bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability in amount of weight-bearing while performing weight-bearing radiographs for assessing stability of ankle fractures
Authors: Zonneveld Inge , Hoogendoorn Jochem
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Weight-bearing (WB) radiographs are commonly used to judge stability of type B fibula fractures and guide the choice of treatment. Stable fractures can be treated conservatively, and unstable fractures surgically. The question is raised how much weight patients actually put on their broken ankle while making a WB radiograph. The current study will give insight in the actual amount of WB in WB radiographs.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 57 patients with a type B fibula fracture with a medial clear space (MCS) < 6 mm on regular mortise (RM) view who underwent a WB radiograph were included.

We designed a ramp with a scale in the plateau where the radiographs were taken. Total body weight (TBW) and amount of WB on the fractured limb were measured.

Results

The mean WB on the fractured limb was 49 (13–110) kg and the mean TBW was 79 (45–128) kg, calculating a mean percentage of WB of 63. The mean MCS on the RM radiograph was 3.0 mm, compared to 2.9 mm on the WB radiograph. The mean superior clear space (SCS) was 3.2 mm on the RM view, compared to 3.2 mm on the WB radiograph as well. The average fibular dislocation was 1.5 mm on the RM radiograph, compared to 1.6 mm on the WB radiograph.

Conclusion

There is a big variability in the amount of weight-bearing on the ankle when a WB radiograph is made. This is important to keep in mind when assessing the radiographs and deciding on the treatment course.
Effect of annealing treatment and infill percentage on 3D-printed PEEK samples by Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Lannunziata Erika , Colucci Giovanna , Minetola Paolo , Giubilini Alberto
Published: March 2024

A strategy that is gaining momentum in several industrial sectors is metal replacement, which aims to find suitable alternatives for replacing metal components with lighter ones. One possible solution is represented by high-performance polymers (HPP), which are a family of materials with improved thermo-mechanical and functional properties, compared to commodity plastics. Additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing the industrial world due to its high design freedom, dimensional accuracy, and shortened total production time. Thus, combining the use of HPP with AM technologies could lead to innovative results, which could offer new metal replacement solutions through redesign and new material properties. However, HPPs have some manufacturing limitations, for example, they require high processing temperatures, and some of them are subject to significant warping and deformation phenomena. This aspect is particularly significant for semi-crystalline polymers, as in the case of poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK), which is affected by thermal gradients during 3D printing. In this research, an investigation was carried out on the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) of different 3D printed PEEK samples, evaluating the effect on final properties not only of various infill percentages (30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%) but also of two different heating treatments. In this regard, a traditional annealing in oven, post 3D printing, was compared to a direct annealing approach, performed during FFF. The mechanical performance of the samples was characterized through tensile and compression tests along with the thermal properties and the thermal stability. In addition, for all different cases, energy consumption was measured, to provide an indication of the sustainability of the presented approaches. The findings suggest that the direct annealing solution holds promise and merits further investigation to bridge knowledge gaps in this domain. This research contributed to advance the understanding of PEEK 3D printing by FFF and played a vital role in the practical implementation of metal replacement as a sustainable strategy across various industrial applications.
Two-Year Preclinical Evaluation of Long-Term Absorbable Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate Scaffold for Surgical Correction of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Guler Zeliha , Kaestner Lisa Ann , Vodegel Eva , Ras Lamees , Jeffrey Stephen , Roovers Jan Paul
Published: March 2024

Introduction and hypothesis

Fully absorbable implants may be an alternative to permanent meshes in the correction pf pelvic organ prolapse (POP) as they may reduce adverse events by promoting tissue regeneration and collagen metabolism. This study was aimed at evaluating the long-term host and biomechanical response to a fully absorbable poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) scaffold in comparison with polypropylene (PP) mesh.

Methods

Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate scaffold (n = 16) and PP mesh (n = 16) were surgically implanted in the posterior vaginal wall of parous female Dohne Merino sheep. Vaginal explants were evaluated in terms of gross necropsy, host response (immune response, collagen deposition, tissue regeneration), biomechanics, and degradation of P4HB at 12 and 24 months post-implantation.

Results

Gross necropsy revealed no infection or fluid collection using P4HB or PP. At 12 months, exposures were observed with both P4HB (3 out of 8) and PP (4 out of 8), whereas at 24 months, exposures were observed only with PP (4 out of 8). The tensile stiffness of the P4HB explants was maintained over time despite complete absorption of P4HB. The collagen amount of the vaginal tissue after P4HB implantation increased over time and was significantly higher than PP at 24 months. P4HB scaffolds exhibited significantly lower myofibroblast differentiation than PP meshes at 24 months.

