bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on melanoma diagnosis and presentation: a `review
Authors: Fanning James E. , Kalsi Simran , Krag David N.
Published: April 2023

The ongoing challenges posed by COVID‐19 are concerning for their impact on successful detection and recognition of melanoma as total body skin examinations and skin biopsies are critical for identifying early‐stage melanoma and intervening before progression to metastatic disease. A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted on or before August 1, 2022, using the search terms (“skin” AND “COVID‐19”), ([“skin cancer” AND “COVID‐19”] OR [“skin cancer” AND “coronavirus”]), ([“melanoma” AND “COVID‐19”] OR [“melanoma” AND “coronavirus”]), (“dermatology” AND “COVID‐19”), and (“cutaneous” AND “COVID‐19”). Eight articles representing Belgium, Chile, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States were included. Four articles analyzed changes in the proportion of in situ melanoma at diagnosis and consistently reported decreases, with an overall decrease ranging from 7.6 to 40.4%. Five studies analyzed changes in the proportion of melanoma diagnoses by staging, but no clear changes in staging patterns were observed. Five studies analyzed changes in the mean Breslow thickness of melanoma diagnoses and consistently reported increases, with an overall increase ranging from 4.0 to 38%. Disruptions to proper diagnosis and treatment of melanoma are creating undue morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs as the pandemic continues. Continued research with improved, centralized data collection is needed to better address the COVID‐19 pandemic's ongoing challenge to appropriate detection and treatment of melanoma.
A review of alternative plant protein sources, their extraction, functional characterisation, application, nutritional value and pinch points to being the solution to sustainable food production
Authors: Munialo Claire D
Published: April 2023

Proteins from animal sources have for many centuries been used as the conventional food proteins in the food industry to produce a variety of food products. This is mainly attributed to their functional properties that range from foaming ability and stability to emulsification and gelation. However, animal husbandry has a greater impact on the environment compared to crop production. Thus, research on the potential use of plant‐based proteins, which could be more sustainable, cheaper and environmentally friendly has continued to be the focus of many academics and the food industry. Even though studies have been carried out to investigate the functional properties of plant‐based protein sources, there is still a need to understand the challenges that exist in the extraction and the functional characteristics of proteins from plant sources, which could be used as a more feasible exchange for animal‐based proteins. Therefore, this review aims to contribute to the existing knowledge on the extraction, characterisation and functional properties of plant‐based proteins. To this end, relevant literature was searched on several databases such as EBSCO HOST and Science Direct. Google Scholar was also used as a complementary search engine. Research that has addressed the extraction and functional characterisation of proteins from plant sources was critically evaluated and the findings are discussed herein. Additionally, the pinch points that exist in the use of plant‐based proteins as alternatives to animal proteins in food processing are highlighted in this review.
M2‐like macrophages polarized by Foxp3−Treg‐of‐B cells ameliorate imiquimod‐induced psoriasis
Authors: Huang Jing‐Hui , Lin Yu‐Li , Wang Li‐Chieh , Chiang Bor‐Luen
Published: April 2023

Our group have demonstrated that splenic B cells contributed to the CD4+CD25− naive T cells conversion into CD4+CD25+Foxp3− regulatory T cells without adding appended cytokines, named Treg‐of‐B cells which were potent suppressors of adaptive immunity. We like to investigate whether Treg‐of‐B cells could promote alternatively activated macrophage (M2 macrophages) polarization and alleviate inflammatory disease, psoriasis. In this study, we co‐cultured the bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) with Treg‐of‐B cells under LPS/IFN‐γ stimulation and analyzed the M2‐associated gene and protein using qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. We also examined the therapeutic effect of Treg‐of‐B cell‐induced M2 macrophage for skin inflammation using imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriatic mouse model. Our results showed that BMDMs co‐cultured with Treg‐of‐B cells upregulated typical M2‐associated molecules, including Arg‐1, IL‐10, Pdcd1lg2, MGL‐1, IL‐4, YM1/2 and CD206. In an inflammatory environment, TNF‐α and IL‐6 production by macrophages co‐cultured with Treg‐of‐B cells was decreased significantly. The molecular mechanism revealed that Treg‐of‐B cells promoted M2 macrophage polarization via STAT6 activation in a cell contact‐dependent manner. Moreover, the treatment with Treg‐of‐B cell‐induced M2 macrophages attenuated the clinical manifestations of psoriasis, such as scaling, erythema and thickening in the IMQ‐induced psoriatic mouse model. T cell activation in draining lymph nodes was decreased in the Treg‐of‐B cell‐induced M2 macrophage group after IMQ application. In conclusion, our findings suggested that Foxp3− Treg‐of‐B cells could induce alternatively activated M2 macrophages through STAT6 activation, providing a cell‐based therapeutic strategy for psoriasis.
Parental effects on inbreeding depression in a beetle with obligate parental care
Authors: Hughes Parker , Rudman Lucille J. , Schrader Matthew
Published: April 2023

