bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive skew in a Vulnerable bird favors breeders that monopolize nest cavities
Authors: Stojanovic D. , McLennan E. , Olah G. , Cobden M. , Heinsohn R. , Manning A. D. , Alves F. , Hogg C. , Rayner L.
Published: January 2023

Reproductive skew occurs when a few individuals monopolize breeding output, which can act as a mechanism of natural selection. However, when population sizes become small, reproductive skew can depress effective population size and worsen inbreeding. Identifying the cause of reproductive skew is important for mitigating its effect on conservation of small populations. We hypothesized that superb parrots Polytelis swainsonii, which strongly select for the morphology of tree cavity nests, may be reproductively skewed toward pairs that monopolize access to nests. We use SNP genotyping to reconstruct a pedigree, estimate molecular relatedness and genetic diversity of wild superb parrot in the Australian Capital Territory. We successfully genotyped 181 nestlings (a census between 2015–2019) and showed they were the progeny of 34 monogamous breeding pairs. There was a strong reproductive skew – 21 pairs bred only once producing 40% of the nestlings, whereas 13 pairs bred two to four times, producing 60% of the total nestlings. Five of these repeat‐breeders produced 28% of all nestlings, which was nearly triple the productivity of one‐time breeders. Repeat breeders usually monopolized access to their nest cavities, but the few pairs that switched nests did not differ in fecundity from those that stayed. The cause of nest switching was unknown, but uninterrupted access to a suitable nest (not minor variations in morphology between nests) better predicted fitness of breeding superb parrots. Pedigrees offer powerful insights into demographic processes, and identifying reproductive skew early provides opportunities to proactively avoid irreversible loss of genetic diversity via conservation management. We identify new research questions based on our results to clarify the relationship between access to resources and breeding success.
Changes in HIV incidence in people who inject drugs in Ireland from 2000 to 2018: longitudinal observational study
Authors: McCarron Peter , Smyth Bobby P.
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims

People who inject drugs (PWID) have a substantial risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. From 1999 to 2000 in Ireland, there were 115 new HIV cases among PWID, 40% in individuals aged under 22 years. However, over the past two decades, HIV incidence has declined among PWID in western Europe, including Ireland. We investigated secular changes in HIV incidence among PWID in Ireland. Also, new HIV cases in two time‐periods 2000–09 and 2010–18 were compared by sex, age group, area of residence and country of birth.

Design and Setting

Longitudinal observational study in the Republic of Ireland, 2000–18.

Cases and Measurements

A total of 753 new cases of HIV in PWID were diagnosed. Diagnosis rates of HIV in PWID were calculated and changes in rates over the period were modelled.

Findings

During the period 2000–18, HIV incidence among 15–29‐year‐old PWID in Ireland declined from 5.69 to 0.11 cases per 100 000, equivalent to a yearly decline of 0.22 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14–0.31, P < 0.001] cases per 100 000. Among PWID aged 30–64 years, HIV incidence declined annually by 0.06 (95% CI = 0.02–0.10, P = 0.007) cases per 100 000 from 1.80 to 0.57 cases per 100 000. Comparing 2000–09 to 2010–18, there was a relative increase in HIV cases among older adults (P < 0.001), and those born outside Ireland accounted for a growing minority of cases (from 14.7 to 28.0%, P < 0.001). Changes by sex (P = 0.10) and area residence (P = 0.39) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Since 2000, Ireland has achieved an ongoing reduction in the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus among PWID, and this is most evident among young adults. The reduction has occurred in the context of a reasonably comprehensive, health‐led and harm reduction‐orientated national drugs strategy.
Seasonality rather than average temperature explains body size variation in a Neotropical fruit‐eating bat
Authors: Siniciato Terra Garbino Guilherme , Antônio Daphne Chiara , da Cunha Tavares Valéria
Published: January 2023

We investigated variation in body size of the widely distributed Neotropical bat Chiroderma villosum across its entire range. Our objective was to verify if the size‐related geographic variation in the species is related to environmental variables. We took 13 measurements of 410 specimens from 198 localities in Mesoamerica and South America, and collected information on latitude, longitude, altitude, precipitation, and temperature, totalling 22 variables. We detected clinal variation in size related to latitude and longitude, with a pattern that conforms to the Bergmann's rule. Clinal variation of size along longitude was influenced by the taxonomic component, with subspecies C. v. jesupi being smaller than C. v. villosum. In contrast the latitudinal cline was explained by temperature seasonality and precipitation, with a 14% increase in size between the north and south extremes of the range. In other words, size of individuals is larger in areas with more seasonal oscillations in temperature and with lower precipitation. Our results support the notion that low temperatures alone do not explain large size of mammals in high latitudes. One hypothesis is that large size is favoured in more seasonal climates because somatic growth is faster when resources are abundant, and also larger animals can endure food scarcity better than small ones. We also postulate that pressures related to interspecific competition and resource use may be more intense in more areas marked by seasonal climatic variations. Specifically, a larger size in seasonal areas may allow individuals to explore a wider niche. We suggest that future approaches, refining regional variation in the diet of C. villosum may serve as a further test to this hypothesis.
Forecasting the potential distribution of invasive leafminer pests, Liriomyza spp. (Diptera: Agromyzidae), and their natural enemies
Authors: Maino James L. , Pirtle Elia I. , Baudrot Virgile , Ridland Peter M. , Umina Paul A.
Published: January 2023

