bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Education‐based differences in alcohol health literacy in Germany
Authors: Kilian Carolin , Liebig Moritz , Manthey Jakob
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Alcohol health literacy is critical for informed consumer decision making but has yet received limited attention in public health research. We therefore seek to measure alcohol health literacy and its educational distribution in Germany.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we developed and applied a brief nine‐item questionnaire on alcohol health literacy in an adult convenience sample (n = 391; February to April 2023). The association of educational attainment with ‘insufficient’ alcohol health literacy was tested in adjusted logistic regression models.

Results

Insufficient alcohol health literacy was recorded in 47.8% of men and 41.1% of women in our sample. While most respondents correctly identified common misconceptions and wrong beliefs about alcohol and were able to specify low‐risk drinking limits for women and women during pregnancy, only few correctly identified all alcohol‐related health conditions, especially respiratory and infectious diseases. Respondents with low education were 1.35 (risk ratio [RR], 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.50, p = 0.014) times more likely to have been classified as having insufficient alcohol health literacy than high‐educated respondents. There was no statistically significant difference between respondents with medium versus high education (RR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval 0.99–1.43, p = 0.060).

Discussion and Conclusions

Educational gaps in alcohol health literacy question a policy rationale that is fundamentally based on the premise of informed consumer choice. Strategies to raise alcohol health literacy must ensure that they reach all population groups, for instance, by providing health warning labels on alcohol containers.
The effect of HbA1c variability on the efficacy of intensive blood pressure control in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Xiaopu , Pei Junyu , Zheng Keyang , Liu Maojun , Hu Xinqun
Published: December 2024

Aims

The efficacy of intensive blood pressure (BP) control remains controversial, and the variability of HbA1c was a risk factor for macrovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether the HbA1c variability modifies the efficacy of intensive BP control.

Methods

Data from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Blood Pressure (ACCORD‐BP) trial was utilized. K‐means clustering was used to cluster patients into three groups based on the HbA1c variability score and baseline HbA1c values. Cox proportional hazard models and generalized linear models were used to measure the subgroup differences in intensive BP control treatment effects. The primary outcome was a composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes.

Results

In patients with low HbA1c variability rather than medium or high HbA1c variability, intensive BP control reduced the risk of the primary outcome on a relative scale (HR 0.60, 95%CI 0.40–0.90, p interaction was 0.03), non‐fatal MI (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.37–1.00, p interaction was 0.04) and stroke (HR 0.19, 95%CI 0.05–0.64, p interaction was 0.02) or absolute scale. Regardless of the variability group, intensive BP control did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular or all‐cause mortality (p interaction >0.05) both on relative and absolute risk scales.

Conclusion

HbA1c variability had effect on the efficacy of intensive BP control and intensive BP control brought a significant macrovascular benefit in patients with type 2 diabetes and low HbA1c variability.
Bacterial Diseases: An Emerging Threat for Central European Forest and Urban Trees?
Authors: Dennert Francesca , Augustinus Benno A. , Ruffner Beat , Queloz Valentin
Published: December 2024

Bacterial tree diseases have been mainly studied in agriculture and horticulture. For forest trees, damage due to bacterial diseases is understudied. Moreover, bacterial tree diseases often appear in the context of so‐called complex diseases, which are dependent on other factors, such as multiple microorganisms, insects or abiotic factors which weaken the host. In recent years, outbreaks of bacterial tree diseases, such as Xylella fastidiosa in the Mediterranean region or acute oak decline (AOD) in the United Kingdom, raised the awareness of bacterial diseases on forest trees. In this review, we aim to summarise the current issues and available knowledge about bacterial diseases of forest trees in Central Europe. Furthermore, we identify potential bacterial pathogens that could gain importance in the future for central European forests. The methods used were a systematic literature search and the analysis of the data collected over the last 10 years on bacterial diseases by the Swiss forest protection service. We conclude that, on one side, complex bacterial diseases could increase in importance, especially considering ongoing climate change. Therefore, the bacterial community of diseased trees (the pathobiome) needs to be studied more in depth to understand the emergence of complex bacterial diseases. On the other side, host ranges of highly pathogenic invasive genera and species, such as Xylella, need to be investigated experimentally for common central European tree species and varieties, to implement proactive risk management strategies against bacterial diseases in forest trees. Finally, urban trees and green spaces should be monitored more closely, as they could serve as starting points for bacterial disease outbreaks in forests, similarly to other emerging diseases and pathogens.
Effect of autophagy blockage on trigeminal neuropathic pain in rats: Role of microglia
Authors: Yuan Xuechun , Lu Yanzhu , Zhang Xiaoqi , Tang Yufei , Wen Shangyou , Lai Wenli , Long Hu
Published: December 2024

