bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the exposure of UK habitats to 20th‐ and 21st‐century climate change, and its representation in ecological monitoring schemes
Authors: Wilson Oliver J. , Pescott Oliver L.
Published: June 2023

Climate change is a significant driver of contemporary biodiversity change. Ecological monitoring schemes can be crucial in highlighting its consequences, but connecting and interpreting observed climatic and ecological changes demands an understanding of monitored locations' exposure to climate change. Generalising from trends in monitored sites to habitats also requires an assessment of how closely sampled locations' climate change trajectories mirror those of wider ecosystems. Such assessments are rare but vital for drawing robust ecological conclusions.

Focusing on the UK, we generated a metric of climate change exposure by quantifying the change in observed historical (1901–2019) and predicted future (2021–2080, pessimistic emissions scenario) conditions. We then assessed habitat‐specific climate change exposure by overlaying the resulting data with maps of contemporary (2019) land cover. Finally, we compared patterns of climate change exposure in locations sampled by ecological monitoring schemes to random samples from wider habitats.

The UK's climate changed significantly between the early 20th century and the last decade, and is predicted to undergo even greater changes (including the development of Iberian/Mediterranean climate types in places) into the 21st century. Climate change exposure is unevenly distributed: regionally, it falls more in southern, central and eastern England; locally, it is greater at higher‐elevation locations than nearby areas at lower elevations.

Areas with contemporary arable and horticulture, urban, calcareous grassland and suburban land cover are predicted to experience the greatest overall climatic change, though other habitats experienced relatively greater change than these in the first half of the 20th century.

The extent to which locations sampled by ecological monitoring schemes represent broader habitat‐level gradients of climate change exposure varies. Monitored sites' coverage of wider trends is heterogeneous across habitats, time periods and schemes.

Policy implications. UK ecological monitoring schemes can effectively, though variably, capture the effects of climate change on habitats. To improve their performance, climate change could be explicitly included in the design of such programmes. Additionally, our findings on how effectively different datasets represent wider patterns of climate change are crucial for informing syntheses of ecological change connected to shifting atmospheric conditions.
Functional diversity and identity influence the self‐thinning process in young forest communities
Authors: Urgoiti Jon , Messier Christian , Keeton William S. , Belluau Michaël , Paquette Alain
Published: June 2023

There is increasing evidence that the strength of tree diversity effects on productivity varies considerably over the course of forest development. Evidence points to canopy closure and the subsequent self‐thinning as key phases of forest development during which positive diversity effects emerge. A number of studies have shown that self‐thinning can differ among species, and also in mixtures compared with monocultures. Yet, how diversity influences the process of canopy closure and self‐thinning remains poorly understood.

In this study, using 11 years of growth and mortality records from a large diversity experiment, we fitted self‐thinning trajectories for 37 tree communities with equal initial densities and explored whether and how functional diversity and identity may affect these trajectories. We then examined whether the diversity effects on self‐thinning were influenced by differences in growth or in mortality.

We found that tree communities' functional diversity and identity strongly influence the self‐thinning process. First, we observed that tree communities dominated by early successional species, and slow‐growing evergreens begin self‐thinning at a larger mean tree size. Second, we found that mixing species with contrasting resource‐use strategies, and the dominance of deciduous, fast‐growing species, reduce tree mortality rate in relation to mean tree size during self‐thinning (i.e. shallower self‐thinning slope). The lower rates of self‐thinning in these functionally diverse communities seem to be explained by both an increase in tree growth and a reduction in density‐related mortality simultaneously over time.

Synthesis. Overall, this study highlights that increasing tree diversity has the potential to enhance forest productivity in the long term through a better performance during the self‐thinning process when competition for resources is most intense.
Valproic acid reduces muscle susceptibility to contraction‐induced functional loss but increases weakness in two murine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Moutachi Dylan , Lemaitre Mégane , Delacroix Clément , Agbulut Onnik , Furling Denis , Ferry Arnaud
Published: June 2023

Skeletal muscles in animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are more susceptible to contraction‐induced functional loss, which is not related to fatigue. Valproic acid (VPA) reportedly improves serological and histological markers of damage in dystrophin‐deficient murine muscle. Here, we tested whether VPA would reduce the susceptibility to contraction‐induced functional loss in two murine DMD models. Adult female mdx (mild) and D2‐mdx (severe) DMD murine models were administered VPA (240 mg/kg) or saline for 7 days. Some VPA‐treated mdx mice also performed voluntary running in a wheel, which is known to reduce the susceptibility to contraction‐induced functional loss; that is, isometric force drop following eccentric contractions. In situ muscle function was assessed before, during and after eccentric contractions. Muscle utrophin and desmin expression were also evaluated using immunoblotting. Interestingly, VPA reduced the isometric force drop following eccentric contractions in both murine models, without change in the relative eccentric maximal force and in the expression of utrophin and desmin. VPA for 7 days combined with voluntary running had no additive effect compared to VPA alone. Furthermore, VPA reduced the absolute isometric maximal force before eccentric contractions in both murine models. The results of our study indicated that VPA in both murine DMD models reduced the susceptibility to contraction‐induced functional loss but increased muscle weakness.
Top‐heavy trophic structure within benthic viral dark matter
Authors: Cissell Ethan C. , McCoy Sophie J.
Published: June 2023

