bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying e-learning system for engineering education – challenges and obstacles
Authors: Abumandour El-Shaimaa Talaat
Published: October 2021

Purpose

At present, humankind is facing rapid and profound changes in society, science, technology, economy and environment. The 21st century has witnessed extraordinary scientific and technological progressions. Improvement of technology has generated new educational technique known as e-learning. Nowadays, popularity of e-learning is growing rapidly and numerous educational organizations, public, academic and digital libraries are embracing it. Lately, engineering education is heading toward the blended education system as it successfully combines both chalk and talk system (face-to-face), computer-assisted learning methodologies and internet access feature to learners.

Design/methodology/approach

This work discusses the potential of e-learning as an educational system for engineering topics and the challenges faced by educational organizations and public libraries as their partners in applying this system for engineering topics. In addition, number of national and international successful engineering e-learning trials that have been created, organized and/or hosted by educational organizations and public libraries are presented.

Findings

The author presents challenges and obstacles that stakeholders, teachers, professors and librarians should be aware of to develop and support the e-learning system. Hence, a number of recommendations are provided to build a bridge linking e-learning and engineering education.

Originality/value

This paper is a complementary work to a previously published study. In this paper, the author sheds light on the link between the e-learning system and the engineering education provided by the educational organizations and hosted by public libraries.
Guest editorial: Solving problems for service consumers experiencing vulnerabilities: a marketplace challenge
Authors: Johns Raechel , Davey Janet
Published: October 2021

Purpose

While there is burgeoning service literature identifying consumer vulnerabilities and questioning the assumption that all consumers have the resources to co-create, limited research addresses solutions for consumers experiencing vulnerabilities. Service systems can provide support for consumers but can also create inequities and experienced vulnerabilities. This paper aims to identify current and further research needed to explore this issue and addresses marketplace problems for consumers experiencing vulnerabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint discusses key issues relating to solving marketplace problems for consumers experiencing vulnerabilities. A call for papers focused on solving marketplace problems for consumers experiencing vulnerabilities resulted in a large number of submissions. Nine papers are included in this special issue, and each one is discussed in this editorial according to five emergent themes.

Findings

Vulnerabilities can be temporary, or permanent, and anyone can suddenly experience vulnerabilities. Inequities and vulnerabilities can be due to individual characteristics, environmental forces, or due to the structure of the marketplace itself. Solutions include taking a strengths-based approach to addressing inequities and using a multiple-actor network to provide support.

Practical implications

The recommendations addressed in this paper enable more positive approaches to solving marketplace problems for consumers experiencing vulnerabilities.

Social implications

Taking a solutions-focused lens to research relating to vulnerabilities will contribute toward addressing inequities within the marketplace.

Originality/value

Increasingly, service literature is identifying inequities; however, very limited research addresses solutions for solving marketplace problems for consumers experiencing vulnerabilities. This paper suggests taking an approach focusing on strengths, rather than weaknesses, to determine strategies, and using the support of other actors (Transformative Service Mediators) where required.
Robust optimization of EMU brake module based on interval analysis
Authors: Li Yonghua , Yin Hao , Xia Qing
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to research the influence of non-probabilistic design variables on interval robust optimization of electric multiple units (EMU) brake module, therefore obtain the reasonable of design variables of the EMU brake module.

Design/methodology/approach

A robust optimization model of the EMU brake module based on interval analysis is established. This model also considers the dimension tolerance of design variables, and it uses symmetric tolerance to describe the uncertainty of design variables. The interval order relation and possibility degree of interval number are employed to deal with the uncertainty of objective function and constraint condition, respectively. On this basis, a multiobjective robust optimization model in view of interval analysis is established and applied to the robust optimization of the EMU brake module.

Findings

Compared with the traditional method and the method proposed in the reference, the maximum stress fluctuation of the EMU brake module structure is smaller after using the method proposed in this paper, which indicates that the robustness of the maximum stress of the structure has been improved. In addition, the weight and strength of the structure meet the design requirements. It shows that this method and model introduced in this research have certain feasibility.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to apply the robust optimization model based on interval analysis to the optimization of EMU structure and obtain the optimal solution set that meets the design requirements. Therefore, this study provides an idea for nonprobabilistic robust optimization of the EMU structure.
Metabolomic analyses on microbial primary and secondary oxidative stress responses
Authors: Pan Yuanyuan , Cheng Jun‐Hu , Sun Da‐Wen
Published: October 2021

