bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working memory and school readiness in preschool children with sickle cell disease compared to demographically matched controls
Authors: Heitzer Andrew M. , Schreiber Jane E. , Yuan Xiaomeng , Wang Fang , Pan Haitao , Graff J. Carolyn , Murphy Laura , Rupff Rebecca , Russell Kathryn , Wang Winfred , Estepp Jeremie H. , Hankins Jane S. , Porter Jerlym S. , Jacola Lisa M.
Published: October 2022

Children diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk of the development of neurobehavioural problems early in life. Specific impairments in executive function skills, including working memory, have been documented in school‐aged children with SCD. These executive skills are known to strongly contribute to early academic skills and preparedness for entering kindergarten. This study examined working memory and school readiness in preschool children with SCD compared to a healthy control group matched for race, sex and parent education. A total of 84 patients diagnosed with SCD (61.9% haemoglobin [Hb]SS/HbSβ0‐thalassaemia) and 168 controls completed testing. The mean (SD) ages of patients and controls at testing were 4.53 (0.38) and 4.44 (0.65) years respectively. The SCD group performed worse than controls on measures of executive function, working memory and school readiness (p < 0.01; Cohen'sDrange: 0.32–0.39). Measures of working memory were associated with school readiness after accounting for early adaptive development. Multiple linear regression models among patients diagnosed with SCD revealed that college education of the primary caregiver was positively associated with school readiness (p < 0.001) after controlling for sex, genotype, age and early adaptive development. These results highlight the need to implement school readiness interventions in young children diagnosed with SCD emphasising executive function skills.
Clinical and ultrasonic risk factors for high‐volume central lymph node metastasis in cN0 papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: A retrospective study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zhiyuan , Gui Zhiqiang , Wang Zhihong , Huang Jiapeng , He Liang , Dong Wenwu , Zhang Dalin , Zhang Ting , Shao Liang , Shi Jinyuan , Wu Pu , Ji Xiaoyu , Zhang Hao , Sun Wei
Published: October 2022

Objective

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) comprises more than 50% of all newly detected cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). High‐volume lymph node metastasis (involving >5 lymph nodes) (hv‐LNM) is associated with PTMC recurrence. In half of the clinically node‐negative (cN0) PTMC patients, central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is pathologically present. However, clinical risk factors for high‐volume CLNM (hv‐CLNM) in cN0 PTMC have not been defined well. Therefore, we aimed to obtain evidence for hv‐CLNM risk factors in cN0 PTMC.

Design

Data on patients who visited our hospital between January 2020 and December 2021 were collected; a preoperative diagnosis of cN0 and a postoperative pathological confirmation of PTMC were obtained. After filtering by inclusion versus exclusion criteria, the obtained data (N = 2268) were included in the meta‐analysis. Relevant studies published as of 10 April 2022, were identified from the Web of Science, PubMed, WANFANG, and CNKI databases. These eligible studies were included in the meta‐analysis and the association between clinicopathological factors and hv‐CLNM in cN0 PTMC was assessed. SPSS and MetaXL were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The meta‐analysis included 10 previous studies (11,734 patients) and 2268 patients enroled in our hospital for a total of 14,002 subjects. The results of which suggested that younger age (<40, odds ratio [OR] = 3.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.75–3.92, p < .001 or <45 odds ratio [OR] = 2.93, 95% CI = 2.31–3.72, p < .001), male sex (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.25–3.52, p < .001), tumour size >5 mm (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.39–2.47, p < .001), multifocality (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.56–2.26, p < .001), extrathyroidal extension (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 2.02–3.30, p < .001), capsule invasion (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.46–2.78, p < .001), microcalcification (OR = 3.25, 95% CI = 2.42–4.36, p < .001) and rich blood flow (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.21–2.25, p = .002) were the significant factors related to an elevated hv‐CLNM risk in cN0 PTMC patients. Hashimoto thyroiditis (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.55–1.07, p = .114), irregular margin (versus regular margin, OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.68–1.33, p = .787) and hypoechoic (versus nonhypoechoic, OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.84–1.92, p = .261) showed no significant association with hv‐CLNM.

Conclusions

Younger age, tumour size >5 mm, males, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, microcalcification, capsular invasion, and rich blood flow were the significant clinicopathological risk factors for hv‐CLNM risk in cN0 PTMC patients. These predictors may compensate for the sensitivity of imaging diagnosis in the preoperative period, thus helping in the effective identification of PTMCs with an invasive phenotype.
Long‐term predictive value of highly sensitive thyroglobulin measurement
Authors: Bögershausen Larissa R. , Giovanella Luca , Stief Thomas , Luster Markus , Verburg Frederik A.
Published: October 2022

Objective

To examine the predictive value of unremarkable nonstimulated highly sensitive thyroglobulin (hsTg) measurement with regard to the results of stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement, diagnostic whole‐body scintigraphy, recurrence and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)‐related death.

Design, Patients and Measurements

We retrospectively analysed the data of all 461 (410 without anti‐Tg‐antibodies [TgAbs], 51 with) DTC patients who were referred to our department for treatment and follow‐up care of differentiated thyroid cancer from 2004 onwards, and in whom at least one posttreatment Tg value was measured in our hospital at least 3 months after I‐131 ablation.