A better understanding of system‐specific viral ecology in diverse environments is needed to predict patterns of virus–host trophic structure in the Anthropocene. This study characterised viral‐host trophic structure within coral reef benthic cyanobacterial mats—a globally proliferating cause and consequence of coral reef degradation. We employed deep longitudinal multi‐omic sequencing to characterise the viral assemblage (ssDNA, dsDNA, and dsRNA viruses) and profile lineage‐specific host–virus interactions within benthic cyanobacterial mats sampled from Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands. We recovered 11,012 unique viral populations spanning at least 10 viral families across the orders Caudovirales, Petitvirales, and Mindivirales. Gene‐sharing network analyses provided evidence for extensive genomic novelty of mat viruses from reference and environmental viral sequences. Analysis of coverage ratios of viral sequences and computationally predicted hosts spanning 15 phyla and 21 classes revealed virus–host abundance (from DNA) and activity (from RNA) ratios consistently exceeding 1:1, suggesting a top‐heavy intra‐mat trophic structure with respect to virus–host interactions. Overall, our article contributes a curated database of viral sequences found in Caribbean coral reef benthic cyanobacterial mats (vMAT database) and provides multiple lines of field‐based evidence demonstrating that viruses are active members of mat communities, with broader implications for mat functional ecology and demography.
Exploring environmental intra‐species diversity through non‐redundant pangenome assemblies
Authors: Puente‐Sánchez Fernando , Hoetzinger Matthias , Buck Moritz , Bertilsson Stefan
Published: June 2023

At the genome level, microorganisms are highly adaptable both in terms of allele and gene composition. Such heritable traits emerge in response to different environmental niches and can have a profound influence on microbial community dynamics. As a consequence, any individual genome or population will contain merely a fraction of the total genetic diversity of any operationally defined “species”, whose ecological potential can thus be only fully understood by studying all of their genomes and the genes therein. This concept, known as the pangenome, is valuable for studying microbial ecology and evolution, as it partitions genomes into core (present in all the genomes from a species, and responsible for housekeeping and species‐level niche adaptation among others) and accessory regions (present only in some, and responsible for intra‐species differentiation). Here we present SuperPang, an algorithm producing pangenome assemblies from a set of input genomes of varying quality, including metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs). SuperPang runs in linear time and its results are complete, non‐redundant, preserve gene ordering and contain both coding and non‐coding regions. Our approach provides a modular view of the pangenome, identifying operons and genomic islands, and allowing to track their prevalence in different populations. We illustrate this by analysing intra‐species diversity in Polynucleobacter, a bacterial genus ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems, characterized by their streamlined genomes and their ecological versatility. We show how SuperPang facilitates the simultaneous analysis of allelic and gene content variation under different environmental pressures, allowing us to study the drivers of microbial diversification at unprecedented resolution.
Cytokine release syndrome complicated with severe rashes induced by nivolumab plus ipilimumab therapy in a patient with non‐small cell lung cancer: A case report
Authors: Tsutsui Toshiharu , Hata Koki , Kawaguchi Makoto , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Kakizaki Yumiko , Miyashita Yoshihiro
Published: June 2023

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a severe and life‐threatening toxicity typically reported in chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy and is rarely reported in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. This study reports the case of a 75‐year‐old Japanese woman who received nivolumab plus ipilimumab therapy for the postoperative recurrence of non‐small cell lung cancer. She was admitted to our hospital with fever, hypotension, hepatic disorder, and thrombocytopenia. We observed slight skin rashes on her neck on admission, which spread rapidly across her body within a few days. We diagnosed CRS complicated by severe rashes. CRS symptoms were resolved with corticosteroid therapy, and did not recur thereafter. CRS is a rare, but important, immune‐related adverse event associated with ICI therapy.
Current endodontic practice and use of newer technologies in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Cheung MC , Parashos P
Published: June 2023

Background

This study investigated endodontic clinical preferences, adoption of newer technologies and information sources among dentists and endodontists.

Methods

Dental and endodontic society members in Australia and New Zealand were surveyed online regarding their endodontic treatment preferences, armamentarium, information sources and continuing professional education (CPE) attendance.