Food safety is veryimportant in our daily life. In food processing or disinfection, microorganisms are commonly exposed to oxidative stress perturbations. However, microorganisms can adapt and respond to physicochemical interventions, leading to difficulty and complexity for food safety assurance. Therefore, understanding the response mechanisms of microbes and providing an overview of the responses under oxidative stress conditions are beneficial for ensuring food safety for the industry. The current review takes the metabolomics approach to reveal small metabolite signatures and key pathway alterations during oxidative stress at the molecular and technical levels. These alterations are involved in primary oxidative stress responses due to inactivation treatments such as using hypochlorite (HOCl), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), electrolyzed water (EW), irradiation, pulsed light (PL), electron beam (EB), and secondary oxidative stress responses due to exposures to excessive conditions such as heat, pressure, acid, and alkaline. Details on the putative origin of exogenous or endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) are discussed, with particular attention paid to their effects on lipid, amino acid, nucleotide, and carbohydrate metabolism. In addition, mechanisms on counteracting oxidative stresses, stabilization of cell osmolality as well as energy provision for microbes to survive are also discussed.
Estimating the time since admixture from phased and unphased molecular data
Authors: Janzen Thijs , Miró Pina Verónica
Published: October 2021

After admixture, recombination breaks down genomic blocks of contiguous ancestry. The breakdown of these blocks forms a new “molecular clock” that ticks at a much faster rate than the mutation clock, enabling accurate dating of admixture events in the recent past. However, existing theory on the breakdown of these blocks, or the accumulation of delineations between blocks, so‐called “junctions”, has mostly been limited to using regularly spaced markers on phased data. Here, we present an extension to the theory of junctions using the ancestral recombination graph that describes the expected number of junctions for any distribution of markers along the genome. Furthermore, we provide a new framework to infer the time since admixture using unphased data. We demonstrate both the phased and unphased methods on simulated data and show that our new extensions have improved accuracy with respect to previous methods, especially for smaller population sizes and more ancient admixture times. Lastly, we demonstrate the applicability of our method on three empirical data sets, including labcrosses of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisae) and two case studies of hybridization in swordtail fish and Populus trees.
Prognostic implication of erector spinae muscles in non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients treated with immuno‐oncology combinatorial chemotherapy
Authors: Araki Taisuke , Kitaguchi Yoshiaki , Suzuki Yusuke , Komatsu Masamichi , Sonehara Kei , Wada Yosuke , Tateishi Kazunari , Hanaoka Masayuki
Published: October 2021

Background

The quantity of skeletal muscles has recently been reported to have prognostic value in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with second‐line immunotherapy. However, the prognostic role of skeletal muscle assessment in NSCLC patients undergoing first‐line immuno‐oncology (IO) combinatorial treatment (IO‐chemotherapy) has not been elucidated.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 36 patients with NSCLC undergoing first‐line IO‐chemotherapy between April 2018 and June 2021 in our hospital. The cross‐sectional area of the erector spinae muscle (ESMCSA) was evaluated by manual tracing on computed tomography scans at the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra before initiating IO‐chemotherapy. To minimize deviation due to physique, the ESMCSA was adjusted by body surface area (BSA) (ESMCSA to BSA ratio: ESMCSA/BSA). A survival time analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and log‐rank test. A multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazards model was conducted to investigate the prognostic value of the ESMCSA/BSA and inflammatory and nutritional indices.

Results

The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6.5 and 16.6 months, respectively. Intergroup comparison by the log‐rank test revealed that there was no significant difference in the median PFS, but the median OS was significantly long in the high ESMCSA/BSA (>19 cm2/m2) (high ESMCSA/BSA group, p = 0.0373). The multivariate analysis showed that ESMCSA/BSA was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 0.79, p = 0.044).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that the pretreatment ESMCSA/BSA may be a potential prognostic factor in NSCLC patients receiving first‐line IO‐chemotherapy.
Unfinished business: Functional outcomes in a randomized controlled trial of a three‐year extension of early intervention versus regular care following two years of early intervention for psychosis
Authors: Mustafa Sally S. , Malla Ashok , Joober Ridha , Abadi Sherezad , Latimer Eric , Schmitz Norbert , Jarvis G. Eric , Margolese Howard C. , Casacalenda Nicola , Abdel‐Baki Amal , Iyer Srividya N.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate whether first‐episode psychosis patients receiving extended early intervention had better functional outcomes than those in regular care and to examine the predictors of functional outcomes.

Methods

This is a randomized controlled single‐blind trial of 220 patients randomized after 2 years of early intervention to receive early intervention or regular care for the subsequent 3 years. Outcomes included cumulative time in functional recovery during the 3‐year trial assessed using the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS); and employment/education at last assessment which were, respectively, analyzed using multiple linear regression and logistic regression, accounting for well‐known predictors. Linear mixed and generalized linear models were also used to examine the course of SOFAS and employment/education over the 3‐year period.

Results

The extended early intervention and regular care groups did not differ on time in functional recovery (mean = 50.17 weeks, SD = 46.62 vs. mean = 46.18 weeks, SD = 51.54); percent employed/in school (60.4% vs. 68.8%) or change in SOFAS or employment/education status over time. SOFAS scores were stable between years 2 and 5. Individuals with longer periods of total symptom remission experienced significantly longer periods of functional recovery and were likelier to be employed/in school. Those who had completed high school were nine times likelier to be employed/studying.

