bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fetal and post‐natal outcomes in offspring after intrauterine metformin exposure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of animal experiments
Authors: van Hoorn E. G. M. , Rademaker D. , van der Wel A. W. T. , DeVries J. H. , Franx A. , van Rijn B. B. , Kooy A. , Siegelaar S. E. , Roseboom T. J. , Ozanne S. E. , Hooijmans C. R. , Painter R. C.
Published: October 2023

Aims

The impact of maternal metformin use during pregnancy on fetal, infant, childhood and adolescent growth, development, and health remains unclear. Our objective was to systematically review the available evidence from animal experiments on the effects of intrauterine metformin exposure on offspring's anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PUBMED and EMBASE from inception (searched on 12th April 2023). We extracted original, controlled animal studies that investigated the effects of maternal metformin use during pregnancy on offspring anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic measurements. Subsequently, risk of bias was assessed and meta‐analyses using the standardized mean difference and a random effects model were conducted for all outcomes containing data from 3 or more studies. Subgroup analyses were planned for species, strain, sex and type of model in the case of 10 comparisons or more per subgroup.

Results

We included 37 articles (n = 3133 offspring from n = 716 litters, containing n = 51 comparisons) in this review, mostly (95%) on rodent models and 5% pig models. Follow‐up of offspring ranged from birth to 2 years of age. Thirty four of the included articles could be included in the meta‐analysis. No significant effects in the overall meta‐analysis of metformin on any of the anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic offspring outcome measures were identified. Between‐studies heterogeneity was high, and risk of bias was unclear in most studies as a consequence of poor reporting of essential methodological details.

Conclusion

This systematic review was unable to establish effects of metformin treatment during pregnancy on anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in non‐human offspring. Heterogeneity between studies was high and reporting of methodological details often limited. This highlights a need for additional high‐quality research both in humans and model systems to allow firm conclusions to be established. Future research should include focus on the effects of metformin in older offspring age groups, and on outcomes which have gone uninvestigated to date.
Liraglutide treatment for the prevention of glucose tolerance deterioration in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus: A 52‐week randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Foghsgaard Signe , Vedtofte Louise , Andersen Emilie S. , Bahne Emilie , Andreasen Camilla , Sørensen Anne L. , Forman Julie L. , Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , Svare Jens A. , Clausen Tine D. , Damm Peter , Holst Jens J. , Knop Filip K. , Vilsbøll Tina
Published: October 2023

Aim

We investigated the effect of 52‐week treatment with liraglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist, on glucose tolerance and incretin effect in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM).

Materials and Methods

Women with overweight/obesity and pGDM were randomized to once daily subcutaneous liraglutide 1.8 mg or placebo for 52 weeks. Participants underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and isoglycaemic intravenous glucose infusion at baseline and at 52 weeks, and an additional OGTT after the drug wash‐out.

Results

In total, 104 women [age: mean ± SD, 38 ± 5 years; fasting plasma glucose (FPG): 5.5 ± 0.4 mmol/L; glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c): 33 ± 4 mmol/mol, bodyweight: 88.2 ± 14.8 kg, body mass index: 31.1 ± 4.3 kg/m2] were assigned to liraglutide (n = 49) or placebo (n = 55). Estimated treatment difference (ETD) for area under curve during OGTT was −173 (95% confidence interval −250 to −97) mmol/L × min, p < .0001, but after wash‐out the difference disappeared [ETD 58 (−30 to 146) mmol/L × min, p = .536]. Liraglutide reduced FPG [ETD −0.2 (−0.4 to −0.1) mmol/L, p = .018], HbA1c [−2.2 (−3.5 to −0.8) mmol/mol, p = .018] and bodyweight [−3.9 (−6.2 to −1.6) kg, p = .012]. No change in the incretin effect was observed. The number of women with prediabetes was reduced from 64% to 10% with liraglutide vs. 50% with placebo [adjusted odds ratio 0.10 (0.03‐0.32), p = .002].

Conclusions

Treatment with liraglutide for 52 weeks improved glucose tolerance, FPG, HbA1c and bodyweight in women with overweight/obesity and pGDM. Progression to prediabetes while on drug was markedly reduced, but after a 1‐week drug wash‐out, the effect was lost.
Does macroeconomic instability hamper access to electricity? Evidence from developing countries
Authors: Kamguia Brice , Djeunankan Ronald , Tadadjeu Sosson , Njangang Henri
Published: October 2023

A large body of literature argues that macroeconomic stability is a prerequisite for the sustainable development of economies. Moreover, it is also recognized that the most dynamic economies do not necessarily grow faster than others in good times, but they do manage to be more resilient and limit the extent of a downturn in bad times. Therefore, this study draws on this theoretical framework to examine the effect of macroeconomic instability on access to electricity in developing countries. We find that macroeconomic instability reduces access to electricity for the total urban and rural populations. In addition, macroeconomic instability increases the access gap between urban and rural populations in terms of electricity access. However, the adverse effect of macroeconomic instability on access to electricity is more pronounced in oil exporting countries. However, democracy mitigates this deleterious effect of macroeconomic instability on access to electricity. Based on these results, several policy recommendations are discussed in this paper.
The evolution of job tenure in transition economies
Authors: Bussolo Maurizio , Lokshin Michael M. , Oviedo Nicolás , Torre Iván
Published: October 2023

