bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimethod analysis of large‐ and low‐tapered single file reciprocating instruments: Design, metallurgy, mechanical performance, and irrigation flow
Authors: Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , Peña‐Bengoa Fernando , Ajuz Natasha C. , Vieira Victor T. L. , Martins Jorge N. R. , Marques Duarte , Pinto Ricardo , Rito Pereira Mario , Braz‐Fernandes Francisco Manuel , Versiani Marco A.
Published: February 2024

Aim

To compare eight large‐ and low‐tapered heat‐treated reciprocating instruments regarding their design, metallurgy, mechanical properties, and irrigation flow through an in silico model.

Methodology

A total of 472 new 25‐mm E‐Flex Rex (25/.04 and 25/.06), Excalibur (25/.05), Procodile (25/.06), Reciproc Blue R25 (25/.08v), WaveOne Gold Primary (25/.07v), and Univy Sense (25/.04 and 25/.06) instruments were evaluated regarding their design (stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and 3D surface scanning), metallurgy (energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry), and mechanical performance (cyclic fatigue, torsional resistance, cutting ability, bending and buckling resistance). Computational fluid dynamics assessment was also conducted to determine the irrigation flow pattern, apical pressure, and wall shear stress in simulated canal preparations. Kruskal–Wallis and one‐way anova post hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical comparisons (α = 5%).

Results

Instruments presented variations in blade numbers, helical angles, and tip designs, with all featuring non‐active tips, symmetrical blades, and equiatomic nickel‐titanium ratios. Cross‐sectional designs exhibited an S‐shaped geometry, except for WaveOne Gold. Univy 25/.04 and Reciproc Blue displayed the smallest and largest core diameters at D3. Univy 25/.04 and E‐Flex Rec 25/.04 demonstrated the longest time to fracture (p < .05). Reciproc Blue and Univy 25/.04 exhibited the highest and lowest torque to fracture, respectively (p < .05). Univy 25/.04 and Reciproc Blue had the highest rotation angles, whilst E‐Flex Rec 25/.06 showed the lowest angle (p < .05). The better cutting ability was observed with E‐Flex Rec 25/.06, Procodile, Excalibur, and Reciproc Blue (p > .05). Reciproc R25 and E‐Flex Rec showed the highest buckling resistance values (p < .05), with WaveOne Gold being the least flexible instrument. The impact of instruments' size and taper on wall shear stress and apical pressure did not follow a distinct pattern, although Univy 25/.04 and E‐Flex Rec 25/.06 yielded the highest and lowest values for both parameters, respectively.

Conclusions

Low‐tapered reciprocating instruments exhibit increased flexibility, higher time to fracture, and greater angles of rotation, coupled with reduced maximum bending loads and buckling strength compared to large‐tapered instruments. Nevertheless, low‐tapered systems also exhibit lower maximum torque to fracture and inferior cutting ability, contributing to a narrower apical canal enlargement that may compromise the penetration of irrigants in that region.
Does nursing leaders' humility leadership associate with nursing team members' psychological safety? A cross‐sectional online survey
Authors: Mrayyan Majd T. , Al‐Rjoub Saleem
Published: February 2024

Aims

The leader's ability to act with self‐awareness, lead with generosity, and consider others' opinions is what defines humility leadership. In recent healthcare literature, there has been extensive exploration of humility leadership and psychological safety, but these studies were non‐nursing. It is crucial to understand how humble leaders can empower their staff's psychological safety, as inclusivity is a key aspect of humility leadership and is closely linked to psychological safety. Therefore, this study examined the association between nursing leaders' humility leadership and team members' psychological safety.

Design

A quantitative cross‐sectional design was used in the current study.

Methods

To assess the studied variables, 245 nursing academics, nurses, and nursing leaders were recruited from different universities and hospitals using the convenience snowball sampling technique, yielding a response rate of 70%. After a pilot study, an online survey using Google Forms was hosted in 2022.

Findings

The psychological safety of nursing team members was not found to be associated with the humility leadership of nursing leaders. Despite the participants' reports of their nursing leaders exhibiting humility leadership (mean = 3.57/5, SE = 0.055), the participants also reported that psychological safety was borderline (mean = 3.09/5, SE = 0.041).

Conclusion

The borderline nursing team members' psychological safety implies that different types of leadership may have an impact on the psychological safety of nursing team members. The lack of association between nursing leaders' humility leadership and the psychological safety of nursing team members highlights the need for further understanding and effort from nursing leaders to establish psychologically safe work environments.

Impact

This research offers valuable insights into how the humility of nursing leaders impacts the psychological safety of nursing team members. The psychological safety of the nursing team members highlights the specific responsibilities that nursing leaders should assume to establish psychologically safe work environments.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no Patient or Public Contribution, as the sample included nursing academics, nurses, and nursing leaders recruited from different universities and hospitals.

Implications for Practice/Policy

A simple intervention that humble leaders can initiate is inclusivity, where subordinates' positive worth, strengths, and contributions are acknowledged. Inclusivity is a characteristic of humility leadership.

Improving teams'’ psychological safety calls to promote a culture of civility in the workplace.