Conclusion

Most individuals maintained functional gains accrued from 2 years of early intervention with no further improvement whether in extended early intervention or regular care. There was a gap between symptomatic and functional recovery, and one‐third were unemployed/not in school at year 5. The lack of additional progress even in extended early intervention suggests that specific interventions addressing functional roles need to be provided beyond the first 2 years of early intervention. Sustaining symptom remission and high‐school completion may be additional avenues for targeting functional recovery.
Individual moral responsibility for antibiotic resistance
Authors: Ancillotti Mirko , Nihlén Fahlquist Jessica , Eriksson Stefan
Published: October 2021

Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a major threat to public health and healthcare worldwide. In this article, we analyse and discuss the claim that taking actions to minimize AR is everyone's responsibility, focusing on individual moral responsibility. This should not be merely interpreted as a function of knowledge of AR and the proper use of antibiotics. Instead, we suggest a circumstantial account of individual responsibility for AR, where individuals do or do not engage in judicious antibiotic behaviour with different degrees of voluntariness. Furthermore, we suggest a notion of responsibility as a virtue, in which individuals have the opportunity to develop a sensitivity towards the AR theme and, consequently, are capable of engaging, actively and voluntarily, in judicious antibiotic behaviour. The development of such sensitivity depends on the creation of adequate circumstances, that is individual capacities and availability of resources.
Effects of sevelamer carbonate versus calcium acetate on vascular calcification, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Mason Darius L. , Godugu Kavitha , Nnani Daryl , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: October 2021

Hyperphosphatemia is present in most patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and has been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Phosphate binders (calcium‐based and calcium free) are the mainstay pharmacologic treatment to lower phosphorus levels in patients with ESRD. We evaluated biochemical markers of vascular calcification, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with sevelamer carbonate (SC) versus calcium acetate (CA). Fifty patients with CKD (stages 3 and 4) were enrolled and assigned to treatment with SC and CA for 12 weeks. At the end of the study the biomarkers of vascular calcification, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction were analyzed. A significant increase in HDL‐cholesterol was observed with SC but not with CA in patients with CKD. Treatment with SC reduced serum phosphate, calcium phosphate, and FGF‐23 levels and there was no change with CA treatment. The inflammatory markers IL‐8, IFN‐γ, and TNFα decreased with response to both treatments. The levels of IL‐6 significantly increased with CA treatment and no change was observed in the SC treatment group. SC showed favorable effects on anti‐inflammatory and vascular calcification biomarkers compared to CA treatment in patients with CKD stages 3 and 4 with normal phosphorous values.
Androgen insensitivity syndrome: Can cytology help?
Authors: Dahiya Sakshi , Singh Meeta , Mandal Shramana , Jain Shyam Lata , Rathore Asmita , Lal Pawanindra
Published: October 2021

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is described as a patient's clinical (phenotypical) presentation as a female with male karyotyping. Classically, patients are normal looking females with complaints of primary amenorrhea. The gonads may be found as extra‐genital swellings; rarely, the testes may undergo malignant transformation. Thus, gonadectomy is indicated in these patients on attaining puberty. A rare and interesting case of clinically unsuspected AIS in a young female who presented with primary amenorrhea and inguinal swelling is reported. The initial diagnosis was suggested on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the inguinal swelling that showed the presence of Sertoli cells. Further family history revealed two similar siblings; karyotyping and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of AIS in the patient. This case highlights the importance of FNAC in early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to confirm the diagnosis and help in appropriate management.
Prevalence and factors associated with chronic venous insufficiency, leg ulceration and deep‐vein thrombosis among people who inject drugs in London, UK
Authors: Doran Jason , Hope Vivian , Wright Talen , Scott Jenny , Ciccarone Daniel , Harris Magdalena
Published: October 2021

Introduction

People who inject drugs (PWID) are vulnerable to a range of harms, including vascular conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), leg ulcers and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The extent of vascular conditions has rarely been studied, despite contributing to considerable illness and disability among PWID. We assess the prevalence and associations of vascular conditions in PWID in London, UK.

Methods

Survey data from the community‐recruited Care and Prevent Study of PWID in London were analysed. Participants were asked about CVI and leg ulcers using pictorial questions, and if they had ever been diagnosed with DVT. Associations between vascular conditions and demographic/drug‐use information were explored using univariate and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Among participants (n = 455), the prevalence of CVI, leg ulcers and DVT was 13% (n = 57), 10% (n = 46) and 23% (n = 105), respectively. CVI and DVT were positively associated with injecting into the groin, while injecting into the leg was positively associated with leg ulcers and DVT. CVI was also associated with not cleaning injection sites and diagnosed hepatitis C virus, and DVT with hepatitis C virus.

