bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of perceived team reflexivity on employability and career satisfaction: mediating role of proactive behavior
Authors: Matsuo Makoto
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The present research aims to analyze the mediating role of proactive behavior in linking perceived team reflexivity to perceived employability and career satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model was conducted, using a two-wave survey with managers in a regional bank in Japan (n = 408).

Findings

This study found that proactive behavior fully mediated between perceived team reflexivity and perceived employability, and that proactive behavior partially mediated between perceived team reflexivity and career satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

As proactive behavior, perceived employability and career satisfaction were evaluated at time 2, future research needs to perform a three-wave survey to assess these variables separately.

Practical implications

Organizations should note that the practicality of team reflection can be an effective measure for enhancing employees’ proactive behavior, employability and career satisfaction.

Originality/value

The present research contributes to the existing literature by identifying the role of perceive team reflexivity in enhancing employees’ career-related well-being through proactive behaviors.
Evaluating endophyte‐rich leaves and leaf functional traits for protection of tropical trees against natural enemies
Authors: Aponte Rolón Bolívar , Arnold A. Elizabeth , Sánchez Juliá Mareli , Van Bael Sunshine A.
Published: December 2024

Plants use physical barriers and chemical compounds to defend themselves against natural enemies. For instance, tough leaves are considered to be better defended than soft leaves, part of a spectrum of defences defined by functional traits such as leaf chemistry, lifespan, toughness and leaf mass per area (LMA). Plants with longer lifespans, which invest more in leaf tissue and higher LMA, typically feature robust constitutive defences (e.g. toughness, thickness and dense cell walls). In contrast, plants with lower LMA and more leaf nutrients often invest more in induced defences. Leaf traits represent an environmental filter for foliar endophytic fungi (FEF), which may play an additional role in plant defence.

Our overarching assumption is that FEF alter leaf fate by interacting directly or indirectly with leaf traits, thus shaping successive FEF colonization, development of leaf traits and response to plant enemies. To evaluate this hypothesis, we inoculated seedlings of seven tropical tree species, which varied in leaf traits, with natural and diverse endophyte communities.

We characterized leaves by low FEF load (E‐low) and high FEF load (E‐high) based on culturing and culture‐free amplicon sequencing. We measured leaf removal by leaf‐cutter ants and leaf necrosis due to a generalist fungal pathogen.

Across the experiment, we observed greater leaf removal from the E‐low treatment compared to the E‐high treatment, but no difference in pathogen damage. Dimensionality reduction of leaf functional traits (i.e. LMA, toughness, thickness and anthocyanin levels) revealed relationships among traits and distinct host species characteristics. All leaf functional traits had significant correlations with FEF community composition. In turn, indicator species analyses revealed functional traits and taxonomic identities of FEF associated with high and low leaf damage by natural enemies.

Our findings highlight the complex dynamics of plant‐herbivore‐pathogen relationships and underscore the importance of endophytes as a potentially low‐cost, preemptive defence strategy for plants, especially during early growth stages. These insights shed light on the nuanced role of endophytes in plant ecology. Further, they open avenues for future research, particularly in exploring strategic resource allocation in plants and the specific contributions of endophytes to plant resilience.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Different measures of ventilatory efficiency in preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing are useful for predicting postoperative complications in abdominal cancer surgery
Authors: Stark Elin , Gerring Edvard , Hylander Johan , Björnsson Bergthor , Sandström Per , Hedman Kristofer , Kristenson Karolina
Published: December 2024

Background

Ventilation as a function of elimination of CO2 during incremental exercise (VE/VCO2 slope) has been shown to be a valuable predictor of complications and death after major non‐cardiac surgery. VE/VCO2 slope and partial pressure of end‐tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2) are both affected by ventilation/perfusion mismatch, but research on the utility of PetCO2 for risk stratification in major abdominal surgery is limited.

Aim

We aimed to determine the correlation between VE/VCO2 slope and PetCO2 measured during preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and its association with major cardiopulmonary complications (MCPCs) or death following oesophageal and other major abdominal cancer surgeries.

Method

In a retrospective cohort of 116 patients undergoing preoperative CPET 2008–2023, VE/VCO2 slope and PetCO2 (kPa) were recorded. The main outcome was MCPC during hospitalisation or death ≤90 days of surgery. We determined threshold values for each measure, corresponding to 90% specificity, using receiver operating characteristics analysis.

Results

A strong negative correlation was found between PetCO2 after a 5‐minute warm‐up and VE/VCO2 slope (Pearson r = −.88). In oesophagus cancer, VE/VCO2 slope >38 and PetCO2 < 4.1 kPa (30.8 mmHg) were both significant thresholds for the main outcome. For other major abdominal surgery patients, threshold analyses were non‐significant. The area under the curve to predict outcome was similar using VE/VCO2 slope (0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.51–0.89) as compared to PetCO2 (0.71, 0.53–0‐90).