A random and larger sample is needed, including other types of universities and hospitals, using other research designs across other cultures.
Association of plasma homocysteine with peripheral arterial disease in the hypertensive adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yu Chuanli , Ding Congcong , Hu Lihua , Shi Yumeng , Zhao Peixu , Liu Jin´e , Zhang Liting , Sun Dan , Zhou Wei , Yu Chao , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Huang Xiao , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: February 2024

Increased plasma homocysteine (Hcy) has been identified as one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, the association between plasma Hcy and peripheral artery disease (PAD) is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between plasma Hcy and PAD and the potential modifier factors in Chinese hypertensive adults. A total of 25 300 hypertensive patients aged 18 years or older were included in the analysis in this cross‐sectional study. The outcome was PAD, which defined as an ankle‐brachial index ≤0.90 in either limb. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between plasma Hcy and PAD. The median plasma Hcy was 14.00 (interquartile range: 11.60–17.80) μmol/L. There was a significant positive association between plasma Hcy and PAD (per SD increment; OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06–1.19). Patients in the upper plasma Hcy tertile (≥16.16 μmol/L) were associated with a 53% increased risk of PAD compared with patients in the lower tertile (<12.33 μmol/L) after adjustment for multiple potential confounders. Subgroup analyses showed the association between Hcy and PAD was robust among various strata. Among Chinese adults with hypertension, plasma Hcy is an independent risk factor for PAD. This finding may improve the risk stratification of PAD.
IL‐6 levels dominate the serum cytokine signature of severe epidermolysis bullosa: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Reimer‐Taschenbrecker A. , Hess M. , Davidovic M. , Hwang A. , Hübner S. , Hofsaess M. , Gewert S. , Eyerich K. , Has C.
Published: February 2024

Background

Systemic inflammation is considered a major player in the pathogenesis of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), but its pattern has only been described in small heterogeneous cohorts. There is controversy if and how systemic inflammation should be therapeutically targeted.

Methods

We examined serum proinflammatory, anti‐inflammatory, and itch related cytokines in a paediatric cohort of 29 patients with junctional and dystrophic EB. The cytokine that emerged as the most relevant was measured in a validation cohort of 42 patients during follow‐up visits over 2 years.

Results

IL‐6 showed the most consistent and highest aberration dominating systemic inflammation. IL‐6 correlated with wound body surface area (BSA) in both, finding and validation cohorts. Patients with less than 3% wound BSA had normal IL‐6, while IL‐6 levels significantly increased at more than 5% and 10% of wound BSA. TGF‐β was only marginally elevated in patients with severe recessive dystrophic EB, while TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and IL‐1β varied inconsistently. Patients reporting itch showed elevations in type 2 immunity (IgE, TSLP, IL4 and/or IL‐31, respectively).

Conclusions

Our data suggest a dominant skin barrier and wound healing inflammatory pattern in junctional and dystrophic EB that depends on the wound area and not on the EB type. In EB, itch mediators may be similar to other pruritic disorders.
Endothelial dysfunction of syphilis: Pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Zhaoping , Zhang Xiaohong , Xiong Shun , Huang Shaobin , Ding Xuan , Xu Man , Yao Jiangchen , Liu Shuangquan , Zhao Feijun
Published: February 2024

Treponema pallidum is the causative factor of syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) characterized by perivascular infiltration of inflammatory cells, vascular leakage, swelling and proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs). The endothelium lining blood and lymphatic vessels is a key barrier separating body fluids from host tissues and is a major target of T. pallidum. In this review, we focus on how T. pallidum establish intimate interactions with ECs, triggering endothelial dysfunction such as endothelial inflammation, abnormal repairment and damage of ECs. In addition, we summarize that migration and invasion of T. pallidum across vascular ECs may occur through two pathways. These two mechanisms of transendothelial migration are paracellular and cholesterol‐dependent, respectively. Herein, clarifying the relationship between T. pallidum and endothelial dysfunction is of great significance to provide novel strategies for diagnosis and prevention of syphilis, and has a great potential prospect of clinical application.
Treponema pallidum‐induced prostaglandin E2 secretion in skin fibroblasts leads to neuronal hyperpolarization: A cause of painless ulcers
Authors: He Y. , Yi D.‐Y. , Pan L. , Ye W.‐M. , Xie L. , Zheng X.‐Q. , Liu D. , Yang T.‐C. , Lin Y.
Published: February 2024

Background

Primary syphilis is characterized by painless ulcerative lesions in the genitalia, the aetiology of painless remains elusive.

Objectives

To investigate the role of Treponema pallidum in painless ulcer of primary syphilis, and the mechanisms underlying painless ulcers caused by T. pallidum.

Methods

An experimental rabbit model of primary syphilis was established to investigate its effects on peripheral nerve tissues. Human skin fibroblasts were used to examine the role of T. pallidum in modulating neurotransmitters associated with pain and to explore the signalling pathways related to neurotransmitter secretion by T. pallidum in vitro.

