bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct effect of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) on human apical papilla cell proliferation and mineralisation
Authors: Srisuwan Tanida , Wattanapakkavong Kunlada
Published: October 2021

Firstly, this study investigated the direct effect of Transforming Growth Factor‐beta 1 at 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25 ng mL−1 on human apical papilla cell proliferation and mineralisation. Cell proliferation was examined at 0, 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h using Alamar BlueTM assay. Cell mineralisation was examined at day 21 with a quantitative Alizarin Red S staining. Secondly, the study aimed to estimate the amount of Transforming Growth Factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) released from the dentin after root canal irrigation. The solution collected from a root canal after rinsing with various protocols (normal saline solution, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or chlorhexidine) was analysed with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Data were statistically analysed using a one‐way analysis of variance. The results, from the first part, revealed cell proliferation reduction in all experimental groups presented with TGF‐β1. The higher concentration generated more deteriorating effects. Cell mineralisation was highest in a group with TGF‐β1 at 1.25 ng mL−1 (P < 0.05). For the growth factor released from dentin, the highest amount was detected only when ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was associated with the irrigation (P < 0.05). In summary, the direct effects of TGF‐β1 on cell proliferation and differentiation were diverse, depending on concentration. The release of TGF‐β1 from root dentin can be achieved after rinsing with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
Effect of different coronal restorations on the fracture resistance of teeth with simulated regenerative endodontic treatment: An in vitro study
Authors: Balkaya Hacer , Topçuoğlu Hüseyin Sinan , Demirbuga Sezer , Kafdağ Özgür , Topçuoğlu Gamze
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the effect of different coronal restorations on the fracture resistance (FR) of immature teeth with simulated regenerative endodontic treatment. A total of 120 lower premolars were divided into eight groups. Except for negative control, the root canals were instrumented with rotary files and Peeso reamers. Fifteen instrumented teeth were acted as positive control (unrestorated). In the remaining 90 teeth, regenerative endodontic treatment procedures were performed. Ninety teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups according to coronal restoration type; Filtek Z550, Filtek Bulk fill Restorative (FBR), SDR+Filtek Z550, EverX+Filtek Z550, Ribbond+FBR and Ribbond+SDR+Filtek Z550. After thermal ageing, the restorated teeth were subjected to vertical loading force. FR values was obtained as follows: Negative control > Ribbond+FBR = Ribbond+SDR+Filtek Z550 > Filtek Z550 = FBR =SDR+Filtek Z550 = EverX+Filtek Z550 > Positive control, (P < 0.05). The use of Ribbond in combination with composite resin enhanced the FR of teeth.
Hypothalamus–pituitary axis transcriptomic modification dependent on growth rate in geese (Anser anser domesticus)
Authors: Piórkowska Katarzyna , Żukowski Kacper , Połtowicz Katarzyna , Witarski Wojciech , Nowak Joanna , Potocka Paulina , Ropka‐Molik Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

The hypothalamus–pituitary axis is involved in digest processing, stress response, energy storage and many other processes. In birds, this control differs from in mammals, such as regulation of appetite and satiety centre. The transcriptomics analyses of both brain structures can explain and identify the molecular processes related to body growth and development and nutritional status. Many reports describe chicken transcriptome in literature, but gene expression studies in the other poultry species are extremely rare. Therefore, the present research undertook the attempt to explain hypothalamus–pituitary processes in domestic geese—Polish White Kołuda®, main Polish line. After 16 weeks of fattening, significant differences in geese weight were observed. Therefore, transcriptome of pituitary and hypothalamus profiles could be compared between low and high growth rate geese groups. Due to the lack of domestic geese genome assembly in the public databases, we used three mapping approaches: de novo analysis, mapping to two other pink‐footed and swan geese genomes. The functional examination showed that the most enriched biological process in the geese hypothalamus covered the immune response. Moreover, in the hypothalamus, proteins typical for the pituitary such as PRL and GH were differentially expressed (DE). Our study recommends one gene as a candidate for growth rate in geese—the FOS gene, which encodes Fos proto‐oncogene—DE in both analysed tissues. The FOS gene is involved in regulating feeding behaviour, immune regulation, stimulating cellular proliferation and controlling growth hormone synthesis. Moreover, the present investigation indicates DE genes involved in gene expression regulation. The study delivers new information about the changes in the pituitary–hypothalamic axis in geese dependent on growth rate differences.
Changes in incidence and severity of visual impairment due to glaucoma during 40 years – a register‐based study in Finland
Authors: Vaajanen Anu , Purola Petri , Ojamo Matti , Gissler Mika , Uusitalo Hannu
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To report the incidence and severity of reported visual impairment (VI) due to glaucoma and the changes in them during the past 40 years in Finland.

Methods

A register‐based study, in which the data were collected from the Finnish Register of Visual Impairment between 1980 and 2019. These data included 5819 visually impaired glaucoma patients, of which 61% were female. Visual impairment (VI) was classified according to the Finnish national definitions. The number of treated glaucoma patients in Finland was calculated using glaucoma medication reimbursement data available between 1986 and 2019 from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland registers.