Discussion and Conclusion

The prevalence of vascular problems among PWID in London is very high in comparison to the general population. These conditions are primarily associated with injection into the femoral vein. Use of these injection sites indicates peripheral venous access problems. There is a need to reinvigorate safe injection information provision in harm reduction services, with attention to reducing risk practices associated with venous damage and transitions to femoral injection.
Diagnostic ability of magnification endoscope with narrow‐band imaging in screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Authors: Takinami Masaki , Kawata Noboru , Notsu Akifumi , Takizawa Kohei , Kakushima Naomi , Yoshida Masao , Yabuuchi Yohei , Kishida Yoshihiro , Ito Sayo , Imai Kenichiro , Hotta Kinichi , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging (M‐NBI) is useful for the optical diagnosis of gastrointestinal neoplasms. However, the utility of M‐NBI in screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of the magnification endoscope (ME) in screening EGD for a population with a low prevalence of upper gastrointestinal cancers.

Methods

Overall, 4887 asymptomatic examinees without a history of laryngopharyngeal and/or upper gastrointestinal neoplasms who underwent opportunistic screening EGD between April 2011 and December 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The examinees were categorized into two groups depending on whether screening EGD was performed using ME (ME group) or not (non‐ME group). Using a propensity score‐matched analysis, the diagnostic ability of EGD was compared between the two groups.

Results

In total, 1482 examinees (30%) were allocated to the ME group and 3405 (70%) to the non‐ME group. Thirty‐five epithelial neoplasms were detected in 30 examinees (0.6%). The groups were matched for baseline characteristics (1481 pairs). Both groups showed no significant difference in the epithelial neoplasm detection rate (0.8% vs. 0.3%; P = 0.14). The biopsy rate was significantly lower in the ME group than in the non‐ME group (12% vs. 15%; P = 0.003). The positive predictive value (PPV) for biopsy was significantly higher in the ME group than in the non‐ME group (6.6% vs. 2.8%; P = 0.048).

Conclusions

Using an ME for screening EGD in an apparently healthy, asymptomatic population could reduce unnecessary biopsies by improving PPV for biopsy without decreasing the epithelial neoplasm detection rate.
Ingarden on the varieties of dependence
Authors: De Rizzo Julio
Published: October 2021

In the third chapter of his major work, theControversy over the Existence of the World, Roman Ingarden discusses four varieties of dependence entities might exhibit. The aim of this essay is to explore these varieties and to put the claims Ingarden makes concerning them on a rigorous footing.
CRISPR screens guide the way for PARP and ATR inhibitor biomarker discovery
Authors: Schleicher Emily M. , Moldovan George‐Lucian
Published: October 2021

DNA repair pathways are heavily studied for their role in cancer initiation and progression. Due to the large amount of inherent DNA damage in cancer cells, tumor cells profoundly rely on proper DNA repair for efficient cell cycle progression. Several current chemotherapeutics promote excessive DNA damage in cancer cells, thus leading to cell death during cell cycle progression. However, if the tumor has efficient DNA repair mechanisms, DNA‐damaging therapeutics may not be as effective. Therefore, directly inhibiting DNA repair pathways alone and in combination with chemotherapeutics that cause DNA damage may result in improved clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, tumors can acquire resistance to DNA repair inhibitors. It is essential to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying this resistance. Genome‐wide CRISPR screening has emerged as a powerful tool to identify biomarkers of resistance or sensitivity to DNA repair inhibitors. CRISPR knockout and CRISPR activation screens can be designed to investigate how the loss or overexpression of any human gene impacts resistance or sensitivity to specific inhibitors. This review will address the role of CRISPR screening in identifying biomarkers of resistance and sensitivity to DNA repair pathway inhibitors. We will focus on inhibitors targeting the PARP1 and ATR enzymes, and how the biomarkers identified from CRISPR screens can help inform the treatment plan for cancer patients.
Oral function, nutritional status and physical status in Japanese independent older adults
Authors: Sawada Nanami , Takeuchi Noriko , Ekuni Daisuke , Morita Manabu
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To clarify the associations among oral status, nutritional status and physical status in Japanese independent older adults.

Background

It is important to focus on factors affecting physical status associated with life dysfunction, long‐term care and mortality. However, there are very few reports of the associations among oral status, nutritional status and physical status.

Materials and methods

Patients who visited the Preventive Dentistry Clinic at Okayama University Hospital from November 2017 to January 2019 participated in this cross‐sectional study. Number of teeth, periodontal condition and oral function were recorded. Bacteria counts in tongue dorsum, oral wettability, tongue pressure, tongue and lip movement function [oral diadochokinesis (ODK)], masticatory ability, bite force and swallowing function were measured. Nutritional status was assessed by the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Physical frailty status and Elderly Status Assessment Set were also evaluated. These variables were analysed by structural equation modelling (SEM).

