bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Teledentistry as Effective as Clinical Dental Diagnosis in Pediatric Patients?
Authors: Mola Müge Erbay , Çoğulu Dilşah , Eden Ece , Topaloğlu Aslı
Published: December 2024

Background

Teledentistry integrates telecommunications with dental practice, facilitating the exchange of clinical information and images for remote dental consultation and treatment planning. This approach enables dental care access across long distances, addressing the need for flexible healthcare solutions.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teledentistry compared to clinical in‐person dental diagnosis in pediatric patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

The study sample consisted of 200 children aged 3–13 years, each undergoing both teledentistry‐based and in‐person clinical dental diagnosis. Caries index scores, including DMFT/dmft and DMFS/dmfs, as well as the identification of specific dental conditions such as molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), black tooth staining, periodontal disease, dental trauma, and orthodontic anomalies, were recorded in both diagnostic settings. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi‐square, Wilcoxon, and Fisher's Exact tests.

Results

The mean age of participants was 7.86 ± 2.40 years. Caries index scores (DMFT/dmft, DMFS/dmfs) showed compatibility between teledentistry and clinical diagnoses. While “d/D, f/F, ds/DS, fs/FS” scores were observed to be higher in clinical diagnoses compared to teledentistry, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Scores for “m/M” and “ms/MS” were identical in both diagnostic methods. Additionally, the prevalence of dental anomalies, including MIH, black tooth staining, periodontal disease, dental trauma, and orthodontic anomalies, was comparable across both diagnostic approaches.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that teledentistry serves as an effective alternative to clinical in‐person diagnosis for pediatric dental consultations and treatment planning, demonstrating comparable accuracy in identifying caries and dental anomalies in children.
CRN synthesis mechanism of high sinterability MgAlON powder for fast fabrication of highly transparent ceramics
Authors: Yu Xiaotian , Guo Haoran , Shan Yingchun , Han Yanbin , Han Xiaoguang , Xu Jiujun , Li Jiangtao
Published: December 2024

Utilizing γ‐Al2O3, MgO, and black carbon powders as starting materials, single‐phase magnesium aluminum oxynitride (MgAlON) powders with excellent sinterability were successfully synthesized by carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CRN) method, and the CRN synthesis mechanism was investigated through analyzing phase assemblage and morphology of the powders during heating. As heating to 1700°C, single‐phase MgAlON is obtained, while its O/N ratio can be adjusted by controlling the composition of starting mixture and the CRN process. The MgAlON powders with O/N ratio of 9.52–11.39 (using the mixture with 8.6 wt.% MgO and 5.2 wt.% carbon black, and prepared at 1700°C for 90–150 min or 1720°C for 120 min) exhibit high sinterability. These powders were successfully fast pressureless sintered into ceramics with high transmittance (>80%@3750 nm) at 1880°C for 2.5 h. During the heating process for preparing MgAlON powder, magnesium aluminate spinel (MAS) is first formed at <1500°C, then at 1500–1600°C, along with formation of AlN via CRN and its instantaneous solid solution with MAS, MgAlON is obtained. The phase assemblage and morphology comparison between the Al2O3–MgO–C, Al2O3–MgO, and Al2O3–C powders during heating indicates that carbon and MAS act in concert to inhibit the growth of Al2O3, which contribute to the rapid formation MgAlON and high sinterability of prepared MgAlON powders.
A nanoindentation approach for unveiling the photoplastic effects by a “light switch”: A case study on ZnO
Authors: Oguri Hiroto , Li Yan , Nakamura Atsutomo
Published: December 2024

The nanoindentation method is a widely utilized approach for characterizing the mechanical properties of materials at the nanoscale. In typical nanoindentation tests, the mechanical responses of materials are monitored while maintaining constant environmental factors, such as lighting and temperature, in order to ensure the reliability of the results. Here, we propose a testing method that switches the light conditions during a single nanoindentation creep test to detect slight changes in the mechanical response due to weak light illumination. To achieve this, a reference sample of fused silica was employed, which is insensitive to light, in order to compensate for the thermal expansion/contraction of approximately 1 nm due to the light environment. The calibrated results revealed the instantaneous suppressive influence of light illumination on the indentation creep behavior of ZnO. It was found that upon initiating illumination, the indentation creep rate decreased by 45%, whereas terminating illumination led to a dramatic 19.4‐fold increase in the creep rate. The effective testing pattern involving a “light switch” enables quantitatively visualizing the light illumination effects through the instant “jump” in the creep strain rate within a single test, facilitating the detection of minor and instantaneous effects of light environments on indentation creep behavior.
Using Weighted Goal Programming Model to Achieve Genetic Gain in a Beluga Sturgeon Breeding Program
Authors: Rahbar Mina , Safari Roghieh , Perez‐Rostro Carlos I.
Published: December 2024