Conclusions

The P4HB scaffold allowed for gradual load transfer to the vaginal wall and resulted in mechanically self-sufficient tissue. P4HB scaffold had a more favorable host response than PP mesh, with higher collagen content, lower myofibroblastic differentiation, and no exposures at 24 months. P4HB scaffolds have potential as an alternative to permanent implants in treating POP.
Acremonium sp. diglycosidase-aid chemical diversification: valorization of industry by-products
Authors: Baglioni Micaela , Fries Alexander , Müller Jan-Mathis , Omarini Alejandra , Müller Michael , Breccia Javier D. , Mazzaferro Laura S.
Published: March 2024

The fungal diglycosidase α-rhamnosyl-β-glucosidase I (αRβG I) from Acremonium sp. DSM 24697 catalyzes the glycosylation of various OH-acceptors using the citrus flavanone hesperidin. We successfully applied a one-pot biocatalysis process to synthesize 4-methylumbellipheryl rutinoside (4-MUR) and glyceryl rutinoside using a citrus peel residue as sugar donor. This residue, which contained 3.5 % [w/w] hesperidin, is the remaining of citrus processing after producing orange juice, essential oil, and peel-juice. The low-cost compound glycerol was utilized in the synthesis of glyceryl rutinoside. We implemented a simple method for the obtention of glyceryl rutinoside with 99 % yield, and its purification involving activated charcoal, which also facilitated the recovery of the by-product hesperetin through liquid-liquid extraction. This process presents a promising alternative for biorefinery operations, highlighting the valuable role of αRβG I in valorizing glycerol and agricultural by-products.

Keypoints

• αRβG I catalyzed the synthesis of rutinosides using a suspension of OPW as sugar donor.

• The glycosylation of aliphatic polyalcohols by the αRβG I resulted in products bearing a single rutinose moiety.

• αRβG I catalyzed the synthesis of glyceryl rutinoside with high glycosylation/hydrolysis selectivity (99 % yield).

Graphical Abstract
Assessing immunogenicity of CRISPR-NCas9 engineered strain against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus
Authors: Li Fengsai , Zhao Haiyuan , Sui Ling , Yin Fangjie , Liu Xinzi , Guo Guihai , Li Jiaxuan , Jiang Yanping , Cui Wen , Shan Zhifu , Zhou Han , Wang Li , Qiao Xinyuan , Tang Lijie , Wang Xiaona , Li Yijing
Published: March 2024

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) caused by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), is an acute and highly infectious disease, resulting in substantial economic losses in the pig industry. Given that PEDV primarily infects the mucosal surfaces of the intestinal tract, it is crucial to improve the mucosal immunity to prevent viral invasion. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) oral vaccines offer unique advantages and potential applications in combatting mucosal infectious diseases, making them an ideal approach for controlling PED outbreaks. However, traditional LAB oral vaccines use plasmids for exogenous protein expression and antibiotic genes as selection markers. Antibiotic genes can be diffused through transposition, transfer, or homologous recombination, resulting in the generation of drug-resistant strains. To overcome these issues, genome-editing technology has been developed to achieve gene expression in LAB genomes. In this study, we used the CRISPR-NCas9 system to integrate the PEDV S1 gene into the genome of alanine racemase-deficient Lactobacillus paracasei △Alr HLJ-27 (L. paracasei △Alr HLJ-27) at the thymidylate synthase (thyA) site, generating a strain, S1/△Alr HLJ-27. We conducted immunization assays in mice and piglets to evaluate the level of immune response and evaluated its protective effect against PEDV through challenge tests in piglets. Oral administration of the strain S1/△Alr HLJ-27 in mice and piglets elicited mucosal, humoral, and cellular immune responses. The strain also exhibited a certain level of resistance against PEDV infection in piglets. These results demonstrate the potential of S1/△Alr HLJ-27 as an oral vaccine candidate for PEDV control.

Key points

• A strain S1/△Alr HLJ-27 was constructed as the candidate for an oral vaccine.

• Immunogenicity response and challenge test was carried out to analyze the ability of the strain.

• The strain S1/△Alr HLJ-27 could provide protection for piglets to a certain extent.
X-ray structure and characterization of a probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus Probio-M9 L-rhamnose isomerase
Authors: Yoshida Hiromi , Yamamoto Naho , Kurahara Lin Hai , Izumori Ken , Yoshihara Akihide
Published: March 2024

A recombinant L-rhamnose isomerase (L-RhI) from probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus Probio-M9 (L. rhamnosus Probio-M9) was expressed. L. rhamnosus Probio-M9 was isolated from human colostrum and identified as a probiotic lactic acid bacterium, which can grow using L-rhamnose. L-RhI is one of the enzymes involved in L-rhamnose metabolism and catalyzes the reversible isomerization between L-rhamnose and L-rhamnulose. Some L-RhIs were reported to catalyze isomerization not only between L-rhamnose and L-rhamnulose but also between D-allulose and D-allose, which are known as rare sugars. Those L-RhIs are attractive enzymes for rare sugar production and have the potential to be further improved by enzyme engineering; however, the known crystal structures of L-RhIs recognizing rare sugars are limited. In addition, the optimum pH levels of most reported L-RhIs are basic rather than neutral, and such a basic condition causes non-enzymatic aldose-ketose isomerization, resulting in unexpected by-products. Herein, we report the crystal structures of L. rhamnosus Probio-M9 L-RhI (LrL-RhI) in complexes with L-rhamnose, D-allulose, and D-allose, which show enzyme activity toward L-rhamnose, D-allulose, and D-allose in acidic conditions, though the activity toward D-allose was low. In the complex with L-rhamnose, L-rhamnopyranose was found in the catalytic site, showing favorable recognition for catalysis. In the complex with D-allulose, D-allulofuranose and ring-opened D-allulose were observed in the catalytic site. However, bound D-allose in the pyranose form was found in the catalytic site of the complex with D-allose, which was unfavorable for recognition, like an inhibition mode. The structure of the complex may explain the low activity toward D-allose.

