bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change vulnerability and conservation strategies for tertiary relict tree species: Insights from landscape genomics of Taxus cuspidata
Authors: Luo Yanjun , Qin Wei , Yan Yu , Yin Kangquan , Zang Runguo , Du Fang K.
Published: September 2024

The unprecedented habitat fragmentation or loss has threatened the existence of many species. Therefore, it is essential to understand whether and how these species can pace with the environmental changes. Recent advantages in landscape genomics enabled us to identify molecular signatures of adaptation and predict how populations will respond to changing environments, providing new insights into the conservation of species. Here, we investigated the pattern of neutral and putative adaptive genetic variation and its response to changing environments in a tertiary relict tree species, Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et Zucc, which is distributed in northeast China and adjacent regions. We investigated the pattern of genetic diversity and differentiation using restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) and seven nuclear microsatellites (nSSRs) datasets. We further explored the endangered mechanism, predicted its vulnerability in the future, and provided guidelines for the conservation and management of this species. RAD‐seq identified 16,087 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in natural populations. Both the SNPs and nSSRs datasets showed high levels of genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation in T. cuspidata. Outlier detection by FST outlier analysis and genotype‐environment associations (GEAs) revealed 598 outlier SNPs as putative adaptive SNPs. Linear redundancy analysis (RDA) and nonlinear gradient forest (GF) showed that the contribution of climate to genetic variation was greater than that of geography, and precipitation played an important role in putative adaptive genetic variation. Furthermore, the genetic offset and risk of non‐adaptedness (RONA) suggested that the species at the northeast edge may be more vulnerable in the future. These results suggest that although the species has maintained high current genetic diversity in the face of recent habitat loss and fragmentation, future climate change is likely to threaten the survival of the species. Temperature (Bio03) and precipitation (Prec05) variables can be potentially used as predictors of response of T. cuspidata under future climate. Together, this study provides a theoretical framework for conservation and management strategies for wildlife species in the context of future climate change.
The economic displacement of thousands of fishers in the Pantanal, Brazil: A telling story of small‐scale fisheries marginalization worldwide.
Authors: Fernando Adriana Maria Espinoza , Lopes Douglas Alves , Mateus Lúcia , Penha Jerry , Súarez Yzel Rondon , Catella Agostinho Carlos , Nunes André Valle , Arenhart Neusa , Chiaravalloti Rafael Morais
Published: September 2024

A new policy in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil, aims to economically displace thousands of artisanal fishers from one‐third of the region. The legislation disregards several FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainability in Small‐Scale Fisheries' guiding principles (SSF guidelines). Considering that 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of these guidelines, this policy represents a significant setback for fish and fisheries worldwide. In this paper, we show that the legislation is part of long‐term agenda against small‐scale fishers in the Pantanal, aiming to use narratives around overfishing to justify physical and economic displacements—albeit no empirical evidence showing impact on fish stocks. We also show that, as in many other small‐scale fisheries worldwide, overfishing narratives are, in fact, used to open space for industrial activities and large infrastructure projects. The Pantanal is a telling story of that, since the new legislation will likely open space for the construction of over 50 small hydroelectric dams in the Pantanal and surrounding area. We argue that, first, it is urgent to abolish the new legislation and promote a pro‐fishers agenda in the Pantanal to protect the region. However, since this is not unique for the region, it is critical to implement international programmes that celebrate and support local fisheries worlwide and avoid physical and economic displacements. Stands out turning SSF guidelines into international agreements, implementing citizens science programmes and expanding the fisher's tenure rights through innovative mechanizes of ownership. By better protecting local small‐scale fishers in the Pantanal and worldwide we are more likely to guarantee a sustainable future for ecosystems and its peoples.
6‐Thioguanine nucleotide levels are associated with infliximab but not adalimumab levels in inflammatory bowel disease patients on combination therapy
Authors: Yu Natalie , Lee Tanya , Tassone Daniel , Vogrin Sara , Phan Steven , Wu Damien M. , Zhang Jason , Wang Luke , Tjahyadi Jason , Dutt Krishneel , Liou Hana , Basnayake Chamara , Wright Emily , Niewiadomski Ola , Lust Mark , Schulberg Julien , Kamm Michael A. , Connell William , Thompson Alexander J. , Hilmi Ida , Raja Ali Raja A. , Wei Shu C. , De Cruz Peter , Friedman Antony B. , Moore Gregory T. , Van Langenberg Daniel , Ding Nik S.
Published: September 2024

Background

Thiopurine co‐therapy with anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (anti‐TNFα) agents is associated with higher anti‐TNFα drug levels and reduced immunogenicity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the association between 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (6‐TGN) and anti‐TNFα levels and the optimal 6‐TGN threshold level associated with higher anti‐TNFα levels in combination therapy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional multicentre study of patients with IBD on combination anti‐TNFα and thiopurine maintenance therapy between January 2015 and August 2021. Primary outcomes were infliximab and adalimumab levels. Secondary outcomes were antibodies to infliximab (ATI) or adalimumab (ATA). Univariable and multivariable linear regression were performed to identify variables associated with anti‐TNFα levels. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to define the optimal 6‐TGN cut‐off levels associated with therapeutic anti‐TNFα levels.