Results

Treponema pallidum infection did not directly lead to neuronal damage or interfere with the neuronal resting potential. Instead, it facilitated the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) through endoplasmic reticulum stress in both rabbit and human skin fibroblasts, and upregulation of PGE2 induced the hyperpolarization of neurones. Moreover, the IRE1α/COX‐2 signalling pathway was identified as the underlying mechanism by which T. pallidum induced the production of PGE2 in human skin fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Treponema pallidum promotes PGE2 secretion in skin fibroblasts, leading to the excitation of neuronal hyperpolarization and potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of painless ulcers in syphilis.
Sense‐making and hermeneutical injustice following a psychiatric diagnosis
Authors: Hassall Richard
Published: February 2024

When one is seriously ill, the diagnosis given can generate questions about what it means and how to make sense of it. This is particularly the case for psychiatric diagnoses which can convey a biomedical narrative of the sufferer's condition. Making sense of one's diagnosis in such cases can involve changing one's self‐narrative in such a way as to incorporate the belief that one has developed a disease with an unknown cause. To demonstrate the importance of self‐narratives, I outline key themes in narrative theory which have been explored in various ways by philosophers and some psychologists. These theorists emphasise the importance of self‐narratives in creating meaning for their authors. The biomedical narrative associated with a psychiatric diagnosis may conflict with the recipient's previous self‐narratives. This may reduce the recipient's sense of self‐efficacy and induce feelings of hopelessness about recovery. I argue that those receiving a psychiatric diagnosis may consequently be vulnerable to epistemic injustice. In particular, this includes hermeneutical injustice, where individuals lack the ability to understand or articulate their experiences in ways that make sense to them, due to their hermeneutical resources being marginalised by the dominant narrative in a medicalized environment. I consider two possible objections to my claim and offer answers to these.
The effect of swimming activity and feed restriction of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on water quality and fish‐plant growth performance in aquaponics
Authors: Tunçelli Gökhan , Memiş Devrim
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigated the effects of swimming activity and feed restriction on juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in decoupled aquaponic systems. Our focus was on assessing their impact on water quality parameters within the aquaponic setup and evaluating the growth performance of the fish, including final weight (FW), condition factor (K), coefficient of variation (c.v.) in weight, specific growth rate (SGR), total feed intake (g/fish), feed conversion rate (FCR), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and viscerosomatic index (VSI), as well as the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. elmaria). The study involved 108 juvenile rainbow trout with an average initial weight of 26.54 ± 0.36 g and 60 ten‐day‐old lettuce seedlings, over a period of 42 days. We designed four treatment groups, each with three fish tanks: static ad libitum (SA), where fish were in static water conditions and fed to satiation; static restriction (SR), with fish in static water and a 25% feed restriction; current ad libitum (CA), where fish experienced forced swimming at 1 BL s−1; and current restriction (CR), with swimming exercise at 1 BL s−1 and a 25% feed restriction. Using a flow rate of 1 BL s−1 in the tanks for rainbow trout yielded several benefits. Notably, the fish in the CA group exhibited increased feed intake (60 ± 1.78 g fish−1) and enhanced fish growth with an FW of 91.72 ± 0.91 g, compared to the SA group (55.88 ± 0.88 g fish−1 for feed intake and 89.26 ± 0.81 g for FW). In contrast, the CR group showed a reduced feed intake (39.02 ± 2.78 g fish−1) and a lower FW (67.85 ± 1.49 g) compared to the CA group. In addition, the CA group demonstrated positive contributions to fish development with a reduced HSI (1.26 ± 0.02) in comparison to the SA group (1.56 ± 0.14). Inadequate nutrient provisioning in the SR and CR groups negatively impacted fish growth and system efficiency. Our findings suggest that optimizing water flow and feed benefits fish and plants and enhances system sustainability.
Role and ethics of cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) blastoids in primate developmental biology research
Authors: Kwon Taeho
Published: February 2024

This review on cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) blastoids discusses a breakthrough in modeling early non‐human primate embryogenesis, offering insights into embryonic development and implantation processes. It acknowledges ethical challenges and animal welfare considerations in developmental biology, suggests potential applications in human reproductive medicine, and highlights the need for ongoing ethical and technical refinement.
Nutrient‐demanding and thermophilous plants dominate urban forest‐edge vegetation across temperate Europe
Authors: De Pauw Karen , Depauw Leen , Calders Kim , Cousins Sara A. O. , Decocq Guillaume , De Lombaerde Emiel , Diekmann Martin , Frey David , Lenoir Jonathan , Meeussen Camille , Orczewska Anna , Plue Jan , Spicher Fabien , Zellweger Florian , Vangansbeke Pieter , Verheyen Kris , De Frenne Pieter
Published: February 2024

Questions

Forests are highly fragmented across the globe. For urban forests in particular, fragmentation increases the exposure to local warming caused by the urban heat island (UHI) effect. We here aim to quantify edge effects on herbaceous understorey vegetation in urban forests, and test whether these effects interact with forest structural complexity.

Location

We set up a pan‐European study at the continental scale including six urban forests in Zurich, Paris, Katowice, Brussels, Bremen, and Stockholm.

Methods

We recorded understorey plant communities from the edge towards the interior of urban forests. Within each urban forest, we studied edge‐to‐interior gradients in paired stands with differing forest structural complexity. Community composition was analysed based on species specialism, life form, light, nutrient, acidity and disturbance indicator values and species' thermal niches.