Key points

• Crystal structures of LrL-RhI in complexes with substrates were determined.

• LrL-RhI exhibits enzyme activity toward L-rhamnose, D-allulose, and D-allose.

• The LrL-RhI is active in acidic conditions.
A phase 2 study of AZD4635 in combination with durvalumab or oleclumab in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Falchook Gerald S. , Reeves James , Gandhi Sunil , Spigel David R. , Arrowsmith Edward , George Daniel J. , Karlix Janet , Pouliot Gayle , Hattersley Maureen M. , Gangl Eric T. , James Gareth D. , Thompson Jeff , Russell Deanna L. , Patel Bhavickumar , Kumar Rakesh , Lim Emerson
Published: March 2024

Background

Inhibition of the adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) diminishes the immunosuppressive effects of adenosine and may complement immune-targeting drugs. This phase 2 study evaluated the A2AR antagonist AZD4635 in combination with durvalumab or oleclumab in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Methods

Patients with histologically/cytologically confirmed disease progressing within 6 months on ≥ 2 therapy lines were randomly assigned to either Module 1 (AZD4635 + durvalumab) or Module 2 (AZD4635 + oleclumab). Primary endpoints were objective response rate per RECIST v1.1 and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate. Secondary endpoints included radiological progression-free survival (rPFS), overall survival, safety, and pharmacokinetics.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were treated (Module 1, n = 29; Module 2, n = 30). Median number of prior therapies was 4. One confirmed complete response by RECIST (Module 1) and 2 confirmed PSA responses (1 per module) were observed. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) possibly related to AZD4635 were nausea (37.9%), fatigue (20.7%), and decreased appetite (17.2%) in Module 1; nausea (50%), fatigue (30%), and vomiting (23.3%) in Module 2. No dose-limiting toxicities or treatment-related serious AEs were observed. In Module 1, AZD4635 geometric mean trough concentration was 124.9 ng/mL (geometric CV% 69.84; n = 22); exposures were similar in Module 2. In Modules 1 and 2, median (95% CI) rPFS was 2.3 (1.6 –3.8) and 1.5 (1.3– 4.0) months, respectively. Median PFS was 1.7 versus 2.3 months for patients with high versus low blood-based adenosine signature.

Conclusion

In this heavily pretreated population, AZD4635 with durvalumab or oleclumab demonstrated minimal antitumor activity with a manageable safety profile. Clinical Trial.gov identifier: NCT04089553.
Meeting the global protein supply requirements of a growing and ageing population
Authors: Smith Kieran , Watson Anthony W , Lonnie Marta , Peeters Wouter M , Oonincx Dennis , Tsoutsoura Niki , Simon-Miquel Genis , Szepe Kamil , Cochetel Noriane , Pearson Alice G , Witard Oliver C , Salter Andrew M , Bennett Malcom , Corfe Bernard M.
Published: March 2024

Human dietary patterns are a major cause of environmental transformation, with agriculture occupying ~ 50% of global land space, while food production itself is responsible for ~ 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of freshwater use. Furthermore, the global population is also growing, such that by 2050, it is estimated to exceed ~ 9 billion. While most of this expansion in population is expected to occur in developing countries, in high-income countries there are also predicted changes in demographics, with major increases in the number of older people. There is a growing consensus that older people have a greater requirement for protein. With a larger and older population, global needs for protein are set to increase. This paper summarises the conclusions from a Rank Prize funded colloquium evaluating novel strategies to meet this increasing global protein need.
High survivorship rate and good clinical outcomes after high tibial osteotomy in patients with radiological advanced medial knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Dal Fabbro Giacomo , Grassi Alberto , Agostinone Piero , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Fajury Raschid , Ravindra Abhijit , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The role of valgus producing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for the treatment of advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA) is still controversial. The aim of the current systematic review was to assess survivorship and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) of high tibial osteotomy in patients with radiological advanced medial knee OA.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE database was performed in July 2023 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify studies investigating the survivorship rate and PROMs of valgus-producing high tibial osteotomy in patients with advanced knee OA at x-ray assessment in the medial compartment at minimum-two-years follow up. Advanced radiological OA was defined as Kellgren Lawrence (K-L) ≥ 3 or Ahlbäch ≥ 2. Survivorship was defined as percentage of patients free of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at follow-up. Clinical interpretation of provided PROMs were performed according to minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) target values reported in literature. Survivorship data and PROMs scores were extracted, and studies were stratified based on selected study features. The quality of included studies was assessed with modified Coleman score.

