bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student mental health in higher education: the contextual influence of “cuts, competition & comparison”
Authors: Thompson Miles , Pawson Chris , Delfino Arianna , Saunders Alex , Parker Holly
Published: October 2021

Background

The mental health of students in UK higher education (HE) is receiving increased attention, and support services for students are under increased pressure.

Aims

Drawing on ecological systems theory (EST), this study sought to explore possible contextual influences, over time, on student distress within HE.

Method and Samples

We conducted a two‐stage Delphi study, first asking UK professionals (n = 236) from primary, secondary, further education, and HE to provide possible reasons for increases in student distress. The material was reduced to 58 representative statements across all sectors with a further 10 specific to HE. In stage 2, 89 participants rated each statement in terms of whether it: (1) takes place and (2) contributes to distress.

Results

The results suggest multiple contextual influences potentially contributing to student distress. They can be summarized using the words: cuts, competition, and comparison. Education professionals in our sample reported that, upstream from HE, pressures on schools and colleges have led to a narrowing of curricula, with a more singular focus on assessment. Reduced teaching teams and pressurized staff unintentionally embed an assessment focus within students who unhelpfully compare themselves with peers while also struggling with wider societal cuts, austerity, and political uncertainty.

Conclusions

The discussion draws on the peer‐reviewed literature and relevant reports, discussing them in the context of EST, finding considerable support for these influences. The potential importance of adopting a contextual approach and incorporating this knowledge into the way we understand and tackle students’ distress and their preparedness for HE is discussed.
Oncological benefit of re‐resection for T1 bladder cancer: a comparative effectiveness study
Authors: Wettstein Marian S. , Baxter Nancy N. , Sutradhar Rinku , Mamdani Muhammad , Song Pham , Qadri Syed R. , Li Kathy , Liu Ning , van der Kwast Theodorus , Hermanns Thomas , Kulkarni Girish S.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To quantify the real‐world survival benefit of re‐resection vs no re‐resection in patients diagnosed with T1 bladder cancer (BC) at the population level.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective population‐wide observational cohort study based on pathology reports linked to health administrative data. We identified patients who were diagnosed with T1 BC in the province of Ontario (01/2001–12/2015) and used billing claims to ascertain whether they received re‐resection within 2–10 weeks. The time‐dependent effect of re‐resection on survival outcomes was modelled by Cox proportional hazards regression (unadjusted and adjusted for numerous assumed patient‐ and surgeon‐level confounding variables). Effect measures were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We identified 7666 patients of which 2162 (28.7%) underwent re‐resection after a median (interquartile range) time of 45 (35–56) days. Patients who received re‐resection were less likely to die from any causes (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.63–0.74, P < 0.001) and from BC (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57–0.76, P < 0.001) during any time of follow‐up. After adjusting for all assumed confounding variables, re‐resection was still significantly associated with a lower overall mortality (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.95, P < 0.001), while the association with cancer‐specific survival marginally lost its statistical significance (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75–1.02, P = 0.08).

Conclusions

A second transurethral resection within 2–6 weeks after the initial resection (i.e. re‐resection) is recommended for patients diagnosed with primary T1 BC as prior studies suggest therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic benefits. However, results on survival endpoints are sparse, conflicting, and often affected by various biases. To the best of our knowledge, the present population‐wide study represents the largest cohort of patients diagnosed with T1 BC and provides real‐world evidence supporting the utilisation of re‐resection in this group of patients.
Chronic sleep deprivation altered the expression of circadian clock genes and aggravated Alzheimer's disease neuropathology
Authors: Niu Long , Zhang Feng , Xu Xiaojiao , Yang Yuting , Li Song , Liu Hui , Le Weidong
Published: October 2021

Circadian disruption is prevalent in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may contribute to cognitive impairment, psychological symptoms, and neurodegeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental and genetic factors on the molecular clock and to establish a link between circadian rhythm disturbance and AD. We investigated the pathological effects of chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) in the APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice and their wild‐type (WT) littermates for 2 months and evaluated the expression levels of clock genes in the circadian rhythm‐related nuclei. Our results showed that CSD impaired learning and memory, and further exaggerated disease progression in the AD mice. Furthermore, CSD caused abnormal expression of Bmal1, Clock, and Cry1 in the circadian rhythm‐related nuclei of experimental mice, and these changes are more significant in AD mice. Abnormal expression of clock genes in AD mice suggested that the expression of clock genes is affected by APP/PS1 mutations. In addition, abnormal tau phosphorylation was found in the retrosplenial cortex, which was co‐located with the alteration of BMAL1 protein level. Moreover, the level of tyrosine hydroxylase in the locus coeruleus of AD and WT mice was significantly increased after CSD. There may be a potential link between the molecular clock, Aβ pathology, tauopathy, and the noradrenergic system. The results of this study provided new insights into the potential link between the disruption of circadian rhythm and the development of AD.
Patterns and determinants of dispersal in grey wolves (Canis lupus)
Authors: Morales‐González Ana , Fernández‐Gil Alberto , Quevedo Mario , Revilla Eloy
Published: October 2021