Results

In the group of TgAb‐negative patients, 2.0% of patients with an unstimulated Tg < 0.1 ng/ml showed a stimulated Tg ≥ 1.0 ng/ml, whereas this happened in 77.6% with an unstimulated Tg ≥ 0.1 but <1.0 ng/ml. An unstimulated hsTg ≥ 0.1 ng/ml had a sensitivity specificity positive and negative predictive value of 90.0%, 94.1%, 77.6% and 97.6%, respectively, for a stimulated Tg ≥ 1.0 ng/ml. In TgAb‐positive patients, this was 75%, 97%, 75% and 97%, respectively. An unstimulated Tg ≥ 0.1 ng/ml did not significantly discriminate with regard to the risk of DTC‐related death (p = .06), but ≥1.0 ng/ml did (p = .012), as did a stimulated Tg ≥ 1.0 ng/ml (p = .029). Excluding patients with distant metastases at diagnosis nullifies this significance.

Conclusion

Except for patients with distant metastases, both TgAb negative and TgAb positive patients with an undetectable nonstimulated hsTg measurement have a very good prognosis. The high net present value of unstimulated hsTg testing means that further diagnostic procedures can be omitted in such patients.
Hyperbaric oxygen improves depression‐like behaviors in chronic stress model mice by remodeling gut microbiota and regulating host metabolism
Authors: Zhang Bohan , Dong Wenwen , Ma Zhixin , Duan Shuxian , Han Ruina , Lv Zhou , Liu Xinru , Mao Yanfei
Published: October 2022

Aims

There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota plays a significant part in the pathophysiology of chronic stress. The dysbiosis of the gut microbiota closely relates to dysregulation of microbiota–host cometabolism. Composition changes in the gut microbiota related to perturbations in metabolic profiles are vital risk factors for disease development. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is commonly applied as an alternative or primary therapy for various diseases. Therefore, a metabolic and gut bacteria perspective is essential to uncover possible mechanisms of chronic stress and the therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygenation. We determined that there were significantly disturbed metabolites and disordered gut microbiota between control and chronic stress group. The study aims to offer further information on the interactions between host metabolism, gut microbiota, and chronic stress.

Methods

At present, chronic unpredictable mild stress is considered the most widespread method of modeling chronic stress in animals, so we used a chronic unpredictable mild stress mouse model to characterize changes in the metabolome and microbiome of depressed mice by combining 16S rRNA gene sequencing and UHPLC–MS/MS‐based metabolomics. Pearson's correlation‐based clustering analysis was performed with above metabolomics and fecal microbiome data to determine gut microbiota‐associated metabolites.

Results

We found that 18 metabolites showed a significant correlation with campylobacterota. Campylobacterota associated metabolites were significantly enriched mainly in the d‐glutamate and d‐glutamine metabolism. Hyperoxia treatment may improve depression‐like behaviors in chronic stress model mice through regulating the disrupted metabolites.

Conclusions

Hyperbaric oxygen improves depression‐like behaviors in chronic stress model mice by remodeling Campylobacterota associated metabolites.
Combined utility of p16 and BRAF V600E in the evaluation of spitzoid tumors: Superiority to PRAME and correlation with FISH
Authors: McAfee John L. , Scarborough Richard , Jia Xuefei Sophia , Azzato Elizabeth M. , Astbury Caroline , Ronen Shira , Andea Aleodor A. , Billings Steven D. , Ko Jennifer S.
Published: October 2022

Background

Spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms are diagnostically challenging; criteria for malignancy continue to evolve. The ability to predict chromosomal abnormalities with immunohistochemistry (IHC) could help select cases requiring chromosomal evaluation.

Methods

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)‐tested spitzoid neoplasms at our institution (2013–2021) were reviewed. p16, BRAF V600E, and preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) IHC results were correlated with FISH.

Results

A total of 174 cases (1.9F:1M, median age 28 years; range, 5 months–74 years) were included; final diagnoses: Spitz nevus (11%), atypical Spitz tumor (47%), spitzoid dysplastic nevus (9%), and spitzoid melanoma (32%). Sixty (34%) were FISH positive, most commonly with absolute 6p25 gain (RREB1 > 2). Dermal mitotic count was the only clinicopathologic predictor of FISH. Among IHC‐stained cases, p16 was lost in 55 of 134 cases (41%); loss correlated with FISH positive (p < 0.001, Fisher exact test). BRAF V600E (14/88, 16%) and PRAME (15/56, 27%) expression did not correlate with FISH alone (p = 0.242 and p = 0.359, respectively, Fisher exact test). When examined together, however, p16‐retained/BRAF V600E‐negative lesions had low FISH‐positive rates (5/37, 14%; 4/37, 11% not counting isolated MYB loss); all other marker combinations had high rates (56%–75% of cases; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

p16/BRAF V600E IHC predicts FISH results. “Low‐risk” lesions (p16+/BRAF V600E−) uncommonly have meaningful FISH abnormalities (11%). PRAME may have limited utility in this setting.
Attitudes and emotional status of parents regarding traumatic dental injuries
Authors: Sakaryalı Uyar Didem , Uyar Tansel , Memiş Özgül Betül
Published: October 2022

Background/Aims

Traumatic dental injuries have different effects on children and their parents, depending on the type of trauma and whether it is in primary or permanent teeth. Parents do not always seek immediate intervention for their children after each traumatic dental injury unless accompanied by conditions such as pain or bleeding that will increase emotional stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the emotional status of parents and parents' attitudes toward urgent intervention for different traumatic dental injuries in both primary and permanent teeth.