We estimated the desired genetic gains for important traits in Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted goal programming (WGP). Two questionnaires were distributed to 122 private Beluga sturgeon farmers in Iran in two stages. The initial stage involved the first questionnaire, which aimed to gather information on the environmental and management aspects of the farms. Additionally, farmers were requested to rate 4 important traits from a list of 12 traits for genetic improvement in the Beluga breeding program. Based on the results, four traits, that is, ovarian fat lobe weight (OFW), total caviar weight (CW), body weight of broodstock (BW) and larval body area at hatching (LBA) were rated highest. In the second stage, the second questionnaire asked farmers to make six pairwise comparisons between the above traits to determine preferences of these traits. The analytical hierarchy process was used to estimate individual preference (Ind‐P) values using Super Decisions software. The medians of the Ind‐P values were OFW and CW (0.30), BW (0.27) and LBA (0.10). Social group preference (Soc‐P) values were estimated for five categories, with 13 social groups using the WGP model in LINGO software. Most disagreements in Soc‐P values were found between the commercial products and water temperature categories. Consensus preference values (Con‐P) for the above two categories were obtained by the extended WGP model with the range of λ between 0 and 1 in LINGO software. The average best Con‐P values were OFW = BW (0.29), LBA (0.21) and CW (0.19). Desired genetic gains (%) were calculated using the percentage genetic improvement (G%) multiplied by the mean of Con‐P, yielding values of 2.09, 1.88, 1.44 and 0.62 for BW, CW, LBA and OFW, respectively. The most important achievements of this research are the determination of the economic traits importance and multi‐traits selection in the Beluga breeding program.
Urinary fatty acid‐binding protein 4 is a promising biomarker for glomerular damage in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tanaka Marenao , Sato Tatsuya , Gohda Tomohito , Kamei Nozomu , Murakoshi Maki , Ishiwata Erika , Endo Keisuke , Kawaharata Wataru , Aida Hiroki , Nakata Kei , Akiyama Yukinori , Kubota Mitsunobu , Sanuki Michiyoshi , Suzuki Toru , Suzuki Yusuke , Furuhashi Masato
Published: December 2024

Aims/Introduction

Fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP) 4, which acts as an adipokine secreted by adipocytes, macrophages, and capillary endothelial cells, is expressed in injured glomerular cells. It has been reported that urinary (U‐) FABP4 is associated with renal dysfunction and proteinuria in several glomerular kidney diseases. However, the clinical significance of U‐FABP4 in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains undetermined.

Materials and Methods

Immunohistological analyses of FABP4 and FABP1 (liver‐type FABP), an established biomarker for impaired proximal tubules, were performed in the kidneys of patients with DKD and nonobese diabetic mice (KK‐Ta/Akita mice). The associations between U‐FABP4 and U‐FABP1 with kidney function and metabolic indices were also investigated in patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 57, mean age: 61 years) and patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 608, mean age: 65 years).

Results

In both patients with diabetes and diabetic mice, FABP4 was expressed in injured glomeruli with increased markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress in addition to peritubular capillaries, whereas FABP1 was mainly expressed in proximal tubules. Levels of U‐FABP4 and U‐FABP1 were independently associated with each other, and both levels were independently associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) after adjustment of age, sex, type of diabetes, duration of diabetes, and systolic blood pressure in patients with diabetes.

Conclusions

Urinary level of FABP4 derived from injured glomeruli with increased endoplasmic reticulum stress is independently associated with eGFR and UACR, suggesting a promising biomarker for glomerular damage in patients with diabetes.
Comparative Validation of Prediction Models for HCC Outcomes in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Superiority of Tumor Markers to Imaging Study
Authors: Koh Hwa‐Hee , Kang Minyu , Kim Deok‐Gie , Park Jae Hyon , Min Eun‐Ki , Lee Jae Geun , Kim Myoung Soo , Joo Dong Jin
Published: December 2024

Background

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) offers timely curative treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to validate and compare previous prediction models for HCC outcomes in 488 LDLT recipients.

Methods

For 488 patients who underwent LDLT for HCC, pretransplant imaging studies assessed by modified RECSIT criteria, tumor markers such as alpha feto‐protein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‐II (PIVKA II), and explant pathology were recruited. C‐index of models for the HCC outcomes was compared, followed by further investigation for the predictive performances of the best model.

Results

We found MoRAL (11√PIVKA‐II + 2√AFP) demonstrated a higher C‐index for HCC recurrence than other models that included radiologically viable tumor number and/or size (MoRAL: 0.709, Milan: 0.537, UCSF: 0.575, Up‐to‐7: 0.572, French AFP: 0.634, Pre‐MORAL: 0.637, HALT‐HCC: 0.626, Metroticket2.0: 0.629) and also had the highest C‐index for HCC‐specific deaths (0.706). Five‐year HCC recurrence was well stratified upon dividing the patients into three groups by MoRAL cutoffs (11.9% for MoRAL < 100, 29.6% for MoRAL 100–200, and 48.6% for MoRAL > 200, p < 0.001). However, patients with major vessel invasion or portal vein tumor thrombus showed similarly high HCC recurrence regardless of this grouping (p = 0.612).