Conclusion

Both preoperative VE/VCO2 slope and PetCO2 could identify subjects with a very high risk of complications following oesophageal resection, with similar prognostic utility. PetCO2 can be measured with simpler equipment and could therefore be useful when CPET is not available.
Diagnostic Use of Genome Sequencing in Patients With 11p15.5 Imprinting Disorder Features: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kessler Luise , Krause Jeremias , Kraft Florian , Amin Asmaa K. , Fekete Gyorgy , Lengyel Anna , Pinti Eva , Kovacs Arpad , Lischka Annette , Eggermann Katja , Kurth Ingo , Knopp Cordula , Elbracht Miriam , Begemann Matthias , Eggermann Thomas
Published: December 2024

To assess the suitability of genome sequencing (GS) as the second step in the diagnostics of patients with the features of 11p15.5‐associated imprinting disorders (ImpDis: Silver–Russell syndrome [SRS], Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome [BWS]), we performed short‐read GS in patients negatively tested for imprinting disturbances. Obtaining a genetic diagnosis for patients with the features of these syndromes is challenging due to the clinical and molecular heterogeneity and overlap, and many patients remain undiagnosed after the currently suggested stepwise diagnostic workup. GS was conducted in 48 patients (SRS features: n = 37 and BWS features: n = 11). The detection rate differed markedly between the ImpDis: although a genetic cause could be identified in 51% of patients referred with SRS features, no pathogenic variants were detected in patients with BWS features. Thus, GS substantially improves the diagnostic yield and broadens the spectrum of overlapping disorders with SRS features. Obtaining a precise molecular diagnosis provides the basis for a personalized clinical management. Our findings support the use of GS as a second‐tier diagnostic tool for patients with growth disturbances, as it addresses all currently known variant types and shortens the diagnostic odyssey.
Cytokine Profiling of Erythroderma Biopsies Reveals Types 2 and 17 Immune Activation Status
Authors: Pukhalskaya Tatsiana , Finkelstein Mitchell , Miyake‐Caballero Dacia A. , Tetzlaff Michael T. , North Jeffrey P. , Cohen Jarish N.
Published: December 2024

Background

Erythroderma is a dermatologic condition characterized by widespread red and scaly skin. The causes include, but are not limited to, psoriasis, eczema, drug eruptions, pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), and cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Most of these are typified by Type 2 (e.g., eczema) or Type 17 (e.g., psoriasis) immune activation. However, since the clinicopathologic features of erythroderma can be nonspecific, assays that determine the underlying immune activation status are desirable.

Methods

IL‐13 RNA in situ hybridization and IL‐36 immunohistochemistry were performed on 30 specimens of erythroderma, to ascertain Type 2 and Type 17 immune signatures, respectively.

Results

Specimens of erythrodermic psoriasis and PRP showed strong expression of IL‐36 and less than one IL‐13‐positive cell per millimeter. Conversely, those of spongiotic dermatitis showed low expression of IL‐36 and greater than one IL‐13‐positive cell per millimeter. Most specimens of spongiotic, psoriasiform dermatitis demonstrated low IL‐36 expression and greater than one IL‐13‐positive cell per millimeter, but a subset showed high IL‐36 expression and greater than one IL‐13‐positive cell per millimeter.

Conclusions

We developed a Type 2/17 immune signature classifier based on cytokine profiling, which showed that cases of erythroderma fall within distinct categories of immune activation. This categorization may have utility in guiding clinical decisions.
The Calcium Hydroxide Controversy: Does Calcium Hydroxide Weaken Teeth?
Authors: Kahler Bill , Swain Michael V.
Published: December 2024

Calcium hydroxide apexification has been used in the treatment of immature teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis for more than 50 years. However, the guidelines of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) ‘Clinical recommendations for a regenerative procedure’ recommend against calcium hydroxide apexification. The American Association of Endodontists “Clinical considerations for a regenerative procedure” do not list calcium hydroxide apexification as a treatment option for immature teeth with pulp necrosis. This review analyses the strength of the science that led to calcium hydroxide no longer being recommended by the EAPD and AAE regenerative guidelines. Many differences in the studies and failure to include adequate controls have resulted in inconsistent outcomes between studies. Furthermore, prior in vitro studies have assessed narrow mechanical properties of teeth without a theoretical fracture mechanics model. Cvek's concerns regarding the thinness of the dentinal walls remain as a primary risk for tooth fracture with Class 3 root development fractured with an incidence of 77% compared to a fracture incidence of just 2% for mature teeth. This review develops a simple fracture mechanics approach to the phenomenon of transverse root fracture that provides a theoretical framework to why fragile roots are more likely to fracture when compared to mature teeth. Furthermore, the effect of the varying size access cavities has not been previously considered. Systematic reviews and clinical studies do attest to the success of all approaches for the treatment of immature teeth with pulp necrosis. Calcium hydroxide apexification is one of the recommended treatments in the International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines. However, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and hydraulic calcium silicate cements (HCSC's) may provide better outcomes and have the convenience for the patient of a shorter treatment time. Regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) is recommended when the tooth roots are very immature with Cvek Class 1–3 root development. However, the treatment of immature teeth with pulp necrosis remains a clinical challenge as does the risk of tooth fracture.
Autotransplantation of Premolars to the Anterior Maxilla: A Long‐Term Retrospective Cohort Study of Survival, Success, Esthetic, and Patient‐Reported Outcome With up to 38‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Akhlef Yousra , Hosseini Mandana , Schwartz Ole , Andreasen Jens O. , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Jensen Simon Storgård
Published: December 2024

Background/Aim

Autotransplantation is a well‐documented procedure for replacing missing teeth in the anterior maxilla. This retrospective study aims to evaluate long‐term survival rate, success rate as well as esthetics and patient‐reported outcome of premolars autotransplanted to the anterior maxilla and secondarily to identify potential prognostic factors for survival, success, esthetic, and biological complications.