This paper uses labour force survey data to analyse the dynamics of job tenure in seven transition economies of Europe and a comparator country (Türkiye) for an average 13 years per country during the period 1994–2020. The country‐specific age‐period‐cohort decomposition demonstrates that the job tenure of the cohort of workers entering the labour market in the 2000s is 4–9 years shorter than that of workers who started working in the 1970s. This difference is at least twice as large as the difference in job tenure observed among workers from the same cohorts in European Union countries. These trends in tenure persist after accounting for changes in cohort composition, but they are significantly attenuated by controlling for differences in individual worker characteristics. These results suggest that the evolution of tenure in the transition economies of Europe may still be driven by the transition‐induced structural change processes in the labour market.
Divergent effects of leaf‐cutting ant herbivory and soil engineering on the reproductive success of plants in a Caatinga dry forest
Authors: de Oliveira Francisca Raimunda , Centeno‐Alvarado Diego , Oliveira Fernanda M. P. , Wirth Rainer , Lopes Ariadna Valentina , Leal Inara R.
Published: October 2023

Plant reproduction is influenced by resource availability, environment and interactions with pollinators, pathogens and herbivores. In the Neotropical region, the leaf‐cutting ants are voracious herbivores and soil engineers, potentially affecting plant performance. This study investigated the effects of herbivory and soil changes via nest construction and maintenance linked to Atta opaciceps (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) (Bormeier, 1939) on the reproductive success of two Leguminosae species (Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) E. Gagnon & G.P. Lewis and Indigofera suffruticosa Mill. Mill.) widely distributed in the Caatinga dry forest.

We selected eight nests from A. opaciceps colonies, with both plant species nearby. For each colony, we selected similar‐sized adult plants from foraging trail ends, where ants concentrate foraging efforts and herbivory is pronounced. We also selected plants located 20 m away from the foraging trail ends, representing herbivory‐protected scenarios, secured by tanglefoot barriers. Additionally, to assess ant‐related soil effects, we selected individuals from different nest‐associated soils (i.e., nest mounds and external refuse dumps) and from locations 20 m away from the aforementioned locations. All these individuals were shielded with tanglefoot barriers.

Herbivory and soil changes from A. opaciceps did not affect any metric evaluated of C. pyramidale. Yet, for I. suffruticosa, ant herbivory boosted fruit set, and nest‐related soil changes, notably from refuse dumps, increased the number of flowers and fruits.

Our findings indicate that leaf‐cutting ant effects on plant performance are species‐specific and may eventually benefit plant reproduction. Given the proliferation of leaf‐cutting ants in human‐modified landscapes of the Caatinga dry forest, positive interactions with plants might be vital to improving plant recruitment and forest regeneration dynamics.
65 years of research on dopamine's role in classical fear conditioning and extinction: A systematic review
Authors: Hamati Rami , Ahrens Jessica , Shvetz Cecelia , Holahan Matthew R. , Tuominen Lauri
Published: October 2023

Dopamine, a catecholamine neurotransmitter, has historically been associated with the encoding of reward, whereas its role in aversion has received less attention. Here, we systematically gathered the vast evidence of the role of dopamine in the simplest forms of aversive learning: classical fear conditioning and extinction. In the past, crude methods were used to augment or inhibit dopamine to study its relationship with fear conditioning and extinction. More advanced techniques such as conditional genetic, chemogenic and optogenetic approaches now provide causal evidence for dopamine's role in these learning processes. Dopamine neurons encode conditioned stimuli during fear conditioning and extinction and convey the signal via activation of D1–4 receptor sites particularly in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and striatum. The coordinated activation of dopamine receptors allows for the continuous formation, consolidation, retrieval and updating of fear and extinction memory in a dynamic and reciprocal manner. Based on the reviewed literature, we conclude that dopamine is crucial for the encoding of classical fear conditioning and extinction and contributes in a way that is comparable to its role in encoding reward.
Long non‐coding RNA MIR17HG impedes FOSL2‐mediated transcription activation of HIC1 to maintain a pro‐inflammatory phenotype of microglia during intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Ai Yunzheng , Kong Ying , Zou Zheng , Chen Ligang , Liang Guobiao
Published: October 2023