Material and Methods

A questionnaire consisting of two parts was designed with a reliability coefficient of 0.87 according to the results of a pilot study. The questionnaire was sent to parents as a Google Form via online communication methods such as WhatsApp and e‐mail. The first part included questions about the demographic data of the parents and children, and the second part consisted of images of traumatic dental injuries of primary and permanent teeth with questions to evaluate the emotional state of the parents and awareness of the necessity for urgent intervention. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the emotional state, and “Absolutely yes;” “Yes;” “I don't have an idea;” “No;” and “Absolutely no” statements were used to evaluate parents' attitudes about urgent intervention. Categorical variables were shown as numbers and percentages and analyzed with Pearson chi‐square. Statistical significance was evaluated for p < .05, and correlations between variables were calculated with Pearson correlation.

Results

The survey was completed by 845 parents. All traumatic injuries except extrusion (p = .202; p ≥ .05) had statistically different VAS scores for primary and permanent teeth (p < .05). Parents' attitudes for urgent intervention were statistically significant for all traumatic injuries (p < .05) except 4‐mm intrusion (p = .062; p ≥ .05), alveolar fracture (p = .282; p ≥ .05), complicated crown fracture (p = .136; p ≥ .05), and non‐traumatized healthy teeth (p = .110; p ≥ .05).

Conclusions

Traumatic dental injuries with excessive bleeding or tissue loss affect the emotional status of parents more than simple injuries, and they prefer to refer to dentists immediately. Parents responded with higher VAS scores and stronger desires for urgent intervention for permanent teeth injuries compared with primary teeth injuries which shows that parents still do not care about primary teeth as much as permanent teeth.
Flight muscle structure and flight capacity of females of the long‐distance migratory armyworm,Spodoptera frugiperda: effect of aging and reproduction, and trade‐offs between flight and fecundity
Authors: Guo Ping , Yu Hong , Xu Jin , Li Yong‐He , Ye Hui
Published: October 2022

Insects in flight achieve the highest metabolism rates and wing beat frequency known in the animal kingdom, but how they do this is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate the structure and arrangement of flight muscles in the thorax ofSpodoptera frugiperdaSmith & Abbot (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Dorsoventral direct flight muscles are stronger and more complicated than dorsoventral indirect flight muscles, which may be important for the moth to swiftly control the trajectory. The abundance of giant mitochondria and the extensive tracheolar system in flight muscle are two prominent features that are well adapted to the special requirements of flight. Parameters of flight muscle and flight capacity were lower in young females, and then increased with time and peaked in middle‐aged females. Mating accelerated the deterioration of the structure and function of flight muscles. Virgin females showed lower ovarian development rate but higher flight capacity than mated females. Further analysis found that female flight capacity was significantly negatively correlated to her fecundity, suggesting a trade‐off between flight and reproduction. The resource allocation to flight and egg production may be the result of a balance between the intensity of natural and sexual selection on both traits.
Students' attitudes and knowledge on pain and pain management in paediatric dentistry—An observational study
Authors: Jaldin Claudia , Krekmanova Larisa
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The dental and dental hygienist educational programs prepare students with knowledge on children's prophylactic pain treatment and pain management. Observing the students' understanding could help educational efforts to be more student oriented. The aim was to evaluate dental and dental hygienist students' knowledge and attitudes on pain prevention and pain management in children and adolescents, applying a multidimensional questionnaire previously used on general dental practitioners.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred and four dental and dental hygienist students at Swedish universities were eligible for the survey. Written and oral information was given about the study's aim, methods, anonymity and voluntary participation. The multidimensional questionnaire included 47 closed questions.

Results

The total responding rate was 65.4%; dental students 61.1% and dental hygienist students 92.8%. The total mean of knowledge and attitudes, beneficial for the treating of patient pain, varied between 57.1% and 83.3%. The biggest knowledge gap was identified regarding the items: Children under 2 years of age experience less pain than children over 2 years undergoing similar treatment(34.3%), The dentist is better suited than the parent to judge if a child is in pain (29.4%), and usually the child's pain experience diminishes when the parents are present (24.2%).