Dispersal is a key demographic process involving three stages: emigration, transience and settlement; each of which is influenced by individual, social and environmental determinants. An integrated understanding of species dispersal is essential for demographic modelling and conservation planning. Here, we review the dispersal patterns and determinants documented in the scientific literature for the grey wolf (Canis lupus) across its distribution range. We showed a surprisingly high variability within and among study areas on all dispersal parameters – dispersal rate, direction, distance, duration and success. We found that such large variability is due to multiple individual, social and environmental determinants, but also due to previously overlooked methodological research issues. We revealed a potential non‐linear relationship between dispersal rate and population density, with dispersal rate higher at both ends of the gradient of population density. We found that human‐caused mortality reduces distance, duration and success of dispersal events. Furthermore, dispersers avoid interaction with humans, and highly exposed areas like agricultural lands hamper population connectivity in many cases. We identified numerous methodological research problems that make it difficult to obtain robust estimates of dispersal parameters and robust inferences on dispersal patterns and their determinants. In particular, analyses where confounding factors were not accounted for led to substantial knowledge gaps on all aspects of dispersal in an otherwise much‐studied species. Our understanding of wolf biology and management would significantly benefit if wolf dispersal studies reported the results and possible factors affecting wolf dispersal more transparently.
Long‐term outcome of a cohort of 272 patients undergoing sialendoscopy
Authors: Vanden Daele Arike , Drubbel Joekio , Van Lierde Charlotte , Meulemans Jeroen , Delaere Pierre , Vander Poorten Vincent
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To assess the cohort of patients undergoing sialendoscopic intervention for improvement of symptoms and gland‐related quality of life at long‐term follow‐up.

Design

This is a retrospective review of medical records with a prospective follow‐up by questionnaire.

Setting & Participants

All patients undergoing sialendoscopy at the University Hospitals Leuven Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery between March 2008 and June 2020.

Main outcome measures

The electronic files of the patients were searched for information about their sialendoscopic procedure and follow‐up consultations. We also send the patients a questionnaire by mail to assess symptom control and gland‐related quality of life at long‐term follow‐up.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐two sialendoscopies were performed in 221 patients. Median follow‐up time was 37 months. The sialendoscopies were performed in 130 patients for lithiasis, in 66 for stenosis, in 14 for recurrent parotitis of childhood, in 8 for recurrent sialadenitis of unknown origin and in 3 for radioiodine‐induced sialadenitis. Complications occurred in 11 of 272 sialendoscopies (4%). Those were iatrogenic perforations, temporary lingual nerve paresthesia and swelling of the floor of the mouth. 53% of patients returned the questionnaire, for a total of 146 evaluable sialendoscopies. The majority of the responders indicated that sialendoscopy had improved their symptoms (83.6%). Salivary glands could be preserved in 89% of the responder group. The highest percentage of patients reporting residual symptoms was found in the RPC group (81.3%) and the lowest in the lithiasis group (16.2%). Besides age, no statistical differences in demographic and pathological features between the responder and non‐responder groups were found, supporting generalisation of the responders’ results to the entire cohort.

Conclusions

This study confirms the good long‐term outcomes of sialendoscopic interventions in patients with chronic sialadenitis of different aetiologies and a high rate of gland preservation.
The role of gun supply in 1980s and 1990s youth violence
Authors: Bartley Wm. Alan , Williams Geoffrey Fain
Published: October 2021

Youth violence surged between 1985 and 1994. We argue that a positive supply shock in autoloading handguns played an important role. By the late 1970s, computer numeric control technology had fallen in cost and the number of installed machines increased by 690% from 1978 to 1988. Consumer durable prices fell throughout this period, including the easily machined autoloading handguns. We document a steep fall in handgun prices, leading to predictable changes in purchasing among all American demographics. Local proxies of gun access predict changes in violence over this period as well or better than measures of crack market activity.
The cost of conformity to good governance: Board design and compensation
Authors: Ponomareva Yuliya , Federo Ryan , Aguilera Ruth V. , Collin Sven‐Olof
Published: October 2021

Research question/issue

Albeit the fact that the “one‐size‐fits‐all” corporate governance model has been mostly discarded, the debate on what constitutes a well‐governed firm has converged toward a set of practices that comprise what we refer to as the global good governance norm. Whereas extant research has focused mainly on the benefits of good governance, we build on neo‐institutional theory to explore how firm conformity or nonconformity to this global norm is associated with the cost of board governance, captured as board compensation.

Research findings/insights

Using a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of firms listed in the Stockholm Stock Exchange, we find that the configurations of board practices conforming to the global good governance norm are associated with higher board compensation than those that score low on conformity. Based on our findings, we deduce four archetypical board design strategies jointly shaped by two central forces: the pressure toward conformity to the good governance norm and the extent of governance discretion, denoting firm agentic behavior.