Inbreeding depression occurs when individuals who are closely related mate and produce offspring with reduced fitness. Although inbreeding depression is a genetic phenomenon, the magnitude of inbreeding depression can be influenced by environmental conditions and parental effects. In this study, we tested whether size-based parental effects influence the magnitude of inbreeding depression in an insect with elaborate and obligate parental care (the burying beetle, Nicrophorus orbicollis). We found that larger parents produced larger offspring. However, larval mass was also influenced by the interaction between parental body size and larval inbreeding status: when parents were small, inbred larvae were smaller than outbred larvae, but when parents were large this pattern was reversed. In contrast, survival from larval dispersal to adult emergence showed inbreeding depression that was unaffected by parental body size. Our results suggest that size-based parental effects can generate variation in the magnitude of inbreeding depression. Further work is needed to dissect the mechanisms through which this might occur and to better understand why parental size influences inbreeding depression in some traits but not others.

Abstract

We tested whether parental body size influenced the magnitude of inbreeding depression in an insect with obligate parental care (Nicrophorus orbicollis). We found that when parents were small, inbred larvae were smaller than outbred larvae. This pattern was reversed with parents who were large. In contrast, survival to eclosion displayed inbreeding depression that was insensitive to parental size.
Microstructural features, physicο‐mechanical properties, and wear behavior of dental translucent polychromic multilayer zirconia of hybrid composition prepared by milling technology
Authors: Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Constantinou Marios , Moschovas Dimitrios , Constantinides Georgios , Agathopoulos Simeon
Published: April 2023

Objective

The present study determined the mechanical properties and the wear behavior, as results of the micro(nano)structure, of the enamel, transition, and dentine layers, which comprise the polychromic multilayer zirconia materials of hybrid composition fabricated by milling technology.

Materials and Methods

Prismatic blocks were fabricated from two commercial pre‐sintered dental polychromic multilayer zirconia materials of hybrid composition, IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime (medium and high translucency, from the dentine to the incisal layer) and 3D Pro ML (translucency gradient, from the dentine to the incisal layer) by milling technique, and then, cut into 3 distinct parts to separate the enamel, transition, and dentine layers. The samples were sintered, thermally treated (similarly to the glazing procedure), and polished for characterization. Their microstructure, mechanical properties (determined by nanoindentation and microhardness), and wear behavior (evaluated by scratch test), were examined.

Results

The produced materials had a homogeneous and dense nanostructure, where the grain size decreased from the enamel to dentine layer. The mechanical properties decreased from the dentine to enamel layer. However, the three layers manifested similar dynamic friction coefficient.

Conclusion

The differences in the above properties in the three layers negligibly influenced the wear behavior of the entire multilayer zirconia material.

Clinical Significance

The properties of dental restorations produced from polychromic multilayer zirconia of hybrid composition by milling technology (i.e., strong, non‐fragile, and esthetic materials), anticipate good performance in oral cavity.
Effect of cross‐polarization filters on the trueness of colors obtained with a single‐lens reflex camera, macro lens, and a ring flash
Authors: Yilmaz Burak , Dede Doğu Ömür , Diker Emre , Fonseca Manrique , Johnston William Michael , Küçükekenci Ahmet Serkan
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate the effect of cross‐polarization filters on the colors of shade tabs obtained with a digital single‐lens reflex (DSLR) camera, macrolens, and a ring flash.

Materials and Methods

Digital images of four shade tables (1M1, 3L2.5, 3R2.5, and 5M3) from the VITA Toothguide 3D‐Master shade guide were taken using a DSLR camera, 100 mm macrolens, and ring flash with two different cross‐polarizing filters (Polar_eyes and Filtropolar), and without (Nonpolarizer; n = 7). The CIE L*a*b* color coordinates of digital images were calculated and remeasured with a spectroradiometer (SR). The color differences (ΔE00) between the SR and digital images were calculated and analyzed with the two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05).

Results

ΔE00 values of all test groups were higher than the clinically acceptable threshold (∆E00 > 1.80). While the ∆E00 values of Filtropolar (6.19 ± 0.44) and Polar_eyes (7.82 ± 0.23) groups were significantly higher than the Nonpolarizer (4.69 ± 0.32) for the 1M1 shade tab, ∆E00 value of Polar_eyes (6.23 ± 0.34) was significantly lower than Nonpolarizer (10.71 ± 0.48) group for 5M3 shade tab (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The color‐matching results of tested digital photography techniques with and without cross‐polarization were unacceptable, compared to a spectroradiometer. While digital photography with Polar_eyes cross‐polarizing filter has closer results to the reference device for the low‐in‐value shade table (5M3), for the high‐in‐value shade table (1M1), improved results were obtained without a cross‐polarizing filter.

