bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitization to textile dyes in Spain: Epidemiological situation (2019–2022)
Authors: Hernández Fernández Carlos Pelayo , Borrego Leopoldo , Giménez Arnau Ana María , Zaragoza Ninet Violeta , Sanz Sánchez Tatiana , Miquel Miquel Francisco Javier , González Pérez Ricardo , Silvestre Salvador Juan Francisco , Córdoba Guijarro Susana , Carrascosa Carrillo José Manuel , Gatica Ortega María Elena , Ruiz González Inmaculada , Mercader García Pedro , Tous Romero Fátima , Serra Baldrich Esther , Pastor‐Nieto María Antonia , Rodríguez Serna Mercedes , Sánchez Pérez Javier , Sánchez Gilo Araceli , Melé Ninot Gemma , Sánchez‐Pedreño Guillén Paloma , de Vega Martínez Marina , Descalzo Miguel Ángel Gallego , Doval Ignacio García
Published: February 2024

Background

Current frequency and features for positivity to textile dye mix (TDM) in Spain are unknown.

Objectives

To study the frequency, clinical features and simultaneous positivity between TDM, para‐phenylenediamine (PPD) and specific disperse dyes.

Materials and Methods

We analysed all consecutive patients patch‐tested with TDM from the Spanish Contact Dermatitis Registry (REIDAC), from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2022. Within this group, we studied all selected patients patch‐tested with a textile dye series.

Results

Out of 6128 patients analysed, 3.3% were positive to the TDM and in 34% of them, the sensitization was considered currently relevant. TDM positivity was associated with working as a hairdresser/beautician and scalp, neck/trunk and arm/forearm dermatitis. From TDM‐positive patients, 57% were positive to PPD. One hundred and sixty‐four patients were patch‐tested with the textile dye series. Disperse Orange 3 was the most frequent positive dye (16%). One of every six cases positive to any dye from the textile dye series would have been missed if patch‐tested with the TDM alone.

Conclusions

Positivity to TDM is common in Spain and often associated with PPD sensitization. TDM is a valuable marker of disperse dyes allergy that should be part of the Spanish and European standard series.
Hyperventilation testing in the diagnosis of vasospastic angina: A clinical review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Boivin‐Proulx Laurie‐Anne , Marquis‐Gravel Guillaume , Rousseau‐Saine Nicolas , Harel François , Jolicoeur E. Marc , Pelletier‐Galarneau Matthieu
Published: February 2024

Background

Given the limited access to invasive vasospastic reactivity testing in Western Countries, there is a need to further develop alternative non‐invasive diagnostic methods for vasospastic angina (VSA). Hyperventilation testing (HVT) is defined as a class IIa recommendation to diagnose VSA by the Japanese Society of Cardiology.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta‐analysis reported according to the PRISMA statement, we review the mechanisms, methods, modalities and diagnostic accuracy of non‐invasive HVT for the diagnostic of VSA.

Results

A total of 106 articles published between 1980 and 2022 about VSA and HVT were included in the systematic review, among which 16 were included in the meta‐analysis for diagnostic accuracy. Twelve electrocardiogram‐HVT studies including 804 patients showed a pooled sensitivity of 54% (95% confidence intervals [CI]; 30%–76%) and a pooled specificity of 99% (95% CI; 88%–100%). Four transthoracic echocardiography‐HVT studies including 197 patients revealed a pooled sensitivity of 90% (95% CI; 82%–94%) and a pooled specificity of 98% (95% CI; 86%–100%). Six myocardial perfusion imaging‐HVT studies including 112 patients yielded a pooled sensitivity of 95% (95% CI; 63%–100%) and a pooled specificity of 78% (95% CI; 19%–98%). Non‐invasive HVT resulted in a low rate of adverse events, ventricular arrhythmias being the most frequently reported, and were resolved with the administration of nitroglycerin.

Conclusions

Non‐invasive HVT offers a safe alternative with high diagnostic accuracy to diagnose VSA in patients with otherwise undiagnosed causes of chest pain.
Growth at risk from climate change
Authors: Kiley Michael T.
Published: February 2024

How will climate change affect risks to economic activity? Research on climate impacts has tended to focus on effects on the average level of economic growth. I examine whether climate change may make severe contractions in economic activity more likely using quantile regressions linking growth to temperature. The effects of temperature on downside risks to economic growth are large and robust across specifications. These results suggest the growth at risk from climate change is large—climate change may make economic contractions more likely and severe and thereby significantly impact economic and financial stability and welfare.
A global meta‐analysis of yield‐scaled N2O emissions and its mitigation efforts for maize, wheat, and rice
Authors: Yao Zhisheng , Guo Haojie , Wang Yan , Zhan Yang , Zhang Tianli , Wang Rui , Zheng Xunhua , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus
Published: February 2024

