bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialect density, language abilities and emergent literacy skills of prekindergarten children who speak African American English
Authors: Baldwin Erika , Heilmann John , Finneran Denise , Cho Chi C. , Moyle Maura
Published: September 2022

Background

Numerous studies have observed a significant and unique relationship between children's use of nonmainstream dialect and reading outcomes. We aimed to examine the relationship between nonmainstream dialect and reading at its roots by completing a preliminary evaluation of the relationship between African American English (AAE) dialect and multiple dimensions of emergent literacy skills in young African American children enrolled in Head Start.

Methods

Seventy‐eight African American preschoolers completed the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening‐PreK (PALS‐PreK) and a narrative retell of the wordless picture book, Frog, Where Are You? The narratives were used to generate three measures of narrative productivity and the dialect density measure (DDM).

Results

Structural equation modelling found that the PALS‐PreK measures significantly loaded onto a single print‐related emergent literacy latent variable and that the three narrative measures significantly loaded onto a single language‐based emergent literacy latent variable. There was a significant relationship between print‐related emergent literacy skills and DDM, but the overall model had a poor fit, showing that the relationship between emergent literacy and DDM was weak.

Conclusions

We conclude the manuscript by discussing implications of this research and suggestions for further study.
Care for uterine fibroids: another casualty of the COVID pandemic
Authors: Zbiri Saad , Fauconnier Arnaud , Milcent Carine
Published: September 2022

This article includes Author Insights, a video abstract available at: https://vimeo.com/761844040
High calcium and strontium uptake by the green microalgaTetraselmis chuiis related to micropearl formation and cell growth
Authors: Segovia‐Campos Inés , Filella Montserrat , Perron Karl , Ariztegui Daniel
Published: September 2022

Strontium‐rich micropearls (intracellular inclusions of amorphous calcium carbonate) have been observed in several species of green microalgae within the class Chlorodendrophyceae, suggesting the potential use of these organisms for90Sr bioremediation purposes. However, very little is known about the micropearl formation process and the Ca and Sr uptake dynamics of these microalgae. To better understand this phenomenon, we investigated, through laboratory cultures, the behaviour of two species within the class Chorodendrophyceae:Tetraselmis chui, forming micropearls, andT. marina, not forming micropearls. We show thatT. chuigrowth and micropearl formation requires available Ca in the culture medium, and that the addition of dissolved Sr can partially replace the function of Ca in cells. On the other hand,T. marinacan grow without added Ca and Sr, probably due to its inability to form micropearls.T. chuicells show a high Ca and Sr uptake, significantly decreasing the concentration of both elements in the culture medium. Strontium is incorporated in micropearls in a short period of time, suggesting that micropearl formation is, most likely, a fast process that only takes a few hours. In addition, we show that micropearls equally distribute between daughter cells during cell division.
A Simple Approach to Better Distinguish Real Earnings Manipulation from Strategy Changes*
Authors: Christensen Theodore E. , Huffman Adrienna , Lewis‐Western Melissa F. , Valentine Kristen
Published: September 2022

Researchers typically infer real earnings management when a firm's operating and investing activities differ from industry norms. A significant problem with classifying deviations from industry averages as myopic earnings management is that companies can change their operating and investing decisions for strategic business reasons rather than to mislead stakeholders. Using principal components analysis, we systematically evaluate existing measures and develop a comprehensive real activities measure to better capture earnings manipulation. Our measure reflects (i) deviations from industry averages across multiple activities and (ii) other signals of manipulation. This approach is promising because, although there are many sources of abnormal activities, manipulation is more likely the cause when managers engage in multiple income‐increasing abnormal activities that coincide with other signals that indicate an elevated risk of manipulation. This simple approach results in a metric that associates negatively with future operating performance and earnings persistence, yields high‐power tests, and captures manipulation reasonably well across most life‐cycle stages. Importantly, this approach performs better than the standard real earnings management metrics across all dimensions. Specifically, it generates the expected reduction in future earnings and reduced earnings persistence in 82% of the tests compared to 36% and 46% in common alternatives. Also, because this innovation does not require a long time‐series or rely on future period realizations for classification, it can be useful in more research settings than other recent innovations in the literature.
Knowledge translation for nursing care for patients with Risk of perioperative positioning injury: A case report
Authors: Bjorklund‐Lima Luciana , Müller‐Staub Maria , Rejane Rabelo‐Silva Eneida
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim was to apply the Advanced Nursing Process and demonstrating procedures of surgical positioning, as well as to show the participating the Nursing Outcomes Classification findings in order to translate the knowledge on specific preventive perioperative positioning into practice, the review of clinical protocols and nursing care plan.

Methods

The methods used include case report about knowledge translation by applying training modalities, review and adaptation of clinical protocols and examination of nursing care plans.