Microglia activation and autophagy changes are associated with the regulation of pain, but no study to date has been designed to address whether these features apply to trigeminal neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate how alterations in autophagy affect nociceptive behaviors may be associated with microglia activation in the caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SpVC) in a rat model of trigeminal neuropathic pain. This model was established by chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve. Autophagy inhibitors and agonists were injected into the lateral ventricle to regulate autophagy. The autophagy markers microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 I (LC3‐I), LC3‐II, sequestosome1 (p62), and LC‐3 were examined by western blotting and/or immunofluorescence. The microglia marker ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba‐1) was examined by immunohistochemistry. Nociceptive behavior changes were detected by measuring the mechanical thresholds and face‐grooming duration. The results showed that microglia in SpVC were activated, and autophagy flux was blocked in the trigeminal neuropathic pain model. Autophagy agonists inhibited microglia activation and alleviated nociceptive behaviors. In contrast, autophagy inhibitors further activated microglia and exacerbated nociceptive behaviors. In a rat model of trigeminal neuropathic pain, autophagy blockage leads to microglia activation, which significantly influences nociceptive processes.
Exposure and Sensitivity of Terrestrial Vertebrates to Biological Invasions Worldwide
Authors: Marino Clara , Leroy Boris , Latombe Guillaume , Bellard Céline
Published: December 2024

While biological invasions continue to threaten biodiversity, most of current assessments focus on the sole exposure to invasive alien species (IAS), without considering native species' response to the threat. Here, we address this gap by assessing vertebrates' vulnerability to biological invasions, combining measures of both (i) exposure to 304 identified IAS and (ii) realized sensitivity of 1600 native vertebrates to this threat. We used the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to identify species threatened by IAS, their distribution, and the species' range characteristics of their associated IAS. We found that 38% of worldwide terrestrial lands are exposed to biological invasions, but exposure alone was insufficient to assess vulnerability since we further found that most of the world hosted native species sensitive to biological invasions. We delineated areas highly vulnerable to biological invasions, that is, combining areas of high exposure and high sensitivity to IAS, located in Australia and coastal states of North America with a high confidence level, but also—depending on the group—in Pacific islands, Southern America, Western Europe, Southern Africa, Eastern Asia, and New‐Zealand with a medium confidence level. Assessing the completeness in exposure data, we revealed strong biases in the global description of the well‐known invasion hotspots, with limited areas being assessed with a medium to high confidence level. The completeness of sensitivity was overall very high, for the three studied taxonomic groups. We also demonstrated that coldspots of vulnerability to biological invasions were areas of low confidence in terms of data completeness, which coincided with biodiversity hotspots. There is thus a critical need to address these knowledge shortfalls which jeopardize efficient conservation initiatives, regarding the threats to well‐known vertebrate taxa.
Detection of basal cell carcinoma by machine learning‐assisted ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Avci Pinar , Düsedau Marie C. , Padrón‐Laso Víctor , Jonke Zan , Fenderle Ramona , Neumeier Florian , Ikeliani Ikenna U.
Published: December 2024

Background

Ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (EVCM) is an emerging imaging modality that enables near real‐time histology of whole tissue samples. However, the adoption of EVCM into clinical routine is partly limited because the recognition of modality‐specific diagnostic features requires specialized training. Therefore, we aimed to build a machine learning algorithm for the detection of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in images acquired using EVCM and, in turn, facilitate the examiner's decision‐making process.

Methods

In this proof‐of‐concept study, histologically confirmed BCC fresh tissue samples were used to generate 50 EVCM images to train and assess a convolutional neural network architecture (MobileNet‐V1) via tenfold cross‐validation.

Results

Overall sensitivity and specificity of the model for detecting BCC and tumor‐free regions on EVCM images compared to expert evaluation were 0.88 and 0.85, respectively. We constructed receiver operator characteristic and precision‐recall curves from the aggregated tenfold cross‐validation to assess the model's performance; the area under the curve was 0.94 and 0.87, respectively. Subsequently, the performance of one of the selected machine learning models was assessed with 19 new EVCM images of tumor‐containing (n = 10) and 9 tumor‐free (n = 9) skin tissue. A sensitivity of 0.83 and a specificity of 0.92 were achieved for the BCC group. The specificity for the tumor‐free control group was 0.98.

Conclusion

The deep learning model developed in our study holds the potential to assist the diagnostic decision‐making process and diminish the training time of novices by depicting tumor‐positive regions in EVCM images.
Comparing Autistic and Neurotypical Responses to Conventional and Modified Questions in Algorithmically Scored Asynchronous Video Interviews: A Textual Analysis
Authors: Benson Annika L. , Colley Kelsie L. , Prasad Joshua J. , Willis Colin M. G. , Powell‐Rudy Tracy E.
Published: December 2024

Traditional interviews often rely on social cues and abstract reasoning, posing challenges for some autistic individuals. Asynchronous video interviews (AVIs) and modifications to interview questions were evaluated as two ways to promote inclusion and equity. Autistic candidates answered conventional or modified questions (per expert feedback), which were compared to a random sample of the general population who answered conventional questions. After question modifications, group differences in algorithmically assigned scores remained, highlighting the need for accommodations. The number of words spoken was a differentiator between autistic and neurotypical job seekers. Text analysis revealed systematic differences in response content. Our study emphasizes the complexity of hiring autistic individuals, with the need for tailored accommodations and continued research.
Integrated computational strategies for Polypharmacological profiling and identification of anti‐inflammatory targets in Rungia pectinata L.
Authors: Zaheen Alaiha , Rajkhowa Sanchaita , Al‐Hussain Sami A. , Zaki Magdi E. A.
Published: December 2024