Results

The incidence of reported VI due to glaucoma per 100 000 persons had increased from 2.3 in the 1980s to 3.4 in the 2010s. During the same time period, the incidence of reported VI per 10 000 treated glaucoma patients had decreased from 32 in the 1980s to 21 in the 2010s. Primary open‐angle glaucoma (45%) was the main subtype for reported VI due to glaucoma. During the 40 years, the proportion of mild VI and the age at the onset of reported VI had increased.

Conclusion

The incidence of reported VI due to glaucoma has increased during the 40 years, but the risk of treated glaucoma patients becoming visually impaired has decreased. Visual impairment (VI) also occurs at an older age. This is likely due to the earlier diagnoses and improved therapy. To prevent the unfavourable development of VI due to glaucoma among the ageing population in the future, all attempts need to be made to improve glaucoma care.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the prevalence of post‐colonoscopy colorectal cancers using the World Endoscopy Organization nomenclature
Authors: Kang James H.‐E. , Evans Nicole , Singh Siddharth , Samadder Niloy J. , Lee Jeffrey K.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Post‐colonoscopy colorectal cancers (PCCRCs) have been proposed as a performance metric for colonoscopy quality assurance programs. Previously, there was no standardised terminology or reporting methods. In 2018, the World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) advised standardised definitions and prevalence calculation methodology.

Aims

To assess PCCRC burden using WEO standardised methods, to explore causes of heterogeneity, and to review changes in prevalence over time

Methods

We updated a prior systematic review by searching Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 1 January 2013 to 31 January 2021 to identify population‐based studies (or multicentre studies representative of the local population) reporting PCCRC prevalence (PROSPERO [CRD42020183796]). Two authors independently determined study eligibility, assessed quality, and extracted data. We estimated the PCCRC 3‐year prevalence using WEO‐recommended methodologies and investigated between‐study sources of heterogeneity. We examined changes in prevalence over time.

Results

Fifteen studies reporting on 25 872 PCCRC cases met eligibility criteria. Pooled PCCRC 3 year prevalence was 8.2% (95% CI = 6.9%‐9.4%, I2 = 98.2%) across four European studies using WEO precise methodology. Proximal PCCRC prevalence was greater than distal (9.7% [95% CI = 7.0%‐12.4%] vs 5.4% [95% CI = 2.9%‐7.8%], I2 = 99.2%). Seven studies reporting PCCRC rates over time showed no consistent trend: four showed a decrease, one an increase and two were unchanged. Between‐study heterogeneity was high.

Conclusions

Pooled 3‐year PCCRC prevalence was 8.2% (95% CI = 6.9%‐9.4%). Despite WEO standardised methodology to define and calculate PCCRC rates, there was significant heterogeneity among studies. Comparing rates between populations remains challenging and additional studies are needed to better understand the global PCCRC burden to inform quality assurance programs.
Shifts to Global Development: Is this a reframing of power, agency, and progress?
Authors: Hope Jessica , Freeman Cordelia , Maclean Kate , Pande Raksha , Sou Gemma
Published: September 2021

This special section on global development has been developed from a conference roundtable event run by the Development Geographies Research Group of the Royal Geographical Society. In this special section, we (some of the committee) introduce the four papers and their critical contributions to emerging debates. These extend early work on how the “global” is being made, focusing on the projects of multilateral development agencies and state institutions to examine how (and whether) the rebranding of “international development” as “global development” constitutes a shift in thinking and practice. Together, the papers draw our attention to the considerable opportunities and implications that this reframing offers, while highlighting that critical attention is required as to how that framing is deployed and by whom. They reveal disparity between global development as a much‐needed reframing of power, agency, and progress and global development as produced by mainstream development actors and interventions, necessitating more critical research into how this normative agenda is adopted and enacted in dominant policy and practice.
Sexual dysfunction in women with type 1 diabetes in Norway: A cross‐sectional study on the prevalence and associations with physical and psychosocial complications
Authors: Haugstvedt Anne , Jørgensen Jannike , Strandberg Ragnhild B. , Nilsen Roy M. , Haugstvedt Jakob F. , Pop‐Busui Rodica , Søfteland Eirik
Published: October 2021

Aim

To estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared with women without diabetes and to analyse associations between sexual dysfunction and the presence of chronic physical diabetes complications, diabetes distress and depression in women with T1D.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in Norway, and 171 women with T1D and 60 controls completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Diabetes distress was assessed with the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale. Data on diabetes complications were retrieved from medical records. We performed logistic regression to estimate differences in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (defined as FSFI ≤26.55) between women with T1D and women without diabetes and to examine associations of sexual dysfunction with chronic diabetes complications, diabetes distress and depression in women with T1D.

