bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keratin‐positive fibrotic extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: a close mimic of myoepithelial tumour
Authors: Sugino Hirokazu , Iwata Shintaro , Satomi Kaishi , Mori Taisuke , Nobusawa Sumihito , Nagashima Toshiteru , Matsushita Yuko , Yatabe Yasushi , Ichimura Koichi , Kawai Akira , Yoshida Akihiko
Published: February 2023

Aims

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare form of adult sarcoma with distinct histology and NR4A3 gene fusion. Immunohistochemically, EMCs are variably positive for S100 protein and neuroendocrine markers. Unlike histologically similar soft‐tissue myoepithelial tumours, keratin expression is rare. Prompted by two recent EMC cases with diffuse keratin expression, we investigated the expression of epithelial markers in a molecularly confirmed cohort of EMC and identified two additional similar cases.

Methods and results

Four keratin‐positive EMCs occurred in one man and three women aged 46–59 years. All tumours displayed nonclassic histology with prominent stromal fibrosis, and keratin AE1/AE3 was expressed either diffusely (N = 2) or focally (N = 2). In one tumour, keratin expression was limited to the sclerotic area. All tumours coexpressed epithelial membrane antigen and two additionally expressed S100 protein or glial fibrillary acidic protein. All tumours harboured NR4A3 fusions, including TAF15::NR4A3 (N = 1) and EWSR1::NR4A3 (N = 3). Two cases were initially considered as most consistent with myoepithelial tumours based on widespread stromal fibrosis and keratin expression. DNA methylation analysis classified two tumours tested as EMCs.

Conclusions

We identified a small subset of EMCs characterised by keratin expression and prominent stromal fibrosis. This histological pattern must be recognised in the differential diagnosis of myoepithelial tumours because misclassification may lead to the erroneous prediction of tumour behaviour and may alter patient management. NR4A3 genetic analysis should be considered even in the face of keratin expression and prominent stromal fibrosis.
Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics, gene expression profiles, mutational analysis, and clinical outcomes of pure and mixed small‐cell carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Parimi Vamsi , Choi Woonyoung , Feng Mingxiao , Fong Megan , Hoffman‐Censits Jean , Kates Max , Lombardo Kara A. , Comperat Eva , McConkey David J. , Hahn Noah M. , Esteves Rodrigo Salgado , Matoso Andres
Published: February 2023

Aims

Small cell bladder carcinoma (SCBC) is a rare, divergent form of urothelial carcinoma (UC). We aimed to determine whether pure (n = 16) and mixed (SCBC and UC; n = 30) tumours differed in pathology, gene expression characteristics, genetic alterations, and clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

Forty (87%) patients received first‐line chemotherapy. Twenty‐nine patients had no metastatic disease at diagnosis and underwent radical cystectomy. There were no differences in age, sex, race distribution, tumour size, stage at presentation, therapy response with pathological downstaging to ≤ypT1N0, or overall or progression‐free survival (PFS) between pure and mixed tumours. There was a longer PFS among downstaged chemotherapy‐responding tumours ≤ypT2N0M0 than among unresponsive tumours ≥ypT2 ≥ yN1M1 (P = 0.001). Patients who achieved pathological downstaging with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 10) were stage cT2N0M0 at the time of diagnosis and were alive at the last follow‐up (median 37 months), while 46% of patients who failed to achieve pathological downstaging were alive at the last follow‐up (median 38 months; P = 0.008). RNA sequencing showed that the UC of mixed SCBC had similar neural expression signatures to pure SCBC. DNA sequencing revealed alterations in TERT (83%), P53 (56%), ARID1A (28%), RB1 (22%), and BRCA2 (11%). Immunohistochemistry for RB1 showed loss of expression in 18/19 (95%) patients, suggesting frequent pathway downregulation despite a low prevalence of RB1 mutation.

Conclusion

Patients with pure and mixed SCBC have similar outcomes and these outcomes are determined by the pathological stage at RC and are best among patients who have pathological downstaging after NAC.
The effectiveness of self‐management programme based on multilevel social resources utilization in diabetes mellitus patients: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Fu Liyan , Wang Lei , Xing Lu , Liu Kun , Jiang Xiaolian
Published: February 2023

Aims

This study aimed to test the effects of a novel diabetes self‐management education (DSME) programme focused on multilevel social resources utilization on improving self‐management behaviour, social resources utilization and haemoglobin Alc (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A randomized controlled design was used. A total of 118 participants with T2DM from two communities were recruited through randomized sampling, and randomly assigned to the novel DSME group or the traditional DSME group. DSME focusing on multilevel social resources utilization was implemented in the novel DSME group. Data were collected at baseline (T0), at the end of the intervention (T1) and 3 months after the end of intervention (T2) from 3 March to 16 November 2014.