Three species of polyphagous Liriomyza leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae), Liriomyza huidobrensis, L. sativae, and L. trifolii, are internationally significant pests of vegetable and nursery crops that have each been recently detected on the Australian mainland. Due to the early stages of these invasions in Australia, it is unclear how climatic conditions are likely to support and potentially restrict the distribution of these species as they expand into novel ranges and threaten agricultural production regions. Additionally, it is unclear how natural enemies, particularly parasitoid wasps, will mitigate the impacts of these pests. Here, we predicted the future establishment potential of L. huidobrensis, L. sativae and L. trifolii in Australia, as well as two cosmopolitan parasitoid wasps known to provide control of the flies in both field and glasshouse settings, Diglyphus isaea (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Hemiptarsenus varicornis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Global distribution data spanning 42 countries were compiled and used to validate a process‐based model of establishment potential based on intrinsic population growth rates. The modelling approach successfully captured the international distribution of the three Liriomyza species based on environmental variables and predicted the high suitability of non‐occupied ranges in Australia. The largely unfilled climatic niche available to these pests demonstrates the early stages of their Australian invasions and highlights locations where vegetable production regions are at particular risk. In addition to Australia, our results highlight many regions globally where L. sativae, L. trifolii and L. huidobrensis have the potential to spread in the future. Within Australia, D. isaea and H. varicornis are predicted to have a large spatial and seasonal overlap with each Liriomyza species and thus are expected to influence the future spread of these pests and play an important role in local pest management programs.
Dermatoscopic finding of white circles in an invasive pigmented melanoma
Authors: Vasanthan Raghu , Akay Bengu Nisa , Clark Simon P. , Rosendahl Cliff
Published: January 2023

Dermatoscopic white circles, seen with both non‐polarized and polarized dermatoscopy, are a known clue to actinic keratosis in a flat lesion and invasive squamous cell carcinoma in a raised lesion. We have not discovered a previous published example of this clue in a melanoma. We present a case report of a 70‐year‐old Australian male with a pigmented superficial spreading melanoma on the face, Breslow thickness 1 mm, with dermatoscopic white circles displayed with both polarized and non‐polarized dermatoscopy, and with dermatopathological correlation.
Letter: diet‐responsive or just diet‐adherent in eosinophilic oesophagitis. Where is the dietitian?
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jessica A. , Halmos Emma P.
Published: January 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wang et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17221 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17350
Preventive effect of dexamethasone premedication on the development of infusion‐related reaction in breast cancer patients receiving trastuzumab
Authors: Goto Emi , Hata Takeo , Nishihara Masami , Neo Masashi , Iwamoto Mitsuhiko , Kimura Kosei , Goto Masahiro , Rikitake Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2023

Aim

To clarify the incidence and risk factors of infusion‐related reactions (IRRs) caused by trastuzumab in breast cancer patients and verify the preventive effects of dexamethasone.

Methods

All breast cancer patients newly treated with trastuzumab at the Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020 were included. The electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The outcome measure was the occurrence of IRRs of grade 1 or higher during trastuzumab infusion. Only dexamethasone and anticancer drugs administered concomitantly before trastuzumab were used as explanatory variables.

Results

The 176 patients included in the study received 2320 infusions. Fifty‐eight patients (33.0%) experienced IRRs, and IRRs occurred in 80 (3.4%) of the total 2320 infusions. Owing to the hierarchical structure of the data, the independence of the observed values was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Multivariate multilevel logistic regression analysis showed that premedication with dexamethasone lowered the risk of trastuzumab‐induced IRRs (mg, per 1 unit, odds ratio [OR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.43‐0.85, P = .003). In addition, preoperative status (OR = 38.9, 95% CI 5.4‐278.7, P < .001) and high‐dose trastuzumab (mg/kg, per 1 unit, OR = 60.6, 95% CI 20.1‐182.9, P < .001) were independent risk factors for IRRs.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that premedication with dexamethasone exhibits preventive effects on trastuzumab‐induced IRRs in breast cancer patients. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal dose of dexamethasone to prevent IRRs and the impact of dexamethasone on the efficacy of trastuzumab in breast cancer.
Latent Trajectory Models for Spatio-Temporal Dynamics in Alaskan Ecosystems
Authors: Lu Xinyi , Hooten Mevin B. , Raiho Ann M. , Swanson David K. , Roland Carl A. , Stehn Sarah E.
Published: January 2023