Results

Data from 203 patients were analysed (63 males and 140 females). Patients ranged in age from 60 to 93 years. The final model of the path diagram was completed by SEM. ODK was positively associated with nutritional status, and nutritional status was negatively associated with frailty. Age was associated with ODK, nutritional status and frailty.

Conclusion

Based on the associations among age, ODK, nutritional status and frailty, maintaining tongue movement function may contribute to good nutritional status and physical status in Japanese independent older adults.
The impact of a digital platform on migraine patient‐centered outcome research. Evaluation of midolordecabeza.org, a headache website in Spanish
Authors: Gallardo Victor J. , Alpuente Alicia , Cerda‐Company Xim , Torres‐Ferrus Marta , Sanchez Del Rio Margarita , Lainez José Miguel , Leira Rogelio , Trochet Jérôme , Pozo‐Rosich Patricia
Published: October 2021

Objective

This internet survey aimed to analyze the activity of midolordecabeza.org, a specialized website for headache stakeholders.

Background

eHealth tools, such as websites, can be educational for stakeholders of a specific disease, such as patients. This is particularly helpful in chronic disorders such as migraine. eHealth also enhances patient‐centered outcome research. The website midolordecabeza.org has the stated aim of organizing key information on headache making it accessible and useful for all stakeholders, and, eventually promoting patient participation.

Methods

We analyzed Google Analytics (GA) data to study the web's activity, traffic source, geographical distribution of access, registered‐user behavior, electronic device performance, and temporary references with greater web activity.

Results

From January 2015 until December 2020, the website registered 1,121,585 visitors, 1,775,953 sessions, and a total of 3,833,144 views with an average time per session of nearly 2 min. Higher data traffic has been registered in Spanish‐speaking countries such as Spain (33.3%; 591,256/1,775,953), where Spain's regions with higher views were statistically significantly correlated with the nationwide migraine prevalence (ρ = 0.505; p = 0.039). In regard to social behavior, returning users were statistically significantly associated with being a woman (84.0%; 5696/6781), and they predominantly acceded from organic searches (50.6%; 3434/6781). When answering available open surveys, 72.5% (1827/2520) described their migraine as a disabling disease with high impact on their daily tasks and 64.4% (14,016/21,764) were unaware of what their headache diagnosis is.

Conclusions

Spanish‐speaking patients with migraine around the world increasingly visited the headache‐specialized website midolordecabeza.org using different electronic devices, showing great interest in their disease. This website allowed them to get updated information on their disease, share clinical data with physicians, and finally express their concerns.
Potential therapeutic of olive oil industry by‐products in skin health: a review
Authors: Nunes Andreia , Marto Joana , Gonçalves Lídia , Martins Ana Margarida , Fraga Carmo , Ribeiro Helena Margarida
Published: October 2021

Olea europaea L. is one of the most important fruit trees in the Mediterranean countries due to its products, olive oil and table olives. However, the olive oil extraction industry produces large amounts of by‐products, such as olive pomace, leaves and olive mill wastewater, which are considered harmful to the environment, having negative impacts on soil, aquatic and air ecosystems. The olive oil industry by‐products are a major ecological issue mainly due to their phenolic components, such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. However, olive oil industry by‐products can be recovered, treated and studied for their health‐promoting properties, holding great potential for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, the recovery and treatment processes contribute to an efficient waste management and sustainability of the olive oil industry, leading to important economic benefits. The phenolic compounds extracted and obtained from these by‐products present numerous health properties and can be used as antioxidant, photoprotector, anti‐inflammatory and/or antimicrobial agents in wellness and therapeutics of the skin. This review highlights issues related to olive oil industry by‐products and then proceeds to discuss how their beneficial biological activities make them reusable, particularly their high positive impact in treating skin disorders.
Associations of periodontal disease and tooth loss with all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in the Sister Study
Authors: Wu Zeni , O'Brien Katie M. , Lawrence Kaitlyn G. , Han Yongli , Weinberg Clarice R. , Sandler Dale P. , Vogtmann Emily
Published: October 2021

Aim

Studies have found that periodontal disease and tooth loss are associated with increased mortality; however, associations with cause‐specific mortality and all‐cause mortality within specific subgroups have not been thoroughly investigated.

Materials and methods

We examined the association of self‐reported periodontal disease and disease/decay‐related tooth loss with subsequent all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in the Sister Study, a prospective cohort study of 50,884 women aged 35–74 years at baseline, whose sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the associations were calculated with adjustment for relevant confounders.

Results

With a mean follow‐up of 10.9 years (range 0.1–14.3), 2058 women died. Participants with periodontal disease had a slightly higher rate of all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.98–1.19), while participants with tooth loss had an increased rate of all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.05–1.26). For cause‐specific mortality, women with tooth loss had increased rates of death from circulatory system diseases, respiratory system diseases, and endocrine/metabolic diseases. Results varied in stratified models, but no heterogeneity across strata was found.