Results

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was higher in women with T1D (50.3%) compared with the controls (35.0%; unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.89 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–3.37]; adjusted OR 1.93 [1.05–3.56]). In women with T1D, sexual dysfunction was associated with both diabetes distress (adjusted OR 1.03 [1.01–1.05]) and depression (adjusted OR 1.28 [1.12–1.46]), but there were no clear associations with chronic diabetes complications (adjusted OR 1.46 [0.67–3.19]).

Conclusions

This study suggests that sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in women with T1D compared with women without diabetes. The study findings emphasize the importance of including sexual health in relation to diabetes distress and psychological aspects in diabetes care and future research.
The use of mice in diabetes research: The impact of experimental protocols
Authors: Kennard Matilda R. , Daniels Gatward Lydia F. , Roberts Anna G. , White Ella R. P. , Nandi Manasi , King Aileen J. F.
Published: October 2021

Mice are used extensively in preclinical diabetes research to model various aspects of blood glucose homeostasis. Careful experimental design is vital for maximising welfare and improving reproducibility of data. Alongside decisions regarding physiological characteristics of the animal cohort (e.g., sex, strain and age), experimental protocols must also be carefully considered. This includes choosing relevant end points of interest and understanding what information they can provide and what their limitations are. Details of experimental protocols must, therefore, be carefully planned during the experimental design stage, especially considering the impact of researcher interventions on preclinical end points. Indeed, in line with the 3Rs of animal research, experiments should be refined where possible to maximise welfare. The role of welfare may be particularly pertinent in preclinical diabetes research as blood glucose concentrations are directly altered by physiological stress responses. Despite the potential impact of variations in experimental protocols, there is distinct lack of standardisation and consistency throughout the literature with regards to several experimental procedures including fasting, cage changing and glucose tolerance test protocol. This review firstly highlights practical considerations with regard to the choice of end points in preclinical diabetes research and the potential for novel technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring and glucose clamping techniques to improve data resolution. The potential influence of differing experimental protocols and in vivo procedures on both welfare and experimental outcomes is then discussed with focus on standardisation, consistency and full disclosure of methods.
Ultra rapid lispro (URLi) shows accelerated pharmacokinetics and greater reduction in postprandial glucose versus Humalog® in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in a randomized, double‐blind meal test early‐phase study
Authors: Kazda Christof , Leohr Jennifer , Liu Rong , Reddy Shobha , Dellva Mary Anne , Loh Mei Teng , Hardy Thomas , Plum‐Mörschel Leona
Published: October 2021

Aim

To compare the pharmacokinetics (PK), glucodynamics (GD), and tolerability following single and multiple daily subcutaneous (SC) doses of ultra rapid lispro (URLi) and Humalog® in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).

Materials and Methods

This was a two‐part, randomized, double‐blind, Phase 1b study. Part A used a six‐period crossover design to assess PK and GD response to a solid mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) following a single dose of URLi or Humalog administered 15 min before, immediately before, and 15 min after the start of the meal. Part B evaluated URLi or Humalog during 2 weeks of multiple daily dosing with a parallel design. The PK and GD were assessed following MMTTs at the beginning and end of the 2‐week period when insulins were administered immediately before the start of the meal.

Results

URLi increased the insulin exposure within the first 30 min postdose by 2.2‐fold and reduced the time to early half‐maximal drug concentration by 37% compared with Humalog. Overall, URLi resulted in better postprandial glucose lowering when dosed before, immediately before, or after a meal compared with Humalog. Comparing the same meal‐to‐dose timing between the insulins, postprandial glucose excursion over 5 hours was reduced by 40%‐44% for all three dose timings (−15, 0, and +15 min) with URLi, achieving statistical significance for the 0‐ and +15‐min timings. The PK and GD profiles were sustained after daily SC dosing for 2 weeks in patients with T1D. The number of documented hypoglycaemic events was similar between URLi and Humalog during the postprandial period of the MMTTs and the outpatient period.

Conclusions

URLi showed accelerated insulin lispro absorption and greater postprandial glucose reduction at different meal‐to‐dose timings compared with Humalog and was well tolerated in patients with T1D.
Liraglutide changes body composition and lowers added sugar intake in overweight persons with insulin pump‐treated type 1 diabetes
Authors: Schmidt Signe , Frandsen Christian S. , Dejgaard Thomas F. , Vistisen Dorte , Halldórsson Thórhallur , Olsen Sjudur F. , Jensen Jens‐Erik B. , Madsbad Sten , Andersen Henrik U. , Nørgaard Kirsten
Published: October 2021

Aims

To present secondary outcome analyses of liraglutide treatment in overweight adults with insulin pump‐treated type 1 diabetes (T1D), focusing on changes in body composition and dimensions, and to evaluate changes in food intake to identify potential dietary drivers of liraglutide‐associated weight loss.

Materials and methods

A 26‐week randomized placebo‐controlled study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of liraglutide 1.8 mg daily in 44 overweight adults with insulin pump‐treated T1D and glucose levels above target, and demonstrated significant glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)‐ and body weight‐reducing effects. For secondary outcome analysis, dual X‐ray absorptiometry scans were completed at Weeks 0 and 26, and questionnaire‐based food frequency recordings were obtained at Weeks 0, 13 and 26 to characterize liraglutide‐induced changes in body composition and food intake.