Results

Comparing these two groups, the participants in the novel DSME group reported significantly better improvement in self‐management behaviour and social resources utilization at T1 and T2 (all p < 0.01). A significant difference was found in the mean improvement of HbA1c level between the two groups at T2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The novel DSME programme focused on multilevel social resources utilization can effectively enhance T2DM patients' self‐management behaviour and social resource utilization and lower HbA1c levels. More importantly, the effects could last longer.
Mothers' use of touch across infants' development and its implications for word learning: Evidence from Korean dyadic interactions
Authors: Ko Eon‐Suk , Abu‐Zhaya Rana , Kim Eun‐Sol , Kim Taehyeong , On Kyung‐Woon , Kim Hyunji , Zhang Byoung‐Tak , Seidl Amanda
Published: February 2023

Caregivers' touches that occur alongside words and utterances could aid in the detection of word/utterance boundaries and the mapping of word forms to word meanings. We examined changes in caregivers' use of touches with their speech directed to infants using a multimodal cross‐sectional corpus of 35 Korean mother‐child dyads across three age groups of infants (8, 14, and 27 months). We tested the hypothesis that caregivers' frequency and use of touches with speech change with infants' development. Results revealed that the frequency of word/utterance‐touch alignment as well as word + touch co‐occurrence is highest in speech addressed to the youngest group of infants. Thus, this study provides support for the hypothesis that caregivers' use of touch during dyadic interactions is sensitive to infants' age in a way similar to caregivers' use of speech alone and could provide cues useful to infants' language learning at critical points in early development.
Improving sleep health management in primary care: A potential role for community nurses?
Authors: Basheti Mariam M. , Bawa Zeeta , Grunstein Ronald , Grivell Nicole , Saini Bandana , Gordon Christopher J.
Published: February 2023

Aims

To explore community nurses sleep health practices and their perspectives on improving sleep health care provision.

Design

An exploratory study utilizing the qualitative description methodology.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with community nurses from May 2019 – October 2021. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and subjected to an inductive thematic analysis using a constructivist–interpretive paradigm.

Results

Twenty‐three Australian community nurses were interviewed. Participants frequently encountered sleep disturbances/disorders in their patients. Data analysis yielded three main themes: (1) Sleep health in the community serviced, (2) sleep health awareness and management, and (3) community nurses' A to Z of improving sleep health. The most common sleep disorder presentations were insomnia and sleep apnea. Although most community sleep apnea cases were appropriately managed, insomnia was often mismanaged. Participants described their sleep health knowledge as deficient, with the majority advocating for increased sleep‐related education tailored to their profession. Other important factors needed for improving sleep health provision were standardized patient treatment/referral pathways, increased interprofessional collaboration, and sufficient time for patient consults.

Conclusion

Community nurses service a patient population that requires increased sleep health care. However, they are currently underequipped to do so, leading to suboptimal treatment provision. Providing community nurses with the appropriate resources, such as increased sleep‐related education and standardized treatment frameworks, could enable them to better manage sleep disturbance/disorder presentations, such as insomnia.

Impact

Little is known about how community nurses care for patients with sleep disturbance/sleep disorders. This study found that contemporary sleep health care was lacking due to knowledge deficits, competing challenges, and a need for standardized care pathways. These findings can inform the development of targeted education/training and standardized guidelines for community nurses providing sleep health care to patients as well as the design of future practice models of care provision.

Patient or Public Contribution

Previous research by authors has involved extensive engagement with patients and health professionals, such as community pharmacists, general practitioners, and naturopaths who play a role in sleep health in the primary health care sector. These previous research projects built a significant understanding of the patient and health practitioner experience and have provided the background to the concept and design of this study.
Blood pressure lowering effects of β‐blockers as add‐on or combination therapy: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Guo Qian‐Hui , Zhu Zhi‐Ming , Feng Ying‐Qing , Lin Jin‐Xiu , Wang Ji‐Guang
Published: February 2023

The authors performed a meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy of non‐atenolol β‐blockers as add‐on to monotherapy or as a component of combination antihypertensive therapy in patients with hypertension. The authors searched and identified relevant randomized controlled trials from PubMed until November 2021. Studies comparing blood pressure lowering effects of β‐blockers with diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were included. The analysis included 20 studies with 5544 participants. β‐blockers add‐on to monotherapy significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure as compared with non‐β‐blocker monotherapy (weighted mean difference in mm Hg [95% confidence interval]: −4.1 [−6.0, −2.2] and −3.7 [−4.6, −2.8], respectively). These results were consistent across the comparisons with diuretics (systolic pressure, −10.2 [−14.2, −6.2]; diastolic pressure, −5.4 [−8.2, −2.6]), CCBs (systolic pressure, −4.1 [−7.1, −1.0]; diastolic pressure, −2.8 [−4.1, −1.5]), and ACEIs/ARBs (systolic pressure, −2.9 [−4.3, −1.5]; diastolic pressure, −4.2 [−5.0, −3.4]). There was no significant difference in blood pressure lowering effects between combinations with and without a β‐blocker (systolic pressure, −1.3 mm Hg [−5.8, 3.2]; diastolic pressure, −.3 mm Hg [−2.7, 2.1]). Metoprolol add‐on or combination therapy had a significantly greater blood pressure reduction than non‐β‐blocker therapy (systolic pressure, −3.6 mm Hg [−5.9, −1.3]; diastolic pressure, −2.1 mm Hg [−3.5, −.7]). In conclusion, non‐atenolol β‐blockers are effective in lowering blood pressure as add‐on to monotherapy or as a component of combination antihypertensive therapy. In line with the current hypertension guideline recommendations, β‐blockers can and should be used in combination with other antihypertensive drugs.
Hsa‐miR‐409‐3p regulates endothelial progenitor senescence via PP2A‐P38 and is a potential ageing marker in humans
Authors: Lee Yi‐Nan , Wu Yih‐Jer , Lee Hsin‐I , Wang Hsueh‐Hsiao , Hung Chung‐Lieh , Chang Chiung‐Yin , Chou Yen‐Hung , Tien Ting‐Yi , Lee Chun‐Wei , Lin Chao‐Feng , Su Cheng‐Huang , Yeh Hung‐I
Published: February 2023