Conclusion

Dental and dental hygienist students reported vastly spread knowledge and attitudes regarding pain prophylactic and pain management in children and adolescents, as measured by a multidimensional questionnaire previously used on GDPs. Knowledge on students' understanding of the young patient's pain could help educational efforts to be more student oriented. The questionnaire must be further modified and more extensively tested to meet each participating students' program level.
Subclinical peripheral neuropathy is common in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease with dominant encephalopathy
Authors: Hong Daojun , Wang Hui , Zhu Min , Peng Yun , Huang Pengcheng , Zheng Yilei , Yu Meng , Meng Lingchao , Li Fan , Yu Jiaxi , Zhou Meihong , Deng Jianwen , Wang Zhaoxia , Yuan Yun
Published: October 2022

Background and purpose

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is associated with CGG repeat expansion in the NOTCH2NLC gene. Although pure or dominant peripheral neuropathy has been described as a subtype of NIID in a few patients, most NIID patients predominantly show involvements of the central nervous system (CNS). It is necessary to further explore whether these patients have subclinical peripheral neuropathy.

Methods

Twenty‐eight NIID patients, clinically characterized by CNS‐dominant involvements, were recruited from two tertiary hospitals. Standard nerve conduction studies were performed in all patients. Skin and sural nerve biopsies were performed in 28 and 15 patients, respectively. Repeat‐primed polymerase chain reaction and amplicon length polymerase chain reaction were used to screen the CGG repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC.

Results

All 28 patients can be diagnosed with NIID based on skin pathological and genetic changes. All patients predominantly showed CNS symptoms mainly characterized by episodic encephalopathy and cognitive impairments, but no clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy could be observed initially. Electrophysiological abnormalities were found in 96.4% (27/28) of these patients, indicating that subclinical peripheral neuropathy is common in NIID patients with CNS‐dominant type. Electrophysiological and neuropathological studies revealed that demyelinating degeneration was the main pathological pattern in these patients, although mild axonal degeneration was also observed in some patients. No significant association between CGG repeat size and the change of nerve conduction velocity was found in these patients.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that most patients with CNS‐dominant NIID had subclinical peripheral neuropathy. Electrophysiological examination should be the routinely diagnostic workflow for every NIID patient.
Financial communication as a mediator between financial values and marital outcomes
Authors: LeBaron‐Black Ashley B. , Saxey Matthew T. , Totenhagen Casey J. , Wheeler Brandan E. , Archuleta Kristy L. , Yorgason Jeremy B. , James Spencer
Published: October 2022

Objective

We test whether perceived similarity of partners' financial values is associated with marital satisfaction and stability and whether financial communication mediates these associations.

Background

Although many studies have found links between finances and marital satisfaction, marital stability has been understudied. Additionally, many studies have examined the impact of couple financial behaviors on marital outcomes but have failed to account for the role of financial values in shaping those behaviors. Couple and finances theory motivated the study and guided our hypotheses.

Method

We used dyadic data from the Couple Relationships and Transition Experiences project, a nationally representative sample of newlyweds (N = 1,700 different‐sex couples). We conducted an actor–partner interdependence model to test direct and indirect associations.

Results

Partners who perceived similar financial values are better able to communicate with their spouse about money, which in turn predicts marital satisfaction and stability. We found both actor and partner associations and evidence of both full and partial mediation.

Conclusion

Our results support previous research demonstrating the importance of shared financial values in understanding relationship outcomes. Additionally, financial communication is a mechanism linking these constructs.

Implications

Our findings may inform interventions for increasing marital satisfaction and stability and for improving couple financial communication.
Estimating Characteristic Grain Sizes and Effective Porosity from Hydraulic Conductivity Data
Authors: Peche Aaron , Houben Georg J.
Published: October 2022

In groundwater applications, knowledge about a range of hydraulically relevant parameters is beneficial to counteract data scarcity and enhance parameter robustness. The present study provides a novel procedure to reverse engineer representative grain diameters and effective porosity from values of hydraulic conductivity. A large data set comprising more than 500 sieve curves and more than 1000 values of hydraulic conductivity was analyzed for interparameter dependencies between characteristic grain sizes, hydraulic conductivity and effective porosity. Based on that analysis, a mathematical model consisting of a set of empirical and physically based equations was developed. The procedure was applied on another large data set and its accuracy, deviations and error propagation were quantified. The method works best for well‐sorted sediments. Practical examples are given in order to demonstrate the range of applicability of the procedure. The input is interchangeable, such that different input data enable calculating characteristic grain sizes, hydraulic conductivity and effective porosity. A free, open‐source stand‐alone GUI of the procedure is available for download.
Increased acute care utilisation, comorbidities and mortality in adults with haemophilia: A population‐based cohort study from 2012 to 2019
Authors: Alam Arafat Ul , Goodyear M. Dawn , Wu Cynthia , Sun Haowei (Linda)
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Improvements in treatment strategies have led to increased life expectancy of persons with haemophilia (PWH). Consequently, age‐related comorbidities become increasingly relevant.

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of age‐related comorbidities, mortality, health service utilisation and predictors of hospitalisation in PWH compared to the general population.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data. Men with haemophilia were identified in Alberta, Canada (2012–2019) with a validated case definition and were age‐matched with male population controls. We calculated the prevalence of major comorbidities, all‐cause mortality, and examined health service utilisation including Emergency Department visits and hospitalisations. Logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of hospitalisation.

