bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterising the internal structural complexity of the Southern North Sea Zechstein Supergroup Evaporites
Authors: Barnett Hector G. , Ireland Mark T. , Van der Land Cees
Published: April 2023

The internal structure and architecture of evaporite sequences is often overlooked, with attention frequently concentrating on the external geometries that salt bodies form. The availability of extensive 3D seismic data affords the opportunity to interpret the internal structures within these evaporite sequences and comprehensively characterise the different structural facies over large areas. This paper concentrates on the Zechstein Supergroup evaporite deposits within the Southern North Sea of the United Kingdom's Continental Shelf. This analysis of the internal structural complexity and stratigraphic heterogeneity utilises 26,000 km2 of 3D seismic data together with over 96 wells from the Southern North Sea. Characterisation of the different structural facies present was undertaken alongside mapping their spatial distribution to understand the relationship they have with one another and the structural evolution that may have been taken. This work has (1) characterised and mapped six different internal structural facies present within the Zechstein with increasing levels of deformation; (2) shown the internal lithological heterogeneity is indicative of variations in the vertical strength profile of layered evaporite sequences; (3) discontinuous high‐amplitude reflections within the Zechstein are as a result of the geometries being too steeply dipping for the seismic data to image; and (4) the ability to possibly predict the internal heterogeneity of areas of poorly imaged salt, such as within large diapiric salt structures, from surrounding structural facies. These findings suggest that there is significant internal complexity even within areas of the basin with minor mobilisation to the external salt geometry.
Trait‐based species richness: ecology and macroevolution
Authors: Wiens John J.
Published: April 2023

Understanding the origins of species richness patterns is a fundamental goal in ecology and evolutionary biology. Much research has focused on explaining two kinds of species richness patterns: (i) spatial species richness patterns (e.g. the latitudinal diversity gradient), and (ii) clade‐based species richness patterns (e.g. the predominance of angiosperm species among plants). Here, I highlight a third kind of richness pattern: trait‐based species richness (e.g. the number of species with each state of a character, such as diet or body size). Trait‐based richness patterns are relevant to many topics in ecology and evolution, from ecosystem function to adaptive radiation to the paradox of sex. Although many studies have described particular trait‐based richness patterns, the origins of these patterns remain far less understood, and trait‐based richness has not been emphasised as a general category of richness patterns. Here, I describe a conceptual framework for how trait‐based richness patterns arise compared to other richness patterns. A systematic review suggests that trait‐based richness patterns are most often explained by when each state originates within a group (i.e. older states generally have higher richness), and not by differences in transition rates among states or faster diversification of species with certain states. This latter result contrasts with the widespread emphasis on diversification rates in species‐richness research. I show that many recent studies of spatial richness patterns are actually studies of trait‐based richness patterns, potentially confounding the causes of these patterns. Finally, I describe a plethora of unanswered questions related to trait‐based richness patterns.
When are buttresses and stilt roots necessary for a tree in terra‐firme Amazonian forests?
Authors: Alencar Gabriela Maciel , de Castilho Carolina Volkmer , Costa Flávia Regina Capellotto
Published: April 2023

Determinants of the occurrence of buttress and stilt roots are still poorly understood. These may be linked to individual's properties as a way to increase stability as trees get higher, to environmental factors that increase falling risks or interactions of both. We took advantage of a large dataset (presence of buttress, stilt roots, and tree diameter in 8415 trees from 35 1‐ha plots in central Amazonia) to investigate how tree and environmental properties interact to determine the occurrence of support structures. We also made detailed measurements of allometry and canopy size in 67 trees of two dominant species. The probability of occurrence of support structures was modeled with multiple logistic regressions and boosted regression trees. We established a best‐fitting subset model based on AIC ranking using unsupervised model selection. At the landscape scale, support structures were more common in large trees (bstd = 0.88, p < .001) and valleys (bstd = −0.09, p < .01), due to species turnover along topography and also due to intraspecific variation in the development of buttresses within species, linked to interactions of tree size and topography. The relationship between height and diameter (Height:Diameter) was the most important determinant of buttress occurrence (bstd = −1.57, p < .001). We conclude that less stable soils select a higher frequency of trees with support structures. However, coordinated allometric relationships among stem and crown sizes also influence the need of support structures. Thus, the presence of support structures depends on the interplay of individual plant's allometry and environmentally imposed conditions of instability.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Pemetrexed combined with dual immune checkpoint blockade enhances cytotoxic T lymphocytes against lung cancer
Authors: Chen Mei‐Chih , Hung Meng‐Yu , Pan Chih‐Ming , Huang Shi‐Wei , Jan Chia‐Ing , Li Yu‐Hsuan , Chiu Shao‐Chih , Cho Der‐Yang
Published: April 2023