Theoretical/academic implications

First, our study highlights that conformity to the global good governance norm is accompanied with higher costs than nonconformity. Second, while most of the extant research discusses conformity and agentic behavior as two opposing forces, we uncover that they simultaneously co‐exist in board governance, stressing their interconnectedness.

Practitioner/policy implications

Conformity to the global good governance norm influences the strategic choices of board designs and the costs associated with such choices.
MNSFβ regulates placental development by conjugating IGF2BP2 to enhance trophoblast cell invasiveness
Authors: Yang Qian , Ma Yeling , Liu Yanlei , Shao Xuan , Jia Wentong , Yu Xin , Li Yu‐xia , Yang Long , Gu Wenwen , Wang Haibin , Wang Jian , Wang Yan‐Ling
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Success in pregnancy in mammals predominantly depends on a well‐developed placenta. The differentiation of invasive trophoblasts is a fundamental process of placentation, the abnormalities of which are tightly associated with pregnancy disorders including preeclampsia (PE). Monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor beta (MNSFβ) is an immunosuppressive factor. Its conventional knockout in mice induced embryonic lethality, whereas the underlying mechanism of MNSFβ in regulating placentation and pregnancy maintenance remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Trophoblast‐specific knockout of MNSFβ was generated using Cyp19‐Cre mice. In situ hybridization (ISH), haematoxylin and eosin (HE), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) were performed to examine the distribution of MNSFβ and insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) at the foeto‐maternal interface. The interaction and expression of MNSFβ, IGF2BP2 and invasion‐related molecules were detected by immunoprecipitation (IP), immunoblotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The cell invasion ability was measured by the Transwell insert assay.

Results

We found that deficiency of MNSFβ in trophoblasts led to embryonic growth retardation by mid‐gestation and subsequent foetal loss, primarily shown as apparently limited trophoblast invasion. In vitro experiments in human trophoblasts demonstrated that the conjugation of MNSFβ with IGF2BP2 and thus the stabilization of IGF2BP2 essentially mediated the invasion‐promoting effect of MNSFβ. In the placentas from MNSFβ‐deficient mice and severe preeclamptic (PE) patients, downregulation of MNSFβ was evidently associated with the repressed IGF2BP2 expression.

Conclusions

The findings reveal the crucial role of MNSFβ in governing the trophoblast invasion and therefore foetal development, and add novel hints to reveal the placental pathology of PE.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and lung injury: Dysregulation of immune response but not hyperimmune response as in “cytokine storm syndrome”
Authors: Öcal Serpil
Published: October 2021

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection can present either an asymptomatic or symptomatic; the spectrum of symptomatic infection ranges from mild to critical. A majority of patients have experienced mild symptoms with a good prognosis. But approximately 14% of them have severe infection presenting with hypoxemia and extensive lung involvement. The current mini‐review describes the dysregulation of immune response for SARS‐CoV‐2 viral pneumonia and virus‐induced lung injury. Also, many confounding factors can increase lung injury, in addition to virus‐induced lung injury. Especially in critically ill patients, confounding factors can cause the inflammatory cascade, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality.
Challenges encountered when doing research back home: Perspectives from African conservation scientists in the diaspora
Authors: Mwampamba Tuyeni H. , Egoh Benis N. , Borokini Israel , Njabo Kevin
Published: October 2021

African conservation scientists in the diaspora are still a largely untapped resource for conservation efforts in Africa. Institutions that harbor diaspora scientists from Africa should view their presence, motivation, and skills as an excellent opportunity to build strong bridges with the continent and undercut parachute science. Yet, parachute science is still the prominent way of doing conservation science in Africa and it can be difficult to escape, even for Africans working abroad and conducting research in their home countries. Espousing an alternative model to parachute science is possible, but it requires conscious effort and systemic changes at all scales (individual, departmental, universities). In this perspective, we describe six situations that help illuminate the layers of factors that diaspora African researchers must navigate while building cross‐continental collaborations in the absence of adequate institutional support. They include the questioning of our “local‐ness,” accusations of nepotism, over‐explaining our intentions and dealing with the demand for “ground‐breaking and globally relevant research.” We propose actions and best practices for harnessing the potential of diaspora faculty to build meaningful, equitable and long‐term research collaborations with partners in Africa.
Risk of post‐transplant cardiovascular events in kidney transplant recipients with preexisting aortoiliac stenosis
Authors: Babakry Shabnam , Rijkse Elsaline , Roodnat Joke I. , Bijdevaate Diederik C. , IJzermans Jan N.M. , Minnee Robert C.
Published: October 2021