Results

Total fat and lean body mass decreased in liraglutide‐treated participants (fat mass −4.6 kg [95% confidence interval {CI} −5.7; −3.5], P < 0.001; lean mass −2.5 kg [95% CI −3.2;‐1.7], P < 0.001), but remained stable in placebo‐treated participants (fat mass −0.3 kg [95% CI −1.3;0.8], P = 0.604; lean mass 0.0 kg [95% CI −0.7;0.7]; P = 0.965 [between‐group P values <0.001]). Participants reduced their energy intake numerically more in the liraglutide arm (−1.1 MJ [95% CI −2.0;‐0.02], P = 0.02) than in the placebo arm (−0.9 MJ [95% CI −2.0;0.1], P = 0.22), but the between‐group difference was statistically insignificant (P = 0.42). However, energy derived from added sugars decreased by 27% in the liraglutide arm compared with an increase of 14% in the placebo arm (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Liraglutide lowered fat and lean body mass compared with placebo. Further, liraglutide reduced intake of added sugars. However, no significant difference in total daily energy intake was detected between liraglutide‐ and placebo‐treated participants.
Fuzzy expert system for road type identification and risk assessment of conventional two‐lane roads
Authors: Barreno Felipe , Romana Manuel G. , Santos Matilde
Published: October 2021

This paper first presents a fuzzy expert system to identify and classify conventional two‐lane roads based on geometric characteristics. Both fuzzy and neuro‐fuzzy techniques have been used. Fuzzy logic has proved suitable to address this problem, since in this case, there is a variability of input information, and classical rules are not suitable to be used due to the uncertainty introduced by some combinations of the variables. Each road's geometric features were measured by sensors in an equipped vehicle, and are subsequently used to classify the roads according to their real condition. The conventional two‐lane roads used for this research are located in the Madrid Region, in Spain. This intelligent system may be used to update the road database regarding the assigned type to each conventional road, according to their present features and state. Also, a risk identification system has been developed to assess whether a vehicle is driving on a two‐lane road with an inappropriate speed, combining variables such as the former identification model, vehicle type, road longitudinal gradient, the angle covered by each horizontal curve, and the existence or not of an additional traffic lane. A fuzzy risk index is proposed for this approach. This fuzzy model may be useful to detect road sections where safety must be enhanced by revising the speed limit, since less safe situations may arise from travelling at unappropriated speeds.
Does perception of social issues affect portfolio choices? Evidence from the #MeToo movement
Authors: Cook Douglas O. , Luo Shikong (Scott)
Published: October 2021

Did the #MeToo movement, inspired by a Twitter post in late 2017 following the Weinstein scandal, influence the asset allocation decision process of mutual fund managers intending to show support for women empowerment? We find evidence to support the influence of such attention. We utilize the breakout of the #MeToo movement as an exogenous shock to the perception of gender equity issues. Using a difference‐in‐differences framework, we show that, compared to passively managed mutual funds, actively managed mutual funds tilt their portfolios toward firms with greater female representation in the C‐suite, but only after the breakout. Our results are not explained by performance seeking, but are in part attributable to catering incentives. Moreover, the results become less significant when the marginal impact of changing perception is small. Using Google search volume to capture public sentiment closely tied to the perception of gender equality yields consistent results based on a larger sample. Our study sheds light on the recent rise of “gender lens investing” in the mutual fund industry.
Limitations of Current Approaches for Predicting Groundwater Vulnerability from PFAS Contamination in the Vadose Zone
Authors: Rovero Matt , Cutt Diana , Griffiths Rachel , Filipowicz Urszula , Mishkin Katherine , White Brad , Goodrow Sandra , Wilkin Richard T.
Published: October 2021

Published literature for reported sorption coefficients (Kd) of eight anionic per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil was reviewed. Kd values spanned three to five log units indicating that no single value would be appropriate for use in estimating PFAS impacts to groundwater using existing soil‐water partition equations. Regression analysis was used to determine if the soil or solution parameters might be used to predict Kd values. None of the 15 experimental parameters collected could individually explain variability in reported Kd values. Significant associations between Kd and soil calcium and sodium content were found for many of the selected PFAS, suggesting that soil cation content may be critical to PFAS sorption, as previously noted in sources like Higgins and Luthy (2006), while organic carbon content was significant only at elevated levels (>5%). Unexplained discrepancies between the results from studies where PFAS were introduced to soil and desorbed in the laboratory and those that used material from PFAS‐impacted sites suggest that laboratory experiments may be overlooking some aspects critical to PFAS sorption. Future studies would benefit from the development and use of standardized analytical methods to improve data quality and the establishment of soil parameters appropriate for collection to produce more complete data sets for predictive analysis.
Conversion of aqueous extracts from thermochemical treatment of bagasse into functional emulsifiers
Authors: Vodo Sekove , Uemura Kunihiko , Nakajima Mitsutoshi , Neves Marcos A.
Published: October 2021

