bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“I've yet to meet anyone who's not keen for simulation” – a qualitative study of simulation‐based education in the Pacific Islands
Authors: Robinson Samuel J. A. , McLeod Elizabeth , Nestel Debra , Pacilli Maurizio , Hansell Lamour , Nataraja Ramesh Mark
Published: July 2024

Background

Simulation‐based education (SBE) has been increasingly used to train healthcare workers in low‐resource settings and has been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Consideration of the educational and cultural context is important to maximize the effectiveness of SBE. Despite its demonstrable benefits, there have been no studies of the general approach in the Pacific Islands. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the uptake and success of SBE in the Pacific Islands.

Methods

In this qualitative study, participants were recruited via professional networks to contribute to focus groups. Questions focused on participants' previous experiences and perspectives on SBE. Data were manually transcribed before thematic analysis. The reporting of the research was guided by the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Human Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained.

Results

Two focus groups were conducted with 16 participants from six Pacific Island countries. Six themes and 15 subthemes were conceptualized from the data. Uptake of SBE is challenged by resource availability, clinical workloads and geographic remoteness. However, locally‐driven solutions and positive attitudes towards SBE facilitate its success.

Conclusion

This study reveals the complexity of factors affecting the uptake and success of SBE in the Pacific Islands. These findings can serve to optimize the impact of existing and future SBE programmes and may be considered by educators prior to programme implementation.
Predictors for selection of outpatient single‐port robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Soputro Nicolas A. , Ramos‐Carpinteyro Roxana , Chavali Jaya S. , Pedraza Adriana M. , Mikesell Carter D. , Kaouk Jihad
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate the different perioperative variables that may serve as important clinical predictors when selecting patients for outpatient single‐port robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (SP‐RARP).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review was performed on the Institutional Review Board‐approved, prospectively maintained database to identify 485 consecutive patients who underwent SP‐RARP between 2018 and 2023. A comparison analysis was performed on patients who were managed as outpatients vs inpatients following their respective SP‐RARP. A separate analysis was performed after excluding patients with pre‐planned admissions to identify the risk factors for unplanned admissions.

Results

All procedures were successfully completed without any conversion or additional ports. After excluding patients with pre‐planned admissions, outpatient SP‐RARP was successfully achieved in 86.6% with a median (interquartile range) length of stay of 4.6 (3.8–6.1) hours. Our multivariate regression analysis identified cardiac comorbidity and preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) as predictors of outpatient SP‐RARP. In addition, the absence of cardiac comorbidity, previous abdominal surgery, and lower postoperative pain score were protective against the risk of unplanned admission. Furthermore, both inpatient and outpatient encounters had comparable 90‐day rates of postoperative complication (P = 0.136) and hospital re‐admission (P = 0.942).

Conclusion

Outpatient management models could be successfully achieved in most patients who underwent SP‐RARP (86.6%) while maintaining similarly low perioperative morbidity profile. Nevertheless, appropriate patient selection based on the baseline clinicodemographic characteristics remains essential to ensure the safety and ongoing success of outpatient SP‐RARP.
Iris melanoma in an Australian cohort
Authors: McGrath Lindsay A. , Warrier Sunil K. , Glasson William J. , D'Mellow Matthew G. , Hamilton Hayley R. , Palmer Jane M. , Brooks Kelly M. , Johansson Peter A. , Hayward Nicholas K.
Published: July 2024

Background

To report the clinicopathological features and epidemiology of iris melanoma in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 86 patients with iris melanoma treated between 2001 and 2022 at the Queensland Ocular Oncology Service, Brisbane, Australia. Main outcome measures included demographics, clinical and phenotypic features, age‐adjusted incidence and relative survival.

Results

Eighty‐six patients (63% female) were included. Mean age was 54 years (range 17–82 years). The majority of patients (97%) were Caucasian, with blue eyes, fair skin and Fitzpatrick Skin Type I or II. Demographic features and clinical history showed a tendency for high ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure in the cohort. Histopathology was available in 69 cases (82%), and of these, 77% tumours were of spindle cell origin, with low‐risk genetic profiles. Patients were followed for a mean of 8 years (median 7, range 1–21 years) after diagnosis, and only one case of metastasis was documented.

Conclusions

The association of iris freckles, history of UVR exposure and dermatologic findings supports the role of UVR in iris melanoma. Occupation and avocation history, as well as evaluation of iris freckles may offer an easily accessible way of stratifying the risk of an individual for development of UVR‐related uveal melanoma.
LncRNA H19 knockdown promotes neuropathologic and functional recovery via the Nrf2/HO‐1 axis after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Chen Qiankang , Wu Biwu , Shi Ziyu , Wang Yana , Yuan Yiwen , Chen Xingdong , Wang Yuqing , Hu Jin , Mao Leilei , Gao Yanqin , Wu Gang
Published: July 2024

Aims

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) stands as a significant concern in public health, frequently leading to enduring neurological deficits. Long non‐coding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19) exerts a potential regulator role in the pathology of brain injury. This study investigates the effects of lncRNA H19 knockdown (H19‐KD) on the pathophysiology of TBI and its potential neuroprotective mechanisms.

