bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling national and religious identification as predictors of support for religious minority rights among Christian majority groups
Authors: Eskelinen Viivi , Renvik Tuuli Anna , Pauha Teemu , Jetten Jolanda , Kunst Jonas , van der Noll Jolanda , Rohmann Anette , Jasinskaja‐Lahti Inga
Published: August 2021

It is often assumed that, in Western societies, Christian values are embedded in national identities, yet, the association between religious identities and prejudice has seldom been studied in parallel to national identity. According to both the social identity theory approach and integrated threat theory, group identification is important for perceiving threats and expressing corresponding attitudes. Nevertheless, their independent roles on intergroup outcomes have often been ignored, although they are two of the most salient and important identities when considering support for religious minority rights. We address this gap in research by looking at the associations of religious identity with support for religious minority rights in general and Muslims in particular in parallel to national identity through diversity threat. This study was conducted among the members of majority groups in four Western countries: Australia, Finland, Germany, and Norway (N = 1,532), all of which are characterised as traditionally Christian. We found that a higher religious identification was associated with greater support for religious minority rights in general and for those of Muslims in particular, while national identification had no direct association with support for either groups’ religious rights. However, both group identifications were also associated with heightened perceived diversity threat, which in turn, predicted reluctance to support religious minority rights. This demonstrates the dual role that religious identities may play in intergroup relations.
Review: Mental health impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children and youth – a systematic review
Authors: Samji Hasina , Wu Judy , Ladak Amilya , Vossen Caralyn , Stewart Evelyn , Dove Naomi , Long David , Snell Gaelen
Published: August 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented threat to global mental health. Children and adolescents may be more susceptible to mental health impacts related to their vulnerable developmental stage, fear of infection, home confinement, suspension of regular school and extracurricular activities, physical distancing mandates, and larger scale threats such as global financial recessions and associated impacts. Our objective was to review existing evidence of the COVID‐19 pandemic’s global impact on the mental health of children and adolescents <19 years of age and to identify personal and contextual factors that may enhance risk or confer protection in relation to mental health outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a search of peer‐reviewed and preprint research published in English from January 1, 2020, to February 22, 2021. We included studies collecting primary data on COVID‐19‐related mental health impacts on children and adolescents. We graded the strength of included articles using the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine rating scheme.

Results

Our search and review yielded 116 articles presenting data on a total of 127,923 children and adolescents; 50,984 child and adolescent proxy reports (e.g., parents, healthcare practitioners); and >3,000 chart reviews. A high prevalence of COVID‐19‐related fear was noted among children and adolescents, as well as more depressive and anxious symptoms compared with prepandemic estimates. Older adolescents, girls, and children and adolescents living with neurodiversities and/or chronic physical conditions were more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes. Many studies reported mental health deterioration among children and adolescents due to COVID‐19 pandemic control measures. Physical exercise, access to entertainment, positive familial relationships, and social support were associated with better mental health outcomes.

Conclusions

This review highlights the urgent need for practitioners and policymakers to attend to and collaborate with children and adolescents, especially those in higher risk subgroups, to mitigate short‐ and long‐term pandemic‐associated mental health effects.
Review: Economic evidence of preventive interventions for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents – a systematic review
Authors: Anna‐Kaisa Vartiainen , Virpi Kuvaja‐Köllner , Mervi Rantsi , Elisa Rissanen , Terhi Luntamo , Marjo Kurki , André Sourander , Eila Kankaanpää
Published: September 2021

Background

Anxiety disorders are common in children and youth. Also, in prevention, be it universal, selective or indicated, economic evaluation supports decision‐making in the allocation of scarce resources. This review identified and summarised the existing evidence of economic evaluations for the prevention of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on the EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane and PubMed databases. We included studies that focused on children and adolescents under 18 years of age, aimed to prevent anxiety disorders and presented an incremental analysis of costs and effectiveness. A registered checklist was used that assessed the quality of the included articles.

Results

The search yielded 1697 articles. Five articles were included in this review. Three were RCT‐based, and two were model‐based studies. Out of five included interventions, one was a universal school‐based intervention, two selective interventions and two indicated interventions. Universal school‐based prevention of anxiety was not cost‐effective compared with usual teaching. Selective parent training and indicative child‐ and parent‐focused CBT prevention were likely cost‐effective compared with usual care or doing nothing.