Prediction of the risk of cardiovascular events (CVE's) is important to optimize outcomes after kidney transplantation. Aortoiliac stenosis is frequently observed during pre‐transplant screening. We hypothesized that these patients are at higher risk of post‐transplant CVE's due to the joint underlying atherosclerotic disease. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether aortoiliac stenosis was associated with post‐transplant CVE's. This retrospective, single‐center cohort study included adult kidney transplant recipients, transplanted between 2000 and 2016, with contrast‐enhanced imaging available. Aortoiliac stenosis was classified according to the Trans‐Atlantic Inter‐Society Consensus (TASC) II classification and was defined as significant in case of ≥50% lumen narrowing. The primary outcome was CVE‐free survival. Eighty‐nine of 367 patients had significant aortoiliac stenosis and were found to have worse CVE‐free survival (median CVE‐free survival: stenosis 4.5 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8–6.2), controls 8.9 years (95% CI 6.8–11.0); log‐rank test P < .001). TASC II C and D lesions were independent risk factors for a post‐transplant CVE with a hazard ratio of 2.15 (95% CI 1.05–4.38) and 6.56 (95% CI 2.74–15.70), respectively. Thus, kidney transplant recipients with TASC II C and D aortoiliac stenosis require extensive cardiovascular risk management pre‐, peri,‐ and post‐transplantation.
Pregnancy related changes in Doppler gradients and left ventricular mechanics in women with sub‐valvular or valvular aortic stenosis
Authors: Chang Soohyun A. , Khakh Parm , Janzen Mikyla , Kiess Marla , Rychel Valerie , Grewal Jasmine
Published: October 2021

Background

The aim of our study was to characterize echocardiographic changes during pregnancy in women with known LVOT obstruction or AS compared to the healthy pregnancy controls, and to assess the relationship with pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 34 pregnant patients with congenital LVOT obstruction or AS with healthy age‐matched pregnant controls. Patients with other significant valvular lesions, structural heart disease (LVEF < 40%), or prior valve surgery were excluded. All LVOTO/AS patients underwent a minimum of two consecutive echocardiograms between 1 year pre‐conception and 1 year postpartum, with at least two studies during the pregnancy. Comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation was performed including speckle‐tracking LV global longitudinal strain.

Results

A total of 83 echocardiograms from the study group and 34 echocardiograms from the control group were evaluated. Over the range of LVOTO/AS, a significantly greater increase in the AV gradients and LV and LA volumes were observed as compared with the controls. In the sub‐group of LVOTO/AS pregnant women with ≥ moderate (n = 8) versus < moderate LVOTO/AS (n = 26), averaged 2nd/3rd trimester LVEF was lower (51 ± 12)% versus (58 ± 4)%, (p = 0.02) and GLS was lower (−19.5 ± 2.8) versus (21.2 ± 2.4), (p = 0.06). Pregnancy was well tolerated despite these changes.

Conclusion

Among pregnant women with even milder forms of LVOTO/AS, increases in cardiac volumes and AV gradients can be expected over the course of pregnancy. Significant decreases in LV function and mechanics were only observed in women with moderate or greater LVOTO/AS, although still remained in normal range.
Education and digital inequalities during COVID‐19 confinement: From the perspective of teachers in the French speaking Community of Belgium
Authors: Duroisin Natacha , Beauset Romain , Tanghe Chloé
Published: October 2021

To curb the spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the federal government and the federated entities of Belgium suspended all face‐to‐face learning starting 14 March, 2020. A continuity of learning was to be ensured by teachers through distance‐learning. However, teaching during the confinement period was complicated for teachers: the respect for policies and rules differs from one teacher to another and there has been a lack of follow‐up on online learning for some learners. The purpose of this article is to contribute to initial responses to the vast question of educational inequalities created and exacerbated during the crisis. More particularly, this article provides a situational analysis of some potential causes for inequalities in primary and secondary schools and identifies differences between the two education levels. Our analysis draws on responses from almost 500 teachers participating in a large‐scale survey in the French speaking Community of Belgium. The analysis focuses on teaching practices and observations made by teachers during the confinement period. Various factors contributing to inequalities are identified as well as differences between the two levels of education. Relevant factors include the technological equipment available to students, and the use of pedagogical practices such asdifferentiationandRemediation‐Consolidation‐Surpassing(RCS). After confinement, at the beginning of the 2020–2021 school year, teachers have faced more diverse classes, with learners who have experienced very different confinement situations. In light of our analysis of survey responses, we highlight the role of the technological equipment used by the teacher as a factor that increases inequalities.
Families between care, education and work: The effects of the pandemic on educational inequalities in Italy and Milan
Authors: Cordini Marta , De Angelis Gianluca
Published: October 2021