Results

The study included 743 paired 6‐TGN and anti‐TNFα levels (640 infliximab and 103 adalimumab). 6‐TGN levels were associated with infliximab levels, but not adalimumab levels, on univariable and multivariable regression. The optimal 6‐TGN cut‐off associated with therapeutic infliximab levels (≥5 mcg/mL) was 261 pmol/8 × 108 red blood cell (RBC) (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.57) for standard infliximab dosing and 227.5 pmol/8 × 108 RBC (AUC = 0.58) for escalated dosing. For therapeutic adalimumab levels (≥7.5 mcg/mL), the 6‐TGN cut‐off was 218.5 pmol/8 × 108 RBC (AUC = 0.59) for standard adalimumab dosing and 237.5 pmol/8 × 108 RBC (AUC = 0.63) for escalated dosing.

Conclusion

6‐TGN levels were weakly associated with infliximab but not adalimumab levels in combination therapy. 6‐TGN levels in the lower end of the therapeutic range (230–260 pmol/8 × 108 RBC) may be adequate to maintain higher infliximab levels, particularly with escalated infliximab dosing.
A National Evaluation of Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Curricula
Authors: Ryder Mary , Browne Freda , Curtin Mary , Connolly Michael , Furlong Eileen , Geraghty Sadie , Larkin John , Prendergast Margaret , Meegan Margaret , Brenner Maria
Published: September 2024

Aim

To conduct a comprehensive review of Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Curricula leading to registration in Ireland.

Design

A mixed methods approach using a curriculum evaluation framework that was underpinned by the philosophy and principles of appreciative inquiry.

Methods

Five separate workstreams completed an evaluation of national policy documents and international curriculum documents, a literature review and two phases of stakeholder engagement including a graduate survey and peer‐grouped stakeholder focus groups. The workstreams were emulated for the professions of nursing and midwifery.

Results

National policy indicates a significant shift in healthcare delivery to the community environment, with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and a flexible interprofessional workforce. International curricula review revealed that nursing and midwifery education was split equally between academia and clinical practice at bachelor's degree level. Graduates were assessed for clinical competence with a variance of four to seven domains of competence evident for nurses and five principles for midwives. Direct entry midwifery was not widely available. The graduate survey identified that students were satisfied with the academic components of the curriculum; however, significant challenges in clinical placement were reported. Stakeholder focus groups reported a need for a learner‐focused approach to the curricula, increased access to education, a deeper understanding and appreciation of the various roles required to educate nurses and midwives and a recognition of midwifery as a separate profession.

Conclusion

There is a need for a significant revision of the current nursing and midwifery curricula to meet the future healthcare needs of the diverse patient population with a community‐focused delivery.

Reporting Method

The good reporting of a mixed methods study was used to guide the development of this manuscript.

Patient or Public Contribution

An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) was appointed to oversee the conduct of the research project and advise the research team as requested. There were five service user representatives included in the membership of the EAG. This included one representative from each of the divisions of the nursing and midwifery register in Ireland. A separate stakeholder engagement focus group was also conducted for the research upon the request from the service users.
Fostering a Trusting Relationship With Family in Dementia Special Care Units: A Participatory Action Research Project
Authors: Hovenga Nina , Landeweer Elleke , Lesman‐Leegte Ivonne , Van Twillert Sacha , Vinckers Floor , Zuidema Sytse , Leget Carlo
Published: September 2024

Aim

To explore experiences of nursing home staff in implementing self‐designed interventions to foster trusting relationships with family in practice.

Design

This qualitative study used a Participatory Action Research approach.

Methods

Data collection included focus groups (n = 15), interviews (n = 28) and observations (n = 5). A holistic narrative approach was used for data analysis, resulting in co‐constructed narratives representing experiences of nursing home staff in implementing four different interventions in five Dutch dementia special care units in nursing homes. The data collection period began in August 2021 and ended in April 2022.

Results

Nursing home staff implemented self‐designed interventions to foster trusting relationships with family, including initiating informal conversations, sharing residents’ ‘happy’ moments, discussing mutual expectations, and being more aware of families’ emotional burdens. Identified facilitators emphasise the importance of reciprocity, familiarity, transparency, realistic goal setting and empathy. Identified barriers are related to moral uncertainty in balancing competing demands, conflicting social norms, prioritising hands‐on care tasks over family contact and lack of courage to act.

Conclusion

Nursing home staff conclude that their interventions contribute positively to building and maintaining a trusting relationship with families.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Sharing the narratives of nursing home staff with peers would support them in implementing interventions to foster trust. Regular Moral Case Deliberations can be used to address moral uncertainty. Collective dialogue among nursing home staff can be useful in establishing new social norms that prioritise family involvement. Conversation skills training can empower nursing home staff.

Impact

Trust between nursing home staff and families can be improved by implementing the conducted interventions.