We explored the roles of hsa‐microRNA (miR)‐409‐3p in senescence and signalling mechanism of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Hsa‐miR‐409‐3p was found upregulated in senescent EPCs. Overexpression of miRNA mimics in young EPCs inhibited angiogenesis. In senescent EPCs, compared to young EPCs, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) was downregulated, with activation of p38/JNK by phosphorylation. Young EPCs treated with siPP2A caused inhibited angiogenesis with activation of p38/JNK, similar to findings in senescent EPCs. Time series analysis showed, in young EPCs treated with hsa‐miR‐409‐3p mimics, PP2A was steadily downregulated for 72 h, while p38/JNK was activated with a peak at 48 hours. The inhibited angiogenesis of young EPCs after miRNA‐409‐3p mimics treatment was reversed by the p38 inhibitor. The effect of hsa‐miR‐409‐3p on PP2A signalling was attenuated by exogenous VEGF. Analysis of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from healthy people revealed hsa‐miR‐409‐3p expression was higher in those older than 65 years, compared to those younger than 30 years, regardless of gender. In summary, hsa‐miR‐409‐3p was upregulated in senescent EPCs and acted as a negative modulator of angiogenesis via targeting protein phosphatase 2 catalytic subunit alpha (PPP2CA) gene and regulating PP2A/p38 signalling. Data from human PBMCs suggested hsa‐miR‐409‐3p a potential biomarker for human ageing.
Estimating the risk reduction of isolation on COVID‐19 nonhousehold transmission and severe/critical illness in nonimmune individuals: September to November 2021
Authors: Prosser Aaron , Helfer Bartosz , Streiner David L.
Published: February 2023

There is growing scientific interest in immunity mandates/passports (IMP) for viral diseases in light of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic. IMP isolate those who remain nonimmune from various settings to reduce nonhousehold transmissions from the nonimmune and reduce severe/critical illness among the nonimmune. A major limitation in the scientific literature is that there are currently no methods to quantify how many nonimmune individuals need to be isolated to achieve these purported benefits. This paper develops a procedure for estimating the benefits of IMP using a novel variant of the number needed to treat which we call the number needed to isolate (NNI). We use data from the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic to demonstrate the properties and utility of the NNI and to inform the debate about IMP. We focus on data from the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and Israel during the fall 2021 when the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant predominated.
Controlled atmosphere maintains the quality of certain fresh produce in mixed cargo shipments
Authors: Ikegaya Atsushi , Yamazaki Shigehiro , Yamaga Ittetsu , Kosugi Toru , Toyoizumi Tomoyasu , Nagafuji Akihiko , Saika Takehiro , Arai Eiko
Published: February 2023

Shipping containers are used globally for the domestic distribution and export of several products. In this study, we compared the efficacy of controlled atmosphere (CA) containers to reefer containers based on the quality of 41 fresh fruits and vegetables exported from Japan to Singapore. We used instrumental analysis and sensory evaluation to compare the quality of fruits and vegetables transported in these two container types. Thirteen types of produce showed higher quality in the CA container than in the reefer container. Two types of fruits deteriorated in flavor due to abnormal maturation under CA conditions. Six types of produce showed higher quality in the reefer containers than in the CA containers. The CA containers were particularly effective in improving the quality of leafy vegetables, root vegetables, and fresh legumes; thus, CA containers are excellent for exporting these types of produce.

Practical applications

The export of fresh fruits and vegetables by CA containers is expanding year after year, but their operation is difficult because the optimal storage environment for fruits and vegetables varies from item to item. This study showed the effectiveness of CA containers in improving the quality of leafy vegetables, root vegetables, and fresh legumes during their export from Japan to Singapore. These findings would contribute to the expansion of exports using CA containers in the future.
Prediction models for the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on research activities of Japanese nursing researchers using deep learning
Authors: Lee Kumsun , Takahashi Fusako , Kawasaki Yuki , Yoshinaga Naoki , Sakai Hiroko
Published: February 2023

Aim

This study aimed to construct and evaluate prediction models using deep learning to explore the impact of attributes and lifestyle factors on research activities of nursing researchers during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A secondary data analysis was conducted from a cross‐sectional online survey by the Japanese Society of Nursing Science at the inception of the COVID‐19 pandemic. A total of 1089 respondents from nursing faculties were divided into a training dataset and a test dataset. We constructed two prediction models with the training dataset using artificial intelligence (AI) predictive analysis tools; motivation and time were used as predictor items for negative impact on research activities. Predictive factors were attributes, lifestyle, and predictor items for each other. The models' accuracy and internal validity were evaluated using an ordinal logistic regression analysis to assess goodness‐of‐fit; the test dataset was used to assess external validity. Predicted contributions by each factor were also calculated.