Results

A total of 18 studies, totalling 1296 knees with a mean age between 46.9 and 67 years old, were included. Average survivorship was of 74.6% (range 60 − 98.1%) at 10-years follow up. The subjective scoring systems showed good results according to MCID and PASS, and postoperative improvements were partially maintained until final follow-up.

Conclusion

HTO is worth considering as treatment choice even in patients affected by radiological advanced medial knee osteoarthritis. Long term survivorship and good patient reported clinical outcomes could be expected in this population.

Level of evidence

IV; systematic review of level III-IV studies.
Comment on the paper “A couple stress of peristaltic motion of Sutterby micropolar nanofluid inside a symmetric channel with a strong magnetic field and Hall currents effect, Nabil T. M. El-Dabe, Galal M. Moatimid, Mona A. A. Mohamed, Yasmeen M. Mohamed, Archive of Applied Mechanics (2021) 91:3987–4010”
Authors: Pantokratoras Asterios
Published: March 2024

Some errors exist in the above paper.
Advancing mental imagery research from an interdisciplinary sport science perspective: a commentary on Frank et al. (2023)
Authors: Carson Howie J. , Bobrownicki Ray
Published: March 2024

Frank et al.’s (2023) perceptual–cognitive scaffold meaningfully extends the cognitive action architecture approach and we support this interdisciplinary advancement. However, there are theoretical and applied aspects that could be further developed within this research to maximise practical impact across domains such as sport. In particular, there is a need to consider how these mechanisms (1) might critically inform or relate to other prominent theories within sport (e.g., constrained action hypothesis and ecological approaches) and, (2) reflect the real-world challenges experienced by athletes. With these ideas in mind, this commentary aims to stimulate discussion and enhance the translational application of Frank et al.’s research.
Inflammation, the kynurenines, and mucosal injury during human experimental enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection
Authors: Rim Sehee , Vedøy Oda Barth , Brønstad Ingeborg , McCann Adrian , Meyer Klaus , Steinsland Hans , Hanevik Kurt
Published: March 2024

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is an important cause of diarrhea in children and travelers, especially in low- and middle-income countries. ETEC is a non-invasive gut pathogen colonizing the small intestinal wall before secreting diarrhea-inducing enterotoxins. We sought to investigate the impact of ETEC infection on local and systemic host defenses by examining plasma markers of inflammation and mucosal injury as well as kynurenine pathway metabolites. Plasma samples from 21 volunteers experimentally infected with ETEC were collected before and 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after ingesting the ETEC dose, and grouped based on the level of intestinal ETEC proliferation: 14 volunteers experienced substantial proliferation (SP) and 7 had low proliferation (LP). Plasma markers of inflammation, kynurenine pathway metabolites, and related cofactors (vitamins B2 and B6) were quantified using targeted mass spectrometry, whereas ELISA was used to quantify the mucosal injury markers, regenerating islet-derived protein 3A (Reg3a), and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein 2 (iFABP). We observed increased concentrations of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), neopterin, kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (KTR), and Reg3a in the SP group following dose ingestion. Vitamin B6 forms, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and pyridoxal, decreased over time in the SP group. CRP, SAA, and pyridoxic acid ratio correlated with ETEC proliferation levels. The changes following experimental ETEC infection indicate that ETEC, despite causing a non-invasive infection, induces systemic inflammation and mucosal injury when proliferating substantially, even in cases without diarrhea. It is conceivable that ETEC infections, especially when repeated, contribute to negative health impacts on children in ETEC endemic areas.
Genome-wide association study of drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) identifies SNP markers and candidate genes
Authors: Nouraei Sina , Mia Md Sultan , Liu Hui , Turner Neil C. , Yan Guijun
Published: March 2024

Drought stress poses a severe threat to global wheat production, necessitating an in-depth exploration of the genetic basis for drought tolerance associated traits. This study employed a 90 K SNP array to conduct a genome-wide association analysis, unravelling genetic determinants of key traits related to drought tolerance in wheat, namely plant height, root length, and root and shoot dry weight. Using the mixed linear model (MLM) method on 125 wheat accessions subjected to both well-watered and drought stress treatments, we identified 53 SNPs significantly associated with stress susceptibility (SSI) and tolerance indices (STI) for the targeted traits. Notably, chromosomes 2A and 3B stood out with ten and nine associated markers, respectively. Across 17 chromosomes, 44 unique candidate genes were pinpointed, predominantly located on the distal ends of 1A, 1B, 1D, 2A, 3A, 3B, 4A, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 7D chromosomes. These genes, implicated in diverse functions related to plant growth, development, and stress responses, offer a rich resource for future investigation. A clustering pattern emerged, notably with seven genes associated with SSI for plant height and four genes linked to both STI of plant height and shoot dry weight, converging on specific regions of chromosome arms of 2AS and 3BL. Additionally, shared genes encoding polygalacturonase, auxilin-related protein 1, peptide deformylase, and receptor-like kinase underscored the interconnectedness between plant height and shoot dry weight. In conclusion, our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms governing wheat drought tolerance, identifying promising genomic loci for further exploration and crop improvement strategies.

