bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of patients with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator in a Latin American tertiary center
Authors: França Anna Terra , Martins Larissa Natany Almeida , de Oliveira Derick Matheus , de Castilho Fábio Morato , Branco Beatriz Castello , Wilnes Bruno , Ribeiro Antônio Luiz P. , Carmo André Assis Lopes do
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Despite advancements in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) technology, sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a persistent public health concern. Chagas disease (ChD), prevalent in Brazil, is associated with increased ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) events and SCD compared to other cardiomyopathies.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included patients who received ICDs between October 2007 and December 2018. The study aims to assess whether mortality and VT/VF events decreased in patients who received ICDs during different time periods (2007–2010, 2011–2014, and 2015–2018). Additionally, it seeks to compare the prognosis of ChD patients with non‐ChD patients. Time periods were chosen based on the establishment of the Arrhythmia Service in 2011. The primary outcome was overall mortality, assessed across the entire sample and the three periods. Secondary outcomes included VT/VF events and the combined outcome of death or VT/VF.

Results

Of the 885 patients included, 31% had ChD. Among them, 28% died, 14% had VT/VF events, and 37% experienced death and/or VT/VF. Analysis revealed that period 3 (2015–2018) was associated with better death‐free survival (p = .007). ChD was the only variable associated with a higher rate of VT/VF events (p < .001) and the combined outcome (p = .009).

Conclusion

Mortality and combined outcome rates decreased gradually for ICD patients during the periods 2011–2014 and 2015–2018 compared to the initial period (2007–2010). ChD was associated with higher VT/VF events in ICD patients, only in the first two periods.
Association between HDL‐C and intensive blood pressure control in patients with hypertension: A post‐hoc analysis of SPRINT
Authors: Liu Rufei , Cheng Wenli
Published: February 2024

Previous studies in patients with hypertension have demonstrated that there is a U‐shaped association between HDL‐C (high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) and the risk of cardiovascular events in male patients with hypertension. However, to the best of our knowledge, the relationship between HDL‐C and intensive blood pressure control in specific cardiovascular events has never been investigated. To fill this knowledge gap, the authors analyzed the relationship between HDL‐C levels and cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients within the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). The SPRINT evaluated the impact of intensive blood pressure control (systolic blood pressure < 120 mm Hg) versus standard blood pressure control (systolic blood pressure < 140 mm Hg). The Cox proportional risk regression was used to investigate the association between different HDL‐C status and clinical outcomes. Additional stratified analyzes were performed to evaluate the robustness of sex difference. A total of 9323 participants (6016 [64.53%] males and 3307 [35.47%] females) with hypertension from the SPRINT research were included in the analysis. The median follow‐up period was 3.26 years. Our population was divided into five groups based on the HDL‐C plasma levels: HDL‐C < 30 mg/dL, HDL‐C between 30 and 40 mg/dL, HDL‐C between 40 and 60 mg/dL, HDL‐C between 60 and 80 mg/dL and HDL‐C > 80 mg/dL. Sensitivity analyzes showed that in the SPRINT, women in the HDL‐C high population had a higher risk of mortality from all causes than men. In this cohort study, results suggest that patients with HDL‐C levels higher than 80 mg/dL had lower risk of SPRINT primary outcome, cardiovascular death, and stroke, but this study tested association, not causation. HDL‐C levels were associated with composite cardiovascular outcomes in male but not female patients. Our results demonstrated that in patients with hypertension, the association between HDL‐C and risk of cardiovascular events is L‐shaped.
Investigation of the effect of virtual reality distraction in patients undergoing mandibular periodontal surgery: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Gurbuz Ezgi , Gurbuz Ali Aycan
Published: February 2024

Objective

This clinical study aimed to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR) technology on anxiety and pain levels in patients undergoing gingivectomy and gingivoplasty procedures.

Materials and Methods

The patients were randomized into test (surgery with VR glasses) and control (surgery without VR glasses) groups. Before the surgery, the anxiety level was measured using the modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS), and anticipated pain (AP) was measured by a visual analog scale (VAS). Immediately after the surgery, the pain and discomfort associated with the surgery (VASP), procedure time (T), and time perception (TP) were evaluated. The patients in the test group were requested to assess the immersion (VASI), satisfaction (VASS), perception of reduced anxiety (VASA), and perceived control (VASC). One week after surgery, MDAS was applied to all patients.

Results

This trial was conducted with 41 female and 17 male subjects with a mean age of 29.69 ± 12.32. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, sex, preoperative MDAS, or AP. After surgery, MDAS, VASP, T, and TP failed to differ significantly between the groups. The subject age was positively correlated with VASI, VASS, VASA, and VASC (r = 0.60, p = 0.00; r = 0.44, p = 0.02; r = 0.46, p = 0.02; r = 0.50, p = 0.01, respectively) and negatively correlated with VASP (r = 0.47, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

VR application did not affect anxiety and pain levels in patients undergoing periodontal surgery. More studies are needed to evaluate VR distraction in periodontal surgeries with diverse age samples and video options.