Activation and polarization of microglia play decisive roles in the progression of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), and lactate exposure correlates with microglia polarization. This study explores molecules influencing lactate production and microglia phenotype alteration following ICH. A murine model of ICH was induced by intracerebral injection of collagenase. The mice experienced autonomous neurological function recovery, haematoma resolution and rapid lactate production, along with a gradual increase in angiogenesis activity, neuronal recovery and an M1‐to‐M2 phenotype change of microglia. Galloflavin, a lactate dehydrogenase antagonist, suppressed this phenotype change and the functional recovery in mice. FOS like 2 (FOSL2) was significantly upregulated in the brain tissues from day 7 post‐ICH. Overexpression of FOSL2 induced an M1‐to‐M2 phenotype shift in microglia and accelerated lactate production in vivo and in haemoglobin‐treated microglia in vitro. Long non‐coding RNA MIR17HG impeded FOSL2‐mediated transcription activation of hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1). MIR17HG overexpression induced pro‐inflammatory activation of microglia in mice, which was blocked by further HIC1 overexpression. Overall, this study demonstrates that MIR17HG maintains a pro‐inflammatory phenotype of microglia during ICH progression by negating FOSL2‐mediated transcription activation of HIC1. Specific inhibition of MIR17HG or upregulation of FOSL2 or HIC1 may favour inflammation inhibition and haematoma resolution in ICH.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress in skin aging induced by UVB
Authors: Tai Meiling , Chen Jieli , Chen Jiawen , Shen Xiaoyan , Ni Jiahui
Published: October 2023

Aging is a normal and complex biological process. Skin is located in the most superficial layer of the body, and its degree of aging directly reflects the aging level of the body. Endoplasmic reticulum stress refers to the aggregation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum and the disruption of the calcium ion balance when cells are stimulated by external stimuli. Mild endoplasmic reticulum stress can cause a series of protective mechanisms, including the unfolded protein response, while sustained high intensity stimulation leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress and eventually apoptosis. Photoaging caused by ultraviolet radiation is an important stimulus in skin aging. Many studies have focused on oxidative stress, but increasing evidence shows that endoplasmic reticulum stress plays an important role in photoaging. This paper reviews the development and mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in skin photoaging, and provides research directions for targeting the ERS pathway to slow aging.
Fight detection with spatial and channel wise attention‐based ConvLSTM model
Authors: Chaturvedi Kunal , Dhiman Chhavi , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar
Published: October 2023

An automated detection of aggressive and violent behaviour in videos has immense potential. It enables efficient online content filtering by restricting access to extreme content and also, when integrated with security systems, helps to monitor violence in surveillance videos. In this work, a convolutional neural network is combined with the proposed Spatial and Channel wise Attention‐based ConvLSTM encoder (SCan‐ConvLSTM). The proposed architecture performs an efficient spatiotemporal fusion of the features extracted from the video sequences containing fight scenes. In order to focus selectively on regions of utmost importance, this blended attention mechanism adjusts the weights of outputs in different locations and across different channels. This recurrent attention mechanism enhances the sequential refinement of activation maps and boosts the model performance. Finally, the experimental results have been presented that show the proposed architecture achieves superior results on the benchmark datasets (RWF‐2000, Violent‐flow, Hockey‐fights, and Movies).
Orofacial and cervical myofunctional intervention programmes for older adults: A scoping review
Authors: Borges Allya Francisca Marques , Taveira Karinna Veríssimo Meira , Eduardo Jade Yohana Mesquita , Cavalcanti Renata Veiga Andersen
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Senescent stomatognathic systems undergo anatomical changes that are not always compensated by physiology due to associated factors such as poorly fitted dentures, dental changes, and clinical conditions that trigger sarcopenia. When these conditions are not properly addressed, they can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Hence, this study aimed to map orofacial and cervical myofunctional intervention programmes for older adults, evaluate the current research in this area, and formulate suggestions for further investigation.

Methods

Scoping review is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. The EMBASE, LILACS, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature databases were systematically searched. Studies addressing therapeutic programmes, myofunctional exercises, and their influence on the stomatognathic system of older adults were included. Studies with populations younger than 60 years, residing in long‐term care facilities, homes, or hospital care, and with associated comorbidities were excluded, as well as secondary studies.

Results

A total of 3098 studies were retrieved. After applying the eligibility criteria, nine studies were eligible for this review. The nine studies were published in English between 2008 and 2021 in the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The participants' mean ages ranged from 64 to 81 years, with a preponderance of females. Six of the studies divided the sample into intervention and control groups. Two studies referred to programmes to promote oral function through facial expression and tongue muscle exercises, salivary gland massage, and swallowing biomechanics. Seven studies report the positive influence of myofunctional exercises on the stomatognathic system.

Conclusion

The mapping concluded that therapeutic programmes, including educational actions, help prevent orofacial myofunctional disorders, and improve the functionality of the stomatognathic system.
Validation of the Hospital Frailty Risk Score in older adults hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Rosario Barbara H. , Quah Jessica Lishan , Chang Ting Yu , Barrera Vivian Cantiller , Lim Aileen , Sim Lydia Euphemia , Conroy Simon , Dhaliwal Trishpal Kaur
Published: October 2023

Aim

Frailty results from age‐associated declines in physiological reserve and function and is prevalent in older people. Our aim is to examine the association of the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) with adverse events in older patients hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hypothesise that frailty is a comparable predictor of outcomes in CAP versus traditional severity indices such as CURB‐65.

Methods

Retrospective review of electronic medical records in patients ≥65 years with CAP admitted to a tertiary hospital from 1 January to 30 April 2021. Patients were identified using ICD codes for CAP and categorized as high risk (>15), intermediate risk (5–15) and low risk (<5) of frailty using the HFRS.