Reporting Method

This report adheres to the standards for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Sentiment of Nurses Towards Artificial Intelligence and Resistance to Change in Healthcare Organisations: A Mixed‐Method Study
Authors: Amin Shaimaa Mohamed , El‐Gazar Heba Emad , Zoromba Mohamed Ali , El‐Sayed Mona Metwally , Atta Mohamed Hussein Ramadan
Published: September 2024

Background

Research identified preliminary evidence that artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, revolutionising various aspects of healthcare delivery, from diagnostics to treatment planning. However, integrating AI into healthcare systems in Egypt is challenging, particularly concerning healthcare professionals' acceptance and adoption of these technologies. This mixed‐method study aimed to explore the sentiment of nurses at different organisational levels towards AI and resistance to change in healthcare organisations.

Methods

A mixed‐method design was employed, with quantitative data collected through a survey of 500 nurses using the general attitudes towards AI and resistance to change scale and qualitative data from semi‐structured interviews with 17 nurses. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Results

The survey demonstrated that positive attitudes were inversely correlated with resistance behaviour and resistance to change. Additionally, perceptions of AI's usefulness, ease of use and value were strongly and positively correlated with positive attitudes and negatively correlated with negative attitudes. Moreover, the influence of colleagues' opinions, self‐efficacy for change and organisational support showed significant positive correlations with positive attitudes towards AI and negative correlations with negative attitudes. Qualitatively, nurses cited obstacles such as lack of familiarity with AI technologies, biases affecting decision‐making, technological challenges, inadequate training and fear of technology replacing human interaction. Readiness for AI integration was associated with the necessity of training and the timing of AI use.

Conclusion

Nurses demonstrated varied understanding of AI's applications and benefits. Some acknowledged its potential for efficiency and time‐saving, while others highlighted a need for up‐to‐date knowledge.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Using self‐determination theory to link empathy and voluntary health behaviors
Authors: Martinez Anjelica , Knee C. Raymond
Published: September 2024

Health research demonstrates that prosocial health behaviors, while typically voluntarily, can be influenced by dispositional empathy. However, the motivating circumstances regarding this link between empathy and prosocial health behavior have not been well understood. Self‐determination theory provides a framework for motivating voluntary behavior. Three preregistered studies (ntotal = 630) sought to integrate self‐determination's autonomous and controlled motivation to protect vulnerable populations from illness as potential mediators associated with dispositional empathy and face mask wearing behavior (Studies 1 and 2), and flu vaccination (Study 3). Results demonstrate that autonomous motivation positively mediates the empathy‐prosocial health behavior pathway whereas controlled motivation does not. Findings postulate the importance of identifying motivation in predicting face mask behavior and flu vaccination.
Effect of load reduction on the calcification of rat tibial tuberosity: Focus on calcification factors and chondrocyte mechanosensors
Authors: Suito Hirai , Minamizono Wataru , Yashima Nao , Matsunaga Hiroya , Fujikawa Kaoru , Ohsako Masafumi
Published: September 2024

The tibial tuberosity has a superficial patellar tendon‐embedded portion and a deep uncalcified cartilage portion. Suppressed calcification of the tibial tuberosity leads to Osgood–Schlatter disease. The tibial tuberosity calcifies with age; load reduction degrades the cartilage matrix and promotes calcification, suggesting that reduced mechanical stimulation of the tibial tuberosity promotes calcification. However, this is yet to be clarified. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of mechanical stimulation reduction on the tibial tuberosity tissue structure and calcification mechanism. Specifically, we examined the effect of load reduction on tibial tuberosity calcification in 20 male 7‐week‐old Wistar rats classified into two groups: hind‐limb suspension (HS, n = 10) and control (CO, n = 10). We observed superficial and deep tibial tuberosities in both groups. The tibial tuberosity in the HS group had narrower areas of deep portions than did those in the CO group (p = 0.000539), and immature bone tissue and cartilage tissue were observed in the HS group. Enpp1 expression did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.804). In contrast, Alpl (p = 0.001) and Mmp3 (p = 0.006) expression increased whereas Timp3 expression decreased (p = 0.002) in the HS group. Thus, these results showed a maturing of bone ossification, and this gene expression trend was similar to that observed in a murine join instability model of osteoarthritis with articular cartilage calcification and ossification. The HS tibial tuberosity also showed immature bone tissue. In conclusion, reduced mechanical stimulation caused tibial tuberosity calcification and pathological changes. These findings highlight the importance of optimal exercise to avoid premature pathological structural changes in bones and joints.
Microanatomy of incremental growth lines in dental tissues in reindeer Rangifer tarandus
Authors: Boyde Alan , Tyler Nicholas J. C.
Published: September 2024