Conclusion

The MoRAL, based on tumor markers, showed the best predictive performance for HCC recurrence and HCC‐specific death among the validated models, except in cases with major vessel invasion or portal vein tumor thrombus.
Exploring the Association Between Food Insecurity, Bowel Health, and All‐Cause Mortality in the United States: Insights from NHANES 2005–2010
Authors: Li Yunlong , Chen Yang , Yu Ziqing , Bai Xiaoyin , Ruan Gechong , Sun Yinghao , Han Wei , Yang Hong , Li Xiaoqing
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim

Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic constipation (CC) and chronic diarrhea (CD) impose a significant burden on global healthcare resources. Food insecurity, a crucial social determinant of health, remains unclearly associated with CC and CD. We aim to explore the association between food insecurity and CC and CD, and its impact on all‐cause mortality among participants with abnormal bowel health.

Methods

We used data from National Health and Nutrition Survey 2005–2010. We assessed food insecurity using the Household Food Security Survey Module, and bowel health, including CD and CC, was evaluated using fecal characteristics and bowel movement frequency from the Bowel Health Questionnaire. Finally, 13 199 participants were included.

Results

A total of 15.26% (2014) participants experienced food insecurity. Multivariate analysis revealed that food insecurity was associated with a higher proportion of CD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.52, p = 0.03), especially in women. CC did not exhibit a significant association with food insecurity (OR: 1.10, CI: 0.86–1.40, p = 0.41). Furthermore, food insecurity was significantly linked to higher all‐cause mortality in patients with CD (OR: 1.59, CI: 1.01–2.50, p = 0.046) and CC (OR: 2.01, CI: 1.20–3.46, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Assessing food insecurity's impact on bowel health is crucial for policy formulation and risk identification. Research should explore links between food insecurity and CD or CC severity, treatment, and psychosocial aspects to improve patient quality of life.
Association of rurality and decreased continuity of care prior to a diagnosis of prediabetes
Authors: Johannes Bobbie L. , Mainous Arch G. , Chang Alex R. , Kirchner H. Lester , Wood G. Craig , Still Christopher D. , Bailey‐Davis Lisa
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To assess trends in continuity of care (COC) by geographic context (i.e., rural vs urban) among a cohort of persons with prediabetes prior to and after diagnosis of prediabetes.

Methods

We use cross‐sectional data from Geisinger's electronic health record between 1997 and 2017. Our dependent variable is the Modified Modified Continuity Index (MMCI), a measure of dispersion among primary care providers seen. Our primary independent variable is a binary indicator variable for rurality constructed from the 2010 Census Bureau's Urban and Rural Classification. We control for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and baseline clinical characteristics. We use fractional logistic regression with bootstrapped standard errors.

Findings

Urban residing patients had greater odds of increased COC in the 3‐year period prior to a diagnosis of prediabetes (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.18; P = .007). However, there were no significant differences in COC among rural and urban residing patients upon diagnosis of prediabetes in unadjusted and fully adjusted regression models. Other factors significantly associated with COC across the observed time periods (pre‐ and post‐diagnosis of prediabetes) include age, male, and hypertension in the patients’ problem list at baseline.

Conclusions

Among persons diagnosed with prediabetes, rurality was associated with decreased COC in the 3‐year period prior to being diagnosed. However, in the 3‐year period after diagnosis of prediabetes, geographic disparities in COC were not observed. Rural residing patients need enhanced continuity of primary care to potentially improve opportunistic screening for prediabetes.
The essential conditions of writing workshop: Proposing a new conceptual model
Authors: Kaufman Douglas
Published: December 2024

Writing workshop, as conceived by Donald Graves and other US researchers in the 1980s, positively transformed the writing instruction of many teachers. However, others experienced considerable challenges as they tried to create workshop classrooms. This article examines the three historical conditions that defined workshop: (1) choice, (2) time and (3) response, highlighting several factors that may lead to unsuccessful practices as teachers attempt to implement them. Then, based on an analysis of the early work of the original researchers and the practices of exemplary workshop educators, it identifies three other conditions—(4) organization and management to promote classroom movement, (5) community‐building to create a shared culture of writers and (6) living a publicly literate life—that appear to support the successful implementation of the original three conditions. Finally, pulling from an analysis of the contemporary work of current workshop researchers and educators, it identifies one final condition that was conspicuously not represented in the early work but nonetheless appears essential in connecting and contextualizing all conditions: (7) the introduction of writing purpose to promote empowerment and equity. Together, these conditions form a new and more holistic theoretical model that may now be examined, interpreted, implemented in practice and evolved.
Seasonal changes in the feeding aggregation structure of male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Northern Norway
Authors: Morange Zoë , Similä Tiu , Rikardsen Audun H. , Blanchet Marie‐Anne
Published: December 2024