Results

Of 429 patients with CAP, 53.8% male, mean age of 82.9 years, older patients (85 vs. 79.7 years, P < 0.001) were at higher risk of frailty. Using the HFRS, 47.6% were deemed at high risk, 35.9% at intermediate risk, and 16.6% at low risk of frailty. Multivariate logistic regression shows that HFRS was more strongly associated (≥7 days, OR 1.042, CI 1.017–1.069) than CURB‐65 (OR 0.995, CI 0.810–1.222) with long hospital length of stay (LOS), while CURB‐65 (Confusion, Urea >7mmol/L, Respiratory rate >30, Blood pressure, age => 65 years old) was more strongly associated with mortality at 30, 90 and 365 days, compared with the HFRS. Comparing the values for the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, the HFRS was found to be a better predictor of long LOS, while CURB‐65 remains a better predictor of mortality.

Conclusions

Patients with high risk of frailty have higher healthcare utilization and HFRS is a better predictor of long LOS than CURB‐65 but CURB‐65 was a better predictor of mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 135–141.
Assessing the importance of individual‐ and colony‐level variation when using seabird foraging ranges as impact assessment and conservation tools
Authors: Cleasby Ian R. , Owen Ellie , Butler Adam , Baer Julia , Blackburn Jez , Bogdanova Maria I. , Coledale Tessa , Daunt Francis , Dodd Stephen , Evans Julian C. , Green Jonathan A. , Guilford Tim , Harris Michael P. , Hughes Robert , Newell Mark A. , Newton Stephen F. , Robertson Gail S. , Ruffino Lise , Shoji Akiko , Soanes Louise M. , Votier Stephen C. , Wakefield Ewan D. , Wanless Sarah , Wilson Linda J. , Bolton Mark
Published: October 2023

Knowledge of seabird distributions plays a key role in seabird conservation and sustainable marine management, underpinning efforts to designate protected areas or assess the impact of human developments. Technological advances in animal tracking devices increasingly allow researchers to acquire information on the movement of birds from specific colonies. Nevertheless, most seabird colonies have not been subject to such tracking and another means must be found to assess their likely foraging distribution. Consequently, foraging range data collated and summarized across other tracking studies has often been used to estimate species‐level foraging distances for use within applied settings. However, generic species‐specific foraging ranges must be used with caution because of the amount of variation in seabird foraging behaviour at both the individual and colony levels. Specifically, although current reviews of seabird foraging ranges provide summary estimates of maximum foraging range, they typically do not assess the extent of among‐colony or among‐individual variation around such estimates. To address this, we conducted a variance component analysis of the maximum distance reached from the breeding colony per foraging trip (foraging range) using multi‐colony tracking datasets to estimate the degree of between‐individual, between‐year and between‐colony variation in foraging range in four UK breeding seabirds (Black‐legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, Common Guillemot Uria aalge, Razorbill Alca torda and European Shag Gulosus aristotelis). We also provide updated estimates of typical foraging ranges for each species and quantify the influence of breeding stage and colony size. Overall, between‐colony variation was typically the largest variance component, explaining 20–30% of the observed variation in foraging range across the four species. Individual‐level variation was also relatively large among Shag. In Kittiwake, Guillemot and Shag, but not Razorbill, average foraging ranges were positively associated with colony size. In addition, Kittiwake and Razorbill travelled further during incubation than during chick‐rearing. More generally, our estimates of mean foraging ranges for each species were subject to a high degree of uncertainty, which should be incorporated into impact assessments carried out using such data.
A prospective study to analyse the concentration of octenidine in hand wounds after disinfection by LC–MS/MS
Authors: Langen Susanne , Lötscher Patrick , Prost Jean‐Christophe , Bovet Cédric , Vögelin Esther , Surke Carsten
Published: October 2023

Toxic reactions can appear after pressurised flushing of soft tissue with octenidine (OCT) containing disinfectants. Their use for surgical disinfection could complicate the diagnosis of possible contamination. In patients with open lacerations of their hand's subcutaneous tissue samples were taken before and after surgical disinfection with Octenisept® and analysed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). In 16 out of 20 tissue samples, OCT was detected after disinfection (lower limit of quantification (LLOQ)=10 pg/mL/mg). The concentration of OCT was below the LLOQ, estimation of mean of 0.6 pg/mL/mg (0.22–0.98 pg/mL/mg, 95%‐CI) before disinfection and mean of 179.4 pg/mL/mg (13.35–432.0 pg/mL/mg, 95%‐CI) after disinfection. This study shows that the disinfection of open wounds with Octenisept® leads to a quantifiable concentration of OCT in open wounds. In cases of suspected OCT‐mediated toxic reaction, the use of antiseptics containing OCT should be avoided.
Silver nanoparticles as a new sintering additive for the fabrication of YAG:Ce optical luminescent ceramics
Authors: Kravtsov Alexander A. , Medyanik Evgeniy V. , Tarala Vitaly A. , Lapin Viacheslav A. , Malyavin Fedor F. , Chikulina Irina S. , Vakalov Dmitry S. , Chapura Oleg M. , Tarala Lyudmila V. , Suprunchuk Victoria E. , Blinov Andrew V.
Published: October 2023