Results

We found that herbaceous communities at urban forest edges supported more generalists and forbs but fewer ferns than in forests' interiors. A buffered summer microclimate proved crucial for the presence of fern species. The edge communities contained more thermophilous, disturbance‐tolerant, nutrient‐demanding and basiphilous plant species, a pattern strongly confirmed by corresponding edge‐to‐interior gradients in microclimate, soil and light conditions in the understorey. Additionally, plots with a lower canopy cover and higher light availability supported higher numbers of both generalists and forest specialists. Even though no significant interactions were found between the edge distance and forest structural complexity, opposing additive effects indicated that a dense canopy can be used to buffer negative edge effects.

Conclusion

The urban environment poses a multifaceted filter on understorey plant communities which contributes to significant differences in community composition between urban forest edges and interiors. For urban biodiversity conservation and the buffering of edge effects, it will be key to maintain dense canopies near urban forest edges.
Mitochondrial amidoxime‐reducing component 1 p.Ala165Thr increases protein degradation mediated by the proteasome
Authors: Dutta Tanmoy , Sasidharan Kavitha , Ciociola Ester , Pennisi Grazia , Noto Francesca R. , Kovooru Lohitesh , Kroon Tobias , Lindblom Anna , Du Yue , Pirmoradian Mohammad , Wallin Simonetta , Mancina Rosellina M. , Lindén Daniel , Romeo Stefano
Published: February 2024

Objective

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health concern with no effective and specific drug treatment available. The rs2642438 minor allele in mitochondrial amidoxime‐reducing component 1 (MARC1) results in an aminoacidic substitution (p.Ala165Thr) and associates with protection against MASLD. However, the mechanisms behind this protective effect are unknown. In this study, we examined the consequences of this aminoacidic substitution on protein stability and subcellular localization.

Methods

We overexpressed the human MARC1 A165 (wild‐type) or 165T (mutant) in vivo in mice and in vitro in human hepatoma cells (HepG2 and HuH‐7), generated several mutants at position 165 by in situ mutagenesis and then examined protein levels. We also generated HepG2 cells stably overexpressing MARC1 A165 or 165T to test the effect of this substitution on MARC1 subcellular localization.

Results

MARC1 165T overexpression resulted in lower protein levels than A165 both in vivo and in vitro. Similarly, any mutant at position 165 showed lower protein levels compared to the wild‐type protein. We showed that the 165T mutant protein is polyubiquitinated and its degradation is accelerated through lysine‐48 ubiquitin‐mediated proteasomal degradation. We also showed that the 165T substitution does not affect the MARC1 subcellular localization.

Conclusions

This study shows that alanine at position 165 in MARC1 is crucial for protein stability, and the threonine substitution at this position leads to a hypomorphic protein variant due to lower protein levels. Our result supports the notion that lowering hepatic MARC1 protein level may be a successful therapeutic strategy for treating MASLD.
Highly siderophile element abundances and 187Re‐187Os systematics in the Tafassasset carbonaceous‐like primitive achondrite
Authors: Nicklas Robert W. , Gardner‐Vandy Kathryn G. , Day James M. D.
Published: February 2024

Highly siderophile elements (HSE) strongly partition into metal phases over silicate minerals and so offer important constraints on nebular and core formation processes acting on early planetesimals. Abundances of the HSE are also an important tool for constraining relationships between metal‐rich meteorites. The first bulk rock and in situ HSE abundance and 187Re‐187Os data are reported for the ungrouped metal‐rich achondrite Tafassasset to examine models of its petrogenesis and origin. Bulk rock and metal grain HSE abundances are elevated at ~2 and ~15 times CI chondrite abundances, respectively, and are largely unfractionated from one another. Metal within Tafassasset is therefore likely to have quenched shortly after partial melting without significant fractional crystallization. Metal grain HSE abundances can be used to calculate a metal fraction of 14 ± 4 wt%, overlapping with the parent bodies of CC iron meteorites, which have also been related to Tafassasset using nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies. Despite such similarities, HSE systematics of bulk rock Tafassasset are not equivalent to any known chondrites, and metal grains do not overlap with iron meteorites or chondrite metal grains, precluding a direct genetic relationship.
Forsteritic olivine in EH (enstatite) chondrite meteorites: A record of nebular, metamorphic, and crystal‐lattice diffusion effects
Authors: McKibbin Seann J. , Hecht Lutz , Makarona Christina , Huber Matthew , Terryn Hermann , Claeys Philippe
Published: February 2024