Conclusions

In this large prospective study, periodontal disease and tooth loss were associated with all‐cause and certain specific cause‐specific mortality outcomes.
A multi‐centre randomized controlled trial comparing connective tissue graft with collagen matrix to increase soft tissue thickness at the buccal aspect of single implants: 3‐month results
Authors: Cosyn Jan , Eeckhout Célien , Christiaens Véronique , Eghbali Aryan , Vervaeke Stijn , Younes Faris , De Bruyckere Thomas
Published: October 2021

Aim

To compare connective tissue graft (CTG) with collagen matrix (CMX) in terms of changes over time in buccal soft tissue profile (BSP) when applied at single implant sites.

Materials and methods

Patients with a single tooth gap in the anterior maxilla and horizontal mucosa defect were enrolled in a multi‐centre randomized controlled trial. All sites had a bucco‐palatal bone dimension of at least 6 mm and received a single implant and immediate implant restoration using a full digital workflow. Sites were randomly allocated to the control (CTG) or test group (CMX: Geistlich Fibro‐Gide®, Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland) to increase buccal soft tissue thickness. Primary outcome was increase in BSP at T1 (immediately after operation) and T2 (3 months) based on superimposed digital surface models. Secondary parameters included patient‐reported clinical and aesthetic outcomes.

Results

Thirty patients were included per group (control: 50% females, mean age 50; test: 53% females, mean age 48). Even though surgeons applied thicker grafts when using CMX, sites treated with CMX demonstrated 0.78 mm (95% CI 0.41–1.14) more shrinkage between T1 and T2 than sites treated with CTG. The final increase in BSP was 1.15 mm (95% CI 0.88–1.43) for CTG and 0.85 mm (95% CI 0.58–1.13) for CMX. The mean difference of 0.30 mm (95% CI −0.01 to 0.61) at T2 in favour of CTG was of borderline significance (p = .054). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of post‐operative bleeding (p = .344), pain (p = .331), number of analgesics taken (p = .504), oedema (p = .227), and pink aesthetic score (p = .655). VAS for post‐operative haematoma was 6.56 (95% CI 0.54–12.59) lower for CMX, and surgery time could be reduced by 9.03 min (95% CI 7.04–11.03) when applying CMX. However, CMX resulted in significantly more marginal bone loss (0.38 mm; 95% CI 0.15–0.60), deeper pockets (0.30 mm; 95% CI 0.06–0.54), and more mid‐facial recession (0.75 mm; 95% CI 0.39–1.12) than CTG.

Conclusions

CTG remains the gold standard for increasing soft tissue thickness at the buccal aspect of implants.
The role of gangliosides in the organisation of the node of Ranvier examined in glycosyltransferase transgenic mice
Authors: McGonigal Rhona , Willison Hugh J.
Published: October 2021

Gangliosides are a family of sialic acid containing glycosphingolipids highly enriched in plasma membranes of the vertebrate nervous system. They are functionally diverse in modulating nervous system integrity, notably at the node of Ranvier, and also act as receptors for many ligands including toxins and autoantibodies. They are synthesised in a stepwise manner by groups of glycosyl‐ and sialyltransferases in a developmentally and tissue regulated manner. In this review, we summarise and discuss data derived from transgenic mice with different transferase deficiencies that have been used to determine the role of glycolipids in the organisation of the node of Ranvier. Understanding their role at this specialised functional site is crucial to determining differential pathophysiology following directed genetic or autoimmune injury to peripheral nerve nodal or paranodal domains, and revealing the downstream consequences of axo‐glial disruption.
A new subfamily of ionotropic glutamate receptors unique to the echinoderms with putative sensory role
Authors: Sania Rubaiyat E. , Cardoso João C. R. , Louro Bruno , Marquet Nathalie , Canário Adelino V. M.
Published: October 2021

Chemosensation is a critical signalling process in animals and especially important in sea cucumbers, a group of ecologically and economically important marine echinoderms (class Holothuroidea), which lack audio and visual organs and rely on chemical sensing for survival, feeding and reproduction. The ionotropic receptors are a recently identified family of chemosensory receptors in insects and other protostomes, related to the ionotropic glutamate receptor family (iGluR), a large family of membrane receptors in metazoan. Here we characterize the echinoderm iGluR subunits and consider their possible role in chemical communication in sea cucumbers. Sequence similarity searches revealed that sea cucumbers have in general a higher number of iGluR subunits when compared to other echinoderms. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparisons revealed GluH as a specific iGluR subfamily present in all echinoderms. Homologues of the vertebrate GluA (aka α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid, AMPA), GluK (aka kainate) and GluD (aka delta) were also identified. The GluN (aka N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate, NMDA) as well as the invertebrate deuterostome subfamily GluF (aka phi) are absent in echinoderms. The echinoderm GluH subfamily shares conserved structural protein organization with vertebrate iGluRs and the ligand binding domain (LBD) is the most conserved region; genome analysis indicates evolution via lineage and species‐specific tandem gene duplications. GluH genes (named Grih) are the most highly expressed iGluRs subunit genes in tissues in the sea cucumber Holothuria arguinesis, with Griha1, Griha2 and Griha5 exclusively expressed in tentacles, making them candidates to have a chemosensory role in this species. The multiple GluH subunits may provide alternative receptor assembly combinations, thus expanding the functional possibilities and widening the range of compounds detected during aggregation and spawning in echinoderms.
Novel cases of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis by Alternaria alstromeriae, Epicoccum tritici and Phialemonium obovatum from North India
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Nonzom Skarma
Published: October 2021