Rungia pectinata L. is an ethnomedicinal herb belonging to the Acanthaceae family and it presents a promising avenue for medicinal exploration, deeply rooted in traditional practices. Earlier research has demonstrated that the herb can effectively relieve the classic symptoms of inflammation. Nevertheless, comprehensive studies into the mechanisms underlying R. pectinata's beneficial impact on inflammation pathways, remain scarce. Hence, we employed an integrated approach combining network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the mechanisms underlying R. pectinata's anti‐inflammatory activity. For this study, seven inflammation‐related active ingredients were identified among 38 candidates, revealing 22 intersecting genes associated with inflammation. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks revealed three therapeutic targets: IL1B, PTGS2 and SRC. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the effects of R. pectinata are mediated by genes related to inflammation and cancer. Molecular docking studies identified trans‐nerolidyl formate and widdrol as lead compounds while molecular dynamics simulations indicated stable compound‐target complexes, with MM‐PBSA calculations showing superior free energy values for SRC, suggesting implications in cancer pathways. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the anti‐inflammatory effects of R. pectinata, which may be mediated through key pathways involved in inflammation and cancer. This highlights the potential of R. pectinata in both anti‐inflammatory and anticancer therapies. However, further experimental validation is necessary to confirm these findings.
Morphological, Histological, and Phylogenetic Characterization of Myxobolus branchioepidermis n. sp. (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae) Infecting the Gills and Skin of the Oranda Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Rahmati‐Holasoo Hooman , Marandi Amin , Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi Hosseinali , Shokrpoor Sara , Arabkhazaeli Fatemeh , Ziafati Kafi Zahra
Published: December 2024

Myxobolus Bütschli, 1882 is a highly important genus of fish myxozoans, consisting of many species that cause serious diseases in ornamental cyprinid fish species in different geographic areas by infecting a wide range of organs. This study describes a new Myxobolus species infecting the gill lamellae, gill rakers and skin epidermis of goldfish (Carassius auratus) from Mohammadshahr, Iran, based on detailed morphological, histological and molecular analysis. Mature spores were small and spherical in shape, consisting of two symmetrical shell valves in frontal view, measuring 10.3 (9.8–10.9) μm in length and 10.5 (10.3–11.2) μm in width. Two equal‐sized relatively pyriform polar capsules were 5.4 (3.9–6.0) μm long and 4.5 (3.7–5.2) μm wide. The polar tubules were coiled with 4–6 turns. A comparative analysis of the morphological and molecular data confirmed that this species is distinct from other identified myxosporeans. Plasmodia in the cutaneous tissue were found in the epidermis, causing extensive hyperplasia of Malpighian cells and mild inflammatory infiltration. In the gill tissue, plasmodia affected only one side of the lamellae, leading to hyperplasia of the lamellar epithelium, edema, and lymphoplasmacytic branchitis. A novel myxozoan species, Myxobolus branchioepidermis n. sp., has been proposed. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the morphological, histological, and molecular characteristics of this parasite, which infects the gill lamellae and epidermal layer of the skin in oranda goldfish (C. auratus). The identification of this new species adds to the growing body of research on myxozoan parasites and highlights its potential impact on ornamental fish aquaculture.
Simulation of Bruising in Persimmon Under the Dynamic Impact by the Finite Element Method
Authors: Soheilsarv Elahe , Ahmadi Ebrahim , Sarikhani Hasan
Published: December 2024

Persimmon is a soft fruit, which is why it is one of the horticultural products most prone to mechanical damage throughout the cold chain. Understanding the impact of this damage on the post‐harvest quality of these fruits is extremely important to reduce losses that occur throughout the supply chain. This study used the finite element method (FEM) to predict the damage to persimmon during impact loading. The tensile and puncture tests were used to find mechanical properties, and the pendulum tests for three levels of impact. During simulation, persimmon was modeled as an elastic–plastic, and the problem was considered a non‐linear explicit procedure. Two different force‐time and initial velocity methods were used for simulation in Abaqus software. Results of the maximum von Mises stress, maximum contact force, deformation, bruise volume, and internal energy indicated that increasing the impact level in both methods resulted in a rise of stress, deformation, bruise volume, and absorbed energy. The average error in contact force in the force‐time and initial velocity methods was 12% and 21%, respectively. Also, the average deformation error in the force‐time and initial velocity methods was 10% and 52%, respectively. According to these results, the force‐time method is more accurate, and the elastic–plastic model can properly represent the behavior of persimmon.
Konjac Glucomannan‐Based Edible Films: Method, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Chandarana Chandani , Bonde Smita , Vashi Vidhi , Akhter Mohammad Suhail , Prajapati Bhupendra
Published: December 2024