The occurrence of forsteritic olivine in EH enstatite chondrites is indicative of bulk disequilibrium. In MgO‐rich magmatic systems, forsterite can either crystallize as a liquidus phase or be produced during peritectic melting of enstatite. Because diffusion of divalent cations through forsterite is relatively rapid, it records peak melting (i.e., chondrule‐forming events) and is also sensitive to subsequent metamorphism in the EH chondrite parent body. Here, we report the major and minor element geochemistry of olivine in EH chondrites across petrologic types 3 and 4. In all cases, olivine meets the technical definition of forsterite (>90 mole% Mg2SiO4). For unequilibrated EH chondrites, minor elements identify CaO‐Al2O3‐TiO2‐rich (refractory forsterite), MnO‐rich (“LIME” forsterite), and FeO‐bearing (forsteritic olivine) endmember components, the latter with Cr2O3‐rich and Cr2O3‐poor varieties. At higher petrologic type, minor element concentrations become restricted and compositions approach pure forsterite, while grain sizes reduce strongly with peak metamorphic temperatures. These changes reflect diffusive equilibration with enstatitic groundmass and dissolution reaction with free silica. The global geochemical distribution of forsteritic olivine in EH chondrites is, perhaps unexpectedly, more similar to those in low‐FeO type I chondrules and associated objects in carbonaceous chondrites (CCs), rather than equivalent objects in ordinary (H, L, LL), low‐FeO (or HH), or Kakangari (K) chondrites. Among achondrites, there is similarity between pure forsterite in aubrites and EH4 chondrites arising due to subsolidus equilibration in both settings, while Cr2O3‐poor forsteritic olivine in EH3 and CCs is similar to magnesian xenocrystic olivine in angrites. This might reflect CaO‐rich and SiO2‐poor magmatic sources across multiple early solar system reservoirs.
“The faculty was really hearing what I had to say and really validating who I was”: Learning from validation theory to support students of colour in undergraduate medical education
Authors: Blalock A. Emiko , Ozdemir Sevil , Garcia Aldana Julia , Lyons Elizabeth Guerrero
Published: February 2024

Background

Medical students of colour face numerous challenges during their undergraduate training period, reflecting the harmful norms and cultures in the learning context of medical school. Despite negative experiences for students of colour in medicine, there are episodes of support and encouragement that come from faculty or staff. This asset‐based qualitative study uses Rendón's Validation Theory to illuminate specific ways faculty at a community‐based medical college support medical students of colour, thereby challenging structural injustices in medical school.

Methods

This study is grounded in a humanising and asset‐based perspective, where participants are viewed as legitimate knowers from whom researchers can learn. Twenty‐four medical students of colour and 14 faculty identified by students as supportive participated in five focus groups where participants shared how they felt validated and supported during their undergraduate medical school experiences. Inductive open‐coding followed by deductive thematic coding using Validation Theory—a theory that describes how external validation is a necessary component of fostering students' personal and academic drive—and literature about the context of medical school informed the three findings.

Findings

Three major themes provide examples of ways faculty validated students. First, participants indicated the importance of acknowledging identities and experiences to understand the socio, historical and cultural context of learning. Second, participants implored the value of giving praise and offering encouragement to work against professional expectations. Finally, participants shared the intimacy of fostering personal relationships to reduce hierarchies.

Conclusion

This study offers concrete guidance on teaching practices faculty can use to support students of colour. As medical schools may seek to move toward a more student‐centred approach, promoting feelings of validation for students of colour can be a key practice in teaching and learning to ensure support for medical students throughout their medical school journey.
Understanding teacher professional commitment from a positive psychology perspective: A case from Myanmar's Chinese language teachers
Authors: Peng Yue , Lou Kaiyang , Xiong Tao
Published: February 2024

In response to the issue of Chinese language teacher attrition in Myanmar, this study aimed to examine the professional commitment of these teachers, with a focus on how their commitment is constructed and shaped within the local context. The study adopted a theoretical lens of positive psychology and utilized a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Data was collected through semi‐structured interviews in which 10 participants shared their life stories. Thematic analysis was then conducted to identify key themes. The study proposed a positive‐psychology‐informed model with motivation, meaning, and perseverance as the three key components that interact with each other to jointly shape teachers’ professional commitment. In particular, motivation to teach is a precondition, the meaning‐making process functions as reinforcement, and perseverance in coping with adverse situations is the ultimate embodiment of teachers’ professional commitment. A common feature underlying this model has been traces of the teachers’ positive emotions, attitudes, and values. Furthermore, the study approached Chinese language teachers’ professional commitment in the situated context at cultural, societal, and institutional levels. The study yields theoretical implications for understanding teacher commitment and offers practical insights for addressing the issue of attrition among Chinese language teachers in Myanmar and similar contexts.
Comparative interactome mapping of Tau‐protein in classical and rapidly progressive Alzheimer's disease identifies subtype‐specific pathways
Authors: Younas Abrar , Younas Neelam , Iqbal Muhammad Javed , Ferrer Isidre , Zerr Inga
Published: February 2024

Aims

Tau is a key player in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other Tauopathies. Tau pathology in the brain directly correlates with neurodegeneration in AD. The recent identification of a rapid variant of AD demands an urgent need to uncover underlying mechanisms leading to differential progression in AD. Accordingly, we aimed to dissect the underlying differential mechanisms of toxicity associated with the Tau protein in AD subtypes and to find out subtype‐dependent biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Methods

To identify and characterise subtype‐specific Tau‐associated mechanisms of pathology, we performed comparative interactome mapping of Tau protein in classical AD (cAD) and rapidly progressive AD (rpAD) cases using co‐immunoprecipitation coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometry data were extensively analysed using several bioinformatics approaches.