Synthetic emulsifiers in food industries are being replaced with a customer‐friendly food ingredient that is derived from biomass using sustainable green technologies. After hydrothermal liquefaction treatment, raw bagasse (21%), pith (26%), and rind portions (25%) were obtained with reduced ash contents. As aqueous extracts, with oligosaccharides and lignin residues, it was used in the preparation of oil‐in‐water emulsions with 5% soybean oil. Results showed that the emulsions stabilised the oil droplets with particle size between 11 and 17 µm by steric repulsion with raw bagasse‐stabilised emulsion showing a better stability at 25 °C (31 days). It was demonstrated that raw bagasse extracts, without alteration, maybe a potential unconventional source for food‐grade emulsifiers by integrating a versatile thermochemical conversion of waste without the use of chemicals.
Heuristic and metaheuristic methods for the multi‐skill project scheduling problem with partial preemption
Authors: Polo‐Mejía Oliver , Artigues Christian , Lopez Pierre , Mönch Lars , Basini Virginie
Published: October 2021

The multi‐skill project scheduling problem (MSPSP) has been first addressed in the scheduling community for more than 15 years. This article deals with a new variant of this problem, the MSPSP with partial preemption, where only a subset of resources can be released during the preemption periods. Like the standard problem, this variant is NP‐hard, because of which we propose in this article a series of heuristic algorithms to solve instances arising from an industrial application. First, we present a serial greedy algorithm, based on priority rules and a flow problem for resource allocation. To improve the solutions of the greedy algorithm, we then introduce a binary tree based search algorithm and a greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP). Finally, we propose a large neighborhood search (LNS) algorithm integrating exact and heuristic methods. The best results in terms of solution quality and execution time are obtained by combining the GRASP algorithm and LNS approach. Furthermore, the proposed GRASP algorithm is able to find new best results on 56 of 216 instances on a standard MSPSP instance set, which shows the quality of the approach even on special cases of the considered problem.
Effect of pendant groups on the mass yield and density of polycarbosilanes during pyrolysis
Authors: Key Thomas S. , Wilks Garth B. , Cinibulk Michael K.
Published: October 2021

As SMP‐10 and SMP‐877 are pyrolyzed, they undergo multiple thermal decomposition reactions that result in the formation of amorphous SiC and differing degrees of excess carbon. Differences in the initial composition of the two polycarbosilanes in the form of allylic group concentration and the presence of methyl pendant groups lead to differences in thermal decomposition of the polymers. These differences then affect the evolution of density of the two polymers in a way that dramatically affects their volume yield as a function of pyrolysis temperature.
Gut metabolite Urolithin A mitigates ionizing radiation‐induced intestinal damage
Authors: Zhang Yuanyang , Dong Yinping , Lu Ping , Wang Xinyue , Li Wenxuan , Dong Hui , Fan Saijun , Li Deguan
Published: October 2021

Ionizing radiation (IR)‐induced intestinal damage is the major and common injury of patients receiving radiotherapy. Urolithin A (UroA) is a metabolite of the intestinal flora of ellagitannin, a compound found in fruits and nuts such as pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts. UroA shows the immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory capacity in various metabolic diseases. To evaluate the radioprotective effects, UroA(0.4, 2 and 10 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected to C57BL/6 male mice 48, 24, 1 h prior to and 24 h after 9.0Gy TBI. The results showed that UroA markedly upregulated the survival of irradiated mice, especially at concentration of 2 mg/kg. UroA improved the intestine morphology architecture and the regeneration ability of enterocytes in irradiated mice. Then, UroA significantly decreased the apoptosis of enterocytes induced by radiation. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed the effect of UroA is associated with the recovery of the IR‐induced intestinal microbacteria profile changes in mice. Therefore, our results determinated UroA could be developed as a potential candidate for radiomitigators in radiotherapy and accidental nuclear exposure. And the beneficial functions of UroA might be associated with the inhibition of p53‐mediated apoptosis and remodelling of the gut microbes.
Developmental associations between bullying victimization and suicidal ideation and direct self‐injurious behavior in adolescence and emerging adulthood
Authors: Zhu Xinxin , Griffiths Helen , Eisner Manuel , Hepp Urs , Ribeaud Denis , Murray Aja Louise
Published: October 2021

Background

Bullying, suicide, and self‐injury are significant issues among young people. Extensive research has documented bullying victimization associations with suicidal ideation and self‐injury; however, the modeling approaches used have mostly not addressed the relations between these constructs at the within‐person level, and it is these links that are critical for testing developmental theories and guiding intervention efforts. This examined the within‐person, bidirectional relations between these constructs in adolescence and emerging adulthood.