Maintaining or even increasing crop yields while reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions is necessary to reconcile food security and climate change, while the metric of yield‐scaled N2O emission (i.e., N2O emissions per unit of crop yield) is at present poorly understood. Here we conducted a global meta‐analysis with more than 6000 observations to explore the variation patterns and controlling factors of yield‐scaled N2O emissions for maize, wheat and rice and associated potential mitigation options. Our results showed that the average yield‐scaled N2O emissions across all available data followed the order wheat (322 g N Mg−1, with the 95% confidence interval [CI]: 301–346) > maize (211 g N Mg−1, CI: 198–225) > rice (153 g N Mg−1, CI: 144–163). Yield‐scaled N2O emissions for individual crops were generally higher in tropical or subtropical zones than in temperate zones, and also showed a trend towards lower intensities from low to high latitudes. This global variation was better explained by climatic and edaphic factors than by N fertilizer management, while their combined effect predicted more than 70% of the variance. Furthermore, our analysis showed a significant decrease in yield‐scaled N2O emissions with increasing N use efficiency or in N2O emissions for production systems with cereal yields >10 Mg ha−1 (maize), 6.6 Mg ha−1 (wheat) or 6.8 Mg ha−1 (rice), respectively. This highlights that N use efficiency indicators can be used as valuable proxies for reconciling trade‐offs between crop production and N2O mitigation. For all three major staple crops, reducing N fertilization by up to 30%, optimizing the timing and placement of fertilizer application or using enhanced‐efficiency N fertilizers significantly reduced yield‐scaled N2O emissions at similar or even higher cereal yields. Our data‐driven assessment provides some key guidance for developing effective and targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies for the sustainable intensification of cereal production.
Morphological analysis of patellofemoral joint in haemophilic arthropathy: A case‐control study
Authors: Vahabi Arman , Biçer Elcil Kaya , Kayıkçı Kayahan , Şahin Fahri , Kavaklı Kaan , Tamsel İpek , Aydoğdu Semih
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Knees affected by haemophilic arthropathy exhibit distinct differences in both bone morphology and soft tissue behaviour. This study aims to analyse the morphological characteristics of the distal femur and patellofemoral joint in patients with haemophilia in comparison to normal healthy population.

Material and Methods

Study was conducted as pair‐matched case‐control study with 43 individuals in both the haemophilia group and the control group. Patellar luxation, patellar tilt (PT), length of the patella in both axis (pAP, pML), depth and angle of trochlear sulcus (SD, SA), lateral trochlear inclination (LTI), medial and lateral femoral facet length (mFL, LFL), intercondylar depth (ID), transepicondylar axis (TEA) and lateral condyle length (LCL) were assessed on knee MRI. Correlation between Pettersson score and measured variables were also analysed.

Results

PT was medial sided in 10 (23.2%) cases in haemophilic group. Mean values of pAP, pML, PT were significantly lower in haemophilia group (p < .001, p: .007, p = .001 respectively). There were no significant changes in SA (p = .628), SD (p = .340), LTI (p = .685), LFL (p = .241) and MFC‐LFC (p = .770) whilst mFL was significantly longer in haemophilia group (p = .009). ID (p < .001), TEA (p = .007) and LCL (p = .001) were all shorter in haemophilia group. Pettersson score was inversely correlated with pAP, pML, ID, TEA, LCL, pML/SA and ID/LCL.

Conclusion

Morphological changes in haemophilic arthropathy involve a smaller and medially‐tilted patella, narrowed lateral condyle and transepicondylar axis, combined with reduced intercondylar depth. These alterations must keep in mind especially in pre‐ and intraoperative assessments for arthroplasty procedures.
Enhancement of oxidative stability of polyunsaturated fatty acid‐rich fish oil: microencapsulation using chitosan‐whey protein complex and betalain
Authors: Kalladathvalappil Venugopalan Vishnu , Ramadevi Gopakumar Lekshmi , Kumaran Kizhakkeppurath Ajeeshkumar , Sekhar Chatterjee Niladri , Soman Vishnuja , Mohamed Hatha Ammanamveetil Abdulla , Benjakul Soottawat , Mathew Suseela
Published: February 2024

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are abundant in fish oil, easily oxidise. Therefore, stabilisation is necessary, preferably through encapsulation and the addition of antioxidants. This research looked on multiple emulsification for PUFA‐rich fish oil by utilising a wall material (whey protein and chitosan) and an antioxidant (betalain) combination. Spray‐dried, microparticles filled with PUFA were successfully created (80% yield) and characterised. It was determined that the emulsion droplet size was 0.917 μm. Good oxidative stability was observed after 4 weeks of storage, as evidenced by a moderate (4%) drop in EPA and DHA content and a low peroxide value (PV) of 4.8 ± 0.23 meq/kg oil in microparticles. Microencapsulation of PUFA‐rich fish oil was successfully accomplished using multiple emulsion technology, as evidenced by encapsulation efficiency values of 87.73 ± 0.21% and loading efficiency values of 67 ± 0.11%. These results suggest that structurally stabilised healthful lipids could be added to foods using these innovative emulsions, which provide greater stability and versatility for a wide variety of uses.
The potential causal path between periodontitis stage diagnosis and vegetable consumption is mediated by loss of posterior functional tooth units and masticatory function
Authors: Wu Xinyu , Shen Jie , Zhang Xiao , Liu Beilei , Liu Min , Shi Junyu , Qian Shujiao , Zong Geng , Lai Hongchang , Yuan Changzheng , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: February 2024

Aim

Emerging evidence points to a two‐way relationship between periodontitis and dietary choices and, thus, nutrition. This study aimed to assess the potential cause–effect relationship between the periodontitis stage, loss of functional tooth units (FTUs), masticatory function, and intake of different food groups using path analysis.