The Alaskan landscape has undergone substantial changes in recent decades, most notably the expansion of shrubs and trees across the Arctic. We developed a Bayesian hierarchical model to quantify the impact of climate change on the structural transformation of ecosystems using remotely sensed imagery. We used latent trajectory processes to model dynamic state probabilities that evolve annually, from which we derived transition probabilities between ecotypes. Our latent trajectory model accommodates temporal irregularity in survey intervals and uses spatio-temporally heterogeneous climate drivers to infer rates of land cover transitions. We characterized multi-scale spatial correlation induced by plot and subplot arrangements in our study system. We also developed a Pólya–Gamma sampling strategy to improve computation. Our model facilitates inference on the response of ecosystems to shifts in the climate and can be used to predict future land cover transitions under various climate scenarios.
Physico‐chemical and biological characterization of a new bovine bone mineral matrix available for human usage
Authors: Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Martín‐Morales Natividad , Olaechea Allinson , Hernández‐Cortes Pedro , Verdugo‐Escamilla Cristobal , Martinez‐Ruiz Francisca , Carrillo‐Galvez Ana Belen , O'Valle Francisco , Padial‐Molina Miguel
Published: January 2023

Background

Anorganic bovine bone has been deeply studied for bone regeneration in the oral cavity. Different manufacturing processes can modify the final composition of the biomaterial and the responses that induce.

Aim

To evaluate the physico‐chemical characteristics of a bovine bone mineral matrix and the clinical, radiographical, histological, and mRNA results after using it for maxillary sinus floor augmentation in humans.

Materials and Methods

First, the physical–chemical characteristics of the biomaterial were evaluated by X‐ray powder diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, and electron microscopy. A frequently used biomaterial with the same animal origin was used as comparator. Then, a clinical study was designed for evaluating clinical, radiographical, histological, and mRNA outcomes. Patients in need of two‐stage maxillary sinus floor augmentation were included in the study. Six months after the grafting procedure, a bone biopsy was collected for evaluation.

Results

In terms of physico‐chemical characteristics, no differences were found between both biomaterials. Clinically, 10 patients were included in the study. After 6 months, clinical and radiographical data showed adequate outcomes for allowing implant placement. Histological, immunohistochemical and mRNA analyses showed that the biomaterial in use provides biological support to induce responses similar to those of other commonly used biomaterials.

Conclusion

Bovine bone mineral matrix (Creos™ Xenogain) used as a single material for maxillary sinus floor augmentation shows adequate biological, clinical, and radiological outcomes. In fact, the results from this study are similar to those reported in the literature for another bovine bone‐derived biomaterial with whom it shares composition and micro‐ and nanoscale characteristics.
Postrelease exploration and stress tolerance of landlocked and anadromous Atlantic salmon and their hybrids
Authors: Eronen Aslak , Hyvärinen Pekka , Janhunen Matti , Kekäläinen Jukka , Kortet Raine
Published: January 2023

Threatened fish populations worldwide are relying on stock supplementation by hatchery‐reared fish. Although stocking with non‐native fish may lead to hybridization, thereby disrupting local adaptations, it could also improve the adaptive potential of small populations by increasing variability in essential behavioral traits. In this study, we crossbred the critically endangered Finnish landlocked salmon with a geographically close Baltic anadromous salmon population to compare boldness‐related behavioral traits among the crossing groups. We studied postrelease exploration in seminatural streams and tested stress tolerance of the fish, as reflected by their response during swimming trials and commencement of feeding after the trials. In the stress tolerance experiments, we compared fish with different rearing backgrounds to gain insight into environmentally induced variability in stress tolerance. When compared with the anadromous salmon, the landlocked salmon showed more active postrelease exploration and higher stress tolerance. The hybrids displayed intermediate behaviors compared with the purebred salmon, indicating heritability of these traits. The landlocked salmon showed less variable exploration than the hybrids with anadromous salmon as the maternal strain, but we did not find rearing‐dependent responses in stress tolerance. In summary, our findings suggest that hybridization could help in reversing likely domestication‐related negative behavioral traits in the landlocked salmon.
STAT3 and REDD1: an unconventional story of gene repression
Authors: Garcia‐Segura Pol , Malagelada Cristina
Published: January 2023