Conclusion

Parent education and cognitive behaviour therapy interventions can be cautiously interpreted as being a cost‐effective way of preventing anxiety in children and adolescents. However, the evidence is weakly related to cost‐effectiveness as there are only a few studies, with relatively small sample sizes and short follow‐ups.
Parent–child relationship quality and adolescent health: Testing the differential susceptibility and diathesis‐stress hypotheses in African American youths
Authors: Shakiba Nila , Gao Mengyu (Miranda) , Conradt Elisabeth , Terrell Sarah , Lester Barry M.
Published: September 2021

This study tested two competing models of differential susceptibility and diathesis‐stress in a prospective longitudinal study of African American youths (N = 935). It examined whether individual variations in the functioning of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis at age 11 interact with middle childhood parent–child relationship quality to predict mental and physical health problems in adolescence (ages 11–15 years old). Adolescent boys with lower levels of cortisol reactivity to laboratory challenges had the highest levels of internalizing problems if they experienced a high conflictual relationship with their parents. Equally low‐reactive boys, however, reported the lowest number of physical illnesses if their relationship with their parents was characterized by high levels of intimacy and support.
Vaccination with circulating exosomes in autoimmune uveitis prevents recurrent intraocular inflammation
Authors: Jiang Guomin , Yun Juan , Kaplan Henry J. , Zhao Yuan , Sun Deming , Shao Hui
Published: August 2021

Background

Exosomes participate in intercellular communication and act as important molecular vehicles in the regulation of numerous physiological and pathological processes, including autoimmune development. The role of circulating exosomes in the development of autoimmune uveitis is unknown. In this study, using the rat model of experimental autoimmune uveitis, which has clinical and histological features of pan uveitis in man, we evaluated the immunoregulatory function of circulating exosomes.

Methods

Experimental autoimmune uveitis was induced in Lewis rats either immunised with interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein R16 peptides or injected with activated R16‐specific T cells. The disease incidence and severity were examined by indirect fundoscopy and flow cytometry. Circulating exosomes were isolated from peripheral blood of naïve and Day 14 R16 immunised Lewis rats. The effect of exosomes on specific T cells was evaluated by R16‐specific T cell proliferation, cytokine production and recurrent uveitis induction.

Results

Circulating exosomes derived from active immunised uveitis rats selectively inhibited immune responses of R16‐specific T cells in vitro. Vaccination of naïve rats with these exosomes reduced the incidence of recurrent uveitis in an antigen‐specific manner. Antigen‐specific uveitogenic T cells reduced IFN‐γ production and increased IL‐10 after vaccination.

Conclusions

Circulating exosomes in autoimmune uveitis have the potential to be a novel treatment for recurrent autoimmune uveitis.
Negative pressure wound therapy following excision of pilonidal sinus disease: A retrospective review
Authors: Hannan Enda , Harding Tim , Feizal Hanna , Martin Sean
Published: August 2021

Aim

There is no agreed definitive surgical treatment for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) with several techniques in use with varying success. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is used to accelerate wound healing but literature in the context of PSD remains sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients with PSD treated by a standardised technique of complete surgical excision followed by the application of NPWT.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study of all patients with PSD managed by complete surgical excision followed by application of NPWT was performed over a five year period. The primary endpoints were PSD recurrence and failed wound healing.

Results

Sixty‐one patients underwent treatment during the study period. There was 100% compliance with NPWT. All patients’ wounds healed successfully, with the median time to healing being 28 days. One patient (1.6%) developed recurrent PSD and required further surgery. Two patients (3.3%) developed postoperative wound infections. Five patients, who had been managed previously by other operative approaches and subsequently developed recurrence, were successfully managed by this technique. Most patients (52.4%) were managed as a day case procedure.

Conclusions

Surgery for PSD should have low recurrence rates, prompt wound healing, minimal complications, short inpatient lengths of stay and be tolerated by the patient. Our results demonstrate that our technique meets these criteria. To our knowledge, this study contains the largest number of patients with PSD managed by excision and NPWT in the literature.
Thiocarbazone‐appended coumarin: An easily accessible ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for multianalyte (Zn2+ and Cu2+) systems
Authors: Lv Mu‐Xuan , Bian Lin‐Yan , Wu Wei‐Na , Xu Zhi‐Hong , Wang Yuan , Zhao Xiao‐Lei , Xu Zhou‐Qing , Fan Yun‐Chang , Yan Ling‐Ling
Published: September 2021

A simple thiocarbazone‐appended coumarin derivative 1 with high selectivity as a ratiometric fluorescence sensor towards Cu2+ and Zn2+ in a semi‐aqueous solution was synthesised and characterised. Upon the addition of Cu2+ and Zn2+, the emission of 1 solution undergoes a blue and red shift to 480 and 545 nm according to the intense blue and yellow colour under a 365‐nm ultraviolet lamp, respectively. Binding was confirmed by ultraviolet‐visible absorption analysis, fluorescence measurement, mass spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier Transform‐infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation. The results show that 1 coordinated with Cu2+ and Zn2+ in different modes, resulting in different ratiometric fluorescence responses. The detection limits of the sensor 1 for Cu2+ and Zn2+ were 100.8 and 11.5 nM, respectively. The association constants (Ka) of Cu2+ and Zn2+ with 1 were determined to be 5.59 × 104 and 5.08 × 104 M−1, respectively. Fluorescent microscopy experiments demonstrated that probe 1 has the potential to be used to monitor Zn2+ and Cu2+ in living cells.
A new super‐soft hood (Space adjuster) designed for therapeutic endoscopy procedures can be helpful in water‐aided double‐balloon enteroscopy
Authors: Suwa Tetsuya , Imai Kenichiro , Hotta Kinichi
Published: September 2021