Graphical Abstract

(1) A diverse panel of wheat genotypes was cultivated under both well-watered and drought stress conditions; (2) Phenotyping involved washing, scanning, drying and weighing plants to evaluate the stress susceptibility (SSI) and stress tolerance (STI) indices for four drought tolerance-related traits; (3) Genotyping was performed by extracting DNA and using the wheat 90 K Illumina iSelect array; (4) Phenotypic and genotypic data were utilized in a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) using a mixed linear model (MLM); (5) Population structure assessment, principal component analysis (PCA), and kinship analysis were conducted; (6) Candidate genes were identified, and (7) their molecular functions were analysed and discussed.
Assessment of pre-extubating recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy using ultrasound in postoperative patients with esophageal cancer: a prospective observational study
Authors: Kaneko Tomomi , Kato Takao , Shiko Yuki , Kawasaki Yohei , Koyama Kaoru
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Ultrasound performed after extubation has been suggested to be useful for the diagnosis of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis. However, the use of ultrasound for this purpose before extubation has not been examined. The aim of this study was to examine the versatility (interrater reliability) and usefulness of ultrasound for evaluating the movement of vocal cords before extubation.

Methods

The subjects were 30 patients who underwent radical surgery for esophageal cancer from August 2020 to December 2021. An experienced examiner performed an ultrasound examination before and after elective extubation on the day after surgery to evaluate RLN paralysis and record videos. Bronchoscopy was then performed to make a definite diagnosis. Three anesthetists blinded to the diagnosis also evaluated the cases using the videos, and the versatility of the examination was determined using a kappa test.

Results

The diagnostic accuracies of the examiner and three anesthetists were 76.7%, 50.0%, 53.3%, and 46.7%, respectively, and the kappa coefficients for the examiner with the anesthetists were 0.310, 0.502, and 0.169, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for diagnosis of RLN paralysis by the examiner using ultrasound before extubation were 0.57, 0.95, 0.80, and 0.87, respectively.

Conclusion

These results indicate a lack of versatility of the ultrasound examination based on the low kappa coefficients. However, with an experienced examiner, ultrasound can serve as a non-invasive examination that can be performed before extubation with high accuracy and specificity for diagnosis of postoperative RLN paralysis.
Assessment of wear characteristics, longevity and stiffness of Essix-type retainers
Authors: Alfadil Lina , Patel Mangala , Pandis Nikolaos , Fleming Padhraig S.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To compare four commercially available Essix-type retainers in terms of longevity, wear characteristics, stiffness and their range of rigidity.

Materials and methods

An in vitro study was conducted at Queen Mary University of London. Four groups of thermoplastic materials were included: Duran (PETG), Essix C + (Polypropylene), Vivera and Zendura (Polyurethane). A working typodont was fabricated to evaluate surface wear characteristics using a wear machine with a customized jig. Retainers were measured for tensile test, and water absorption was measured at five different time points up to 6 months after initial immersion in two different physical states and two different solutions. Hydrolytic degradation was also evaluated using FTIR spectroscopy.

Results

Essix C + was the most flexible retainer with Vivera the stiffest material. Zendura and Essix C + had the most surface wear (413 μm ± 80 and 652 μm ± 12, respectively) with absorption rates of up to 15 wt% in artificial saliva occurring with Zendura. Only Essix C + displayed signs of degradation following water absorption.

Conclusions

All materials had characteristic levels of flexibility and were susceptible to water absorption. Duran 1.5 mm performed similarly to Vivera in relation to stiffness and wear properties. While Zendura and Vivera have similar chemical structures, they exhibited differences concerning wear resistance and water absorption. Further clinical research evaluating the clinical relevance of these laboratory findings is required.

Clinical relevance

Characteristic patterns of wear and rigidity of four commercially available Essix-type retainers were observed. This information should help in the tailoring of retainer material on a case-by-case basis considering treatment-related factors and patient characteristics including parafunctional habits.
Resilience strengthening in youth with a chronic medical condition: a randomized controlled feasibility trial of a combined app and coaching program
Authors: Bischops Anne Christine , Sieper L. , Dukart J. , Schaal N. K. , Reinauer C. , Oommen P. T. , Tomoiaga C. , David O. , Mayatepek E. , Meissner T.
Published: March 2024