Materials and Methods

A single calibrated examiner determined the periodontitis stage of a consecutive sample of 241 Chinese subjects reporting for tooth replacement. Their masticatory function was quantified by the mixing ability of a two‐colour chewing gum. Validated food frequency questionnaires were used to calculate the intake of 33 food group items by an experienced calibrated rater. After verification of assumptions, visual structural equation modeling was performed with Amos 23. The consistency of results and the potential modifying effect of age were assessed in 9043 subjects from the NHANES database.

Results

Highly significant models were constructed using periodontitis stage and age as exogenous factors. Periodontitis stage diagnosis significantly affected the number of posterior FTUs and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL, path coefficient [PC] = –0.55 and −0.20, p < .05, respectively). In the model, FTUs also had an independent effect on OHRQoL (PC = 0.23, p < .05). FTUs determined the level of masticatory function (PC = –0.38, p < .05), which in turn affected vegetable intake but not fruit or meat intake (PC = –0.18, p < .0.5, PC = 0.06, NS and PC = 0.11, NS, respectively). The effect of age was significant for vegetable and meat intake and was also correlated with periodontitis stage diagnosis. Analysis of the NHANES database confirmed the negative impact of periodontitis on the number of occluding pairs and vegetable consumption for the 18–44, 45–60 and >60 age groups.

Conclusions

Periodontitis showed a potential cause–effect pathway affecting vegetable intake across cultures and age groups. The size of the effect is potentially of clinical and public health significance. Additional studies, including intervention trials, are required to test this potential mechanism linking oral health to nutrition.
Development of toothpaste formulations containing mineral clays as abrasive agents and their effects on the physical properties of dental enamel
Authors: Gonçalves Iana Maria Costa , da Silva Julliana Andrade , Aguiar Flávio Henrique Baggio , Lima Débora Alves Nunes Leite
Published: February 2024

To assess the physical properties and topographical aspect of dental enamel's surface microhardness (KHN), surface roughness (Ra), and color parameters CIELAB (∆Eab*), CIEDE 2000 (∆E00), and whiteness index for dentistry (∆WID) after toothbrushing with experimental toothpaste formulations with the following mineral clay types: kaolin, Sparclay SGY, and Tersil CGY used as abrasive component. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed for topographical analyses purposes. A total of 96 bovine incisors were used in the experiment. They were divided into eight experimental groups (n = 12), namely: NC—negative control (no treatment), CT12—Colgate Total 12®, CMP—Colgate® Máxima Proteção Anticáries, K—kaolin experimental toothpaste, SGY—Sparclay SGY experimental toothpaste; CGY—Tersil CGY experimental toothpaste, SD—SiO2 experimental toothpaste, and CC—CaCO3 experimental toothpaste. All samples were subjected to mechanical brushing protocol with 5000 cycles and kept in artificial saliva with daily exchanges. KHN was analyzed through the mixed linear model for repeated measures over time. Ra was analyzed through nonparametric Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests to compare the groups. Paired Wilcoxon test was run to compare experimental times. ∆WID, ∆Eab*, and ∆E00 were analyzed through Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests. All analyses were performed in R* software, at 5% significance level. EXP_SGY recorded higher KHN than EXP_SiO2 and EXP_CaCO3, whereas EXP_K showed increased Ra in comparison to CMP (p = 0.0229). ∆Eab and ∆E00 were significantly higher in the CT12, EXP_SiO2, and EXP_CaCO3 groups than in the NC and EXP_K (p < 0.0001). There were no significant changes in ∆WID (p = 0.0852). According to SEM results, toothbrushing with experimental toothpastes added with mineral clay types did not have significant impact on enamel's polishing and smoothness.

Clinical Relevance

Mineral clays have a broad application in the cosmetic industry, and recently, they have been used in the formulation of vegan toothpaste.
Cilostazol improves the prognosis after hepatectomy in rats with sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
Authors: Sugita Hiroaki , Nakanuma Shinichi , Munesue Seiichi , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Tokoro Tomokazu , Takei Ryohei , Okazaki Mitsuyoshi , Kato Kaichiro , Takada Satoshi , Makino Isamu , Ozaki Noriyuki , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Yagi Shintaro
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

Safe radical hepatectomy is important for patients with colorectal liver metastases complicated by sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) after oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of preoperative administration of cilostazol (CZ), an oral selective phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, on hepatectomy in rat SOS model.

Material and Methods

Rats were divided into NL (normal liver), SOS (monocrotaline [MCT]‐treated), and SOS + CZ (MCT + CZ‐treated) groups. MCT or CZ was administered orally, and a 30% partial hepatectomy was performed 48 h after MCT administration. Postoperative survival rates were evaluated (n = 9, for each). Other rats were sacrificed on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 3 and evaluated histologically, immunohistochemically, biochemically, and using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), focusing particularly on SOS findings, liver damage, and liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) injury.