Clinical Significance

The cross‐polarization filters are increasingly used in dentistry for tooth color communication with digital photography techniques. However, the digital photography techniques with‐without cross‐polarization filterers should be improved to obtain clinically acceptable color‐matching results.
The thermal dependence of the protein‐sparing effect in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792)
Authors: Segler Philipp , Vanselow Klaus Heinrich , Schlachter Michael , Hasler Mario , Kaiser Frederik , Schulz Carsten
Published: April 2023

The authors performed an instantaneous bioenergetic study with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) of 206.3 g ± 2.9 g in a group respirometer of nine 250 l tanks at five different water temperatures (12, 14, 16, 18, 20°C) to determine the optimal thermal condition for a maximal visualization of the protein‐sparing effect. Twelve fish per tank were tested at a stocking density of 9.94 kg m−3 ± 0.14 kg m−3 and fed three low‐protein/high‐energy diets with constant crude protein content of c. 35% and three different energy contents (17.35, 18.76, 20.50 MJ kg−1) once daily at a ration of 1.3% body weight (n = 3). Energy levels were increased by adding gelatinized wheat starch as a carbohydrate source and fish oil, canola oil and palmitin as lipid sources. Three different dietary digestible protein/digestible energy ratios (DP/DE: 20.38, 19.08, 18.09 mg kJ−1) were achieved by replacing bentonite as a non‐nutritive filler with carbohydrates and lipids. Oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion were assessed to obtain the potentially retainable energy (RE) and ammonia quotient (AQ) as benchmarks for potential growth and protein‐sparing effect. The results showed the lowest relative metabolic combustion of protein at 16.9°C ± 0.1°C. The authors determined this temperature to set the optimal thermal condition for the induction of a maximum protein‐sparing effect in juvenile rainbow trout. Increasing the DP/DE ratio significantly altered the magnitude of the relative metabolic protein use but had no effect on its interactions with temperature. The authors were able to reduce average metabolic fuel use of protein across diets from 16.2% ± 2.3% at 12°C to 8.0% ± 1.2% at 16°C. This study found no relevant significant differences of RE with the environmental temperature.
Freshwater fishes maintain multi‐trait phenotypic stability across an environmental gradient in aqueous calcium
Authors: Sanderson Sarah , Astorg Louis , Haines Grant E. , Beaumont‐Courteau Sandrine , Langerhans R. Brian , Derry Alison M. , Hendry Andrew P.
Published: April 2023

Reductions in a limiting nutrient might be expected to necessitate compromises in the functional traits that depend on that nutrient; yet populations existing in locations with low levels of such nutrients often do not show the expected degradation of functional traits. Indeed, logperch (Percina caprodes), pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) residing in low‐calcium water in the Upper St. Lawrence River were all previously found to maintain levels of scale calcium comparable to those of conspecific populations in high‐calcium water. Yet it remains possible that the maintenance of one functional trait (i.e., scale calcium) under nutrient‐limited (i.e., low calcium) conditions could come at the expense of maintaining other functional traits that depend on the same nutrient. The present study therefore examines other calcium‐dependent traits, specifically skeletal element sizes and bone densities in the same fish species in the same area. Using radiographs of 101 fish from the three species across four locations (two in high‐calcium water and two in low‐calcium water), this new work documents multi‐trait “homeostasis” along the gradient of water calcium. That is, no effect of calcium regime (low‐calcium vs. high‐calcium) was detected on any of the measured variables. Further, effect sizes for the skeletal traits were very low − lower even than effect sizes previously documented for scale calcium. These results thus show that native fishes maintain phenotypic stability across a suite of functional traits linked to calcium regulation, perhaps pointing to an “organismal‐level homeostasis” scenario rather than a “trait‐level homeostasis” scenario.
Asset management of flood defences as a co‐production—An analysis of cooperation in five situations in the Netherlands
Authors: den Heijer Frank , Rijke Jeroen , Bosch‐Rekveldt Marian , de Leeuw Annemargreet , Barciela‐Rial María
Published: April 2023

Flood defences are in practice often multi‐used, multi‐managed and multi‐financed. Flood defence asset management contains technical, organizational and spatial complex issues involving multiple organizations. In the literature, little attention has been given to the conditions for successful cooperation between organizations in flood defence asset management. This paper elaborates on this aspect of mature asset management from a practical point of view. Although the importance of a fit‐for‐purpose cooperation seems trivial, practice shows that the shape of cooperation is often the coincidental result of implicit or ad‐hoc choices and is not deliberately designed. This paper reports on empirical data gathered in a case consisting of five different situations related to collaboration in flood defence management. The management context consists of three main tasks: performance assessment, reinforcement and daily management, and three decision levels: strategic, tactical and operational, resulting in nine different management environments and related interfaces. For effectively achieving desired outcomes, the shape of cooperation has to be explicitly chosen dependent on the complexity of content and organizational context, and relevant external circumstances: situational cooperation.
Efficacy of the Standard Breast Crawl Technique on Maternal and Newborn Outcomes After Term Vaginal Birth: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rana Pooja , Swain Dharitri
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The breast crawl technique is a strategy for initiating breastfeeding during the first hour of life, an important goal with long‐lasting effects on newborn health and development. However, there is a lack of research to back up the benefits of the standard breast crawl technique over routine skin‐to‐skin care.