Counting growth layers in dentine and/or secondary cementum is widely used for age determination in wild mammals but the underlying seasonal changes in the structure and degree of mineralisation of dental tissue have not been well characterised. We embedded first (m1) and second (m2) mandibular permanent molar teeth from a 12‐year‐old female Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) in PolyMethylMethAcrylate (PMMA), prepared cut and polished surfaces coated with evaporated carbon and used 20 kV back‐scattered electron imaging in a scanning electron microscope (BSE‐SEM) to study aspects of dental tissue structure which depend on the degree of mineralisation at the micron and sub‐micron scale. BSE‐SEM revealed differences between the mineral content of growth layers (annulations) in the secondary cementum and the primary and secondary dentine, the latter, incidentally, still forming at death in m1. Wide bands of less well mineralised tissue formed in the cementum during active appositional phases. Thin, denser bands formed by maturation‐mineralisation of existing tissue when growth slowed in winter. This maturation mimics the processes seen in lamellar bone and articular cartilage. Counter to previous suggestions, there was evidence of substantial resorption and repair of the secondary cementum and of formation of dentine throughout life. Secondary dentine is layered by mineral content like cementum. In the crown, this was mainly tubular dentine with well‐marked interglobular dentine layers. In the lower pulp chamber and root, it was largely without tubules. Substantial non‐mineralised spaces found at the cement‐dentine junction in the root apical regions in m2 represent inclusions of the Hertwig's Epithelial Root Sheath (HERS) or the Epithelial Rests of Malassez (ERM) between the two tissues, a phenomenon which has previously only been identified in Muridae. The anatomical changes which result in the formation of the incremental lines (annulations) in dental tissues of reindeer, identified here for the first time at the micrometre level, are likely to be common across most if not all long‐lived species of mammals living in seasonal environments.
Caprylic Acid From Vitex mollis Pulp Alters Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Plasma Membrane and Reduces Anthracnose Development on Papaya Fruit
Authors: López‐Velázquez Jordi G. , Delgado‐Vargas Francisco , Quiroz‐Figueroa Francisco R. , Ayón‐Reyna Lidia E. , López‐López Martha E. , García‐Armenta Evangelina , Flores‐Zamora Gabriela L. , Vega‐García Misael O.
Published: September 2024

Synthetic fungicides are used to control anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides; however, their frequent application increases the risk of pathogen resistance, environmental damage, and health concerns. It has been reported that caprylic acid (CA) inhibits the in vitro development of C. gloeosporioides; however, its antifungal mechanism and in vivo antifungal potential are still unknown. Therefore, the present work aims to analyse the effect of a CA‐enriched sub‐fraction (CAES) extracted from Vitex mollis fruit on the fungal microstructure by confocal fluorescence microscopy and morphometric analysis. Moreover, the effect of CAES on anthracnose development and quality parameters in papaya fruit was evaluated. The confocal microscopy images confirmed that CAES damaged the cell wall of conidia, given their decreased width. The increased fluorescence intensity in the CAES and CA‐treated mycelium suggested they were attached to the plasma membrane. These treatments produced structural alterations of the vacuoles and septa in mycelium, while in the fungicide thiabendazole (TBZ) treatment, apoptotic bodies appeared. CAES at 1.0 g L−1 had the best effect against anthracnose incidence and severity in papaya fruit, whereas TBZ was only effective on anthracnose severity. None of the applied treatments affected the fruit quality parameters. Therefore, CAES may be develop as an effective option to suppress anthracnose on papaya fruit.
DNA Packaging Specificity in the λ‐Like Phages: Gifsy‐1
Authors: Feiss Michael , Sippy Jean Arens
Published: September 2024

DNA viruses recognize viral DNA and package it into virions. Specific recognition is needed to distinguish viral DNA from host cell DNA. The λ‐like Escherichia coli phages are interesting and good models to examine genome packaging by large DNA viruses. Gifsy‐1 is a λ‐like Salmonella phage. Gifsy‐1's DNA packaging specificity was compared with those of closely related phages λ, 21, and N15. In vivo packaging studies showed that a Gifsy‐1‐specific phage packaged λ DNA at ca. 50% efficiency and λ packages Gifsy‐1‐specific DNA at ~30% efficiency. The results indicate that Gifsy‐1 and λ share the same DNA packaging specificity. N15 is also shown to package Gifsy‐1 DNA. Phage 21 fails to package λ, N15, and Gifsy‐1‐specific DNAs; the efficiencies are 0.01%, 0.01%, and 1%, respectively. A known incompatibility between the 21 helix‐turn‐helix motif and cosBλ is proposed to account for the inability of 21 to package Gifsy‐1 DNA. A model is proposed to explain the 100‐fold difference in packaging efficiency between λ and Gifsy‐1‐specific DNAs by phage 21. Database sequences of enteric prophages indicate that phages with Gifsy‐1's DNA packaging determinants are confined to Salmonella species. Similarly, prophages with λ DNA packaging specificity are rarely found in Salmonella. It is proposed that λ and Gifsy‐1 have diverged from a common ancestor phage, and that the differences may reflect adaptation of their packaging systems to host cell differences.
Impaired Brown midrib12 function orchestrates sorghum resistance to aphids via an auxin conjugate indole‐3‐acetic acid–aspartic acid
Authors: Grover Sajjan , Mou De‐Fen , Shrestha Kumar , Puri Heena , Pingault Lise , Sattler Scott E. , Louis Joe
Published: September 2024

Lignin, a complex heterogenous polymer present in virtually all plant cell walls, plays a critical role in protecting plants from various stresses. However, little is known about how lignin modifications in sorghum will impact plant defense against sugarcane aphids (SCA), a key pest of sorghum.