The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is one of the most widely distributed cetaceans. Adult males commonly occupy high latitudes, whereas females and juveniles occupy lower latitudes. In Northern Norway, previous studies focused on the summer period limiting our understanding of the seasonal dynamics of male foraging aggregations. We used year‐round capture–mark–recapture data based on photo identification between 2009 and 2023 to examine seasonal patterns within a male aggregation off Andøya, Northern Norway. Our analysis encompassed 426 days of data, 111 days in winter (October–April) and 315 days in summer (May–September). Among 365 identified individuals, 29% were encountered across multiple years. A higher number of individuals could be identified in winter compared to summer. The mean estimated residency time was shorter in winter (13 days) than in summer (18 days). We identified four groups with distinct seasonal preferences in occurrence and residency, suggesting seasonal and individual foraging and social patterns. Despite the marked seasonal patterns, the relatively short residency times imply this area constitutes only a fraction of the broader foraging range of sperm whales in the Northeast Atlantic. This study highlights the year‐round presence of sperm whales in the area, emphasizing their individual seasonal preferences.
Enhancing nature's palette through the epigenetic breeding of flower color in chrysanthemum
Authors: Li Xueqi , Bu Fanqi , Zhang Man , Li Zhuozheng , Zhang Yu , Chen Haowen , Xue Wanjie , Guo Ronghua , Qi Jingze , Kim Cholmin , Kawabata Saneyuki , Wang Yu , Zhang Qingzhu , Li Yuhua , Zhang Yang
Published: December 2024

Flower color is an important character of ornamental plants and one of the main target traits for variety innovation. We previously identified a CmMYB6 epigenetic allele that affects the flower color in chrysanthemum, and changes in flower color are caused by the DNA methylation level of this gene. However, it is still unknown which DNA methyltransferases are involved in modifying the DNA methylation levels of this gene.

Here, we used dead Cas9 (dCas9) together with DNA methyltransferases that methylate cytosine residues in the CHH context to target the CmMYB6 promoter through transient and stable transformation methods.

We found that CmDRM2a increased the DNA methylation level of the CmMYB6 promoter, the expression of CmMYB6 decreased and a lighter flower color resulted. By contrast, both CmDRM2b and CmCMT2 enhanced DNA methylation levels of the CmMYB6 promoter, the expression of CmMYB6 increased and a deeper flower color resulted.

Furthermore, the regulatory mechanism of DNA methyltransferase in the formation of chrysanthemum flower color was investigated, pointing to a new strategy for silencing or activating CmMYB6 epiallele to regulate anthocyanin synthesis. This lays a solid foundation for regulating flower color in chrysanthemum through epigenetic breeding.
Interplay between tobacco curly shoot virus vsiRNA24 and triosephosphate isomerase: implications for Nicotiana benthamiana viral defense
Authors: Wu Rui , Wu Gentu , He Muyao , Zhang Haolan , Shen Xinyi , Huang Qian , Li Jiying , Wu Menglin , Ghanem Hussein , Li Mingjun , Qing Ling
Published: December 2024

Virus‐derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) play an important role in viral infection by regulating the expression of host genes. At present, research on the regulation of plant primary metabolic pathways by vsiRNAs is very limited.

TvsiRNA24 derived from tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV) was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and its target gene NbTPI (triosephosphate isomerase) was verified using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and GFP fluorescence observation. The effect of the interaction between TvsiRNA24 and NbTPI on TbCSV infection was analyzed by virus mediated, genetic transformation, western blotting, and quantitative detection.

The expression of TvsiRNA24 retards the growth of Nicotiana benthamiana and enhances TbCSV accumulation within N. benthamiana. The overexpression of NbTPI attenuates the accumulation of TbCSV, and the silencing of NbTPI leads to the growth retardation of N. benthamiana and intensifies symptoms post‐TbCSV infection. Moreover, the expression of some genes related to photosynthesis, primary metabolism and immune response is regulated by NbTPI.

Our results unveil the specific role of TvsiRNA24‐NbTPI in the pathogenicity of TbCSV, resulting in hindrance to plant growth and facilitation of viral infection. The identification of this regulatory pathway provides valuable insights that can be utilized to devise novel antiviral approaches targeting the reduction of viral pathogenicity.
Patterns in coarse root decomposition of woody plants: effects of climate, root quality, mycorrhizal associations and phylogeny
Authors: Ling Long , Gill Allison L. , See Craig R. , Fahey Timothy J. , Silver Whendee L. , Lambers Hans , Ding Yiyang , Sun Tao
Published: December 2024

Coarse roots represent a globally important belowground carbon pool, but the factors controlling coarse root decomposition rates remain poorly understood relative to other plant biomass components. We compiled the most comprehensive dataset of coarse root decomposition data including 148 observations from 60 woody species, and linked coarse root decomposition rates to plant traits, phylogeny and climate to address questions of the dominant controls on coarse root decomposition.