Konjac glucomannan (KGm) has emerged as a promising candidate in the realm of sustainable packaging materials due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and unique chemical properties. Derived from the konjac plant tuber, KGm is primarily composed of glucose and mannose units linked by β‐1,4 glycosidic bonds, which impart high molecular weight, acetylation levels, and functional characteristics such as viscosity, gel‐forming ability, and water absorption capacity. In the food industry, KGm films serve as edible coatings on fruits and vegetables, extending shelf life by creating a protective barrier against moisture and oxygen. KGm‐based films are used in controlled release formulations, wound healing dressings, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Various manufacturing techniques such as solvent casting, microfluidic spinning, and electrospinning are used to customize the mechanical properties and structure of KGm films for specific applications. Ongoing research aims to enhance water resistance and barrier properties through innovations such as composite formulations and cross‐linking methods. Looking ahead, further developments in KGm‐based edible films hold promise for addressing environmental concerns linked to traditional plastic packaging materials.
Identification of Genetic Factors Related With Nonhereditary Colorectal Polyposis and Its Recurrence Through Genome‐Wide Association Study
Authors: Ji Jung Hyun , Lee Su Hyun , Jeon Chan Il , Jang Jihun , Park Jihye , Park Soo Jung , Park Jae Jun , Cheon Jae Hee , Jee Sun Ha , Kim Tae Il
Published: December 2024

Background

Many patients with colorectal polyposis demonstrate negative results in germline mutation test. This study aimed to uncover genetic variants associated with nonhereditary colorectal polyposis using a genome‐wide association study (GWAS).

Methods

At a single referral university hospital, between January 2012 and September 2021, 638 patients with ≥ 10 biopsy‐proven cumulative polyps on colonoscopy without germline mutations related to hereditary colorectal cancer or polyposis were included. The control group comprised 1863 individuals from the Korea Medical Institute, each having undergone at least two colonoscopies, all of which were normal. This study utilized GWAS to identify susceptibility loci for nonhereditary colorectal polyposis. Genetic differences between patients with and without ≥ 10 polyp recurrences were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

GWAS revealed 71 novel risk single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) not seen in previous colorectal cancer and polyp GWAS. Five genes (UPF3A, BICRA, CBWD6, PDE4DIP, and ABCC4) overlapping seven SNPs (rs566295755, rs2770288, rs1012003, rs201270202, rs71264659, rs1699813, and rs149368557), previously linked to colorectal cancer, were identified as significant risk factors for nonhereditary colorectal polyposis. Two novel genes (CNTN4 and CNTNAP3B), not previously associated with colorectal diseases, were identified. Three SNPs (rs149368557, rs12438834, and rs9707935) were significantly associated with higher risk of recurrence of polyposis. The gene overlapping with rs149368557 was ABCC4, which was also significantly associated with an increased risk of nonhereditary colorectal polyposis.

Conclusion

This study identified 71 novel risk variants for nonhereditary colorectal polyposis, with three SNPs (rs149368557, rs12438834, and rs9707935) indicating significant associations with increased risk of polyposis recurrence.
Correlates and Comparability of Two Devices for Measuring Bite Force in Dentate Health Volunteers
Authors: Srinivasan Murali , Tahoury Bita , Takeshita Lisa , Moreira Yasmin Milhomens , Pavan Júlia Siqueira Rodrigues , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to correlate the bite/occlusal force measurements obtained through two methods: a hydraulic pressure gauge with a biting transducer (GM‐10), and a computer‐assisted device that records occlusal force on a pressure‐sensitive film (Prescale II).

Methods

Healthy, dentate volunteers were recruited. Participants' demographic data included age, sex, number of teeth present, presence of oral pain, history of prior orthodontic treatment and presence of parafunction. Bite/occlusal force measurements were recorded for each participant using the GM‐10 and the Prescale II devices. Linear Mixed‐effect model regression was performed with the significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

Forty‐six volunteers (women = 25, men = 21; mean‐age = 30.9 ± 9.3 years) participated. 54.3% and 34.8% presented with 28 and 29–32 teeth, respectively. 60.9% and 26.1% of the participants reported previous orthodontic treatment and oral parafunction. The overall mean GM‐10 measurements recorded were 333.0 ± 192, 276 ± 167, 208 ± 134, 142 ± 103 Newtons, for the 2nd and 1st molars, 2nd and 1st premolars, respectively. GM‐10 measurements were associated with the tooth position (p < 0.001) and the number of teeth (p < 0.001). The mean Prescale II measurements obtained with and without filter were 826 ± 594 and 1049 ± 595 Newtons, respectively, which were positively correlated with the occlusal contact area (r = 0.765; p < 0.001) and GM‐10 (r = 0.245; p = 0.019). The regression analysis for dependent repeated data confirmed the significant effect of the GM‐10 measurements (bite force) and the occlusal contact area on the Prescale II measurements.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the correlation between bite force measurements carried out by GM‐10 and Dental Prescale II was low and may not be considered interchangeable methods. The maximum bite force measured in isolated point contacts was a predictive factor of the occlusal force distributed over the entire arch. Further studies are warranted to explore this influence in the clinical implications of these findings.
Are low‐ability students mentally represented as low‐SES, academically incapable, and undeserving of support?
Authors: Browman Alexander S. , Miele David B.
Published: December 2024