Chemotherapy, in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) targeting to programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) or its ligand PD‐L1, is one of the first‐line treatments for patients with advanced non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, a large proportion of patients, especially those with PD‐L1 negative tumors, do not benefit from this treatment. This may be due to the existence of multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms other than the PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis. Human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) has been identified as an immune checkpoint protein (ICP) and a neoexpressed tumor‐associated antigen (TAA) in a large proportion of solid tumors. In this study, we evaluated the induction of HLA‐G as well as PD‐L1 using sublethal doses of chemotherapeutics including pemetrexed in different NSCLC cell lines. Except for gefitinib, most of the chemotherapeutic agents enhanced HLA‐G and PD‐L1 expression in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas pemetrexed and carboplatin treatments showed the most consistent upregulation of PD‐L1 and HLA‐G in each cell line. In addition to protein levels, a novel finding of this study is that pemetrexed enhanced the glycosylation of HLA‐G and PD‐L1. Pemetrexed potentiated the cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to treat NSCLC. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that CTL‐mediated cytotoxicity was most pronounced when both anti‐PD‐L1 and anti‐HLA‐G ICBs were combined with pemetrexed treatment. In conclusion, anti‐HLA‐G could be an intervention strategy in addition to the anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway for NSCLC. Moreover, dual targeting of PD‐L1 and HLA‐G combined with pemetrexed might have a better extent of CTL‐based immunotherapy.
Metabolic profiles and correlation with surgical outcomes in mesial versus neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Zhu Hao‐yue , Tang Yong‐xiang , Xiao Ling , Wen Shi‐rui , Wu Yuan‐xia , Yang Zhi‐quan , Zhou Luo , Xiao Bo , Feng Li , Hu Shuo
Published: April 2023

Aims

Differentiating mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy (NTLE) remains challenging. Our study characterized the metabolic profiles between MTLE and NTLE and their correlation with surgical prognosis using 18F‐FDG‐PET.

Methods

A total of 137 patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 40 age‐matched healthy controls were recruited. Patients were divided into the MTLE group (N = 91) and the NTLE group (N = 46). 18F‐FDG‐PET was used to measure the metabolism of regional cerebra, which was analyzed using statistical parametric mapping. The volume of abnormal metabolism in cerebral regions and their relationship with surgical prognosis were calculated for each surgical patient.

Results

The cerebral hypometabolism of MTLE was limited to the ipsilateral temporal and insular lobes (p < 0.001, uncorrected). The NTLE patients showed hypometabolism in the ipsilateral temporal, frontal, and parietal lobes (p < 0.001, uncorrected). The MTLE patients showed extensive hypermetabolism in cerebral regions (p < 0.001, uncorrected). Hypermetabolism in NTLE was limited to the contralateral temporal lobe and cerebellum, ipsilateral frontal lobe, occipital lobe, and bilateral thalamus (p < 0.001, uncorrected). Among patients who underwent resection of epileptic lesions, 51 (67.1%) patients in the MTLE group and 10 (43.5%) in the NTLE group achieved Engel class IA outcome (p = 0.041). The volumes of metabolic increase for the frontal lobe or thalamus in the MTLE group were larger in non‐Engel class IA patients than Engel class IA patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The spatial metabolic profile discriminated NTLE from MTLE. Hypermetabolism of the thalamus and frontal lobe in MTLE may facilitate preoperative counseling and surgical planning.
The Practice of Food Justice: How Food Hubs Negotiate Race and Place in the Eastern United States
Authors: Rignall Karen E. , Tanaka Keiko , Velandia Margarita , Trejo‐Pech Carlos , Del Brocco Alessandra , Messer Nathaniel , Cuellar Teya
Published: April 2023

Despite aspirations toward more equitable and sustainable food systems, alternative food movements have been critiqued for reproducing the inequalities of the agrifood system they contest. This article examines the challenges a group of justice‐oriented food hubs face in integrating racial justice into their work. We ask whether the financial pressures of enacting alternative approaches to food hub work within market logics can squeeze out racial justice goals. We find that dominant framings of alternative food movements diminish Black activism. We argue that justice‐oriented food hubs can get caught in a “justice trap” similar to the “local trap”—the tendency to assume that the local scale is inherently desirable and leads to a socially just food system. The notion of a justice trap signals the assumption that what constitutes justice in the food system is self‐evident and that different forms of justice are automatically subsumed within the general concept of “food justice.” Our analysis indicates that the justice trap arises from an inability to articulate the racial justice implications of the everyday realities of running organizations within the market logics that dominate even alternative food movements.
Current developments and perspectives in psoriasis
Authors: Schön Michael P. , Wilsmann‐Theis Dagmar
Published: April 2023

The study of psoriasis has yielded fundamental new insights into immunologic regulation and innovative therapies in a way that few other diseases have. In this review, we summarize the main features of current psoriasis research with emphasis on pathophysiological processes and the milestones in the approval of various biologics and small molecule drugs. Thus, through psoriasis research, we are gaining a better understanding of the interplay between the components of the innate and adaptive immune systems. New therapeutics interfere with crucial regulatory networks. Based on current knowledge, we outline what we believe to be some of the most important future research directions and therapeutic and clinical developments in psoriasis. These span multiple areas, ranging from the study of genetic, epigenetic, cellular, and immunological mechanisms to studies of particular clinical forms of psoriasis, individual systemic effects of the disease and its treatment, and the incorporation of large connected data sets and artificial intelligence. The goal is to understand psoriasis holistically, from the molecular to the organismic and societal levels, in order to develop individualized prevention and treatment strategies. Despite impressive progress, psoriasis research must continue to evolve at both the smallest and largest scales to comprehensively address the needs of both physicians and patients.
Triangle‐traction‐assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection with multiple loop traction device for colorectal neoplasms
Authors: Inada Taisuke , Esaki Mitsuru , Minoda Yosuke
Published: April 2023