Results

The models' accuracy and goodness‐of‐fit were good. The prediction contribution analysis showed that no increase in research motivation and lack of increase in research time strongly influenced each other. Other factors that negatively influenced research motivation and research time were residing outside the special alert area and lecturer position and living with partner/spouse and associate professor position, respectively.

Conclusions

Deep learning is a research method enabling early prediction of unexpected events, suggesting new applicability in nursing science. To continue research activities during the COVID‐19 pandemic and future contingencies, the research environment needs to be improved, workload corrected by position, and considered in terms of work‐life balance.
Hematological parameters in patients with acnes
Authors: Chen Tingqiao , Chen Yangmei , Shao Xinyi , Chen Jiayi , Liu Lin , Li Yuxin , Pu Yihuan , Chen Jin
Published: February 2023

Objective

To compare complete blood count (CBC) parameters and inflammatory factors in the patients with different grade of acne vulgaris and healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 20 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into mild group and moderate‐to‐severe group based on the acne severity, and compared to controls. Inflammatory factors (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL1‐α) detected by ELISA and complete blood count parameters (MPV, NLR, dNLR, PLR, LMR, and SII) obtained by routine blood tests were compared among the three group.

Results

All CBC parameters were not significantly elevated in patients with acne compared to healthy controls. However, the present studies have found that the inflammatory factors in acne patients were significantly elevated relative to healthy controls, and increase with the acne grade.

Conclusions

Inflammatory factors are convenient parameters to show inflammatory response to acne vulgaris, and may be a new clinical method for judging the acne grades of objectively. Considering the use of antibiotic, we believe that this metric worth further study.
Winchcombe: An example of rapid terrestrial alteration of a CM chondrite
Authors: Jenkins Laura E. , Lee Martin R. , Daly Luke , King Ashley J. , Floyd Cameron J. , Martin Pierre‐Etienne , Almeida Natasha V. , Genge Matthew J.
Published: February 2023

Winchcombe is a CM chondrite that fell in England on February 28, 2021. Its rapid retrieval was well characterized. Within two polished sections of Winchcombe, terrestrial phases were observed. Calcite and calcium sulfates were found in a sample recovered from a field on March 6, 2021, and halite was observed on a sample months after its recovery from a driveway on March 2, 2021. These terrestrial phases were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Calcite veins crosscut the fusion crust and therefore postdate it. The calcite likely precipitated in the damp environment (sheep field) where the meteorite lay for six days prior to its retrieval. The sulfates occur on the edges of the sample and were identified as three minerals: gypsum, bassanite, and anhydrite. Given that the sulfates occur only on the sample's edges, including on top of the fusion crust, they formed after Winchcombe fell. Sulfate precipitation is attributed to the damp fall environment, likely resulted from sulfide‐derived H2S reacting with calcite within the meteorite. Halite occurs as euhedral crystals only on the surface of a polished section and exclusively in areas relatively enriched in sodium. It was likely produced by the interaction of the polished rock slice with the humid laboratory air over a period of months. The sulfates, fusion crust calcite, and halite all post‐date Winchcombe's entry into the Earth's atmosphere and showcase how rapidly meteorite falls can be terrestrially altered.
Excess copper catalyzes protein disulfide bond formation in the bacterial periplasm but not in the cytoplasm
Authors: Eben Stefanie S. , Imlay James A.
Published: February 2023

Copper avidly binds thiols and is redox active, and it follows that one element of copper toxicity may be the generation of undesirable disulfide bonds in proteins. In the present study, copper oxidized the model thiol N‐acetylcysteine in vitro. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) requires disulfide bonds for activity, and copper activated reduced AP both in vitro and when it was expressed in the periplasm of mutants lacking their native disulfide‐generating system. However, AP was not activated when it was expressed in the cytoplasm of copper‐overloaded cells. Similarly, this copper stress failed to activate OxyR, a transcription factor that responds to the creation of a disulfide bond. The elimination of cellular disulfide‐reducing systems did not change these results. Nevertheless, in these cells, the cytoplasmic copper concentration was high enough to impair growth and completely inactivate enzymes with solvent‐exposed [4Fe‐4S] clusters. Experiments with N‐acetylcysteine determined that the efficiency of thiol oxidation is limited by the sluggish pace at which oxygen regenerates copper(II) through oxidation of the thiyl radical–Cu(I) complex. We conclude that this slow step makes copper too inefficient a catalyst to create disulfide stress in the thiol‐rich cytoplasm, but it can still impact the few thiol‐containing proteins in the periplasm. It also ensures that copper accumulates intracellularly in the Cu(I) valence.
Protecting nature's most effective carbon sink: an important role for fungi in peatlands
Authors: Barel Janna M. , Robroek Bjorn J. M.
Published: February 2023