Results

Complete responses were received from 71 endodontic specialists or postgraduates (Group E) and 139 general dentists (Group D). Most of Group E used dental operating microscopes (95.8%), endodontic cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT; 98.6%) and calcium silicate‐based materials (CSBMs; 97.2%), significantly more (P < 0.001) than Group D (86.3% used loupes, <32% used CBCT for endodontics or CSBMs). Most respondents used dental dam always for endodontics (94.3%), electronic apex locators (EAL; 81.0%) and engine‐driven nickel‐titanium (NiTi) instruments (91.4%); Group E had more experience with engine‐driven NiTi (P < 0.001). Endodontic CPE attendance was highest at dental association programs (P < 0.001) while hands‐on NiTi training attendance was highest via commercial companies (P < 0.05). Online information sources were commonly used (38.8% of Group D, 59.2% of Group E).

Conclusion

Dental dam, EAL and engine‐driven NiTi were almost universally used. The endodontic group reported high adoption of newer endodontic technologies. Endodontic CPE and information sources should be further surveyed as online engagement evolves. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
Palestinian Political Prisoners: Hunger Strikes and the Battle for Dignity
Authors: Albadawi Sobhi
Published: June 2023

Thousands of Palestinians have been imprisoned in Israeli jails since 1948, reflecting an objective of Israel's occupation of Palestine to break the spirit of Palestinians in their struggle for liberation. A form of protest often undertaken by Palestinians in response to their political imprisonment is hunger strike. Indeed, when considered in relation to governance as an enactment of power upon people in prison, hunger strikes are an attempt of powerless prisoners to exercise some level of power over their circumstances. Concepts around hunger strike as form of protest are complex and multidimensional, and may reflect the interests of an individual or group, and/or speak more to the broader rights of people. Of interest to this study is the relationship between hunger strike and human dignity as manifest as a form of protest by Palestinians incarcerated in Israeli jails. Specifically, this study aimed to investigate the extent to which the concept of human dignity is a fundamental principle guiding Palestinian political prisoners' initial decision to hunger strike and then to continue to hunger strike. To facilitate the investigation, a stratified sampling approach was used to support the collection of quantitative data via a survey of 29 expolitical prisoners who had participated in hunger strikes during their imprisonment in Israeli jails. The collected data were related to three core dimensions of the protest construct: motivations for undertaking the protest (hunger strike); personal feelings when undertaking protest; and the experienced responses to/outcomes of the protest. Analysis of the participants' responses and the reporting of the main findings was informed by reference to key theoretical frameworks developed by Habermas, Kant, Sartre, and Durkheim. This study found that Palestinian political prisoners often considered human dignity to be more important than food. They therefore believed that hunger strike was a way to express that they would not surrender their dignity nor stray from their resistance. This article contributes to the important debate on the extent to which the hunger strike is an effective way to protest against the loss of human dignity experienced as a Palestinian political prisoner.
Diabetic retinopathy in China: Epidemiology, screening and treatment trends—A review
Authors: Li Xiaorong , Tan Tien‐En , Wong Tien Y. , Sun Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision impairment in the global working‐age population. In China, with one‐third of the world's diabetes population estimated at 141 million, the blindness prevalence due to DR has increased significantly. The country's geographic variations in socioeconomic status have led to prominent disparities in DR prevalence, screening and management. Reported risk factors for DR in China include the classic ones, such as long diabetes duration, hyperglycaemia, hypertension and rural habitats. There is no national‐level DR screening programme in China, but significant pilot efforts are underway for screening innovations. Novel agents with longer durations, noninvasive delivery or multi‐target are undergoing clinical trials in China. Although optimised medical insurance policies have enhanced accessibility for expensive therapies like anti‐VEGF drugs, further efforts in DR prevention and management in China are required to establish nationwide cost‐effective screening programmes, including telemedicine and AI‐based solutions, and to improve insurance coverage for related out‐of‐pocket expenses.
Surgical peri‐implantitis treatment with and without guided bone regeneration. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa J. A. , Heitz Fritz , Koong Bernard , Huang Tom , Chivers Paola
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of reconstructive peri‐implantitis treatment.

Materials and Methods

Forty participants, with peri‐implantitis and a contained intraosseous defect, were randomized to access flap (control) or access flap with xenograft and collagen membrane (test). All received systemic antimicrobials. Blinded examiners recorded probing depths (PD), bleeding and suppuration on probing (BOP & SOP), soft tissue levels, and marginal bone levels (MBL) at baseline and 12 months. Patient reported outcomes were recorded. The primary outcome was PD change.

Results

All 40 participants (40 implants) completed the 12‐month study. The mean (standard deviation) PD reduction (deepest site) was 4.2 (1.8) mm in the control and 3.7 (1.9) mm in the test group. MBL gain (deepest site) was 1.7 (1.6) mm in the control and 2.4 (1.4) mm in the test group. Absence of BOP & SOP was observed at 60% of both control and test implants. Buccal recession was 0.9 (1.6) mm in the control and 0.4 (1.1) mm in the test group. A successful outcome (absence of PD ≥ 5 mm with BOP, absence of SOP and absence of progressive bone loss) was achieved for 90% of the control and 85% of test group implants. No statistically significant differences in clinical or radiographic parameters were found between treatment groups. 30% of participants experienced mild gastro‐intestinal disturbances. Reporting followed CONSORT guidelines.