We found that decomposition rates increased with mean annual temperature, root nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. Coarse root decomposition was slower for ectomycorrhizal than arbuscular mycorrhizal associated species, and angiosperm species decomposed faster than gymnosperms. Coarse root decomposition rates and calcium concentrations showed a strong phylogenetic signal.

Our findings suggest that categorical traits like mycorrhizal association and phylogenetic group, in conjunction with root quality and climate, collectively serve as the optimal predictors of coarse root decomposition rates.

Our findings propose a paradigm of the dominant controls on coarse decomposition, with mycorrhizal association and phylogeny acting as critical roles on coarse root decomposition, necessitating their explicit consideration in Earth‐system models and ultimately improving confidence in projected carbon cycle–climate feedbacks.
The soil application of a plant‐derived protein hydrolysate speeds up selectively the ripening‐specific processes in table grape
Authors: Peli Marika , Ambrosini Stefano , Sorio Daniela , Pasquarelli Fabrizia , Zamboni Anita , Varanini Zeno
Published: December 2024

Plant‐derived biostimulants have gained attention in agricultural practices for their potential to enhance crop quality and resilience. In this study, we investigated the effects of applying a maize gluten‐derived protein hydrolysate at the soil level in vineyards on berry quality in a table grape variety, the Black Magic early table grapevine, during veraison. Our results demonstrate significant improvements in various parameters 14 days after application, including increased anthocyanin levels, enhanced sugar accumulation, and larger berry diameter while maintaining berry firmness. Transcriptomic analysis revealed mechanisms underlying these effects, highlighting the biostimulant's ability to expedite ripening processes while selectively modulating genes associated with cell wall metabolism, thus explaining the observed preservation of berry firmness. Furthermore, the treatment with a gluten‐derived protein hydrolysate enhanced the grapevine's resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses, and several related genes were affected. This study sheds light on the potential of plant‐derived biostimulants in grapevine cultivation, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate their mechanisms and optimize agricultural practices.
Differences in drought avoidance rather than differences in the fast versus slow growth spectrum explain distributions of two Asclepias species
Authors: Matzner Steven L. , Konz Emily R. , Marts Samantha A. , Eversman Haley M. , Kasuske Kyla M. , Atkins Trinity L. , Acharya Sneha , Matuck Lara C. , Derynck Lillian M. , Kreutzmann Sydney , Selberg Avery G. , Glisar Kelli M. , Capers Sydney A. , Lind Victoria L. , Olimb Sarah , Olson‐Manning Carrie F.
Published: December 2024

Understanding factors that determine a species' geographical range is crucial for predicting climate‐induced range shifts. Two milkweed species, Asclepias syriaca and Asclepias speciosa, have overlapping ranges along a moisture gradient in North America and are primary food sources for endangered monarch caterpillars. With decreasing moisture, long‐lived species often exhibit slower growth and greater drought tolerance, while many annual species exhibit faster growth strategies. Using this fast‐slow framework, we assessed whether traits of these two sister species differ along a fast‐slow growth continuum and could explain their distributions. We measured leaf and root functional traits in common gardens and greenhouse experiments. In key measures indicative of drought tolerance (e.g., growth, transpiration, and water potentials), the species were nearly identical. Contrary to expectations, A. speciosa did not exhibit greater drought tolerance, raising the question of how it survives in the more arid west. A reciprocal transplant study showed selection against A. syriaca in the western garden and that A. speciosa was better able to avoid seedling mortality. Focusing on seedling establishment, we found that A. speciosa exhibited faster deep‐root development and a narrow leaf phenotype associated with slower wilting and delayed drought‐induced mortality. Rather than differences on the fast‐slow growth spectrum, our results indicate that A. speciosa avoids drought through faster deep‐root growth and a slower wilting phenotype. Our study suggests that A. syriaca's range is limited by its drought tolerance, while A. speciosa employs a number of drought avoidance strategies to survive in more arid environments.
The Bias of Chinese Agricultural Enterprises’ Export: Profit Margin or Productivity?
Authors: Fan Qinqin , Wang Liming , Jia Wei
Published: December 2024

China's agricultural export has increased rapidly, but the export advantage has weakened. Agricultural enterprises (AEs) play a major role in China's agricultural export. Is there a bias in the export of AEs for improving either profit margin or productivity? The paper applies the panel data of Chinese AEs from 2014 to 2019 and uses the generalized method of moments and fixed effects (FE) model to test the impact of AEs’ export on profit margin and productivity. The results show that the productivity of Chinese agricultural export enterprises (AEEs) is significantly lower than that of agricultural non‐export enterprises (ANEs). The goal of AEs’ export is to increase profit margin rather than productivity; exports increase the profit margins of AEs, especially with a greater impact on the profit margin of low‐productivity AEs. The export scale has a higher impact on the profit margin of non‐continuous AEEs than that of continuous AEEs. However, the expansion of the export scale of AEs actually reduces their productivity. This study uses multiple methods to verify the robustness of the research conclusions.
How to … Build a Peer Reviewer Community in Health Professions Education
Authors: Lim Jun Jie , Cheetham Laura , Graham Christopher J. , Dunsmore Agata Anna , Barrett Aileen
Published: December 2024