Methods

Controlled cortical impact was employed to establish a stable TBI mouse model. The expression levels of various genes in perilesional cortex and striatum tissue after TBI was detected by RT‐qPCR. AAV9‐shRNA‐H19 was injected into the lateral ventricle of mice to knockdown the expression of lncRNA H19. Various behavioral tests were performed to evaluate sensorimotor and cognitive functions after TBI. Immunofluorescence and Nissl staining were performed to assess brain tissue damage and neuroinflammation. The Nrf2 and HO‐1 expression was performed by Western blot.

Results

After TBI, the expression of lncRNA H19 was elevated in perilesional tissue and gradually reverted to baseline. Behavioral tests demonstrated that H19‐KD significantly promoted the recovery of sensorimotor and cognitive functions after TBI. Besides, H19‐KD reduced brain tissue loss, preserved neuronal integrity, and ameliorated white matter damage at the histological level. In addition, H19‐KD restrained the pro‐inflammatory and facilitated anti‐inflammatory phenotypes of microglia/macrophages, attenuating the neuroinflammatory response after TBI. Furthermore, H19‐KD promoted activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 axis after TBI, while suppression of Nrf2 partially abolished the neuroprotective effect.

Conclusion

H19‐KD exerts neuroprotective effects after TBI in mice, partially mediated by the activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 axis.
De Novo Urological Malignancies After Renal Transplantation: An Asian 30‐Year Experience
Authors: Lee Han Jie , Lim Ee Jean , Woo Shauna Jia Qian , Aslim Edwin J. , Ng Lay Guat , Gan Valerie Huei Li
Published: July 2024

Background

As the incidence of urological malignancies after renal transplantation (RT) is observed to be greater than in the general population, a better understanding of them is important. We present our experience with urological tumors in RT recipients at our transplant center, and analyze their incidence, management and outcomes.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of 2177 RT recipients on follow‐up at our center between 1990 and 2022 was conducted for de novo genitourinary malignancy. Patients diagnosed with malignancy before transplantation were excluded. Clinicopathological data at diagnosis and follow‐up were collected and analyzed. Kaplan‐Meier estimates were used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS v.24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

Results

The overall incidence of Urological malignancies was 3.9%, with 89 cancers diagnosed in 85 patients. Renal cell carcinoma was most common (n = 61, 68.5%), followed by prostate cancer (n = 10, 11.2%), urothelial carcinoma (n = 10, 11.2%), squamous cell carcinoma of the penis/scrotum (n = 7, 7.9%), and testicular cancer (n = 1, 1.1%). Mean duration between transplantation and diagnosis of malignancy was 9.9 (0.4–20.7) years. At a median follow‐up of 4.6 (018.2) years, 27 deaths were seen; 7(25.9%) were due to urological malignancy. CSS rates were 86% and 78% at five and ten years, respectively, after diagnosis.

Conclusion

We present one of the largest series of de novo urological malignancies observed over an extended 30‐year follow‐up of RT recipients, demonstrating an elevated risk in line with other studies. Regular surveillance for malignancies is advised, in order to ensure early diagnosis and management.
Improving the sustainability of arable cropping systems by modifying root traits: A modelling study for winter wheat
Authors: Coucheney Elsa , Kätterer Thomas , Meurer Katharina H. E. , Jarvis Nicholas
Published: July 2024

Modifying root systems by crop breeding has been attracting increasing attention as a potentially effective strategy to enhance the sustainability of agriculture by increasing soil organic matter (SOM) stocks and soil quality, whilst maintaining or even improving yields. We used the new soil‐crop model USSF (Uppsala model of Soil Structure and Function) to investigate the potential of this management strategy using winter wheat as a model crop. USSF combines a simple (generic) crop growth model with physics‐based descriptions of soil water flow, water uptake and transpiration by plants. It also includes a model of the interactions between soil structure dynamics and organic matter turnover that considers the effects of physical protection and microbial priming on the decomposition of SOM. The model was first calibrated against field data on soil water contents and both above‐ground and root biomass of winter wheat measured during one growing season in a clay soil in Uppsala, Sweden using the GLUE method to identify five ‘acceptable’ parameter sets. We created four model crops (ideotypes) by modifying root‐related parameters to mimic winter wheat phenotypes with improved root traits. Long‐term (30‐year) simulations of a conventionally tilled monoculture of winter wheat were then performed to evaluate the potential effects of cultivating these ideotypes on the soil water balance, soil organic matter stocks and grain yields. Our results showed that ideotypes with deeper root systems or root systems that are more effective for water uptake increased grain yields by 3% and SOM stocks in the soil profile by ca. 0.4%–0.5% in a 30‐year perspective (as an average of the five parameter sets). An ideotype in which below‐ground allocation of dry matter was increased at the expense of stem growth gave even larger increases in SOM stocks (ca. 1.4%). An ideotype combining all three modifications (deeper and more effective root systems and greater root production) showed even more promising results: compared with the baseline scenario, surface runoff decreased while yields were predicted to increase by ca. 7% and SOM stocks in the soil profile by ca. 2%, which is roughly equivalent to ca. 20% of the 4‐per‐mille target (https://4p1000.org/).
Learning to walk in the forest
Authors: Lew‐Levy Sheina , Boyette Adam H.
Published: July 2024