Findings

One hundred and nine healthcare providers attended the training, including nurses and nursing technicians working in the surgical center and the outpatient surgical center of the hospital chosen for this study. The surgical positioning protocols were revised based on the evidence described in the literature and the main surgical guidelines. The review of care registered in the institution's electronic system for the nursing prescription stage of the diagnosis Risk of perioperative positioning injury was based on the review on evidence on risk factors, the main guidelines in the area and the interventions suggested by Nursing Intervention Classification. The electronic system had registered 14 cares for this diagnosis, and after the review, one care was excluded and eight new cares were included, totaling 21 cares.

Conclusion

Nursing teams play a prominent role in positioning patients for surgery, protecting them in a moment of extreme vulnerability, thus making knowledge about the fundamental elements of surgical positioning essential. This emphasizes the importance of training, and of reviewing protocols and records of procedures that promote safety to patients and care teams.

Implication for nursing practice

The translation of knowledge about the Advanced Nursing Process in the perioperative area contributes to the refinement of classifications and standardization of language in this scenario, subsidizing an evidence‐based clinical practice.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on mental health in parents of infants with colic and on healthcare use
Authors: de Graaf Karola , Hartjes Robin , Barbian Claudia , Oberink Ebba Gustafsson , Vlieger Arine M. , Benninga Marc A. , Kruijff Ineke de
Published: September 2022

Aim

To examine the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of parents of infants with colic and on healthcare use.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Data of 64 parents of infants with colic prepandemic and 43 parents of infants with colic during the pandemic were analysed using validated questionnaires on parental stress, depression and anxiety. Additionally, we evaluated the number of outpatient clinic visits and admission rates pre‐ and during the pandemic by collecting data on the diagnosis treatment combination ‘excessive crying’ from electronic patient files in three secondary hospitals in the Netherlands.

Results

Mothers in the pandemic group reported significantly higher levels of depression than mothers in the prepandemic group (12.3 ± 7.0 and 8.8 ± 5.2; p = 0.04). Moreover, mothers showed a trend towards higher stress levels during the pandemic (29.6 ± 9.6 and 25.2 ± 8.1; p = 0.06). During the pandemic, admission numbers of infants with colic compared to prepandemic data increased with 34% (146 vs. 196).

Conclusion

Mothers of infants with colic reported significantly more feelings of depression during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Furthermore, the pandemic was associated with increased healthcare use amongst infants with colic. With the continuing pandemic, we recommend active perinatal support for this vulnerable population.
Editorial: wireless pH‐monitoring—is it time to put away the pH‐impedance catheters?
Authors: Ang Daphne , Fox Mark
Published: September 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Yadlapat et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17180 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17218
Editorial: natural history of irritable bowel syndrome in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Shin Andrea
Published: September 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Fairbrass et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17193 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17215
Moral experts as members of ethics commissions as seen through the prism of comprehensive doctrines
Authors: Hegstad Eilev
Published: September 2022

Ethics commissions provide expert advice to governments on what policies to implement regarding pressing ethical issues, most often in bioethics. These commissions distinguish themselves by having members from the professions we are most likely to think of as moral experts, if we believe that these exist. The relationship between moral experts and the composition of ethics commissions is worthy of further exploration, especially because of the highly controversial nature of whether moral expertise exists and, if so, how, and whether, we can identify moral experts. Moreover, it has been argued that the emergence of ethics commissions and how they have been composed have led to a “thinner” debate. In the first part of the article, the problem regarding checks for identifying moral experts is discussed. I argue that one way to handle this difficulty is through the application of Rawls’ concept of comprehensive doctrines. These doctrines have inherent standards that function similarly to independent checks, making it possible to identify moral experts from within such different doctrines. Using this approach makes it manageable to appoint moral experts to ethics commissions. In the second part, I consider the implications of seeing moral expertise through the prism of comprehensive doctrines for the composition of ethics commissions. One natural conclusion is that we should select moral experts representing different reasonable comprehensive doctrines to serve as members of ethics commissions. I consider six challenges to my proposal and demonstrate why these lack merit, and I point out some practical concerns that need further inquiry.
Recommendations for child welfare care reform in the global south: Perspectives of 542 adults who were separated from parental care during childhood in 12 nations
Authors: Wilke Nicole Gilbertson , Roberts Megan , Forber‐Pratt Ian , Njeri Grace , Howard Amanda Hiles
Published: September 2022

A robust literature has outlined the risks to children separated from parental care. Recently, there has been an effort to reform services to this population. However, the research driving reform has often neglected the voices of adults with care experience, especially those from the Global South. The current research explored recommendations for care reform from 542 adults who had experienced alternative care during childhood in 12 nations in the Global South. Data revealed three themes to improve care: (1) child focus and participation, (2) the need for family placements, and (3) the importance of support services. Implications are discussed.
Maxillary bar overdentures on four or six posterior implants: 10‐year results from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Slot Wim , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Cune Marco S. , Vissink Arjan , Meijer Henny J. A.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To compare clinical and patient‐reported outcomes when providing maxillary overdentures on four and six splinted implants placed in the posterior region during a 10‐year follow‐up period.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐six edentulous participants with functional maxillary denture complaints and insufficient bone volume to allow implant placement were scheduled for a bone augmentation procedure. After healing, participants were randomized to receive either four or six implants in the posterior maxilla. After 3 months of osseointegration, a bar overdenture was constructed. Implant survival, overdenture survival, clinical scores, peri‐implant bone height changes, and patient satisfaction were assessed.