Clinical Significance

VR does not affect anxiety and pain levels during gingivectomy and gingivoplasty surgeries in the young adult population. It should be evaluated in older age groups. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06092177.
The BTB/TAZ domain‐containing protein CmBT1‐mediated CmANR1 ubiquitination negatively regulates root development in chrysanthemum
Authors: Du Lian‐Da , Guan Zhang‐Ji , Liu Yan‐Hong , Zhu Hui‐Dong , Sun Quan , Hu Da‐Gang , Sun Cui‐Hui
Published: February 2024

Roots are fundamental for plants to adapt to variable environmental conditions. The development of a robust root system is orchestrated by numerous genetic determinants and, among them, the MADS‐box gene ANR1 has garnered substantial attention. Prior research has demonstrated that, in chrysanthemum, CmANR1 positively regulates root system development. Nevertheless, the upstream regulators involved in the CmANR1‐mediated regulation of root development remain unidentified. In this study, we successfully identified bric‐a‐brac, tramtrack and broad (BTB) and transcription adapter putative zinc finger (TAZ) domain protein CmBT1 as the interacting partner of CmANR1 through a yeast‐two‐hybrid (Y2H) screening library. Furthermore, we validated this physical interaction through bimolecular fluorescence complementation and pull‐down assays. Functional assays revealed that CmBT1 exerted a negative influence on root development in chrysanthemum. In both in vitro and in vivo assays, it was evident that CmBT1 mediated the ubiquitination of CmANR1 through the ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway. This ubiquitination subsequently led to the degradation of the CmANR1 protein and a reduction in the transcription of CmANR1‐targeted gene CmPIN2, which was crucial for root development in chrysanthemum. Genetic analysis suggested that CmBT1 modulated root development, at least in part, by regulating the level of CmANR1 protein. Collectively, these findings shed new light on the regulatory role of CmBT1 in degrading CmANR1 through ubiquitination, thereby repressing the expression of its targeted gene and inhibiting root development in chrysanthemum.
How to make a digital reconstruction of the human ribcage
Authors: López‐Rey José M. , García‐Martínez Daniel , Bastir Markus
Published: February 2024

Up to now, there have been no publication standardizing the digital reconstruction of the modern human ribcage from commingled costo‐vertebral material. Consequently, we designed a validated protocol based on anatomical features observed in the literature and the CT scanned ribcages of 10 adult European individuals. After quantifying the shape of these ribcages using 3D geometric morphometrics, we split each vertebra and rib within their corresponding (semi)landmarks. Subsequently, individual bones + (semi)landmarks were imported to LhpFusionBox, commingled and 3D reconstructed. To validate the accuracy of the protocol, we first reconstructed a randomly chosen ribcage three times and then compared these reconstructions to the rest of the sample. Since these reconstructions were closer to their original counterpart than to the others, the remaining sample was reconstructed once. Next, we tested the intra‐observer error during reconstructing using the Procrustes distances among the original ribcages and the reconstructions. We observed that first each ribcage reconstruction was clustered to its original counterpart and second there was a learning curve showing an improvement in the reconstruction process over time. Subsequently, we explored general size and shape differences among the original and reconstructed ribcages through a study of centroid size and a permutation test on the Procrustes distances (10,000 permutations), respectively. Specific shape differences between both groups were further examined through a principal component analysis in shape space. None of these analyses found statistical differences between the original and reconstructed ribcages (p > 0.05). Eventually, we extracted the mean shapes of the original ribcages and the reconstructions in order to visualize potential deviations caused by the anatomical considerations of the researcher. These results demonstrate that the protocol is accurate enough to be used when reconstructing a disarticulated human ribcage.
HHLA2 is more significantly associated with poor prognosis in TSCC than PD‐L1
Authors: Li Yi , Yang Qiong , Yang Xu , Ge Jie , Xu Tianshu , Liu HuaLian
Published: February 2024

Background

The incidence and mortality of tongue squamous cell carcinoma have shown an alarming increase in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the potential of HHLA2 as an immune checkpoint in comparison to PD‐L1.

Methods

We obtained RNA‐seq data from TCGA to study HHLA2 and PD‐L1 expression across various tissues. Using the CIBERSORT package, we estimated cell type abundances within mixed populations based on gene expression profiles. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze HHLA2 and PD‐L1 expression in Tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Prognostic evaluation was carried out with Kaplan–Meier curves and the log‐rank test. To explore factors affecting HHLA2, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted with the COX regression model. Additionally, we used single‐cell RNA sequencing data from the GEO database for gene set enrichment analysis with genes strongly correlated with HHLA2.

Results

Our analysis of RNA‐seq data unveiled a significant upregulation of HHLA2 and PD‐L1 expression in primary tumors when compared with normal tissue. HHLA2 exhibited a positive expression rate of 36.9%, while PD‐L1 had a positive expression rate of 24.6%. HHLA2 emerged as a noteworthy independent risk factor impacting the overall survival of Tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients. The analysis of scRNA‐seq data shed light on the involvement of HHLA2 in key pathways related to cell cycle regulation and interferon alpha/beta signaling.