Results

We identified 198 and 329 persons with moderately severe haemophilia and mild/moderate, respectively. Moderately severe haemophilia had a higher risk of death (standardised mortality ratio 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–6.3) compared to the general population. PWH had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, liver diseases and malignancies than controls. Moderately severe haemophilia was associated with significantly higher rates of hospitalisations (52.5% vs. 14.5%), Emergency Department visits (89.1% vs. 62.7%) and intensive care admissions (8.9% vs. 2.3%). Age > 65 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.8) and presence of multiple comorbidities (aOR 3.9) were significant predictors of hospitalisations among PWH.

Conclusion

Despite advanced care, haemophilia is associated with higher acute care utilisation than the general population, highlighting the substantial burden of illness on patients and the health care system.
Optimizing the implementation of lung cancer screening in Scotland: Focus group participant perspectives in the LUNGSCOT study
Authors: Cavers Debbie , Nelson Mia , Rostron Jasmin , Robb Kathryn A. , Brown Lynsey R. , Campbell Christine , Akram Ahsan R. , Dickie Graeme , Mackean Melanie , van Beek Edwin J. R. , Sullivan Frank , Steele Robert J. , Neilson Aileen R. , Weller David
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Targeted lung cancer screening is effective in reducing lung cancer and all‐cause mortality according to major trials in the United Kingdom and Europe. However, the best ways of implementing screening in local communities requires an understanding of the population the programme will serve. We undertook a study to explore the views of those potentially eligible for, and to identify potential barriers and facilitators to taking part in, lung screening, to inform the development of a feasibility study.

Methods

Men and women aged 45–70, living in urban and rural Scotland, and either self‐reported people who smoke or who recently quit, were invited to take part in the study via research agency Taylor McKenzie. Eleven men and 14 women took part in three virtual focus groups exploring their views on lung screening. Focus group transcripts were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis, assisted by QSR NVivo.

Findings

Three overarching themes were identified: (1) Knowledge, awareness and acceptability of lung screening, (2) Barriers and facilitators to screening and (3) Promoting screening and implementation ideas. Participants were largely supportive of lung screening in principle and described the importance of the early detection of cancer. Emotional and psychological concerns as well as system‐level and practical issues were discussed as posing barriers and facilitators to lung screening.

Conclusions

Understanding the views of people potentially eligible for a lung health check can usefully inform the development of a further study to test the feasibility and acceptability of lung screening in Scotland.

Patient or Public Contribution

The LUNGSCOT study has convened a patient advisory group to advise on all aspects of study development and implementation. Patient representatives commented on the focus group study design, study materials and ethics application, and two representatives read the focus group transcripts.
Melatonin decreases plasma TNF‐α and improves nonenzymatic antioxidant defence and insulin sensitivity in rats with apical periodontitis fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: dos Santos Rodrigo Martins , Tsosura Thais Verônica Saori , Belardi Bianca Elvira , Chaves‐Neto Antonio Hernandes , Chiba Fernando Yamamoto , Mattera Maria Sara de Lima Coutinho , Tessarin Gestter Willian Lattari , Bravo Lara Teschi , Cintra Luciano Tavares Angelo , Matsushita Dóris Hissako
Published: October 2022

Aim

To analyse the effects of melatonin (ME) treatment on oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) in rats with apical periodontitis (AP) fed a high‐fat diet (HFD).

Methodology

Eighty 60‐day‐old rats were divided into eight groups: control (CN), AP, HFD with AP (HFDAP), control with ME (CNME), AP with ME (APME), HFD with ME (HFDME) and HFD with AP+ME (HFDAPME). The animals from the HFD groups were fed a HFD throughout the experimental period. On day 7, the animals from the AP groups were subjected to experimental AP, and after 70 days, the ME groups were treated for 30 days. Glycaemia, insulinaemia, homeostatic model assessment for IR index, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐6 were analysed in plasma using biochemical tests and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), carbonyl protein (CP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]) were analysed in the gastrocnemius muscle.

Results

(1) Association of AP and HDF exacerbated IR, and ME treatment improved this alteration; (2) AP and HFD and their association showed increased TNF‐α, and ME reversed it; (3) TBARS increased in the AP and HFDAP groups, and ME reversed only in the group with the association of disease and diet; (4) CP increased in all HFD groups and improved in the ME groups; (5) GSH activity decreased in all experimental groups, and ME increased this parameter only in the CN and AP groups; (6) FRAP did not change between the groups, but ME treatment increased its activity in the AP and HFD groups; (7) ME increased SOD in the CN and AP groups.