In this study, silver nanoparticles (NPs) were considered for the first time as a sintering additive in the manufacture of YAG:Ce luminescent ceramics. The influence of the addition of silver NPs on the sintering kinetics of ceramics was investigated. It was found that the addition of Ag NPs in the concentration range of 0.027–0.44 wt% does not result in the formation of secondary phases in YAG:Ce ceramics. It was demonstrated that the light transmission of ceramics is dependent on the concentration of Ag NPs. The use of NPs additive has made it possible to increase the light transmission of ceramics compared with the reference sample without sintering additives. The combination of two sintering additives, TEOS and silver NPs, enables the achievement of enhanced optical transparency in ceramics compared to the individual application of sintering additives. At an optimal silver concentration of 0.11 wt%, in combination with 0.5 wt% TEOS, a ceramic light transmission value of 77% was attained. The study has identified a correlation between the luminescence intensity of YAG:Ce ceramics and the concentration of silver NPs. It was observed that the utilization of low concentrations of the Ag additive had negligible impact on the luminescence properties, whereas the introduction of high concentrations of Ag NPs led to a deterioration in the luminescence and optical transparency of the ceramic.
Clinical outcomes following atrophic alveolar ridge reconstruction using collagenated xenogeneic bone block or autogenous bone block: One‐year follow‐up of a randomized controlled clinical
Authors: Romito Giuseppe Alexandre , Fonseca Marcelo Augusto , Soares Herbert Horiuti , de Oliveira Lazarin Rafael , Sapata Vitor Marques , Nishyama Roger , Conde Marina Clemente , Hammerle Christoph Hans Franz , Schwarz Frank , Villar Cristina Cunha
Published: October 2023

Aim

This investigation aimed to evaluate the 1‐year survival of implants placed after staged lateral alveolar ridge augmentation using equine‐derived collagenated xenogeneic bone blocks (CXBBs) or autogenous bone block (ABB).

Materials and Methods

Fifty patients who underwent lateral augmentation in a previous trial were included. The primary outcome measure was implant survival at the 1‐year follow‐up, and secondary outcomes included implant success, peri‐implant clinical and volumetric parameters, pink aesthetic scores (PES) and patient‐reported outcome measures. Data analysis involved Fisher's exact test, the Mann–Whitney U‐test and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

In this study, no late implant failures were observed. The cumulative survival rates were 78.6% for the CXBB group and 90.9% for the ABB group, with no difference between the groups. Similarly, the success rates were 53.6% and 63.6%, respectively, showing no significant difference. Peri‐implant clinical and volumetric parameters indicated the presence of healthy peri‐implant tissues surrounding implants placed in both CXBB‐ and ABB‐augmented sites. PES were 8.5 and 11.0 for implants placed in CXBB‐ and ABB‐augmented sites, respectively. Furthermore, patient satisfaction rates were high and similar between the groups.

Conclusions

Dental implants placed in both CXBB‐ and ABB‐augmented ridges demonstrated no statistically significant differences in clinical, volumetric and aesthetic outcomes, along with high patient satisfaction rates.
Ultrastructural investigation of the effect of toothpastes containing different remineralizing agents on demineralized enamel
Authors: Gümüştaş Burak , Birant Sinem , Şişmanoğlu Soner
Published: October 2023

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of remineralizing agents on demineralized enamel intended for use as fluoride substitutes or supplements for oral hygiene applications.

Methodology

Enamel samples were obtained from 30 bovine teeth. The enamel blocks were stored in 20 mL of demineralization solution for 72 h. They were then brushed with the following toothpaste for the remineralization protocol: NaF, NaF/SnF2 combination, NovaMin, or nano‐hydroxyapatite. SEM/EDX examinations and microhardness measurements of the samples were performed to investigate the remineralization efficacy of the studied toothpaste. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey's HSD test was used to analyze the change in microhardness values in different remineralization protocols (p < 0.05).

Results

Differences in the mean remineralization (%RP) and hardness recovery (%HR) were determined between the groups (p < 0.05). Groups 1 and 4 showed significant differences in %RP (p < 0.05). In the SEM/EDX examinations, the samples treated with n‐HAp showed an accumulation of crystal deposits on the enamel surface, although at a lower density than those treated with NaF and NaF/SnF2 combination.