Conclusion

Similar clinical and radiographic improvements at 12 months were observed with high levels of patient satisfaction for both the access flap and xenograft covered by collagen membrane groups.

Registered clinical trials.gov. ID:NCT03163602 (23/05/2017).
F‐words and early intervention ingredients for non‐ambulant children with cerebral palsy: A scoping review
Authors: De Campos Ana Carolina , Hidalgo‐Robles Álvaro , Longo Egmar , Shrader Claire , Paleg Ginny
Published: June 2023

Aim

To explore the ingredients of early interventions provided to young children with cerebral palsy (CP) who are classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V, and to identify the ‘F‐words’ addressed by the interventions.

Method

Searches were completed in four electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were the original experimental studies that fitted the following PCC components: population, young children (aged 0–5 years, at least 30% of the sample) with CP and significant motor impairment (GMFCS levels IV or V, at least 30% of the sample); concept, non‐surgical and non‐pharmacological early intervention services measuring outcomes from any of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains; and context, studies published from 2001 to 2021, from all settings and not limited to any specific geographical location.

Results

Eighty‐seven papers were included for review, with qualitative (n = 3), mixed‐methods (n = 4), quantitative descriptive (n = 22), quantitative non‐randomized (n = 39), and quantitative randomized (n = 19) designs. Fitness (n = 59), family (n = 46), and functioning (n = 33) ingredients were addressed by most experimental studies, whereas studies on fun (n = 6), friends (n = 5), and future (n = 14) were scarce. Several other factors (n = 55) related to the environment, for example, service provision, professional training, therapy dose, and environmental modifications, were also relevant.

Interpretation

Many studies positively supported formal parent training and use of assistive technology to promote several F‐words. A menu of intervention ingredients was provided, with suggestions for future research, to incorporate them into a real context within the family and clinical practice.

What this paper adds

Family‐centred care (including coaching and caregiver‐delivered interventions) and formal parental training are effective strategies for children in GMFCS levels IV and V.

Assistive technology ingredients (power, mobility, supported, sitting, stepping, and standing) may promote several ‘F‐words’ (functioning, fitness, family, fun, friends, and future).

The lowest level of evidence was found for fun, friends, and future.

Other factors (service provision, professional training, therapy dose, environmental modifications) are relevant for young children in GMFCS levels IV and V.
Bayesian multilevel hidden Markov models identify stable state dynamics in longitudinal recordings from macaque primary motor cortex
Authors: Kirchherr Sebastien , Mildiner Moraga Sebastian , Coudé Gino , Bimbi Marco , Ferrari Pier F. , Aarts Emmeke , Bonaiuto James J.
Published: June 2023

Neural populations, rather than single neurons, may be the fundamental unit of cortical computation. Analysing chronically recorded neural population activity is challenging not only because of the high dimensionality of activity but also because of changes in the signal that may or may not be due to neural plasticity. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) are a promising technique for analysing such data in terms of discrete latent states, but previous approaches have not considered the statistical properties of neural spiking data, have not been adaptable to longitudinal data, or have not modelled condition‐specific differences. We present a multilevel Bayesian HMM addresses these shortcomings by incorporating multivariate Poisson log‐normal emission probability distributions, multilevel parameter estimation and trial‐specific condition covariates. We applied this framework to multi‐unit neural spiking data recorded using chronically implanted multi‐electrode arrays from macaque primary motor cortex during a cued reaching, grasping and placing task. We show that, in line with previous work, the model identifies latent neural population states which are tightly linked to behavioural events, despite the model being trained without any information about event timing. The association between these states and corresponding behaviour is consistent across multiple days of recording. Notably, this consistency is not observed in the case of a single‐level HMM, which fails to generalise across distinct recording sessions. The utility and stability of this approach is demonstrated using a previously learned task, but this multilevel Bayesian HMM framework would be especially suited for future studies of long‐term plasticity in neural populations.
Multidimensional assessment of heartbeat‐evoked responses in disorders of consciousness
Authors: Candia‐Rivera Diego , Machado Calixto
Published: June 2023