Results

Forty‐six participants completed the 10‐year follow‐up. Implant survival was 100% in the 4‐implant group and 96.7% in the 6‐implant group. Seven new overdentures were made in the 4‐implant group and 12 new overdentures were made in the 6‐implant group due to excessive wear of the denture base and teeth. Clinical parameters did not differ significantly between groups. Mean marginal bone loss compared to baseline was 0.41 ± 0.37 mm in the 4‐implant group and 0.70 ± 1.07 mm in the 6‐implant group. Overall, patient satisfaction improved significantly, but did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

From this 10‐year follow‐up trial, it was concluded that bar maxillary overdentures on four or six implants in the posterior region of an augmented maxilla resulted in a comparable treatment outcome with high implant survival, limited loss of peri‐implant marginal bone, and high patients' satisfaction. (Clinical trial registration number: NTR9729).
Dietary weight loss intervention provides improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms—A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Valentini Dirceu Felipe , Fernandes Daieni , Campos Vinicius Jardim , Mazzini Guilherme Silva , Gurski Richard R.
Published: September 2022

To evaluate the effect of dietary interventions aimed at weight loss in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and general health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in overweight and obese patients. A population of GERD patients were randomized into two groups: the intervention group received individualized dietary counselling on scheduled appointments throughout 6 months of follow‐up (n = 31) and the control group received only informative dietary guidelines on baseline (n = 31). Anthropometric data were monthly collected, and the HRQL score for GERD (GERD‐HRQL) and the Health Survey (SF‐36) questionnaires were applied on baseline and reevaluated at the end of follow‐up. Dietary intervention led to an average weight loss of 4.4 kg (±5.3) and an average BMI reduction of 1.7 kg/m2 (±2.9) compared to an increase in weight of 2.1 kg (±4.4) (p < .001) and an increase in BMI of 1.3 (±6.3) (p = 0.023) in the control group. Individuals in the intervention group had a mean decrease in symptoms of 6.8 (±5.5) points while the control group had worsening of their symptoms with an increase of 3.3 (±4) points (p < .001) in the disease‐specific questionnaire. There was a positive association between weight loss and reduction of symptoms as measured by the GERD‐HRQL score (r = .49; p < .001). Dietary intervention for 6 months with an individualized low‐calorie diet program produces weight loss and a significant improvement in GERD‐related symptoms, as well as in HRQL.
Attention‐based convolutional neural network deep learning approach for robust malware classification
Authors: Ravi Vinayakumar , Alazab Mamoun
Published: September 2022

Recently, transforming windows files into images and its analysis using machine learning and deep learning have been considered as a state‐of‐the art works for malware detection and classification. This is mainly due to the fact that image‐based malware detection and classification is platform independent, and the recent surge of success of deep learning model performance in image classification. Literature survey shows that convolutional neural network (CNN) deep learning methods are successfully employed for image‐based windows malware classification. However, the malwares were embedded in a tiny portion in the overall image representation. Identifying and locating these affected tiny portions is important to achieve a good malware classification accuracy. In this work, a multi‐headed attention based approach is integrated to a CNN to locate and identify the tiny infected regions in the overall image. A detailed investigation and analysis of the proposed method was done on a malware image dataset. The performance of the proposed multi‐headed attention‐based CNN approach was compared with various non‐attention‐CNN‐based approaches on various data splits of training and testing malware image benchmark dataset. In all the data‐splits, the attention‐based CNN method outperformed non‐attention‐based CNN methods while ensuring computational efficiency. Most importantly, most of the methods show consistent performance on all the data splits of training and testing and that illuminates multi‐headed attention with CNN model's generalizability to perform on the diverse datasets. With less number of trainable parameters, the proposed method has achieved an accuracy of 99% to classify the 25 malware families and performed better than the existing non‐attention based methods. The proposed method can be applied on any operating system and it has the capability to detect packed malware, metamorphic malware, obfuscated malware, malware family variants, and polymorphic malware. In addition, the proposed method is malware file agnostic and avoids usual methods such as disassembly, de‐compiling, de‐obfuscation, or execution of the malware binary in a virtual environment in detecting malware and classifying malware into their malware family.
Impact of NFIB and CYP1A variants on clozapine serum concentration—A retrospective naturalistic cohort study on 526 patients with known smoking habits
Authors: Lenk Hasan Çağın , Løvsletten Smith Robert , O'Connell Kevin S. , Jukić Marin M. , Kringen Marianne Kristiansen , Andreassen Ole A. , Ingelman‐Sundberg Magnus , Molden Espen
Published: September 2022