Material and Methods

One hundred and twenty‐two patients with 153 transplants were assessed on survival rate and potential prognostic factors, while 50 patients with 61 autotransplanted premolars underwent clinical, radiographic, and esthetic assessment. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded. Esthetic outcomes were evaluated using a comprehensive score system comparing transplanted teeth to neighboring tooth. All patients filled in a questionnaire about the esthetic outcome of the treatment.

Results

The survival rate of transplants after 16–38 years was 76%, with the majority showing no periodontal complications (95%). Radiographically, 46% of transplanted premolars showed no signs of pathosis. Ankylosis and inflammatory resorption were observed in 19% and 16%, respectively. Prognostic factors such as donor tooth type and root stage did not significantly affect transplant survival. Premolars transplanted at an immature stage had a significant lower risk of ankylosis, compared to more mature transplants. Esthetically, 72% of the transplants matched their neighboring teeth, and taking the biological success into consideration an overall success rate was 57.3%. In total, 71% of all patients were esthetically satisfied with their autotransplant, 18% were fairly satisfied, and 11% were dissatisfied.

Conclusions

The transplants demonstrated high survival rate, albeit with biological complications such as ankylosis and inflammatory root resorption. Developmental stage of the root at the time of transplantation had a significant influence on ankylosis of transplanted teeth. Esthetic outcomes were generally satisfactory, although challenges were noted with certain restoration types and donor tooth selections. Overall, the majority of patients expressed satisfaction with their autotransplanted teeth.
Daily rhythms drive dynamism in sleep, oscillations and interneuron firing, while excitatory firing remains stable across 24 h
Authors: Ognjanovski Nicolette , Kim David S. , Charlett‐Green Emma , Goldiez Ethan , van Koppen Sofie , Aton Sara J. , Watson Brendon O.
Published: December 2024

The adaptation to the daily 24‐h light–dark cycle is ubiquitous across animal species and is crucial for maintaining fitness. This free‐running cycle occurs innately within multiple bodily systems, such as endogenous circadian rhythms in clock‐gene expression and synaptic plasticity. These phenomena are well studied; however, it is unknown if and how the 24‐h clock affects electrophysiologic network function in vivo. The hippocampus is a region of interest for long timescale (>8 h) studies because it is critical for cognitive function and exhibits time‐of‐day effects in learning. We recorded single cell spiking activity and local field potentials (LFPs) in mouse hippocampus across the 24‐h (12:12‐h light/dark) cycle to quantify how electrophysiological network function is modulated across the 24‐h day. We found that while inhibitory population firing rates and LFP oscillations exhibit modulation across the day, average excitatory population firing is static. This excitatory stability, despite inhibitory dynamism, may enable consistent around‐the‐clock function of neural circuits.
Discovering EEG biomarkers of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome through unsupervised time–frequency analysis
Authors: Hu Derek K. , Pinto‐Orellana Marco A. , Rana Mandeep , Do Linda , Adams David J. , Hussain Shaun A. , Shrey Daniel W. , Lopour Beth A.
Published: December 2024

Objective

The discovery and validation of electroencephalography (EEG) biomarkers often rely on visual identification of waveforms. However, bias toward visually striking events restricts the search space for new biomarkers, and low interrater reliability can limit rigorous validation. We present a data‐driven approach to biomarker discovery called scalp EEG Pattern Identification and Categorization (s‐EPIC), which enables automated, unsupervised identification of EEG waveforms. S‐EPIC is validated on Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS), an epilepsy that is difficult to diagnose and assess due to its variable presentation and insidious evolution of symptoms.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 10‐min scalp EEG clips during non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep from 20 subjects with LGS and 20 approximately age‐matched healthy controls. For s‐EPIC, EEG events of interest (EOIs) were detected in all subjects using time‐frequency analysis. The 11 705 EOIs were characterized based on 11 features and were collectively grouped using both k‐means clustering and feature categorization. To provide clinical context, 1350 EOIs were visually reviewed and classified by three epileptologists.

Results

s‐EPIC identified four clusters as candidate biomarkers of LGS, each having significantly more LGS EOIs than control EOIs. Two clusters contained EOIs resembling known LGS biomarkers such as interictal epileptiform discharges and generalized paroxysmal fast activity. The other two LGS‐associated EEG clusters contained short bursts of power in beta and gamma frequency bands that were primarily unrecognized by epileptologists. This approach also uncovered significant differences in sleep spindles between LGS and control cohorts.