We utilized the sorghum brown midrib (bmr) mutants, which are impaired in monolignol synthesis, to understand sorghum defense mechanisms against SCA. We found that loss of Bmr12 function and overexpression (OE) of Bmr12 provided enhanced resistance and susceptibility to SCA, respectively, as compared with wild‐type (WT; RTx430) plants.

Monitoring of the aphid feeding behavior indicated that SCA spent more time in reaching the first sieve element phase on bmr12 plants compared with RTx430 and Bmr12‐OE plants. A combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that bmr12 plants displayed altered auxin metabolism upon SCA infestation and specifically, elevated levels of auxin conjugate indole‐3‐acetic acid–aspartic acid (IAA–Asp) were observed in bmr12 plants compared with RTx430 and Bmr12‐OE plants. Furthermore, exogenous application of IAA–Asp restored resistance in Bmr12‐OE plants, and artificial diet aphid feeding trial bioassays revealed that IAA–Asp is associated with enhanced resistance to SCA.

Our findings highlight the molecular underpinnings that contribute to sorghum bmr12‐mediated resistance to SCA.
Transverse Distraction of Great Toe to Enlarge the Donor Site before Finger Reconstruction
Authors: Hao Liwen , Rong Kai , Chen Chao , Hou Zhidian , Wang Yaxing , Tian Xu , Wang Zengtao
Published: September 2024

Partial great toe transfer is widely used in finger reconstruction. Although satisfactory results have been reported at the recipient's hand, the donor foot still presents with many problems due to the large amount of tissues harvested. In this study, the Ilizarov technique was utilized to enlarge the great toe in order to minimize the amount of tissue sacrificed of the donor foot. In this retrospective study, 23 patients (30 toes) underwent transverse distraction of the great toe for finger reconstruction from September 2020 to December 2022. The width of the contralateral normal finger was set as the objective width gained of distraction. At the last follow‐up, the changes of bone, toenail, plantar skin, vessel, and nerve of the great toe were measured, and postoperative complications were assessed. The time for active distraction was 46.1 ± 8.3 days, with a widening rate of 0.41 ± 0.08 mm/day. Counting in the time for latency and consolidation, the time of treatment with external fixation was 84 ± 11.9 days. At the last follow‐up, the average width of the distal phalanx of the great toe increased from 13.1 to 28.1 mm (p < 0.001). The width of the toenail increased from 15.8 to 30.3 mm (p < 0.001), and the width of the plantar pulp increased from 25.6 to 38.8 mm (p < 0.001). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and Doppler ultrasound confirmed that the digital arteries and nerves of the great toe were intact after distraction surgery. Two patients needed revision surgery due to complications of pin loosening or premature consolidation. With the help of the Ilizarov technique, the great toe is effectively enlarged after transverse distraction. Multiple tissues of the great toe, including bone, nail, and plantar skin, are regenerated, and more tissues were preserved after toe‐to‐hand transfer. To the best of our knowledge, this is a novel method to enlarge the donor site for finger reconstruction.
Calcaneal Lengthening after Tarsal Bone Fusion for Massive Calcaneus Defect Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yao Xiangyun , Wang Xiaoyu , Zheng Xu , Mu Haoran , Ruan Hongjiang , Kang Qinglin
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Calcaneus defect remains challenging with limited strategies for reconstruction. Current methods, including graft transplantation, substitution, and distraction osteogenesis, showed limited advantages with certain shortcomings. Current calcaneus lengthening for partial calcaneus loss reconstruction requires bone loss of less than 35%. We introduced our combination of tarsal bone fusion and gradual lengthening method in treating massive calcaneus loss.

Methods

From January 2015 to December 2021, tarsal bone fusion and calcaneus gradual lengthening were performed in six patients with unilateral massive traumatic loss of the calcaneal tuberosity. A retrospective study was held to evaluate the outcomes of this novel technique. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS). Radiological data were assessed, which included tibio‐calcaneal angle (TCA), calcaneal interface angle (CIA), metatarsal declination angle (MDA), angle of longitudinal arch (ALA), and the amount of calcaneus axial lengthening (CAL).

Results

The mean calcaneal axial lengthening was 43.8 ± 3.1 mm (range, 39–49.5 mm), and the mean proportion of the lengthened calcaneus was 47.8% ± 3.7% (range, 42.8–55.3%). The mean external fixation time was 104.8 ± 67.5 days (range, 69 to 242 days), and the mean external fixation index was 2.4 ± 1.6 days/cm. All patients stuck to the postoperative follow‐up plan with an average follow‐up time (FT) of 35.0 ± 6.7 months (range, 26–40 months). Deformities of the injured limbs were all corrected according to radiography. Based on the AOFAS, three excellent and three good results were achieved.