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Factor structure of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale among caregivers in Southeastern Europe
Authors: Murphy Hugh , Prandstetter Katharina , Ward Catherine L. , Hutchings Judy , Kunovski Ivo , Tăut Diana , Foran Heather M.
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the factor structure of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐21) among caregivers of young children in Southeastern Europe.

Background

The DASS‐21 is a widely used measure in prevention and intervention research with families. Studies regarding the scale's psychometric properties among caregivers, particularly from non‐Western countries, are limited and additional research is required.

Method

The DASS‐21 was administered to N = 835 primary caregivers from North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania. Competing models were tested with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Measurement invariance was assessed using multigroup CFA (MGCFA). Bifactor dimensionality and reliability indices were used to evaluate the validity of the composite and subscale scores.

Results

A tripartite bifactor model with two specific factors (depression and anxiety) and one general factor (negative affectivity) represented the data well. This model showed cross‐country configural and partial metric invariance. Dimensionality and reliability indices supported a unidimensional interpretation of the measure, with the general negative affectivity factor accounting for a substantial share of the variance (82%) compared to the specific factors of depression (10%) and anxiety (8%).

Conclusion

The tripartite model best represented the data. Configural and partial metric invariance were verified for this model. Dimensionality and reliability indices, however, indicate that the DASS‐21 functions best as a general measure of negative affectivity.

Implications

Future intervention studies involving caregivers from Southeastern Europe should consider using the DASS‐21 as an overall measure of negative affectivity and utilize the composite score instead of the subscale scores.
Effect of an N95 respirator and a surgical mask‐covered N95 on the cardiovascular responses of dentists treating paediatric patients: A crossover clinical trial
Authors: Pongvaramitchai Rittiporn , Nakornchai Siriruk , Apipan Benjamas
Published: April 2023

Background

The studies on cardiovascular alterations when using an N95 respirator or surgical mask‐covered N95 during dental treatments are limited.

Aim

To investigate and compare the cardiovascular responses of dentists treating paediatric patients while wearing an N95 respirator or a surgical mask‐covered N95.

Design

This was a crossover clinical trial in 18 healthy dentists wearing an N95 respirator or surgical mask‐covered N95 during the dental treatment of paediatric patients. Oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored at baseline, intraoperation, and postoperation. The data were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation.

Results

The mean SpO2, HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP significantly changed from baseline up to the end of the procedures after wearing an N95 by 3.1%, 19.3%, 11.5%, 17.7%, and 13.8% and after wearing a surgical mask‐covered N95 by 3.0%, 20.2%, 5.3%, 13.9%, and 8.8%, respectively (p < .05). No significant differences in these values were found between groups (p > .05).

Conclusions

N95 respirators and surgical mask‐covered N95s significantly impact the cardiovascular responses of dentists treating paediatric patients with no differences between the two types of masks.
Enhancing light extraction efficiency of GaN LED by combining complex‐period photonic crystals with doping
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Tiantian , Wang Xiangfu
Published: April 2023

The light extraction efficiency (LEE) of GaN‐based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) was limited by intense total internal reflection and the photothermal effect. In order to solve this problem, a method to synergistically control the LEE of GaN‐based LEDs by ​​combining the complex‐period photonic crystals (PhCs) with M (M = Al, In) material doping is proposed. The forbidden band width of two‐dimensional (2D) PhC array, three‐dimensional (3D) LED model, M doping, and electromagnetic field distribution are investigated respectively. By doping the M, the LED emission wavelength range is regulated to achieve the dual‐band emission. Furthermore, a triangular complex‐period photonic structure is introduced to establish stacked or etched PhCs models. By combining the plane wave expansion and finite difference time domain algorithm, the structural parameters of PhCs and M concentration dependent LEE are investigated, and the electromagnetic field distribution is explored also. The results show that the optimal LEEs can be achieved are 19.08% and 13.96% for blue light and ultraviolet, respectively, which are larger than that of traditional flat‐panel LED (4%). This work provides theoretical results and technical support for the design of LEDs with high luminous efficiency.
Unveiling surface stability and oxygen vacancy segregation of Yb2SiO5 and Lu2SiO5 by first‐principles calculations
Authors: Fan Yun , Zhao Juanli , Li Jiancheng , Chu Kaili , Zhang Yanning , Li Yiran , Li Wenxian , Liu Bin
Published: April 2023