Results

The comparative interactome mapping of Tau protein revealed distinct and unique interactors (DPYSL4, ARHGEF2, TUBA4A and UQCRC2) in subtypes of AD. Interestingly, an analysis of the Tau‐interacting proteins indicated enrichment of mitochondrial organisation processes, including negative regulation of mitochondrion organisation, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation involved in programmed cell death, regulation of autophagy of mitochondrion and necroptotic processes, specifically in the rpAD interactome. While, in cAD, the top enriched processes were related to oxidation–reduction process, transport and monocarboxylic acid metabolism.

Conclusions

Overall, our results provide a comprehensive map of Tau‐interacting protein networks in a subtype‐dependent manner and shed light on differential functions/pathways in AD subtypes. This comprehensive map of the Tau‐interactome has provided subsets of disease‐related proteins that can serve as novel biomarkers/biomarker panels and new drug targets.
Development and validation of prediction model for technique failure in peritoneal dialysis patients: An observational study
Authors: Ling Yue , Wang Le , Liu Xiaoqin , Wang Koushu , Ma Zufu , Yu Yang , Liu Wei , Liang Wangqun , Qian Kun , Xu Yulin , Zuo Xuezhi , Ge Shuwang , Yao Ying
Published: February 2024

Aim

This study aimed to establish a prediction model in peritoneal dialysis patients to estimate the risk of technique failure and guide clinical practice.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data of 424 adult peritoneal dialysis patients were retrospectively collected. The risk prediction models were built using univariate Cox regression, best subsets approach and LASSO Cox regression. Final nomogram was constructed based on the best model selected by the area under the curve.

Results

After comparing three models, the nomogram was built using the LASSO Cox regression model. This model included variables consisting of hypertension and peritonitis, serum creatinine, low‐density lipoprotein, fibrinogen and thrombin time, and low red blood cell count, serum albumin, triglyceride and prothrombin activity. The predictive model constructed performed well using receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve value, C‐index and calibration curve.

Conclusion

This study developed and verified a new prediction instrument for the risk of technique failure among peritoneal dialysis patients.

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Preliminary study on the dynamic positron emission tomography imaging with 11C‐ER176 to delineate macrophage activation in diabetic gastroparesis
Authors: Maalouf Elisia , Khasawneh Hala , Karbhari Aashna , AlAsfoor Shefaa , Breen‐Lyles Margaret , Bernard Cheryl , Rajan Elizabeth , Farrugia Gianrico , Lowe Val , Goenka Ajit , Grover Madhusudan
Published: February 2024

Background

Animal models and human data have suggested macrophage‐driven immune dysregulation in diabetic gastroparesis (DG). Translocator protein (TSPO) upregulation has been suggested to indicate activated state of macrophages and ER176 is a high affinity third generation TSPO‐specific radioligand. The aim of this study was to determine feasibility of dynamic 11C‐ER 176 PET to identify macrophage activation in DG.

Methods

Twelve patients, all females, were recruited (4 DG, 4 diabetics, and 4 healthy volunteers) for 11C‐ER 176 PET/CT scanning. The standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in the gastric fundus, body, pylorus, and descending part of the duodenum were compared between three groups using Kruskal‐Wallis test to perform the comparisons, and a p‐value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Key Results

Age was comparable among the three groups with a median of 53 years. The uptake was higher in pylorus in diabetics compared to DG and healthy (SUVmax healthy 4.6 ± 0.2, diabetics 8.4 ± 4.1, DG 5.5 ± 1.0, p = 0.04). The uptake was similar in gastric fundus (9.0 ± 1.6, 13.1 ± 8.3, 7.8 ± 1.9 respectively, p = 0.3), body (7.7 ± 1.9, 13 ± 9.2, 7.8 ± 1.9 respectively, p = 0.8), and duodenum (6.2 ± 2.1, 9.5 ± 6.8, 7.0 ± 1.8 respectively, p = 0.6). No correlation was observed between SUVmax uptake and either HbA1C or fasting blood glucose.

Conclusions and Inferences

Female diabetic gastroparesis patients did not demonstrate increased TSPO ligand 11C‐ER 176 uptake in the stomach. Possible explanations include lack of specificity of ligand for specific macrophage phenotypes in DG, sex effect, or small sample size. Further studies investigating non‐invasive ways of analyzing immune dysregulation in neurogastrointestinal disorders are warranted.
Zoledronic acid enhances tumor growth and metastatic spread in a mouse model of jaw osteosarcoma
Authors: Nham Than‐Thuy , Guiho Romain , Brion Régis , Amiaud Jérôme , Le Royer Bénédicte Brounais , Gomez‐Brouchet Anne , Rédini Françoise , Bertin Hélios
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Investigation of the therapeutic effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) in a preclinical model of jaw osteosarcoma (JO).

Materials and Methods

The effect of 100 μg/kg ZA administered twice a week was assessed in a xenogenic mouse model of JO. The clinical (tumor growth, development of lung metastasis), radiological (bone microarchitecture by micro‐CT analysis), and molecular and immunohistochemical (TRAP, RANK/RANKL, VEGF, and CD146) parameters were investigated.