The non‐canonical functions of the transcription factor STAT3 have been poorly studied in comparison to its canonical mechanisms of gene expression activation. Here, Köhler et al. put the spotlight on a novel unconventional repressing mechanism of STAT3 over the REDD1 gene, named DDIT4. These findings are crucial to expand the knowledge of the stress‐induced short‐lived REDD1 protein that inactivates mTOR and the consequences of this fine‐tuned regulation in the context of pathological conditions such as cancer or neurodegenerative diseases.
Effectiveness of barotrauma mitigation methods in ice‐angled bluegill and black crappie
Authors: Louison Michael J. , LaRochelle Luc , Cooke Steven J.
Published: January 2023

Barotrauma can lead to physical injury and physiological disturbance (elevated stress hormones, and depleted energy stores during post‐release struggling) in angled fish. Effectiveness of methods for reducing effects of barotrauma on fish has not been tested on fish subjected to ice‐angling. We examined post‐release behavior and re‐descension of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus. Barotrauma was mitigated for fish either during capture by slow retrieval or following capture by venting or re‐descension with weights, before observation in a behavioral arena or using small acceleration and depth biologgers. Black crappie spent less time in the center of the behavioral arena and were less likely to successfully re‐descend than bluegill. Depth increased over time during the post‐release monitoring period, with control fish less likely to descend to depth as fish for which barotrauma was mitigated. Our results demonstrate species‐specific effects of ice‐angling to inform anglers on the effectiveness of barotrauma mitigation strategies to improve welfare of fish after release.
Geology of the Chiltern Chalk aquifer, southern England
Authors: Bailey Haydon
Published: January 2023

The unique geological history which resulted in the evolution of the Chiltern Hills to the north of London, The United Kingdom, created the underlying foundations for everything that we see there on the surface today. The roots of the Chiltern Hills lie in their Chalk foundations. To understand the details of the way the chalk acts as an aquifer it is important to understand first the origins of the chalk sediment and how the subsequent geological history of the region has impacted on the rocks preserved today.
Application of h‐BN particles using Ca‐assisted carbothermal reduction nitridation to high‐thermal‐conductive resin/h‐BN composites
Authors: Daiki Shota , Ishikawa Toshihiro
Published: January 2023

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) particles exhibit high thermal conductivity and are promising fillers for resin filling. However, h‐BN particles are plate‐like particles with thermal anisotropy in the planar and thickness directions. Therefore, their applications are limited due to low thermal conductivity in the direction of the thickness of a resin sheet filled with h‐BN particles. In this study, we control the size and thickness of h‐BN particles using carbothermal reduction nitridation (CRN), which involves the carbothermic reduction of boric oxide in an N2 gas atmosphere and develop them into resin sheets. In CRN using a CaO promoter, a novel method is developed to control the shape, size, and thickness of h‐BN particles. Using h‐BN particles grown in the thickness direction, we have successfully provided resin sheets with high thermal conductivity.
The genogram as a recruitment tool for identifying primary caregivers of youth living with sickle cell disease preparing for transition
Authors: Varty Maureen , Speller‐Brown Barbara , Popejoy   , Patterson Kelly Katherine
Published: January 2023

Aims

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe the impact of using genograms to identify family caregivers from an original research study which used family caregiver‐adolescents/young adults (AYA) dyads.

Background

Research to improve transition preparation for AYA with chronic disease is essential as 90% will survive into adulthood. Family‐based transition research is specifically needed as a majority of transition preparation will occur in the home setting. Dyadic research on transition has not previously described strategies for recruiting appropriate family caregivers.

Design

A descriptive, secondary analysis was conducted using genograms developed during the original study conducted between October 2019 and February 2020.

Methods

For this secondary analysis conducted between July 2020 and August 2021, 50 genograms were analysed using descriptive statistics to describe family structures, relationships and responsibilities in families of AYAs living with sickle cell disease.

Results

In 43 genograms, there was only one primary caregiver in the family. In seven genograms, there were multiple primary caregivers who met the inclusion criteria for primary caregiver in a single family. In five genograms, there were two appropriate primary caregivers in a single family, and in two genograms, there were three appropriate individuals in a single family who met study criteria as a primary caregiver.

Conclusions

Findings from the analysis of the genograms used in the original study demonstrated potential ability to improve on dyad recruitment by more specifically identifying the family member most involved in supporting the AYA's disease management.

Impact

Genograms are an established tool for gathering information on families and application with recruitment could improve research in the realm of transition and other family‐based research.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This was a secondary analysis that assessed already existing data.
Concept analysis of adoption: A hybrid model
Authors: Kohne Zahra Amrollah Majdabadi , Shahrestanaki Sahar Keyvanloo , Parvizy Soroor , Shoghi Mahnaz
Published: January 2023

Background

Adoption is a multidimensional concept affected by cultural and social factors. On the other hand, the number of adoptees has recently increased indicating the need to pay more attention to this issue. However, no clear definition of this concept has been provided so far.

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the concept of adoption.