Conclusions

This study suggests that in the context of Tongue squamous cell carcinoma, HHLA2 may represent a more promising target for immunotherapy when compared with PD‐L1.
Abnormal temporal variability of thalamo‐cortical circuit in patients with moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Long Ting , Shu Yongqiang , Liu Xiang , Huang Ling , Zeng Li , Li Lifeng , Zhan Jie , Li Haijun , Peng Dechang
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the abnormal dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) variability of the thalamo‐cortical circuit in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and explored the relationship between these changes and the clinical characteristics of patients with OSA. A total of 91 newly diagnosed patients with moderate‐to‐severe OSA and 84 education‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were included. All participants underwent neuropsychological testing and a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. We explored the thalamo‐cortical dFC changes by dividing the thalamus into 16 subregions and combining them using a sliding‐window approach. Correlation analysis assessed the relationship between dFC variability and clinical features, and the support vector machine method was used for classification. The OSA group exhibited increased dFC variability between the thalamic subregions and extensive cortical areas, compared with the HCs group. Decreased dFC variability was observed in some frontal‐occipital‐temporal cortical regions. These dFC changes positively correlated with daytime sleepiness, disease severity, and cognitive scores. Altered dFC variability contributed to the discrimination between patients with OSA and HCs, with a classification accuracy of 77.8%. Our findings show thalamo‐cortical overactivation and disconnection in patients with OSA, disrupting information flow within the brain networks. These results enhance understanding of the temporal variability of thalamo‐cortical circuits in patients with OSA.
Influence of local environmental gradients on ecological strategies of herbaceous communities in riverine side channels
Authors: Gaudichet Corentin , Greulich Sabine , Grellier Séraphine , Janssen Philippe , Rodrigues Stéphane
Published: February 2024

Questions

In riverine side channels (secondary and former arms), the alternation of lotic, lentic and dry phases produces disturbance and resource gradients that filter species and community strategies. To better understand the impact of this alternation of functioning on plant communities at a fine spatial scale, we tested for the effects of elevation (linked to water level), slope, longitudinal position, light availability and sediment grain size on (i) taxonomic composition and (ii) competition, stress tolerance, and ruderal strategies (C, S and R strategies) at the community level. We hypothesized that fewer resources would increase the stress‐tolerant prevalence (i.e., community‐weighted mean value), while topographic gradients would affect ruderal prevalence. In addition, we hypothesized that strong and directional environmental filtering should reduce the co‐occurrence of species with different CSR strategy values (i.e., low C, S and R functional dispersion).

Location

Fourteen side channels on the lower reach of the Loire river (France).

Methods

Taxonomic composition of the herb layer and environmental variables were assessed on 474 plots. The relations between species composition and environmental gradients were investigated by a constrained analysis of principal coordinates. The effects of environmental gradients on community CSR strategies were assessed using mixed‐effects models and a model‐averaging procedure.

Results

Taxonomic community composition was shaped mainly by light availability, topographic elevation and sediment grain size. Slope and the interaction between light and elevation influenced the community‐weighted mean and functional dispersion values of S and R strategies. Among other interactions, those involving sediment grain size shaped the dispersion values for C and R strategies.

Conclusion

The study identified shading and fine sediment grain size as key drivers of biotic homogenization in the riverscape. Increasing the disturbance frequency and magnitude would limit the progression of the ecological succession and favor the co‐occurrence of taxonomically and functionally diverse communities within the side channels.
Red meat intake, faecal microbiome, serum trimethylamine N‐oxide and hepatic steatosis among Chinese adults
Authors: Huang Yong , Zhang Jiawei , Zhang Yaozong , Wang Wuqi , Li Meiling , Chen Bo , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Zhuang , Huang Jiaqi , Jin Yong , Wang Hua , Zhang Xuehong , Yin Shi , Yang Wanshui
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Emerging evidence suggests a detrimental impact of high red meat intake on hepatic steatosis. We investigated the potential interplay between red meat intake and gut microbiome on circulating levels of trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) and hepatic steatosis risk.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of 754 community‐dwelling adults in Huoshan, China. Diet was collected using 4 quarterly 3 consecutive 24‐h dietary (12‐day) recalls. We profiled faecal microbiome using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and quantified serum TMAO and its precursors using LC‐tandem MS (n = 333). We detected hepatic steatosis by FibroScan. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression.

Results

TMAO levels but not its precursors were positively associated with the likelihood of hepatic steatosis (aOR per 1‐SD increment 1.86, 95% CI 1.04–3.32). We identified 14 bacterial genera whose abundance was associated with TMAO concentration (pFDR < .05) belonging to the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria families. Per 10 g/day increase in red meat intake was positively associated with TMAO levels among participants who had higher red meat intake (>70 g/day) and higher TMAO‐predicting microbial scores (TMS, β = .045, p = .034), but not among others (pinteraction = .030). TMS significantly modified the positive association between red meat and steatosis (pinteraction = .032), with a stronger association being observed among participants with higher TMS (aOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.07–1.57).