Results

Animals receiving ZA exhibited an increased tumor volume compared with nontreated animals (71.3 ± 14.3 mm3 vs. 51.9 ± 19.9 mm3 at D14, respectively; p = 0.06) as well as increased numbers of lung metastases (mean 4.88 ± 4.45 vs. 0.50 ± 1.07 metastases, respectively; p = 0.02). ZA protected mandibular bone against tumor osteolysis (mean bone volume of 12.81 ± 0.53 mm3 in the ZA group vs. 11.55 ± 1.18 mm3 in the control group; p = 0.01). ZA induced a nonsignificant decrease in mRNA expression of the osteoclastic marker TRAP and an increase in RANK/RANKL bone remodeling markers.

Conclusion

The use of bisphosphonates in the therapeutic strategy for JO should be further explored, as should the role of bone resorption in the pathophysiology of the disease.
Linear IgA bullous dermatosis of childhood: Retrospective single‐center cohort
Authors: Wang Katherine L. , Lehman Julia S. , Davis Dawn M. R.
Published: February 2024

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder impacting children and adults. In this single‐center retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with LABD at a large tertiary referral center, we report the unifying and unique clinical features of 10 pediatric patients. Patients typically presented with the “cluster of jewels” sign (n = 6; 60%), mucous membrane involvement (n = 5; 50%) and had a mean disease duration of 38 months; six patients (60%) required inpatient admission for management of their skin disease, including all five patients who had mucous membrane involvement. Our findings suggest that pediatric LABD may be a disease with high morbidity and may be associated with severe complications when mucous membranes are involved.
Effects of prior knowledge and collaborations on R&D performance in times of urgency: the case of COVID‐19 vaccine development
Authors: Laufs Daniel , Melnychuk Tetyana , Schultz Carsten
Published: February 2024

Innovation usually requires time‐consuming exploratory approaches. However, external shocks and related crises, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, lead to severe time pressures, which require short‐term R&D results. We investigate how organizations' prior collaboration and existing knowledge not only helped them cope with the crisis but also affected the vaccine's development performance. Specifically, we investigate the R&D outcomes of 386 organizations involved in the COVID‐19 vaccine's development within the first 18 months after the pandemic's outbreak. The results reveal that under urgency, organizations with prior scientific collaborations and technological knowledge exhibit a higher R&D performance. Furthermore, a broad network of diverse collaborators strengthened this relationship, thereby calling for more interdisciplinary R&D activities. We therefore extend the literature on innovation speed and strengthen long‐term R&D outcomes' role in organizations with a broad existing knowledge base and collaboration networks. We do so by specifically supporting such organizations' ability to integrate their previous R&D's and collaborations' knowledge to achieve rapid innovative outcomes under urgency.
Seeding and transplanting native forbs on reclamation sites in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Arychuk Catherine E. , Dhar Amalesh , Wilkinson Sarah R. , Naeth M. Anne
Published: February 2024

A growing number of industrial disturbances are reclaimed with native grass species, although use of many native forbs in reclamation is limited due to low availability, high expense, poor germination, and lack of information on how to successfully establish them. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the performance (establishment, growth, and survival) of native forbs (10 species by seeding and 12 species by transplanting) on disturbed sites planted in different seasons (spring and fall) and subjected to different types of vegetation management (mowed and unmowed). All seeded forb species established successfully, although density of most of the native forbs was very low (<20 stems/plot). Transplanted forb species established well, with 65% of seedlings surviving two growing seasons. Establishment and survival of seeded and transplanted native forbs were associated with plant competition, where forbs established well with annual weeds and less successfully with perennial weeds. Both spring seeding and transplanting increased forb establishment; and seeding and transplanting in fall versus spring produced more seed. Mowing generally had limited effects on forbs. Of the seeded species, Vicia americana, Achillea millefolium, and Ratibida columnifera consistently had the highest densities across treatments, whereas spring transplanting increased establishment of Anemone cylindrica, Gaillardia aristata, Geum triflorum, Monarda fistulosa, and Dalea purpurea. Spring‐transplanted forbs spread over a larger area than fall‐transplanted forbs. In most cases, seeding and transplanting native forbs in the spring can be more effective than in fall to reclaim disturbed sites if land management practices are used to control perennial weeds.
Risk management opportunities in auto insurance: A focus on the value of vehicles
Authors: Ellingsworth Martin
Published: February 2024

Ratemaking and risk‐based pricing revolve around the value at risk, involving a tendency of higher values implying higher premiums. Traditionally, vehicle values are set at “list price” and depreciate over time on a one‐size‐fits‐all factor model. If values change over time, so should premiums, but a single factor table that only goes downward to flat is out of sorts with today. In today's transactional data streams, vehicle features, and values can be easily observed—of note, a shift in product mix that has more options and higher retained values creates a gap in actual versus traditionally expected insurance values. This gap most acutely appears at the vehicle “as built” level, which is more granular than current segmentation levels of insurance ratemaking vehicle valuation analysis. The result is leaving companies to simply raise base rates universally until they can adapt more flexible price‐to‐value methods at an “as built” price accuracy sophistication level.
Patient communication protocols for sexually transmitted infections: A systematic review
Authors: Kirschnick Laura Borges , Calderipe Camila Barcellos , Villa Alessandro , Santana dos Santos Erison , Migliorati Cesar , Martins Manoela Domingues , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger
Published: February 2024

Aims

We conducted a systematic review of post‐test communication protocols and observational studies regarding counseling for a positive sexually transmitted infection (STI) result and also discuss the role of dental specialist (e.g., oral medicine) in this sense.

