryAs functional oligosaccharides, feruloyl oligosaccharides (FOs) exhibit the physiological activities of both ferulic acid and oligosaccharides. In this study, FOs were prepared by fermenting wheat bran with the generally recognised as safe (GRAS) bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT‐45. On the fourth day of fermentation, the activities of xylanase and cellulase reached 447.67 and 33.41 U/mL, respectively. UV, FTIR, and HPLC were used to characterise the structure properties of wheat bran FOs from B. amyloliquefaciens IT‐45 fermentation. The monosaccharide compositions of FOs were mainly composed of xylose and arabinose. Under the optimal conditions of fermentation time of 4 days, fermentation temperature of 25 °C, initial pH of 6.5 and inoculation amount of 11% (v/v), the maximum yield of FOs in the broth was 0.6397 mM. In vitro antioxidant activity analysis showed that FOs prepared by B. amyloliquefaciens fermentation had good scavenging ability against ABTS, DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, demonstrating the application potential. The results provided a relatively environmentally friendly and food‐safety way to prepare feruloyl oligosaccharides.
Investigation of cell wall characteristics of copigmented and coated whole blueberry fruit for improving anthocyanin stability under high hydrostatic pressure process and refrigerated storage
Authors: Lin Chieh‐Yi , Jung Jooyeoun , Zhao Yanyun 
Published: November 2023

SummaryThe combined copigmentation and layer‐by‐layer (LBL) hydrophobic coating technique was developed to preserve anthocyanins in thermally processed (TP) whole blueberry fruit in our previous study. This study investigated the impact of the developed technique on the cell wall composition and structure, anthocyanin stability and fruit firmness in non‐thermally (high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)) processed whole blueberry fruit during the refrigerated storage at 4 °C ~ 7 °C. Meanwhile, the wet‐milling process was utilised to treat cellulose nanofiber (CNF) based first layer coating for enhancing adhesion and improving the appearance of LBL coating on the fruit. The developed anthocyanin preservation technique retained significantly (P < 0.05) higher chelator‐soluble pectin in both thermally and HHP processed fruit (102.8 ± 7.0 and 100.8 ± 5.1 mg g−1 dry fruit skin, respectively). The technique also enhanced fruit anthocyanin stability reflected by the bathochromic and hyperchromic effect on fruit skin extract. In addition, it significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the firmness of HHP (551.2 ± 80.7 g) or TP (579.8 ± 90.9 g) processed fruit during the refrigerated or ambient storage compared with control (488.9 ± 75.8 g). The wet‐milling process was able to fibrillate aggregated cellulosic fibres in the coating suspension, thus improved the adhesion and appearance of LBL coating onto the fruit surface. This study demonstrated that the combined copigmentation and LBL coating, along with wet milling treatment of CNF‐based coating, can effectively preserve anthocyanins in HHP processed whole blueberry fruit during extended refrigeration storage owning to the modification of fruit surface cell wall composition and structure.
Effect of retort processing, containers and motion types on digestibility of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) starch
Authors: Punia Bangar Sneh , Whiteside Scott 
Published: November 2023

SummaryWith the growing demand for convenient and shelf‐stable canned beans, understanding the changes in starch digestibility due to retort processing is crucial for optimising nutritional quality and enhancing consumer health. The present study investigated the impact of retort processing, specifically container type and agitation, on the digestibility of black bean starch. Retort pouches exhibited a more rapid heat transfer rate to the enclosed product than cans, which reduced the overall processing duration. Also, the processing time to achieve a Fo = 6 of Clostridium botulinum was almost 2.5 min (pouches) and 3.2 min (cans) faster for the oscillating than the static mode. The in vitro digestibility data revealed that the retort processing of black beans led to an increase in rapidly digestible starch (RDS) from 10.51% to 32.11%. However, slowly digestible starch (SDS) decreased from 15.67% to 7.89%, and resistant starch (RS) decreased from 47.91% to 11.86%, regardless of the container type and motion involved. Processing enhanced starch digestibility in all the combinations of container and motions; nevertheless, black beans in pouches with oscillatory motion still contain a relatively significant amount of SDS and RS than the other combinations. These findings have important implications for the food industry in optimising processing techniques and packaging strategies to preserve the nutritional value of black beans. The findings of this study can have practical implications for food producers engaged in the retort processing of foods contained in pouches and cans. The investigation will provide insights into how the process of retort sterilisation affects digestibility, including slowly digestible starch and resistant starch of different types of starch.
Common variable immunodeficiency, cross currents, and prevailing winds
Authors: Romberg Neil , Le Coz Carole 
Published: November 2023

SummaryCommon variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogenous disease category created to distinguish late‐onset antibody deficiencies from early‐onset diseases like agammaglobulinemia or more expansively dysfunctional combined immunodeficiencies. Opinions vary on which affected patients should receive a CVID diagnosis which confuses clinicians and erects reproducibility barriers for researchers. Most experts agree that CVID's most indeliable feature is defective germinal center (GC) production of isotype‐switched, affinity‐maturated antibodies. Here, we review the biological factors contributing to CVID‐associated GC dysfunction including genetic, epigenetic, tolerogenic, microbiome, and regulatory abnormalities. We also discuss the consequences of these biological phenomena to the development of non‐infectious disease complications. Finally, we opine on topics and lines of investigation we think hold promise for expanding our mechanistic understanding of this protean condition and for improving the lives of affected patients.