Methods

The present study was an analysis using a hybrid model in three phases. During the theoretical phase, using the keyword “adoption,” pertinent articles published between 2010 and 2022 were searched. In the field work phase, eight adoptive parents as the participants were interviewed and the data were analyzed using conventional content analysis method. In the final analysis phase, a general analysis of the two previous phases was performed and a final definition was presented.

Results

Adoption is one of the ways of having children that helps infertile couples to experience parental pleasure. If adoption is done wisely based on the abilities of parents, it can provide the best care setting for the child's growth leading to the consolidation of the family and a purposeful life. In adoption, all of the rights and responsibilities of the child are transferred from the biological parents to the adoptive parents, which is affected by religious and cultural beliefs.

Conclusion

The analysis of the concept of adoption provided a good basis for identifying the various dimensions of adoption and its challenges. The parents need to pay attention to all dimensions of adoption before selecting this path. It also provided a good platform for future research in the field of adoption.
Assessment of kiwifruit firmness by using airflow and laser technique
Authors: Sun Qinming , Luo Xiuzhi , He Ke , Jing Bowen , Tang Xiuying
Published: January 2023

Firmness is a valid and widely acknowledged indication of fruit quality that is directly connected to physical structure and mechanical qualities. The deformation signals of kiwifruit for firmness assessment were acquired using an assessment system based on airflow and laser technology in this investigation. Using partial least squares regression (PLSR), genetic algorithm optimization of bp neural network (GA‐BP), and an extreme learning machine (ELM), deformation data from kiwifruit was used to create models of Magness–Taylor penetration firmness prediction. The ELM model outperformed the PLSR model, and GA‐BP model in the prediction set, with a correlation coefficient of 0.876 and a root mean squared error of 3.576 N in the prediction set. These findings showed that an assessment system based on airflow and laser techniques can be utilized to assess the firmness of kiwifruit quickly and nondestructively.
Customary rights of farmers and PepsiCo controversy
Authors: Singh Digvijay , Singh Rajnish K.
Published: January 2023

Farming communities have played a vital role in making plant genetic resources available to commercial plant breeders for development of new varieties of plants. They are instrumental in ensuring sustainability of agriculture, which is a must to meet the demands of an increasing world's population. Despite the above the contributions of farming communities are undervalued. Agriculture‐based economies cannot do justice with these communities by treating them as steward of biological resources only. Attempts have been made in different jurisdictions to protect commercial plant breeders as well as farmers using different options available under the TRIPs Agreement. But, in no jurisdiction, farming communities have affirmative rights equal to or better than commercial plant breeders due to the demands of privatization of seed industries and technological developments in agriculture sector. An attempt has been made by the Government of India under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 to recognize the enormous contributions of farming communities and give them protection at par with commercial plant breeders. In fact, the Act recognizes the long‐due customary claims of farming communities. The paper examines the rights of farmers as customary rights particularly in light of the UNDROP, 2018. It critically examines the recent decision of PPV&FR  Authority in Kavitha Kuruganti case to understand PepsiCo's concerns and its contradictions with customary rights of farmers in India.
Analysis of the bacterial communities associated with pupae and winged or wingless adults ofLipoptena fortisetosacollected from cervids in Italy
Authors: Andreani Annalisa , Beltramo Chiara , Ponzetta Maria Paola , Belcari Antonio , Sacchetti Patrizia , Acutis Pier Luigi , Peletto Simone
Published: January 2023

The hippoboscidLipoptena fortisetosaMaa, 1965 is a hematophagous ectoparasite of cervids that can bite humans. This fly is expanding its geographical range and is of concern for animal and human health since it can potentially harbour harmful microorganisms. This study was aimed at characterizing the bacterial communities ofL. fortisetosain its different life‐cycle stages. Pupae and wingless adults were collected from cervids hunted in Tuscan‐Emilian Apennines (central Italy) and pooled into groups of 10 by life stage (30 individual pupae; 1420 individual wingless adults). Winged flies were caught by sweep netting and separated into five pools of 10 insects. After DNA extraction, the bacterial content of each pool was analysed using 16 S metabarcoding. Results revealed that the composition and relative abundance of different taxa greatly differed in the three analysed groups. Wingless adults showed a high abundance ofBartonella(33.07%), which is almost absent in winged flies and pupae. Among the detected pathogens, four genera of concern for human health were found:Bartonella,Moraxella,MycobacteriumandRickettsia. Interestingly reads similar toBartonella bovis,Moraxella osloensisandArsenophonus lipopteniOperational Taxonomic Unit (OTUs) were detected. These findings suggest the possible role ofL. fortisetosaas a reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms, confirming the need for further investigation to ascertain its vectorial capacity.
Effects of antiresorptive medications on tooth root formation and tooth eruption in paediatric patients
Authors: Arai Yuki , English Jeryl D. , Ono Noriaki , Ono Wanida
Published: January 2023