Conclusion

Apical periodontitis and HFD promoted IR, and the association of AP with diet promoted IR exacerbation; this resistance might have been caused by an increase in TNF‐α. AP promoted more intense changes in lipid oxidative damage than in protein oxidative damage. In non‐enzymatic antioxidant defence, it was observed that both AP and HFD and their association promoted a decrease in GSH levels. Overall, ME treatment reversed changes such as oxidative stress and IR.
METTL14 promotes migration and invasion of choroidal melanoma by targeting RUNX2 mRNA via m6A modification
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zhang Xiaonan , Liu Tengyue , Zhang Zhe , Piao Chiyuan , Ning Hong
Published: October 2022

The modification of N6‐methyladenosine is involved in the progression of various cancers. This study aimed to clarify its regulatory mechanism in the pathogenesis of choroidal melanoma. Expression of methyltransferase‐like 14 in choroidal melanoma or normal choroidal tissues was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The impacts of methyltransferase‐like 14 on invasion and migration of choroidal melanoma cells were determined using functional and animal experiments. The interaction between methyltransferase‐like 14 and its downstream target was identified by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation and a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway was evaluated by Western blot. Methyltransferase‐like 14 was upregulated in choroidal melanoma compared to the normal choroidal tissues. Overexpression or knockdown of methyltransferase‐like 14 enhanced or inhibited the invasion and migration of choroidal melanoma cells, respectively, both in vivo and in vitro. Methyltransferase‐like 14 directly targeted downstream runt‐related transcription factor 2 mRNA, depending on N6‐methyladenosine. Additionally, the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway was activated by methyltransferase‐like 14 in choroidal melanoma cells. Our study identified a novel RNA regulatory mechanism in which runt‐related transcription factor 2 was upregulated by enhanced expression of methyltransferase‐like 14 via N6‐methyladenosine modification, thus facilitating migration and invasion of choroidal melanoma cells.
A new isolate of Streptomyces lateritius (Z1‐26) with antibacterial activity against fish pathogens and immune enhancement effects on crucian carp (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Yang Yahui , Jin Duo , Long Wensu , Lai Ximiao , Sun Yunjun , Zhai Feng , Wang Pan , Zhou Xixun , Hu Yibo , Xia Liqiu , Yi Ganfeng
Published: October 2022

The Streptomyces lateritius Z1‐26 was isolated from soil samples which showed broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity against a broad range of fish pathogens. The In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS) monitored that strain Z1‐26 could survive and colonize in the gills and abdomen of crucian carp. The effects of dietary supplementation with strain Z1‐26 were evaluated with respect to the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune response of crucian carp. The results showed that the Z1‐26‐fed fish had a significantly higher growth rate than the fish fed the control diet. The immune and antioxidant parameters revealed that the non‐specific immune indicators (AKP, SOD, and LZM) of the serum, the expression of immune‐related genes (IgM, C3, and LZM), and antioxidant‐related genes (Nrf2 and Keap1) of the immune organs were significantly increased, whereas the expression of pro‐inflammatory factors (IL‐1β, IL‐8, and TNF‐α) of the immune organs was significantly down‐regulated in crucian carp fed strain Z1‐26 compared with fish fed a control diet. Moreover, fish fed with Z1‐26 supplemented diets showed a significantly improved survival rate after Aeromonas hydrophila infection. In addition, the whole genome analysis showed that strain Z1‐26 possesses 28 gene clusters, including 6 polyketide synthetase (PKS), 4 non‐ribosomal peptide‐synthetase (NRPS), 1 bacteriocin, and 1 lantipeptide. In summary, these results indicated that strain Z1‐26 could improve the growth performance and disease resistance in crucian carp, and has the potential to be developed as a candidate probiotics for the control of bacterial diseases in aquaculture.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of mango seed kernel butter and assessment of its physicochemical, thermal, and structural properties
Authors: Kaur Brahmeet , Panesar Parmjit Singh , Anal Anil Kumar
Published: October 2022

Mango is an important tropical fruit with worldwide consumption and acceptance; however, the production of a large volume of waste in the form of mango seed kernels after the processing of mango has been a menace to food processing industries. Extraction of mango seed kernel butter from mango seed kernel can be an effective solution for the valorization of these by‐products. Among all the green techniques tested in the present studies, ultrasound‐assisted extraction gave the highest yield of mango seed kernel butter (11%) at 25°C, 1:20 solid–liquid ratio, 30% amplitude after a treatment time of 10 min. Physicochemical, structural, and thermal profiles of the extracted mango seed kernel butter revealed a comparatively superior quality of fat obtained using the ultrasonication technique as compared to the conventional method. Peroxide value, acid value, and antioxidant activity of mango seed kernel butter obtained using ultrasonication were found to be 2.8 meq/kg, 3.81 mg KOH/g, and 30.7%, respectively. Mango seed kernel butter, being a natural antioxidant, can serve as a promising substitute to edible oils and as a functional food ingredient in bakery and confectionery.

Practical applications

Valorization of mango seed kernels for the extraction of mango seed kernel butter offers a sustainable and economical solution for the effective management of by‐products generated after mango processing. The application of ultrasonication can prove to be an effective green technique for the extraction of mango seed kernel butter with a higher yield obtained with lesser time and solvent consumption than conventional techniques. The ultrasonically extracted mango seed kernel butter exhibited better physicochemical and structural attributes than the conventional method without causing any negative impact on the nutritional profile of the obtained fat. The extracted mango seed kernel butter can be utilized as a functional food ingredient in applications of bakery and confectionary industries.
IQ67 DOMAIN protein 21 is critical for indentation formation in pavement cell morphogenesis
Authors: Feng Xinhua , Pan Shujuan , Tu Haifu , Huang Junjie , Xiao Chuanlei , Shen Xin , You Lei , Zhao Xinyan , Chen Yongqiang , Xu Danyun , Qu Xiaolu , Hu Honghong
Published: October 2022