Conclusion

The remineralization strategy in toothpaste plays an important role in enamel remineralization. NovaMin‐containing toothpaste showed positive effects on the enamel surface with better Ca/P ratio. Toothpastes containing n‐HAp triggered less change in the increase of microhardness values compared to other toothpastes. The use of SnF2 in toothpaste in combination with NaF significantly increased the binding of fluoride to demineralized enamel compared to toothpaste containing NaF alone.
Are co‐opted boards socially responsible?
Authors: Hoang Huy Viet , Nguyen Cuong , Hoang Khanh , Gan Christopher
Published: October 2023

Corporate resolution on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) communication informs firms' environmental commitment, a growing determinant of corporate risk profile perceived by the market. This study examines ESG reporting in the presence of board co‐option, a phenomenon that paralyzes the dependency of the board of directors and impairs corporate transparency. Using data from 643 US‐listed firms from 2007 to 2018, we investigate the relationship between board co‐option and ESG disclosure practices and show that firms with a higher proportion of co‐opted directors on board disclose less ESG information, though this relationship diminishes if firms are strong ESG reporters. Further analyses reveal that long‐tenure board chairs, high attendance rates at board and audit committee meetings, and independent chairs of audit committees mitigate this adverse effect. In addition, we document an increasing inverse relationship among firms located in more corrupt and Democratic‐leaning states and operating in heavy‐emitting industries. Our results support the premise that co‐opted directors insulate CEOs from ESG reporting pressure and highlight that corporate governance, environmental performance as well as state institutions play significant moderating roles in this relationship.
Association between clinical history in the radiographic request and diagnostic accuracy of thorax radiographs in dogs: A retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Arruda Bergamaschi Natalie , Huber Lukas , Ludewig Eberhard , Böhler Alexandra , Gumpenberger Michaela , Hittmair Katharina M. , Strohmayer Carina , Folkertsma Remco , Rowan Conor
Published: October 2023

Background

The effect of clinical history on the interpretation of radiographs has been widely researched in human medicine. There is, however, no data on this topic in veterinary medicine.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Diagnostic accuracy would improve when history was supplied.

Animals

Thirty client‐owned dogs with abnormal findings on thoracic radiographs and confirmation of the disease, and 30 healthy client‐owned controls were drawn retrospectively.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study. Sixty radiographic studies of the thorax were randomized and interpreted by 6 radiologists; first, with no access to the clinical information; and a second time with access to all pertinent clinical information and signalment.

Results

A significant increase in diagnostic accuracy was noted when clinical information was provided (64.4% without and 75.2% with clinical information; P = .002). There was no significant difference in agreement between radiologists when comparing no clinical information and with clinical information (Kappa 0.313 and 0.300, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The addition of pertinent clinical information to the radiographic request significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy of thorax radiographs of dogs and is recommended as standard practice.
Adeno‐associated virus‐vectored erythropoietin gene therapy for anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Vaden Shelly L. , Kendall Allison R. , Foster Jonathan D. , New Heidi L. , Eagleson Jane S. , May Jacky L. , Traas Anne M. , Wilson Matthew J. , McIntyre Beth H. , Hinderer Christian J. , Olenick Lauren K. , Wilson James M.
Published: October 2023

Background

A treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD)‐associated anemia in cats is needed. SB‐001 is an adeno‐associated virus‐vectored (AAV)‐based gene therapeutic agent that is administered intramuscularly, causing the expression of feline erythropoietin.

Hypothesis/Objective

We hypothesized that SB‐001 injection would lead to a sustained increase in PCV in cats with CKD‐associated anemia.

Animals

Twenty‐three cats with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) Stage 2 to 4 CKD‐associated anemia were enrolled at 4 veterinary clinics.

Methods

In a prospective clinical trial, cats were treated with 1 of 3 regimens of SB‐001 (Lo 1.2 × 109 genome copies [GCs] on Day 0; Lo ± Hi [supplemental 2nd dose of 3.65 × 109 GC on Day 42]; Hi 3.65 × 109 GC IM on Day 0) and followed for 70 days.

Results

A response to SB‐001 at any time between Day 28 and Day 70 was seen in 86% (95% confidence interval 65, 97%) of all cats. There was a significant (P < .003) increase in PCV from Day 0 to Day 28 (mean increase 6 ± 6 percentage points [pp]; n = 21), Day 42 (8 ± 9 pp; n = 21), Day 56 (10 ± 11 pp; n = 17), and Day 70 (13 ± 14 pp, n = 14). Twelve cats were hypertensive at baseline, 4 of which developed encephalopathy during the study. An additional 6 cats became hypertensive during the study.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Results of this study suggest that SB‐001 therapy represents a suitable single injection treatment that can address nonregenerative anemia in cats with CKD. It was generally well tolerated; however, hypertension and encephalopathy developed in some cats as previously described in association with erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent therapy.
Mass deportation and the intensity of policing in the United States' 100‐mile border zone: Complicating the “border”/“interior” enforcement binary
Authors: Boyce Geoff
Published: October 2023

This paper draws on an expansive archive of internal government records obtained using the US Freedom of Information Act to examine federal, state and local police practice within the United States' 100‐mile border zone. Analysis of this archive reveals a large number of “border” enforcement events that involve the arrest of US citizens, lawful permanent residents and others with deep roots in US communities. It further shows how, regardless of where US Border Patrol agents operate, those whom they target overwhelmingly tend to be persons of Latin American origin. Reflecting on these enforcement patterns, the paper argues for the troubling of categorical distinctions between “border” and “interior” enforcement that permeates scholarly, popular and journalistic accounts of the contemporary geography of mass deportation in the United States. As an alternative, the paper calls for greater attention to the “intensity” of immigration policing, as a way to account for multiple overlapping pathways of enforcement and to diagnose how the networked interconnectivity of agencies, personnel, resources and infrastructures involved in these activities amplifies the risks of racial profiling, arrest, and a host of related downstream consequences (family separation, financial hardship, diminished educational performance, and adverse health outcomes) for US citizens and noncitizens alike.
Comparing language and religion in normative arguments about linguistic justice
Authors: Boucher François
Published: October 2023