Methods

Participants were from the Zurich Project on Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood (z‐proso). Random intercept cross‐lagged panel models (RI‐CLPMs) were fit to general and sexual bullying victimization and suicidal ideation data at ages 15, 17, and 20 (n = 1465), and general and sexual victimization and direct self‐injurious behavior data at ages 13, 15, 17, and 20 (n = 1482).

Results

There was a positive within‐person effect of age 15 general bullying victimization on age 17 suicidal ideation (β = .10) and age 17 suicidal ideation on age 20 general bullying victimization (β = .14).

Conclusions

General bullying victimization and suicidal ideation may have detrimental effects on each other over development but at different stages.
Developing the new industrial flatbread baking system using numerical technique to increase the product quality
Authors: Bejaei Farid , Seyedlou Sadegh , Nalbandi Habibeh , Ghassemzadeh Hamid Reza
Published: October 2021

Bread is one of the most important food sources for consumers, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. Large quantities of bread are wasted every year because different factors affect the quantity of waste products include flour quality, bread production technology, and the storage condition of the bread. The objective of this study was to improve existing systems and developed the new flatbread industrial baking machine to increase product quality and product storability. Therefore, a rotary bread baking machine with an indirect heating system was designed, and the heat exchangers of the machine were simulated. The results of the simulation were utilized to investigate the uniformity of airflow velocity inside the exchanger and the distribution of heat on the dough on the baking bed. After achieving the most effective design, the exchangers were constructed and installed inside the baking machine. Bread baking experiments with the developed machine and the existing conventional machines were conducted to evaluate the instrumental, sensory, and staling characteristics of the produced flatbreads from different baking machines. The results indicated that the sensory qualities of the bread produced with the indirect heating system in the present study as well as uniformity of baking and sensory acceptability were superior compared to the bread produced from the conventional industrial machines with direct heating systems (with a total sensory score of 5.09 vs. 4.54).

Practical Applications

In this research, a superior flatbread baking machine with indirect heat was designed, constructed, and evaluated. The flatbread baked with the indirect heating system had better quality scores and a longer shelf life compared to the flatbread baked with the direct heating system. This type of the flatbread lasted more than 168 hr without mold and it was the best choice for longer‐term storage purposes and for the reduction of food waste. Also, bread prepared using the new machine was free of any contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Leonardo da Vinci and dental anatomy
Authors: Schuez Iris , Alt Kurt W.
Published: October 2021

Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance polymath, is still recognized today—above all for his oil paintings and mechanical inventions. His anatomical studies have attracted less attention, even though he devoted over 30 years of his life to them. This paper outlines Leonardo's career and research methods and focuses on the importance of his medical images for anatomical research and teaching. Following a short presentation of the state of (dental) medicine in the early Renaissance period, it offers a description of five of his cranial drawings that show the anatomy of the teeth, the nervous and vascular system on inner and outer tables of the skull and the paranasal sinuses in great detail. Leonardo da Vinci had obviously discovered and depicted the maxillary sinus 150 years before the anatomist Nathaniel Highmore, who is usually credited with this discovery. Other anatomical drawings by Leonardo address the correct human dental formula and describe the morphology of the four types of teeth. His handwritten notes show that he recognized the connection between tooth form and function. Finally, this paper evaluates the influence of these discoveries and innovations on the development of dentistry and its establishment as a scientific discipline. There is no doubt that Leonardo da Vinci's preoccupation with the anatomy of the maxillofacial region influenced the development of anatomy and dentistry, even though he never published his anatomical research.
Protective effects of dichloroacetic acid on endometrial injury and ovarian reserve in an experimental rat model of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pala Halil Gursoy , Pala Emel Ebru , Artunc Ulkumen Burcu , Erbas Oytun
Published: October 2021

Aim

To study (1) ovarian and endometrial damage caused by the hyperglycemia and (2) the effects of dichloroacetic acid (DCA) on follicular reserve and endometrial damage in streptozocin induced diabetic rats.

Methods

This study consisted 24 rats randomly separated into three groups. A diabetes model was achieved in 16 rats experimentally, and normoglycemic eight rats were assigned as control group (Group 1). The rats with diabetes were randomly separated to two groups: 1 mL/kg/day intraperitoneal 0.9% NaCl was given to eight rats as diabetic vehicle (Group 2) and 10 mg/kg/day DCA was given to other eight rats as DCA treated group (Group 3). Hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy was performed for histopathological evaluation and blood samples were collected after 4 weeks.