Because consciousness does not necessarily translate into overt behaviour, detecting residual consciousness in noncommunicating patients remains a challenge. Bedside diagnostic methods based on EEG are promising and cost‐effective alternatives to detect residual consciousness. Recent evidence showed that the cortical activations triggered by each heartbeat, namely, heartbeat‐evoked responses (HERs), can detect through machine learning the presence of minimal consciousness and distinguish between overt and covert minimal consciousness. In this study, we explore different markers to characterize HERs to investigate whether different dimensions of the neural responses to heartbeats provide complementary information that is not typically found under standard event‐related potential analyses. We evaluated HERs and EEG average non‐locked to heartbeats in six types of participants: healthy state, locked‐in syndrome, minimally conscious state, vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, comatose and brain‐dead patients. We computed a series of markers from HERs that can generally separate the unconscious from the conscious. Our findings indicate that HER variance and HER frontal segregation tend to be higher in the presence of consciousness. These indices, when combined with heart rate variability, have the potential to enhance the differentiation between different levels of awareness. We propose that a multidimensional evaluation of brain–heart interactions could be included in a battery of tests to characterize disorders of consciousness. Our results may motivate further exploration of markers in brain–heart communication for the detection of consciousness at the bedside. The development of diagnostic methods based on brain–heart interactions may be translated into more feasible methods for clinical practice.
Marketing information system based on unsupervised visual data to manage transportation industry using signal processing
Authors: Aggarwal Kapil , Khoa Bui Thanh , Sagar K. V. Daya , Agrawal Ruchi , Dhingra Mallika , Dhingra Jagrit , R Lakshmana Kumar
Published: June 2023

Advance signal processing techniques are becoming one of the essential requirements for secure and efficient communication in the future innovative world. These requirements are due to the tremendous advancement of various latest cutting‐edge technologies that are very useful for the present generation. Marketing information system visualization is essential for the services of every advanced technology established in this way to reach people. Citing this, signal processing is a significant issue in most new technological innovations and challenges in various applications. A marketing information system, or MIS, based on these processes provides a valuable marketing method that helps marketers make better decisions. In this mode of operation, the existing methods are discarded, and the new methods, such as visual images, sound waves, and seismic waves, are implemented as digital signal processes, and their benefits are used as inputs for the processing of humankind. Based on this perspective, collaborative Management Information Systems (MIS) is proposed. This process‐based bridge enables MIS professionals to benefit from their investments in personnel, equipment, and business processes. In particular, transportation challenges such as total order intensity ratio, rising fuel prices, unexpected delays in transportation, shortage of skilled workers, deplorable warehouse conditions, insufficient and over‐stressed delivery staff, etc., and how road transport is giving its full attention to these fluctuations. Research paper explains very clearly and adequately explains the impact of such explained traffic problems, such as the volume of traffic and passengers, road network, lack of rehabilitation of half of the roads, and lack of national highways. Performance analysis for MIS measures with various factors is taken, and how the process varies in them and the answers to them are clarified through this research. This research citation shows how the marketing performance of an MIS measures the best practices in this research. Through this, online marketing performance based on MIS measures can be increased through MIS analysis reports for MIS measures. Finally, the Performance of the proposed MIS‐Transport with the MIS‐hospital Industry is taken as an example and explained.
Reciprocal associations between commitment, forgiveness, and different aspects of marital well‐being among Chinese newlywed couples
Authors: Li Qingyin , Guo Jinxuan , Chen Ziyuan , Ju Xiaoyan , Lan Jing , Fang Xiaoyi
Published: June 2023

This study examined the reciprocal prospective associations between commitment, forgiveness, and different aspects of marital well‐being (marital satisfaction and marital instability) among Chinese newlywed couples and the gender differences in these associations. The Vulnerability‐Stress‐Adaptation (VSA) model posits reciprocal associations between adaptive processes and relationship satisfaction. However, the directionality of the associations between adaptive processes and marital satisfaction may differ from the associations between adaptive processes and marital instability in Chinese societies due to the emphasis on relationship maintenance. Based on three annual waves of data from 268 Chinese newlywed couples (Mage = 29.59, SD = 3.25 for husbands; Mage = 28.08, SD = 2.51 for wives), a cross‐lagged approach was used to examine the reciprocal associations between commitment, forgiveness, and marital satisfaction/instability. We found: (a) reciprocal associations between commitment/forgiveness and marital satisfaction (wives only); (b) reciprocal associations between forgiveness and marital instability (husbands only); and (c) wives' commitment at Wave 2 mediated the association between wives' commitment at Wave 1 and wives' marital satisfaction at Wave 3. Extending the VSA model, findings suggest different reciprocal associations between commitment, forgiveness, and different aspects of marital well‐being among Chinese newlywed couples. Results highlight the important role of culture and gender in marital relationships and clinical practice.
Field‐scale analysis of miscanthus production indicates climate change may increase the opportunity for water quality improvement in a key Iowa watershed
Authors: Ferin Kelsie M. , Balson Tyler , Audia Ellen , Ward Adam S. , Liess Stefan , Twine Tracy E. , VanLoocke Andy
Published: June 2023