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Recombination facilitates genetic assimilation of new traits in gene regulatory networks
Authors: Espinosa‐Soto Carlos , Hernández Ulises , Posadas‐García Yuridia S.
Published: August 2021

A new phenotypic variant may appear first in organisms through plasticity, that is, as a response to an environmental signal or other nongenetic perturbation. If such trait is beneficial, selection may increase the frequency of alleles that enable and facilitate its development. Thus, genes may take control of such traits, decreasing dependence on nongenetic disturbances, in a process called genetic assimilation. Despite an increasing amount of empirical studies supporting genetic assimilation, its significance is still controversial. Whether genetic assimilation is widespread depends, to a great extent, on how easily mutation and recombination reduce the trait's dependence on nongenetic perturbations. Previous research suggests that this is the case for mutations. Here we use simulations of gene regulatory network dynamics to address this issue with respect to recombination. We find that recombinant offspring of parents that produce a new phenotype through plasticity are more likely to produce the same phenotype without requiring any perturbation. They are also prone to preserve the ability to produce that phenotype after genetic and nongenetic perturbations. Our work also suggests that ancestral plasticity can play an important role for setting the course that evolution takes. In sum, our results indicate that the manner in which phenotypic variation maps unto genetic variation facilitates evolution through genetic assimilation in gene regulatory networks. Thus, we contend that the importance of this evolutionary mechanism should not be easily neglected.
Transport from production facility to release locations caused a decline in quality of sterile Queensland fruit fly received for SIT application
Authors: Dominiak Bernard C. , Fanson Benjamin
Published: August 2021

Fruit flies are among the most destructive horticultural pests. For Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), the sterile insect technique (SIT) is the main control method used in southeastern Australia. SIT involves the mass rearing of Qfly, sterilisation of pupae by irradiation, transport to release centres, and release of sterile Qfly to disperse into the environment. Mating of sterile and wild flies results in no offspring; thus, the wild population rapidly decreases. Previously, research has mainly focused on improvements within the production facility. However, transport from production facility to release sites is also an essential component in all SIT programs. Here, we examined historical records from the Victorian SIT program between 2002 and 2013 in three seasons (spring, summer, and autumn). We compared quality control (QC) data of irradiated fly pupae at the mass‐rearing facility in New South Wales (limited transport) to those of pupae transported to a release centre in Victoria (extensive transport). After extensive transport, pupal weight (−0.3 mg, or −3%) and flight ability (an overall 26% decline) were lower across all seasons, but particularly in spring. Adult emergence was lower across all seasons (an overall 23% decline), but particularly in summer. All three QC parameters were more variable after extensive transport. We discuss potential causes of the observed decreased pupal quality and avenues of future research to mitigate transport losses.
A comparative study of strategies for identifying credible sources of mental health information online: Can clinical services deliver a youth‐specific internet prescription?
Authors: Flint Molly , Inglis Georgina , Hill Annabel , Mair Mabli , Hatrick Sophie , Tacchi Mary Jane , Scott Jan
Published: September 2021

Background

Adolescents and young adults undertake internet searches before and after attending mental health consultations, but they express concerns about how they can identify reliable online mental health information (OMHI). This action research project examines how clinicians might direct young people towards credible OMHI by analysing which search strategies are most helpful for developing an ‘internet prescription’ targeted at a youth audience.

Methods

Recently qualified doctors undertook searches for OMHI about the diagnosis and treatment of seven mental health conditions. Rankings of websites in search results were compared with reliability and quality ratings derived from established evaluation instruments [the Brief DISCERN and the 12‐item Health on the Net (HoN) tool].

Results

Of 140 websites identified through seven Google searches, only 15% of those evaluated were categorized as high quality. About 17% of websites were selling a treatment or service and about 25% were regarded as untrustworthy. Also, higher rankings in the search results were not indicative of better quality OMHI (Wilcoxon signed rank test: Z = −5.28; p < .001). Although the HoN and DISCERN tools provided useful insights into the credibility of OMHI, investigators did not think either instrument could be recommended for independent use by youth.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that clinical services should take responsibility for identifying a range of credible sources of OMHI. The next step in translating the research strategy into clinical practice involves collaboration with young people to select those platforms most orientated to their needs and to develop rating instruments that enable youth to evaluate OMHI.
Phylogenetic diversity and conservation of crop wild relatives in Colombia
Authors: González‐Orozco Carlos E. , Sosa Chrystian C. , Thornhill Andrew H. , Laffan Shawn W.
Published: August 2021