Peer review is the cornerstone of academic publishing that upholds the quality and integrity of scholarly work. However, there is an ever‐growing struggle to recruit peer reviewers, termed the ‘peer review crisis’, driven by a shrinking academic workforce and increased workload. Additionally, there is a notable lack of standardised training for peer reviewers which poses a challenge in maintaining high‐quality reviews. In this ‘How to …’ paper, we demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of establishing a community of practice (CoP) aimed at fostering professional development among multiprofessional early‐career scholars in health professions education. A CoP is structured around three core components: domain, community and practice. This community's domain focuses on recruiting scholars with a shared interest in health professions education, research and peer review. The community's component promotes inclusive and regular interactions through synchronous meetings and asynchronous communication, encouraging engagement, mutual learning and collaboration among diverse participants. Practice is cultivated through peer‐led teaching sessions and the use of digital platforms, enabling participants to build peer review competencies collaboratively. Based on our experience as participants in the Association for the Studies of Medical Education (ASME) and The Clinical Teacher (TCT) awarded programme of professional development in educational research and peer review, we propose that this model may help other institutional health professions education groups and journals adopt similar practices. Providing early‐career scholars with opportunities to develop academic skills will not only help create a sustainable, high‐quality pool of peer reviewers but also cultivate a more inclusive and skilled scholarly community.
Possible effects of pesticide on biological nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment processes: A review
Authors: Zungu Phumza Vuyokazi , Mpongwana Ncumisa , Bux Faizal
Published: December 2024

The study filled a significant gap in our understanding of the possible effects of pesticide contamination on nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. Pesticides, which are extensively utilized in agriculture, can enter wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) through a variety of routes, including runoff and leaching. Biological wastewater treatment processes rely on the coordinated activity of microorganisms to effectively remove pollutants from the systems. Therefore, understanding the structure of microbial communities and their relationships to changing environmental conditions is crucial for the development and optimization of these systems. While limited research exists on the impact of pesticides on nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment, this study extrapolated findings from existing literature on pesticide impacts in soil environments. The research identified that pesticide concentrations in wastewater range from 1 to 16 000 ng l−1, raising concerns about environmental consequences. It was shown that pesticides could significantly alter nitrogen removal processes by affecting microbial populations and enzymatic pathways. Despite lower pesticide concentrations in wastewater than in soil, even trace levels could impede nitrification and denitrification processes. The study emphasized the importance of conducting extensive investigations on pesticide impacts in wastewater systems, considering the specific variables and treatment processes involved. This review increased worldwide understanding on the topic by laying the groundwork for future research and emphasizing the importance of reducing pesticide impacts on wastewater treatment to safeguard the environment and public health.
Suppression of TRIM72‐mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress facilitates FOXM1 promotion of diabetic ulcer healing
Authors: Peng Lingling , Tian Yaning , Wu Xiangkai , Liu Fengqi , Zhou Mingzhu , Wu Zixi , Xia Yumin , Liu Xiaoming , Cheng Chuantao
Published: December 2024

Foot ulcers are amongst the most prevalent complications of diabetes, known for their delayed healing process. Recent research indicates that the transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) plays a role in promoting diabetic ulcer repair. However, the precise mechanisms underlying FOXM1 functions in this context remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the role of tripartite motif‐containing protein 72 (TRIM72)‐mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress in FOXM1 promotive effects. Immunohistochemistry revealed that FOXM1 expression was significantly reduced in the lesion tissues of diabetic foot ulcer patients. In vitro experiments revealed a decrease in FOXM1 expression in cultured dermal fibroblasts under high glucose conditions. Activating FOXM1 with a plasmid accelerated the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of dermal fibroblasts and mitigated endoplasmic reticulum stress under high glucose conditions. Additionally, ChIP and luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that FOXM1 suppressed TRIM72 expression transcriptionally by binding to its promoter. Furthermore, high glucose induced ubiquitination of adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα), whilst inactivation of AMPKα signalling reversed the aforementioned effects of FOXM1 on cells. Finally, the FOXM1‐overexpressing plasmid was transfected in vivo, which promoted wound healing in a murine diabetic ulcer model. In conclusion, FOXM1 reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress by inhibiting TRIM72‐mediated AMPKα ubiquitination, thereby accelerating the healing of diabetic ulcers.
Recent advances in the structure, function and regulation of the volume‐regulated anion channels and their role in immunity
Authors: Yanushkevich Sergei , Zieminska Aleksandra , Gonzalez Joshua , Añazco Francisca , Song Richard , Arias‐Cavieres Alejandra , Granados Sara T. , Zou Junyi , Rao Yan , Concepcion Axel R.
Published: December 2024