This paper examines how BaYaka children from the Congo Basin learn to “walk in the forest” (botamboli na ndima). Specifically, after placing forest walking within historical and ethnographic context, we consider how this practice contributes to BaYaka motor, cognitive, and social development, and thus, to the acquisition of culture. To do so, we draw from our own observations and those of other researchers working throughout the region. We outline four ways in which “walking in the forest” is directly and indirectly socialized: through motion‐full caregiving in infancy, play and cooperative foraging in early and middle childhood, and exploration in adolescence. Taking “walking in the forest” as a focal point, we argue that the specific ways in which caregivers enhance learning are grounded in BaYaka subsistence and forest management practices, and that learning to walk in the forest is central to the maintenance of BaYaka social networks and the flow of knowledge in the Congo Basin.
Predicting early depression in WZT drawing image based on deep learning
Authors: Kim Kyung‐yeul , Yang Young‐bo , Kim Mi‐ra , Kim Jihie , Park Ji Su
Published: July 2024

When stress causes negative behaviours to emerge in our daily lives, it is important to intervene quickly and appropriately to control the negative problem behaviours. Questionnaires, a common method of information gathering, have the disadvantage that it is difficult to get the exact information needed due to defensive or insincere responses from subjects. As an alternative to these drawbacks, projective testing using pictures can provide the necessary information more accurately than questionnaires because the subject responds subconsciously and the direct experience expressed through pictures can be more accurate than questionnaires. Analysing hand‐drawn image data with the Wartegg Zeichen Test (WZT) is not easy. In this study, we used deep learning to analyse image data represented as pictures through WZT to predict early depression. We analyse the data of 54 people who were judged as early depression and 54 people without depression, and increase the number of people without depression to 100 and 500, and aim to study in unbalanced data. We use CNN and CNN‐SVM to analyse the drawing images of WZT's initial depression with deep learning and predict the outcome of depression. The results show that the initial depression is predicted with 92%–98% accuracy on the image data directly drawn by WZT. This is the first study to automatically analyse and predict early depression in WZT based on hand‐drawn image data using deep learning models. The extraction of features from WZT images by deep learning analysis is expected to create more research opportunities through the convergence of psychotherapy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) technology, and is expected to have high growth potential.
RNA‐sequencing reveals a shared neurotranscriptomic profile in the medial preoptic area of highly social songbirds and rats
Authors: Polzin Brandon J. , Zhao Changjiu , Stevenson Sharon A. , Gammie Stephen C. , Riters Lauren V.
Published: July 2024

Rough‐and‐tumble play in juvenile rats and song in flocks of adult songbirds outside a breeding context (gregarious song) are two distinct forms of non‐sexual social behavior. Both are believed to play roles in the development of sociomotor skills needed for later life‐history events, including reproduction, providing opportunities for low‐stakes practice. Additionally, both behaviors are thought to be intrinsically rewarded and are associated with a positive affective state. Given the functional similarities of these behaviors, this study used RNA‐sequencing to identify commonalities in their underlying neurochemical systems within the medial preoptic area. This brain region is implicated in multiple social behaviors, including song and play, and is highly conserved across vertebrates. DESeq2 and rank–rank hypergeometric overlap analyses identified a shared neurotranscriptomic profile in adult European starlings singing high rates of gregarious song and juvenile rats playing at high rates. Transcript levels for several glutamatergic receptor genes, such as GRIN1, GRIN2A, and GRIA1, were consistently upregulated in highly gregarious (i.e., playful/high singing) animals. This study is the first to directly investigate shared neuromodulators of positive, non‐sexual social behaviors across songbirds and mammals. It provides insight into a conserved brain region that may regulate similar behaviors across vertebrates.
Predicting tactile sensory attributes of personal care emulsions based on instrumental characterizations: A review
Authors: Akanny Elie , Kohlmann Christina
Published: July 2024