Background

A growing number of non‐dermatophytic moulds and yeasts with the ability to act as human pathogens are reported every year. Dematiaceous fungi cause phaeohyphomycosis which encompasses a broad spectrum of diseases ranging from superficial (cutaneous and subcutaneous) to disseminated infections. Such fungal infections are responsible for causing significant morbidity and mortality, frequently in immunocompromised patients and rarely in immunocompetent patients.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of cutaneous mycosis in Jammu district (India) and to isolate and identify the recovered causal agents from the affected skin of the patients.

Methods

For direct microscopy, 10% KOH was used. Skin samples were collected carefully from the affected areas of suspected patients, followed by the isolation and identification of the causal agents by cultural examination, morphological examination and ITS sequencing.

Results

Herein, we report and describe three new cases of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis from District Jammu of Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir, India. The age of the patients under study ranged from 17 to 42 years and the duration of infection from 1 to 2 years. The etiological agents that were recovered from the patients under study were Alternaria alstromeriae, Epicoccum tritici and Phialemonium obovatum. These dematiaceous fungal species were isolated from the skin specimen of immunocompetent hosts.

Conclusion

Among the three isolated etiological agents, two (Alternaria alstromeriae, Epicoccum tritici) represent new global records and one (Phialemonium obovatum) new record to India as causal agents of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis. Careful microscopic and mycological examination form the basis of correct diagnosis of such fungal infections in the absence of simple and reliable laboratory tests (serologic or antigen tests).
Associations between clinical and histopathological characteristics in oral leukoplakia
Authors: Evren Ilkay , Brouns Elisabeth R. , Poell Jos B. , Wils Leon J. , Brakenhoff Ruud H. , Bloemena Elisabeth , de Visscher Jan G.A.M.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To identify possible associations between patients’ demographics and habits and the clinical aspects and histopathological characteristics of oral leukoplakia (OL) at patients’ first visit.

Method

A total of 140 consecutive patients with OL at a single institute between 1997 and 2019. All biopsies were microscopically examined for classic dysplasia (CD) (WHO definition oral epithelial dysplasia) and differentiated dysplasia (DD) known from differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. Clinical characteristics were correlated to histopathological diagnosis and odds ratios (OR) were calculated.

Results

A total of 96 females and 44 males, mean age 58 years, were presented. OLs were found mainly on the tongue (41%) and floor of mouth (FOM) (18%). Homogeneous OLs (58%) were associated with smoking, FOM and size <2cm and non‐homogeneous OLs (42%) with non‐smokers. No dysplasia was present in 40% and any dysplasia (AD) in 60%. Tongue OLs were correlated with AD (OR:6.0) and CD (OR:5.7). FOM OLs were correlated with CD (OR:4.5). DD was correlated with non‐homogeneous OLs (OR:2.6).

Conclusions

CD was most frequently observed in tongue and FOM OLs, while DD was associated with non‐homogeneous OLs. In this series of patients, there was no consistent reliable association between the clinical and histopathological features and clinical characteristics can therefore not substitute microscopic examination of biopsies.
‘True’ as Polysemous
Authors: Yu Andy
Published: October 2021

In this paper, I propose that ‘true’ is polysemous and thus ambiguous. I suggest that the semantic paradoxes both motivate taking ‘true’ to be polysemous and show that the concepttruthis indefinitely extensible. In doing so, I explain that ‘true’ is polysemous between the meanings corresponding to the subconcepts of the concepttruthgenerated by such indefinite extensibility. I conclude that the proposal provides satisfying solutions to the semantic paradoxes.
A systematic review of the rates of depression in autistic children and adolescents without intellectual disability
Authors: Stewart Tracy M. , Martin Katherine , Fazi Michela , Oldridge Jessica , Piper Allan , Rhodes Sinead M.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Increasing evidence suggests that major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study is a systematic review of rates of depression in autistic children and adolescents, without intellectual disability.

Design

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a total of 14,557 studies were identified through five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cinahl, ERIC, PsycINFO, and Web of Science).

Methods

Articles were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria and 10% double coded at each stage. Nineteen studies met criteria and were retained in the review.

Result

The reported rates of depression in autistic children and adolescents varied from 0% to 83.3%. We discuss these findings in relation to method of report (self/informant, interview/questionnaire), recruitment status (clinical/community recruited), and age (pre‐pubertal/adolescent).