Clinical response of clozapine is closely associated with serum concentration. Although tobacco smoking is the key environmental factor underlying interindividual variability in clozapine metabolism, recent genome‐wide studies suggest that CYP1A and NFIB genetic variants may also be of significant importance, but their quantitative impact is unclear. We investigated the effects of the rs2472297 C>T (CYP1A) and rs28379954 T>C (NFIB) polymorphisms on serum concentrations in smokers and nonsmokers. The study retrospectively included 526 patients with known smoking habits (63.7% smokers) from a therapeutic drug monitoring service in Norway. Clozapine dose‐adjusted concentrations (C/D) and patient proportions with subtherapeutic levels (<1070 nmol/L) were compared between CYP1A/NFIB variant allele carriers and homozygous wild‐type carriers (noncarriers), in both smokers and nonsmokers. Clozapine C/D was reduced in patients carrying CYP1A‐T and NFIB‐C variants versus noncarriers, both among smokers (−48%; p < 0.0001) and nonsmokers (−35%; p = 0.028). Patients who smoke carrying CYP1A‐T and NFIB‐C variants had a 66% reduction in clozapine C/D versus nonsmoking noncarriers (p < 0.0001). The patient proportion with subtherapeutic levels was 2.9‐fold higher in patients who smoke carrying NFIB‐C and CYP1A‐T variants versus nonsmoking noncarriers (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, CYP1A and NFIB variants have significant and additive impact on clozapine dose requirements for reaching target serum concentrations. Patients who smoke carrying the studied CYP1A and NFIB variants, comprising 2.5% of the study population, may need threefold higher doses to prevent risk of clozapine undertreatment. The results suggest that pre‐emptive genotyping of NFIB and CYP1A may be utilized to guide clozapine dosing and improve clinical outcomes in patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia.
Fine needle aspiration cytology for two cases of ameloblastoma—Key highlights and diagnostic features
Authors: Desai Karishma Madhusudan , Angadi Punnya V. , Kheur Supriya , Datar Uma V.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a valuable, noninvasive technique for head and neck pathology diagnosis. The objective of case images was to highlight the utility of FNAC for diagnosing suspected cases of ameloblastoma.

Method

FNAC smears of suspected cases of ameloblastoma were evaluated using their cellular and stromal features.

Results

Cellular features and background of smears exhibited characteristics of ameloblastoma. Predominant features included clusters of ameloblast‐like cells and spindle cells in a myxoid background.

Conclusion

Careful evaluation of FNAC helps diagnose ameloblastomas and must be considered a vital diagnostic tool.
Alcohol minimum unit pricing and people experiencing homelessness: A qualitative study of stakeholders' perspectives and experiences
Authors: Dimova Elena D. , Strachan Heather , Johnsen Sarah , Emslie Carol , Whiteford Martin , Rush Robert , Smith Iain , Stockwell Tim , Whittaker Anne , Elliott Lawrie
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Minimum unit pricing (MUP) may reduce harmful drinking in the general population, but there is little evidence regarding its impact on marginalised groups. Our study is the first to explore the perceptions of MUP among stakeholders working with people experiencing homelessness following its introduction in Scotland in May 2018.

Methods

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 41 professional stakeholders from statutory and third sector organisations across Scotland. We explored their views on MUP and its impact on people experiencing homelessness, service provision and implications for policy. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants suggested that the introduction of MUP in Scotland had negligible if any discernible impact on people experiencing homelessness and services that support them. Most service providers felt insufficiently informed about MUP prior to its implementation. Participants reported that where consequences for these populations were evident, they were primarily anticipated although some groups were negatively affected. People experiencing homelessness have complex needs in addition to alcohol addiction, and changes in the way services work need to be considered in future MUP‐related discussions.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study suggests that despite initial concerns about potential unintended consequences of MUP, many of these did not materialise to the levels anticipated. As a population‐level health policy, MUP is likely to have little beneficial impact on people experiencing homelessness without the provision of support to address their alcohol use and complex needs. The additional needs of certain groups (e.g., people with no recourse to public funds) need to be considered.
Introducing business analytics in context: An Excel project to analyze product and sales data for inventory purchase decisions
Authors: Grenci Richard T.
Published: September 2022

This article presents a project that uses a business context to introduce students to a multiphase approach to analytics while relying primarily on an introductory Excel course for prerequisite knowledge. A range of analytics techniques—including Excel Pivot tables and charts, regression trend lines, and linear programming—are combined into an integrative project. Using a customer orders database, student groups took on the role of category management teams assigned to analyze product sales, pricing, and costs to create an optimized purchase plan to replenish inventory. The instructor‐guided project was employed in a sophomore‐level introductory business intelligence course positioned within an undergraduate business core curriculum. Based on the context and level, such a project could be used in a business core course such as fundamentals of business, marketing, operations/supply chain management, information systems, or business analytics.
Agonistic responses to potential co‐foundresses in a cooperatively brooding quasi‐social parasitoid
Authors: Guo Xiaomeng , Zhou Bingying , Zhao Rina , Meng Ling , Hardy Ian , Li Baoping
Published: September 2022

Sociality is not common among parasitoid hymenopterans, but members of the ectoparasitoid genusSclerodermus(in the aculeate family Bethylidae) may form multi‐foundress groups, producing and tending a single brood (of combined parentage) on a large host until offspring maturity. While individual foundresses can benefit more from reproducing within groups rather than alone, recent studies have indicated that there are conflicts of interest between co‐foundresses at the time of host suppression and during brood production, some of which may be mediated by intrinsic or acquired dominance. Evidence for overtly agonistic interactions has, however, been lacking.