Tooth eruption is a pivotal milestone for children's growth and development. This process involves with the formation of the tooth root, the periodontal ligament (PDL) and the alveolar bone, as the tooth crown penetrates the bone and gingiva to enter the oral cavity. This review aims to outline current knowledge of the adverse dental effects of antiresorptive medications. Recently, paediatric indications for antiresorptive medications, such as bisphosphonates (BPs), have emerged, and these agents are increasingly used in children and adolescents to cure pathological bone resorption associated with bone diseases and cancers. Since tooth eruption is accompanied by osteoclastic bone resorption, it is expected that the administration of antiresorptive medications during this period affects tooth development. Indeed, several articles studying human patient cohorts and animal models report the dental defects associated with the use of these antiresorptive medications. This review shows the summary of the possible factors related to tooth eruption and introduces the future research direction to understand the mechanisms underlying the dental defects caused by antiresorptive medications.
An iterative gene‐editing strategy broadens eIF4E1 genetic diversity in Solanum lycopersicum and generates resistance to multiple potyvirus isolates
Authors: Kuroiwa Kyoka , Danilo Benoit , Perrot Laura , Thenault Christina , Veillet Florian , Delacote Fabien , Duchateau Philippe , Nogué Fabien , Mazier Marianne , Gallois Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2023

Resistance to potyviruses in plants has been largely provided by the selection of natural variant alleles of eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIF) 4E in many crops. However, the sources of such variability for breeding can be limited for certain crop species, while new virus isolates continue to emerge. Different methods of mutagenesis have been applied to inactivate the eIF4E genes to generate virus resistance, but with limited success due to the physiological importance of translation factors and their redundancy. Here, we employed genome editing approaches at the base level to induce non‐synonymous mutations in the eIF4E1 gene and create genetic diversity in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). We sequentially edited the genomic sequences coding for two regions of eIF4E1 protein, located around the cap‐binding pocket and known to be important for susceptibility to potyviruses. We show that the editing of only one of the two regions, by gene knock‐in and base editing, respectively, is not sufficient to provide resistance. However, combining amino acid mutations in both regions resulted in resistance to multiple potyviruses without affecting the functionality in translation initiation. Meanwhile, we report that extensive base editing in exonic region can alter RNA splicing pattern, resulting in gene knockout. Altogether our work demonstrates that precision editing allows to design plant factors based on the knowledge on evolutionarily selected alleles and enlarge the gene pool to potentially provide advantageous phenotypes such as pathogen resistance.
Wheat yellow mosaic virus NIb targets TaVTC2 to elicit broad‐spectrum pathogen resistance in wheat
Authors: Zhang Tianye , Hu Haichao , Wang Ziqiong , Feng Tianyou , Yu Lu , Zhang Jie , Gao Wenqing , Zhou Yilin , Sun Meihao , Liu Peng , Zhong Kaili , Chen ZhiHui , Chen Jianping , Li Wei , Yang Jian
Published: January 2023

GDP‐L‐galactose phosphorylase (VTC2) catalyses the conversion of GDP‐L‐galactose to L‐galactose‐1‐P, a vital step of ascorbic acid (AsA) biosynthesis in plants. AsA is well known for its function in the amelioration of oxidative stress caused by most pathogen infection, but its function against viral infection remains unclear. Here, we have identified a VTC2 gene in wheat named as TaVTC2 and investigated its function in association with the wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) infection. Our results showed that overexpression of TaVTC2 significantly increased viral accumulation, whereas knocking down TaVTC2 inhibited the viral infection in wheat, suggesting a positive regulation on viral infection by TaVTC2. Moreover, less AsA was produced in TaVTC2 knocking down plants (TaVTC2‐RNAi) which due to the reduction in TaVTC2 expression and subsequently in TaVTC2 activity, resulting in a reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst in leaves. Furthermore, the enhanced WYMV resistance in TaVTC2‐RNAi plants was diminished by exogenously applied AsA. We further demonstrated that WYMV NIb directly bound to TaVTC2 and inhibited TaVTC2 enzymatic activity in vitro. The effect of TaVTC2 on ROS scavenge was suppressed by NIb in a dosage‐dependent manner, indicating the ROS scavenging was highly regulated by the interaction of TaVTC2 with NIb. Furthermore, TaVTC2 RNAi plants conferred broad‐spectrum disease resistance. Therefore, the data indicate that TaVTC2 recruits WYMV NIb to down‐regulate its own enzymatic activity, reducing AsA accumulation to elicit a burst of ROS which confers the resistance to WYMV infection. Thus, a new mechanism of the formation of plant innate immunity was proposed.
The use of mTOR inhibitors for the treatment of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. A systematic review
Authors: Maza‐Morales Mariana , Valdés‐Loperena Sofía , Durán‐McKinster Lourdes Carola , García‐Romero María Teresa
Published: January 2023

Background

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a locally aggressive and potentially lethal vascular tumor of infancy. Current consensus recommendations include the use of vincristine and/or systemic steroids as first‐line treatment. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors represent a promising therapy for patients with KHE. The goal of our study is to critically assess the existing literature on outcomes of patients with KHE treated with mTOR inhibitors.