In plants, cortical microtubules anchor to the plasma membrane in arrays and play important roles in cell shape. However, the molecular mechanism of microtubule binding proteins, which connect the plasma membrane and cortical microtubules in cell morphology remains largely unknown. Here, we report that a plasma membrane and microtubule dual‐localized IQ67 domain protein, IQD21, is critical for cotyledon pavement cell (PC) morphogenesis in Arabidopsis. iqd21 mutation caused increased indentation width, decreased lobe length, and similar lobe number of PCs, whereas IQD21 overexpression had a different effect on cotyledon PC shape. Weak overexpression led to increased lobe number, decreased indentation width, and similar lobe length, while moderate or great overexpression resulted in decreased lobe number, indentation width, and lobe length of PCs. Live‐cell observations revealed that IQD21 accumulation at indentation regions correlates with lobe initiation and outgrowth during PC development. Cell biological and genetic approaches revealed that IQD21 promotes transfacial microtubules anchoring to the plasma membrane via its polybasic sites and bundling at the indentation regions in both periclinal and anticlinal walls. IQD21 controls cortical microtubule organization mainly through promoting Katanin 1‐mediated microtubule severing during PC interdigitation. These findings provide the genetic evidence that transfacial microtubule arrays play a determinant role in lobe formation, and the insight into the molecular mechanism of IQD21 in transfacial microtubule organization at indentations and puzzle‐shaped PC development.
Role of estrogen in women's Alzheimer's disease risk as modified by APOE
Authors: Valencia‐Olvera Ana C. , Maldonado Weng Juan , Christensen Amy , LaDu Mary Jo , Pike Christian J.
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by numerous sexual dimorphisms that impact the development, progression, and probably the strategies to prevent and treat the most common form of dementia. In this review, we consider this topic from a female perspective with a specific focus on how women's vulnerability to the disease is affected by the individual and interactive effects of estrogens and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Importantly, APOE appears to modulate systemic and neural outcomes of both menopause and estrogen‐based hormone therapy. In the brain, dementia risk is greater in APOE4 carriers, and the impacts of hormone therapy on cognitive decline and dementia risk vary according to both outcome measure and APOE genotype. Beyond the CNS, estrogen and APOE genotype affect vulnerability to menopause‐associated bone loss, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease risk. An emerging concept that may link these relationships is the possibility that the effects of APOE in women interact with estrogen status by mechanisms that may include modulation of estrogen responsiveness. This review highlights the need to consider the key AD risk factors of advancing age in a sex‐specific manner to optimize development of therapeutic approaches for AD, a view aligned with the principle of personalized medicine.
Enhancing Design Activity and Review Experience Through Hybridizing Desktop and Virtual Environments
Authors: Kim Hwan , Yi Taeha , Hyun Kyung Hoon , Park Hyoung-June
Published: October 2022

Although virtual reality (VR) applications can provide immersive experiences, the design process is mainly executed in a desktop environment (DE). The omniscient point-of-view of the desktop allows the user to explore shapes and objects and their relationships with each other conveniently and efficiently. However, unlike a VR environment (VE), it is difficult for the user to perceive the space through their natural spatial perception from the first-person point-of-view in a DE. Although VEs and DEs have advantages and limitations, research exploring the design activity and review experience using these two mediums is limited. Thus, a method of integrating the characteristics and advantages of existing VEs and DEs is proposed as a hybrid design environment (HE). Empirical comparisons of the three environments (VE, DE, and HE) were performed according to the indicators of system usability, perceived workload, and satisfaction through a series of user experiments ( n = 12), showing that the HE was superior on all indicators to the VE. Specifically, participants evaluated the usability of the VE method as the worst and found no significant difference between the usability of the DE and the HE. Perceived workload demand was significantly greater in the VE, and satisfaction levels were also significantly lower than in the other environments. Although the HE allowed both desktop and VR use, participants spent most of their time in the DE and used the VE primarily for design review.
The development of the Standardised Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism (STAB): An international road map
Authors: Manfredini Daniele , Ahlberg Jari , Aarab Ghizlane , Bracci Alessandro , Durham Justin , Emodi‐Perlman Alona , Ettlin Dominik , Gallo Luigi M. , Häggman‐Henrikson Birgitta , Koutris Michail , Peroz Ingrid , Svensson Peter , Wetselaar Peter , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: October 2022