Conclusion

The Ilizarov technique remains an option for calcaneus reconstruction with a great amount of loss once combined with tarsal bone fusion. The function of the injured foot and ankle can be satisfactorily restored using these techniques in our study. Apart from calcaneus elongation, tarsal bone fusion is somehow necessary to reinforce the proximal segment of the distracted calcaneus for creating a larger distraction callus, correcting concomitant foot deformities, and enhancing hindfoot stability. It is necessary to choose flexibly when tarsal bones should be fused.
Analysis of publicly available adverse events reported for pediatric patients treated with Janus kinase inhibitors
Authors: Talasila Sahithi , Lee Emily , Teichner Eric M. , Siegfried Elaine C. , Jackson Cullison Stephanie R.
Published: September 2024

Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are drugs that block tyrosine kinases responsible for transducing cytokine signals. The first JAKi was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults. A pediatric indication was not approved until 8 years later, for acute graft‐versus‐host disease. Since then, topical and oral formulations have gained FDA approval for pediatric patients with dermatologic diseases. While increasing evidence supports the safety of these medications in adults, data are limited in children. We sought to determine whether JAKi adverse events (AEs) as reported in clinical trials and via postapproval pharmacovigilance services are comparable in adult and pediatric patients. Pharmacovigilance data were extracted from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System and the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database for baricitinib, upadacitinib, abrocitinib, ruxolitinib, and tofacitinib. The pooled data were analyzed to detect the most common AEs for specific JAKi and for the drug class. We assessed 399,649 AEs from 133,216 adults and 2883 AEs from 955 patients under 18 years old and identified slightly different AE profiles for the two age groups. Both populations had increased risk for infections and gastrointestinal AEs. However, pediatric patients reported a higher proportion of blood and lymphatic disorders, while reports of nervous system and musculoskeletal/connective tissue disorders were more common in adults. The spectrum of AEs extracted from pharmacovigilance reports was similar to clinical trials. The JAKi AE profiles we observed may prove helpful in counseling patients and their parents before starting therapy and for monitoring once patients are on therapy.
Different impacts of physical activity on health in urban and rural older adults
Authors: Lin Shu‐Fen , Chu Chia‐Hsiang , Chou Wei‐Ting , Hsieh Tsung‐Cheng , Kuo Yu‐Lun
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the impact of physical activity on health among older adults in urban and rural areas in Taiwan.

Methods

This study employed a cross‐sectional design and data were analyzed from 2015 to 2019 from the Hualien County Health Bureau. Participants were divided into urban (n = 4780) and rural groups (n = 4983), and logistic regression models were employed to examine how physical activity relates to their health condition in urban and rural older adults.

Results

Results indicated lower physical activity levels and higher unhealthy behavior rate in rural older adults compared to their urban counterparts. Rural older adults had higher rates of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes but lower rates of mental illness. Physical activity demonstrated greater physical health benefits for urban older adults than rural older people. Conversely, rural individuals who engaged in physical activity 150 min/week exhibited greater mental health benefits than their urban counterparts.

Conclusions

Physical activity offers significant mental health benefits for both urban and rural older adults; however, notable improvements in physical health among urban older adults was found. If in the presence of unhealthy behaviors, regular physical activity may not effectively prevent chronic diseases. It is crucial to promote physical activity and healthy behaviors in rural areas.
Tooth‐ and implant‐related prognostic factors in treatment planning
Authors: Orishko Anastasiya , Imber Jean‐Claude , Roccuzzo Andrea , Stähli Alexandra , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: September 2024

Following a comprehensive patient examination, including the assessment of periodontal and peri‐implant diseases as well as considering the patient's needs, a pretherapeutic prognosis for each tooth and implant is given. Teeth and implants with a secure pretherapeutic prognosis require simple procedures and may be regarded as secure abutments for function and with a doubtful pretherapeutic prognosis usually need a comprehensive therapy. Such teeth and implants must be brought into the category with a secure prognosis by means of additional therapy such as endodontic, restorative, and surgical procedures. Teeth and implants with a hopeless pretherapeutic prognosis should be extracted/explanted during the initial phase of cause‐related therapy (i.e., infection control). For example, teeth with vertical root fracture or unrestorable caries and implants with mobility or unrestorable malposition fall into the category of hopeless units. The primary goal of periodontal and peri‐implant therapy should be to arrest disease progression. The latest consensus statement highlights that periodontitis can be successfully controlled and treated teeth can be retained for life. Nevertheless, for patients with uncontrolled contributing factors, the endpoints might not always be achievable, and low disease activity may be an acceptable therapeutic goal. Similarly, the management of peri‐implantitis frequently requires surgical intervention following nonsurgical therapy due to incomplete treatment outcomes. Different surgical modalities can be effective and lead to significant improvement; however, achieving complete resolution of peri‐implantitis is challenging, not always predictable, and can depend on multiple baseline factors. Therefore, this review aims at summarising available evidence on the rationale for incorporating systemic, lifestyle‐related, clinical, and radiographic prognostic factors into treatment planning of patients diagnosed with periodontal and peri‐implant diseases.
Sleep and periodontal health
Authors: Carra Maria Clotilde , Balagny Pauline , Bouchard Philippe
Published: September 2024