Methods

A single‐center single‐masked randomized controlled trial was conducted among 132 women who had given birth vaginally to a full‐term newborn. The study group had received the standard breast crawl (SBC) technique and the control group had received skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC). The outcome measures included time to initiation of breast crawl and breastfeeding, LATCH score, newborn breastfeeding behavior, time to expulsion of placenta, episiotomy suturing pain, amount of blood loss, and uterine involution.

Results

Outcomes were analyzed for 60 women in each group who remained eligible. Compared with those in the SSC group, women in the SBC group had shorter time to initiation of the breast crawl (7.40 minutes vs 10.42 minutes, P = .001), shorter time to initiation of breast feeding (23.18 minutes vs 30.58 minutes, P = .003), higher LATCH scores (7.57 vs 5.35, P = .001), and higher newborn breastfeeding behavior scores (11.38 vs 9.08, P = .001). Women in the SBC group also had decreased mean time to birth of the placenta (4.67 minutes vs 6.58 minutes, P =.001), lower episiotomy suturing pain scores (2.72 vs 4.50, P =.001), and decreased maternal blood loss (16.66% vs 53.33%, P = .001); were more likely to involute the uterus below the umbilicus after 24 hours of birth (77% vs 10%, P = .001); and had higher maternal birth satisfaction score (7.15 vs 2.0, P = .001).

Discussion

The study demonstrates improvement of newborn and maternal short‐term outcomes with use of the SBC technique. Findings support the use of SBC technique as a routine labor room practice to improve immediate maternal and newborn outcomes.
Histological effects of a combined collagen stimulation procedure consisting of microfocused ultrasound, soft tissue filler, and Ca‐HA injections
Authors: Casabona Gabriela , Kaye Kai , Cotofana Sebastian , Davidovic Kristina , Alfertshofer Michael , Freytag Lysander
Published: April 2023

Background

An increasing demand for in‐office aesthetic procedures aiming to improve collagen stimulation has been reported.

Objective

To analyze the effects of combinations of different aesthetic collagen stimulation procedures using histological analysis.

Methods

Histological analysis was performed on skin samples of the excess skin of a 60‐year‐old patient after sub‐superficial musculo‐aponeurotic system facelift surgery. The excess skin before facelift surgery was divided into three areas per hemiface. Each area—with exception of area A as a control—received an isolated or combined treatment of microfocused ultrasound (MFU), injections of calcium‐hydroxylapatite/hyaluronic‐acid‐based soft tissue filler, and microneedling. The effect of the treatments was analyzed using histological analysis with H&E coloration and PAS staining.

Results

A threefold increase of epidermal and dermal thickness was achieved by treating the skin with the proposed combined treatment comprising MFU and injections of calcium‐hydroxylapatite‐ and hyaluronic‐acid‐based soft tissue fillers.

Conclusion

The investigated treatments act synergistically in the production of collagen and combining these treatments allows for an increase in collagen production.
A New Reading of the Ẓāhir and Bāṭin of History in Al‐Muqaddima by Ibn Khaldun
Authors: Abou‐Tabickh Lilian
Published: April 2023

This essay offers a new interpretation of the terms ẓāhir and bāṭin in Al‐Muqaddima based on Ibn Khaldun's philosophy of language and rhetorical style. It shows that the figurative phrase fī bāṭinihi, followed by the term naẓar, implies that bāṭin is where historians should look to verify their information. On this reading, bāṭin denotes human association and its “essential conditions”. The terms also imply that there is reason in the bāṭin of history. Polities are at the core of history and its study, and politics requires reason to conduct. In this context, bāṭin is the content and substance of history, which refers to political organization and the range of rational actions required for the management of society. The ẓāhir of history, on the other hand, refers to the expression where the conditions of speech need to conform to the conditions in human association. This interpretation underscores the role of choice in Al‐Muqaddima and challenges the determinism prevalent in the secondary literature.
Stretch Goals, Factual/Counterfactual Reflection Strategies, and Firm Performance
Authors: Yang Miles M.
Published: April 2023

Popular business press and academic publications have advocated for stretch goals, particularly to enhance firm performance. The general assumption is that stretch goals can create a more challenging task environment that upsets complacency, inspires motivation, encourages outside‐the‐box thinking, stimulates search and innovation, and guides efforts and persistence. Surprisingly few systematic empirical studies have been conducted to support stretch goal deployment, such as when and how to use them. This study introduces two reflection strategies – counterfactual reflection (managers confront performance feedback and create possible alternatives) and factual reflection (managers analyse their own decisions and explain performance feedback) – and uses two experimental laboratory studies to test how different reflection strategies contribute to the stretch goal‐performance relationship. The results indicated that using stretch goals does not affect firm performance, although theoretically, using stretch goals can create a more challenging task environment and enhance performance. Rather, it is the combination of the type of goal and reflection strategy that affects performance. I suspect that under stretch goals, managers may be unable to implement new ideas as expected, leading to growing performance gaps and perceived continuous failures over time. Consequently, their motivation to search for alternative solutions declines, and they may fall into a spiral of self‐constrained thinking. The results demonstrate that under stretch goals, managers use factual reflection strategies to deliberately reflect on performance feedback to achieve higher performance. In contrast, managers who are assigned moderate goals perform better if they use a counterfactual reflection strategy. I suggest that by using a different reflection strategy, managers can further improve performance by encouraging directed search behaviour and avoiding self‐constrained thinking spirals. My study provides a richer theoretical and empirical appreciation of the effect of reflection strategy depending on the task environment and goal‐setting.
Subjective well‐being and school engagement before versus during the COVID‐19 pandemic: What good are positive emotions?
Authors: de Faria Sara Ribeiro , Pedras Susana , Inman Richard , Lopes Joana Correia , Moreira Paulo A. S.
Published: April 2023