Crop wild relatives (CWR) are an important agricultural resource as they contain genetic traits not found in cultivated species due to localized adaptation to unique environmental and climatic conditions. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) measures the evolutionary relationship of species using the tree of life. Our knowledge of CWR PD in neotropical regions is in its infancy. We analysed the distribution of CWR PD across Colombia and assessed its conservation status. The areas with the largest concentration of PD were identified as being in the northern part of the central and western Andean mountain ranges and the Pacific region. These centres of high PD were comprised of predominantly short and closely related branches, mostly of species of wild tomatoes and black peppers. In contrast, the CWR PD in the lowland ecosystems of the Amazon and Orinoquia regions had deeply diverging clades predominantly represented by long and distantly related branches (i.e. tuberous roots, grains and cacao). We categorized 50 (52.6%) of the CWR species as ‘high priority’, 36 as ‘medium priority’ and nine as ‘low priority’ for further ex‐situ and in situ conservation actions. New areas of high PD and richness with large ex‐situ gap collections were identified mainly in the northern part of the Andes of Colombia. We found that 56% of the grid cells with the highest PD values were unprotected. These baseline data could be used to create a comprehensive national strategy of CWR conservation in Colombia.
Recurrent knowledge tracing machine based on the knowledge state of students
Authors: Lai Zefeng , Wang Lei , Ling Qiang
Published: August 2021

Knowledge tracing (KT) aims to closely trace the knowledge level of students during their learning. KT is often implemented by intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) to predict the student performance, and schedule the individual learning plan for each student. However, most existing KT models cannot predict the knowledge forgetting well due to the lack of temporal information and some KT models for knowledge forgetting prediction are not accurate enough. To resolve these issues, this paper proposes a recurrent knowledge tracing machine (RKTM), which temporally enriches the encoding of knowledge tracing machine (KTM) and difficulty, student ability, skill, and student skill practice history (DAS3H) with the knowledge state of students. RKTM consists of two major components, including the tracing component and the predicting component. The tracing component temporally traces the knowledge state of a student, while the predicting component captures the interaction between the current learning scenario and the current knowledge state of that student and provides accurate prediction of student performance. Experiments show that the proposed RKTM well outperforms KTM, DAS3H, and some other models.
Thermal cracking characteristics and mechanism of sandstone after high‐temperature treatment
Authors: Xiao Weijing , Yu Guo , Li Haitao , Zhang Dongming , Li Shujian , Yu Beichen , Li Dongwei
Published: September 2021

To study the thermal cracking characteristics and mechanism of sandstone after high‐temperature treatment, the pore size distribution and micromorphology of sandstone were observed by nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy. Then, based on the Weibull distribution theory, a thermal elastic mechanical model of random heterogeneous rock was established for the rock unit, the thermal stress distribution characteristics of sandstone were analyzed, and the thermal fracture mechanism of rock was discussed. The results show that the porosities of the samples increased with increasing temperature and the proportion of large pores increased significantly when exceeded 400°C. Particularly when reached 1000°C, thermal cracking was distributed in a complex network. Additionally, different rock units are in different thermal stress states, which leads to the regional differences in the distribution of rock thermal fracture. When exceeded 400°C, there were obvious thermal cracks near the outer edge that weakened the mechanical properties of rock.
The use of European river lamprey as bait by the UK coarse predator angling community
Authors: Albright Atticus J , Lucas Martyn C
Published: August 2021

Recreational fishing is a commonplace leisure activity within the developed world but can generate tension when activities conflict with conservation agendas. A potential conflict arises over the use of European river lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis (L.), a protected species, by UK coarse (freshwater non‐salmonid) predator anglers. This study used geographically stratified interviews with 69 predator anglers to explore attitudes towards the use of lamprey as bait, their conservation status and knowledge of biosecurity regulations. Most participants used lamprey as bait to some degree and agreed that, if threatened by exploitation, a ban on their use as angling bait should be implemented. Ordinal regression analysis indicated the presence of a subset of anglers who value lamprey as bait more than others and may oppose conservation efforts. The benefits of the potential establishment of bait certification schemes are also considered.
Aboveground and belowground responses to cyanobacterial biofertilizer supplement in a semi‐arid, perennial bioenergy cropping system
Authors: Goemann Hannah M. , Gay Justin D. , Mueller Rebecca C. , Brookshire E. N. J. , Miller Perry , Poulter Benjamin , Peyton Brent M.
Published: August 2021

The need for sustainable agricultural practices to meet the food, feed, and fuel demands of a growing global population while reducing detrimental environmental impacts has driven research in multi‐faceted approaches to agricultural sustainability. Perennial cropping systems and microbial biofertilizer supplements are two emerging strategies to increase agricultural sustainability that are studied in tandem for the first time in this study. During the establishment phase of a perennial switchgrass stand in SW Montana, USA, we supplemented synthetic fertilization with a nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterial biofertilizer (CBF) and were able to maintain aboveground crop productivity in comparison to a synthetic only (urea) fertilizer treatment. Soil chemical analysis conducted at the end of the growing season revealed that late‐season nitrogen availability in CBF‐supplemented field plots increased relative to urea‐only plots. High‐throughput sequencing of bacterial/archaeal and fungal communities suggested fine‐scale responses of the microbial community and sensitivity to fertilization among arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Given their critical role in plant productivity and soil nutrient cycling, soil microbiome monitoring is vital to understand the impacts of implementation of alternative agricultural practices on soil health.
Long‐term persistence of hepatocarcinogenic potential of a non‐hypervascular hypointense nodule on EOB‐MRI after the eradication of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Yasuda Satoshi , Shiota Shohei , Kumada Takashi
Published: September 2021