Significance

s‐EPIC provides a quantitative approach to waveform identification that could be broadly applied to EEG from both healthy subjects and those with suspected pathology. s‐EPIC can objectively identify and characterize relevant EEG waveforms without visual review or assumptions about the waveform's morphology and could therefore be a powerful tool for the discovery and refinement of EEG biomarkers.
Neuronal complexity tracks changes of epileptic activity and identifies epilepsy patients independent of interictal epileptiform discharges
Authors: Kienitz Ricardo , Strüber Michael , Merkel Nina , Süß Annika , Spyrantis Andrea , Strzelczyk Adam , Rosenow Felix
Published: December 2024

Objective

To date, the identification of objective biomarkers of neural epileptic activity (EA) remains challenging. We therefore investigated whether neuronal complexity could serve as an interictal electroencephalographic measure of EA, independent of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs). By tapering anti‐seizure medication (ASM) during video‐EEG (electroencephalography) monitoring (VEM), we studied whether changes in neuronal complexity could reliably indicate the increase in EA and identify patients with epilepsy.

Methods

The study included 27 patients with unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 24 control patients with non‐epileptic episodes (NEEs) only, each undergoing ASM reduction during VEM. Thirteen additional patients undergoing intracranial recordings during VEM were included to study the relation of surface EEG complexity to intracranial IED. Neuronal complexity was quantified using sample entropy. Delta power served as a control parameter. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic performance.

Results

As ASM was reduced, patients with epilepsy showed a significant decrease in neuronal complexity over consecutive days (p = .0008). In contrast, patients with NEE showed no significant change in neuronal complexity (p = .78). Delta power in contrast increased and did not differ significantly between patients with TLE and patients with NEE (p = 1). ROC analysis demonstrated that neuronal complexity effectively distinguished between patients with epilepsy and patients with NEE (area under the curve [AUC] = .76), whereas delta power performed at chance level (AUC = .5). Analysis of simultaneously recorded surface and intracranial EEG showed that hippocampal IEDs are followed by an increase in surface EEG delta power (p = 1.8 × 10−18) without any significant change in complexity (p = .39).

Significance

An increase in EA caused by ASM reduction resulted in a loss of neuronal complexity in surface EEG recordings of patients with epilepsy, independent of IEDs. These findings suggest that neuronal complexity could serve as a potential biomarker to differentiate between epilepsy patients and those with NEEs only. This holds promise for improving the clinical evaluation of EA in epilepsy, addressing the limitations of seizure frequency and IED identification.
Fragrant Attraction: Aromatics in Premodern Chinese History
Authors: Liu Yan
Published: December 2024

This essay surveys the history of aromatics in China from antiquity to the 17th‐century. Compared to the extensive study of the spice trade that has shaped world history, much less has been explored on the movement of these fragrant substances from their natural habitats in South, Southeast, and West Asia to China. By reviewing both early and recent scholarship on the topic, the essay demonstrates the wide circulation of these materials along the Silk Roads enabled by multiethnic traders, religious practitioners, and diplomats. Once imported into China, they acquired diverse uses in healing, food culture, and religious practices that generated new knowledge and transformed Chinese society. Their unique smells could also alter the ways of prescribing medicines and relishing food, and enhance the bodily experience of the devoted. An in‐depth study of aromatics using a multidisciplinary approach will not only deepen our understanding of premodern Chinese society but also offer an alternative worldview of aromatics that counteracts the one habituated by the “rise of the West” in early modern times.
Temperature and tree number drive tree crown‐dwelling arthropod diversity in Brazilian semi‐arid cities
Authors: Viana‐Junior Arleu Barbosa , Silva Luiz Filipe Santos , Pinheiro‐Júnior Edíson Cardoso , Santos Edna Karolyne do Nascimento , Araújo Matheus Carvalho , Alves Ítalo Emmanuel Costa , Martins Bruno da Silva , Pereira Joselice da Silva , Santana‐Santos Rafaella , Santos Bráulio Almeida , Bezerra‐Gusmão Maria Avany
Published: December 2024

Urbanisation is one of the most severe land use changes with significant negative impacts on several biological groups. However, the response of arthropods to this process is still unclear, especially in cities located in arid regions, which represent an important part of global urban ecosystems.

Here, we examined variations in abundance, richness, diversity and taxonomic composition of the tree crown‐dwelling arthropods in 10 Brazilian cities of semiarid climate located in the dry forest region (Caatinga), taking into account temperature gradients and number of street trees along the cities. We expected that cooler (in a hot range of temperature) and more forested cities would present richer, more abundant and distinct communities than warmer cities. This hypothesis is supported by the large amount of evidence showing the negative effects of temperature on the local structuring of biological communities. We used the method of the arboreal arthropod collector to sample the arthropod community inhabiting trees crowns up to 10 m in height.

We collected a total of 22,911 arthropod specimens belonging to two classes (Insecta and Arachnida) and 24 orders. As expected, temperature (min 21.7°C, max 26.8°C) proved to be a significant predictor of arthropod diversity in semiarid cities. Cities with higher temperatures reduce taxonomic unit richness (0D) by 33% and diversity (1D and 2D) in up to 75% and affect composition of arthropod orders composition. On the other hand, the effect of tree numbers showed distinct responses among the sampled orders, positively contributing to the abundance of Psocoptera, while exerting a negative effect on the abundance of Thysanoptera.