The present study overcomes the limited empirical evidence on the association between well‐being and school engagement in times of adversity by exploiting available data from two large and comparable samples of eighth graders; one obtained prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic and the second obtained during the pandemic. Results suggest that adolescents were less engaged with their learning context during the pandemic, as well as lower in positive and negative affect, but slightly more satisfied with life. Through SEM we found a stronger positive association between positive affect and school engagement in the COVID‐19 group compared with the pre‐COVID‐19 group. This finding highlights the important role of positive affect in supporting better academic functioning in the aftermath of a global crisis.
Sensory analysis of fabric friction noise: Methodology, training, and validation of a panel to evaluate fabric friction noise perception
Authors: Leclinche Floriane , Drean Emilie , Adolphe Dominique , Zimpfer Véronique
Published: April 2023

Fabric friction generates sounds that can be expected or uncomfortable depending on the application. Indeed, acoustic properties of fabrics depend on many parameters like the weave pattern or the surface roughness and according to these properties, sounds will be differently perceived by human ear. This study establishes a list of 16 attributes and the corresponding references and also a method step by step to train the panel to evaluate and characterize textile products. An example of application is presented to show the differences or similarities between samples with different friction speed. Therefore, this work represents a step toward the standardization of the approach to the sensory analysis of fabric friction sounds and can be applied to different space products.

Practical Applications

Sensory analyses are a way to objectively characterize the attributes of different products, especially textile products. Determining whether products fulfill established criteria for some attributes is important for quality control, ensuring consumer trust or drawing some correlations between mechanical and acoustic/mechanical properties. The present study aimed to set up a standardized method for the sensory analysis of fabric friction sounds of fabrics. The sensory approach developed has enabled the sensory characterization of various fabric friction sounds using the selected descriptors, making it possible to establish a sensory profile. The follow‐up study will focus on the correlations between instrumental and sensory approach. In addition, different surface treatments (softener, cross‐linker) will be used in order to observe their influence on the sensory profiles.
Unbiased analyses of ITS folding motifs in a taxonomically confusing lineage: Anagnostidinema visiae sp. nov. (cyanobacteria)
Authors: McGovern Callahan A. , Norwich Alyson R. , Thomas Aimee L. , Hamsher Sarah E. , Biddanda Bopaiah A. , Weinke Anthony D. , Casamatta Dale A.
Published: April 2023

Cyanobacteria are diverse prokaryotic, photosynthetic organisms present in nearly every known ecosystem. Recent investigations around the world have recovered vast amounts of novel biodiversity in seldom sampled habitats. One phylogenetically significant character, the secondary folding structures of the 16S–23S ITS rDNA region, has allowed an unprecedented capacity to erect new species. However, two questions arise: Is this feature as informative as is proposed, and how do we best employ these features? Submerged sinkholes with oxygen‐poor, sulfur‐rich ground water in Lake Huron (USA) contain microbial mats dominated by both oxygenic and anoxygenic cyanobacteria. We sought to document some of this unique cyanobacterial diversity. Using culture‐based investigations, we recovered 45 strains, of which 23 were analyzed employing 16S–23S rDNA sequences, ITS folding patterns, ecology, and morphology. With scant morphological discontinuities and nebulous 16S rDNA gene sequence divergence, ITS folding patterns were effective at articulating cryptic biodiversity. However, we would have missed these features had we not folded all the available motifs from the strains, including those with highly similar 16S rDNA gene sequences. If we had relied solely on morphological or 16S rDNA gene data, then we might well have missed the diversity of Anagnostidinema. Thus, in order to avoid conformation basis, which is potentially common when employing ITS structures, we advocate clustering strains based on ITS rDNA region patterns independently and comparing them back to 16S rDNA gene phylogenies. Using a total evidence approach, we erected a new taxon according to the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants: Anagnostidinema visiae.
Care coordination between rural primary care and telemedicine to expand medication treatment for opioid use disorder: Results from a single‐arm, multisite feasibility study
Authors: Hser Yih‐Ing , Mooney Larissa J. , Baldwin Laura‐Mae , Ober Allison , Marsch Lisa A. , Sherman Seth , Matthews Abigail , Clingan Sarah , Fei Zhe , Zhu Yuhui , Dopp Alex , Curtis Megan E. , Osterhage Katie P. , Hichborn Emily G. , Lin Chunqing , Black Megan , Calhoun Stacy , Holtzer Caleb C. , Nesin Noah , Bouchard Denise , Ledgerwood Maja , Gehring Margaret A. , Liu Yanping , Ha Neul Ah , Murphy Sean M. , Hanano Maria , Saxon Andrew J.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The use of telemedicine (TM) has accelerated in recent years, yet research on the implementation and effectiveness of TM‐delivered medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) has been limited. This study investigated the feasibility of implementing a care coordination model involving MOUD delivered via an external TM provider for the purpose of expanding access to MOUD for patients in rural settings.

