bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does access to assistive technologies enhance labour force participation amongst the disabled population? Evidence from India
Authors: Rajasulochana Subramania Raju , Khan Mohd Imran
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Persons with disabilities (PwD) are generally less likely to be employed than the general population. The paper aims to investigate whether access to assistive technologies (AT) impacts labour force participation in the disabled population.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises the nationally representative survey on disability in India conducted in 2018 through multi-stage sampling by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), Government of India. The instrumental variable (IV) approach has been employed to infer causality between AT and labour market participation.

Findings

The study found that the labour force participation rate (LFPR) in India amongst the disabled population was 29% in the age group of 15–65 years in 2017–2018, as compared to 52% in the general population. Around two-thirds of the PwD respondents who were advised to acquire aid appliances acquired them, implying limited access to AT. The probability of LFPR in disabled population increases by 26.6% with access to AT particularly in urban areas.

Practical implications

Persistent issues such as lack of adequate amenities, poor literacy and a lack of vocational skills need to be addressed to improve labour market outcomes for the disabled population in rural areas.

Originality/value

Despite its role in promoting distributive justice and inclusive development, research on equity gaps in access to AT and its impact on labour market outcomes is scant. This is the first paper that provides empirical evidence on the impact of access to AT on LFPR in the context of low- and middle-income countries.
Adopting artificial intelligence driven technology in medical education
Authors: Abdekhoda Mohammadhiwa , Dehnad Afsaneh
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing paradigm and has made considerable changes in many fields of study, including medical education. However, more investigations are needed to successfully adopt AI in medical education. The purpose of this study was identify the determinant factors in adopting AI-driven technology in medical education.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a descriptive-analytical study in which 163 faculty members from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were randomly selected by nonprobability sampling technique method. The faculty members’ intention concerning the adoption of AI was assessed by the conceptual path model of task-technology fit (TTF).

Findings

According to the findings, “technology characteristics,” “task characteristics” and “TTF” showed direct and significant effects on AI adoption in medical education. Moreover, the results showed that the TTF was an appropriate model to explain faculty members’ intentions for adopting AI. The valid proposed model explained 37% of the variance in faulty members’ intentions to adopt AI.

Practical implications

By presenting a conceptual model, the authors were able to examine faculty members’ intentions and identify the key determining factors in adopting AI in education. The model can help the authorities and policymakers facilitate the adoption of AI in medical education. The findings contribute to the design and implementation of AI-driven technology in education.

Originality/value

The finding of this study should be considered when successful implementation of AI in education is in progress.
Unlocking organizational change: a deep dive through a data triangulation in healthcare
Authors: Da Ros Alessandra , Pennucci Francesca , De Rosis Sabina
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems, presenting unforeseen challenges that necessitated the implementation of change management strategies to adapt to the new contextual conditions. This study aims to analyze organizational changes within the total hip replacement (THR) surgery pathway at multiple levels, including macro, meso and micro. It employs data triangulation from various sources to gauge the complexity of the change process and comprehend how multi-level decision-making influenced an unexpected shift.

Design/methodology/approach

A multicentric, single in-depth case study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. Data sources included patient-reported outcome measures specific to the THR pathway and carefully structured in-depth interviews administered to managers and clinicians in two healthcare organizations serving the same population.

Findings

Decisions made at the macro level resulted in an overall reduction in surgical activities. Organizational changes at the meso level led to a complete cessation or partial reorganization of activities. Micro-level actions for change and adaptation revealed diverse and fragmented change management strategies.

Practical implications

Organizations with segmented structures may require a robust and structured department for coordinating change management responses to prevent the entire system from becoming stuck in the absorptive phase of change. However, it is important to recognize that absorptive solutions can serve as a starting point for genuine innovations in change management.

Originality/value

The utilization of data triangulation enables the authors to visualize how specific changes implemented in response to the pandemic have influenced the observed outcomes. From a managerial perspective, it provides insights into how future innovations could be introduced.
vgck versus vack: The contributions of children's early sub‐lexical orthographic knowledge to gains in word reading
Authors: Heintzman Savannah M. , Conrad Nicole J. , Deacon S. Hélène
Published: January 2024

Background

Young children clearly know quite a bit about the conventions of written language; for instance, 5‐year‐old children are sensitive to the fact that words tend to include both consonants and vowels, rather than just one or the other. The core theoretical debate lies in whether this understanding of sub‐lexical orthographic regularities predicts children's reading development. To provide empirical data on this question, we examined whether individual differences in sub‐lexical orthographic knowledge were related to gains in word reading over a year.