The Raccoon River Basin is the primary source for drinking water in Iowa's largest city and plays a major role in the Mississippi River Basin's high nutrient exports. Future climate change may have major impacts on the biological, physiological, and agronomic processes imposing a threat to ecosystem services. Efforts to reduce nitrogen (N) loads within this basin have included local litigation and the implementation of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, which suggest incorporating bioenergy crops (i.e., miscanthus) within the current corn–soybean landscape to reach a 41% reduction in nitrate loads. This study focuses on simulating N export for historical and future land use scenarios by using an agroecosystem model (Agro‐IBIS) and a hydrology model (THMB) at the 500‐m resolution, similar to the scale of agricultural fields. Model simulations are driven by CMIP5 climate data for historical, mid‐century, and late‐century under the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 warming projections. Using recent crop profit analyses for the state of Iowa, profitability maps were generated and nitrogen leaching thresholds were used to determine where miscanthus should replace corn–soybean area to maximize reductions in N pollution. Our results show that miscanthus inclusion on low profit and high N leaching areas can result in a 4% reduction of N loss under current climate conditions and may reduce N loss by 21%–26% under future climate conditions, implying that water quality has the potential continue to improve under future climate conditions when strategically implemented conservation practices are included in future farm management plans.
Educational initiatives in headache medicine: A 20‐year scoping review
Authors: Dominguez Moises , Minen Mia , Robbins Matthew S.
Published: June 2023

Background

Headache disorders are among the most common and disabling medical conditions worldwide, have a great societal impact and are a common reason to seek medical care. Headache disorders are often misdiagnosed and undertreated, and the number of headache fellowship‐trained physicians cannot meet patient demand. Educational initiatives for non‐headache‐specialist clinicians may be an avenue to increase clinician competency and patient access to appropriate management.

Objective

To undertake a scoping review of the educational initiatives in headache medicine for medical students, trainees, general practitioners/primary care physicians, and neurologists.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines for scoping reviews, an author (M.D.), with the help of a medical librarian, conducted a search of the Embase, Ovid Medline, and PsychInfo databases for articles related to medical educational initiatives on headache medicine in medical students, residents, and physicians over the last 20 years.

Results

A total of 17 articles met the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. Six articles were identified for medical students, seven for general practitioners/primary care physicians, one for emergency medicine residents, two for neurology residents, and one for neurologists. Certain educational initiatives were headache‐focused while others had headaches as one of the educational topics. Educational content was delivered and assessed via diverse and innovative means, such as flipped classroom, simulation, theatrical performance, repeated quizzing and study, and a formalized headache elective.

Conclusion

Education initiatives in headache medicine are important to improve competency and patient access to appropriate management of various headache disorders. Future research should focus on using innovative and evidence‐based methods of content delivery, knowledge, and procedural assessment, and evaluating changes in practice behaviors.
The expression and function of theB7family inHelicobacter pyloriinfection and gastric carcinogenesis process
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhao Zhenkun , Fu Weiwei , Ding Shigang
Published: June 2023

Background

The B7 protein family is one of the most important immune checkpoint proteins. Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide and shows a significant correlation with the B7 family in tumorigenesis and progression.Helicobacter pyloriinfection is the most important risk factor promoting the progression of gastric precancerous lesions and GC,which also affects the expression of B7 family members. We aimed to systematically summarize and review current studies on the expression and function of B7 family members duringH. pyloriinfection in precancerous gastric lesions and GC.

Materials and Methods

PubMed was searched for the relationship between B7 family,H. pyloriand gastric carcinogenesis until April 5, 2023. Different permutation and combination of the search terms, including “H. pylori,” “Helicobacter pylori,” “B7,” “gastric cancer,” and “gastric precancerous lesions,” all the different names of specific B7 molecules, and the names of signaling pathways were used. Literature related to our research topic was selected and summarized.

Results

The B7 family participates in gastric carcinogenesis through certain immune signaling pathways by binding to their receptors and exhibiting co‐inhibitory or co‐stimulatory effects. Targeting the B7 family members with mAbs may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating gastric diseases.

Conclusions

A thorough understanding of the role of B7 molecules duringH. pyloriinfection and GC progression is helpful for the treatment and prevention of GC and the prediction ofH. pyloriinfection outcomes, providing evidence forH. pylorieradication.
Comparative analysis of adipokinetic hormones and their receptors in Blattodea reveals novel patterns of gene evolution
Authors: Jiang Shixiong , Marco Heather G. , Scheich Nina , He Shulin , Wang Zongqing , Gäde Gerd , McMahon Dino P.
Published: June 2023

Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) is a neuropeptide produced in the insect corpora cardiaca that plays an essential role in mobilising carbohydrates and lipids from the fat body to the haemolymph. AKH acts by binding to a rhodopsin‐like G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR), the adipokinetic hormone receptor (AKHR). In this study, we tackle AKH ligand and receptor gene evolution as well as the evolutionary origins of AKH gene paralogues from the order Blattodea (termites and cockroaches). Phylogenetic analyses of AKH precursor sequences point to an ancient AKH gene duplication event in the common ancestor of Blaberoidea, yielding a new group of putative decapeptides. In total, 16 different AKH peptides from 90 species were obtained. Two octapeptides and seven putatively novel decapeptides are predicted for the first time. AKH receptor sequences from 18 species, spanning solitary cockroaches and subsocial wood roaches as well as lower and higher termites, were subsequently acquired using classical molecular methods and in silico approaches employing transcriptomic data. Aligned AKHR open reading frames revealed 7 highly conserved transmembrane regions, a typical arrangement for GPCRs. Phylogenetic analyses based on AKHR sequences support accepted relationships among termite, subsocial (Cryptocercus spp.) and solitary cockroach lineages to a large extent, while putative post‐translational modification sites do not greatly differ between solitary and subsocial roaches and social termites. Our study provides important information not only for AKH and AKHR functional research but also for further analyses interested in their development as potential candidates for biorational pest control agents against invasive termites and cockroaches.
Diagnostic value of procalcitonin and red blood cell distribution width at admission on the prognosis of patients with severe burns: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Tang Xu‐Dong , Qiu Le , Wang Fei , Liu Sheng , Lü Xiong‐Wen , Chen Xu‐Lin
Published: June 2023

The plasma procalcitonin (PCT) concentration and red blood cell distribution (RDW) value after severe burns can be used as prognostic indicators, but at present, it is difficult to give consideration to sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing the prognosis of severe burns with a single indicator. This study analysed the diagnostic value of plasma PCT concentration and RDW value at admission on the prognosis of severe burn patients to improve its sensitivity and specificity. A total of 205 patients with severe burns who were treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from November 2017 to November 2022 were retrospectively analysed. The optimal cut‐off values of plasma PCT concentration and RDW were analysed and counted through the subject curve (ROC curve). According to the cut‐off value, patients were divided into high PCT group and low PCT group, high RDW group and low RDW group. The independent risk factors of severe burns were analysed by single‐factor and multiple‐factor COX regression. Kaplan–Meier survival was used to analyse the mortality of high PCT group and low PCT group, high RDW group and low RDW group. The area under the curve of plasma PCT concentration and RDW value at admission was 0.761 (95% CI, 0.662–0.860, P < .001), 0.687 (95% CI, 0.554–0.820, P = .003) respectively, and the optimal cut‐off values of serum PCT concentration and RDW were 2.775 ng/mL and 14.55% respectively. Cox regression analysis found that age, TBSA, and RDW were independent risk factors for mortality within 90 days after severe burns. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the 90‐day mortality rate of severe burns between the PCT ≥ 2.775 ng/mL group and the PCT < 2.775 ng/mL group (log‐rank: 24.162; P < .001), with the mortality rate of 36.84% versus 5.49%, respectively. The 90‐day mortality rate of severe burns was significantly different between the RDW ≥ 14.55% group and the RDW < 14.55% group (log‐rank: 14.404; P < .001), with the mortality rate of 44% versus 12.2% respectively. The plasma PCT concentration and RDW value at admission are both of diagnostic value for the 90‐day mortality of severe burns, but the plasma PCT concentration has higher sensitivity and the RDW value has higher specificity. Age, TBSA, and RDW were independent risk factors for severe burns, and then plasma PCT concentration was not independent risk factors.
RETRACTED: Effect of various repositioning regimens on pressure wound ulcer occurrence in at‐risk adult persons without existing pressure wound ulcers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zeng Mei , Li Yuan , Hu Juan , Peng Miao , Hu Yingchun , Zhou Chengli
Published: June 2023

Meta‐analysis research was implemented to appraise the effect of various repositioning regimens (RRs) on pressure wound ulcer (PWU) occurrence in at‐risk adult persons without existing PWUs. Inclusive literature research till April 2023 was done and 1197 interconnected researches were revised. The 15 picked researches, enclosed 8510 at‐risk adult persons without existing PWUs persons were in the utilised researchers' starting point, 1002 of them were utilising repositioning, 1069 were control, 3443 were utilising 2–<4 h repositioning and 2994 were utilising 4–6 h repositioning. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilised to appraise the consequence of various RRs on PWU occurrence in at‐risk adult persons without existing PWUs by the dichotomous approach and a fixed or random model. Repositioning had significantly lower PWU (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32–0.73, p < 0.001) compared to control in at‐risk adult persons without existing PWUs persons. 2–<4 h repositioning had significantly lower PWU (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42–0.90, p = 0.01) compared to 4–6 h repositioning in at‐risk adult persons without existing PWUs persons. Repositioning had significantly lower PWU compared to control in at‐risk adult persons without existing PWU persons. 2–<4 h repositioning had significantly lower PWU compared to 4–6 h repositioning in at‐risk adult persons without existing PWUs persons. However, caution needs to be taken when interacting with its values since there was a low sample size of some of the chosen research found for the comparisons in the meta‐analysis.
Characteristics of intraoral scan bodies and their influence on impression accuracy: A systematic review
Authors: Pachiou Aspasia , Zervou Evangelia , Tsirogiannis Panagiotis , Sykaras Nikitas , Tortopidis Dimitrios , Kourtis Stefanos
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the influence of the characteristics of intraoral scan bodies (ISBs) on the accuracy of intraoral scanning.