Methods

The study tested a care coordination model in 6 rural primary care sites by establishing referral and coordination between the clinic and a TM company for MOUD. The intervention spanned approximately 6 months from July/August 2020 to January 2021, coinciding with the peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Each clinic tracked patients with OUD in a registry during the intervention period. A pre‐/post‐intervention design (N = 6) was used to assess the clinic‐level outcome as patient‐days on MOUD based on patient electronic health records.

Findings

All clinics implemented critical components of the intervention, with an overall TM referral rate of 11.7% among patients in the registry. Five of the 6 sites showed an increase in patient‐days on MOUD during the intervention period compared to the 6‐month period before the intervention (mean increase per 1,000 patients: 132 days, P = .08, Cohen's d = 0.55). The largest increases occurred in clinics that lacked MOUD capacity or had a greater number of patients initiating MOUD during the intervention period.

Conclusions

To expand access to MOUD in rural settings, the care coordination model is most effective when implemented in clinics that have negligible or limited MOUD capacity.
Interprofessional identity and motivation towards interprofessional collaboration
Authors: Reinders Jan‐Jaap , Krijnen Wim
Published: April 2023

Introduction

It is unknown whether interprofessional identity is able to explain interprofessional behaviours. Extended professional identity theory provides clues by combining two psychological identity approaches. The aim of this study is to investigate whether interprofessional identity is a source for intrinsic motivation towards interprofessional collaboration related to wider group membership.

Methods

Participants of this double‐blinded study were 47 dentistry and 41 dental hygiene students (86.3% response) without interprofessional education (IPE) experience. Group productivity was used as indicator of group effort and equal communication as indication for interprofessional direction. The extended professional identity scale (EPIS) was used to measure interprofessional identity eight weeks prior to a mandatory IPE course. Based on EPIS levels, students were assigned to a low or high interprofessional identity group condition. Subsequently, 12 interprofessional teams (four to five members) were randomly composed per condition. Each group received eight problems (regarding roles, responsibilities and collaborative practice) for which they were expected to provide up to 10 solutions. Six trained psychologists rated the validity of solutions after which the percentage of solutions per group was calculated. Additionally, the psychologists rated interprofessional direction by observing team communication (asking questions, topic control, prosocial formulations, and speech frequency) during the second group meeting.

Results

No interprofessional identity differences were found with regard to gender and profession. The mean difference between groups with low versus high interprofessional identity was 0.5 (M = 3.4; SD = 0.5 and M = 3.9, SD = 0.4, respectively), t = −5.880, p < 0.001. Groups with high identity generated more solutions compared to low identity groups (91.5% vs. 86.4%), t = −2938, p = 0.004. The correlation between individual interprofessional identity and group effort was significant, r = 0.22, p = 0.036. Groups with high identity showed more interprofessional direction, t = −2.160, p = 0.034.

Discussion

Interprofessional identity has a positive effect on congruent interprofessional behaviours after 10 weeks. More research is required to understand interprofessional identity in relation to performance in education and work.
Sociodemographic and academic factors associated with unhealthy lifestyle among Brazilian nursing students
Authors: de Macedo Tassia Teles Santana , Sheets Debra , Ribeiro Fernanda Michelle Santos e Silva , Santos Carlos Antônio de Souza Teles , Patrão Ana Luísa , Mussi Fernanda Carneiro
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and academic factors associated with unhealthy lifestyles among Brazilian undergraduate nursing students. A cross‐sectional study was completed by 286 nursing students in Brazil. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between sociodemographic and academic variables with the latent lifestyle indicator. The model fit's validity was assessed using Akaike information coefficient estimation, Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and the ROC curve. A high health risk lifestyle was 2.7 times more likely among students aged 18–24 years than students aged 25 years or older (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = [1.18, 6.54]p = 0.02); 2.3 times more likely among students with ≥400 h of semester time (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = [0.93, 5.90],p = 0.07); and 3.8 times more likely among female students (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = [0.82, 8.12],p = 0.09). A moderate health risk lifestyle was 1.8 times more likely among students from the 6th to 10th semesters (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = [−0.95, 3.75],p = 0.07). Sociodemographic and academic factors were associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Health promotion efforts are necessary to improve nursing students' health behaviors.
Transcriptome analyses of murine right and left maxilla–mandibular complex
Authors: Crawford Jacqueline , Morawski Melissa , Eliason Steve , Wuebker Samantha , Van Otterloo Eric , Cao Huojun , Moreno Lina , Amendt Brad , Rengasamy Venugopalan Shankar
Published: April 2023

Objective

The objective of the study was to investigate differential gene expression between murine right and left maxilla–mandibular (MxMn) complexes.