Emulsions in the form of creams, lotions, gels or foams are the most widely used personal care formulations to improve the condition and feel of the skin. Achieving an optimal balance between their performance, effectiveness and sensory profile is essential, with the sensory profile being a key factor in consumer satisfaction and the success of these products in the market. Well‐established methods using highly trained and semi‐trained panels (e.g. Spectrum descriptive analysis, Flash Profile method, Quantitative Descriptive Analysis method and ‘Check‐all‐that‐apply’) are available and commonly used for the sensory assessment of personal care products. Nevertheless, a common drawback among all these methods is their inherent cost, both in terms of financial resources and time requirements. In recent years, research studies have emerged to address this limitation by investigating potential correlations between tactile sensory attributes and instrumental data associated with the physical characteristics of topical formulations. In other words, significant efforts have been invested in the development of robust instrumental methods specifically designed to accurately predict the sensory description that a panel of assessors could establish. These methods are not only faster, cheaper and more objective compared to traditional sensory testing, but they can also be applied to formulations that have not undergone extensive safety and toxicological testing. This review summarizes the most relevant findings, trends and current challenges in predicting tactile sensory attributes of personal care emulsions based on instrumental parameters.
Evaluation method of dynamic indentation behavior of glass based on electromagnetic induction phenomena
Authors: Yoshida Satoshi , Kanehara Kazuki , Nagano Mikio , Sawamura Shigeki , Kobayashi Yusuke , Akiba Shusaku , Koike Akio , Adachi Tadaharu
Published: July 2024

Contact damage of glass is one of the most crucial issues for glass products. To develop strong and tough glass products and to compare damage resistance among glass compositions, a simple method for evaluating the mechanical response of glass during contact is required not only for glass mechanists but also for glass customers and suppliers. Although it is well known that the quasi‐static Vickers indentation test is one of the simplest and most useful methods to evaluate hardness and brittleness in glass, the indentation response of glass under the indenter at higher impact velocities remains to be quantitively understood because of the difficulty of measurement and limited experimental works. In this study, therefore, the dynamic indentation behavior of soda‐lime glass is evaluated by using a lab‐made free‐drop indentation set‐up with the coils for detecting electromotive forces (EMFs). The cono‐spherical indenter made of tungsten carbide attached with a neodymium magnet was employed to generate the EMFs when the indenter passed through the coils located near the glass sample. The impact load versus indentation depth curve during the impact within a few tens of microseconds was successfully obtained both for an elastic contact and for an inelastic contact. Under an elastic condition, where no residual indent nor any cracks were left on the glass surface after the test, it is confirmed that there is almost no hysteresis in the impact load versus indentation depth curve and that the curve can be reproduced by the Hertzian analytical solution. Under an inelastic condition, on the other hand, it is found that the hysteresis in the impact load versus indentation depth curve stems from inelastic phenomena, such as plastic deformation (shear flow and/or permanent densification) and cracking. These results suggest that the dynamic indentation technique based on electromagnetic induction phenomena is a useful and effective tool for evaluating the mechanical responses of glasses during the impact.
The effect of dispositional resilience on the relationship between professional quality of life and psychological distress factors of nurses during the pandemic: A three‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Morando Martina , Gruttadauria Stefania Valeria , Platania Silvia
Published: July 2024

Background

COVID‐19 overwhelmed all healthcare workers, especially nurses, who worked tirelessly in patient care in extremely stressful situations. Italy, with its hospital overcrowding and staff shortages, exacerbated these negative consequences.

Design

A three‐wave prospective longitudinal‐design was adopted to use validated scales to examine the trend of stress, anxiety, depression and resilience on the professional quality of life of nurses who worked during the pandemic. During an 8‐month period, a sample of 411 individuals was recruited and surveyed three times.

Results

Resilience showed an increasing positive trend from the first to the third wave, increasing its effects on the outcomes and demonstrating its important protective role. The compassion fatigue showed progressively higher scores in the three waves, indicating greater workload perception and greater difficulty in managing the patients' perceived stress. Burnout increased in the first compared to second waves but decreased significantly in the third wave, due to the effect of resilience on burnout that was significantly stronger in the third wave.

Conclusion

Our findings align with the literature about the role of resilience and emphasize the importance of investing in strategies aimed at developing resilience in healthcare workers and providing prevention and assistance to them in terms of job demands and unsustainable stressors.
The illusory correlation between parental alienation and other forms of family violence
Authors: Varavei Hesam , Harman Jennifer J.
Published: July 2024