Youth with a chronic medical condition (CMC) are often affected by comorbid mental disorders. Resilience-strengthening interventions can protect youth’s mental health, yet evidence-based programs remain scarce. To address this lack, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a dual approach combining app-based resilience training and cognitive behavioral group coaching. Fifty-one youths with CMC treated at a German university children’s hospital aged 12–16 years were recruited. They were randomly assigned to a combined app game and coaching intervention or sole app gameplay. At pre-, post-intervention, and at a 2-month follow-up resilience, automatic negative thoughts and an app and coaching evaluation were assessed. Feasibility was defined as a recruitment rate of 70%, an 85% adherence rate for the REThink game, and 70% participation in both coaching sessions. Feasibility criteria were reached for coaching participation but not for recruitment or app adherence. While both the REThink game app and coaching intervention had high acceptance rates among youth with CMC, participants receiving additional coaching sessions showed higher satisfaction and adherence rates. Participants preferred remote to in-person meetings. The findings support a combination of a gamification app approach with online group coaching. Group coaching can improve adherence while online options increase accessibility. Future research should focus on testing in diverse participant samples, language, and age-adapted updates of the REThink game app. These findings provide guidance for increasing adherence in future intervention studies in youth with CMC cohorts.
Child- and parent-related determinants for out-of-home care in a nationwide population with neurodevelopmental disorders: a register-based Finnish birth cohort 1997 study
Authors: Penttilä Sanni , Niemelä Mika , Hakko Helinä , Keski-Säntti Markus , Ristikari Tiina , Räsänen Sami
Published: March 2024

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are among the most common health issues in childhood and adolescence. Psychiatric disorders are known to be overrepresented among children using child welfare services and placed in out-of-home care (OHC). Child- and parent-related determinants for OHC among a national population with NDDs were evaluated utilising longitudinal register data from the national Finnish Birth Cohort 1997 (n = 58,802) from birth to 18 years (1997–2015). The cohort members with NDDs (n = 5,143, 9% of total cohort) formed our study population. Based on their history of OHC, cohort members with NDD were categorised to OHC (n = 903) and non-OHC groups (n = 4,240). Of all cohort members with NDDs, 17.6% had a history of OHC. Within NDDs, a significant excess of ADHD diagnosis was observed in the OHC group compared to the non-OHC group (49% vs. 26%). The OHC group with NDDs was significantly characterised by having comorbid psychiatric diagnosis for conduct and oppositional disorders (adj. RR 2.21), substance use disorders (adj. RR 1.61) and depression and anxiety disorders (adj. RR 1.60). Of all parent-related determinants, the most prevailing in the OHC group compared to the non-OHC group, was social assistance received by parent (88% vs. 44.5%). The longer the period (in years) for received social assistance, the greater the likelihood for OHC (adj. RRs range from 2.41 for one year to 5.24 for over 4 years). Further, significantly associating determinants for OHC were parental psychiatric disorders (adj. RR 1.42) and parental death (adj. RR 1.23). Our findings from the population-based cohort of children and adolescents with NDDs highlight the importance of screening and assessment of family situation. Also, effective prevention and treating of comorbid psychiatric disorders, especially conduct and oppositional disorders is essential.
Personality and cognition: shoal size discrimination performance is related to boldness and sociability among ten freshwater fish species
Authors: Fu Shi-Jian , Zhang Na , Fan Jie
Published: March 2024

Several studies have reported that animals’ personalities are often correlated with individual differences in cognition. Here, we tested whether personality is related to cognition across species, focusing on 10 freshwater fishes and a task relevant for fitness, the ability to discriminate shoal size. Bolder species exhibited more ‘shuttle’ behavior for information sampling during shoal selection and showed high performance (HP) in the numerical discrimination than shyer species, i.e., low performance (LP) species. Species at both the high and low ends of sociability showed LP, possibly due to loosened selection pressure because of either no need to perform shoal size discrimination tasks frequently in nature for very high sociability species or decreased willingness and motivation to join and stay within shoals for very low sociability species. Notably, the numerical discrimination was sensitive to the numerical contrast ratio in LP species but not in HP species, suggesting that the numerical system used for size discrimination also varied between species. Overall, we demonstrated the interspecies relationship between personality and shoal size discrimination across fish species, suggesting an evolutionary link between numerical abilities and behavior.
Responses to novelty in wild insular birds: comparing breeding populations in ecologically contrasting habitats
Authors: Danel Samara , Rebout Nancy , Bureau Léna , Zidat Timothée , Biro Dora , Bonadonna Francesco
Published: March 2024

Islands have always provided ideal natural laboratories for assessing ecological parameters influencing behaviour. One hypothesis that lends itself well to testing in island habitats suggests that animals frequenting highly variable environments should be motivated to approach and interact with (i.e. explore) novelty. Intra-species comparisons of populations living in ecologically different island habitats may, thus, help reveal the factors that modulate animals’ responses to novelty. In this study, we presented novel objects to two geographically isolated breeding populations of the black-faced sheathbill (Chionis minor), a sedentary land-based bird that frequents remote sub-Antarctic islands. In the first population (Chionis minor ssp. crozettensis), the “Crozet group” (Baie du Marin, Ile de la Possession, Crozet Islands), breeding pairs inhabit a variable habitat close to penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) colonies. In the second population (Chionis minor ssp. minor), the “Kerguelen group” (île Verte, Morbihan gulf, Kerguelen Islands) breeding pairs live in penguin-free territories. In this latter population, the environment is less variable due to the presence of a broad intertidal zone which ensures year-round food availability. At both Kerguelen and Crozet, at least one breeding partner in all pairs approached at least one of the novel objects, and we found no significant differences in the latency of approach between the two populations. However, sheathbills at Crozet touched objects significantly more than birds at Kerguelen, and were also faster to touch them. We discuss how environmental variability, along with other potential influencing factors, may favour exploration of novelty in this wild insular bird.
How do animals weigh conflicting information about reward sources over time? Comparing dynamic averaging models
Authors: Van Allsburg Jack , Shahan Timothy A.
Published: March 2024