Sleep is fundamental for health and well‐being. An adequate amount and quality of sleep is a cardinal component of a healthy lifestyle at the basis of the prevention of many non‐communicable chronic diseases. Recent evidence suggests that sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, represent an emerging risk factor for periodontal health. This review article provides a critical appraisal of the existing literature concerning the association between sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep disorders in general, and obstructive sleep apnea with periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. The putative mechanisms underlying these associations are described as well as the potential clinical implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Equine ART and antral follicle count: Can we deepen our understanding to improve outcomes?
Authors: Le Breton Aurore , Lewis Niamh
Published: September 2024

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are performed worldwide in the equine industry to produce genetically valuable foals. Among them, ovum pick up (OPU) combined with intra‐cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can now be more efficient than embryo transfer (ET) under optimal conditions. However, OPU is not a benign procedure for the mare and the process is costly. Improved efficiency is therefore in the interest of everyone, maximizing mare welfare and optimizing economics for the client. One of the key factors of success is the antral follicle count (AFC) at the time of OPU and subsequently the number of oocytes obtained. Variations in AFC are reported between individuals and between geographical areas. This leads to a significant increase in numbers of embryos produced per session in some countries compared to others, independent of the laboratory efficiency. This article revisits the basics of folliculogenesis involved in establishment of the antral follicle population and explores work in other species given the paucity of equine research in this area. The aim of the review is to elucidate interesting areas of further research that could generate essential information for clinicians and clients about the management and selection of the donor mare for OPU and potentially identify pharmacological targets for manipulation.
Heuristics for Solver-Aware Systems Architecting: A Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Gadi Vikranth S. , Topcu Taylan G. , Szajnfarber Zoe , Panchal Jitesh H.
Published: September 2024

The crowdsourcing literature has shown that domain experts are not always the best solvers for complex system design problems. Under certain conditions, novices and specialists in adjacent domains can provide novel solutions at lower costs. Additionally, the best types of solvers for different problems are dependent on the architecture of complex systems. The joint consideration of solver assignment and system decomposition, referred to as solver-aware system architecting (SASA), expands traditional system architecting practices by considering solver characteristics and contractual incentive mechanisms in the design process and aims to improve complex system design and innovation by leveraging the strengths of domain experts, crowds, and specialists for different parts of the problem. The joint consideration of problem decomposition and solver assignment decisions in SASA renders the design space exponentially more complex. Therefore, new computationally efficient and mathematically rigorous methods are needed to explore this high-dimensional space and extract reliable heuristics. To address this need, this paper presents a computational approach using a Markov decision process (MDP) formulation, Q-learning, and Gaussian mixture models. Together, these techniques explore the large space of possible solver–module assignments by modeling the sequential nature of solver assignment decisions, capturing these temporal dependencies, thereby enabling optimization for long-term expected rewards, and analyzing reward distributions. The approach identifies heuristics for solver assignment based on the designer’s preference for cost-performance trade-off through the parameterized reward function. The approach is demonstrated using a simple and idealized golf problem, which has characteristics similar to design problems, including how the problem is decomposed into interdependent modules and can be solved by different solvers with different strengths that interact with the module type. The results show that the proposed approach effectively elicits a rich set of heuristics applicable in various contexts for the golf problem and can be extended to more complex systems design problems.
Push Recovery of a Biped in Different Stance Scenarios
Authors: Dan Alinjar , Saha S. K. , Rama Krishna K. , Sawant Amit , Bhullar Gurman Singh , Perween Tarannum
Published: September 2024

Push recovery of a biped robot is challenging because of the complexity of biped locomotion contributed by its constraints. The present work proposes a novel optimized control methodology for push recovery against external disturbances utilizing “Centroidal Momentum” and “Momentum Jacobian Matrix” (MJM). The novelty of this work lies in the optimization framework of the control problem that includes an eigenanalysis of MJM. The optimization considers various constraints associated with the biped locomotion while minimizing the necessary cost function. Successful push recoveries of a biped from different stance scenarios (single leg stance, double leg stance, double leg stance at different heights) are demonstrated using the unique methodology proposed in this work. Such a unique methodology using eigenanalysis of MJM for push recovery under diverse stance scenarios has yet to be described in the literature. The balance stability of the robot after being pushed is evaluated by its Center of Mass (CoM) motion and Zero Moment Point (ZMP) criteria. It is also demonstrated that the proposed methodology in the present work can recover a biped from a greater impulse force normalized by biped weight compared to other existing push recovery methods. A new term called “Effective Disturbance Ratio” (EDR) is introduced to perform this comparison.
Harnessing Deep Learning to Solve Inverse Transient Heat Transfer With Periodic Boundary Condition
Authors: Bazgir Adib , Zhang Yuwen
Published: September 2024