Non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules (NHHNs) on gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB‐MRI) have a high likelihood of hypervascularization progressing to typical hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NHHNs that were present before the start of anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy is a risk marker for HCC development after achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). In this report, we show a patient without a previous history of HCC in whom HCC developed by hypervascularization of NHHN after SVR. This patient achieved SVR more than 8 years before NHHN developed into HCC, and during this time NHHN had been present but had remained unchanged in size and imaging features as shown by repeated EOB‐MRI. Hepatocarcinogenic potential of NHHNs persist for a long time after SVR, despite the eradication of HCV.
Programmed death‐ligand 1 expression in human papillomavirus‐independent cervical adenocarcinoma and its prognostic significance
Authors: Chen Lili , Lucas Elena , Zhang Xiaofei , Liu Qin , Zhuang Yalin , Lin Wanrun , Chen Hao , Zhou Feng
Published: August 2021

Aims

In the 2020 World Health Organization classification of female genital tumours, endocervical adenocarcinomas (ECAs) are subclassified into human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated (HPVA) and HPV‐independent (HPVI) groups on the basis of their distinct aetiologies and clinical behaviours. The aim of this study was to investigate programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression and its prognostic value in HPVI ECA and HPVA ECA, and compare these between the two entities.

Methods and results

A total of 93 ECAs accessioned between 2013 and 2020 were selected for further analysis, including 48 usual‐type HPVA ECAs and 45 HPVI ECAs. Then, we evaluated PD‐L1 expression in whole tissue sections of these cases by using the tumour proportion score (TPS) and the combined positive score (CPS). Heterogeneous PD‐L1 expression was observed in both HPVI ECAs and usual‐type HPVA ECAs. However, no significant difference in PD‐L1 expression was seen among different histological types of ECA when either the CPS or the TPS was used. Gastric‐type ECA (GEA) was associated with higher clinical stage (P = 0.001), worse progression‐free survival (PFS) (P = 0.008) and worse overall survival (OS) (P = 0.02) than usual‐type HPVA ECA and non‐GEA HPVI ECA. When the TPS was used, PD‐L1‐positive GEA was associated with significantly worse PFS (P = 0.03) and OS (P = 0.015) than PD‐L1‐negative GEA.

Conclusions

Our data show frequent PD‐L1 expression in HPVI ECAs, supporting the potential role of the programmed cell death protein 1/PD‐L1 pathway as a therapeutic target for these tumours. Our data also support PD‐L1 as a negative prognostic marker associated with a potentially unfavourable outcome for GEAs.
Dorsomorphin attenuates Jagged1‐induced mineralization in human dental pulp cells
Authors: Manokawinchoke Jeeranan , Watcharawipas Thiphon , Ekmetipunth Kamoltham , Jiamjirachart Manoch , Osathanon Thanaphum
Published: August 2021

Aim

To investigate whether TGF‐β/BMP signalling participates in Jagged1‐induced osteogenic differentiation in human dental pulp cells (hDPs).

Methodology

Bioinformatic analysis of publicly available RNA sequencing data of Jagged1‐treated hDPs was performed using NetworkAnalyst. The mRNA expression was validated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. hDPs were seeded on Jagged1 immobilized surfaces in the presence or absence of TGF‐β or BMP inhibitor. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated using alkaline phosphatase staining, osteogenic marker gene expression and mineralization assay. Statistical analyses were performed using a Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by a pairwise comparison for more than three group comparison. Mann–Whitney U‐test was employed for two group comparison. The statistical significance was considered at p < .05.

Results

Jagged1 treatment in growth medium significantly promoted TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 whilst significantly inhibited BMP2, BMP4 and BMP6 mRNA expression (p < .05). In osteogenic induction medium, Jagged1 significantly up‐regulated TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 at days 1 and 3 (p < .05). Pre‐treatment with TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2 or TGF‐β3 prior to osteogenic induction resulted in the significant increase of osteogenic marker gene expression, collagen type 1 protein expression, alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity and mineral deposition (p < .05). However, TGF‐β signalling inhibition with SB431542 (4 μmol L−1) or SB505124 (47 and 129 nmol L−1) failed to attenuate the effect of Jagged1‐induced osteogenic differentiation in hDPs. Dorsomorphin (4 and 8 μmol L−1) treatment significantly abolished the effect of Jagged1 on mineralization by hDPs (p < .05).

Conclusion

Notch signalling activation by Jagged1 modulated TGF‐β and BMP ligand expression. Dorsomorphin, but not TGF‐β receptor inhibitor, attenuated Jagged1‐induced osteogenic differentiation in hDPs.
The change in self‐efficacy of novice dentists in Endodontics within the first year following graduation from Aarhus University or the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam
Authors: Baaij Annemarie , Vӕth Michael , Özok Ahmet R. , Visscher Corine M. , Kirkevang Lise‐Lotte
Published: September 2021

Aim

To understand whether the self‐efficacy of novice dentists in Endodontics changes within the first year following their graduation, and to reveal factors related to a possible change.