Italy was the first Western country affected by the pandemic. The school closures that followed lasted for a full school semester, including final exams. Italy is already known as a country with a high degree of educational inequality, where reproduction of social disadvantages by social origins is prominent. In such a situation, we hypothesise that a prolonged lockdown and the consequent reliance on remote education have played an important role in exacerbating existing inequalities. Families were forced to take on the full responsibility of educating their children, which has reinforced the role of household resources. The analysis presented in this article draws on results from an online survey of the effects of school closures on educational practices, the analysis focused on responses from parents of primary school students. The survey was carried out in Milan in June 2020 and was disseminated through institutional and informal channels after two months of school closure in Italy. Results were re‐balanced to represent different social classes. The survey explored the relationships between economic and social inequalities on the one hand, and school activity experienced at home during the lockdown on the other. It also explored the involvement of pupils and their parents in school activities. We aimed to capture what educational and organisational resources families were able to mobilise in this situation, and to what extent these are unequally distributed. Our results contribute to an understanding of the impact of family resources on educational chances, identifying resources and how they are distributed through the population. Our findings confirm that the pandemic has exacerbated already existing inequalities.
The impact of individual variation on abrupt collapses in mutualistic networks
Authors: Baruah Gaurav
Published: October 2021

Individual variation is central to species involved in complex interactions with others in an ecological system. Such ecological systems could exhibit tipping points in response to changes in the environment, consequently leading to abrupt transitions to alternative, often less desirable states. However, little is known about how individual trait variation could influence the timing and occurrence of abrupt transitions. Using 101 empirical mutualistic networks, I model the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of such networks in response to gradual changes in strength of co‐evolutionary interactions. Results indicated that individual variation facilitates the timing of transition in such networks, albeit slightly. In addition, individual variation significantly increases the occurrence of large abrupt transitions. Furthermore, topological network features also positively influence the occurrence of such abrupt transitions. These findings argue for understanding tipping points using an eco‐evolutionary perspective to better forecast abrupt transitions in ecological systems.
Prognostic factors for the recurrence of afebrile seizures after benign convulsions associated with mild gastroenteritis
Authors: Wang Duan , Jiang Yu , Hong Siqi , Ma Jiannan , Liao Shuang , Cheng Min , Li Tingsong , Jiang Li
Published: October 2021

Objective

The overall prognosis of benign convulsions associated with mild gastroenteritis (CwG) is favorable, and the incidence of afebrile seizure recurrence with or without gastroenteritis (ASwGI and ASwoGI, respectively) is low. In this study we investigated the prognostic factors associated with afebrile seizure (AS) relapse after the first CwG episode.

Methods

A hospital‐based cohort with an initial CwG episode from January 2012 to October 2019 was followed for at least 19 months. The relapse types were divided into ASwGI and ASwoGI. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent prognostic factors for the recurrence of AS after the initial CwG episode. Furthermore, the clinical characteristics between ASwGI and ASwoGI were compared.

Results

Among the 868 patients enrolled, 67 (7.7%) experienced a second AS and 71% (48/67) showed gastroenteritis‐associated recurrence. Except for five patients with subsequent epilepsy (0.6%), only eight (0.9%) experienced three seizure episodes. The independent predictive factors for the subsequent recurrence of AS were age less than 18 months at onset (odds ratio [OR]: 2.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53–5.63), repeated seizures over 24 h (OR: 4.09, 95% CI: 2.19–7.65), and absence of fever (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.26–4.33) during the first CwG episode. The probability of recurrence of AS for those with one, two, and three predictive factors was 3.23%, 13.35%, and 22.85%, respectively. In addition, the age at onset was significantly lower in the ASwoGI group than in the ASwGI group during the first episode (p < .05).

Significance

The risk of AS relapse after the initial CwG episode is low, and the majority of patients presented with gastroenteritis. The risk can be predicted by age at onset, repeated seizures over 24 h, and absence of fever during the first CwG episode.
First records of Ceroplastes ceriferus (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) and Ceroplastes japonicus (Gray) in Switzerland identified by DNA barcoding
Authors: Sutter Louis , Dekumbis Virginie , Ançay André , Mattei Giorgia , Frey Beatrice , Frey Juerg E. , Blaser Simon
Published: October 2021

Wax soft scales (Hemiptera: Coccidae) include many important pest species of agricultural and ornamental plants which spread along international trading networks of plants and plant material. Here we report the first findings of the wax scales Ceroplastes japonicus and Ceroplastes ceriferus for Switzerland. The two new findings of Ceroplastes were collected on Laurus nobilis and Vaccinium myrtillus, respectively, and identified by DNA barcoding.
Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis: the unmissable modulators of skin inflammatory response
Authors: Dagnelie Marie‐Ange , Corvec Stephane , Timon‐David Elise , Khammari Amir , Dréno Brigitte
Published: October 2021

Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory dermatose that affects all age categories from teenagers to adults, resulting in important psychological impacts. Multiple hypotheses currently attempt to decrypt the physiopathology of this disease, and four main actors were identified as highly implicated in it: hyperkeratinization of the pilosebaceous follicle, hyperseborrheae, host factors (innate immunity) and skin microbiota. In this letter, we present results illustrating the impact of skin microbiota on inflammatory skin response, and how far the proper balance between each bacterial community, especially C. acnes and S. epidermidis, is crucial to maintain an appropriate inflammatory response on the skin. The data presented in this study demonstrate that within the skin microbiota, an imbalance between Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, is able to induce the activation of inflammation‐related markers such as IL‐1ra, IL‐6, IL‐8, G‐CSF and the molecules C5/C5a, soluble CD14 MIP‐3beta, Serpin E1, VCAM‐1 and beta‐defensin‐2. Moreover, S. epidermidis appears to have a more important role than C. acnes on the induction of inflammation‐related markers, particularly on IL‐6. This work is the basis of future in vitro studies to further understand acne physiopathology, inspiring the development of future innovative therapies based on skin microbiota modulation.
An improved fatigue life model for mechanical components considering load strengthening characteristics
Authors: Liu Jiazhi , Liu Xintian , Zhang Minghui , Wang Shuci
Published: October 2021