Methods

We measured sub‐lexical orthographic knowledge in Grade 1 by asking children to choose which of two letter‐strings looked most word‐like: one containing vowels and consonants and one containing all consonants or all vowels (e.g., vack vs vgck or uaie, respectively). Children completed control measures of phonological awareness, vocabulary and nonverbal ability in Grade 1. Word reading was measured in both Grades 1 and 2.

Results

Linear regression analyses identified a small but significant and unique contribution of sub‐lexical orthographic knowledge in Grade 1 to word reading in Grade 2, after controls for the above measures as well as age, parental education and the auto‐regressor of Grade 1 word reading.

Conclusions

This finding suggests a role for knowledge of sub‐lexical orthographic regularities in children's gains in word reading.
Molecules in the hippo pathway that regulate Th17 differentiation reveal the severity of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Xu Xiaohan , Liu Wanlin , Liu Yue , Wu Dongmei , Pang Bo , Zhao Zhe , Zhao Yanan , Liu Hongxiao
Published: January 2024

Aim

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive, and inflammatory autoimmune disease of unknown origin that affects the axial skeleton and sacroiliac joints, resulting in pain and loss of function. AS is characterized by the overdifferentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, which contribute to the development of the disease. The Hippo signaling pathway is an important regulator of Th17 differentiation, but its role in patients with AS is unclear. We aimed to investigate the role of key molecules of the Hippo signaling pathway in inflammatory Th17 differentiation in patients with AS and to examine their correlation with disease stages.

Methods

We examined the activity of the Hippo pathway in patients with AS and the regulation of Th17 differentiation during AS‐mediated inflammation. Blood samples were collected from 60 patients with AS at various stages and 30 healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation. The Serum Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) levels in patients with AS and healthy controls were quantified by ELISA. The key molecules of Hippo pathway were assessed by real‐time PCR for their mRNA expression, and protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis.

Results

Elevated serum interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) levels were observed in patients with AS compared with healthy controls. The protein and mRNA levels of retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), transcriptional coactivator with a PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ), and key upstream transcription factors in the Hippo signaling pathway were measured. The expression of RORγt and TAZ was increased in the blood of patients with AS, whereas the expression of other Hippo pathway proteins, such as MST1/2 and NDR1/2, was significantly decreased. Increased levels of IL‐17 and TAZ were significantly associated with disease activity. In addition, MST1, MST2, and NDR1 levels were negatively correlated with TAZ, RORγt, and IL‐17 levels.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the Hippo pathway plays a significant role in the regulation of Th17 differentiation and disease activity in patients with AS. The upregulation of TAZ and downregulation of key Hippo pathway proteins, such as MST1/2 and NDR1/2, may contribute to AS pathogenesis. These proteins may serve as biomarkers and may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for AS.
Microorganism community structure: A characterisation of agrosystems from Madeira Archipelago
Authors: Oliveira Maria Cristina O. , Ragonezi Carla , Valente Sofia , de Freitas José G. R. , Pinheiro de Carvalho Miguel A. A.
Published: January 2024

Microbial diversity profoundly influences soil ecosystem functions, making it vital to monitor community dynamics to comprehend its structure. Our study focused on six agrosystems in Madeira Archipelago, analysing bacteria, archaea, fungi and AMF through classical microbiology and molecular techniques. Despite distinct edaphoclimatic conditions and management practices, bacterial structures exhibited similarities, with Alphaproteobacteria at 18%–20%, Bacilli at 11%–18% and Clostridia at 9%–14%. The predominance of copiothrophic groups suggested that soil nutrient content was the driver of these communities. Regarding archaea, the communities changed among sites, and it was evident that agrosystems provided niches for methanogens. The Crenarchaeota varied between 15% and 29%, followed by two classes of Euryarchaeota, Methanomicrobia (17%–25%) and Methanococci (4%–32%). Fungal communities showed consistent composition at the class level but had differing diversity indices due to management practices and soil texture. Sordaryomycetes (21%–28%) and Agaricomycetes (15%–23%) were predominant. Conversely, AMF communities appeared to be also influenced by the agrosystem, with Glomus representing over 50% of the community in all agrosystems. These insights into microbial groups' susceptibilities to environmental conditions are crucial for maintaining healthy soil and predicting climate change effects on agrosystems' productivity, resilience and sustainability. Additionally, our findings enable the development of more robust prediction models for agricultural practices.
Why China supports NDB membership expansion: Going multilateral amid power struggles
Authors: Zhu Jiejin
Published: January 2024