Methodology

Data were obtained from dental graduates from Aarhus University, Denmark or from the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The 60 participants filled out the Endodontic General Self‐Efficacy Scale questionnaire close to their graduation (baseline) and 1 year following their graduation (follow‐up). Additionally, data on their experience in Endodontics within the first year following graduation were gathered, as well as data on their work environment, their referral behaviour and the postgraduation education they attended. For comparisons, chi‐square tests, Fisher's exact tests, Mann‐Whitney tests, and t‐tests were used. Referral behaviour and the change in self‐efficacy were studied by multiple regression analyses.

Results

Most participants showed an increase in self‐efficacy after graduation. The increase in self‐efficacy was higher for those whose baseline self‐efficacy was lower, and lower for those whose baseline self‐efficacy was higher. Self‐efficacy increased with experience in performing root canal treatments within the first year following graduation. Participants with higher average self‐efficacy (i.e. mean of baseline and follow‐up self‐efficacy) referred patients for endodontic surgery more often than participants with lower average self‐efficacy did.

Conclusions

The self‐efficacy of novice dentists in Endodontics generally increased within the first year following their graduation. The increase in self‐efficacy was greater for those who had low self‐efficacy at graduation than for those who already had high self‐efficacy. Performing root canal treatments was an important factor in increasing self‐efficacy.
Plasma‐resistance evaluation of yttrium oxyfluoride coating prepared by aerosol deposition method
Authors: Ashizawa Hiroaki , Yoshida Katsumi
Published: September 2021

To suppress particle contamination and process drift, there is a strong demand for plasma‐resistant coatings that prevent corrosion of the inner ceramic components in plasma etching equipment. Yttrium oxyfluoride (YOF) is garnering attention as a new plasma‐resistant material that has the potential to replace yttria (Y2O3). To create an ideal plasma‐resistant coating, YOF coatings were prepared using the aerosol deposition (AD) method, and the plasma resistance to plasma corrosion rate, surface roughness, and chemical composition following plasma exposure was evaluated. AD‐YOF, which has a highly dense microstructure without any pores, was observed to have a low plasma corrosion rate equivalent to that of Y2O3 and it retained its initial smooth surface following plasma exposure. It was also observed that AD‐YOF could suppress chemical composition changes caused by surface fluorination or oxidation when exposed to plasma formed under the gas conditions of CHF3/O2 = 100/10 or 10/100 sccm, in contrast to AD‐Y2O3 and AD‐yttrium fluoride. We concluded that AD‐YOF can be considered as a superior plasma‐resistant coating that can significantly suppress particle contamination caused by corrosion particles falling through microcracks or large surface roughness and it can also suppress process drift due to chemical composition changes on the surface.
Effects of high‐pressure cooking processing on the physicochemical properties, structure and digestibility of citric acid‐esterified starches
Authors: Wei Haixiang , Liang Baodong , Wei Keyi , Xue Liping , Zeng Shunde , Yin Xumin
Published: August 2021

The effect of high‐pressure cooking processing (HPCP) on the physicochemical structure and in vitro digestion of citric acid‐esterified starches made from different materials (water chestnut, sweet potato, potato, corn) was investigated. HPCP increased the swelling and solubility of sweet potato esterified starch (SPSC) and potato esterified starch (PSC) and decreased the swelling and solubility of water chestnut esterified starch (WCSC) and corn esterified starch (CSC). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the short‐range structure of starches was more orderly. Differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction were used to determine the crystallisation peaks and enthalpy of different starches after HPCP. HPCP decreased the SPSC and PSC content of resistant starches (RS). However, HPCP showed no significant effect on the RS and estimated glycaemic index of WCSC and CSC. The results showed that the RS in WCSC and CSC had stronger thermal stability and was more suitable to be added to heat‐processed foods.
The two‐echelon routing problem with truck and drones
Authors: Vu Lam , Vu Duy Manh , Hà Minh Hoàng , Nguyen Viet‐Phuong
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study novel variants of the well‐known two‐echelon vehicle routing problem in which a truck works on the first echelon to transport parcels and a fleet of drones to intermediate depots while in the second echelon, the drones are used to deliver parcels from intermediate depots to customers. The objective is to minimize the completion time instead of the transportation cost as in classical two‐echelon vehicle routing problems. Depending on the context, a drone can be launched from the truck at an intermediate depot once (single‐trip drone) or several times (multiple‐trip drone). Mixed‐integer linear programming models are first proposed to formulate mathematically the problems and solve to optimality small‐sized instances. To handle larger instances, a metaheuristic based on the idea of greedy randomized adaptive search procedure is introduced. The main novel feature of our metaheuristic lies in the design of initial solution construction and local search operators, which can cover all the decision layers of the problems and run in using additional data structures. Experimental results obtained on instances of different contexts are reported and analyzed.
Mechanism of ventricular tachycardia in a patient with double‐outlet left ventricle
Authors: Benali Karim , Hammache Nefissa , Guenancia Charles , de Chillou Christian
Published: August 2021