There has been considerable public discourse around courts allegedly “dismissing” mother's allegations of domestic violence and child abuse when a father alleges that he is being alienated from his children by their mother. The purpose of this project is to test whether this discourse is based on an illusory correlation. Published court decisions from 200 family court cases in Canada were sequentially selected if parental alienation was alleged to have happened to the father and abuse was alleged to have been perpetrated by the father. Independent coders recorded the investigative outcomes of the court cases regarding alienation and abuse, and whether the mother lost child custody. Results indicate that there is an illusory correlation between family court cases involving both allegations of abuse and parental alienation, and that mothers are generally not losing custody to abusive fathers in such rarely occurring cases.
Trophic microRNA: Post‐transcriptional regulation of target genes and larval development impairment in Plutella xylostella upon precursor and mature microRNA ingestion
Authors: Bardapurkar Rutwik , Binayak Gauri , Pandit Sagar
Published: July 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post‐transcriptional gene regulators. In the miRNA pathway's cytoplasmic part, the miRNA is processed from a hairpin‐structured precursor to a double‐stranded (ds) mature RNA and ultimately to a single‐stranded mature miRNA. In insects, ingesting these two ds forms can regulate the target gene expression; this inspired the trophic miRNA's use as a functional genomics and pest management tool. However, systematic studies enabling comparisons of pre‐ and mature forms, dosages, administration times and instar‐wise effects on target transcripts and phenotypes, which can help develop a miRNA administration method, are unavailable due to the different focuses of the previous investigations. We investigated the impact of trophically delivered Px‐let‐7 miRNA on the lepidopteran pest Plutella xylostella, to compare the efficacies of its pre‐ and ds‐mature forms. Continuous feeding on the miRNA‐supplemented diet suppressed expressions of FTZ‐F1 and E74, the target ecdysone pathway genes. Both the pre‐let‐7 and mature let‐7 miRNA forms similarly downregulated the target transcripts in all four larval instars. Pre‐let‐7 and let‐7 ingestions decreased larval mass and instar duration and increased mortality in all instars, exhibiting adverse effects on larval growth and development. miRNA processing Dicer‐1 and AGO‐1's upregulations upon miRNA ingestion denoted the systemic miRNA spread in larval tissues. The scrambled sequence controls did not affect the target transcripts, suggesting the sequence‐specific targeting by the mature miRNA and hairpin cassette's non‐involvement in the target downregulation. This work provides a framework for miRNA and target gene function analyses and potentiates the trophic miRNA's utility in pest management.
Modeling 3D TGO dynamic growth and stresses and the resulting modes of buckling failure in thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Zhang Jiarui , Guo Wenqi , Ai Yanting , Yao Yudong , Li Tong , Zhao Haigen
Published: July 2024

Based on experimental data, this study presents a model of the dynamic growth of a thermally grown oxide (TGO) in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) during thermal cycling. The model was solved using the finite element method. The thermal stress results of the model were compared with experimental results to verify the accuracy of the model. The stress analysis revealed that the combined effect of radial tensile stress and circumferential compressive stress can lead to the delamination of TBCs in a buckling form, which can induce the formation of cracks in TBCs along the axial direction. This observation was consistent with the conclusions drawn from the experimental results. Crack initiation and propagation result from the action of the maximum shear and radial stresses. In addition, the relationship between buckling failure and microscopic cracks was investigated. Thermal cycling induces radial and circumferential cracks, leading to buckling, delamination, and ultimate coating failure as the radial and circumferential cracks interact at the interface.
Oral‐hygiene‐related self‐efficacy in periodontal therapy: A 4‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Thiemann L. , Katzschner M. , Hanna G. , Kruse A. B. , Vach K. , Ratka‐Krüger P. , Woelber J. P.
Published: July 2024

Aim

Oral hygiene‐related self‐efficacy (OHSE) describes one's confidence to successfully execute oral hygiene behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the long‐term course of OHSE in patients during initial periodontal therapy (IPT) and supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and its association with clinical parameters.

Materials and Methods

Patients diagnosed with periodontitis, undergoing either IPT or SPT, were evaluated at two timepoints. Clinical examination included pocket probing depths (PPDs), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI). Patients' OHSE was assessed with a questionnaire. Statistical analyses included t‐tests and linear regression models.

Results

Ninety‐eight patients from an initial group of 201 patients were evaluated after 4 years. The overall OHSE score increased significantly in the IPT group (mean 11.65 ± 15.6, p = .001). The increase in the OHSE category ‘interdental cleaning’ was significantly correlated with a decrease in the number of pockets requiring treatment (Spearman correlation rs = −.2349, p = .022) and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) (rs = −.2099, p = .042).

Conclusions

Patients under IPT showed a significant increase of OHSE compared to those under SPT. Improved OHSE, particularly in interdental cleaning, appears to be associated with sustained success of periodontal therapy.
Modeling Nonlinear Effects of Person‐by‐Item Covariates in Explanatory Item Response Models: Exploratory Plots and Modeling Using Smooth Functions
Authors: Cho Sun‐Joo , Goodwin Amanda , Naveiras Matthew , De Boeck Paul
Published: July 2024