The small load has fuzziness on the strengthening and damage of the component under the action of random fatigue load. This paper introduces the two‐dimensional membership function in fuzzy mathematics to characterize the relationship between stress amplitude, mean value, and damage below the fatigue limit. An exponential function is used to describe the strengthening effect. Under the two‐dimensional load spectrum, the influence of various levels on the component's life is comprehensively considered, and the fatigue life prediction model under random load is proposed. Through the small sample experiment of the car swing support rod, the relevant parameters of the model are obtained. The difference between the modified two‐dimensional and the two‐dimensional load spectrum is compared in fatigue life prediction results. The rules of membership function selection and parameter setting are summarized, and it makes the estimation of component load spectrum life more reasonable.
Deformation and fracture behavior of strong–weak coupling structure and its application in coal roadway instability prevention
Authors: Zheng Yangfeng , Zhai Cheng , Zhang Jianguo , Yu Xu , Xu Jizhao , Sun Yong , Cong Yuzhou , Tang Wei
Published: October 2021

The theoretical work, experiments, and practical application in the field are carried out to investigate the performance of strong–weak coupling structure. Results indicate that the deformation in the weak zone is greater than that in the strong zone before the peak stress. Moreover, the weak zone is crushed while the strong zone remains intact after the peak stress. Hence, the coupling structure could protect the strong zone from damage. Furthermore, the strong–weak coupling structure can effectively transfer the peak stress to the further area from coal roadway and improve the ability of the coal roadway surrounding rock to resist deformation. Finally, in the field tests, the strong–weak structure can significantly improve the stability of coal roadway. It shows that the average subsidence of the roadway roof and the accumulated deformation on the sides of the coal roadway in the strong–weak coupling zone were 55.21% and 61.42% lesser than those in the weak zone, respectively.
From fruitless to sex: On the generation and diversification of an innate behavior
Authors: Peng Qionglin , Chen Jie , Pan Yufeng
Published: October 2021

Male sexual behavior in Drosophila melanogaster, largely controlled by the fruitless (fru) gene encoding the male specific FruM protein, is among the best studied animal behaviors. Although substantial studies suggest that FruM specifies a neuronal circuitry governing all aspects of male sexual behaviors, recent findings show that FruM is not absolutely necessary for such behaviors. We propose that another regulatory gene doublesex encoding the male‐specific DsxM protein builds a core neuronal circuitry that possesses the potential for courtship, which could be either induced through adult social experience or innately manifested during development by FruM expression in a broader neuronal circuitry. FruM expression levels and patterns determine the modes of courtship behavior from innate heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, to learned courtship. We discuss how FruM expression is regulated by hormones and social experiences and tunes functional flexibility of the sex circuitry. We propose that regulatory genes hierarchically build the potential for innate and learned aspects of courtship behaviors, and expression changes of these regulatory genes among different individuals and species with different social experiences ultimately lead to behavioral diversification.
Modelling temperature‐driven changes in species associations across freshwater communities
Authors: Perrin Sam Wenaas , van der Veen Bert , Golding Nick , Finstad Anders Gravbrøt
Published: October 2021