Setting and Sample Population

Wild‐type (WT) C57BL/6 embryonic (E) day 14.5 (n = 3) and 18.5 (n = 3) murine embryos.

Methods

The E14.5 and 18.5 embryos were harvested and hemi‐sectioned the MxMn complexes into right and left halves in the mid‐sagittal plane. We isolated total RNA using Trizol reagent and further purified using the RNA‐easy kit (QIAGEN). We confirmed equal expression of house‐keeping genes in right and left halves using RT‐PCR and then performed paired‐end whole mRNA sequencing in LC Sciences (Houston, TX) followed by differential transcript analyses (>1 or <−1 log fold change; p < .05; q < .05; and FPKM >0.5 in 2/3 samples). The Mouse Genome Informatics and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases as well as gnomAD constraint scores were used to prioritize differentially expressed transcripts.

Results

There were 19 upregulated and 19 downregulated transcripts at E14.5 and 8 upregulated and 17 downregulated transcripts at E18.5 time‐points. These differentially expressed transcripts were statistically significant and shown to be associated with craniofacial phenotypes in mouse models. These transcripts also have significant gnomAD constraint scores and are enriched in biological processes critical for embryogenesis.

Conclusions

We identified significant differential expression of transcripts between E14.5 and 18.5 murine right and left MxMn complexes. These findings when extrapolated to humans, they may provide a biological basis for facial asymmetry. Further experiments are required to validate these findings in murine models with craniofacial asymmetry.
Using a digital platform to establish odontometric variation based on race, gender and Angle classification
Authors: Daniel S. B. , Wiesen C. , Christensen J. , Frazier‐Bowers S. A.
Published: April 2023

Orthodontists often encounter significant clinical challenges in the finishing stages of treatment due to a disproportion in interarch tooth size relationships. Despite the increasing presence of digital technology and concomitant focus on customized treatment approaches, there is a gap in the knowledge of how generating tooth size data using digital versus traditional methods may impact our treatment regime.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the prevalence of tooth size discrepancies using digital models and a digitally based cast analysis in our cohort based on (i) Angle's Classification; (ii) gender and (iii) race.

Materials and Methods

The mesiodistal widths of teeth in 101 digital models were assessed using computerized odontometric software. A Chi‐square test was used to determine the prevalence of tooth size disproportions among the study groups. The differences between all three groups of the cohort were analysed using a three‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

An overall Bolton tooth size discrepancy (TSD) prevalence of 36.6% was observed in our study cohort; 26.7% had an anterior Bolton TSD. No differences existed in the prevalence of tooth size discrepancies between male and female subjects as well as between the different malocclusion groups (P > .05). Caucasian subjects had a statistically significant smaller prevalence of TSD compared to Black and Hispanic patients (P < .05).

Conclusion

The prevalence results in this study illuminate how relatively common TSD is and underscores the importance of proper diagnosis. Our findings also suggest that racial background may be an influential factor in the presence of TSD.
The paradox of searching efficiency or why are violent population cycles so uncommon in terrestrial ecosystem
Authors: Oksanen Lauri , Vuorinen Katariina E. M. , Oksanen Tarja
Published: April 2023

The searching efficiency of predators depends on the balance between the adaptations of the predator and the counter‐adaptations of the prey. In this evolutionary race, the prey should normally have the upper hand, as it can perform tradeoffs between efficiency in resource use and ability to avoid predators. In terrestrial predator–herbivore systems, however, the huge difference in food quality between prey and predators seems to give predators an advantage. In productive terrestrial ecosystems, predators thus chronically overexploit herbivores, i.e. regulate them at densities far below the point of maximum sustainable yield. Assuming type II functional response, this should result in violent limit cycle dynamics. In reality, however, such cycles are only common at high latitudes, whereas the herbivory‐based food webs of species‐rich ecosystems at middle and low latitudes are characterized by asymptotic dynamics, where numerical changes only occur in response to external forcing. One way or another, diversity thus seems to beget stability in terrestrial grazing webs. We propose that strong, donor‐controlled energy flows from the detritus web and directly from plants to predators are the key for the prevalence of asymptotic dynamics at middle and low latitudes. These flows support generalists with type III functional response and, therefore, a capacity to curb budding outbreaks at an early stage. The ongoing extinction wave could critically weaken these stabilizing interactions, which could destabilize currently stable food webs. and result in violent limit cycle dynamics in ecosystems, where the dominating species have evolved under asymptotic dynamics. This could cause secondary extinctions and inflict large economic losses.