Explanatory item response models (EIRMs) have been applied to investigate the effects of person covariates, item covariates, and their interactions in the fields of reading education and psycholinguistics. In practice, it is often assumed that the relationships between the covariates and the logit transformation of item response probability are linear. However, this linearity assumption obscures the differential effects of covariates over their range in the presence of nonlinearity. Therefore, this paper presents exploratory plots that describe the potential nonlinear effects of person and item covariates on binary outcome variables. This paper also illustrates the use of EIRMs with smooth functions to model these nonlinear effects. The smooth functions examined in this study include univariate smooths of continuous person or item covariates, tensor product smooths of continuous person and item covariates, and by‐variable smooths between a continuous person covariate and a binary item covariate. Parameter estimation was performed using the mgcv R package through the maximum penalized likelihood estimation method. In the empirical study, we identified a nonlinear effect of the person‐by‐item covariate interaction and discussed its practical implications. Furthermore, the parameter recovery and the model comparison method and hypothesis testing procedures presented were evaluated via simulation studies under the same conditions observed in the empirical study.
Clinical performance of different composite materials in class II cavities bonded with universal adhesives
Authors: Özden Gülsüm , Karadas Muhammet
Published: July 2024

Objective

To assess the clinical performance of two composite materials with two universal adhesives and a two‐step self‐etch adhesive on class II restorations for 18 months.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and fifty‐two class II cavities were bonded with G‐Premio Bond, Single Bond Universal, and Clearfil SE Bond 2. A nanohybrid composite (Filtek Z550 Universal) or a microhybrid composite (G‐aenial Posterior) was used to fill the bonded cavities. World Dental Federation criteria were used to evaluate the restorations at 1 week, 6, and 18 months. Statistical analysis was performed using Friedman and Fisher's exact tests (α = 0.05).

Results

Retention loss and fracture were not observed in any restorations during the 18 months. The adhesives used showed no significant differences for all criteria examined (p > 0.05) regardless of composite material. After an 18‐month follow‐up, seven G‐aenial Posterior and three Filtek Z550 Universal restorations presented slight marginal discrepancies, with no significant differences (p = 0.246). At 1 week, Filtek Z550 Universal (9.5%) led to significantly higher postoperative sensitivity compared with G‐aenial Posterior (0.8%) (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Universal adhesives showed similar clinical performance to Clearfil SE Bond 2. The restorations with Filtek Z550 Universal had a relatively higher risk of postoperative sensitivity.

Clinical Significance

Universal adhesives were clinically successful for 18 months. At 1 week, the type of composite material used significantly affected the occurrence of postoperative sensitivity.
Discontinuation versus continuation of statins: A systematic review
Authors: Peixoto Cayden , Choudhri Yasmeen , Francoeur Sara , McCarthy Lisa M. , Fung Celeste , Dowlatshahi Dar , Lemay Geneviève , Barry Arden , Goyal Parag , Pan Jeffrey , Bjerre Lise M. , Thompson Wade
Published: July 2024

Background

Clinicians and patients often face a decision to continue or discontinue statins. We examined the impact of discontinuation of statins compared with continuation on clinical outcomes (all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular [CV] mortality, CV events, and quality of life).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, case–control studies, and quasi‐randomized studies among people ≥18 years were eligible. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Registry (inception to August 2023). Two independent reviewers performed screening and extracted data. Quality assessment was performed by one author and verified by another. We summarized results narratively, performed meta‐analysis for a subset of studies, and used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence. We summarized findings in the subgroup of persons ≥75 years.

Results

We retrieved 8369 titles/abstracts; 37 reports from 36 studies were eligible. This comprised 35 non‐randomized studies (n = 1,708,684) and 1 RCT (n = 381). The 1 RCT was conducted among persons with life expectancy <1 year and showed there is probably no difference in 60‐day mortality (risk difference = 3.5%, 90% CI −3.5 to 10.5) for statin discontinuation compared with continuation. Non‐randomized studies varied in terms of population and setting, but consistently suggested that statin discontinuation might be associated with a relative increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.92, 95% CI 1.52 to 2.44, nine studies), CV mortality (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.10, five reports), and CV events (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.39, eight reports). Findings in people ≥75 years were consistent with main results. There was a high degree of uncertainty in findings from non‐randomized studies due to methodological limitations.

Conclusions

Statin discontinuation does not appear to affect short‐term mortality near end‐of‐life based on one RCT. Outside of this population, findings from non‐randomized studies consistently suggested statin discontinuation may be associated with worse outcomes, though this is uncertain.
Age and sex associated organ weight differences in vervets/African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus)
Authors: Balamayooran Gayathriy , Tooze Janet A. , Gardin Jean F. , Long Margaret C. , Caudell David L. , Cline J. Mark , Kock Nancy D. , Paitsel Monica , Moore Stacy , Jorgensen Matthew J.
Published: July 2024

Background

African green monkeys (AGMs, also known as vervets, Cholorocebus aethiops sabaeus) have been used in a variety of biomedical research studies. The aim of this study was to generate a reference for normal organ weights and percentage organ weights in AGMs of different age categories and sex.

Methods

The organ weights were compiled from 479 AGMs (285 females and 194 males) from 2004 to 2021. Age and sex differences of absolute and relative organ weights were analyzed using analysis of variance.