Methods and Results

The search process followed the parameters of PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and LILACS were consulted with a specific search strategy for each one. Additionally, the references of the included studies, grey literature, and experts were consulted. Four protocols and 18 observational studies were included in this systematic review, published between 1997 and 2022 in the Americas and Europe. The communication protocols emphasized the importance of conducting personal and private discussions with patients to address their fears and questions. Among the observational studies, 56% indicated that post‐test counseling was either ineffective or absent. Furthermore, 22% of the studies used telephone communication to deliver results to patients.

Conclusions

Our study showed that the communication process of a positive STI result affects the patients in several aspects, as treatment adherence and their relationship with the community. Nevertheless, this process of STI post‐test communication seems to be flawed, which brings potential negative effects to patients.
An analysis of real‐time suicidal ideation and its relationship with retrospective reports among young people with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Andrewes Holly E. , Cavelti Marialuisa , Hulbert Carol , Cotton Susan M. , Betts Jennifer K. , Jackson Henry J. , McCutcheon Louise , Gleeson John , Davey Christopher G. , Chanen Andrew M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to analyze the real‐time variability of suicidal ideation intensity and the relationship between real‐time and retrospective reports of suicidal ideation made on the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS), among young people with borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Methods

Young people (15–25‐year olds) with BPD (N = 46), recruited from two government‐funded mental health services, rated the intensity of their suicidal ideation six times per day for 7 days before completing the BSS.

Results

For 70% of participants, suicidal ideation changed in intensity approximately five times across the week, both within and between days. BSS ratings were most highly correlated with the highest real‐time ratings of suicidal ideation. However, this was not significantly different from the relationship between the BSS and both the average and most recent ratings. Median ratings of suicidal ideation intensity were higher on the BSS compared with an equivalent question asked in real time.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that young people with BPD experience high levels of fluctuation in their intensity of suicidal ideation across a week and that retrospective reports of suicidal ideation might be more reflective of the most intense experience of suicidal ideation across the week.
Advancing gender inclusivity for Two‐Spirit, trans, nonbinary and other gender‐diverse blood and plasma donors
Authors: Haw Jennie , Butler‐Foster Terrie , Murray Benjamin , Lapierre Don , Bosse Jesse , Edwards Jack , Gümüşpala Şansal , Jenkins Catherine , Devor Aaron
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Two‐Spirit, trans, nonbinary and other gender‐diverse (2STGD) donors face challenges in donation. While many blood operators aim to address these challenges, to date, no empirical study with these donors has been conducted to guide their efforts. This paper reports 2STGD donors' views on a two‐step approach asking donors their gender and sex assigned at birth (SAAB), and expanding gender options in donor registration.

Materials and Methods

A qualitative community‐based study was conducted with 2STGD donors (n = 85) in Canada. Semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted from July to October 2022, audio‐recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using a thematic analytic framework.

Results

Participants were divided on their views of a two‐step approach asking gender and SAAB. Themes underlying views in favour of this approach included the following: demonstrating validation and visibility, and treating 2STGD donors and cisgender donors alike. Themes underlying views not in favour or uncertain included potential for harm, compromising physical safety, and invalidation. All participants were in favour of expanding gender options if blood operators must know donors' gender.

Conclusion

Results indicate that a two‐step approach for all donors is not recommended unless the blood operator must know both a donor's gender and SAAB to ensure donor and/or recipient safety. Gender options should be expanded beyond binary options. Ongoing research and evidence synthesis are needed to determine how best to apply donor safety measures to nonbinary donors.
On quasicomplete k$k$‐surfaces in 3‐dimensional space‐forms
Authors: Smith Graham
Published: February 2024

In the study of immersed surfaces of constant positive extrinsic curvature in space‐forms, it is natural to substitute completeness for a weaker property, which we here call quasicompleteness. We determine the global geometry of such surfaces under the hypotheses of quasicompleteness. In particular, we show that, for , the only quasicomplete immersed surfaces of constant extrinsic curvature equal to in the 3‐dimensional space‐form of constant sectional curvature equal to are the geodesic spheres. Together with earlier work of the author, this completes the classification of quasicomplete immersed surfaces of constant positive extrinsic curvature in 3‐dimensional space‐forms.
Some results regarding the ideal structure of C∗$C^*$‐algebras of étale groupoids
Authors: Brix Kevin Aguyar , Carlsen Toke Meier , Sims Aidan
Published: February 2024

We prove a sandwiching lemma for inner‐exact locally compact Hausdorff étale groupoids. Our lemma says that every ideal of the reduced ‐algebra of such a groupoid is sandwiched between the ideals associated to two uniquely defined open invariant subsets of the unit space. We obtain a bijection between ideals of the reduced ‐algebra, and triples consisting of two nested open invariant sets and an ideal in the ‐algebra of the subquotient they determine that has trivial intersection with the diagonal subalgebra and full support. We then introduce a generalisation to groupoids of Ara and Lolk's relative strong topological freeness condition for partial actions, and prove that the reduced ‐algebras of inner‐exact locally compact Hausdorff étale groupoids satisfying this condition admit an obstruction ideal in Ara and Lolk's sense.