Overall, our findings highlight the importance of temperature and number of trees in determining urban arthropod fauna.
Assessing the longitudinal association between sleep, diet quality and BMIz‐score among Black adolescent girls
Authors: Trude Angela C. B. , Covington Lauren B. , Armstrong Bridget , Vedovato Gabriela M. , Black Maureen M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Cross‐sectional research has suggested associations between diet, sleep and obesity, with sparse longitudinal research.

Objectives

To identify longitudinal mechanistic associations between sleep, diet and obesity.

Methods

We used longitudinal data from a sample of Black adolescent girls. At T1 (enrolment), 6 months (T2) and 18 months (T3), we estimated sleep duration and quality (7‐day accelerometry), diet quality (Healthy Eating Index [HEI‐2020]) and body mass z‐scores (zBMI) from measured height and weight. Longitudinal mediation using structural equation models examined the mechanistic roles of sleep, diet quality and zBMI.

Results

At enrolment, girls (n = 441) were mean age 12.2 years (±0.71), 48.3% had overweight/obesity, and mean HEI 55.8 (±7.49). The association between sleep and diet quality did not vary over time. Sleep duration at T1 was not associated with diet quality at T2 nor was diet associated with zBMI at T3. The bootstrapped indirect effect was not significant. Sleep quality at T1 was not associated with diet quality at T2 nor was diet associated with zBMI at T3. The bootstrapped indirect effect was not significant.

Conclusions

Diet was not a mediator between sleep and obesity. Study strengths are the longitudinal design and direct measures of sleep and zBMI among a homogeneous sample.
Brexit, what Brexit? Euro area portfolio exposures to the United Kingdom since the Brexit referendum
Authors: Carvalho Daniel , Schmitz Martin
Published: December 2024

We study euro area investors' portfolio adjustment since the Brexit referendum in terms of securities issued in the UK or denominated in pound sterling, in the context of heightened policy uncertainty surrounding the exit process of the UK from the EU. Our sector‐level analysis ‘looks‐through’ holdings of investment fund shares to gauge euro area sectors' full exposures. Our key finding is the absence of a negative ‘Brexit‐effect’, rendering UK‐issued and pound‐denominated securities less attractive. Instead, we observe that all euro area sectors increased their absolute and relative exposures to UK‐issued and pound‐denominated debt securities since the Brexit referendum, as well as to listed shares issued by UK nonfinancial corporations, while the exposures to shares issued by UK banks declined. These findings should be seen against the backdrop of low yields on euro area debt securities and a strong recovery in UK share prices since the Brexit referendum.
Unveiling the glass‐forming ability of MOF: A high‐throughout simulation and data mining
Authors: Shi Zuhao , Liu Bin , Wang Hao , Arramel Arramel , Li Wei , Yue Yuanzheng , Li Neng
Published: December 2024

The correlation between the glass‐forming ability (GFA) of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and their structural characteristics remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we analyze over 20,000 MOFs from the MOF database, comparing geometric and electronic order parameters between zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and other MOFs. Our findings reveal a set of order parameters that effectively capture the thermal stability, and GFA of MOFs, acting as structural genes to predict glass formation. Through molecular dynamics simulations on representative ZIFs structures, we validate the reliability of these order parameters, particularly the total bond‐order density (TBOD) and the largest cavity diameter (LCD), for screening potential melt‐quenched MOFs. Furthermore, we predict that external pressure and electric fields can control the TBOD of MOFs, expanding our understanding of their thermal stability. This work identifies structural genes associated with the melt stability of MOFs, and contributes valuable insights into the prediction and understanding of MOFs glass‐forming ability.
Does charge trapping affect subcritical crack growth behavior of yttria‐stabilized zirconia?
Authors: Andričević P. , Johansen N. F‐J. , Erives R. I. , Vasiljević M. , Norby P. , Sørensen B. F. , Jain M.
Published: December 2024

Exposure to ionizing radiation has been known to affect the mechanical properties of solids; however, the exact mechanisms remain debated. In this study, we test the hypothesis that long lived metastable states formed by trapping of charges within defects influence subcritical cracking (SCC). Crack propagation rates were measured in 5 mol% Yttria‐stabilized zirconia samples, with and without prior exposure to Co‐60 gamma radiation (10 kGy absorbed dose). Crack growth was followed in situ by employing a double cantilever beam specimen inside an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). In comparison with the unirradiated samples, an increased energy release rate of ∼10 J/m2 was required to maintain SCC in the irradiated samples conforming to an increase in SCC fracture resistance. Raman and x‐ray studies preclude any phase transformation and volume change due to irradiation; however, there was a significant change in optical absorption characteristics observed as the darkening of the irradiated sample. Thermally and optically stimulated luminescence measurements suggest that sample darkening is caused by metastable states that form due to charge trapping during radiation exposure. A closer examination of the SEM images demonstrates an increased number of microcracks ahead of the main crack in the irradiated specimens. We conclude that charge trapping in defects due to irradiation, and subsequent detrapping during crack propagation by mechanical stresses, initiate the formation of these microcracks. Consequently, energy is consumed during the interactions between the main crack and the developing microcracks, ultimately ensuing an overall increase in fracture resistance in the SCC regime.
First‐principle calculations of Hf2S1−xTexB${\rm Hf}_{2}{\rm S}_{1-x}{\rm Te}_{x}{\rm B}$ (0≤x≤1$0 \le x \le 1$) with a Cr2AlC-type${\rm Cr}_{2}{\rm AlC\text{-}type}$ MAX‐phase crystal structure
Authors: Zhang Fengjuan , Cao Lei , Zeng Ying , Hu Chunfeng , Ekholm Marcus , Feng Qingguo
Published: December 2024