Conclusions

The bacterial genera that predicted TMAO levels may jointly modify the association between red meat intake and TMAO levels and the subsequent risk of hepatic steatosis.
Oxygen isotopic compositions of fresh rooftop micrometeorites from the Budel collection—Insights into the contemporary cosmic dust flux
Authors: Jonker Guido , van Maldeghem Flore , van Ginneken Matthias , Krämer Ruggiu Lisa , Goderis Steven
Published: February 2024

Cosmic dust particles originate from a wide variety of solar system and interstellar objects, including sources not identified among meteorite collections. Particles that survive atmospheric entry are retrieved on the Earth's surface as micrometeorites. The recovery of these micrometeorites has recently advanced to rooftop sites. Here, we present the results of an extensive isotopic study on this type of rooftop micrometeorite from the Budel collection, the Netherlands, accreted to the Earth between October 31, 2018 and June 16, 2021. The triple oxygen isotopic compositions of 80 silica‐dominated cosmic spherules (CSs) with diameters ranging between 105 and 515 μm are obtained relying on 213 in situ spot analyses determined using ion microprobe. Our analyzed population spans a large range of isotopic compositions and is dominated by carbonaceous chondritic sources. In situ measurements on several CSs support a possible continuum between 16O‐rich and 16O‐poor compositions following the CM mixing line, showing that 16O‐poor CSs may be genetically related to aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrites. We demonstrate that weathering in the terrestrial environment has negligible effects on the isotopic compositions of the studied CSs and attempt to quantify the effects of kinetic mass‐dependent fractionation and admixture of terrestrial oxygen during atmospheric entry. The results further corroborate previously suggested relations between CS texture and the duration and intensity of the heating pulse experienced during atmospheric deceleration. Finally, the young and well‐constrained terrestrial age of the collection provides insights into the most recent flux of cosmic dust. Our results indicate no major recent changes in the global flux compared with collections sampled over thousand‐ to million‐year time scales and demonstrate that 16O‐poor material is still represented in the modern‐day cosmic dust flux at a relative abundance of ~13%–15%. As such, rooftop micrometeorites represent a valuable reservoir to study the characteristics of the contemporary cosmic dust flux.
Positive selection in gamete interaction proteins in Carnivora
Authors: Pisciottano Francisco , Campos María Clara , Penna Clementina , Bruque Carlos David , Gabaldón Toni , Saragüeta Patricia
Published: February 2024

The absence of robust interspecific isolation barriers among pantherines, including the iconic South American jaguar (Panthera onca), led us to study molecular evolution of typically rapidly evolving reproductive proteins within this subfamily and related groups. In this study, we delved into the evolutionary forces acting on the zona pellucida (ZP) gamete interaction protein family and the sperm‐oocyte fusion protein pair IZUMO1‐JUNO across the Carnivora order, distinguishing between Caniformia and Feliformia suborders and anticipating few significant diversifying changes in the Pantherinae subfamily. A chromosome‐resolved jaguar genome assembly facilitated coding sequences, enabling the reconstruction of protein evolutionary histories. Examining sequence variability across more than 30 Carnivora species revealed that Feliformia exhibited significantly lower diversity compared to its sister taxa, Caniformia. Molecular evolution analyses of ZP2 and ZP3, subunits directly involved in sperm‐recognition, unveiled diversifying positive selection in Feliformia, Caniformia and Pantherinae, although no significant changes were linked to sperm binding. Structural cross‐linking ZP subunits, ZP4 and ZP1 exhibited lower levels or complete absence of positive selection. Notably, the fusion protein IZUMO1 displayed prominent positive selection signatures and sites in basal lineages of both Caniformia and Feliformia, extending along the Caniformia subtree but absent in Pantherinae. Conversely, JUNO did not exhibit any positive selection signatures across tested lineages and clades. Eight Caniformia‐specific positive selected sites in IZUMO1 were detected within two JUNO‐interaction clusters. Our findings provide for the first time insights into the evolutionary trajectories of ZP proteins and the IZUMO1‐JUNO gamete interaction pair within the Carnivora order.
Plant–pathogen interaction with root rot of Panax notoginseng as a model: Insight into pathogen pathogenesis, plant defence response and biological control
Authors: Li Jianbin , Ai Mingtao , Hou Jiae , Zhu Peiqi , Cui Xiuming , Yang Qian
Published: February 2024