Results

Diabetes caused ovarian and endometrial damage (p < 0.0001). Pentraxin‐3 (PTX‐3), lactic acid, and transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) were higher (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.0001, respectively), whereas anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) was lower in diabetic rats (p < 0.05). These findings reflected the diabetic damage in the genital tract and diminished ovarian reserve occurred via fibrosis, severe inflammation, and oxidative stress. DCA improved the histopathological fibrosis and degeneration in the ovaries and endometrium (p < 0.05). There was a concominant decrease of TGF‐β and lactic acid levels with DCA treatment (p < 0.05). DCA also improved ovarian reserve with higher AMH levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The several unfavored changes in the endometrium and ovaries due to diabetes have been determined in this present study. DCA might provide the continuity of the endometrial cycle, physiological endometrial structure, ovarian follicular growth, oocyte maturation, and physiological ovarian function by decreasing the lactate levels via inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase enzyme.
Australian First Nations response to the pandemic: A dramatic reversal of the ‘gap’
Authors: Stanley Fiona , Langton Marcia , Ward James , McAullay Daniel , Eades Sandra
Published: September 2021

Until the recent death in Dubbo of an Aboriginal man, there have been no deaths from Covid 19 in Australia. The extraordinary success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in controlling the effects of this pandemic has been a global role model. Until early 2021, in spite of their high risk status, dispersed population and fear of health services due to racism, Indigenous outcomes were better than those for non‐Indigenous. Aboriginal health leaders at every level brought in worlds best practices and applied them in all urban, rural and remote locations. Instead of the many hundreds of cases, hospitalisation and deaths expected, there were only 150 cases nationwide with15% hospitalised but no one in ICU and no deaths. This result is a complete reversal of the gap and was due to the outstanding Indigenous leadership, that governments at all levels listened to Aboriginal wisdom and that control was handed to those who knew what to do. This result is not only evidence for why a Voice enshrined in the Constitution would work, it heralds a new way of working with Aboriginal people in Australia. This viewpoint makes the case for a different model to engage and empower First Nations to really close the gap ‐ themselves.
Medical conditions associated with gastroduodenal ulceration or erosion in 168 dogs: 2008‐2018
Authors: Pavlova Elena , Gold Randi M. , Tolbert M. Katherine , Lidbury Jonathan A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Many medical conditions are thought to cause gastroduodenal ulceration or erosion (GUE) in dogs. However, evidence for the association between many of these conditions and GUE in dogs is lacking.

Objective

To identify medical conditions associated with GUE in dogs.

Animals

One hundred and sixty‐eight dogs with GUE and 168 randomly selected control dogs without evidence of GUE identified on necropsy between January 2008 and September 2018.

Methods

Patient signalment, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine concentrations, recently administered ulcerogenic drugs, as well as necropsy findings were recorded. The association between these findings and presence of GUE was assessed by univariable and multivariable analysis.

Results

In the final multivariable model, the following factors were associated with GUE: Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration (odds ratio [OR], 6.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3‐17.4;P = .0004), glucocorticoid administration (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.5‐5.9;P = .001), gastrointestinal neoplasia (OR, 13.5; 95% CI, 1.7‐108.0;P = .01) and gastrointestinal mechanical disease (foreign bodies, gastric dilatation, and volvulus; OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.2‐19.7;P = .03). Additionally, working dog breeds were predisposed to GUE compared to mixed breed dogs (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1‐7.4;P = .04). Insufficient clinical data was available to either support or refute a role of other putative risk factors evaluated.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Administration of NSAID or glucocorticoid and gastrointestinal neoplasia or mechanical disease were associated with GUE in dogs. The potential predisposition of working breed dogs for GUE requires further investigation.
‘One of the oldest states in Europe has never suppressed any nation’. The minority treaty, nationalist indignation and the foundations of interwar ethnic democracy in Poland
Authors: Marzec Wiktor
Published: October 2021

This article investigates the internal impact of the Minority Treaty of Versailles, regulating minority rights and protection in the emerging interwar Polish state. The parliamentary debate on the Treaty was a critical juncture structuring the political sphere and arguably fostered the birth of ‘ethnic democracy’ in Poland. Performing a sequential analysis of the debate, I study the reconfiguration of political positions which locked the actors into their strategic entrenchments. Unexpectedly, the nationalist right defended the treaty because of their involvement in the Versailles negotiations. The left tried to delegitimize the treaty and simultaneously tip the scales of the domestic politics in favour of the minorities. This shifted the levers of implicit assumptions about the political community and effectively blocked the political efficacy of the treaty on the domestic level. Such refraction effects must be considered when one is studying convergence, diffusion and the role of international agreements and pressures.
Federalization in the slipstream: How the German‐speaking Community of Belgium became one of the smallest federal entities in the world
Authors: Niessen Christoph
Published: October 2021

In last 50 years, Belgium has evolved from a central to a federal state. Although this process was driven by the Flemish and Francophone communities (and influenced by the Brussels‐Capital Region), a fourth much smaller entity known today as ‘German‐speaking Community’ was also integrated into the federal arrangement. This article reviews the latter's political history to go beyond the common explanation that its statute was a mere consequence of the Belgian federalization dynamic. By using historical scholarship and testimonial interviews, it shows that neither the demand nor the conferral of autonomy was automatic and that regionalist party pressures on the regional‐level and intra‐party multilevel negotiations were equally necessary for the communities' recognition as federal entity. With lessons from what it presents as a least likely case of federal entities whose autonomy dynamics followed that of larger communities with strong regionalist pressures, the article develops the concept of ‘federalization in the slipstream’.
Nature‐based solutions to sea level rise and other climate change impacts on oceanic and coastal environments: a law and policy perspective
Authors: Doelle Meinhard , Puthucherril Tony George
Published: October 2021