Many of the most influential theorists of linguistic justice make arguments on the basis of comparisons between language and religion. They claim either that (1) language, by contrast with religion, cannot be separated from the state or that (2) unequal official linguistic recognition, just like unequal official religious recognition, is morally problematic. This article argues that careful attention to debates about liberalism and the place of religion in public life invites us to question the two above‐mentioned liberal assumptions about religion underlying many arguments concerning linguistic justice based on (dis)analogies between language and religion. The hope is that such critical scrutiny is likely to shed some light on normative questions of linguistic justice, more precisely on questions about the legitimacy of granting more recognition to certain languages, usually those of national native groups (as opposed to groups resulting from more or less recent immigration).
Ralstonia solanacearum pandemic lineage strain UW551 overcomes inhibitory xylem chemistry to break tomato bacterial wilt resistance
Authors: Hamilton Corri D. , Zaricor Beatriz , Dye Carolyn Jean , Dresserl Emma , Michaels Renee , Allen Caitilyn
Published: October 2023

Plant‐pathogenic Ralstonia strains cause bacterial wilt disease by colonizing xylem vessels of many crops, including tomato. Host resistance is the best control for bacterial wilt, but resistance mechanisms of the widely used Hawaii 7996 tomato breeding line (H7996) are unknown. Using growth in ex vivo xylem sap as a proxy for host xylem, we found that Ralstonia strain GMI1000 grows in sap from both healthy plants and Ralstonia‐infected susceptible plants. However, sap from Ralstonia‐infected H7996 plants inhibited Ralstonia growth, suggesting that in response to Ralstonia infection, resistant plants increase inhibitors in their xylem sap. Consistent with this, reciprocal grafting and defence gene expression experiments indicated that H7996 wilt resistance acts in both above‐ and belowground plant parts. Concerningly, H7996 resistance is broken by Ralstonia strain UW551 of the pandemic lineage that threatens highland tropical agriculture. Unlike other Ralstonia, UW551 grew well in sap from Ralstonia‐infected H7996 plants. Moreover, other Ralstonia strains could grow in sap from H7996 plants previously infected by UW551. Thus, UW551 overcomes H7996 resistance in part by detoxifying inhibitors in xylem sap. Testing a panel of xylem sap compounds identified by metabolomics revealed that no single chemical differentially inhibits Ralstonia strains that cannot infect H7996. However, sap from Ralstonia‐infected H7996 contained more phenolic compounds, which are known to be involved in plant antimicrobial defence. Culturing UW551 in this sap reduced total phenolic levels, indicating that the resistance‐breaking Ralstonia strain degrades these chemical defences. Together, these results suggest that H7996 tomato wilt resistance depends in part on inducible phenolic compounds in xylem sap.
A new species of Indigofera (Fabaceae) from India – Indigofera jodpurensis
Authors: Bhellum B. L. , Dhar Shayat Kumar , Magotra Rani
Published: October 2023

Indigofera jodhpurensis sp. nov. (Fabaceae), which grows in arid places and wasteland near the edge of Jodhpur in the direction of Pali, Rajasthan, India, is described. Although the species is similar to Indigofera cordifolia and I. jaisalmerica, it differs from these in having profusely hairy juvenile twigs, various types of trichomes on leaf surfaces, sub‐sessile flowers, straightened mucro at the tips of the leaves, and pods that are often single‐seeded but can also be bi‐seeded. The current communication includes a key to species, a comparative morphological analysis, and some photographs.
Apatinib potentiates the therapeutic effect of anti‐PD‐1 in locally advanced head and neck cancers
Authors: Liu Shuli , Zhang Lin , Ye Weimin , Zhou Rong , Gu Ziyue , Shi Chaoji , Xu Shengming , Li Jiang , Zhang Zhiyuan , Han Yong
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Antiangiogenic inhibitors have been shown to synergize with immune checkpoint blockade, but the underlying mechanisms of the synergistic response are not fully understood.

Patients and Methods

We investigate the impact of VEGFR2 inhibition on tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in vivo and the activity of the combination of apatinib and anti‐PD‐1 in synergistic mouse model of HNSCC. A patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue with cervical lymph node were received with combined induction treatment of camrelizumab and apatinib to validate the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy before surgery.