Methods

We conducted a literature search from 1 January 2000, to 30 April 2022. Articles reporting outcomes of patients treated with mTOR inhibitors for KHE were included. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and summarize the outcomes of the treatment.

Results

We included 327 patients with a mean age at diagnosis of 9.1 months (SD ± 9). Patients were treated with an mTOR inhibitor for a mean of 15.2 months (SD ± 4.1). A total of 315 (96.3%) patients had positive outcomes including improvement of the tumor size, symptoms and/or laboratory parameters in 227 (85%) and complete remission in 38 (12%). Seven (2%) patients did not respond to treatment and seven (2%) died of sepsis (4), Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon complications (1), cardiac and liver failure due to ductus arteriosus (1), or metastatic disease (1).

Conclusion

This systematic review supports the efficacy and safety of mTOR inhibitors for KHE. Their use resulted in positive outcomes in terms of decreased symptoms, reduction in tumor size and improvement in biochemical parameters with a mortality rate of 2%. According to these findings, we suggest revised consensus treatment guidelines for KHE with mTOR inhibitors potentially considered first‐line therapy.
Opportunities for system dynamics research in operations management for public policy
Authors: Anderson Edward G. , Keith David R. , Lopez Jose
Published: January 2023

Operations management (OM) in the public policy context is extremely complex with many mutually interacting factors characterized by feedback loops, delays and nonlinearities, as well as multiple stakeholders pursuing divergent objectives. Prior researchers have called for a systems approach in these contexts, arguing that standard OM methodologies such as mathematical programming, and queuing theory often cannot fully address these problems. Researchers have employed one such systems approach, system dynamics, successfully for decades for studying OM problems in public policy because it can address such complexity and can also integrate disciplines from outside OM such as political science, epidemiology, ecology, etc.

In this paper, we create a roadmap for researchers—both those who are familiar with systems dynamics and those who are not—for the expanded use of system dynamics studying public policy‐related OM problems. We review and organize relevant system dynamics literature in both traditional operations management venues as well as public policy venues unfamiliar to OM audiences. We then identify a set of interesting open questions and potential system dynamics building blocks for answering them by topic. Leveraging this review, we describe under what conditions system dynamics is most appropriate. We then identify several overarching methodological and domain gaps for future research.

Finally, we build on previous work to extend a process for using system dynamics with traditional operations management methodologies. It separates model building into two sequential phases: consensus‐building models and detailed operational models. It also incorporates scenario planning and feedback from implementation outcomes.
Ethical and cultural competence of social‐ and health care educators from educational institutions – Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Erkkilä Päivi , Koskenranta Miro , Kuivila Heli , Oikarainen Ashlee , Kamau Suleiman , Kaarlela Veera , Immonen Kati , Koskimäki Minna , Mikkonen Kristina
Published: January 2023

Background

The international mobility has increased cultural diversity in social‐ and health care. As such, ethical and cultural competence is an essential skill among educators. They are promoting the ethical and cultural competence and professional growth of students with diverse backgrounds and, therefore, must be ethically and culturally competent.

Aim

The aim of the study was to identify distinct ethical and cultural competence profiles of social‐ and health care educators and explore the associated factors.

Research Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional survey design was used to collect quantitative observational data in 2020–2021. Competence profiles were identified by K‐means clustering based on answers to an instrument focussing on educators' ethical and cultural competence.

Participants and Research Context

Participants (N = 1179, n = 243) were social‐ and health care educators based at 10 universities of applied sciences and 10 vocational colleges in Finland.

Ethical Considerations

The research adhered to good scientific practice. A research permit was received from each educational institution that participated in the study. The privacy of the participants was protected throughout the study.

Results

The analysis identified three profiles of educators (A, B, C) based on self‐assessed ethical and cultural competence. Profile A educators demonstrated high scores across all three competence areas. Profile B educators had high scores for ethical knowledge and intermediate scores for other competence areas. Profile C educators demonstrated intermediate scores across all three competence areas. An educator's pedagogical education was found to significantly influence which profile they belonged to.