Accessing temperature data in certain manufacturing and heat treatment processes can be a challenge. Inverse heat conduction problems (IHCPs) offer a solution, allowing us to determine temperatures in inaccessible locations using transient temperature or heat flux measurements from accessible surfaces. This study investigates the capability of a deep neural network (DNN) approach for predicting the front surface temperature and heat flux from the measured back surface temperature and heat flux. The back surface temperature and heat flux are determined using a direct python script code. The inverse solution is then applied with the help of the fully dense DNN approach. To prevent overfit and nongeneralization issues, the regularization and dropout techniques are embedded into the neural network framework. The results reveal that the DNN approach provides more accurate prediction compared to the previous mathematical frameworks such as the conjugate gradient method (CGM). Moreover, the model is tested by noisy data (from 1% to 10%) causing instabilities in the recovered front surface conditions. Despite the presence of noise, the model can overcome this difficulty and is able to predict the desired parameters with a good accordance. Another significant potential of the developed model is its unique capability to deal with the highly periodic heat flux at boundary conditions.
Influence of metal oxides on biocompatibility of additively manufactured NiTi
Authors: Kwesiga Maria P. , Guillory Roger J. , Demir Ali Gökhan
Published: September 2024

In order to properly satisfy biomedical constraints for cardiovascular applications, additively manufactured NiTi scaffolds required further process and metallurgical engineering. Additively manufactured NiTi materials for cardiovascular use will have to undergo surface finishing in order to minimize negative surface interactions within the artery. In this study, we sought to understand biocompatibility from chemically etched additively manufactured NiTi scaffolds by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Although two distinct oxide films were created in the surface etching process (labeled CP-A and CP-B), no qualitative changes in microroughness were seen between the two conditions. CP-A possessed significantly less Ni at the surface (0.19 at. %) than the CP-B group (3.30 at. %), via x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, alongside a concomitant shift in the O1 s peak presentation alluding to a greater formation of a Ni based oxide in the CP-B group. Our live dead staining revealed significant toxicity and reduced cellular attachment for the CP-B group, in addition to inducing more cell lysis (20.9 ± 5.1%), which was significantly increased when compared to CP-A (P < 0.01). Future practices of manufacturing NiTi scaffolds using LPBF should focus on producing surface films that are not only smooth, but free of cytotoxic Ni based oxides.
Minima in cubic distortion-product otoacoustic emission input/output functions due to distributed primary sources
Authors: Vencovský Václav , Vetešník Aleš
Published: September 2024

Input/output (I/O) functions of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) may contain sudden amplitude minima (notches) although they are measured in animals with a negligible reflection source. We measured DPOAEs in humans and analyzed the data by time-frequency filtering to decompose the nonlinear-distortion and coherent-reflection components of DPOAE. The presented I/O functions of the nonlinear-distortion component contain notches. We suggest that because these notches are present only in the nonlinear-distortion component, they result from destructive interference between distortion-product wavelets coming from the primary generation region. Simulations conducted with a nonlinear cochlear model showed qualitative similarities with the presented experimental results.
The use of ectopic volar fibroblasts to modify skin identity
Authors: Lee Sam S. , Sweren Evan , Dare Erika , Derr Paige , Derr Kristy , Wang Chen Chia , Hardesty Brooke , Willis Aiden A. , Chen Junjie , Vuillier Jonathan K. , Du Joseph , Wool Julia , Ruci Amanda , Wang Vicky Y. , Lee Chaewon , Iyengar Sampada , Asami Soichiro , Daskam Maria , Lee Claudia , Lee Jeremy C. , Cho Darren , Kim Joshua , Martinez-Peña Eddie Gibson , Lee So Min , He Xu , Wakeman Michael , Sicilia Iralde , Dobbs Dalhart T. , van Ee Amy , Li Ang , Xue Yingchao , Williams Kaitlin L. , Kirby Charles S. , Kim Dongwon , Kim Sooah , Xu Lillian , Wang Ruizhi , Ferrer Marc , Chen Yun , Kang Jin U. , Kalhor Reza , Kang Sewon , Garza Luis A.
Published: September 2024

Skin identity is controlled by intrinsic features of the epidermis and dermis and their interactions. Modifying skin identity has clinical potential, such as the conversion of residual limb and stump (nonvolar) skin of amputees to pressure-responsive palmoplantar (volar) skin to enhance prosthesis use and minimize skin breakdown. Greater keratin 9 (
KRT9
) expression, higher epidermal thickness, keratinocyte cytoplasmic size, collagen length, and elastin are markers of volar skin and likely contribute to volar skin resiliency. Given fibroblasts’ capacity to modify keratinocyte differentiation, we hypothesized that volar fibroblasts influence these features. Bioprinted skin constructs confirmed the capacity of volar fibroblasts to induce volar keratinocyte features. A clinical trial of healthy volunteers demonstrated that injecting volar fibroblasts into nonvolar skin increased volar features that lasted up to 5 months, highlighting a potential cellular therapy.