Here, we report that residentSclerodermus guaniXiao et Wu females that have suppressed a host, can either accept introduced intruder females as co‐foundresses without aggression or repel, and even kill, intruders by biting and stinging them.

Residents were more likely to exhibit aggression when they had commenced oviposition, when more days had passed since oviposition, when they were larger than the intruder, when the intruder was a non‐sibling, or when they were the sole resident rather than being in a group of two residents.

We conclude that cooperatively brooding inSclerodermuscan be conditional on the evolutionary interests of foundresses with temporal priority on a host and their ability to repel potential co‐foundresses.
Growth variation along a dispersal gradient in juvenile rainbow trout
Authors: Monnet Gauthier , Rosenfeld Jordan S. , Richards Jeffrey G.
Published: September 2022

The behavioural and metabolic attributes that favour post‐emergence dispersal by larval fish may differentiate juvenile phenotypes along downstream ecological gradients in riverine systems, but the extent to which fish with contrasting dispersal capacities differ in underlying metabolic, behavioural and life‐history traits remains unclear. In this study, we used common environment experiments to evaluate the extent of inter‐individual differentiation in growth rate, metabolic performance (active metabolism [maximum metabolic rate, MMR], temperature tolerance [CTmax]) and behaviour (emergence time, exploration, sociability) associated with the downstream dispersal of juvenile trout along a 50 km reach of the Lardeau River (British Columbia) characterised by multiple ecological gradients (i.e. distance from the emergence area, water temperature and prey abundance). Growth rate of fish reared under common environment satiation conditions in the laboratory was significantly lower at the most downstream site, which was consistent with an upstream‐to‐downstream gradient of decreasing prey availability, whereby faster‐growing fry were present in the more productive upstream habitats of the upper Lardeau River. In contrast with growth, temperature tolerance (i.e. CTmax) and traits associated with active movement (i.e. MMR, boldness, exploration, sociability) did not differ among individuals or clearly map onto upstream‐to‐downstream gradients of water temperature and distance travelled during dispersal. These results suggest that spatial differentiation of juvenile phenotypes following post‐emergence dispersal may reflect a sorting process where variation in attributes like growth matches the productivity of the terminal habitat, rather than behavioural or metabolic attributes that might promote dispersal (e.g. proactive behaviours and active metabolism).
The association of age and adverse events of PEG‐asparaginase in a pediatric tertiary care hospital; a retrospective review
Authors: Abbott Lesleigh , Claveau Maia , Tang Ken , Cameron Jameason , Goulet Genevieve
Published: September 2022

Background

Pediatric patients have a better survival rate for lymphoid malignancies than adolescents and young adult patients (AYA) and current evidence suggests that asparaginase plays a role in improved response to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate if increasing age as a continuous variable demonstrated increasing toxicities to PEG‐asparaginase (PEG‐ASP) for those patients treated at a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Methods

A retrospective chart review from 2007 to 2017 was conducted in the pediatric population at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Patients having received PEG‐ASP were included. Event incidence and risk related to age at diagnosis were assessed through parameter estimates and Wald chi‐square analysis.

Results

In total, 75 adverse events were observed: 34/186 (18.3%) experienced allergic reactions, 8/186 (4.3%) pancreatitis, 31/186 (16.7%) thrombosis, and 2/186 (1.1%) hemorrhage. One hundred and eighty two patients had complete information for inclusion in our model. A correlation between age at diagnosis and higher risk of allergic reaction (p < .001) and pancreatitis (p < .035) was observed.

Conclusion

Allergic reaction and pancreatitis following administration of PEG‐ASP have a higher risk of occurrence as age of diagnosis increases up to 18 years of age. This includes the lower limit of traditionally defined AYA population of 15–39 and warrants precaution as PEG‐ASP is included in older populations treatment regimens at pediatric centers.
Cover crop residue influence on soil N2O and CO2 emissions under wetting‐drying intensities: An incubation study
Authors: Panday Dinesh , Saha Debasish , Lee Jaehoon , Jagadamma Sindhu , Adotey Nutifafa , Mengistu Alemu
Published: September 2022