Conclusion

Rates of depression vary considerably across studies and do not show a particular pattern in relation to methodology, or age. Our research joins a crucial call to action from the research community for future research to improve the identification of depression in autism, which in turn will aid our understanding of the potentially different characterization and manifestation of depression in autism, to ultimately improve assessment and treatment of depression in autistic children and adolescents.

Practitioner points

Rates of depression in autistic children and adolescents vary and do not show a particular pattern in relation to methodology or age.

Our research joins the call to action from the research community for future research to improve the identification of depression in autistic children and adolescents, which in turn will aid understanding of depression in autism, and ultimately improve assessment and treatment of depression in autistic children and young people.

The development of new measures of depression, specifically designed with, and for, children and adolescents with autism, is warranted.
Social security, full employment and voluntary action: The three pillars of William Beveridge's welfare society
Authors: Harris Bernard
Published: October 2021

William Beveridge's report onSocial insurance and allied serviceshas often been described as a ‘blueprint’ for the creation of Britain's post‐war welfare state. However, it was only one of three major reports which Beveridge produced during the 1940s. This paper looks at all three reports and places them in the context of Beveridge's other writings and developments in the history of British social policy. It explores the different ways in which Beveridge's ideas about the importance of individual liberty, the role of state intervention and the different forms of voluntary action intersected during this period.
Detection of a novel allele, HLA‐DPA1*01:58, originating from a recombination within exon 2 of the DPA1 gene
Authors: Bradshaw Robert , Dunn Paul
Published: October 2021

A crossover in exon 2 between DPA1*01:03:01:02 and DPA1*02:01:01:01 results in a novel hybrid allele, HLA‐DPA1*01:58.
Critical minds in Arabic and Islamic studies courses: A whiff of change
Authors: Al Kuhayli Halah A. , El Alaoui Khadija , Pilotti Maura A.E.
Published: October 2021

In the present manuscript, we report the findings of a study that surveyed female college students' views of revamped Islamic and Arabic Culture courses embedded in the curriculum of a secular academic program in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Of interest were students' views of and responses to recently implemented features of the curriculum and instruction that exemplified active learning. The ancillary aim was to determine whether views and responses were linked to performance. At the end of the semester, students recognized that the courses' curriculum and instruction fostered active learning opportunities, and expressed an appreciation for learning that is impactful. Results involving performance were mixed though. In fact, whereas recitation and final test performance decreased with students' recognition that instruction prioritized understanding of facts and ideas, greater discussion of matters that engaged students' attention, such as cognitive distortions and personal views, was associated with higher midterm and final test performance. It was concluded that the novelty of activities capable of engaging students in the learning process might explain students' appreciation of active learning as well as such activities' mixed relationship with performance outcomes.
Increased myofilament calcium sensitivity is associated with decreased cardiac troponin I phosphorylation in the diabetic rat heart
Authors: Greenman Angela C. , Diffee Gary M. , Power Amelia S. , Wilkins Gerard T. , Gold Olivia M. S. , Erickson Jeffrey R. , Baldi James C.
Published: October 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

In Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats, does cardiomyocyte myofilament function change through the time course of diabetes and what are the mechanisms behind alterations in calcium sensitivity?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats had increased myofilament calcium sensitivity and reduced phosphorylation at cardiac troponin I without differential O‐GlcNAcylation.

The diabetic heart has impaired systolic and diastolic function independent of other comorbidities. The availability of calcium is altered, but does not fully explain the cardiac dysfunction seen in the diabetic heart. Thus, we explored if myofilament calcium regulation of contraction is altered while also categorizing the levels of phosphorylation and O‐GlcNAcylation in the myofilaments. Calcium sensitivity (pCa50) was measured in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rat hearts at the initial stage of diabetes (12 weeks old) and after 8 weeks of uncontrolled hyperglycaemia (20 weeks old) and in non‐diabetic (nDM) littermates. Skinned cardiomyocytes were connected to a capacitance‐gauge transducer and a torque motor to measure force as a function of pCa (−log[Ca2+]). Fluorescent gel stain (ProQ Diamond) was used to measure total protein phosphorylation. Specific phospho‐sites on cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and total cTnI O‐GlcNAcylation were quantified using immunoblot. pCa50 was greater in both 12‐ and 20‐week‐old diabetic (DM) rats compared to nDM littermates (P = 0.0001). Total cTnI and cTnI serine 23/24 phosphorylation were lower in DM rats (P = 0.003 and P = 0.01, respectively), but cTnI O‐GlcNAc protein expression was not different. pCa50 is greater in DM rats and corresponds with an overall reduction in cTnI phosphorylation. These findings indicate that myofilament calcium sensitivity is increased and cTnI phosphorylation is reduced in ZDF DM rats and suggests an important role for cTnI phosphorylation in the DM heart.