Conclusions

The educators generally evaluated their ethical and cultural competence highly. Educators understand the importance of professional ethics in their work, but they need additional support in developing ethics skills in their daily work. Among all educators, there is a need for developing international and culturally diverse collaboration.
3D printed hemodialysis access and subcutaneous volume model as a guide for cannulation: A proof of concept training tool
Authors: Li Yi , Qi Kevin , Li Jiahua , Siedlecki Andrew
Published: January 2023

A 54‐year‐old underwent brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula placement. Following maturation of the access, consistent cannulation for routine hemodialysis was challenging for clinical specialists. A three‐dimensional intraluminal access model was generated, but clinical specialists adept at cannulation had difficulty orienting the model to the patient's anatomy without repeat supervision. When provided the model prima facie, 50% (4/8) clinical specialists were not able to spatially orient the model appropriately in the x‐axis with respect to the coronal plane (2/8) or in the z‐axis with respect to the transverse plane (2/8). Spatial renderings of the subcutaneous volume available for cannulation were then printed and physically applied to the vascular access model resulting in appropriate spatial orientation among all clinical specialists (n = 12) that were presented the models for the first time. Mean Kt/V increased during the 3‐month period directly following model introduction. This case demonstrates the potential utility of 3D‐modeling to readily visualize the subcutaneous volume of a hemodialysis vascular access and reduce cannulation error.
Adapting and Validating the G‐NORM (Gender Norms Scale) in Nepal: An Examination of How Gender Norms Are Associated with Agency and Reproductive Health Outcomes
Authors: Sedlander Erica , Dahal Minakshi , Bingenheimer Jeffrey Bart , Puri Mahesh C. , Rimal Rajiv N. , Granovsky Rachel , Diamond‐Smith Nadia G.
Published: January 2023

Research calls for the sexual and reproductive rights field to prioritize gender norms to ensure that women can act on their reproductive rights. However, there is a gap in accepted measures. We addressed this by including important theoretical components of gender norms: differentiating between descriptive and injunctive norms and adding a referent group. Our team originally developed and validated the G‐NORM, a gender norms scale, in India. In this paper, we describe how we subsequently adapted and validated it in Nepal. We administered items to women of reproductive age, conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and examined associations between the subscales and reproductive health outcomes. Like the original G‐NORM, our factor analyses showed that descriptive norms and injunctive norms comprise two distinct scales which fit the data well and had Cronbach alphas of 0.92 and 0.89. More equitable descriptive gender norms were associated with higher decision‐making scores, increased odds of intending to use family planning, disagreeing that it is wrong to use family planning, and older ideal age at marriage. Injunctive gender norms were only associated with disagreeing that it is wrong to use family planning. Findings offer an improved measure of gender norms in Nepal and provide evidence that gender norms are critical for agency and reproductive health outcomes.
Suicide among lawyers: Role of job problems
Authors: Stack Steven , Bowman Barbara A.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Suicide research has neglected the legal profession. The present investigation determines what risk factors distinguish lawyers' suicides from those of the general population. Given the substantial investment in their careers, client dependency, and ongoing stress of work, job problems are seen as key potential drivers of lawyers' suicides.

Methodology

Data are from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). They refer to 30,570 suicides. Fifteen predictors, including social strains, psychiatric morbidity, and demographics, are assessed as possible drivers of lawyers' suicides. The dependent variable is a dichotomy where lawyers' suicides = 1 and other suicides = 0.

Results

The results of a multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for the other 14 risk factors, lawyers' suicides were 91% more apt (Odds ratio = 1.91, CI: 1.17, 3.14) than other suicides to have job problems that contributed to their suicide. Other constructs differentiating lawyers' suicides from other suicides included presence of a known mental health problem, age, presence of a known substance abuse problem, and marital status. The full model correctly classified 99.57% of the suicides.

Conclusion

Job problems can serve as a key warning sign for lawyers' suicides. This is the first investigation of the drivers of lawyers' suicides.
Determinants of Bias Perceptions in South Africa: The Case of A Highly Unequal Society
Authors: Kirsten Frederich , Biyase Mduduzi , Pretorius Marinda , Botha Ilse
Published: January 2023

While objective class dynamics have received much attention in South Africa, less is known about the subjective social positions individuals place themselves in. For example, in a highly unequal society like South Africa, some individuals would overestimate (inflate) or underestimate (deflate) their social position compared to their objective class position. This paper aims to provide further information on status inconsistency in South Africa by assessing some of the socioeconomic determinants of bias perceptions. Using International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) data and a multinomial probit model, the results show that education and race play a significant role in influencing the biased perceptions of individuals in South Africa. For example, individuals with higher education levels have a stronger tendency to deflate their social position, while Coloreds, Indians/Asians, and whites tend to inflate their social positions more than Africans. The results indicate the vital role of race and education in determining status inconsistencies in a society that is still suffering from high levels of racial and education inequality due to the lingering legacy of apartheid. The results provide a better understanding to policymakers and government on the dynamics behind social status perceptions in South Africa.