We report the case of ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedure in a patient with history of surgically repaired double‐outlet left ventricle. The electrophysiology procedure revealed a re‐entry pattern between the right‐ventricle to main‐pulmonary‐artery conduit and the tricuspid annulus. The re‐entrant mechanism was most likely promoted by a fibrous remodeling of this area, related to the surgical repair. This case is the first to describe a re‐entry mechanism between fixed anatomical barriers in a repaired right ventricle of a double‐outlet left ventricle. A pace mapping technique was used to highlight the VT isthmus.
Distance between the descending aorta and the left inferior pulmonary vein as a determinant of biophysical parameters during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation cryoablation
Authors: Benali Karim , Da Costa Antoine , Macle Laurent , Hammache Nefissa , Galand Vincent , Romeyer Cécile , Guichard Jean Baptiste , Leclercq Christophe , Pavin Dominique , Martins Raphaël
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The distance from the descending aorta (DA) to the posterior wall of the left atrium (LA) is variable. We aimed to determine whether the proximity between the DA and the left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV) ostium has an impact on biophysical parameters and cryoballoon (CB) ablation efficacy during LIPV freezing.

Methods

Patients referred for CB‐ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in two high‐volume centers were included. Cryoablation data were collected prospectively for each patient. The anatomical relationships between the LIPV and the DA (distance LIPV ostium‐DA, presence of an aortic imprint on the posterior aspect of the LIPV) were then retrospectively analysed on the LA computed tomography scans realized before AF ablation.

Results

A total of 350 patients were included (70% men, 59.7 ± 11.5 years). The decrease in the Ostium‐DA distance was significantly correlated to the increase in the time‐to‐isolation (TTI) (r = −.31; p = .036), with less negative temperature (r = −.11; p = .045). Similarly, the presence of an aortic imprint on the LIPV was associated with a longer TTI (p < .001). The analysis of redo procedures data shows a trend toward the presence of shorter ostium‐DA distances (15.3 ± 3.29 vs. 18.1 ± 4.99, p = .15) and more frequent aortic imprints (63.6% vs. 47.5%, p = .34) in patients with LIPV reconnection as opposed to patients without reconnection in the LIPV.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that the DA seems to have a “radiator” effect influencing LIPV cryoablation parameters during CB‐ablation. Additional studies will be needed to elucidate whether this biophysical influence has a clinical impact in LIPVs reconnections.
The molecular mechanism of GADD153 in apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts exposed to botulinum toxin type A
Authors: Nien Ming‐Shiuan , Cheng Wen‐Pin , Feng Jun , Cui Yong‐Yan
Published: September 2021

Apoptosis plays a key role in keloids. Growth arrest and DNA damage‐inducible gene 153 (GADD153) is regulated by apoptosis. Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) can induce apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts. This research aimed to explore the hypothesis that GADD153 mediates apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts exposed to BTXA. BTXA significantly induced GADD153 protein and mRNA expression in keloid fibroblasts. Treatment with c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125, JNK small interfering RNA (siRNA) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) antibodies reversed the BTXA‐induced GADD153 expression. BTXA enhanced the transcriptional activity of GADD153, whereas the GADD153 mutant plasmid, JNK siRNA and anti‐TNF‐α antibody treatment abolished the BTXA‐induced transcriptional activity of GADD153. The addition of TNF‐α to keloid fibroblasts markedly increased GADD153 protein expression. The addition of GADD153 siRNA, SP600125 and anti‐TNF‐α antibodies reversed cell death and caspase 3 and 9 activity induced by BTXA.
Within‐individual repeatability in telomere length: A meta‐analysis in nonmammalian vertebrates
Authors: Kärkkäinen Tiia , Briga Michael , Laaksonen Toni , Stier Antoine
Published: August 2021

Telomere length is increasingly used as a biomarker of long‐term somatic state and future survival prospects. While most studies have overlooked this aspect, biological interpretations based on a given telomere length will benefit from considering the level of within‐individual repeatability of telomere length through time. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis on 74 longitudinal studies in nonmammalian vertebrates, with the aim to establish the current pattern of within‐individual repeatability in telomere length and to identify the methodological (e.g., qPCR/TRF) and biological factors (e.g., age class, phylogeny) that may affect it. While the median within‐individual repeatability of telomere length was moderate to high (R = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.05–0.95; N = 82), marked heterogeneity between studies was evident. Measurement method affected the repeatability estimate strongly, with TRF‐based studies exhibiting high repeatability (R = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.34–0.96; N = 25), while repeatability of qPCR‐based studies was markedly lower and more variable (R = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.04–0.82; N = 57). While phylogeny explained some variance in repeatability, phylogenetic signal was not significant (λ = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.00–0.83). None of the biological factors investigated here significantly explained variation in the repeatability of telomere length, being potentially obscured by methodological differences. Our meta‐analysis highlights the high variability in within‐individual repeatability estimates between studies and the need to put more effort into separating technical and biological explanations. This is important to better understand to what extent biological factors can affect the repeatability of telomere length and thus the interpretation of telomere length data.
Testing the potential contribution ofWolbachiato speciation when cytoplasmic incompatibility becomes associated with host‐related reproductive isolation
Authors: Bruzzese Daniel J. , Schuler Hannes , Wolfe Thomas M. , Glover Mary M. , Mastroni Joseph V. , Doellman Meredith M. , Tait Cheyenne , Yee Wee L. , Rull Juan , Aluja Martin , Hood Glen Ray , Goughnour Robert B. , Stauffer Christian , Nosil Patrik , Feder Jeffery L.
Published: August 2021