In seven studies, this research demonstrates that both the general public and educators may hold culturally‐shared, class stereotype‐laden mental representations that they reflexively use both to subjectively identify particular students as being high or low in academic ability, and determine who should receive educational support. Using procedures designed to capture people's mental images of others, we first observed that both the general public and aspiring educators mentally represent low‐ability students as qualitatively and quantitatively distinct from high‐ability students. Furthermore, the representations of low (vs. high) ability students captured from the public and aspiring educators were more likely to be associated with negative class‐based academic stereotypes by separate samples of the public and educators, such that a student who “looks” low in ability was also more likely to be labeled as being low‐SES, and having poorer academic motivation and work ethic. As a result, the low (vs. high) ability student was more likely to be denied college admissions or scholarship support by members of the American public and to be exposed to unsupportive instructional practices by teachers. Implications for our understanding of teacher biases are discussed.
Joy and humanity in communication: A design‐based research approach to developing and understanding the impact of a novel education programme on hospital staff, co‐designed and facilitated by clown doctors
Authors: Gray Amy , Gard Jye , Hawley Meaghan , Mason Phoebe , Bartholomew Clare , Symons David
Published: December 2024

Aim

Clown doctors have a unique skill set and role, particularly in paediatric settings. Yet, there is limited research on whether clown doctors themselves could play a role in sharing these skills with health professionals. Acknowledging uncertainty in what our intervention should be, we used a design‐based research (DBR) approach with the aim of (i) shaping the educational design and content of communication skills‐based workshops for clinicians and (ii) understanding the educational impact on participants.

Methods

Data were collected from initial key stakeholder consultations, then through the delivery of evolving iterations of the workshop in the form of post‐workshop group discussions, follow‐up short participant surveys and observations of the workshops themselves. Reflexive thematic analysis of group discussions and short survey responses was undertaken to understand the impact.

Results

Forty participants participated in five workshops, including staff from medical, nursing, allied health and administrative backgrounds. Five educational principles emerged: self‐awareness, curiosity, play, spirit and self‐reflection. Four central themes regarding educational impact were generated: creating joy and breaking barriers; the heart, not the science of communication; workplace tensions challenge change; and communication training but not as we know it.

Conclusions

A novel education programme facilitated by clown doctors at a hospital offered unique communication skill learnings, while bringing joy and connection to the workplace through education. The DBR approach enabled this programme to be shaped, implemented, and evaluated, with the results attesting to the value of more novel approaches to communication training. The challenge remains to embed, sustain, and potentially scale the programme to other settings.
Performance of atraumatic restorative treatment in primary care: A study in the elderly with home‐based dental care
Authors: Genaro Luís Eduardo , Saliba Tânia Adas , Júnior Aylton Valsecki , Rosell Fernanda Lopez , Moimaz Suzely Adas Saliba
Published: December 2024

Objective

To assess the performance of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in primary care among an elderly population in need of home‐based dental care.

Methodology

It is an observational clinical study, more specifically a descriptive cohort study. The status of these restorations was evaluated1 year after placement. The analysis of ART's clinical performance was conducted through the direct clinical evaluation method, following criteria previously defined in earlier studies. Data were tabulated into sets of descriptive categories, allowing classification into a frequency distribution according to the evaluation score. Success and failure results underwent statistical evaluation using the chi‐square test, with a significance level set at 5%.

Results

Elderly individuals (n = 35) participated in the study, where 103 restorations were performed in the home environment. The majority of participants were women (68.6%) with an average age of 72.3 years, and 54.3% faced difficulties in motor mobility. All received dental care exclusively at home, and 45.7% used dentures. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0156) between the percentage of failures and successful cases (73.8%) without the need for ART replacement. The majority of ART interventions were on occlusal surfaces (44.9%), showing the highest percentage of restorations in good condition (84.8%), followed by mesio‐occlusal (81.3%), while disto‐occlusal cavities exhibited the highest failure rate (38.4%).

Conclusion

The ART demonstrates satisfactory survival rates in elderly patients after 1 year. This restoration can be a viable alternative for the treatment of older adults, especially in situations that require domiciliary dental care.
Target enrichment data reveal rapid divergence with reticulate evolution of Maianthemum (Asparagaceae: Convallarioideae) in the Himalayan‐Hengduan Mountains and eastern Asia
Authors: Xie Yan‐Yang , Nie Ze‐Long , Zhang Meng‐Hua , Song Ming‐Yang , Wen Jun , Meng Ying
Published: December 2024