This article aims to detail why China supports the expansion of the NDB membership, arguing that NDB membership expansion is a medium‐term solution to help manage geopolitical rivalry and tensions between state powers in the NDB. The BRICS equality and consensus‐oriented governance arrangements are unique governance features of the NDB, however, Chinese officials have observed that these organizational structures have become the conduits for geopolitical tensions to be transmitted into the functioning of the Bank, specifically as the India‐China tensions, and the growing conflict between Russia and the West. China's strategy is that the addition of more members to the NDB will help to dilute the inter‐state tensions by expanding and diversifying the number of voices at the decision‐making table, as well as the capital contribution base for the Bank, and the scope of potential borrowers. China is pursuing an “increase in multilateralism” to help with managing the inter‐state rivalries that have been transmitted into the Bank, a medium‐term strategy for reducing conflict between the BRICS governments within the NDB, and for maintaining the collective cohesion of the BRICS as a diplomatic grouping.
The art of the Trump‐Iran deal: An unsuccessful coercive foreign policy
Authors: Kamel Amir Magdy
Published: January 2024

The success of a state's coercive foreign policy depends on how much influence it has over a ‘target’ – a premise that assumes other factors do not obstruct the policy goal. In practice however, the nature of the international system complicates the potential for such a policy's success. This paper examines this idea using the 2018 US decision that aimed to dismantle the JCPOA by pulling out of the agreement and re‐sanctioning Iran. To do so, this paper engages with the general and region‐specific literature on coercive foreign policy, sets out a background of US‐Iranian ties and examines the consensus‐driven momentum that led to the JCPOA, along with the unilateral 2018 US decision to renege on the agreement. The findings demonstrate how the US and Iranian political environments made it difficult to realise the coercive foreign policy goal of dismantling the JCPOA. The reasons for this centre on the notion that the interconnected nature of the international system diminishes the effectiveness of this type of coercive foreign policy – even when considering the USA as a powerful implementer of this policy. Thus, I argue for the importance of capturing contextual factors when considering this type of international relations.
Role of occupational therapy in person‐centred dementia care: Exploring family member and clinician perceptions
Authors: Richards Kieva , Mills Nicole , Hitch Danielle
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the role of occupational therapy in dementia facilities using a person‐centred model of care, from the perspective of family members, occupational therapists and multidisciplinary health professionals.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted, and all data were evaluated using thematic analysis. Semi‐structured interviews were completed with eight family members and five multidisciplinary health professionals. Four occupational therapists practising in dementia care also provided qualitative data via an online survey.

Results

The analysis identified two key themes around perceptions of occupational therapy in person‐centred dementia care. These themes were (1) the poorly defined scope of the occupational therapy role and (2) the perceived features of the occupational therapy role.

Conclusions

While the perceptions and experiences of participants varied, the scope of this role is currently poorly defined. Occupational therapists in this setting commonly facilitate positive social interaction and present‐oriented occupational engagement with residents and are also recognised as building workforce capacity with multidisciplinary colleagues. Without a clearly defined scope of practice, the role of occupational therapy in enabling health and well‐being for people with dementia cannot be coherently articulated. This could lead to underutilisation of occupational therapy services, and lost opportunities for residents to experience improved health and well‐being.
Improving hip fracture care: A five‐year review of the early contributors to the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry
Authors: Taylor Morag E. , Ramsay Niamh , Mitchell Rebecca , McDougall Catherine , Harris Ian A. , Hallen Jamie , Ward Nicola , Hurring Sarah , Harvey Lara A. , Armstrong Elizabeth , Close Jacqueline C. T.
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine temporal trends (2016–2020) in hip fracture care in Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) hospitals that started providing patient‐level data to the ANZ Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR) on/before 1 January 2016 (early contributors).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of early contributor hospitals (n = 24) to the ANZHFR. The study cohort included patients aged ≥50 years admitted with a low trauma hip fracture between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020 (n = 26,937). Annual performance against 11 quality indicators and 30‐ and 365‐day mortality were examined.

Results

Compared to 2016/2017, year‐on‐year improvements were demonstrated for preoperative cognitive assessment (2020: OR 3.57, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.29–3.87) and nerve block use prior to surgery (2020: OR 4.62, 95% CI 4.17–5.11). Less consistent improvements over time from 2016/2017 were demonstrated for emergency department (ED) stay of <4 h (2017; 2020), pain assessment ≤30 min of ED presentation (2020), surgery ≤48 h (2020) and bone protection medication prescribed on discharge (2017–2020; 2020 OR 2.22, 95% CI 2.03–2.42). The odds of sustaining a hospital‐acquired pressure injury increased in 2019–2020 compared to 2016. The odds of receiving an orthogeriatric model of care and being offered the opportunity to mobilise on Day 1 following surgery fluctuated. There was a reduction in 365‐day mortality in 2020 compared to 2016 (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74–0.98), whereas 30‐day mortality did not change.