Materials and Methods

An electronic search was conducted through PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus and Cochrane Library, up to March 2023. The literature search intended to retrieve all relevant clinical and in vitro studies about the effect that the various properties of ISBs may have on the accuracy (trueness and precision) of intraoral scanning. Only publications in English language were selected with animal studies, case reports, case series, technique presentation articles and expert opinions being excluded.

Results

A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. They were published between 2019 and 2023 and were all in vitro studies. Among the parameters described, the scan body material, position, geometry, height, diameter, and fixation torque were evaluated. The most common materials used for ISBs were polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium alloys. The diameter and position of ISBs seemed to affect the trueness of implant impressions. Subgingival implant position and decreased ISB height affected negatively the trueness of scanning. Geometrical characteristics of ISBs also affect the implant impression accuracy, especially the bevel location and the types of designing modifications.

Conclusions

The characteristics of the currently used ISBs vary widely and the available scientific evidence is not yet conclusive about the optimal design of ISB. The implant impression accuracy achieved by any of the studied parameters is encouraging. Clinical studies are however necessary for more concrete conclusions.

Clinical Significance

ISBs play a vital role in the digital workflow and influence significantly the accuracy and fit of implant restorations. More clinical trials are needed in order to conclude to the optimal characteristics of ISBs which would further enhance the success of the restorations.
Is it all the RAGE? Defining the role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gasparotto Juciano , Somensi Nauana , Girardi Carolina Saibro , Bittencourt Reykla Ramon , de Oliveira Laura Martinewski , Hoefel Laura Piloneto , Scheibel Ingrid Matsubara , Peixoto Daniel Oppermann , Moreira José Claudio Fonseca , Outeiro Tiago Fleming , Gelain Daniel Pens
Published: June 2023

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a transmembrane receptor that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and is extensively associated with chronic inflammation in non‐transmissible diseases. As chronic inflammation is consistently present in neurodegenerative diseases, it was largely assumed that RAGE could act as a critical modulator of neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease (PD), similar to what was reported for Alzheimer's disease (AD), where RAGE is postulated to mediate pro‐inflammatory signaling in microglia by binding to amyloid‐β peptide. However, accumulating evidence from studies of RAGE in PD models suggests a less obvious scenario. Here, we review physiological aspects of RAGE and address the current questions about the potential involvement of this receptor in the cellular events that may be critical for the development and progression of PD, exploring possible mechanisms beyond the classical view of the microglial activation/neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration axis that is widely assumed to be the general mechanism of RAGE action in the adult brain.

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Performance on complex memory tests is associated with β‐amyloid in individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kjeldsen Pernille Louise , Damholdt Malene Flensborg , Madsen Lasse Stensvig , Nissen Peter Henrik , Aanerud Joel Fredrik Astrup , Parbo Peter , Ismail Rola , Kaasing Malene , Eskildsen Simon Fristed , Østergaard Leif , Brooks David James
Published: June 2023

The pathophysiological development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) begins in the brain years before the onset of clinical symptoms. The accumulation of beta‐amyloid (Aβ) is thought to be the first cortical pathology to occur. Carrying one apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele increases the risk of developing AD at least 2–3 times and is associated with earlier Aβ accumulation. Although it is difficult to identify Aβ‐related cognitive impairment in early AD with standard cognitive tests, more sensitive memory tests may be able to do this. We sought to examine associations between Aβ and performance on three tests within three subdomains of memory, verbal, visual, and associative memory, to elucidate which of these tests were sensitive to Aβ‐related cognitive impairment in at‐risk subjects. 55 APOE ε4 carriers underwent MRI, 11C‐Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) PET, and cognitive testing. A composite cortical PiB SUVR cut‐off score of 1.5 was used to categorise subjects as either APOE ε4 Aβ+ or APOE ε4 Aβ−. Correlations were carried out using cortical surface analysis. In the whole APOE ε4 group, we found significant correlations between Aβ load and performance on verbal, visual, and associative memory tests in widespread cortical areas, the strongest association being with performance on associative memory tests. In the APOE ε4 Aβ+ group, we found significant correlations between Aβ load and performance of verbal and associative, but not visual, memory in localised cortical areas. Performance on verbal and associative memory tests provides sensitive markers of early Aβ‐related cognitive impairment in at‐risk subjects.