Understanding plant diversity and the phylogenetic divergences in the Northern Hemisphere is essential for in‐depth evolutionary studies and conservation efforts. Maianthemum is an ideal example to explore plant diversification processes in the Northern Hemisphere, with more than 35 species widely distributed in forests in North to Central America, Europe and eastern Asia. Yet the phylogenetic relationships within Maianthemum remain elusive. In this study, we reconstructed a well‐supported phylogenetic framework of Maianthemum and explored possible gene introgressions and reticulate evolution using nuclear and chloroplast genomes based on the target enrichment Hyb‐Seq approach. Both nuclear and chloroplast phylogenetic results supported three clusters corresponding to their biogeographic distribution of the New World, the Himalayan‐Hengduan Mountains, and the north temperate zone, respectively. The genus was inferred to be most likely originated in North America with migrations into Central America and eastern Asia in the late Miocene. Our results suggested that both incomplete lineage sorting and hybridizations/introgressions along with geographic isolation have contributed to the rapid divergence of Maianthemum in eastern Asia, which may represent a complex model for the evolutionary radiation of plants in eastern Asia and even the Northern Hemisphere.
Perimetric visual field testing reveals deficits in contrast sensitivity in workers exposed to occupational levels of pesticides
Authors: Khuu Sieu K. , Rodríguez Martha Fabiola , Bernal‐Bechara Laila , Dussan Gerardo A. , He Rebecca Y. , Jiménez‐Barbosa Ingrid Astrid
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This case–control study investigated whether defects in visual field contrast sensitivity are associated with exposure to occupational levels of pesticides in agricultural workers.

Methods

Twenty‐seven individuals exposed to occupational levels of pesticides (exposed group) from 14 agricultural systems and 27 non‐exposed individuals (non‐exposed group) were measured using standard automated perimetry (30‐2 full threshold). Visual sector analysis, targeting regions of the optic nerve head, was performed to examine for potential region‐specific sensitivity differences. Participants also underwent comprehensive assessments, including general optometric examinations and demographic surveys. Symptoms and signs of neurotoxicity were assessed using the modified Q16 neurotoxic symptom questionnaire and biological testing for abnormal levels of Substance P in tears (an inflammatory marker associated with chemical exposure) and cholinesterase (which is inhibited by pesticides) in blood samples.

Results

Signs of chemical exposure were found as indicated by significantly higher levels of neurotoxic symptoms, higher concentrations of Substance P and lower levels of cholinesterase in the exposed group. Visual field global indices showed differences in contrast sensitivity between the exposed and non‐exposed groups, with the exposed group demonstrating significantly lower means and larger pattern‐standard deviations. Notably, visual field sector analysis revealed comparatively lower contrast sensitivity at nasal locations surrounding the optic nerve head in the exposed group.

Conclusion

This study found deficits in visual field contrast sensitivity to be associated with pesticide exposure, and selective loss at nasal locations centred on the optic nerve head may indicate retinal toxicity. These findings suggest the utility of visual field assessment as a potential method to evaluate pesticide‐related health implications. The results highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and protective measures for agricultural workers exposed to pesticides to prevent potential visual and neurological damage.
Association of urinary eosinophilic protein X at age 3 years and subsequent persistence of wheezing and asthma diagnosis in adolescence
Authors: Oloyede Iso Precious , Ullah Anhar , Murray Clare S. , Fontanella Sara , Simpson Angela , Custovic Adnan
Published: December 2024

Background

Wheezing is common in early life, but most children stop wheezing by school age. However, the prediction of course of wheezing through childhood is difficult.

Objective

To investigate whether urinary EPX (a marker of eosinophil activation) in children at age 3 years may be useful for the prediction of wheeze persistence and future asthma diagnosis.

Methods

U‐EPX was measured at age 3 years (radioimmunoassay) in 906 participants in the population‐based birth cohort. Children attended follow‐ups to age 16 years. We investigate the discriminative ability of u‐EPX and other factors in predicting asthma diagnosis at age 16 using receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves.

Results

Of 613 children with follow‐up information at age 16, 511 had data on u‐EPX at age 3 and asthma diagnosis at age 16 years; of those; 133 (21.7%) had asthma. Based on longitudinal data, children were assigned to wheeze clusters: No wheeze (NWZ), early transient (ETW), late‐onset (LOW), intermittent (INT) and persistent wheeze (PEW). U‐EPX levels differed significantly between different wheeze clusters (p = .003), with clusters characterised with persistent symptoms having higher u‐EPX. In the whole cohort, the best performing classification model for asthma diagnosis at age 16 years included sex, u‐EPX, sensitisation and wheeze (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.76–0.88). u‐EPX and allergic sensitisation alone had similar predictive power (AUC [95%CI]: 0.64 [0.58–0.71] and 0.65 [0.60–0.71]). The best performing classification model for asthma prediction among children with doctor‐confirmed wheeze in the first 3 years included child's u‐EPX and sensitisation at age 3 years, sex, gestational age and maternal atopy (AUC: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.67–0.85).

Conclusions

Early‐life u‐EPX may be a useful non‐invasive marker for asthma prediction in adolescence.
Lichen Planopilaris in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Papierzewska Małgorzata , Waśkiel‐Burnat Anna , Rudnicka Lidia
Published: December 2024

Background

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is the most common form of scarring alopecia in adults. The disease may also occur in children and adolescents. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate clinical, trichoscopic, and histopathologic features of pediatric LPP. Therapeutic management is also discussed.