The widely recognized MAX‐phase materials consist of an early transition metal (M), an A‐group element, and carbon or nitrogen (X) in a hexagonal layered crystal structure. Recently, materials known as MAB phase materials have been developed by substituting boron (B) for the carbon or nitrogen. We have studied an MAB phase alloy system, , by mixing the elements on the A site in the prototypical MAX‐phase crystal structure instead of the more common M site. We have considered thermodynamic, mechanical and electronic properties of the resulting alloy system in the entire composition range, . With increasing Te content, the modulus of elasticity and hardness show a decreasing trend, while the material retains its electrical conductivity. Further analysis of the optical properties shows that the studied solid solutions are good candidates for effective absorbing materials in the UV region. Our study indicates that strategic alloying within the A site of MAB phases can selectively tailor certain material properties while preserving their favorable electrical and mechanical performance.
The beneficial and detrimental effects of prolactin hormone on metabolic syndrome: A double‐edge sword
Authors: Zaidalkilani Ayah Talal , Al‐Kuraishy Hayder M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , AL‐Farga Ammar , Alghamdi Othman A. , Bahaa Mostafa M. , Alrouji Mohammed , Alshammari Mohammed S. , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: December 2024

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridemia and low high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) level. MetS development is affected by endocrine hormones such as prolactin (PRL) hormone which induce insulin resistance and central obesity because PRL is implicated in the pathogenesis of MetS. Pituitary PRL controls mammary gland, however extra‐pituitary PRL is highly intricate in the regulation of adipose tissue function. In addition, cAMP activators enhance expression and release of PRL which involved in the control of lipogenesis and energy homeostasis. Consequently, hyperprolactinaemia may be associated with the development of MetS. However, normal physiological level of PRL is essential for insulin sensitivity and regulation of adipose tissue function and energy metabolism. Therefore, PRL has dual effects on the components of MetS. Hence, the present review aims to discuss the modulatory mechanistic role of PRL on MetS regarding its beneficial and detrimental effects.
Identifying Risk Factors of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Retrospective Japanese Claims Data Analysis
Authors: Takagi Tomohisa , Xu Linghua , Hoshi Masato , Arai Shoko
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim

We conducted a retrospective study to identify incidence rates and potential risk factors of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), as existing data are scarce, inconsistent, and provide limited representation of the real‐world situation of MACE in Japan.

Methods

We utilized administrative claims data, collected between January 2013 and December 2022, from Medical Data Vision, Japan. Patients (aged ≥ 20 years) diagnosed with UC within ± 1 month of the prescription date during the study period were included in the incident cohort. Exclusions comprised patients diagnosed with UC in the first 365 days or with myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, or other ischemic heart diseases within 30 days pre‐index. The cumulative incidence rate of MACE was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for all relevant potential risk factors.

Results

Of 11 407 patients in the incident cohort, 91 (0.8%) experienced incident MACE. Over 120 months, the cumulative incidence rate of MACE was 2.86% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.89–4.32). Significant HRs (95% CI) were found for age category (≥ 65 years) (4.557 [2.786–7.452]), diabetes (1.709 [1.030–2.835]), and atrial fibrillation (AF) (2.759 [1.188–6.405]) (all p < 0.05). Patients with a history of stroke showed numerically increased risk (1.871 [0.508–6.886]) of MACE.

Conclusions

The cumulative incidence rate of MACE was 2.86% over 120 months. Age, comorbidities of diabetes and AF, and history of stroke were the major risk factors for MACE in Japanese UC patients.
Gastrointestinal: Direct Visualization of Biliary Tuberculosis
Authors: Saleepol Aniwat , Chulroek Thitinan , Vimonsuntirungsri Thanrada , Luangsukrerk Thanawat
Published: December 2024

Background

Biliary tuberculosis is a rare type of hepatobiliary tuberculosis. Clinical presentation, imaging, or cholangiogram are difficult to distinguish from other common causes of cholangiopathy or malignancy. Direct visualization of bile duct via cholangioscopy and targeted biopsy was introduced as one of effective investigations for tissue acquisition and diagnosis.

Case Report

We present a case of biliary tuberculosis presented with pruritus, progressive painless jaundice and significant weight loss. Laboratory findings showed an obstructive jaundice. MRI showed multifocal bile duct stricture and intrahepatic duct stone. Single operator cholangioscopy revealed ductal stricture with papillary projection at common hepatic duct and pigmented stone. Targeted biopsy was performed, which showed non‐necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA.