Due to global climate change–induced shifts in species distributions, estimating changes in community composition through the use of Species Distribution Models has become a key management tool. Being able to determine how species associations change along environmental gradients is likely to be pivotal in exploring the magnitude of future changes in species’ distributions. This is particularly important in connectivity‐limited ecosystems, such as freshwater ecosystems, where increased human translocation is creating species associations over previously unseen environmental gradients. Here, we use a large‐scale presence–absence dataset of freshwater fish from lakes across the Fennoscandian region in a Joint Species Distribution Model, to measure the effect of temperature on species associations. We identified a trend of negative associations between species tolerant of cold waters and those tolerant of warmer waters, as well as positive associations between several more warm‐tolerant species, with these associations often shifting depending on local temperatures. Our results confirm that freshwater ecosystems can expect to see a large‐scale shift towards communities dominated by more warm‐tolerant species. While there remains much work to be done to predict exactly where and when local extinctions may take place, the model implemented provides a starting‐point for the exploration of climate‐driven community trends. This approach is especially informative in regards to determining which species associations are most central in shaping future community composition, and which areas are most vulnerable to local extinctions.
Pesticides alter ecosystem respiration via phytoplankton abundance and community structure: Effects on the carbon cycle?
Authors: Rumschlag Samantha L. , Casamatta Dale A. , Mahon Michael B. , Hoverman Jason T. , Raffel Thomas R. , Carrick Hunter J. , Hudson Peter J. , Rohr Jason R.
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Freshwater systems are critical to life on earth, yet they are threatened by the increasing rate of synthetic chemical pollution. Current predictions of the effects of synthetic chemicals on freshwater ecosystems are hampered by the sheer number of chemical contaminants entering aquatic systems, the diversity of organisms inhabiting these systems, the myriad possible direct and indirect effects resulting from these combinations, and uncertainties concerning how contaminants might alter ecosystem metabolism via changes in biodiversity. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted a mesocosm experiment that elucidated the responses of ponds composed of phytoplankton and zooplankton to standardized concentrations of 12 pesticides, nested within four pesticide classes, and two pesticide types. We show that the effects of the pesticides on algae were consistent within herbicides and insecticides and that responses of over 70 phytoplankton species and genera were consistent within broad taxonomic groups. Insecticides generated top‐down effects on phytoplankton community composition and abundance, which were associated with persistent increases in ecosystem respiration. Insecticides had direct toxic effects on cladocerans, which led to competitive release of copepods. These changes in the zooplankton community led to a decrease in green algae and a modest increase in diatoms. Herbicides did not change phytoplankton composition but reduced total phytoplankton abundance. This reduction in phytoplankton led to short‐term decreases in ecosystem respiration. Given that ponds release atmospheric carbon and that worldwide pesticide pollution continues to increase exponentially, scientists and policy makers should pay more attention to the ways pesticides alter the carbon cycle in ponds via changes in communities, as demonstrated by our results. Our results show that these predictions can be simplified by grouping pesticides into types and species into functional groups. Adopting this approach provides an opportunity to improve the efficiency of risk assessment and mitigation responses to global change.
Potential impact of botanically diverse pasture on the nutritional, physiological, and immunological status of grazing cows
Authors: Nakajima Noriaki , Doi Kazuya , Tamiya Sae , Yayota Masato
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to reveal the potential impact of botanically diverse pasture on the nutritional, physiological, and immunological status of grazing cattle using multifaceted indices. Ten Japanese black beef cows (325.5 ± 40.6 kg of body weight [BW], 7.9 ± 3.8 years of age) were used in this experiment. Five of them grazed on a 1.8‐ha grassland (botanically diverse pasture: DP) that was composed of sown grassland and grazable forestland (approximately 34 plant species). The other five cows grazed on 1.0 ha of sown grassland with only a few plant species (botanically monotonous pasture: MP, approximately 5 plant species) for 2 months. Blood samples were collected approximately every 2 weeks. In DP cows, the hemoglobin (HGB) concentration, hematocrit (HCT) ratio, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased linearly after the start of grazing, as did plasma sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K) concentrations. Urea nitrogen (UN) levels were higher in DP than in MP cows throughout the grazing period, whereas in MP cows, the red blood cell (RBC) count, HGB concentration, and HCT ratio decreased quadratically after the start of grazing. The DP cows gained more BW than the MP cows throughout the grazing period. Thus, the increased intake and/or the change in the ingested plant species in DP cows might have promoted the increase in the plasma UN concentration. In summary, the present study showed that grazing in botanically diverse pasture improved the nutritional and physiological status of cows; however, it aggravated the imbalance of protein and energy intake induced by grazing within 2 months.
Preventive migraine treatment with eptinezumab reduced acute headache medication and headache frequency to below diagnostic thresholds in patients with chronic migraine and medication‐overuse headache
Authors: Marmura Michael J. , Diener Hans‐Christoph , Cowan Robert P. , Tepper Stewart J. , Diamond Merle L. , Starling Amaal J. , Hirman Joe , Mehta Lahar , Brevig Thomas , Cady Roger
Published: October 2021

Objective

This post hoc analysis in patients medically diagnosed with chronic migraine (CM) and medication‐overuse headache (MOH) evaluated reductions in the use of acute headache medication (AHM) and sustained changes in the diagnostic status of CM and MOH following eptinezumab treatment in the PROMISE‐2 study.

Background

Eptinezumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits calcitonin gene‐related peptide, is approved in the United States for the preventive treatment of migraine. A previous analysis showed that eptinezumab reduced monthly migraine days and was well tolerated in the subgroup of PROMISE‐2 patients diagnosed with both CM and MOH.

Methods

The phase 3, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled PROMISE‐2 study (NCT02974153) randomized adults with CM to eptinezumab 100 mg, 300 mg, or placebo (administered intravenously every 12 weeks for up to two doses). MOH was prospectively diagnosed at screening by trained physicians based on 3 months of medication history and International Classification of Headache Disorders‐3β criteria. This post hoc analysis evaluated changes in total and class‐specific days of AHM usage, the percentage of patients using AHM at or above MOH diagnostic thresholds, and the percentage of patients experiencing monthly headache and migraine day frequency below diagnostic thresholds for MOH and/or CM.