Optimal foraging theory suggests that animals make decisions which maximize their food intake per unit time when foraging, but the mechanisms animals use to track the value of behavioral alternatives and choose between them remain unclear. Several models for how animals integrate past experience have been suggested. However, these models make differential predictions for the occurrence of spontaneous recovery of choice: a behavioral phenomenon in which a hiatus from the experimental environment results in animals reverting to a behavioral allocation consistent with a reward distribution from the more distant past, rather than one consistent with their most recently experienced distribution. To explore this phenomenon and compare these models, three free-operant experiments with rats were conducted using a serial reversal design. In Phase 1, two responses (A and B) were baited with pellets on concurrent variable interval schedules, favoring option A. In Phase 2, lever baiting was reversed to favor option B. Rats then entered a delay period, where they were maintained at weight in their home cages and no experimental sessions took place. Following this delay, preference was assessed using initial responding in test sessions where levers were presented, but not baited. Models were compared in performance, including an exponentially weighted moving average, the Temporal Weighting Rule, and variants of these models. While the data provided strong evidence of spontaneous recovery of choice, the form and extent of recovery was inconsistent with the models under investigation. Potential interpretations are discussed in relation to both the decision rule and valuation functions employed.
Spatial working memory in a disappearing object task is impaired in female but not male dogs with chronic osteoarthritis
Authors: Smith Melissa , Murrell Joanna C. , Mendl Michael
Published: March 2024

Chronic pain in humans is associated with impaired working memory but it is not known whether this is the case in long-lived companion animals, such as dogs, who are especially vulnerable to developing age-related chronic pain conditions. Pain-related impairment of cognitive function could have detrimental effects on an animal’s ability to engage with its owners and environment or to respond to training or novel situations, which may in turn affect its quality of life. This study compared the performance of 20 dogs with chronic pain from osteoarthritis and 21 healthy control dogs in a disappearing object task of spatial working memory. Female neutered osteoarthritic dogs, but not male neutered osteoarthritic dogs, were found to have lower predicted probabilities of successfully performing the task compared to control dogs of the same sex. In addition, as memory retention interval in the task increased, osteoarthritic dogs showed a steeper decline in working memory performance than control dogs. This suggests that the effects of osteoarthritis, and potentially other pain-related conditions, on cognitive function are more clearly revealed in tasks that present a greater cognitive load. Our finding that chronic pain from osteoarthritis may be associated with impaired working memory in dogs parallels results from studies of human chronic pain disorders. That female dogs may be particularly prone to these effects warrants further investigation.
Gestural communication in wild spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)
Authors: Villa-Larenas Felipe , Llorente Miquel , Liebal Katja , Amici Federica
Published: March 2024

Gestures play a central role in the communication systems of several animal families, including primates. In this study, we provide a first assessment of the gestural systems of a Platyrrhine species, Geoffroy’s spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). We observed a wild group of 52 spider monkeys and assessed the distribution of visual and tactile gestures in the group, the size of individual repertoires and the intentionality and effectiveness of individuals’ gestural production. Our results showed that younger spider monkeys were more likely than older ones to use tactile gestures. In contrast, we found no inter-individual differences in the probability of producing visual gestures. Repertoire size did not vary with age, but the probability of accounting for recipients’ attentional state was higher for older monkeys than for younger ones, especially for gestures in the visual modality. Using vocalizations right before the gesture increased the probability of gesturing towards attentive recipients and of receiving a response, although age had no effect on the probability of gestures being responded. Overall, our study provides first evidence of gestural production in a Platyrrhine species, and confirms this taxon as a valid candidate for research on animal communication.
Auditory risk recognition is socially transmitted across territory borders in wild birds
Authors: Szymkowiak Jakub
Published: March 2024

Prey species commonly assess predation risk based on acoustic signals, such as predator vocalizations or heterospecific alarm calls. The resulting risk-sensitive decision-making affects not only the behavior and life-history of individual prey, but also has far-reaching ecological consequences for population, community, and ecosystem dynamics. Although auditory risk recognition is ubiquitous in animals, it remains unclear how individuals gain the ability to recognize specific sounds as cues of a threat. Here, it has been shown that free-living birds (Wood Warblers Phylloscopus sibilatrix) can learn to recognize unfamiliar, complex sounds (samples of punk rock songs) as cues of a threat from conspecifics holding adjacent territories during the spring breeding season. In a playback experiment, Wood Warblers initially ignored the unfamiliar sounds, but after repeatedly hearing that these sounds trigger alarm calling reaction of neighbors, most individuals showed an anti-predator response to them. Moreover, once learned soon after nestlings hatching, the anti-predator response of parents toward previously unfamiliar sounds was then retained over the entire nestlings rearing period. These results demonstrate that social learning via the association of unfamiliar sounds with known alarm signals enables the spread of anti-predator behavior across territory borders and provides a mechanism explaining the widespread abilities of animals to assess predation risk based on acoustic cues.
Meeting economic and social viability goals in regional airline schemes through hub-and-spoke network connectivity
Authors: Sindhwani Rohit , Jayaram Jayanth , Ivanov Dmitry
Published: March 2024