RE2SiO5 (RE = Yb and Lu) are significant environmental barrier coating (EBC) materials, in which surface and oxygen vacancy play crucial roles in their structural stability and functionality. In this work, the structural configuration and thermodynamics of (1 0 0), (0 1 0), and (0 0 1) surfaces of RE2SiO5 are investigated by first‐principles calculations. The (0 0 1) surface is preferred energetically, which is attributed to the weak bond broken environment and large rare‐earth polyhedron distortion on this surface. Moreover, the formation energies of various oxygen vacancies on the stable (0 0 1) surface are estimated and the optimal location for oxygen vacancies is held by the [SiO4] tetrahedron. The oxygen vacancies are more likely to segregate on the surface because of the lower formation energies on the surfaces compared with those in the bulk. These findings are expected to enable the development of RE2SiO5‐based EBCs by tuning grain size and/or thin film growth orientation.
Financial reporting quality and optimal capital structure
Authors: Synn Christina , Williams Christopher D.
Published: April 2023

We investigate the role of financial reporting quality in reducing a firm's over‐ and underleverage problems. While the prior literature examining reporting quality and capital structure has focused on observed capital structure, research suggests that financing frictions arising from adverse selection concerns can result in differences between observed and optimal capital structures. Using the deviation from a predicted model of optimal capital structure, we find that approximately a third of firms that have more leverage than their industry's median firm are in fact underlevered and more than 15% of firms that have less leverage than their industry's median firm are in fact overlevered. Building off a large literature that provides evidence that financial reporting quality can mitigate adverse selection concerns and reduce financing frictions, we find that a firm's deviation from the predicted model of optimal capital structure is decreasing in financial reporting quality, and these results are larger in magnitude for firms that are overlevered.
To concentrate or to diversify the supply base? Implications from the U.S. apparel supply chain during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Polyviou Mikaella , Wiedmer Robert , Chae Sangho , Rogers Zachary S. , Mena Carlos
Published: April 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in severe supply disruptions and revenue losses, especially for buyers highly dependent on foreign suppliers. Unsurprisingly, scholars and industry experts claim that high dependence on any exchange partner is detrimental to buyers. The literature, however, is ambivalent about whether supply base concentration—the number of sources in a firm's supply base and the degree of importance of each source—benefits or harms buyers. Our study addresses this ambivalence by investigating whether supply base concentration, conceptualized as supplier concentration, supplier country concentration, and carrier concentration, worsens or mitigates the impact of supply disruptions as they unfold over time. We use longitudinal data from ocean bills of lading to examine these relationships in the context of U.S. buyers importing apparel during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our results show that higher pre‐disruption supplier concentration and supplier country concentration helped buyers mitigate the impact of supply disruptions related to COVID‐19, with diminishing effects once supplier and supplier country concentration exceeded specific inflection points. Conversely, higher pre‐disruption carrier diversification helped buyers mitigate the impact of supply disruptions related to COVID‐19. Notably, these effects depend on the specific phase of the supply disruption. We discuss implications for research and practice.
Implications of large language models such as ChatGPT for dental medicine
Authors: Eggmann Florin , Weiger Roland , Zitzmann Nicola U. , Blatz Markus B.
Published: April 2023

Objective

This article provides an overview of the implications of ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) for dental medicine.

Overview

ChatGPT, a LLM trained on massive amounts of textual data, is adept at fulfilling various language‐related tasks. Despite its impressive capabilities, ChatGPT has serious limitations, such as occasionally giving incorrect answers, producing nonsensical content, and presenting misinformation as fact. Dental practitioners, assistants, and hygienists are not likely to be significantly impacted by LLMs. However, LLMs could affect the work of administrative personnel and the provision of dental telemedicine. LLMs offer potential for clinical decision support, text summarization, efficient writing, and multilingual communication. As more people seek health information from LLMs, it is crucial to safeguard against inaccurate, outdated, and biased responses to health‐related queries. LLMs pose challenges for patient data confidentiality and cybersecurity that must be tackled. In dental education, LLMs present fewer challenges than in other academic fields. LLMs can enhance academic writing fluency, but acceptable usage boundaries in science need to be established.

Conclusions

While LLMs such as ChatGPT may have various useful applications in dental medicine, they come with risks of malicious use and serious limitations, including the potential for misinformation.

Clinical Significance

Along with the potential benefits of using LLMs as an additional tool in dental medicine, it is crucial to carefully consider the limitations and potential risks inherent in such artificial intelligence technologies.
From safety in silence to speaking up for LGBTQ+ families: A reflection on the personal, professional, and political through a feminist lens
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E.
Published: April 2023

In this article, I employ a feminist perspective in examining the interconnections across my personal, professional, and political activities. Rather than smoothing out the inconsistencies, tensions, and difficult spots, I strive to engage with them as points of entry to deeper knowledge and understanding. I begin by discussing elements of my personal upbringing, and the ways that it shaped my lens on families and my interest in the hidden and less understood aspects of family life. I then examine my professional career and trajectory, and how it has shifted alongside changes in the sociopolitical landscape, the evolution of scholarship in LGBTQ+ families, and my own privilege. I also explore how I have grappled with but also leveraged the politicized and political nature of my research, and sought to be an agent of change beyond the four walls of the university. I end with my thoughts on the benefits of this type of reflexive exercise for new and seasoned scholars.
α7 nicotinic receptors play a role in regulation of cardiac hemodynamics
Authors: Targosova Katarina , Kucera Matej , Fazekas Tomas , Kilianova Zuzana , Stankovicova Tatiana , Hrabovska Anna
Published: April 2023