This article is a Commentary on Shao et al. (2023), 238: 80–95.
Stomatal behaviour moderates the water cost of CO2 acquisition for 21 boreal and temperate species under experimental climate change
Authors: Stefanski Artur , Butler Ethan E. , Bermudez Raimundo , Montgomery Rebecca A. , Reich Peter B.
Published: February 2023

The linkage of stomatal behaviour with photosynthesis is critical to understanding water and carbon cycles under global change. The relationship of stomatal conductance (gs) and CO2 assimilation (Anet) across a range of environmental contexts, as represented in the model parameter (g1), has served as a proxy of the marginal water cost of carbon acquisition. We use g1 to assess species differences in stomatal behaviour to a decade of open‐air experimental climate change manipulations, asking whether generalisable patterns exist across species and climate contexts. Anet‐gs measurements (17 727) for 21 boreal and temperate tree species under ambient and +3.3°C warming, and ambient and ~40% summer rainfall reduction, provided >2700 estimates of g1. Warming and/or reduced rainfall treatments both lowered g1 because those treatments resulted in lower soil moisture and because stomatal behaviour changed more in warming when soil moisture was low. Species tended to respond similarly, although, in species from warmer and drier habitats, g1 tended to be slightly higher and to be the least sensitive to the decrease in soil water. Overall, both warming and rainfall reduction consistently made stomatal behaviour more conservative in terms of water loss per unit carbon gain across 21 species and a decade of experimental observation.
γ‐Glutamyl‐transpeptidase CsGGT2 functions as light‐activated theanine hydrolase in tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Chang Manman , Ma Jingyu , Sun Ying , Tian Liying , Liu Linlin , Chen Qi , Zhang Zhaoliang , Wan Xiaochun , Sun Jun
Published: February 2023

Theanine is an important secondary metabolite endowing tea with umami taste and health effects. It is essential to explore the metabolic pathway and regulatory mechanism of theanine to improve tea quality. Here, we demonstrated that the expression patterns of CsGGT2 (γ‐glutamyl‐transpeptidase), participated in theanine synthesis in vitro in our previous research, are significantly different in the aboveground and underground tissues of tea plants and regulated by light. Light up‐regulated the expression of CsHY5, directly binding to the promoter of CsGGT2 and acting as an activator of CsGGT2, with a negative correlation with theanine accumulation. The enzyme activity assays and transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that CsGGT2, acting as bifunctional protein, synthesize and degrade theanine in vitro and in planta. The results of enzyme kinetics, Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays and targeted gene‐silencing assays showed that CsGGT2 had a higher substrate affinity of theanine than that of ethylamine, and performed a higher theanine degradation catalytic efficiency. Therefore, light mediates the degradation of theanine in different tissues by regulating the expression of the theanine hydrolase CsGGT2 in tea plants, and these results provide new insights into the degradation of theanine mediated by light in tea plants.
Brazilian special olympics athletes: Oral health problems
Authors: Pinho Roberto Carlos Mourão , Campos Vanessa Ferreira , Pereira Cláudia Barbosa , Farias Flavio Artur Rego
Published: February 2023

Aims

The people with intellectual disabilities have been reported to be a vulnerable population in terms of oral health. This study was carried out to determine the oral health condition and treatment needs of Special Olympics athletes in Brazil.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of oral health data collected from athletes participating in Healthy Athletes Program Special Olympics in Brazil, between the years 2015 and 2019. About 1241 athletes from the Brazil Special Olympics program were screened in the cities of São Paulo, Jundiai and Belo Horizonte (located in southeastern Brazil) and Recife (in northeastern Brazil). At each of these events, volunteer dental professionals performed an oral health screening for each athlete, All oral health assessments were done visually; and extra lighting were available if needed. The examinations were performed with the aid of a wooden spatula of the tongue depressor type and under natural light. The following parameters were recorded: mouth pain, untreated tooth decay, missing teeth, gingival signs, urgency and mouth hygiene habits. Data was analyzed using the STATA 14.0 program. Frequency tables were used for descriptive analyses. Categorical variables were compared between the different years of the event using the Chi‐Square or Fisher's Exact test. Continuous variables were compared between different event years using the Kruskal‐Wallis test followed by Dunn's post‐hoc analyses. Simple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of age on dental assessment results. For all tests, a p‐value was considered significant when less than or equal to .05.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed in the frequencies of Mouth Pain and Missing Teeth over the years (p > .05). In relation to Untreated Tooth Decay, there is a higher frequency in the years 2016 and 2018 and a lower frequency in the year 2015 (p = .048). Regarding Gingival Signs of inflammation, there is a higher frequency in the years 2016 and 2018 and a lower frequency in the year 2017 (p < .001). In relation to cases of urgency (in need of treatment (Urgent treatment need, Non‐Urgent or Maintenance)), there was a higher frequency (no urgency) in 2016 (p = .007). Finally, in relation to mouth hygiene habits, there is a higher frequency of participants with irregular habits in the years 2017 and 2019 (p < .001).