Results

In PROMISE‐2, 431/1072 (40.2%) patients with CM were diagnosed with MOH (eptinezumab 100 mg,n = 139; 300 mg,n = 147; placebo,n = 145) and were included in this analysis. Total monthly AHM use decreased from 20.6 days/month at baseline to 10.6 days/month over 24 weeks of treatment (49% decrease) with eptinezumab 100 mg, from 20.7 to 10.5 days/month (49% decrease) with eptinezumab 300 mg, and from 19.8 to 14.0 days/month (29% decrease) with placebo. Numerically greater decreases from baseline with eptinezumab were also observed for individual drug classes. In each study month, the percentages of patients who were below MOH thresholds were numerically higher for both eptinezumab doses compared with placebo, as were the percentages of patients experiencing headache and migraine frequency below CM thresholds. Of patients with available data across the entire treatment period, 29.0% (58/200) of patients treated with eptinezumab stopped meeting and remained below diagnostic thresholds for both CM and MOH during Weeks 1–24, as well as 6.3% (6/96) of patients who received placebo.

Conclusions

Across 24 weeks of treatment, eptinezumab reduced AHM use in patients diagnosed with CM and MOH. More than one‐fourth (29%) of patients treated with eptinezumab did not meet the diagnostic thresholds for either CM or MOH for the entire treatment period.
Reconciling validity and challenges of patient comfort and understanding: Guidelines to patient‐oriented questionnaires
Authors: Hudon Catherine , Danish Alya , Lambert Mireille , Howse Dana , Cassidy Monique , Dumont‐Samson Olivier , Porter Judy , Rubenstein Donna , Sabourin Véronique , Doucet Shelley , Ramsden Vivian R. , Bisson Mathieu , Schwarz Charlotte , Chouinard Maud‐Christine
Published: October 2021

Background

Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are widely recognized as important tools for achieving a patient‐centred approach in health research. While PROMs are subject to several stages of validation during development, even questionnaires with robust psychometric properties may challenge patient comfort and understanding.

Aim

Building on the experience of patient engagement in the PriCARE research programme, this paper outlines the team's response to concerns raised by patient partners regarding the administration of the questionnaire.

Methods

Based on a participatory action research design and the patient engagement framework in the Strategy for Patient‐Oriented Research of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, PriCARE team members worked together to discuss concerns, review the questionnaires and come up with solutions. Data were collected through participant observation of team meetings.

Results

This paper demonstrates how patient partners were engaged in PriCARE and integrated into the programme's governance structure, focusing on the challenges that they raised regarding the questionnaires and how these were addressed by PriCARE team members in a six‐step approach: (1) Recognizing patient partner concerns, discussing concerns and reframing the challenges; (2) Detailing and sharing evidence of the validity of the questionnaires; (3) Evaluating potential solutions; (4) Searching the literature for guidelines; (5) Creating guidelines; and (6) Sharing and refining guidelines.

Conclusion

This six‐step approach demonstrates how research teams can integrate patient partners as equal members, develop meaningful collaboration through recognition of individual experiences and expertise and ensure that the patient perspective is taken into consideration in research and healthcare innovation.

Patient or Public Contribution

All patient partners from the PriCARE programme were actively involved in the six‐step approach. They were also involved in the preparation of the manuscript.
Critical analysis of research methods and experimental models to study removal of root filling materials
Authors: Ajina Mahdi A. , Shah Pratik K. , Chong Bun San
Published: October 2021

Despite enjoying high favourable outcome rates, root canal treatment is not always successful. Root canal retreatment is a widely practised option for managing a non‐healing root treated tooth. A basic distinction between retreatment and initial treatment is the requirement to remove the existing root filling material occupying the root canal space. Only then, can the technical deficiencies and possible causes of failure be addressed. Hence, the successful removal of the root filling material is critical to achieving the objectives of retreatment. Many different materials and techniques have been used for root canal filling, which have been documented in a plethora of studies; these are mainly laboratory studies investigating the removal of root filling materials. To help guide future research, which may then better inform clinical practice in relation to retreatment procedures, the focus of this narrative review is on the research methods and experimental models employed to study the removal of root filling materials. The current available literature demonstrates great variation in the research methodologies used to study the removal of root filling material, including direct visualization by splitting tooth samples or clearing, three‐dimensional radiographic imaging including using microcomputed tomography or cone‐beam computed tomography, and a combination of these techniques. Depending on the research method employed, variation also exists in quantification of root filling material removal; these include measurements of surface area, volume or weight, and criteria‐based (semi‐quantitative) assessment. Experimental models, using human teeth or resin models, differ with respect to standardization techniques and replication of the clinical scenario including initial sample preparation, canal filling, allocation and technical aspects of retreatment procedures. Future models should replicate, as closely as possible, the clinical scenario. Currently, microcomputed tomography provides a highly detailed, non‐invasive and non‐destructive method of objectively assessing and quantifying root filling removal.