The α7 nicotinic receptors (NR) have been confirmed in the heart but their role in cardiac functions has been contradictory. To address these contradictory findings, we analyzed cardiac functions in α7 NR knockout mice (α7−/−) in vivo and ex vivo in isolated hearts. A standard limb leads electrocardiogram was used, and the pressure curves were recorded in vivo, in Arteria carotis and in the left ventricle, or ex vivo, in the left ventricle of the spontaneously beating isolated hearts perfused following Langedorff's method. Experiments were performed under basic conditions, hypercholinergic conditions, and adrenergic stress. The relative expression levels of α and β NR subunits, muscarinic receptors, β1 adrenergic receptors, and acetylcholine life cycle markers were determined using RT‐qPCR. Our results revealed a prolonged QT interval in α7−/− mice. All in vivo hemodynamic parameters were preserved under all studied conditions. The only difference in ex vivo heart rate between genotypes was the loss of bradycardia in prolonged incubation of isoproterenol‐pretreated hearts with high doses of acetylcholine. In contrast, left ventricular systolic pressure was lower under basal conditions and showed a significantly higher increase during adrenergic stimulation. No changes in mRNA expression were observed. In conclusion, α7 NR has no major effect on heart rate, except when stressed hearts are exposed to a prolonged hypercholinergic state, suggesting a role in acetylcholine spillover control. In the absence of extracardiac regulatory mechanisms, left ventricular systolic impairment is revealed.

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Measures for pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 at the National University Hospital: 34th National University Perinatal Medical Center Conference
Authors: Mukai Yurika , Kudo Yoshiki , Sugiyama Takashi , Kato Kiyoko
Published: April 2023

As 2 years have passed since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), we had an examination of the measures taken at the perinatal medical and child centers during this period at 42 National University Hospital. The first questionnaire survey was conducted during March 17–25, 2022 and the second questionnaire survey was conducted during April 4–30, 2022. For the treatment of pregnant women with COVID‐19, a public health center‐coordinated triage system had been created and implemented in each region and prefecture. The issues related to the hospital management of pregnant women with COVID‐19 include the hindrances to the normal functioning of the center, the limited number of hospital beds and medical care systems as the beds were dedicated to patients with COVID‐19, and the problems associated with the mode of delivery. There were no set rules regarding the management of mothers and babies at delivery and thereafter. Initially, cesarean delivery was allowed in almost all cases to reduce the risk of exposure to medical staff. Furthermore, many institutions did not permit expressed breast milk feeding and direct breastfeeding during the quarantine period. The COVID‐19 pandemic has been created a shortage of healthcare delivery systems. It is expected that the emergence of new infectious diseases and pandemics will cause the same pressure on systems providing healthcare in the future.
Workload assessment: Time to emanate from accurate conclusions instead of preconceived notions
Authors: Hasson Dan , Okazawa Susumu , Villaume Karin
Published: April 2023

Traditionally, assessments in psychosocial work environment research and practice utilize unidimensional response formats. This presupposes that higher or lower values are better or worse. Using unidimensional questions to assess multidimensional variables such as workload can be misleading. Two‐dimensional assessments using completing questions that indicate different aspects of the same construct may increase assessment precision and correctness. The current study aims to elucidate if and how two‐dimensional assessments of workload, that is, consistent ratings of high or low workload and level of satisfaction with it in repeated assessments, are related to outcomes in indicators of health, stress, well‐being and the psychosocial work environment, both cross‐sectionally and over time. 1284 study participants were followed for over 2 years. The results clearly and systematically demonstrated that often or rarely having too much to do, is not a reliable nor valid indicator of health, stress, well‐being and psychosocial work environment‐related outcomes. In contrast, the satisfaction dimension is systematically and consistently related to statistically significant and more pronounced differences in these outcomes. To properly help individuals at risk, both aspects of workload need to be assessed and accounted for. Whereas satisfaction is a better indicator of outcomes, the perceived workload magnitude is needed to intervene properly.
Paediatric actinomycosis: A 16‐year, single‐institution retrospective review of cases
Authors: Chew Siu‐Jun , Low Kelly BB , Chong Chia‐Yin , Maiwald Matthias , Thoon Koh‐Cheng , Ong Rina YL , Yung Chee‐Fu , Li Jiahui , Nadua Karen D , Kam Kai‐Qian , Tan Henry KK , Lian Derrick WQ , Tan Leon YR , Tan Natalie WH
Published: April 2023

Aim

Actinomycosis is a rare subacute to chronic granulomatous infection which can mimic other infectious or malignant diseases. This study examined the epidemiology and treatment outcome of actinomycosis in children.