Endosymbiont‐induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) may play an important role in arthropod speciation. However, whether CI consistently becomes associated or coupled with other host‐related forms of reproductive isolation (RI) to impede the transfer of endosymbionts between hybridizing populations and further the divergence process remains an open question. Here, we show that varying degrees of pre‐ and postmating RI exist among allopatric populations of two interbreeding cherry‐infesting tephritid fruit flies (Rhagoletis cingulataandR.indifferens) across North America. These flies display allochronic and sexual isolation among populations, as well as unidirectional reductions in egg hatch in hybrid crosses involving southwestern USA males. All populations are infected by aWolbachiastrain,wCin2, whereas a second strain,wCin3, only co‐infects flies from the southwest USA and Mexico. StrainwCin3 is associated with a unique mitochondrial DNA haplotype and unidirectional postmating RI, implicating the strain as the cause of CI. When coupled with nonendosymbiont RI barriers, we estimate the strength of CI associated withwCin3 would not prevent the strain from introgressing from infected southwestern to uninfected populations elsewhere in the USA if populations were to come into secondary contact and hybridize. In contrast, cytoplasmic–nuclear coupling may impede the transfer ofwCin3 if Mexican and USA populations were to come into contact. We discuss our results in the context of the general paucity of examples demonstrating stableWolbachiahybrid zones and whether the spread ofWolbachiaamong taxa can be constrained in natural hybrid zones long enough for the endosymbiont to participate in speciation.
Bacterial glycocalyx integrity drives multicellular swarm biofilm dynamism
Authors: Saïdi Fares , Jolivet Nicolas Y. , Lemon David J. , Nakamura Arnaldo , Belgrave Akeisha M. , Garza Anthony G. , Veyrier Frédéric J. , Islam Salim T.
Published: August 2021

Exopolysaccharide (EPS) layers on the bacterial cell surface are key determinants of biofilm establishment and maintenance, leading to the formation of higher‐order 3D structures that confer numerous survival benefits to a cell community. In addition to a specific cell‐associated EPS glycocalyx, we recently revealed that the social δ‐proteobacterium Myxococcus xanthus secretes a novel biosurfactant polysaccharide (BPS) to the extracellular milieu. Together, secretion of the two polymers (EPS and BPS) is required for type IV pilus (T4P)‐dependent swarm expansion via spatio‐specific biofilm expression profiles. Thus the synergy between EPS and BPS secretion somehow modulates the multicellular lifecycle of M. xanthus. Herein, we demonstrate that BPS secretion functionally alters the EPS glycocalyx via destabilization of the latter, fundamentally changing the characteristics of the cell surface. This impacts motility behaviors at the single‐cell level and the aggregative capacity of cells in groups via cell‐surface EPS fibril formation as well as T4P production, stability, and positioning. These changes modulate the structure of swarm biofilms via cell layering, likely contributing to the formation of internal swarm polysaccharide architecture. Together, these data reveal the manner by which the combined secretion of two distinct polymers induces single‐cell changes that modulate swarm biofilm communities.
Determinants of transcultural self‐efficacy among nurses in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tong Ling , Tong Tong , Wang Jingping , Li Yao , Noji Ariko
Published: August 2021

In this cross‐sectional study, we explored the current status and the correlates of self‐perceived transcultural self‐efficacy among nurses working in a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, China. A total of 336 nurses (age range, 24–50 years) completed the Chinese version of the Transcultural Self‐Efficacy Tool. The majority of respondents were female (94.64%), and 67.26% were government employees. Between group differences were assessed using the rank sum test. Most nurses had a below‐moderate level of self‐perceived transcultural self‐efficacy in all subscales (Cognitive [67.69%]; Practical [71.65%], Affective [66.75%]). Age, professional title, employment type, and income level had a significant influence on all three subscale scores of the survey instrument. Our findings highlight the need for inclusion of transcultural nursing in the continuing education curricula for nurses. Nursing managers should target continuing education based on the demographic characteristics of nurses. Hospital managers should consider minimizing the pay disparity between government‐employed and temporary nurses. These initiatives can help improve the quality of nursing care in a cross‐cultural milieu.