Results

The cumulative 10‐day postoperative survival rate was significantly higher in the SOS + CZ group than in the SOS group (88.9% vs 33.3%, P = 0.001). Total SOS scores were significantly lower in the SOS + CZ group than in the SOS group on both POD 1 and 3. Serum biochemistry and immunohistochemistry showed that CZ reduced liver damage after hepatectomy. TEM revealed that LSECs were significantly preserved morphologically in the SOS + CZ group than in the SOS group on POD 1 (86.1 ± 8.2% vs 63.8 ± 9.3%, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Preoperative CZ administration reduced liver injury by protecting LSECs and improved the prognosis after hepatectomy in rats with SOS.
On the pixel selection criterion for the calculation of the Pearson's correlation coefficient in fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Lopez Sergio G. , Samwald Sebastian , Jones Sally , Faulkner Christine
Published: February 2024

Colocalisation microscopy analysis provides an intuitive and straightforward way of determining if two biomolecules occupy the same diffraction‐limited volume. A popular colocalisation coefficient, the Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC), can be calculated using different pixel selection criteria: PCCALL includes all image pixels, PCCOR only pixels exceeding the intensity thresholds for either one of the detection channels, and PCCAND only pixels exceeding the intensity thresholds for both detection channels. Our results show that PCCALL depends on the foreground to background ratio, producing values influenced by factors unrelated to biomolecular association. PCCAND focuses on areas with the highest intensities in both channels, which allows it to detect low levels of colocalisation, but makes it inappropriate for evaluating spatial cooccurrence between the signals. PCCOR produces values influenced both by signal proportionality and spatial cooccurrence but can sometimes overemphasise the lack of the latter. Overall, PCCAND excels at detecting low levels of colocalisation, PCCOR provides a balanced quantification of signal proportionality and spatial coincidence, and PCCALL risks misinterpretation yet avoids segmentation challenges. Awareness of their distinct properties should inform their appropriate application with the aim of accurately representing the underlying biology.
Design and content validation of a checklist about infection‐prevention performance of intensive care nurses in simulation‐based scenarios
Authors: Raurell‐Torredà Marta , Arrogante Oscar , Aliberch‐Raurell Anna María , Sánchez‐Chillón Francisco Javier , Torralba‐Melero Martín , Rojo‐Rojo Andrés , Gomez‐Ibañez Rebeca , Lamoglia‐Puig Montserrat , Farrés‐Tarafa Mariona , Zaragoza‐García Ignacio
Published: February 2024

Objective

To design, develop and validate a new tool, called NEUMOBACT, to evaluate critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) and catheter‐related bacteraemia (CRB) prevention through simulation scenarios involving central venous catheter (CVC), endotracheal suctioning (ETS) and mechanically ventilated patient care (PC) stations.

Background

Simulation‐based training is an excellent way for nurses to learn prevention measures in VAP and CRB.

Design

Descriptive metric study to develop NEUMOBACT and analyse its content and face validity that followed the COSMIN Study Design checklist for patient‐reported outcome measurement instruments.

Methods

The first version was developed with the content of training modules in use at the time (NEUMOBACT‐1). Delphi rounds were used to assess item relevance with experts in VAP and CRB prevention measures, resulting in NEUMOBACT‐2. Experts in simulation methods then assessed feasibility, resulting in NEUMOBACT‐3. Finally, a pilot test was conducted among 30 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to assess the applicability of the evaluation tool in clinical practice.

Results

Seven national experts in VAP and CRB prevention and seven national simulation experts participated in the analysis to assess the relevance and feasibility of each item, respectively. After two Delphi rounds with infection experts, four Delphi rounds with simulation experts, and pilot testing with 30 ICU nurses, the NEUMOBACT‐FINAL tool consisted of 17, 26 and 21 items, respectively, for CVC, ETS and PC.

Conclusion

NEUMOBACT‐FINAL is useful and valid for assessing ICU nurses' knowledge and skills in VAP and CRB prevention, acquired through simulation.

Relevance for Clinical Practice

Our validated and clinically tested tool could facilitate the transfer of ICU nurses' knowledge and skills learning in VAP and CRB prevention to critically ill patients, decreasing infection rates and, therefore, improving patient safety.

Patient or Public Contribution

Experts participated in the Delphi rounds and nurses in the pilot test.
Still worried? Parental control and academic competence as antecedents of middle school students' post‐transition worries
Authors: Țepordei Ana‐Maria , Zancu Alexandra S. , Diaconu‐Gherasim Loredana R. , Brumariu Laura E.
Published: February 2024

This study examined whether parental psychological control reported by children before the transition to middle school, in the second semester of the fourth grade, is associated with children's worries after the transition to middle school, in the first semester of the fifth grade. We also evaluated the mediating role of children's post‐transition perceived academic competence and the moderating role of physical transition (changing schools) on these relations. 370 Romanian early adolescents participated at both time points, with 30% of them having changed schools. Path analysis showed that the relation between children's perceptions of dependency‐oriented psychological control and post‐transition worries was mediated by academic competence and moderated by physical transition. Educational and counseling implications are discussed.
Deciphering temporal growth patterns in maize: integrative modeling of phenotype dynamics and underlying genomic variations
Authors: Adak Alper , Murray Seth C. , Washburn Jacob D.
Published: February 2024

Quantifying the temporal or longitudinal growth dynamics of crops in diverse environmental conditions is crucial for understanding plant development, requiring further modeling techniques.