Plant diseases are a major threat affecting the sustainability of global agriculture. Although the breeding of new resistant cultivars is considered to be the primary approach to prevent and control plant diseases, it is dependent on an in‐depth understanding of plant–pathogen interactions. At present, we have an in‐depth understanding of the interactions between model plants and pathogens, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and rice, but we are still in the beginning stage for more non‐model plants (e.g., medicinal plants). Panax notoginseng is the primary source of the high‐value active ingredient triterpenoid saponins. Root rot disease in P. notoginseng has attracted research attention because of its high destructiveness. Understanding the infection stages and strategies of pathogens, plant resistance mechanisms and induced plant defence against pathogens is essential to support agricultural sustainable development of P. notoginseng. Here, we review and summarize, with root rot of P. notoginseng as a model, the current knowledge of plant–pathogen interaction, and feasability of use of microorganisms and secondary metabolites as sources of biological control agents at a low cost. Finally, we also discuss the importance of plant–pathogen interactions in resistance breeding, thereby providing a new strategy to develop green agriculture for non‐model plants.
Isoflurane anesthesia suppresses gastric myoelectric power in the ferret
Authors: Tomaselli Lorenzo , Sciullo Michael , Fulton Stephanie , Yates Bill J. , Fisher Lee E. , Ventura Valérie , Horn Charles C.
Published: February 2024

Background

Gastric myoelectric signals have been the focus of extensive research; although it is unclear how general anesthesia affects these signals, and studies have often been conducted under general anesthesia. Here, we explore this issue directly by recording gastric myoelectric signals during awake and anesthetized states in the ferret and explore the contribution of behavioral movement to observed changes in signal power.

Methods

Ferrets were surgically implanted with electrodes to record gastric myoelectric activity from the serosal surface of the stomach, and, following recovery, were tested in awake and isoflurane‐anesthetized conditions. Video recordings were also analyzed during awake experiments to compare myoelectric activity during behavioral movement and rest.

Key Results

A significant decrease in gastric myoelectric signal power was detected under isoflurane anesthesia compared to the awake condition. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the awake recordings indicates that behavioral movement is associated with increased signal power compared to rest.

Conclusions & Inferences

These results suggest that both general anesthesia and behavioral movement can affect the signal power of gastric myoelectric recordings. In summary, caution should be taken in studying myoelectric data collected under anesthesia. Further, behavioral movement could have an important modulatory role on these signals, affecting their interpretation in clinical settings.
Iranian classical dance as a subject for empirical research: An elusive genre
Authors: Christensen Julia F. , Khorsandi Shahrzad , Wald‐Fuhrmann Melanie
Published: February 2024

Dance has entered mainstream empirical research: dance as an experimental stimulus, and dancers as movement experts. Informed by several sources, including primary sources (original, historical documents, and oral reports, such as interviews with practitioners and academic scholars of Iranian dance genres) and secondary sources (research literature), we describe what we label “Iranian classical dance” within this paper as an important resource for empirical research, not only in humanities scholarship but also, and importantly, for empirical aesthetics, emotion psychology, cross‐cultural psychology, and affective neuroscience. For this purpose, we (1) describe the aesthetics, characteristics, and history of Iranian classical dance; (2) outline issues of definition and systematization; and (3) give an overview of the cultural complexities and sociopolitical issues regarding Iranian classical dance in the past 40 years, which have shaped its current form. After the political revolution of 1979 (Iranian solar calendar year: 1358), dance in Iran—both as everyday practice and as a cultural heritage—was first forbidden, and now remains heavily restricted. International, interdisciplinary research teams can contribute to safeguarding Iranian classical dance in the future by firmly enshrining it into empirical research on human dance. We outline empirical research perspectives on Iranian classical dance, dataset resources, and expert communities.
Comparing paediatric optometric vision care in Canada over a 14‐year period
Authors: Christian Lisa W. , Opoku‐Yamoah Victor , Rose Kalpana , Jones Deborah A. , McCulloch Daphne , Irving Elizabeth L. , Leat Susan J.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In Canada, teaching in paediatric eye care has increased in the past decade both within the optometry curriculum and as continuing education to optometrists. Paediatric vision care guidelines have also been established by North American optometric associations. This study examined whether this exposure was associated with changes in paediatric eye care in Canada over a 14‐year period.

Methods

Canadian optometrists were invited to participate in an anonymous 35‐item survey in 2007 and 2021. The surveys sought to investigate optometrist's recommendations for first eye examinations, the number of paediatric patients seen in a typical week and preparedness to provide eye examinations to children. Response frequencies were determined for each survey item.

Results

Across Canada, 133/1000 (13.3%) and 261/~6419 (~4.1%) optometrists responded to the survey in 2007 and 2021, respectively. No significant difference was found in the number of years practicing, days per week in practice and total number of patients seen per week. The modal age optometrists recommended children be seen for their first eye examination changed from 3–4 years in 2007 (53%) to 6–12 months in 2021 (61%). In 2007, 87% of respondents provided eye examinations to children <2 years, increasing to 94% in 2021 (p = 0.02). Despite a reduction in the recommended age between the two survey years, the most frequent age children were seen for their first eye examination was 3‐4 years (30% in both surveys) and the most common age seen in a typical week remained unchanged (4–6 years—56% 2007; 66% 2021).