Methods

A retrospective study on children admitted for actinomycosis in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Singapore, from January 2004 to December 2020. Clinical profile, therapeutic interventions and outcomes were examined.

Results

A total of 10 patients were identified; 7 were female. The median age at first presentation was 9.8 years (range 4.7–15.7). The most common presenting symptom was fever (n = 6, 60%), followed by facial or neck swelling (n = 3, 30%) and ear pain (n = 3, 30%). Actinomycosis occurred predominantly in the orocervicofacial region (n = 6, 60%). Four patients (40%) had preceding dental infections in the form of dental caries or gingivitis. One patient had poorly controlled insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. Actinomycosis was confirmed via culture in four patients, histopathology in four patients and both methods in two patients. All except one patient (n = 9, 90%) underwent surgical procedures. All patients received ampicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate or other beta‐lactams, for a median duration of 6.5 months (range 1.5–14). Complications included osteomyelitis (n = 4, 40%), mastoiditis (n = 2, 20%), brain abscess (n = 1, 10%) and recurrent neck abscess (n = 1, 10%). There was no mortality and all patients achieved complete resolution.

Conclusions

Paediatric actinomycosis was rare in our 16‐year review, but had a high complication rate. It can occur in immunocompetent patients, and dental infection was the predominant risk factor identified. Prognosis was excellent after surgical intervention and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Feeding effects of the keystone deposit feeder Ilyanassa obsoleta (Neogastropoda, Gastropoda) on sedimentary diatoms
Authors: Plante Craig J. , Hill‐Spanik Kristina M. , Emerson Rowan
Published: April 2023

Microphytobenthos (MPB), typically comprised mainly of diatoms, is a key contributor to nearshore energy flow and nutrient cycles. Deposit‐feeding invertebrates are known to alter the structure and activity of MPB. The eastern mud snail Ilyanassa obsoleta can reach extremely high densities in estuaries of the northwestern Atlantic, and their deposit‐feeding and locomotion strongly influence other invertebrates and microbes. Our objective was to explore quantitative and qualitative effects of this keystone deposit‐feeder on diatoms of intertidal sediments. We gathered snails from mudflat and sandflat habitats and collected their fresh fecal pellets in the laboratory. DNA metabarcoding allowed us to characterize diatom assemblages of ingested sediments and feces. We noted selective feeding such that reduction in MPB biomass with gut passage was difficult to quantify. Diatom α‐diversity was reduced with gut passage in snails from both sedimentary regimes. Mudflat and sandflat diatom assemblages were distinct and differed markedly between feces and sediment in mud‐feeding snails, whereas the difference in sand‐feeding snails was minor. The sandy habitat was dominated by a mix of epipelic and epipsammic diatoms. In contrast, mudflat samples were dominated by epipelic and planktonic diatoms. Compositional differences between sediment and feces reflected preferential removal of planktonic taxa. Our results suggest the importance of phytodetritus to the mud snail diet, particularly in hydrodynamically quiescent environments. Due to the natural spatial patchiness of the snails and the capacity for rapid microbial recolonization, field experiments are recommended to determine whether MPB community changes attributed to gut passage are manifested at the landscape scale.
Emerging anti‐HDV drugs and HBV cure strategies with anti‐HDV activity
Authors: Roca Suarez Armando A. , Batbold Enkhtuul , Bartosch Birke , Dashdorj Naranjargal , Testoni Barbara , Zoulim Fabien
Published: April 2023

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite RNA virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its replication. HDV/HBV co‐infection is often associated with a faster disease progression of chronic hepatitis in comparison to HBV mono‐infection. Therefore, the development of novel antiviral therapies targeting HDV represents a high priority and an urgent medical need. In this review, we summarize the ongoing efforts to evaluate promising HDV‐specific drugs, such as lonafarnib (LNF), pegylated interferon lambda (PEG‐IFN‐λ) and their use as a combination therapy. Furthermore, we review the most recent developments in the area of anti‐HBV drugs with potential effects against HDV, including therapeutic agents targeting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expression, secretion and function. Finally, we consider the important insights that have emerged from the development of these potential antiviral strategies, as well as the intriguing questions that remain to be elucidated in this rapidly changing field.
Hepatic triglyceride content is intricately associated with numerous metabolites and biochemical pathways
Authors: Faquih Tariq O. , van Klinken Jan Bert , Li‐Gao Ruifang , Noordam Raymond , van Heemst Diana , Boone Sebastiaan , Sheridan Patricia A. , Michelotti Gregory , Lamb Hildo , de Mutsert Renée , Rosendaal Frits R. , van Hylckama Vlieg Astrid , van Dijk Ko Willems , Mook‐Kanamori Dennis O.
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the pathological accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes and is associated with insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidaemia and cardiometabolic diseases. Thus far, the extent of metabolic dysregulation associated with hepatic triglyceride accumulation has not been fully addressed. In this study, we aimed to identify metabolites associated with hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC) and map these associations using network analysis.