In this study, we analyzed the growth patterns of two different maize (Zea mays L.) populations using high‐throughput phenotyping with a maize population consisting of 515 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) grown in Texas and a hybrid population containing 1090 hybrids grown in Missouri.

Two models, Gaussian peak and functional principal component analysis (FPCA), were employed to study the Normalized Green–Red Difference Index (NGRDI) scores. The Gaussian peak model showed strong correlations (c. 0.94 for RILs and c. 0.97 for hybrids) between modeled and non‐modeled temporal trajectories. Functional principal component analysis differentiated NGRDI trajectories in RILs under different conditions, capturing substantial variability (75%, 20%, and 5% for RILs; 88% and 12% for hybrids).

By comparing these models with conventional BLUP values, common quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, containing candidate genes of brd1, pin11, zcn8 and rap2. The harmony between these loci's additive effects and growing degree days, as well as the differentiation of RIL haplotypes across growth stages, underscores the significant interplay of these loci in driving plant development. These findings contribute to advancing understanding of plant–environment interactions and have implications for crop improvement strategies.
Shall we talk? New details in crosstalk between copper and iron homeostasis uncovered in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Chia Ju‐Chen , Vatamaniuk Olena K.
Published: February 2024

This article is a Commentary on Cai et al. (2024), 242: 1206–1217.
Randomized controlled trials comparing gastric bypass, gastric band, and sleeve gastrectomy: A systematic review examining validity and applicability to wider clinical practice
Authors: Chalmers Katy A. , Cousins Sian E. , Blazeby Jane M. ,   the By‐Band‐Sleeve Trial Management Group
Published: February 2024

Consideration of how applicable the results of surgical trials are to clinical practice is important to inform decision‐making. Randomized controlled trials comparing at least two surgical interventions (of gastric bypass, gastric band, and sleeve gastrectomy) for severe and complex obesity were examined using the PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary‐2 tool, to consider how applicable the trial results are to clinical practice, and the Risk of Bias 2 tool, to examine validity. MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched for studies published between November 2013 and June 2021, and 15 were identified. Using the PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary‐2 tool, three were classified as pragmatic, with good applicability to clinical practice. Ten had more explanatory domains but did include some pragmatic characteristics, and two were predominantly explanatory. This was due to some trial design features that would not be considered applicable to the wider clinical setting, including being single‐centered, having prescribed intervention delivery methods, and intensive follow‐up regimens. Only two trials had low risk of bias, of which one was considered pragmatic. Three had high risk of bias. Overall, few trials in bariatric surgery are pragmatic with low risk of bias. Well‐designed pragmatic trials are needed to inform practice and reduce research waste.
Phenotypical characterization of exteroceptive sensation and pain symptoms on diabetic patients
Authors: de Paula Oliveira Inaeh , da Silva Oliveira Victória Regina , Alonso‐Matielo Heloísa , Eng Beatriz Magalhães , de Andrade Daniel Ciampi , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Calsaverini Milena Cristina Dias , de Quadros Ribeiro Fernando , Araújo José Deney Alves , Nakaya Helder Takashi Imoto , Otoch José Pinhata , Dale Camila Squarzoni
Published: February 2024

Backgroud

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, affecting about half of individuals with the disease. Among the various symptoms of DN, the development of chronic pain stands out and manifests as exacerbated responses to sensorial stimuli. The conventional clinical treatments used for general neuropathy and associated painful symptoms, still brings uncomplete and unsatisfactory pain relief. Patients with neuropathic pain syndromes are heterogeneous. They present with a variety of sensory symptoms and pain qualities which difficult the correct diagnosis of sensory comorbidities and consequently, the appropriate chronic pain management.

Aims

Herein, we aimed to demonstrate the existence of different sensory profiles on diabetic patients by investigating epidemiological and clinical data on the symptomatology of a group of patients with DN.

Methods

This is a longitudinal and observational study, with a sample of 57 volunteers diagnosed with diabetes from outpatient day clinic of Hospital Universitário of the University of São Paulo—Brazil. After being invited and signed the Informed Consent Form (ICF), patients were submitted to clinical evaluation and filled out pain and quality of life questionnaires. They also performed quantitative sensory test (QST) and underwent skin biopsy for correlation with cutaneous neuropathology.