Results

The findings demonstrate that males had higher body and organ weights than age‐matched females, but relative organ weights did not differ between males and females. At maturity, adrenal gland, brain, kidney, liver, thymus, and thyroid gland weights as a percentage of body weight declined, but relative weights of prostate gland, testes, and uterus were higher.

Conclusion

These data should be beneficial to biomedical researchers and pathologists working with AGMs.
Sacroiliitis in familial Mediterranean fever: A rare joint involvement of the disease
Authors: Özçelik Emine , Çelikel Elif , Tekin Zahide Ekici , Güngörer Vildan , Karagöl Cüneyt , Kaplan Melike Mehveş , Öner Nimet , Polat Merve Cansu , Öztürk Didem , Ekici Mehveş Işıklar , Es Yasemin Uğur , Acar Banu Çelikel
Published: July 2024

Aim

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a monogenic autoinflammatory disease characterised by recurrent episodes of fever and polyserositis. Sacroiliac joint involvement is rare in FMF patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging findings of patients with FMF who developed sacroiliitis.

Methods

The files of paediatric patients aged 0–18 years who were followed up with a diagnosis of FMF were retrospectively reviewed. FMF patients with evidence of sacroiliitis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in the study.

Results

Among 1062 FMF patients, 22 (12 males; median age 8.5) (2.1%) of them were found to have sacroiliitis. FMF was diagnosed before sacroiliitis in nine (40.9%) patients and after in 13 (59.1%) patients. The most common symptom in patients with sacroiliitis was low back pain (n = 21, 95.5%). In MEFV gene analysis, M694V was found in 16 (72.7%) patients and was the most common mutation. MRI showed evidence of sacroiliitis in all patients. All patients were using colchicine. Patients with FMF‐associated sacroiliitis, remission was achieved with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in 12 (54.5%), conventional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs in six (27.3%) and tumour necrosis factor inhibitor treatment in four (31.8%). Four (31.8%) patients experienced sacroiliitis when colchicine incompatible and four (31.8%) patients experienced sacroiliitis while using biologic agents for colchicine‐resistant FMF.

Conclusions

FMF‐associated sacroiliitis should be considered especially in patients with M694V mutation if they have symptoms such as low back pain. Colchicine‐resistant FMF patients should be evaluated for sacroiliitis symptoms at each visit.
Bridge damage identification based on synchronous statistical moment theory of vehicle–bridge interaction
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Wenming , Gao Anguo , Yang Qingshan , Gao Yuqing
Published: July 2024

Considering the weak noise resistance and low identification efficiency of traditional bridge damage identification methods, a data‐driven approach based on synchronous statistical moment theory and vehicle–bridge interaction vibration theory is proposed. This method involves two main steps. First, a two‐axle test vehicle is used to collect acceleration response signals synchronously from adjacent designated measurement points while stationary. This operation is repeated to calculate the second‐order statistical moment curvature (SOSMC) difference of entire bridge points corresponding signals in different states. By comparing with the reference value, the preliminary damage location of the bridge can be obtained. Second, the first‐order modal shape curve is constructed using the second‐order statistical moment (SOSM). The refined identification of bridge damage is then based on an improved direct stiffness back calculation of the bridge's stiffness. This article proposes the synchronization theory for the first time and combines it with the statistical moment clustering method, forming an innovative approach to obtaining structural vibration modes. The effectiveness of this method has been well validated through numerical simulations with different parameters and on‐site bridge tests. The research results indicate that SOSMC indicators have better noise resistance and higher recognition efficiency in identifying damage locations, compared to modal curvature and flexibility curvature indicators. Additionally, compared to transfer rate and random subspace methods, the SOSM method results in smaller error and higher identification efficiency.
Pushing the limits: expanding the temperature tolerance of a coral photosymbiont through differing selection regimes
Authors: Scharfenstein Hugo J. , Peplow Lesa M. , Alvarez‐Roa Carlos , Nitschke Matthew R. , Chan Wing Yan , Buerger Patrick , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: July 2024

Coral thermal bleaching resilience can be improved by enhancing photosymbiont thermal tolerance via experimental evolution. While successful for some strains, selection under stable temperatures was ineffective at increasing the thermal threshold of an already thermo‐tolerant photosymbiont (Durusdinium trenchii). Corals from environments with fluctuating temperatures tend to have comparatively high heat tolerance. Therefore, we investigated whether exposure to temperature oscillations can raise the upper thermal limit of D. trenchii.

We exposed a D. trenchii strain to stable and fluctuating temperature profiles, which varied in oscillation frequency. After 2.1 yr (54–73 generations), we characterised the adaptive responses under the various experimental evolution treatments by constructing thermal performance curves of growth from 21 to 31°C for the heat‐evolved and wild‐type lineages. Additionally, the accumulation of extracellular reactive oxygen species, photophysiology, photosynthesis and respiration rates were assessed under increasing temperatures.