Volume‐regulated anion channels (VRACs) are heteromeric complexes formed by proteins of the leucine‐rich repeat‐containing 8 (LRRC8) family. LRRC8A (also known as SWELL1) is the core subunit required for VRAC function, and it must combine with one or more of the other paralogues (i.e. LRRC8B–E) to form functional heteromeric channels. VRACs were discovered in T lymphocytes over 35 years ago and are found in virtually all vertebrate cells. Initially, these anion channels were characterized for their role in Cl− efflux during the regulatory volume decrease process triggered when cells are subjected to hypotonic challenges. However, substantial evidence suggests that VRACs also transport small molecules under isotonic conditions. These findings have expanded the research on VRACs to explore their functions beyond volume regulation. In innate immune cells, VRACs promote inflammation by modulating the transport of immunomodulatory cyclic dinucleotides, itaconate and ATP. In adaptive immune cells, VRACs suppress their function by taking up cyclic dinucleotides to activate the STING signalling pathway. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of LRRC8 proteins in immunity and discuss recent progress in their structure, function, regulation and mechanisms for channel activation and gating. Finally, we also examine potential immunotherapeutic applications of VRAC modulation.

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Coconut Oil–Based Green Cutting Fluid for Sustainability of Machining Operations: Studies on Different Surface Roughnesses
Authors: Dehariya Lalit , Narayana Sarma Rakesh , Vakakuzhiyil Gopinathan Anju , Kailas Satish V. , Somarajan Suvin Parayantayyathu , Edachery Vimal
Published: December 2024

Cutting fluids are crucial to machining, providing essential lubrication and thermal management during the process. Commercial Cutting Fluids (CCF) are generally based on mineral oils, with emulsifiers and additives that are produced chemically. Green Cutting Fluid (GCF), which is generally based on biodegradable plant-based oils, is an emerging alternative to CCF and is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and sustainable. In the present work, the viability of a coconut oil-based GCF has been evaluated to determine its suitability and effectiveness across a wide range of machining operations, by mimicking the surface roughness of various machining operations. For this, Ti–6Al–4V samples were prepared with unidirectional surface roughness in the 111- to 1350-nm range; the roughness range of various machining operations. The behavior of the GCF and CCF, including their Wettability, Interfacial Tension, Surface Energy, and tribological lubrication effectiveness, were studied and compared over these surfaces. The results show that the concentration of cutting fluid and surface roughness greatly influence the wettability and surface energy, respectively. GCF has shown competitive performance in comparison with CCF, showing its potential as a viable alternative to CCF . The article also includes a discussion on the sustainability and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of the GCF, and the work is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 3, 11, 12, 13, and 15.
Beta-Alanine for Improving Exercise Capacity, Muscle Strength, and Functional Performance of Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Camargo Júlio Benvenutti Bueno , Brigatto Felipe Alves
Published: December 2024

Background/Objective: Beta-alanine supplementation increases muscle carnosine content and also improves exercise capacity and performance in young adults, with mixed findings emerging from the few studies investigating its effects on older participants. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the evidence regarding the effects of beta-alanine on exercise capacity, muscle strength, and functional performance of older adults. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following the specific methodological guidelines of the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Furthermore, the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool was used. The search was carried out in five relevant databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) from inception up to March 2024. Results: Of the 1,749 registers identified, only five met the established criteria and were included in this systematic review. A total of 163 older adults (mean age ± SD: 69.1 ± 2.8 years; range: 66.2–72.7 years) were included across all five studies. The majority of studies included participants from both genders. The mean intervention duration ± SD was 11.7 ± 1.0 weeks. The mean daily dosage was 2.7 ± 0.4 g/day (range: 2.4–3.2 g/day). Conclusion: Overall, exercise capacity may be improved following supplementation protocols with dosages ranging from 2.4 to 3.2 g/day. Muscle strength and functional performance do not seem to be improved by beta-alanine since these tasks are not significantly impacted by acidosis buildup.
Remote Lesson Study as Continuing Professional Development for Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Colburn Jeffrey , Knipe Robert , Doherty Brooke , Stephenson Rachyl , Hamilton Xiaofen
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This study investigated experiences of physical education teachers (PETs) participating in online remote andragogy-based lesson study (AbLS) during a pandemic. Method: Five PETs participated in this phenomenological case study. Seventeen online AbLS collaborative meetings took place via Zoom software. Three rounds of semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using collaborative qualitative analysis. Results: Three themes emerged: (a) AbLS facilitated depth of learning, increasing professional and individual growth; (b) AbLS structure influenced experience; and (c) the professional community of AbLS supported a natural adult learning (andragogical) environment. Discussion/Conclusion: Remote AbLS presented benefits for these PETs beyond professional learning that prior continuing professional development had not, including a sense of community, belonging, and professional worth. AbLS may have implications for research in perceived mattering and continuing professional development facilitation for PETs. Remote AbLS may bolster PETs in challenging local learning communities.
The persistent pool of HIV-1-infected cells is formed episodically during untreated infection
Authors: Council Olivia D. , Tyers Lynn , Moeser Matthew , Sondgeroth Amy , Spielvogel Ean , Richardson Brian D. , Doolabh Deelan , Zhou Shuntai , Emery Ann , Archin Nancie M. , Shook-Sa Bonnie , Margolis David M. , Abdool Karim Salim S. , Kosakovsky Pond Sergei , Garrett Nigel , Abrahams Melissa-Rose , Joseph Sarah B. , Williamson Carolyn , Swanstrom Ronald
Published: December 2024