Results

Data demonstrate that 70% of the studied sample presented some type of pain, manifesting in a neuropathic or nociceptive way, what has a negative impact on the life of patients with DM. We also demonstrated a positive association between pain and anxiety and depression, in addition to pain catastrophic thoughts. Three distinct profiles were identified in the sample, separated according to the symptoms of pain: (i) subjects without pain; (ii) with mild or moderate pain; (iii) subjects with severe pain. We also identified through skin biopsy that diabetic patients presented advanced sensory impairment, as a consequence of the degeneration of the myelinated and unmyelinated peripheral fibers. This study characterized the painful symptoms and exteroceptive sensation profile in these diabetic patients, associated to a considerable level of sensory degeneration, indicating, and reinforcing the importance of the long‐term clinical monitoring of individuals diagnosed with DM, regarding their symptom profiles and exteroceptive sensitivity.
Management and marketing innovations: the role of management practices, international learning, and impacts on innovation performance
Authors: Ozen Ozlem , Ozturk‐Kose Ebru
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the role of management practices and international learning in management and marketing innovations. Additionally, it examines whether these innovations have impact on innovation performance. Based on data drawn from the World Bank Enterprise Survey for Turkish firms, the results of the empirical analyses indicate that while management practices and international learning from exporting and technology licensing contribute to management innovation, only management practices favor marketing innovation. Furthermore, the findings show that both types of innovation foster product innovation performance. This study aims to advance research on management and marketing innovations by considering management practices and international learning as antecedents, and by exploring innovation performance consequences of non‐technological innovations in an emerging economy.
Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and the risk of frailty and falling: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Yong , Zhu Jiayi , Huang Yunying , Ma Yingxu , Liu Yaozhong , Wu Keke , Lin Qiuzhen , Zhou Jiabao , Tu Tao , Liu Qiming
Published: February 2024

Background

Due to inconclusive evidence from observational studies regarding the impact of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior on frailty and falling risk, we conducted a two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal associations between PA, sedentary behavior, and frailty and falls.

Methods

We extracted summary data from genome‐wide association studies conducted among individuals of European ancestry, encompassing PA (n = 90 667–608 595), sedentary behavior (n = 372 609‐526 725), frailty index (n = 175 226), and falling risk (n = 451 179). Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with accelerometer assessed fraction >425 milligravities, self‐reported vigorous activity, moderate to vigorous physical acticity (MVPA), leisure screen time (LST), and sedentary behavior at work were taken as instrumental variables. The causal effects were primarily estimated using inverse variance weighted methods, complemented by several sensitivity and validation analyses.

Results

Genetically predicted higher levels of PA were significantly associated with a reduction in the frailty index (accelerometer assessed fraction >425 milligravities: β = −0.25, 95% CI = −0.36 to −0.14, p = 1.27 × 10−5; self‐reported vigorous activity: β = −0.13, 95% CI = −0.20 to −0.05, p = 7.9 × 10−4; MVPA: β = −0.28, 95% CI = −0.40 to −0.16, p = 9.9 × 10−6). Besides, LST was significantly associated with higher frailty index (β = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.14–0.22, p = 5.2 × 10−20) and higher odds of falling (OR = 1.13, CI = 1.07–1.19, p = 6.9 × 10−6). These findings remained consistent throughout sensitivity and validation analyses.

Conclusions

Our study offers evidence supporting a causal relationship between PA and a reduced risk of frailty. Furthermore, it underscores the association between prolonged LST and an elevated risk of frailty and falls. Therefore, promoting PA and reducing sedentary behavior may be an effective strategy in primary frailty and falls prevention.
Predictors of Religious and Spiritual Identities in a Nationwide Sample of Black LGBTQ Adults in the United States
Authors: Barringer M. N. , Savage B.
Published: February 2024

LGBTQ people have a complex history with religion and spirituality in the United States. This dynamic is likely to be complicated for black LGBTQ people given the intersection of their LGBTQ identity with their racial identity, both of which are marginalized in U.S. society. There is, however, a paucity of quantitative research that examines significant predictors of religious and spiritual identities among black LGBTQ adults. To address this gap in the literature, we use a 2020 nationwide survey of black LGBTQ adults to examine the significance of gender, religious upbringing, and attendance at religious services on the likelihood that black LGBTQ people identify as religious and/or spiritual. The results of our exploratory study indicate that, compared to black LGBTQ men, black LGBTQ women are less likely to identify as religious, but more likely to identify as spiritual. Additionally, black LGBTQ adults who grew up in a religious family are more likely to identify as religious, and those who attend religious services are more likely to identify as religious and/or spiritual.
Evidence for the gut‐skin axis: Common genetic structures in inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis
Authors: Guo Jinyan , Luo Qinghua , Li Chunsheng , Liang Hong , Cao Qiurui , Li Zihao , Chen Guanghua , Yu Xuchao
Published: February 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis (Ps) are common immune‐mediated diseases that exhibit clinical comorbidity, possibly due to a common genetic structure. However, the exact mechanism remains unknown.

Methods

The study population consisted of IBD and Ps genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data. Genetic correlations were first evaluated. Then, the overall evaluation employed LD score regression (LDSC), while the local assessment utilized heritability estimation from summary statistics (HESS). Causality assessment was conducted through two‐sample Mendelian randomization (2SMR), and genetic overlap analysis utilized the conditional false discovery rate/conjunctional FDR (cond/conjFDR) method. Finally, LDSC applied to specifically expressed genes (LDSC‐SEG) was performed at the tissue level. For IBD and Ps‐specific expressed genes, genetic correlation, causality, shared genetics, and trait‐specific associated tissues were methodically examined.