Results

We found that apatinib increased the infiltration of CD8+T cells and decreased the population of Tregs in a preclinical syngeneic mouse model. The proportions of CD8+PD1+T cells were significantly increased in apatinib‐treated tumors. The combined treatment of apatinib and anti‐PD‐1 demonstrated better therapeutic benefit than each treatment alone. The patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue with cervical lymph node achieved major pathologic response (MPR) after two cycles of combined induction treatment.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that apatinib therapy synergized with an anti–PD‐1 antibody in preclinical cancer models and in patient with advanced HNSCC. These results provide a new rationale for advancing this neoadjuvant immunotherapy in large scale of clinical trials of HNSCC.
Clinical characteristics of infantile hemangiomas with aggressive, persistent, and destructive ulceration
Authors: Gautam Ayushi , Frieden Ilona J. , Shah Sonal D. , Witman Patricia M. , Harfmann Katya , Bradley Flora , Blei Francine , Pope Elena , Alsumait Anwar , Gupta Deepti , Covelli Isabela , Streicher Jenna L. , Cotton Colleen , Tollefson Megha , Nguyen Henry , Hunt Raegan , Buros Amy , Fernández Faith Esteban
Published: October 2023

Background/Objectives

Ulceration is a common complication of infantile hemangioma (IH). Severe, persistent ulceration occurs in a minority of patients. This study aims to characterize the clinical features of IH with aggressive ulceration (AU).

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study of clinical features of IH with AU.

Results

Thirty‐five patients with AU were identified and included in the study. The majority of AU occurred in segmental IH (23/35, 65%). Segmental IH with AU were large (≥10 cm2; 16/23, 69%, p < .001) with a thin (<3 mm) superficial component (16/23, 69%, p < .001). Localized IH with AU had a thick (>3 mm) superficial component (11/12, 92%, p < .001).

All diaper area IH with AU (9/35) were segmental with thin superficial component (100%, p = .02). IH with AU in the head/neck (10/35) were more commonly localized (67%) and mixed (62.5%), while segmental, thick superficial morphology was more common on trunk (9/35) and upper extremities (7/35).

Conclusions

IH resulting in AU differ in clinical features by anatomic site. Those in the diaper area are nearly always segmental with thin superficial component, whereas other sites tend to be localized, mixed, with thick superficial component. These distinct phenotypes may prove useful in the clinical setting for physicians to identify patterns of IH ulceration with increased risk of aggressive, persistent ulceration.
COVID‐19 associated mucormycosis surge: A review on multi‐pathway mechanisms
Authors: Pourazizi Mohsen , Hakamifard Atousa , Peyman Alireza , Mohammadi Rasoul , Dehghani Shakiba , Tavousi Najmeh , Hosseini Nastaran‐Sadat , Azhdari Tehrani Hamed , Abtahi‐Naeini Bahareh
Published: October 2023

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by moulds from the Mucorales order. Concerns have been mounting due to the alarming increase in severe morbidity and mortality associated with mucormycosis during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This condition, known as COVID‐19‐associated mucormycosis (CAM), has been linked to various environmental, host‐related, and medical factors on a global scale. We have categorized the most significant potential risk factors for developing mucormycosis in individuals with a previous history of coronavirus infection into 10 major categories. These categories include acute hyperglycemia, the impact of cytokine release, immune response deficiencies in COVID‐19 patients, microvasculopathy and dysfunction of endothelial cells, imbalances in iron metabolism, metabolic acidosis, organ damage resulting from COVID‐19, underlying health conditions (such as diabetes), environmental factors, and medical treatments that can be iatrogenic in nature (such as inappropriate glucocorticoid use). Many of these factors can lead to potentially life‐threatening infections that can complicate the treatment of COVID‐19. Physicians should be vigilant about these factors because early detection of mucormycosis is crucial for effective management of this condition.
Periodontitis and metabolic diseases (diabetes and obesity): Tackling multimorbidity
Authors: Marruganti Crystal , Suvan Jean E. , D'Aiuto Francesco
Published: October 2023

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are multifactorial, long‐term, chronic conditions that represent a burden to health‐care systems worldwide as they can only be controlled rather than cured; hence, they require long‐term care. With the exponential increase in NCDs, the occurrence of individuals presenting with more than one chronic disease is also rapidly rising. “Multimorbidity,” defined as the presence of two or more long‐term physical or mental disorders, is now considered a worldwide epidemic, affecting around 20% of the adult population. Periodontitis, diabetes, and obesity, all chronic inflammatory diseases, are an example of multimorbidity highly relevant to dental practitioners. Over the last three decades, the three‐way relationship among the diseases has been vastly researched and accepted, with important contributions by European researchers. The interplay among periodontitis, diabetes, and obesity is sustained by shared biological mechanisms, such as systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction, as well as common lifestyle‐related risk factors. As such, unhealthy lifestyles were found to generally increase systemic inflammation and insulin resistance and decrease immune function, hence, eventually increasing the risk of NCDs onset and the development of multimorbidity. This narrative review of the evidence supports the need for a paradigm shift from a “single‐disease” to a “multiple‐disease” framework, characterized by an integrated multidisciplinary approach, which should include lifestyle modification interventions to successfully tackle multimorbid periodontitis and metabolic diseases (diabetes and obesity). A multidisciplinary integrated care pathway in both dental and medical settings should be considered to further tackle the global health challenge of multimorbidity.