Conclusion

Although optometrists' willingness to provide paediatric eye care increased over the past 14 years, the number of children seen in a typical week did not change. Barriers to determine why more children are not being seen at an earlier age need to be investigated.
Treatment ofL5‐S1Floating Calcified Lumbar Disc Herniation with Percutaneous Endoscopic Interlaminar Discectomy
Authors: Gu GuoNing , Liu Teng , Guo HuiZhi , Tang YongChao , Zhang ShunCong , Yang ZhiDong , Li YongXian , Yuan Kai
Published: February 2024

Objective

The floating calcified tissue in floating calcified lumbar disc herniation (FCLDH) is hard and often adheres to the dura mater, which can easily cause nerve root damage during surgery, making the operation challenging. We proposed the classification of FCLDH and a new technique for removing floating calcified tissue and reported the clinical efficacy and safety of this new technique in clinical practice.

Methods

From January 2019 to October 2021, 24 patients (13 males and 11 females, 46.4 ± 7.72 years) with L5‐S1 floating calcified lumbar disc herniation were treated with percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID). According to FCLDH classification, a total of Type Ia: nine cases, Type Ib: five cases, Type IIa: four cases, and Type IIa: six cases were included. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were recorded pre‐operatively and 3 days postoperatively, 6 months postoperatively, and at the last follow‐up. The postoperative curative effect was evaluated according to the modified MacNab criteria. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine were performed 3 days after surgery to evaluate the efficacy of the surgery.

Results

All patients successfully underwent PEID. The VAS and ODI scores at 3 days postoperatively, 6 months postoperatively, and at the last follow‐up were significantly improved and statistically significant compared to those of the preoperative period (p < 0.05). All the patients were followed up for 12–24 months (mean, 16.6 ± 4.6 months). At the last follow‐up, according to the modified MacNab criteria, 15 cases were excellent, eight were good, and one was fair. The combined excellent and good rate was 95.83% (23/24). Postoperative review revealed that all floating calcified tissues were effectively removed and the nerve roots were adequately decompressed without complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage and lumbar spine infection.

Conclusion

The classification of FCLDH we proposed can well guide the selection of surgical plans. PEID combined with floating calcified tissue removal technology has good efficacy in the treatment of L5‐S1 FCLDH, ensuring accurate removal of calcified tissue, reducing complications and improving the quality of life of affected individuals.
Eight‐month intensive meditation‐based intervention improves refractory hallucinations and delusions and quality of life in male inpatients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xue Ting , Sheng Jialing , Gao Hui , Gu Yan , Dai Jingjing , Yang Xianghong , Peng Hong , Gao Hongrui , Lu Ruping , Shen Yi , Wang Li , Wang Lijun , Shi Yuan , Li Zezhi , Cui Donghong
Published: February 2024

Aim

This study investigated the impact of an 8‐month daily‐guided intensive meditation‐based intervention (iMI) on persistent hallucinations/delusions and health‐related quality of life (QoL) in male inpatients with schizophrenia with treatment‐refractory hallucinations and delusions (TRHDs).

Methods

A randomized controlled trial assigned 64 male inpatients with schizophrenia and TRHD equally to an 8‐month iMI plus general rehabilitation program (GRP) or GRP alone. Assessments were conducted at baseline and the third and eighth months using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), 36‐Item Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Primary outcomes measured PANSS reduction rates for total score, positive symptoms, and hallucinations/delusions items. Secondary outcomes assessed PANSS, SF‐36, and FFMQ scores for psychotic symptoms, health‐related QoL, and mindfulness skills, respectively.

Results

In the primary outcome, iMI significantly improved the reduction rates of PANSS total score, positive symptoms, and hallucination/delusion items compared with GRP at both the third and eighth months. Treatment response rates (≥25% reduction) for these measures significantly increased in the iMI group at the eighth month. Concerning secondary outcomes, iMI significantly reduced PANSS total score and hallucination/delusion items, while increasing scores in physical activity and mindfulness skills at both the third and eighth months compared with GRP. These effects were more pronounced with an 8‐month intervention compared with a 3‐month intervention.

Conclusions

An iMI benefits patients with TRHDs by reducing persistent hallucinations/delusions and enhancing health‐related QoL. Longer iMI duration yields superior treatment outcomes.
What is Philosophy of the Geosciences?
Authors: Ohnesorge Miguel , Watkins Aja
Published: February 2024

The philosophy of the geosciences is an emerging subfield in philosophy of science. Although past and present geoscientific disciplines differ substantially, we argue that they frequently face common epistemological and ethical problems. We survey several of these problems that have already attracted sustained philosophical interest, related to the use of measurements, data, and models to study relatively inaccessible target phenomena, responses to (epistemic) injustices, and the management of epistemic risks.
Cryptic sexual reproduction in an emerging Eucalyptus shoot and foliar pathogen
Authors: Pham Nam Q. , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Duong Tuan A. , Wingfield Brenda D. , Barnes Irene , Durán Alvaro , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: February 2024