Under increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the natural wet‐dry cycles of different intensities can induce soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) transformation and may contribute to increased nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from cultivated soils. While cover crop residue addition is a viable strategy to improve soil health, their impacts on soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially N2O emissions, in response to wetting‐drying intensities have received limited attention. A 3‐factorial laboratory incubation was conducted using soils from a long‐term experiment to examine cover crop residue roles on N2O and CO2 emissions when exposed to different intensities of wetting‐drying cycles. These factors included (i) cover crop residue (3 levels): no cover crop, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), (ii) wetting intensity (2 levels): 70% and 90% water‐filled pore space (WFPS), and (iii) drying intensity (2 levels): 10% and 40% WFPS. All treatments received the same amount of N fertiliser as urea equivalent to 100 kg N ha−1. We measured N2O and CO2 fluxes, N2O isotopomer composition, as well as dynamics of soil WFPS and biogeochemical changes after wetting. While cover crop residue addition generally exhibited higher CO2 emissions than the no cover crop treatment under all wetting‐drying intensities, their impact on N2O was more nuanced and contingent on cover crop residue type and wetting‐drying intensity. When wetted to 70% WFPS, crimson clover amended soils produced the largest daily and cumulative N2O emissions, whereas soil amended with winter wheat residues had comparable emissions to the no cover crop treatment. In contrast, cover crop residues, especially winter wheat, significantly decreased N2O emissions under extreme wetting to 90% WFPS which was often dominated by denitrification and nitrifier denitrification processes (except in winter wheat when wetted from 10% WFPS). Our results suggest that winter wheat cover crop residues mixed with N fertiliser could provide reliable N2O mitigation benefits under variable soil moisture conditions.

Highlights

Cover crop effects on N2O emissions from soil with varied wetting‐drying intensities were studied

Increased risks of N2O emissions with increasing intensity of wetting of dry soils

Crimson clover produced higher N2O emissions than no cover crop when wetted to 70% WFPS

Cover crops mixed with N fertiliser reduced N2O emissions than no cover crop when wetted to 90% WFPS
Novel RNA polymerase I inhibitor CX‐5461 suppresses imiquimod‐induced experimental psoriasis
Authors: Wu Xiao , Yin Qihui , Wang Jie , Dai Chaochao , Wang Jianli , Guo Xiaosun , Jiang Fan
Published: September 2022

Clinical treatment of psoriasis remains challenging because of possible long‐term drug toxicities and loss of therapeutic effects over time. CX‐5461 is a novel selective inhibitor of RNA polymerase I. Our previous studies have shown that CX‐5461 has potent anti‐inflammatory effects. Here we investigated whether CX‐5461 could inhibit the development of imiquimod‐induced experimental psoriasis in mice. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were used, and psoriasis‐like lesions were induced by topical imiquimod treatment. In vivo, we demonstrated that topical application of CX‐5461 prevented the development of imiquimod‐induced psoriasis, with decreases in keratinocyte proliferation, T‐cell infiltration and pathological angiogenesis. CX‐5461 also reversed existing skin inflammation induced imiquimod and retarded the development of 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate‐induced epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation. In vitro, CX‐5461 induced cell cycle arrest in keratinocytes, inhibited expressions of interleukin‐17, interleukin‐23 receptor and retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor‐γt in activated T cells, and reduced angiogenic functions of endothelial cells. In conclusion, CX‐5461 exhibits therapeutic effects on experimental psoriasis in mice, likely via multiple mechanisms including anti‐proliferative, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐angiogenic activities.
High cycle and very high cycle fatigue properties and microscopic crack growth modeling of Ti‐6.5Al‐3.5Mo‐1.5Zr‐0.3Si titanium alloy at elevated temperatures
Authors: Li Cheng , Li Wei , Yuan Shihua , Li Xiaolong , Cai Liang , Zhang Yucheng , Hu Tianyi , Mo Zhenglin , Lashari Muhammad Imran , Hamid Usama
Published: September 2022

Pulsating tension fatigue tests were conducted at 25°C, 150°C, and 250°C to investigate the effect of temperature on high cycle and very high cycle fatigue behavior of titanium alloy. The fatigue strength decreases with the increase of temperature, and the surface failure is more sensitive to temperature than interior failure. Afterwards, the fatigue fracture morphology, microstructure, and texture of titanium alloy were characterized. The results show that the fracture of larger αp phase with the maximum shear stress and higher strain concentration is responsible for the facet formation. The formation of facets leads to the interior failure at different temperatures. Finally, combining with the definition of interior crack growth rate, an assessment approach was proposed to predict the crack growth rate within the inhomogeneous microstructure area (IMA), which takes crack growth acceleration caused by the increase of temperature into consideration.
Social capital and dental service use in older Brazilians
Authors: Campagnol Patrícia Bastianello , do Amaral Júnior Orlando Luiz , Fagundes Maria Laura Braccini , Menegazzo Gabriele Rissotto , Neves Matheus , Maroneze Marília Cunha , do Amaral Giordani Jessye Melgarejo
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of dental services use and its association with social capital among Brazilian older adults.

Background

Health inequities can be explained by the social determinants of health, which are the social, environmental, cultural and behavioural factors that directly or indirectly affect people's health. Among these determinants is social capital, that seem to affect health behaviours, such as use of dental services among older adults.