This paper summarises the background reasoning and work that led to the selection of the items included in the Standardised Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism (STAB), also introducing the list of items. The instrument is currently being tested for face validity and on‐field comprehension. The underlying premise is that the different motor activities included in the bruxism spectrum (e.g. clenching vs. grinding, with or without teeth contact) potentially need to be discriminated from each other, based on their purportedly different aetiology, comorbidities and potential consequences. Focus should be on a valid impression of the activities' frequency, intensity and duration. The methods that can be used for the above purposes can be grouped into strategies that collect information from the patient's history (subject‐based), from the clinical assessment performed by an examiner (clinically based) or from the use of instruments to measure certain outcomes (instrumentally based). The three strategies can apply to all aspects of bruxism (i.e. status, comorbid conditions, aetiology and consequences). The STAB will help gathering information on many aspects, factors and conditions that are currently poorly investigated in the field of bruxism. To this purpose, it is divided into two axes. Axis A includes the self‐reported information on bruxism status and potential consequences (subject‐based report) together with the clinical (examiner report) and instrumental assessment (technology report). Axis B includes the self‐reported information (subject‐based report) on factors and conditions that may have an etiological or comorbid role for bruxism. This comprehensive multidimensional assessment system will allow building predictive model for clinical and research purposes.
Dental floss ties for rubber dam isolation: A proposed classification and a new technique
Authors: Alkhatib Osama A. , Bissasu Sami , Daud Alaa
Published: October 2022

Rubber dam application has become an essential part of restorative dentistry. In late 2019, dentistry faced a new challenge with the COVID‐19 pandemic and therefore, the implementation of extra isolation methods became crucial. This article introduces a classification of dental floss ties used with a rubber dam, including the “simple” ties that are subdivided into traditional ties, single‐loop self‐ligating ties and double‐loop self‐ligating ties, and a new state‐of‐the‐art design. The “compound tie” design incorporates a combination of one or more subdivisions of the simple ties. This new design may provide better isolation and more consistent gingival tissue retraction. Furthermore, due to the advanced technique applied, the tie will offer improved stability and prevent the sheet from sliding over the dental floss tie from all surfaces.
Collaborative Strategies to Improve Nutrition Security and Education: Lessons Learned During a Pandemic
Authors: Rosales Ashley , Young Shannan , Mendez Tracy , Shelden Kristal , Holdaway Megan
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

The COVID‐19 pandemic intensified disparities for underserved populations as accessing resources became more difficult. Dairy Council of California launched the Let's Eat Healthy initiative to address nutrition security through collaborative solutions in the school environment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

To ensure nutrition security for children and families, nutritious food and nutrition education must go hand‐in‐hand. Improving access to high quality food can help address the health disparities that exist for people who are at increased risk for food insecurity. Nutrition education supports students' holistic learning and social and emotional learning skills. Nutrition education models must be increasingly flexible in the face of ongoing challenges. Collaborative efforts to connect food access hubs, such as schools, with support and resources to provide evidence‐based nutrition education and agricultural literacy can equip individuals and communities with the knowledge, skills, and ability to make nutrient‐rich food choices.

CONCLUSIONS

Investments and strategies in nutrition security that utilize the Individual plus Policy, System, and Environmental (I + PSE) model, such as the Let's Eat Healthy initiative, will effectively influence positive behavior change and improve community health. Navigating challenges in a rapidly changing environment requires people and organizations to work together, across disciplines, to leverage knowledge, experience, resources, expertise, and creative thinking. Improving access to healthy food and nutrition education will be most effective when done through collaboration.
The purity of impure public goods
Authors: Brumme Anja , Buchholz Wolfgang , Rübbelke Dirk
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we provide a new perspective on the links between the analysis of the voluntary provision of pure and impure public goods. In particular, it is shown that the impure public good model can be transformed into a pure public good one. This innovative method not only leads to new comparative statics results, but also provides new insights on the impure public good model, for example, on causes of the nonneutrality of income transfers with regard to Nash equilibria in the impure public good case.
Organophosphate pesticide exposure and biomarkers of liver injury/liver function
Authors: Li Wei , Xiao Haitao , Wu Hong , Xu Xuewen , Zhang Yange
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

There is little epidemiological evidence linking the exposure of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) to liver function or liver injury in the general population. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2012 to investigate the relationship of urinary OPs with biomarkers of liver function/liver injury.

Methods

The exposures were the concentrations of urinary OP metabolites (dimethyl phosphate [DMP], dimethyl thiophosphate [DMTP], diethyl phosphate [DEP] and diethyl thiophosphate [DETP]). The health outcomes were biomarkers of liver function/liver injury. The multivariable linear regression model, restricted cubic splines (RCSs) analysis and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to evaluate the relationship between individual or overall exposure of OPs and outcomes.

Results

Regressions of RCSs suggested linear and positive associations of OP metabolites with aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio (DMP and DEP) and fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index (DMP, DEP and DMTP) (all p–non‐linear values >.05). However, L‐shaped relationships were found between OP metabolites (DMTP and DETP) and blood albumin and total protein (TP) concentrations (both p and non‐linear values <.05). The positive associations of urinary DMP, DEP and DMTP with AST/ALT ratio, and with FIB‐4 score were more pronounced among non‐smokers than smokers, among alcohol drinkers than non‐drinkers and among those with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 than participants with a BMI of <25. However, most of the interaction p values were more than .05, indicating no significant interactions between covariates and OPs on outcomes mainly including AST/ALT, FIB‐4, ALB and TP levels. Finally, the WQS indices were positively associated with AST/ALT ratio (p = .014) and FIB‐4 score (p = .002).

Conclusions

Our study added novel evidence that exposures to OPs might be adversely associated with the biomarkers of liver function/liver injury. These findings indicated the potential toxic effect of OP exposures on the human liver.