There are several nature‐based adaptation options available to coastal nations. In this paper, we offer a brief overview of these options and then focus on mangroves to consider how laws and policies can support nature‐based solutions and thereby contribute to more effective overall adaptation efforts. We first outline the concept of adaptation and its variants, thereby setting the context for this study. We then briefly explore the science relating to nature‐based adaptation. We analyze the international legal regime in place to protect mangrove ecosystems. Finally, we discuss the merits, the challenges, and strategies developed to surmount some of the challenges that coastal countries can face while implementing nature‐based adaptation options by utilizing Bangladesh's experience on mangrove conservation as a case study. Ultimately, we conclude that it may be necessary to implement both hard and nature‐based adaptation options and that an effective law and policy framework will be critical. It will also be important to look beyond physical coastal protection to augment coastal livelihoods and build resilient coastal communities with greater adaptive capacities.
Two new species of Bulbophyllum sect. Racemosae (Orchidaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: Duong Minh Tam Thao Ngoc , Son Dang Van , Averyanov Leonid V. , Tam Truong Quang , Amsler Roland , Vuong Truong Ba
Published: October 2021

A new species from the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Bulbophyllum vulinhae, referrable to Bulbophyllum sect. Racemosae (Orchidaceae) is described and illustrated. In addition, B. allenkerrii from the same section is reported from Vietnam for the first time. Morphological description, illustrations, data on ecology and phenology for both species are provided.
Taxon‐level assessment of the data collection quality in Atlas Florae Europaeae: insights from the case of Rosa (Rosaceae) in Eastern Europe
Authors: Khapugin Anatoliy A. , Sołtys‐Lelek Anna , Fedoronchuk Nikolay M. , Muldashev Albert A. , Agafonov Vladimir A. , Kazmina Elena S. , Vasjukov Vladimir M. , Baranova Olga G. , Buzunova Irina O. , Teteryuk Lyudmila V. , Dubovik Dmitriy V. , Gudžinskas Zigmantas , Kukk Toomas , Kravchenko Alexey V. , Yena Andrey V. , Kozhin Mikhail N. , Sennikov Alexander N.
Published: October 2021

By the method of data re‐collection and re‐assessment, we here test the completeness of distribution areas of the species and species aggregates of Rosa in Eastern Europe as mapped in volume 13 of Atlas Florae Europaeae (AFE), and discuss insights into the issues connected with the data. We found many new occurrences which are additions to the published maps: 1068 records of species and 570 records of species aggregates. The new occurrences are listed with references to the sources, and the updated AFE maps are provided. The greatest increase by new native occurrences was revealed for the species that are widespread or taxonomically complicated, and by new alien occurrences for the species that currently expand their secondary distribution areas. The mapping work published in 2004 is considered good, with minor omissions caused by possible oversights and incomplete sampling. The majority of new additions originated in the period after the original data collection. Nearly the same amount of new data originated from larger and smaller herbarium collections, underlining the value of small collections for chorological studies. We found that only ca 20% of new records based on herbarium specimens have been published, thus highlighting the need for data papers for publication of distributional data. The greatest increase by new records based on herbarium specimens was found for insufficiently studied territories (Belarus, central, northern and eastern parts of Russia), whereas the same level of increase for the territories with reasonably good coverage (Latvia) was achieved by observations. We conclude that the overall sparsity of published records in Eastern Europe is caused by a lower level of data collection rather than by poor data availability, and that floristic surveys based on herbarium specimens cannot compete in speed and density of records with observation‐based surveys, which may become the main source of distributional information in the future.
Ganglioside GD2: a novel therapeutic target in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Shao Claire , Anand Vivek , Andreeff Michael , Battula Venkata Lokesh
Published: October 2021

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by lack of hormone receptor expression and is known for high rates of recurrence, distant metastases, and poor clinical outcomes. TNBC cells lack targetable receptors; hence, there is an urgent need for targetable markers for the disease. Breast cancer stem‐like cells (BCSCs) are a fraction of cells in primary tumors that are associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Targeting BCSCs is thus an effective strategy for preventing cancer metastatic spread and sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy. The CD44hiCD24lo phenotype is a well‐established phenotype for identification of BCSCs, but CD44 and CD24 are not targetable markers owing to their expression in normal tissues. The ganglioside GD2 has been shown to be upregulated in primary TNBC tumors compared with normal breast tissue and has been shown to identify BCSCs. In this review, we discuss GD2 as a BCSC‐ and tumor‐specific marker in TNBC; epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and the signaling pathways that are upstream and downstream of GD2 and the role of these pathways in tumorigenesis and metastasis in TNBC; direct and indirect approaches for targeting GD2; and ongoing clinical trials and treatments directed against GD2 as well as future directions for these strategies.