Materials and methods

This was a cross‐sectional study using baseline data from the Longitudinal Study of the Health of the Brazilian Elderly, nationally representative of people aged 50 years or older. The baseline survey was carried out between 2015 and 2016, using structured questionnaires. The dependent variable was use of dental services in the last year. The main exposure variable was social capital, assessed through two dimensions: structural and cognitive. The covariates used were sex, skin colour, age, education, wealth, need for dental treatment, self‐perception of oral health, tooth loss, type of dental services used, reason for dental care, smoking and alcohol consumption. Descriptive analyses and Poisson regression modelling were used.

Results

The sample consisted of 9323 individuals. The prevalence of dental services use was 32.6% (95% CI: 30.7–34.5). No associations were found between social capital and the use of dental services.

Conclusion

This study did not find an association between structural and cognitive social capital and dental services use in Brazilian older adults. Further researches using instruments with different assessments of social capital are needed.
Antimicrobial potential of new diclofenac hydrogels for disinfection in regenerative endodontics: An in vitro and ex vivo study
Authors: Ruiz‐Linares Matilde , Monroy‐Rojas Javier F. , Solana Carmen , Baca Pilar , Aguado Beatriz , Soriano‐Lerma Ana , Arias‐Moliz María Teresa , Ferrer‐Luque Carmen María
Published: September 2022

Aim

There is a need to explore new alternatives for root canal disinfection in regenerative endodontics, since the current strategies are far from ideal. Currently, the potential use of diclofenac (DC) is being investigated for controlling root canal infections. The objective was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of novel DC‐based hydrogels (DCHs) against polymicrobial biofilms grown in radicular dentine and root canals and to compare results with triantibiotic (TAH) and diantibiotic (DAH) hydrogels, and calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2).

Methodology

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of intracanal medicaments was evaluated against 3‐week‐old polymicrobial root canal biofilms grown on human radicular dentine. Dentine samples were obtained and randomly divided into the study groups (n = 4/group): (1) 1 mg/ml TAH; (2) 1 mg/ml DAH; (3) 5% diclofenac (DCH); (4) 2.5% DCH; (5) 1.25% DCH; (6) 1 mg/ml DAH + 5% DCH; (7) Ca(OH)2 paste; (8) positive control. The microbial viability, in terms of percentage of intact cell membranes, was assessed after 7 days by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). The ex vivo efficacy of intracanal medications was evaluated in root canals infected with a polymicrobial suspension. Intracanal microbiological samples at baseline (S1) and 7 days post‐treatment (S2) were taken; microbial quantification and cell viability were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and flow cytometry (FC). The mean Log10 of bacterial DNA copies in root canal samples before (S1) and the Log10 reduction of DNA copies S1–S2 in qPCR were recorded. The absolute value of total cells stained, and the percentage reduction of intact membrane cells after treatment (S1–S2), were analysed by FC. Global comparison was done using the Kruskal–Wallis test, whilst the Mann–Whitney U test was used for pair‐by‐pair comparison.

Results

Confocal scanning laser microscopy analysis indicated that the greatest effectiveness was obtained with 5% DCH, showing significant differences with respect to the other groups (p < .001). In root canals, the highest Log10 DNA reduction S1–S2 was obtained with 5% DCH and TAH, with no differences between them. The results of FC showed that only 5% DCH proved significantly superior to the other treatments.

Conclusions

Sodium DC hydrogels demonstrate antimicrobial efficacy against endodontic biofilms.
Extension of MAX phases from ternary carbides and nitrides (X = C and N) to ternary borides (X = B, C, and N): A general guideline
Authors: Zhou Yanchun , Xiang Huimin , Hu Chunfeng
Published: September 2022

Although significant progress has been made on understanding the structure–property relationship of MAX phases, a clear answer has not been given to the outstanding question whether MAX phases can be extended from carbides and nitrides (X = C and N) to borides (X = B). Herein, based on the systematically investigations on the general trend of lattice constants and elastic properties of the experimentally found MX and M2AX (X = B, C, and N) with the valence electron concentration (VEC), a guideline for the discovery of new MAX borides is given. The MX and M2AX (X = B, C, and N) compounds are situated in a small range of VEC, and their lattice constants generally decrease with VEC. Second‐order elastic constants c11, c33, and bulk modulus B of M2AX (X = B, C, and N) increase with VEC due to enhanced bonding, c44 and G, however, increase up to some critical values and then decline with the further increase of VEC. Based on the electronic structure–elastic property relationship and the presence of rock salt–structured transition metal monoborides, nine possible MAX phase borides M2AB (M = Zr, Hf, Nb, A = P, As, and Sb) are predicted. Thus, MAX phases can be extended from X = C and N to X = B, C, and N.
Fabrication of c‐axis–oriented AlN bulk ceramics using a rotating magnetic field
Authors: Suzuki Tohru S. , Kobayashi Kiyoshi , Uchikoshi Tetsuo
Published: September 2022