Conclusion

Direct visualization via cholangioscopy can aid and increase diagnostic yield of biliary tuberculosis.
Naming and Navigating Matters: Family Therapists' Perspectives Facilitating Ethnic–Racial Socialization Practices With Latino Parents
Authors: Yzaguirre Melissa M. , Holtrop Kendal
Published: December 2024

Persistent ethnic–racial discrimination in the lives of minoritized clients requires a better understanding of effective practices for family therapists working with Latino families. Ethnic–racial socialization (ERS) can help mitigate the adverse effects of discrimination; however, ERS practices are less known as a therapeutic tool, resulting in a critical gap in the existing literature and limiting the support that family therapists can provide to Latino families. In response, the current study investigated family therapists' lived experiences facilitating ERS practices with Latino parents in therapy. Semi‐structured interviews with family therapists (n = 20) from 10 US states were conducted. A rigorous thematic analysis revealed two key themes related to the approaches used by family therapists for explicitly naming and navigating ERS‐related conversations when working with Latino parents and families. The results can inform recommendations for promoting conversations related to race, ethnicity, culture, ethnic–racial discrimination, and immigration with Latino parents in family therapy.
Treatment of Acne Vulgaris With a 650‐ms, 1064‐nm Nd:YAG Laser: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Olugbade Idowu D. , Petty Anna C. , Imahiyerobo‐Ip Joyce
Published: December 2024

Background

The 650‐ms, 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser device may provide superior efficacy and tolerability for the treatment of acne vulgaris over conventional treatments.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a 650‐ms laser for the treatment of mild to severe facial acne vulgaris.

Patients/Methods

Records of 225 subjects with mild to severe facial acne vulgaris and treated with a 650‐ms laser were reviewed.

Results

Subjects required a median of 3 treatments to achieve clearance. Clearance was achieved in 108/225 (48%) subjects. Adverse effects were limited to acne flare‐ups and dryness. Treatment with isotretinoin was not required in 180/209 (80%) of subjects. A variety of topical and oral medications and non‐laser procedures may be used in conjunction with the 650‐ms laser without adverse effects. At the 6‐month follow‐up visit, the median Investigator Global Scale (IGA) score was 1.0 (almost clear). For most IGA‐rated parameters differences between white patients and patients with skin of color were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The 650‐ms, 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser provides a safe and efficacious treatment of mild to severe acne in patients with white skin and skin of color.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections in children in Queensland, Australia, 2000–2019
Authors: Slack Mary P E , Grimwood Keith , Tuzel Elcin , Kim Hansoo , Edwards Felicity , Laupland Kevin B
Published: December 2024

Aim

To investigate the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections (P‐BSI) in Queensland children aged 0–18 years.

Methods

A retrospective data‐linkage study was conducted of P‐BSI identified by Pathology Queensland laboratories from resident Queensland children admitted to publicly‐funded Queensland Hospitals between 2000 and 2019. We estimated age‐standardised incidence of P‐BSI and case fatality ratios (48 h, 7‐, 30‐ and 90‐day all‐cause mortality from the date of the blood culture collection). Data on underlying co‐morbidities related to the episode of P‐BSI were collected from statewide databases.

Results

Overall, 297 episodes of P‐BSI were identified in 265 children, with an overall incidence of 1.14 infections/100 000 child‐years. The median age of children with P‐BSI was 3.7 years [interquartile range 1.2–10.7 years]. Almost 90% (n = 266/297) of infections were healthcare‐associated. There were 36 (36 episodes) neonates (31 preterm <37 weeks gestation), of whom 12 (33.3%) and 15 (41.7%) neonates died within 48 h and 7 days of the P‐BSI, respectively. The remaining 229 (261 episodes) children were aged 1 month to 18 years, and 234/261 (89.7%) episodes were associated with underlying co‐morbidities, especially haematological malignancies. Eleven, 15 and 24 of the 229 children beyond the neonatal age group died within 48 h (4.8%), 7 days (6.6%) and 30 days (10.5%), respectively of the index blood culture. Neonates, healthcare‐associated hospital onset infections, cardiovascular co‐morbidity, and multi‐drug resistance were significantly associated with early mortality.

Conclusions

P‐BSI occurs predominantly in vulnerable, hospitalised children with underlying comorbidities, especially in preterm neonates and those with haematological malignancies, and is associated with substantial mortality.
The development of the Agricultural Producer Barriers to Care Scale (APBCS)
Authors: Hopkins Noah , Reece Chase , Hansen Nathan , Proctor Christina
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify and test the factor structure of the Agricultural Producer Barriers to Care Scale (APBCS), which assesses barriers to engaging with health care in rural US farmers.

Methods

Respondents (n = 1045) completed an online survey that was distributed digitally and in‐person by researchers and community partners at farming events and via farm‐related social media. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used to assess the underlying factor structure of the APBCS, and McDonald's omega coefficients were calculated to test the reliability of each factor and the instrument as a whole. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS 28.0 and MPlus Version 7.4.