Results

At the genomic level, both overall and local genetic correlations were found between IBD and Ps. MR analysis indicated a positive causal relationship between Ps and IBD. The conjFDR analysis with a threshold of < 0.01 identified 43 loci shared between IBD and Ps. Subsequent investigations into disease‐associated tissues indicated a close association of IBD and Ps with whole blood, lung, spleen, and EBV‐transformed lymphocytes.

Conclusion

The current research offers a novel perspective on the association between IBD and Ps. It contributes to an enhanced comprehension of the genetic structure and mechanisms of comorbidities in both diseases.
Balancing disciplinary and integrated learning: How exemplary STEM teachers negotiate tensions of practice
Authors: Dubek Michelle , Rickey Nathan , DeLuca Christopher
Published: February 2024

Integrated STEM education within North America has become a popular pedagogy; however, teachers identify challenges that arise when planning for and implementing integrated STEM education. These challenges may threaten STEM teachers' capacity to balance disciplinary and integrated learning, a core feature of effective STEM education. The purpose of this study was to investigate how exemplary STEM teachers navigate tensions of practice to balance disciplinary and integrated learning. Through an in‐depth qualitative methodology, drawing on interview and artifact data from 14 purposefully selected exemplary secondary and elementary integrated STEM teachers, this study identified tensions that teachers faced as they navigated planning for and implementing integrated STEM education: (a) curriculum content versus skills; (b) guided instruction versus inquiry and play; (c) process versus task completion; and (d) collaboration versus individual needs. In line with a Worldly Perspective (Rennie et al., 2020), balancing these tensions leads to enhanced integration.
Subsoil SOC increased by high C:N ratio straw application with optimized nitrogen supplementation
Authors: Zhao Deqiang , Liu Zixi , Xu Yiping , Wang Zhitong , Li Zexue , Ling Jun , Wu Gong , Wen Yuan
Published: February 2024

The application of straw and nutrients to agricultural subsoils is of significant interest to enhance carbon (C) sequestration and soil fertility. However, little research has explored the effect straw application on microbial stoichiometry, soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization and accumulation and their relationships, in subsoil. In order to address these knowledge gaps, we examined the soil characteristics (organic carbon mineralization, available nutrient contents and microbial stoichiometric ratio) under straw addition (maize leaf and stem) with and without nitrogen (N) supplementation (no addition, 30 mg N kg−1 dry soil−1, 60 mg N kg−1 dry soil−1) during an 80‐day incubation experiment. The microbial stoichiometric ratio imbalance (C:N and C:Phosphorus (P)) and extracellular enzyme stoichiometry were measured as indicators of the systematic relationship between soil resource availability and the mineralization of organic carbon. Our study demonstrated that the addition of straw significantly enhanced CO2 emissions and led to an increase in the C:N imbalance, while simultaneously decreasing microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE). In addition, stem addition showed 5.6% lower CUE, but 8.2% higher SOC compared with leaf addition. We also found that nitrogen addition to subsoil alleviated microbial nitrogen limitation. 60 mg N kg−1 dry soil rates of nitrogen application had a positive effect on reducing C:N imbalance and promoting the accumulation of SOC. Extracellular enzyme activity and microbial stoichiometric ratio were the most important controlling factors of SOC mineralization and microbial CUE, respectively. In conclusion, the application of straw alongside N to balance stoichiometric ratios can significantly increase SOC content, indicating the potential for carbon sequestration in agricultural subsoils.
Myelo‐CT imaging findings in 15 dogs with surgically‐treated cervical acute compressive hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion
Authors: Farré Mariné Alba , López Beltran Marta , Ortiz Nisa Sonia , Luján Feliu‐Pascual Alejandro
Published: February 2024

Compressive hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE) is a sudden extrusion of hydrated, nondegenerated nucleus pulposus material with well‐known characteristic MRI findings. The appearance of compressive HNPE during contrast‐enhanced CT has already been described, but never its myelo‐CT characteristics. The aim of this retrospective multicenter case series is to describe the myelo‐CT findings in 15 dogs with compressive HNPE confirmed with gross surgical findings. A distinctive and consistent myelo‐CT appearance of cervical compressive HNPE in dogs that included a focal extradural “seagull”‐shaped extradural compression dorsal to the annulus fibrosus combined with a narrowing of the affected intervertebral disc space was found. The extruded material was hypoattenuating in the soft tissue algorithm. Myelo‐CT could be a useful diagnostic tool and influence the clinical decision to address cervical compressive HNPE conservatively or surgically when MRI is not available.
Thermodynamic limitations on brain oxygen metabolism: physiological implications*
Authors: Buxton Richard B.
Published: February 2024