Eucalyptus scab and shoot malformation is an emerging disease and a serious threat to the global plantation forestry industry. The disease appeared in North Sumatra (Indonesia) in the early 2010s and the causal agent was recently described as a novel species, Elsinoe necatrix. Nothing is known regarding its possible origin or why it emerged rapidly to cause a serious local epidemic. To investigate its population biology, we developed 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers as well as mating‐type markers using genome sequences for two E. necatrix isolates. Isolates of the pathogen were collected from different host varieties at four locations in the Lake Toba region of North Sumatra and characterized using these markers. A high level of genotypic diversity was observed for all populations with little to no genetic differentiation between sampling areas. Discriminant analysis of principal components, genotype networks and analysis of molecular variance all showed a lack of population structure and a high level of gene flow among sampling regions. Mating‐type ratios and linkage disequilibrium analyses suggest that sexual recombination is likely to be occurring, although a sexual state has not been found for the pathogen. The results of this study highlight the fact that new genotypes of E. necatrix, probably arising from cryptic sexual recombination, will challenge efforts to manage the disease, and that breeding and selection for tolerance will require substantial host genetic diversity.
Transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed the synthesis and potential role of flavonoids in pea roots under continuous cropping obstacles
Authors: Ma Lei , Ma Shaoying , Chen Guiping , Lu Xu , Zhang Congcong , Wei Ruonan , Feng Xiaojie , Xu Ling , Zhang Xucheng , Chai Qiang , Li Sheng
Published: February 2024

With the continuation of intensive and monoculture production in modern agriculture, the harm of continuous cropping obstacles is becoming more prominent. Pea has important nutritional and economic value, but it is easy to have continuous cropping obstacles in production. However, there is limited knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of pea to cope with continuous cropping obstacles. In this study, we found that the number of differential expressed genes (DEGs) and differential metabolites (DAMs) increased in the pea roots with increasing continuous cropping times, and the number of DEGs and DAMs in roots of sensitive pea was more than that of continuous cropping tolerant pea. Comprehensive analysis of the omics data revealed that the flavonoid and isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathways play key roles in the response of pea roots to the continuous cropping obstacles. Most of the DEGs involved in these two pathways were up‐regulated. Meanwhile, most of the flavonoid compounds and total flavonoid content increased. With increasing continuous cropping times, the isoflavones category in DAMs increased, and the isoflavones category in the roots of continuous cropping tolerant pea were higher than in sensitive pea. Additionally, the isoflavonoid (biochanin A, calycosin, genistein) in the roots of continuous cropping tolerant pea have the ability to inhibit the growth of fungi in pea soil and possess antioxidant activity. These findings revealed the important role of flavonoids in pea continuous cropping obstacles and laid a foundation for effectively alleviating pea continuous cropping obstacles in the future.
Is the application of bioactive anti‐stress substances with a seaweed‐derived biostimulant effective under adequate growth conditions?
Authors: Velasco‐Clares Daniel , Navarro‐León Eloy , Atero‐Calvo Santiago , Ruiz Juan M. , Blasco Begoña
Published: February 2024

The use of biostimulants in agriculture is currently emerging as a resource to increase crop productivity and quality. Additionally, the concurrent application of other bioactive materials or bioregulators alongside biostimulants can prove valuable in mitigating oxidative stress induced by various abiotic stresses. However, in some cases, these compounds applied at inadequate doses produce toxic effects under non‐stressful conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the effects of applying various doses of a seaweed‐derived biostimulant containing additional bioactive compounds (Cytolan® Stress) under optimal growth conditions. Lettuce plants were grown under control conditions without biostimulants (control plants) and with two biostimulants Cytolan® (seaweed‐derived biostimulant with proline) and Cytolan® Stress applied foliarly at three doses (150, 300, and 500 mL/hL). Growth and quality parameters and physiological processes within primary and secondary metabolism were analyzed. The results identified the 300 mL/hL dose of Cytolan® Stress as the best treatment. Thus, it improved biomass production, induced photosynthetic activity, increased phytohormone, amino acids (AAs), and mineral nutrient profiles, and stimulated N assimilation. Besides, it substantially enhanced the antioxidant capacity and the concentration of various antioxidant compounds, leading to increased lettuce quality and potential stress tolerance. However, the 500 mL/hL Cytolan® Stress caused phytotoxic effects, underscoring the importance of applying the biostimulant at the proper dose.
Propagating eelgrass (Zostera marina) from cuttings in land–sea combination systems: a novel method to improve the sustainability of seagrass restoration
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Hao , Zhao Xiang , Tu Zhong , Yan Wen‐Jie , Zhao Qi , Zhang Pei‐Dong
Published: February 2024