Methods

To gain insight in the spectrum of metabolites associated with hepatic triglyceride accumulation, we performed a comprehensive plasma metabolomics screening of 1363 metabolites in apparently healthy middle aged (age 45–65) individuals (N = 496) in whom HTGC was measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. An atlas of metabolite–HTGC associations, based on univariate results, was created using correlation‐based Gaussian graphical model (GGM) and genome scale metabolic model network analyses. Pathways associated with the clinical prognosis marker fibrosis 4 (FIB‐4) index were tested using a closed global test.

Results

Our analyses revealed that 118 metabolites were univariately associated with HTGC (p‐value <6.59 × 10−5), including 106 endogenous, 1 xenobiotic and 11 partially characterized/uncharacterized metabolites. These associations were mapped to several biological pathways including branched amino acids (BCAA), diglycerols, sphingomyelin, glucosyl‐ceramide and lactosyl‐ceramide. We also identified a novel possible HTGC‐related pathway connecting glutamate, metabolonic lactone sulphate and X‐15245 using the GGM network. These pathways were confirmed to be associated with the FIB‐4 index as well. The full interactive metabolite‐HTGC atlas is provided online: https://tofaquih.github.io/AtlasLiver/.

Conclusions

The combined network and pathway analyses indicated extensive associations between BCAA and the lipids pathways with HTGC and the FIB‐4 index. Moreover, we report a novel pathway glutamate‐metabolonic lactone sulphate‐X‐15245 with a potential strong association with HTGC. These findings can aid elucidating HTGC metabolomic profiles and provide insight into novel drug targets for fibrosis‐related outcomes.
Cryptic marine barriers to gene flow in a vulnerable coastal species, the dugong (Dugong dugon)
Authors: McGowan Alexandra M. , Lanyon Janet M. , Clark Nicholas , Blair David , Marsh Helene , Wolanski Eric , Seddon Jennifer M.
Published: April 2023

Despite the lack of obvious physical barriers and their ability to travel significant distances, many marine mammals exhibit substantial population structuring over relatively short geographical distances. The dugong (Dugong dugon), the only extant representative of family Dugongidae, is listed as Vulnerable to Extinction globally. We investigated the genetic population structure of dugongs in the shallow coastal waters along >2,000 km of the eastern Queensland coast, including the Great Barrier Reef region. Microsatellite genotypes for 22 loci in 293 dugongs, SNP genotypes based on 10,690 loci in 43 dugongs, and 410 bp mitochondrial control‐region sequences from 639 dugongs were analyzed. Clustering analysis techniques consistently identified an abrupt genetic break in the Whitsunday Islands region (20.3°S), which interrupts an overall pattern of isolation‐by‐distance. Geographic distance was relatively more important than sea‐surface temperature and seagrass distribution in explaining pairwise microsatellite genetic distances. The cause of reduced dispersal across this region is unknown but might relate to an unusual tidal and current mix, termed the “sticky‐water” effect, and/or a break in the geographical distribution of off‐shore seagrass meadows. The genetic structure suggests distinct breeding units north and south of the Whitsunday Islands region for consideration in further developing management plans for Queensland dugongs.
Molecular identification of Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides actoni vectors of bluetongue virus
Authors: Kar Surajit , Mondal Biswajit , Pal Arjun , Mazumdar Abhijit
Published: April 2023

Bluetongue is a non‐contagious viral disease causing significant economic losses throughout the world. The bluetongue vectors Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides actoni, which play a significant role in the transmission of various pathogens, are distributed across different geographical realms. Adults are minute in size with wide phenotypic variation, so morphology‐based species identification is severely constrained by preparatory time and shortage of taxonomic expertise. To make the identification process rapid and effective, a specific primer was designed for the identification of C. actoni based on the multiple sequence alignment of ITS1 sequences of 11 Culicoides species. Along with this, a refined version of existing C. oxystoma specific primer was proposed. The primer sets distinguished C. oxystoma and C. actoni from a pooled sample consisting of other Culicoides species as well as closely related genera such as Forcipomyia and Alluaudomyia. Our findings suggest that the primers were species specific, sensitive and have potential to discriminate vector species C. oxystoma and C. actoni from pooled samples. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first ITS1 sequences generated and submitted in GenBank for Culicoides innoxius, Culicoides shortti, Culicoides palpifer and Culicoides anophelis and the first for Culicoides peregrinus, Culicoides fulvus and C. actoni from India.
Urgency at work: Trains, time and technology
Authors: Pritchard Katrina , Symon Gillian
Published: April 2023

In contemporary workplaces, urgency is symbolic of workers' experience of time as accelerated, and often associated with use of digital technologies. Yet we know little about how urgency is constructed at work, including the agentic roles of technology and other materialities. Based on interviews with railway workers, we extend Rosa's conceptualisation of temporal junctures to explain how urgency as a temporal framing is sociomaterially constituted, sustained and challenged across and between workers and their managers, particularly through smartphone‐use. Our analysis extends existing thinking on temporality at work by demonstrating how urgency narratives at sociomaterially complex configurations of temporal junctures shield workers, managers and the organisation against the temporal fragility of the rail infrastructure, such that each narration of urgency carries forward an illusion of temporal control.
The impact of school‐based social media and online technology on oral health education for individuals with disability
Authors: Mifsud Silvana , Attard Nikolai , Gatt Gabriella
Published: April 2023

Aim

To evaluate the impact of school‐based online communication methods on the oral health‐related behavirs of individuals with disability.