Keywords: extinction, food webs, limit cycles, overexploitation, searching efficiency, stability
The Fusion Rate of Cortical Bone Trajectory Screw Fixation and Pedicle Screw Fixations in L4‐5 Interbody Fusion: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Yuhe , Xu Jie , Zheng Wu
Published: April 2023

Objective

Although cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw fixation has been used for several years, the number of studies on its fusion effects is limited. Furthermore, several studies report conflicting outcomes. We aimed to compare the fusion rates and clinical efficacy of CBT screw fixation and pedicle screw (PS) fixation for L4‐L5 interbody fusion.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort control study. Patients with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent L4‐L5 oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) or posterior decompression using CBT screws between February 2016 and February 2019 were included. Patients in whom PS was used were matched for age, sex, height, weight, and BMI. Record the operation time, blood loss. All enrolled patients underwent lumbar CT imaging at one‐year follow‐up to evaluate the fusion rate. At the two‐year follow‐up the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (JOA) were used to identify symptom improvement. Independent t‐test was used for the comparison, and score data were analyzed using the χ2 and exact probability tests.

Results

A total of 144 patients with were included. All patients were followed‐up postoperatively for 25–36 months (average 32.42 ± 10.55 months). Twenty‐eight patients underwent OLIF and CBT screw fixation, 36 underwent OLIF and PS fixation, 32 underwent posterior decompression and CBT screw fixation, and 48 underwent posterior decompression and PS fixation. The fusion rates following CBT screw and PS fixations in OLIF were 92.86% (26/28) and 91.67% (33/36), respectively (P = 1). The fusion rates following CBT screw and PS fixations in posterior decompression were 93.75% (30/32) and 93.75% (45/48), respectively (P > 0.05). Regardless of OLIF or posterior decompression, there were no significant differences in the VAS, ODI, and JOA scores between patients treated with CBT and PS (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

CBT screw fixation can achieve a satisfactory interbody fusion rate with a clinical efficacy similar to that of PS in patients with lumbar degenerative disease, regardless of whether OLIF or posterior decompression was performed.
Does Progesterone Affect Perioperative Blood Loss during Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgeries in Female Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Jiao Yang , Tan Haining , Wang Zhen , Zhao Junduo , Shen Jianxiong
Published: April 2023

Objective

Menstruation is considered a contraindication for elective surgery for higher operative blood loss. Progesterone is often used to postpone menstruation to avoid surgery during menstruation. This study aimed to explore whether using progesterone to postpone menstruation affects perioperative blood loss and complications in female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed for female patients diagnosed with AIS who underwent PSF surgery between March 2013 and January 2021. Patients scheduled to undergo PSF surgery from 2 days before menstruation to 3 days after menstruation were treated with progesterone preoperatively. The patients were divided into two groups according to progesterone use (progesterone injection group; control group). Demographic and surgical data including intraoperative blood loss (IBL), normalized blood loss (NBL), total blood loss (TBL), transfusion rate, perioperative complications, postoperative drainage time, postoperative hospital stay, and preoperative coagulation function data were collected.

Results

A total of 206 patients were included in the study. Among them, the progesterone injection group included 41 patients, with an average age of 14.8 years. While the control group included 165 patients, with an average age of 14.9 years. The two groups were matched for age, height, weight, operation time, Risser sign, correction rate, mean curve Cobb angle, bending Cobb angle, number of internal fixations, and number of fused levels (all P > 0.05). Regarding coagulation function, no significant differences were found in thrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, prothrombin time, and platelet count between the two groups (all P > 0.05). IBL, NBL, and TBL were higher in progesterone injection group; however, the difference was nonsignificant (all P > 0.05). Transfusion rate, perioperative complications, postoperative drainage time, and postoperative hospital stay were not statistically different between groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Intramuscular injection of progesterone to avoid menstruation during PSF surgery did not affect perioperative blood loss and complications in AIS patients. It may be a safe method for AIS patients to avoid menstrual problems affecting the operation time and receive PSF surgery as scheduled.
Analysis of Brachypodium distachyonUVR8 reveals conservation in UV‐B receptors
Authors: Chen H. , Yin Y. , Niu J. , Kwak J. M. , Du M.
Published: April 2023

The Ultraviolet Resistance Locus 8 (UVR8) in plants recognizes ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) light and plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth through a series of signal transduction events. However, the UVR8 in monocotyledon crops has not yet been systematically analysed.

We identified BdUVR8 (BRADI_3g45740) from the genome of Brachypodium distachyon, a relative of wheat, by analysing the phylogenetic tree, the gene expression pattern, detecting accumulation of UV‐B response metabolites, and checking for phenotype recovery.

The BdUVR8 protein sequence is similar to the known UVR8 of other species. The phylogenetic tree of UVR8 shows clear divergence between dicotyledons and monocotyledons. Expression analysis revealed that UV‐B downregulates BdUVR8 by 70% and upregulates the chalcone synthase (BdCHS) gene 3.4‐fold in B. distachyon. The pCAMBIA1300::BdUVR8‐mCherry construct introduced into Arabidopsis uvr8 mutants showed that the BdUVR8 protein is localized in the cytoplasm and translocates into the nucleus in response to UV‐B irradiation. The introduction of BdUVR8 into uvr8 rescued hypocotyl elongation caused by UV‐B and restored expression of HY5, Chalcone synthase, and Flavanone 3‐hydroxylase, as well as accumulation of total flavonoids.

Together, our results show that BdUVR8 is a photoreceptor that perceives UV‐B in B. distachyon.