Recent thermodynamic modelling indicates that maintaining the brain tissue ratio of O2 to CO2 (abbreviated tissue O2/CO2) is critical for preserving the entropy increase available from oxidative metabolism of glucose, with a fall of that available entropy leading to a reduction of the phosphorylation potential and impairment of brain energy metabolism. This provides a novel perspective for understanding physiological responses under different conditions in terms of preserving tissue O2/CO2. To enable estimation of tissue O2/CO2 in the human brain, a detailed mathematical model of O2 and CO2 transport was developed, and applied to reported physiological responses to different challenges, asking: how well is tissue O2/CO2 preserved? Reported experimental results for increased neural activity, hypercapnia and hypoxia due to high altitude are consistent with preserving tissue O2/CO2. The results highlight two physiological mechanisms that control tissue O2/CO2: cerebral blood flow, which modulates tissue O2; and ventilation rate, which modulates tissue CO2. The hypoxia modelling focused on humans at high altitude, including acclimatized lowlanders and Tibetan and Andean adapted populations, with a primary finding that decreasing CO2 by increasing ventilation rate is more effective for preserving tissue O2/CO2 than increasing blood haemoglobin content to maintain O2 delivery to tissue. This work focused on the function served by particular physiological responses, and the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. The modelling provides a new framework and perspective for understanding how blood flow and other physiological factors support energy metabolism in the brain under a wide range of conditions.

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Key points

Thermodynamic modelling indicates that preserving the O2/CO2 ratio in brain tissue is critical for preserving the entropy change available from oxidative metabolism of glucose and the phosphorylation potential underlying energy metabolism.

A detailed model of O2 and CO2 transport was developed to allow estimation of the tissue O2/CO2 ratio in the human brain in different physiological states.

Reported experimental results during hypoxia, hypercapnia and increased oxygen metabolic rate in response to increased neural activity are consistent with maintaining brain tissue O2/CO2 ratio.

The hypoxia modelling of high‐altitude acclimatization and adaptation in humans demonstrates the critical role of reducing CO2 with increased ventilation for preserving tissue O2/CO2.

Preservation of tissue O2/CO2 provides a novel perspective for understanding the function of observed physiological responses under different conditions in terms of preserving brain energy metabolism, although the mechanisms underlying these functions are not well understood.
Evaluation of Extreme Value Predictions for Unsteady Flow Distortion of Aero-Engine Intakes
Authors: Migliorini Matteo , Zachos Pavlos K. , MacManus David G.
Published: February 2024

Unsteady flow distortion is of interest for the development of air-breathing propulsion systems. Stochastic fluctuations can generate incompatibilities between intakes and aero-engines. Observing the extreme flow distortion events during experimental testing is not guaranteed and statistical models such as extreme value theory (EVT) can be used to estimate the occurrence and magnitude of the fluctuations. However, the current industry standard does not provide guidance on how to apply these methods to obtain useful predictions. This work proposes a systematic process to assess the required number of observations for obtaining statistical convergence of the EVT predictions. This is achieved through shuffling of the data samples and relies on the availability of a sufficiently large initial dataset. This can be adopted by gas turbine engineers to evaluate the data recording requirements and to potentially reduce costs associated with experimental programs.
Band Heater Heat Flux Characterization Using Inverse Heat Conduction Problem Models
Authors: Peruchi Pacheco da Silva Ramon , Woodbury Keith , Samadi Forooza , Carpenter Joseph
Published: February 2024

An experimental apparatus was constructed to correlate water flowrate and temperature rise under an external band heater. Due to the physical characteristics of the band heater, its transient heating behavior is unknown. This paper investigates the application of inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP) methods to characterize the heat flux from the band heater. Three experiments with different heating times (5, 10, and 20 s) and no flowrate were conducted to measure the transient temperature under the 400 W band heater. Type-T thermocouples measure surface temperature at the centerline of the band heater. The experimental results are computed with five different heat conduction models. The models are chosen to identify how the heat flux response varies from a simplified to a realistic model. Additionally, the results of the experimental heat flux are compared to the manufacturer band heater data (58.9 kW/m2) for each model. The minimum time needed for the heater to fully energize the system is from 10 to 12 s. The residuals for each model are analyzed and used to evaluate the appropriateness of the five different models. The results show that the use of simpler models can achieve results similar to those of complex models, with less time and computational cost.
Investigation of Heat Source Layout Optimization by Using Deep Learning Surrogate Models
Authors: Lang Ji , Wang Qianqian , Tong Shan
Published: February 2024

The heat source layout optimization (HSLO) is typically used to facilitate superior heat dissipation in thermal management. However, HSLO is characterized by numerous degrees-of-freedom and complex interrelations between components. Conventional optimization methodologies often exhibit limitations such as high computational demands and diminished efficiency, particularly for complex scenarios. This study demonstrates the application of deep learning surrogate models based on the feedforward neural network (FNN) to optimize heat source layouts. These models provide rapid and precise evaluations, with diminished computational loads and enhanced efficiency of HSLO. The proposed approach integrates coarse and fine search modules to traverse the layout space and pinpoint optimal configurations. Parametric examinations are taken to explore the impact of refinement grades and conductive ratios, which dominate the optimization problem. The pattern changes of the conductive channel have been presented. Moreover, the critical conductive ratio has been found, below which the conductive material can no longer contribute to heat dissipation. The outcomes elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of HSLO, providing valuable insights for thermal management strategies.