The combination of a land‐based system and natural habitat can propagate donor plants from cuttings for use in seagrass restoration projects; however, the appropriate period for land‐based cultivation is unclear. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) cuttings were cultivated under different combinations of land‐based (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks) and natural habitat cultivation for 12 weeks. We measured survivorship, growth, productivity, leaf pigmentation, and carbohydrate concentration in eelgrass. Return on investment (defined as the number of ramets of Z. marina returned through input cultivation costs in the seagrass cultivation process) analysis suggested that the optimal period of land‐based cultivation for the propagation of Z. marina is 3.1–3.8 weeks. The ramet frequency of Z. marina exposed to a combination of land‐based cultivation (3 weeks) and natural habitat cultivation (9 weeks) was 1.4 times higher than that of plants cultivated in natural habitats for 12 weeks. The promotional effect of the combination of land‐based and natural habitat cultivation on Z. marina mainly depended on the increase in chlorophyll content and the accumulation and synthesis of nonstructural carbohydrates. The soluble sugar content of Z. marina leaves exposed to a combination of land‐based cultivation (3 weeks) and natural habitat cultivation (9 weeks) was 1.5 times higher than that of plants cultivated in natural habitats for 12 weeks. These results indicated that implementation of a controlled plant cultivation system and process to acquire abundant donor plants. This can help provide valuable data for the development of efficient artificial propagation technologies for Z. marina.
Risk factors for oral infection and dry socket post‐tooth extraction in medically complex patients in the absence of antibiotic prophylaxis: A case‐control study
Authors: Boyer Taylor L. , Solanki Pooja , McGregor Jessina C. , Wilson Geneva M. , Gibson Gretchen , Jurasic M. Marianne , Evans Charlesnika T. , Suda Katie J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Dry socket and infection are complications of tooth extractions. The objective was to determine risk factors for post‐extraction complications in patients without antibiotic prophylaxis stratified by early‐ and late‐complications and complication type (oral infection and dry socket).

Methods

Retrospective, case (with complications)‐control (without complications) study of patients (n = 708) who had ≥1 extraction performed at any Veterans Health Administration facility between 2015–2019 and were not prescribed an antibiotic 30 days pre‐extraction.

Results

Early complication cases (n = 109) were more likely to be female [odds ratio (OR) = 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.05–4.01], younger (OR = 0.29; 95% CI:0.09–0.94 patients ≥ 80 years old, reference:18–44 years), Native American/Alaska Native (OR = 21.11; 95% CI:2.33–191.41) and have fewer teeth extracted (OR = 0.53 3+ teeth extracted; 95% CI:0.31–0.88, reference:1 tooth extracted). Late complication cases (n = 67) were more likely to have a bipolar diagnosis (OR = 2.98; 95% CI:1.04–8.57), history of implant placement (OR = 8.27; 95% CI:1.63–41.82), and history of past smoking (OR = 2.23; 95% CI:1.28–3.88).

Conclusion

Predictors for post‐extraction complications among patients who did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis were similar to prior work in cohorts who received prophylaxis. Unique factors identified in a medically complex population included being younger, Native American/Alaska Native, having mental health conditions, history of a dental implant, and fewer teeth extracted.
Keeping and sharing secrets at the interpersonal level
Authors: Bedrov Alisa , Gable Shelly L.
Published: February 2024

Secrets are inherently social, for they are always kept from somebody else. Accordingly, keeping and sharing personal secrets not only has implications for one’s close relationships, but the individual experience of keeping and sharing secrets is also largely influenced by existing close relationship dynamics. Here, we extend prior discussions of secrecy by providing a theoretical discussion of the sociality of secrets and the potential mechanisms through which they could influence and be influenced by interpersonal relationships. We specifically focus on the mechanisms of shared reality, authenticity, trust, and rumination, and argue that keeping and sharing secrets can have considerable influence on close relationships, in ways that may be distinct from self‐disclosure. This paper integrates individual‐level concerns about keeping and sharing secrets with the dyadic implications of those decisions by considering both the secret‐keeper and target (i.e., the person from whom the secret is kept or shared with). In turn, we offer novel predictions for future research regarding the interpersonal consequences of secrecy.
The recognition of three novel HLA‐A alleles: HLA‐A*02:1041Q, ‐A*02:1042, and ‐A*02:1043
Authors: Gusev Oleg , Ananeva Anastasiia , Andryushkina Anna V. , Shagimardanova Elena I.
Published: February 2024

Three novel HLA‐A alleles HLA‐A*02:1041Q, ‐A*02:1042, and ‐A*02:1043 alleles detected during routine next generation sequencing.
The novel HLA‐B*35:592 allele, confirmed by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Russian individual
Authors: Loginova Maria , Makhova Olga , Paramonov Igor
Published: February 2024

HLA‐B*35:592 differs from HLA‐B*35:03:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 4.
The novel HLA‐B*48:01:13 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Li Jia‐ming , He Yang , An Lin , Hu Xiao‐zhuang , Cai Xiao‐hong
Published: February 2024

HLA‐B*48:01:13 differs from HLA‐B*48:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 5.
Genomic full‐length sequence of the novel HLA‐A*02:1100 allele
Authors: Yang John Jeongseok , Oh Heung‐Bum
Published: February 2024

HLA‐A*02:1100 differs from HLA‐A*02:01:01:01 by a single non‐synonymous nucleotide substitution in codon 76 of exon 2.