Controlling the crystallographic orientation in bulk ceramics is expected to improve their properties that depend on the axis of the crystal structure. The development of crystallographic orientation using a magnetic field has been reported in various types of bulk ceramics with anisotropic crystal structures. In this study, c‐axis–oriented AlN bulk ceramics were prepared by slip casting in a rotating high magnetic field. The c‐axes of 61% of the grains were aligned within 20°. Due to this orientation, the thermal conductivity of AlN was improved. A thermal conductivity difference of approximately 14% at room temperature was observed for the samples with different orientation axes, which is higher than its intrinsic anisotropy.
The alternative Thomas‐plot: A new tool for effective anemia diagnostics
Authors: de Leur Kitty , Pouw Nadine M. C. , Lopez Jordy , Waals‐Prinzen Lenneke , Ceelie Huib , van der Zwan‐van Beek Ellen M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The Thomas‐plot has proven to be a helpful tool to discriminate between different types of anemia. This plot combines the reticulocyte hemoglobin content (Ret‐He) with the soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)/log ferritin (fer) ratio. In this study, we designed an alternative Thomas‐plot in which Ret‐He is combined with the transferrin (Tf)/log ferritin ratio. We validated both Thomas‐plots in a population of anemic patients and compared the performance to the current laboratory diagnostics of anemia.

Methods

A total of 536 anemic patients were included. The first 188 patients were used to generate ROC curves to define the optimal cut‐off values for both Thomas‐plots. With the following 348 patients included we studied the performance of the alternative and classical Thomas‐plots compared to current anemia diagnostics.

Results

Cut‐off values were defined (Ret‐He: 31.2 pg, sTfR/log(fer): 0.91, and Tf/log(fer): 1.71). With both Thomas‐plots the amount of e causa ignota (ECI) cases dropped from 39% to 27%. A more in depth analysis on the iron status of anemia of chronic disease (ACD) patients and a subdivision between latent and classical iron deficiencies could be made with the help of both plots. A shift from classical iron deficiency anemia (IDA) cases according to the classical Thomas‐plot toward functional IDA according to the alternative Thomas‐plot was observed.

Conclusion

The alternative Thomas‐plot is an effective tool that gives a more in depth view on the iron status of anemic patients. In addition, it is easier to implement due to the use of transferrin rather than the soluble transferrin receptor.
BDNF is a prognostic biomarker involved in immune infiltration of lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with brain metastasis
Authors: Yu Qian , Wang Yitian , Yi Guangming , Yang Wendi , Chen Kehong , Tan Xiangwu , Zhang Xiaoyue , Xu Zaicheng , Yang Zhenzhou , Peng Yuan
Published: September 2022

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Brain metastases are a common complication of a wide range of human malignancies, particularly lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, has been linked to several human malignancies and has been shown to promote LUAD tumorigenesis. However, its function in the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) remains largely unexplored, especially in complex brain tissue environments. In this study, BDNF was found to be particularly increased in patients with advanced tumour stage, lymphatic metastasis, and distant metastasis, indicating a correlation with LUAD progression. We characterized the prognostic value of BDNF and defined BDNF as an unfavourable prognostic indicator through a common driver gene‐independent mechanism in LUAD. Furthermore, patients with increased BDNF levels in primary LUAD might have a higher risk of developing brain metastasis (BM), and central nervous system (CNS) metastasis showed an elevated expression of BDNF compared to their matched primary lesions. Additionally, we investigated the interaction between BDNF and infiltrating immune cells in both primary lesions and paired BM using multiplex immunostaining. The results showed that BDNF might drive an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) by re‐education of tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) toward a pro‐tumorigenic M2 phenotype, particularly in BM. Our findings demonstrate that BDNF serves as an independent potential prognostic marker and correlates with BM in LUAD. As it is closely related to TAM polarization, BDNF may be a promising immune‐related biomarker and molecular target in patients with LUAD.
Outcomes of preformed metal crowns placed with the conventional and Hall techniques: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chua Doris Ruyi , Tan Bing Liang , Nazzal Hani , Srinivasan Narashimhan , Duggal Mandeep Singh , Tong Huei Jinn
Published: September 2022

Background

Preformed metal crowns (PMCs) have been used to restore carious primary molars and have a high success and survival rate. There are two methods currently employed for PMC placement ‐ the conventional technique (CT) and Hall technique (HT).

Aim

This systematic review aims to compare the outcomes of PMCs placed using the CT and HT.

Design

This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis statement. A literature search of five databases was performed up to 23 August 2022. Clinical studies comparing carious primary molars restored with PMCs using either technique with a minimum 12‐month follow‐up were included. Risk of bias (RoB) assessment was performed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment tool.

Results

Five articles met the inclusion criteria, and four were included for meta‐analysis. The 12‐ and 24‐month success and survival rates were above 85% for both groups, with no significant differences shown at 12 and 24 months. The HT requires a shorter treatment duration, is more cost‐effective and has a high level of acceptability among parents when compared to the CT. Four articles were rated fair, and one article was rated good in the RoB assessment.

Conclusion

Greater consideration may be given towards using the HT as part of standard treatment procedures in managing carious primary molars. Future studies should standardise reporting of outcomes to facilitate a more homogeneous pool of data for future meta‐analysis.