Findings

The exploratory factor analysis (n = 689) indicated a four‐factor structure for the APBCS with domains of (i) formal health care challenges, (ii) cultural barriers to help‐seeking, (iii) stigma, and (iv) resilience, which explained 38.408% of the overall variance. The confirmatory factor analysis (n = 231) found that a three‐factor structure, where questions from “cultural barriers to help seeking” were applied to factors for stigma and resilience, was a better fit for the model than the four‐factor model hypothesized by the EFA. The final APBCS showed reliability within each domain, and across the full three‐factor scale.

Conclusion

The APBCS is a promising tool that shows high internal consistency and could inform researchers and practitioners about the structural and cultural barriers to engaging with health care in agricultural producers living in the United States.
Exploring the boundaries between clinician and teacher
Authors: Alexandraki Irene
Published: December 2024

Noting that clinician teachers are vital in medical education but face challenges in balancing teaching and clinical roles, Alexandraki reflects how support, recognition, and resources are key to navigating the tension.
Diabetes and cardiovascular disease in older adults
Authors: Bilal Anika , Pratley Richard
Published: December 2024

An aging population combined with a rapidly increasing prevalence of diabetes foreshadows a global epidemic of cardiovascular and kidney disease that threatens to halt improvements in life and health‐span and will have particularly severe consequences in older adults. The management of diabetes has been transformed with the recent development of newer anti‐hyperglycemic agents that have demonstrated superior efficacy. However, the utility of these drugs extends beyond glycemic control to benefits for managing obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. Numerous cardiovascular and kidney outcomes trials of these drugs have played an instrumental role in shaping current guidelines for the management of diabetes and CVD. Older adults with diabetes are diverse in terms of their comorbidities, diabetic complications, and cognitive and functional status. Therefore, there is an unmet need for personalized management of diabetes and CVD in this population. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiological burden and management of diabetes and CVD in older adults. We then focus on randomized cardiovascular and kidney outcome trials with anti‐hyperglycemic agents to propose an evidence‐based approach to the management of diabetes in older adults with high risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease.
How Deep Are the Roots of Female Empowerment? Population Diversity and Gender Inequality*
Authors: Vu Trung V.
Published: December 2024

I study the impact of population diversity, determined predominantly over the prehistorical out‐of‐Africa migration process of anatomically modern humans, on present‐day gender inequality. Leveraging variations across countries and individuals residing in the same country but descending from different prehistorically indigenous ethnic groups, I find that deep‐rooted population diversity negatively affects women's economic and political empowerment. I provide several explanations for this finding. First, preindustrial societies with higher interpersonal diversity tended to experience early technological development, which primarily translated into fertility growth associated with lower women's social status during the Malthusian epoch. Second, population diversity was conducive to economic specialization, which co‐evolved with and amplified the traditional gendered division of labour particularly in preindustrial societies with long agricultural histories. Finally, the early formation and prevalence of unequal gender roles in preindustrial times would gradually increase intergenerationally transmitted cultural beliefs about gender inequality, leading to wide and persistent disparities in gender roles across the contemporary world.
Strategizing Simultaneous Spinal Osteotomy and Total Hip Replacement in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Guo Chen , Liang Yan , Zhu Zhenqi , Xu Shuai , Liu Haiying
Published: December 2024

Objective

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a debilitating rheumatic condition that significantly impairs mobility and quality of life through chronic inflammation and spinal fusion. The aim of this study is to investigate the optimal sequencing of spinal osteotomy and total hip replacement (THR) as treatment options, a topic that remains a subject of debate among medical professionals.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study spanning from 2017 to 2021, we assessed adult patients with AS who underwent both spinal osteotomy and THR, outcome measures involved radiographic assessments like Global Cobb angle, thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS), as well as clinical metrics such as the Harris hip score. For the same surgical group, paired t‐tests were performed for pre‐ and postoperative data, while independent sample t‐tests were used for comparing different surgical groups. The study aims to elucidate the optimal sequencing of these surgical procedures based on these comprehensive metrics.

Results

Among the 14 patients included, demographic and clinical variables were comparable between the two procedural groups. At the 3‐month follow‐up, all major metrics showed significant postoperative improvements. Specifically, the Global Cobb angle reduced from 98.88 ± 38.54 to 54.48 ± 18.14 (p = 0.018), and the Harris hip scores, evaluated at the 3‐month follow‐up, dramatically increased from 15.14 ± 10.12 to 72.57 ± 14.12 (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the Spine First Group exhibited more pronounced changes in pelvic parameters (p = 0.009), albeit at the expense of longer operation times and increased blood loss. No major complications were encountered.

Conclusions

Contrary to the prevalent belief that spinal osteotomy should precede THR, our study argues that under certain conditions, opting for hip surgery first can be both viable and advantageous. This approach may mitigate the risk of complications and even facilitate subsequent spinal surgery. Surgical decisions must be highly tailored, focusing on patient‐specific needs and anatomical considerations. The ultimate goal remains consistent: to improve patients' functional abilities in daily activities and thereby enhance their overall quality of life.