Methods

The systematic review was performed according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines by searching PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases with the last search on June 18, 2024.

Results

A total of 12 studies including 20 children were analyzed. Male predominance was observed. The typical presentation of LPP in children included scarring, perifollicular erythema, scaling, and plugging; atrophy, and follicular hyperkeratotic papules, located most commonly in the vertex. The most common trichoscopic findings were scaling and blue‐gray dots, perifollicular erythema, and the absence of follicular ostia. Histopathological examination revealed perifollicular fibrosis, perifollicular interface lymphocytic inflammation, pigment incontinence, cytoid bodies, and scarring in the dermis. Complete or partial response was observed in children treated with topical, intralesional, and systemic corticosteroids, methotrexate, pioglitazone, and tocilizumab.

Conclusions

LPP is a rare cause of scarring alopecia in children. The disease should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of patchy hair loss in children.
Genome‐wide association study of metabolic traits in the giant duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza
Authors: Höfer M. , Schäfer M. , Wang Y. , Wink S. , Xu S.
Published: December 2024

The exceptionally high growth rate and high flavonoid content make the giant duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. (Arales: Lemnaceae Martinov) an ideal organism for food production and metabolic engineering. To facilitate this, identification of the genetic basis underlying growth and metabolic traits is essential.

Here, we analysed growth and content of 42 metabolites in 137 S. polyrhiza genotypes and characterized the genetics underpinning these traits using a genome‐wide association (GWA) approach.

We found that biomass positively correlated with the content of many free amino acids, including L‐glutamine, L‐tryptophan, and L‐serine, but negatively correlated with specialized metabolites, such as flavonoids. GWA analysis showed that several candidate genes involved in processes such as photosynthesis, protein degradation, and organ development were jointly associated with multiple metabolic traits.

The results suggest the above genes are suitable targets for simultaneous optimization of duckweed growth and metabolite levels. This study provides insights into the metabolic diversity of S. polyrhiza and its underlying genetic architecture, paving the way for industrial applications of this plant via targeted breeding or genetic engineering.
Prevailing Party laws and general election outcomes
Authors: Grant Darren
Published: December 2024

Objective

This article examines the incidence and effects of the most common ballot ordering procedure used in U.S. general elections, Prevailing Party laws, which give the most advantageous ballot position to the currently prevailing political party.

Methods

Panel regression and regression discontinuity analyses are applied to almost 50 years of county‐level election data from Wyoming.

Results

Prevailing Party laws generally increase the favored candidate's vote share by two percentage points or more, enough to flip the result of roughly 1 percent of major elections nationwide.

Conclusions

The effect of Prevailing Party laws is substantially larger than that of more innocuous ballot ordering schemes, due to “endorsement effects” these other schemes lack. The existing literature, which exclusively analyzes these other schemes, substantially understates the degree to which ballot order can be used to maintain political power.
On the independence number of sparser random Cayley graphs
Authors: Campos Marcelo , Dahia Gabriel , Marciano João Pedro
Published: December 2024

The Cayley sum graph of a set is defined to have vertex set and an edge between two distinct vertices if . Green and Morris proved that if the set is a ‐random subset of with , then the independence number of is asymptotically equal to with high probability. Our main theorem is the first extension of their result to : we show that, with high probability,
as long as .

One of the tools in our proof is a geometric‐flavoured theorem that generalises Freĭman's lemma, the classical lower bound on the size of high‐dimensional sumsets. We also give a short proof of this result up to a constant factor; this version yields a much simpler proof of our main theorem at the expense of a worse constant.
Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Students’ Physical Exercise and Health Practices: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Xu Ying
Published: December 2024

Purpose: We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ physical exercise and health behaviors. Method: Employing a descriptive panel study, two on-site surveys were conducted at 32 primary schools in Guangdong Province before and during the pandemic to examine changes in physical health awareness, school sports, and family support in over 3,200 students. Results: Due to school closures and social distancing measures, family support significantly influenced the physical health promotion of students compared with that of their peers without support (p < .01). Students’ perspectives on performing physical exercise also shifted postpandemic from focusing on grades to prioritizing health (p < .01). Parents strategically adjusted their financial support, prioritizing sports equipment over rental venues and private sports coaching (p < .01) and encouraging home exercise. Discussion/Conclusion: The study’s insights clarify how pandemics impact sports behaviors among students; thus, the findings inform strategies for promoting student health during large-scale crises.
A trafficking regulatory subnetwork governs α
V
β
6
integrin-HER2 cross-talk to control breast cancer invasion and drug resistance
Authors: Maldonado Horacio , Dreger Marcel , Bedgood Lara D. , Kyriakou Theano , Wolanska Katarzyna I. , Rigby Megan E. , Marotta Valeria E. , Webster Justine M. , Wang Jun , Rusilowicz-Jones Emma V. , Marshall John F. , Coulson Judy M. , Macpherson Iain R. , Hurlstone Adam , Morgan Mark R.
Published: December 2024