Conclusion

The dental condition of Brazilian athletes Special Olympycs Brazil reported in this study from 2015 to 2019 showed us that athletes have a high prevalence of dental diseases and these needs could contribute to health damage. The athletes have many unmet dental treatment needs and these needs are similar in different regions of the country and in the years reported.
The health‐related quality of life of older people through preventive home visits: A quantitative longitudinal study
Authors: Blotenberg Britta , Seeling Stefanie , Büscher Andreas
Published: February 2023

Aims and Objectives

Preventive home visits are a low‐threshold counselling and support approach. They have been reported to achieve heterogeneous effects. However, preventive home visits have the potential to reduce the risk of becoming dependent on long‐term care. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of preventive home visits as a nursing intervention on health‐related quality of life of older people in a longitudinal survey and to develop recommendations for which target groups preventive home visits have the highest benefit. The sample consisted of 75 people, aged between 65 and 85, who were able to understand and speak German, had not yet been eligible for benefits from the long‐term care insurance and lived in the municipality under study.

Methodological Design and Justification

A quantitative longitudinal study in order to investigate the effects of preventive home visits.

Ethical Issues and Approval

There were no ethical concerns. Accordingly, ethical approval was granted.

Research Methods, Results and Conclusions

The health‐related quality of life was recorded four times between 01/2017 and 08/2020 with the Short‐Form‐Health‐Survey‐12 and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results reveal that the physical health status cannot be easily influenced over a short period of time. The main effect, however, is that preventive home visits have a significant positive effect on the mental health status. The main topics during the home visits were mobility, nutrition and social participation. Increased knowledge and motivation for preventive behaviour extended the autonomy of older people. Accordingly, preventive home visits can support a self‐determined life in a familiar environment. The results of the present study show that preventive home visits as a nursing intervention in rural areas are successful. In Germany, preventive home visits have not yet been implemented on a regular basis. In order to do so, a general definition of the concept is needed. Preventive home visits should be officially included in the regular health care services in Germany.
When it is better to give than to receive: Children's giving and happiness
Authors: Fast Anne A. , Ravi Sanjana , Olson Kristina R.
Published: February 2023

Humans experience emotional benefits from engaging in prosocial behavior. The current work investigates factors that influence the experience of happiness from giving to others in early childhood. In three studies with 5‐year‐olds (N = 144), we find that young children are happier from giving resources to others than from receiving resources for themselves (Study 1) and investigate when children are most happy from giving. In Study 2, children were happier when they could see the beneficiary's positive reaction, suggesting that empathizing with the beneficiary's positive emotion contributes to happiness (consistent with the concept of vicarious‐joy). In Study 3, children were happier after they gave resources than when they watched someone else give resources, indicating that being responsible for prosocial action contributes to children's happiness (consistent with the concept of warm‐glow). These results provide a critical step toward understanding when children experience happiness from giving and a foundation for investigating happiness as a mechanism supporting early prosociality.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DRB1*01:140 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Visentin Jonathan
Published: February 2023

HLA‐DRB1*01:140 differs from HLA‐DRB1*01:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 147 in exon 3.
Can Europe live without Russian natural gas?
Authors: McWilliams Ben , Sgaravatti Giovanni , Tagliapietra Simone , Zachmann Georg
Published: February 2023

This paper analyses the implications of a complete halt of natural gas flows from Russia to the European Union (EU). The most challenging time horizon for the EU will be the winter of 2022/23 due to the little time available to roll out necessary measures to diversify the gas supply and develop alternatives to Russian gas. We explore supply availability and constraints as well as demand curtailment options. The challenge of refilling EU gas storage levels at the current abnormal prices for natural gas is also addressed. Finally, we consider the Russian standpoint and whether they would be able to redirect gas flows where European demand to suddenly dry up.
CT features of divisional bile ducts in healthy Labrador Retrievers
Authors: Mattolini Mirko , Citi Simonetta , Gianni Beatrice , Carozzi Gregorio , Caleri Elvanessa , Puccinelli Caterina , Rossi Federica
Published: February 2023

Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being used for the study of gallbladder and bile duct diseases. The first step in interpreting CT findings is understanding the cross‐sectional anatomy of the structures involved, but there are no published studies describing the CT features of the divisional bile ducts. In dogs, anatomic studies report two common patterns including three or four divisional bile ducts. The aim of this retrospective, descriptive, anatomical study was to describe the size and pattern of the visible divisional bile ducts, based on their location and extension, using contrast‐enhanced CT in a group of Labrador Retrievers without evidence of hepatobiliary diseases. The correlation between the biliary duct number and dimensions, and the visceral fat area percentage (VFA%) was also evaluated. The right lateral divisional duct (RLD) was visualized in four of 40 dogs, the left lateral divisional duct (LLD) in nine of 40 dogs, and in 17 of 40 dogs, both were simultaneously visualized. In 10 of 40 dogs, the RLD and LLD were not highlighted. When visible, the RLD has a median diameter of 0.23 cm and a median length of 0.82 cm. The LLD has a median diameter of 0.23 cm and a median length of 2.72 cm. The median diameter of the common bile duct before and after the insertion of divisional bile ducts was 0.23 and 0.25 cm, respectively. No correlation with the VFA% was found. At least one of the divisional bile ducts could be visualized using contrast‐enhanced CT in the majority of sampled dogs (75%) .
The role of maternal choline, folate and one‐carbon metabolism in mediating the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on placental and fetal development
Authors: Steane Sarah E. , Cuffe James S. M. , Moritz Karen M.
Published: February 2023

Prenatal alcohol consumption (PAE) may be associated with a broad spectrum of impacts, ranging from no overt effects, to miscarriage, fetal growth restriction and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. A major mechanism underlying the effects of PAE is considered to be altered DNA methylation and gene expression. Maternal nutritional status may be an important factor in determining the extent to which PAE impacts pregnancy outcomes, particularly the dietary micronutrients folate and choline because they provide methyl groups for DNA methylation via one carbon metabolism. This review summarises the roles of folate and choline in development of the blastocyst, the placenta and the fetal brain, and examines the evidence that maternal intake of these micronutrients can modify the effects of PAE on development. Studies of folate or choline deficiency have found reduced blastocyst development and implantation, reduced placental invasion, vascularisation and nutrient transport capability, impaired fetal brain development, and abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes. PAE has been shown to reduce absorption and/or metabolism of folate and choline and to produce similar outcomes to maternal choline/folate deficiency. A few studies have demonstrated that the effects of PAE on brain development can be ameliorated by folate or choline supplementation; however, there is very limited evidence on the effects of supplementation in early pregnancy on the blastocyst and placenta. Further studies are required to support these findings and to determine optimal supplementation parameters.

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Probabilistic Validation: Theoretical Foundation and Methodological Platform
Authors: Bui Ha , Sakurahara Tatsuya , Reihani Seyed , Kee Ernie , Mohaghegh Zahra
Published: February 2023

Addressing safety concerns in commercial nuclear power plants (NPPs) often requires the use of advanced modeling and simulation (M&S) in association with the probabilistic risk assessment (PRA). Advanced M&S are also needed to accelerate the analysis, design, licensing, and operationalization of advanced nuclear reactors. However, before a simulation model can be used for PRA, its validity must be adequately established. The objective of this research is to develop a systematic and scientifically justifiable validation methodology, namely, probabilistic validation (PV), to facilitate the validity evaluation (especially when validation data are not sufficiently available) of advanced simulation models that are used for PRA in support of risk-informed decision-making and regulation. This paper is the first in a series of two papers related to PV that provides the theoretical foundation and methodological platform. The second paper applies the PV methodological platform for a case study of fire PRA of NPPs. Although the PV methodology is explained in the context of PRA of the nuclear industry, it is grounded on a cross-disciplinary review of literature and so applicable to validation of simulation models, in general, not necessarily associated with PRA or nuclear applications.
Dynamic Crushing Behaviors of Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery Under Multiple Impacts: An Experimental Study
Authors: Zhang Xin-Chun , Liu Nan-Nan , Dong Si-Jie , Zhang Tao , Yin Xiao-Di , Ci Tie-Jun , Wu He-Xiang
Published: February 2023

To understand the dynamic failure mechanisms of cylindrical lithium-ion battery (LIB) under different impact loadings, the crushing behaviors of 18650 LIBs were experimentally investigated in this work. The drop weight impact tests with different impactor heads were conducted to analyze the crushing responses of the LIBs. By changing the state of charge (SOC) of the battery, impactor types, and impact energy, the force-electric responses of a LIB under multiple impacts were explored. Macro- and micro-deformation of the batteries were further studied including SOC dependency and the failure modes of the separator. Results show that except for impact energy, the mechanical responses and failure behaviors of the LIBs under repeated impacts also depended upon the SOC and impactor types. The relationship between impact velocity and the minimum impact times was established when a hard internal short circuit (ISC) appeared to evaluate the dynamic safety of the LIBs. These results can provide guidance for the crashworthiness design and safety assessment of the batteries under multiple impacts.
Anisotropic Vibration Characteristics Analysis of Steam Turbine Rotor Influenced by Steam Flow Excited Force Coupling Thermal and Dynamic Loads
Authors: Xue Chuan , Cao Lihua , Si Heyong
Published: February 2023