We examine the viability of regional connectivity schemes by considering both social and economic objectives. In India the scheme is called UDAN (loosely translated affordable air travel) which is designed to include economically backward communities in India into the air travel grid. Using secondary data sources from the airline sector in India, and qualitative interviews of knowledgeable personnel in the airline industry, we demonstrate the importance of hub-and-spoke network design in comparison to point-to-point connectivity for regional connectivity networks. Specifically, we develop Viable Hub Location Problem for Regional Connectivity (VHLPRC) for resilience and sustainability through bilevel optimization with single leader and two independent followers. We test our proposed approach using datasets from USA and India. Our analyses suggest strategically choosing primary hubs and re-routing traffic through regional hubs for long-term commercial viability or survivability of regional connectivity schemes. The introduction of regional hubs had mixed effects. On the positive side, it improved reach, albeit at considerable (hidden) costs. On the negative side, several sub-programs had to be abandoned for a variety of reasons, including lack of demand traffic. The lessons learned from this study inform policy makers, academics, and practicing managers on how to remain viable and sustain operations in regional connectivity schemes. With the introduction of social variables, commercial viability has been shown to face specific real-life challenges. An attempt to help solve these problems is also presented in this paper through risk reduction, capacity augmentation, and by continuing fare subsidies.
Maladaptation in an unequal world: an evolutionary model with heterogeneous agents
Authors: Antoci Angelo , Borghesi Simone , Galdi Giulio , Sodini Mauro , Ticci Elisa
Published: March 2024

Maladaptation is steadily increasing its presence in agenda and debates about climate change and its impacts. The term denotes actions undertaken, at the individual or collective level, to defend against the adverse effects of climate change or environmental degradation, but that ultimately exacerbate the underlying risk factors. In this paper, we investigate the effects of maladaptation in terms of well-being and inequality in a two-population (North–South) evolutionary model. While agents in the South often face higher vulnerability to environmental degradation and limited defense mechanisms compared to their Northern counterparts, the latter stand to endure greater economic losses, in absolute terms. Our model demonstrates that the diffusion of maladaptive choices could result in a Pareto-dominated steady state, influencing inequality levels positively or negatively based on the scale of maladaptation impacts relative to the existing environmental degradation. These findings stress the imperative of integrating environmental risk studies with maladaptive effects and dynamics. Additionally, they advocate for international discourse not only on climate change mitigation but also on adaptive measures among countries.
An evolutive model of a boundedly rational consumer with changing preferences and reference group consumption
Authors: Bischi Gian Italo , Tramontana Fabio
Published: March 2024

In this paper, two dynamic models, recently proposed to describe the adaptive repeated choices of a boundedly rational consumer, are joined together. One considers a consumer adjusting the consumption level of a given good over time according to the observed discrepancy between expected and realized utility gain and modifies the utility function according to past consumption experience, also including saturation effects when past consumption is excessive. The other one considers the same adjustment mechanism with constant preferences but with a behavioral effect that introduces a tendency (or bias) to imitate a reference group of consumers. Merging these two models, a two-dimensional nonlinear dynamical system is obtained which describes consumers that decide their next period consumption of a given good by following two different (sometimes contrasting) criteria: their own utility maximization on the one side and imitation of a reference group of consumers on the other side. This leads to a greater uncertainty with respect to the model without the behavioral bias. Such uncertainty is studied through a numerical exploration of the long-run dynamics, guided by some global dynamical features of the nonlinear model, such as the folding action of the critical curves that characterize the behavior of the iterated noninvertible map and the singularities related to the presence of a vanishing denominator, namely focal points and prefocal curves. So, the aim of the paper is twofold: on the one side, it tries to contribute to the literature on the economic theory of boundedly rational consumers represented by evolutionary and behavioral approaches; On the other side, it tries to contribute to the recent literature about the global analysis of discrete dynamical systems characterized by contact bifurcations leading to the creation of complex topological structures of the attractors and their basins of attraction.
Framing to Make an Argument: The Case of the Genocide Hashtag in the Russia-Ukraine war
Authors: Musi Elena
Published: March 2024

This study tackles hashtags as framing devices which shape public arguments and controversies in computer-mediated communication environments. It focuses on the use of thegenocidehashtag on Twitter in the context of the Ukraine-Russia war. It proposes and showcases a methodology to surface how the semantic and discourse properties of the term genocide affect its framing properties as a hashtag which bears argumentative functions, directly or indirectly calling for action.