Method

A prospective interventional study was conducted on 154 students (age 3–22 years) with various disabilities attending educational centers. A clinical examination was carried out before and after a school‐based online educational program. Online in‐person sessions were held for the participants, and educational videos were shared with parents and teachers over social media. The clinical examination included the Special Olympics HAS form, (1) Oral Hygiene Index—Simplified (OHI‐S) (2) and the Modified Frankl Behavior Index. (3) Dietary and oral hygiene habits were collected via parent‐administered questionnaires.

Results

Improvements in behavior in a dental setting (p < .001), oral hygiene levels (p < .001) and dietary choices (p < .001) were observed throughout the study.

Conclusion

Oral health education online modalities can be used effectively by dental professionals to educate individuals with disabilities and their carers regularly, thus helping improve oral health and rapport with dental professionals.
Duration of partial melting in the lower crust of the Limpopo collisional belt
Authors: Nicoli Gautier , Mukherjee Shreya , van Schijndel Valby , Stevens Gary
Published: April 2023

In convergent settings, the duration of partial melting in the lower continental crust dictates how lateral shortening is accommodated by the colliding plates. Here we use the example of the ca. 2700 Ma Southern Marginal Zone of the Limpopo Belt, South Africa, to accurately time the different steps of the granulite facies metamorphic event. We date garnet crystallisation in K‐poor leucosomes using Sm–Nd garnet isotopic data to have occurred at 2734 ± 9 Ma. Following deposition of the protolith and rapid burial, the crust remained molten for 17 ± 14 Ma. This estimate is within error similar to the 24 ± 12 Ma proposed for rocks that have evolved along a Barrovian P–T path. Our results suggest that the Southern Marginal Zone is the result of a collision between a large island arc or a continent with the Kaapvaal Craton, at a time global of geodynamic changes.
Acute adaptation of central and peripheral motor unit features to exercise‐induced fatigue differs with concentric and eccentric loading
Authors: Jones Eleanor J. , Guo Yuxiao , Martinez‐Valdes Eduardo , Negro Francesco , Stashuk Daniel W. , Atherton Philip J. , Phillips Bethan E. , Piasecki Mathew
Published: April 2023

Force output of muscle is partly mediated by the adjustment of motor unit (MU) firing rate (FR). Disparities in MU features in response to fatigue may be influenced by contraction type, as concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) contractions demand variable amounts of neural input, which alters the response to fatigue. This study aimed to determine the effects of fatigue following CON and ECC loading on MU features of the vastus lateralis (VL). High‐density surface (HD‐sEMG) and intramuscular (iEMG) electromyography were used to record MU potentials (MUPs) from bilateral VLs of 12 young volunteers (six females) during sustained isometric contractions at 25% and 40% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), before and after completing CON and ECC weighted stepping exercise. Multi‐level mixed effects linear regression models were performed with significance assumed as P < 0.05. MVC decreased in both CON and ECC legs post‐exercise (P < 0.0001), as did force steadiness at both 25% and 40% MVC (P < 0.004). MU FR increased in ECC at both contraction levels (P < 0.001) but did not change in CON. FR variability increased in both legs at 25% and 40% MVC following fatigue (P < 0.01). From iEMG measures at 25% MVC, MUP shape did not change (P > 0.1) but neuromuscular junction transmission instability increased in both legs (P < 0.04), and markers of fibre membrane excitability increased following CON only (P = 0.018). These data demonstrate that central and peripheral MU features are altered following exercise‐induced fatigue and differ according to exercise modality. This is important when considering interventional strategies targeting MU function.
Design and Kinematics of Origami Inspired Non-Prismatic Foldable Truss Modules
Authors: Sharma Hemant , Banerjee Arnab
Published: April 2023

Origami inspired deployable structures have received significant attention due to their exceptional kinematic and mechanical characteristics. Specifically, the cylindrical Kresling origami pattern has been extensively investigated for its multi-stable properties in past studies. This study presents the design and analysis of a novel non-prismatic foldable/deployable truss module inspired from the conical Kresling origami pattern. The intrinsic relationship between the kinematics and mechanics of non-prismatic foldable truss (NPFT) modules is investigated. First, the geometric design and the analytical modeling of the motion behavior of NPFT modules are presented, followed by the development of design maps considering a range of design parameters to demarcate the domains of qualitatively different deployment behavior. The numerical simulations were performed to validate the findings of analytical investigations. Later, the comparative analysis is presented to highlight the advancements of the proposed NPFT modules over conical Kresling truss structures. The programability of the deployment characteristics of NPFT modules is investigated considering different design parameters and the influence of scaling. The outcomes demonstrate that the proposed design of NPFT modules offers enhanced deployable and tunable properties along with ease of manufacturing for reconfigurable truss structures.