In order to reveal the influence of thermal and dynamic loads coupling on the vibration characteristic of steam turbine rotor, the high-pressure cylinder anisotropic rotor of a 1000-MW ultra-supercritical steam turbine was modeled by the lumped mass method. The steam flow excited force of the front eight stages obtained through the numerical simulation before and after the coupling was converted to the equivalent gas bearing and added on the rotor, and the influence of steam flow excited force on rotor vibration characteristics was obtained by the Riccati transfer matrix method. The results show that, considering the thermal and dynamic loads, the two ends of the ellipse trajectory are smaller and the middle is larger. Before and after coupling thermal and dynamic loads, the azimuth of ellipse trajectory increases with the increase of load and nodes. The greater the load, the greater the changing range of azimuth. As the load increases, the first-order natural speed of the rotor increases and the second-order natural speed decreases, but the natural speed after the coupling is noticeably lower than that before the coupling. The changing scope of the first-order amplitude shrinks with the load increasing. The first-order logarithmic decrement rate can be increased under the relatively higher load by coupling thermal and dynamic loads, but the stability margin of rotor is insufficient, which causes the instability.
Analysis, Comparison, and Discussion on the Utilization of the Existing Slug Liquid Holdup Models to Predict the Horizontal Gas-Liquid Plug-to-Slug Flow Transition
Authors: Boutaghane Ayoub , Arabi Abderraouf , Ibrahim-Rassoul Nouara , Al-sarkhi Abdelsalam , Azzi Abdelwahid
Published: February 2023

In horizontal configuration, the gas-liquid intermittent flow can be plug flow or slug flow. Different works have demonstrated that the two flow patterns, despite their similarity, are differents. Thus, it is important to differentiate between them in order to develop more robust predictive models. The limit of the existing model to predict the plug-to-slug flow transition was demonstrated first. After that, 11 existing slug liquid holdup (HLS) models were used in order to test their potential utilization for predicting the plug-to-slug flow transition. Using HLS = 0.9 as the criterion to distinguish between the two regimes, the relationship between the superficial velocities of the two phases was generated. The obtained transition lines were compared with visual observations collected from several published works in order to test the predictions of each model, and for different operating conditions. It was concluded in this paper that the slug liquid holdup models can be easily used for this purpose. Meanwhile, the prediction level of each model depends on the pipe diameter and the viscosity of the liquid phase.
Water Invasion Into Multi-Layer and Multi-Pressure Carbonate Reservoir: A Pore-Scale Simulation
Authors: Huang Shilin , Zhao Yulong , Zhang Mingdi , Zhou Houjie , Zhu Langtao , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2023

Carbonate reservoirs contribute the highest proportion of natural gas production around the world, and commingled production is frequently used to increase production for the multi-layer reservoirs. However, the complex pore structure including pore, fracture, and cavity, and the presence of edge/bottom water increase the difficulties in evaluating its commingled-production performances. In this work, three comingled patterns of digital rocks are reconstructed based on the computerized tomography scanning images, and the lattice Boltzmann method is used to investigate the commingled production with water invasion. The results show that the fracture and cavity commingled production pattern has the largest interlayer heterogeneity, and the production ratio between the two layers can reach 6.7. Commingled production for the system with different interlayer pressure may lead to backflow phenomenon, which is not only dependent on the initial pressure, but also related to the heterogeneity between the producing layers. Especially, if the interlayer heterogeneity is large and the initial pressure of the low-permeability layer is lower, the backflow volume would be very large. The water invasion during commingled production can influence the flow capacity of the other gas layers even there is no pressure interference. In addition, if the water layer has larger pressure, the produced water will continuously flow back to the gas layer until the pressure of the two layers becomes balanced. The coupled effects of pressure interference and water invasion significantly damage the commingled-production performance. This work can help for better understanding of the gas-water two-phase flow behaviors during commingled production, which provides fundamental support for the scientific development of multi-layer carbonated reservoirs.
Effects of Adiabatic Flame Temperature and Oxygen Concentration in CH4/N2/O2 Nonswirl Jet Flames: Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Aliyu Mansur , Nemitallah Medhat A. , Abdelhafez Ahmed , Said Syed A. M. , Okonkwo Paul C. , Habib Mohamed A.
Published: February 2023

The combustion characteristics of oxygen-enriched air–methane (i.e., O2/N2/CH4) flames in a premixed mode are investigated using both experimentally and numerically under atmospheric conditions for emissions reduction purposes. The investigation is carried out using a gas turbine model combustor equipped with a multihole burner that mimics gas turbine micromixer burners. The resulting flame is of jet type, and the velocity of the jet is kept at 5.2 m/s for all the considered flames. Models used in the numerical study include large eddy simulation, discrete ordinate, and partially premixed combustion for turbulence, radiation, and species models, respectively. The numerical results are validated, and a suitable agreement is achieved with experimental data. The results indicated that the temperature distribution, shape, and size of O2/N2/CH4 flames are predominantly controlled by adiabatic flame temperature (Tad). However, the oxygen fraction, rather than Tad, is responsible for the reaction progress. The emission of NO, CO, and CO2 increases with an increase in oxygen fraction, and the product formation in O2/N2/CH4 flames is less compared to their oxy-fuel (i.e., O2/CO2/CH4) counterparts, because N2 is mostly inert, compared to CO2. The latter participates significantly in flame reactions, which increases the rate of product formation in O2/CO2/CH4 flames.