Of the fluctuating temperature profiles investigated, selection under the most frequent oscillations (diurnal) induced the greatest widening of D. trenchii's thermal niche. Continuous selection under elevated temperatures induced the only increase in thermal optimum and a degree of generalism.

Our findings demonstrate how differing levels of thermal homogeneity during selection drive unique adaptive responses to heat in a coral photosymbiont.
The importance of biotic interactions in distribution models of wild bees depends on the type of ecological relations, spatial scale and range
Authors: Moens Merijn , Biesmeijer Jacobus C. , Huang Elaine , Vereecken Nicolas J. , Marshall Leon
Published: July 2024

Studies have found that biotic information can play an important role in shaping the distribution of species even at large scales. However, results from species distribution models are not always consistent among studies and the underlying factors that influence the importance of biotic information to distribution models, are unclear. We studied wild bees and plants, and cleptoparasite bees and their hosts in the Netherlands to evaluate how the inclusion of their biotic interactions affects the performance of species distribution models. We assessed model performance through spatial block cross‐validation and by comparing models with interactions to models where the interacting species was randomized. Finally, we evaluated how, 1) spatial resolution, 2) taxonomic rank (genus or species), 3) degree of specialization, 4) distribution of the biotic factor, 5) bee body size and 6) type of biotic interaction, affect the importance of biotic interactions in shaping the distribution of wild bee species using generalized linear models (GLMs). We found that the models of wild bees improved when the biotic factor was included. The model performance improved the most for parasitic bees. Spatial resolution, taxonomic rank, distribution range of the biotic factor and degree of specialization of the modelled species all influenced the importance of the biotic interaction to the models. We encourage researchers to include biotic interactions in species distribution models, especially for specialized species and when the biotic factor has a limited distribution range. However, before adding the biotic factor we suggest considering different spatial resolutions and taxonomic ranks of the biotic factor. We recommend using single species or genus data as a biotic factor in the models of specialist species and for the generalist species, we recommend using an approximate measure of interactions, such as flower richness.
Increased healthcare burden and comorbidity risks of pediatric patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: Analysis of Nationwide Emergency Department Sample 2015–2019
Authors: Molnar Brenda Abreu , Yang Lynna J. , Paller Amy S. , Ren Ziyou
Published: July 2024

Background

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) describes a rare genetic blistering disorder characterized by fragile skin. This study aimed to classify the frequency, demographics, cost, and comorbidities associated with emergency department (ED) visits due to DEB.

Methods

The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) was analyzed for pediatric (age <18) ED visits from 2015 to 2019. DEB was identified with ICD‐10‐CM code Q81.2. Weighted frequency, prevalence, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of comorbidities were determined among ED visits with and without a DEB diagnosis.

Results

From 2015 to 2019, 53 (weighted 242) cases of DEB among 27,223,220 pediatric ED visits were captured. Patients with DEB were more likely to visit the ED in summer compared with those without a diagnosis of DEB (35.7% vs. 21.4%, P < .05). More than half of patients with DEB were admitted to the hospital (56.2%, 95% CI: 39.3–72.5, P < .001) versus only 3.4% (95% CI: 3.1–3.7) of other patients.

For ED visits with a secondary DEB diagnosis, the top three primary diagnoses were fever, constipation, and bone marrow transplant aftercare. Patients with DEB had higher rates of hypertension, cellulitis, sepsis, acute and chronic kidney injury, esophageal obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cardiomyopathy, and anxiety, compared to patients without DEB (all P < .001).

Conclusions

DEB is a complex blistering disorder with multisystemic manifestations. Patients with DEB have significantly higher admission rates and commonly present with infectious or gastrointestinal complications. Understanding the features of ED visits due to DEB can better prepare healthcare teams and improve patient outcomes.
Enhanced body shape change coupled with PA is the key to hypertension management for urban residents
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Xin , Wang Xinyu , Zhao Yixuan
Published: July 2024

The present study aimed to assess the relationship between body shape, physical activity (PA), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A novel visualization method was used to examine the effects of body shape combined with physical activity on hypertension. Data from 54,303 participants were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) and analyzed using logistic regression models and standardized regression coefficients of linear models. These models were used to explore factors and effects of body shape indices and other parameters on SBP and DBP. The logistic regression model revealed that compared to transport‐related PA, the aggregated variables (weight and waist) were associated with a 2.44‐fold and 1.65‐fold increase in the risk of hypertension, respectively (p < .05). The average aggregated standardized coefficient of the linear model, based on 1000 bootstrap resamples, indicated that the Base Shape group had the strongest explanatory power for hypertension, followed by the Habits group. However, the explanatory power of the PA group was around 10 and 22 times lower than that of the Base Shape group for DBP and SBP, respectively (p < .05). These results demonstrate that increasing physical activity, with emphasizing a healthy body shape, and adopting positive lifestyle habits can effectively contribute to the prevention and control of hypertension.