Previous studies have shown that the majority of long-lived cells harboring persistent HIV-1 proviral genomes originates from viruses circulating in the year prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, but a smaller proportion originates from viruses circulating much earlier in untreated infection. These observations suggest that discrete biological factors influence the entry and persistence of viruses into the persistent proviral pool, and there may be periods earlier in untreated infection with increased seeding. Therefore, we examined the timing of formation of the long-lived pool of infected cells that persists during ART in seven women (after a median of 5.1 years of suppressive ART) by comparing the phylogenetic distance between unique 3′ half genome on-ART proviral sequences and longitudinally sampled pre-ART viral RNA sequences, focusing on the period >1 year prior to ART initiation (i.e., the “early” proviral pool). We constructed models of continuous entry into the persistent proviral pool prior to ART initiation and analyzed the fit of our experimentally derived data to these models. We found that the pattern of persistent proviral pool formation in five of seven participants is incongruent with a model of continuous entry, implying that persistent proviral pool formation can occur episodically during untreated infection. Notably, increased entry into the persistent proviral pool was not universally observed during acute infection, and the timing of enhanced early entry differed across the participants.

IMPORTANCE

Cells harboring HIV-1 proviruses that persist on antiretroviral therapy (ART) constitute the main barrier to an HIV-1 cure. Recent work has elucidated that the majority of persisting proviruses harbor HIV-1 variants circulating near the time of ART initiation, whether the proviruses are intact or defective, though a portion forms earlier in untreated infection. We examined the formation of the “early-forming” persistent proviral pool and found that in 5/7 participants, persistent proviral pool formation was episodic, rather than continuous, suggesting that there are host/biological factors that periodically enhance the formation of the persistent proviral pool. Further characterization of these factors will aid in the development of methods to abrogate their effect, thereby reducing the size of the persistent proviral pool.
Dose-dependent serological profiling of AdCLD-CoV19-1 vaccine in adults
Authors: Lee Jung Hyuk , Shin Yuna , Shin Kwang-Soo , Park Ju Yeon , Kim Mi Sun , Park Young-Shin , Kim Wuhyun , Song Joon Young , Noh Ji Yun , Cheong Hee Jin , Kang Chang-Yuil , Seo Sang Hwan , Kim Jae-Ouk , Kim Deok Ryun , Hwang Nathaniel S. , Yang Jae Seung , Kim Jerome H. , Shim Byoung-Shik , Song Manki
Published: December 2024

AdCLD-CoV19-1, a chimeric adenovirus-based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine, was previously reported to elicit robust antibody responses in mice and non-human primates after a single dose. In this study, we conducted a systems serology analysis to investigate changes in humoral immune responses induced by varying doses of the AdCLD-CoV19-1 vaccine in a phase I clinical trial. Serum samples from participants receiving either a low or a high dose of the vaccine were analyzed for antibody features against prototype SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) domains (full-length S, S1, S2, and receptor binding domain), as well as Fc receptor binding and effector functions. While both low- and high-dose vaccines induced robust humoral immune responses following vaccination, the quality of antibody features differed between the dose groups. Notably, while no significant difference was observed between the groups in the induction of most S1-specific antibody features, the high-dose group exhibited higher levels of antibodies and a stronger Fc receptor binding response specific to the S2 antigen. Moreover, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the high-dose vaccine induced higher levels of S2-specific antibodies binding to FcγR2A and FcγR3B, closely associated with antibody-dependent neutrophil phagocytosis (ADNP). Further analysis using the Omicron BA.2 variant demonstrated that the high-dose group maintained significantly higher levels of IgG and FcγR3B binding to the S2 antigen and exhibited a significantly higher ADNP response for the S2 antigen compared with the low-dose group. These findings underscore the importance of considering diverse humoral immune responses when evaluating vaccine efficacy and provide insights for optimizing adenovirus vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses.

IMPORTANCE

Optimization of vaccine dose is crucial for eliciting effective immune responses. In addition to neutralizing antibodies, non-neutralizing antibodies that mediate Fc-dependent effector functions play a key role in protection against various infectious diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019. Using a systems serology approach, we demonstrated significant dose-dependent differences in the humoral immune responses induced by the AdCLD-CoV19-1 chimeric adenovirus-based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine, particularly against the SARS-CoV-2 spike 2 domain. These findings highlight the importance of assessing not only neutralizing antibody titers but also the quality and functionality of antibody responses when evaluating vaccine efficacy.