HER2 and α
V
β
6
integrin are independent predictors of breast cancer survival and metastasis. We identify an α
V
β
6
/HER2 cross-talk mechanism driving invasion, which is dysregulated in drug-resistant HER2+ breast cancer cells. Proteomic analyses reveal ligand-bound α
V
β
6
recruits HER2 and a trafficking subnetwork, comprising guanosine triphosphatases RAB5 and RAB7A and the Rab regulator guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor 2 (GDI2). The RAB5/RAB7A/GDI2 functional module mediates direct cross-talk between α
V
β
6
and HER2, affecting receptor trafficking and signaling. Acute exposure to trastuzumab increases recruitment of the subnetwork to α
V
β
6
, but trastuzumab resistance decouples GDI2 recruitment. GDI2, RAB5, and RAB7A cooperate to regulate migration and transforming growth factor–β activation to promote invasion. However, these mechanisms are dysregulated in trastuzumab-resistant cells. In patients,
RAB5A
,
RAB7A
, and
GDI2
expression correlates with patient survival and α
V
β
6
expression predicts relapse following trastuzumab treatment. Thus, the RAB5/RAB7A/GDI2 subnetwork regulates α
V
β
6
-HER2 cross-talk to drive breast cancer invasion but is subverted in trastuzumab-resistant cells to drive α
V
β
6
-independent and HER2-independent tumor progression.
High sea surface temperatures were a prerequisite for the development and expansion of the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Petrick Benjamin , Reuning Lars , Auderset Alexandra , Pfeiffer Miriam , Auer Gerald , Schwark Lorenz
Published: December 2024

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the modern ocean. To date, the influence of temperature on the origin and long-term evolution of the Great Barrier Reef remains enigmatic. Here, we present a 900–thousand year TEX
86
H
-derived temperature proxy record from Ocean Drilling Program Site 820 in the Coral Sea. It demonstrates that the onset of reef growth on the outer shelf was preceded by a rise in summer temperature from ~26° to ~28°C at around 700 thousand years ago (marine isotope stage 17). This approximately 2°C rise in summer sea surface temperatures (SSTs) likely resulted in higher carbonate production rates, which were crucial for the formation of the Great Barrier Reef. Subsequently, reconstructed SSTs remained sufficiently warm for the Great Barrier Reef to thrive and evolve continuously. The evolution of the Great Barrier Reef, therefore, appears to be closely linked to SSTs.
Physics-guided deep learning for skillful wind-wave modeling
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Jiang Haoyu
Published: December 2024

Modeling sea surface wind-waves is crucial for both scientific research and engineering applications. Nowadays, the most accurate wave models are based on numerical methods, which primarily concern the wave spectrum evolution by solving wave action balance partial differential equations. These methods are computationally expensive and limited by incomplete physical representations of wave spectral evolution. Here, we present a deep learning–based wave model trained using observation-merged wave hindcasts. Guided by the physics knowledge that waves are either generated by local current winds or by remote historical winds, this method can directly model significant wave height, bypassing the need for wave spectral information. This feature engineering effectively reduces the complexity of model inputs and outputs. The resulting artificial intelligence method can model 1 year of global significant wave heights at a 0.5° × 0.5° × 1-hour resolution within half an hour on a personal computer, achieving higher accuracy than state-of-the-art numerical wave models.
In vivo dynamic tracking of cerebral chloride regulation using molecularly tailored liquid/liquid interfacial ultramicro iontronics
Authors: Gu Chaoyue , Kong Fanzhen , Liang Sen , Zhao Xiang , Kong Bingjie , Jiang Tianhe , Yu Jianan , Li Qi , Lin Yuqing , Bai Shuo , Shao Yuanhua
Published: December 2024

Chloride ion, a pivotal cerebral anion involved in neuronal inhibition, is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases. Conventional direct faradaic detection based on electron transfers at solid electrode/solution interfaces has been proven ineffective due to the electrochemically inactive nature of Cl
−
. Here, we present an approach involving molecularly tailored liquid/liquid interfacial ultramicro iontronics (L/L-UIs) supported at ultramicropipettes filled with organic gel containing lipophilic bis-thioureas ionophores, which represents the first application of amperometric methodology based on electrochemical facilitated ion transfers reactions at a soft L/L ultramicrointerface to achieve in vivo sensing of electrochemically inactive ions, and dynamically tracking cerebral Cl
−
in vivo. Furthermore, evidence of dynamic neuronal Cl
−
regulation via KCC2 modulated through GABA
B
receptors was provided, further substantiating GABA
B
receptor–mediated Cl
−
-related neuronal inhibition. The proposed L/L-UIs have notable potential for in situ tracking of other crucial electrochemically inactive ions or ionized biomolecules in vivo, thereby facilitating the study of brain diseases and the diagnosis and treatment of related disorders.
Predicting the next round of drugs for Medicare price negotiation
Authors: Vogel Matthew , Tellier Adam , Conti Rena M.
Published: December 2024

There is uncertainty regarding which brand-name prescription drugs will have their prices negotiated by Medicare in 2025. This Viewpoint analyzes the process that will be used to select the next 15 drugs for price negotiation.