Conclusions

Several quality indicators improved over time in early contributor hospitals. Indicators that did not improve may be targets for future care improvement activities, including considering incentivised hip fracture care, which has previously been shown to improve care/outcomes. COVID‐19 and reporting practices may have impacted the study findings.
Choice of formal and informal care among community‐dwelling older people with or without dementia under a long‐term care insurance pilot program in China
Authors: Shi Cheng , Chan Wing‐kit , Yang Jianwei
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study examines the use of publicly funded formal and informal care among community‐dwelling long‐term care insurance (LTCI) beneficiaries in China and how dementia differentiates the choice of care.

Methods

Using administrative data from a LTCI pilot scheme in Guangzhou (n = 2043), we conducted a multinomial logistic regression to examine the association between dementia and the choice of family members (informal unpaid care), domestic helpers (informal paid care) and care workers (formal care), controlling for demographics, living environment and intensity of paid care hours.

Results

Most LTCI beneficiaries chose a family member (65%), followed by a domestic helper (21%) and a care worker (14%). After controlling for covariates, LTCI beneficiaries with dementia were more likely than their counterparts without dementia to choose care provided by a care worker (RRR: 1.73) or a living‐in helper (RRR: 1.43) than a family member.

Conclusions

A preference for informal care was observed among LTCI beneficiaries in China. Those with dementia were more likely than those without dementia to use care provided by non‐family caregivers. The pilot scheme findings provide further insight into care recipients' preferences for service utilisation and how dementia impacts these preferences, which should be considered in future policy and service provision.
Parental stress and food allergy phenotypes in young children: A National Birth Cohort (JECS)
Authors: Yamamoto‐Hanada Kiwako , Pak Kyongsun , Iwamoto Shintaro , Konishi Mizuho , Saito‐Abe Mayako , Sato Miori , Miyaji Yumiko , Mezawa Hidetoshi , Nishizato Minaho , Yang Limin , Kumasaka Natsuhiko , Ohya Yukihiro ,   for the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) Group
Published: January 2024

Background

Food allergy children and their families tend to have emotional distress and anxiety. There have been few reports of differences in parenting stress and a child's food allergy phenotypes.

Methods

We examined the associations between food allergy phenotypes in children and parenting stress assessed by the Parenting Stress Index‐Short Form (PSI‐SF) from a national birth cohort (Japan Environment and Children's Study).

Results

We included 65,805 children for statistical analysis. Of them, 7.2% of children had a food allergy diagnosis at 2 years old. The means of the total PSI‐SF (39.9 ± 10.3, 39.1 ± 9.9), CD‐SF (19.5 ± 5.4, 19.1 ± 5.2), and PD‐SF (20.5 ± 6.3, 20.0 ± 6.1) scores are similar for caregivers in the with and without food allergy groups. Food allergy diagnosis resulted in significantly higher total PSI scores (coefficient .47, 95% CI 0.19–0.75, p = .001), CD‐SF (coefficient .22, 95% CI 0.07–0.38, p = .004), and PD‐SF (coefficient .24, 95% CI 0.08–0.41, p = .004). A similar trend was observed for allergy reactions to hen's egg. However, there was no clear relationship between allergic reactions to milk, wheat, nuts, and PSI‐SF.

Conclusions

Parental stress was significantly related to a child's food allergy. Furthermore, hen's egg allergy increased parental stress. Multiple food avoidance might also increase parental stress. Healthcare providers need to be aware of parental stress in our daily clinic.
A case of laparoscopic revision surgery 30 years after vertical banded gastroplasty for morbid obesity
Authors: Matsumoto Yasunori , Iida Shinichiro , Kano Masayuki , Suito Hiroshi , Hayashi Hideki , Hayano Koichi , Kurata Yoshihiro , Otsuka Ryota , Takahashi Yumiko , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: January 2024

As the number of bariatric and metabolic surgeries being performed is increasing, the importance of revision surgeries is escalating. In this report, we describe a case of revision surgery performed 30 years after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), including a review of the surgical techniques. The patient was a male in his 50s who had previously undergone VBG for morbid obesity (body mass index of 72.6 kg/m2), resulting in gradual weight loss. Twenty‐eight years later, reflux symptoms due to stenosis of the mesh area developed. Despite conservative treatment, the symptoms recurred, and aspiration pneumonia developed. Gastrojejunal and Y‐anastomoses were performed laparoscopically. Postoperatively, the patient progressed well with no weight regain. In revision surgery, it is essential to accurately assess the patient's pathophysiology, as the surgical technique must consider improvement in symptoms, risk of weight regain, and the need for observation of the residual stomach.
A case of laparoscopic hepatic S4 partial resection after coronary artery bypass grafting using the right gastroepiploic artery
Authors: Matsumoto Akio , Morita Yoshifumi , Ida Shinya , Muraki Ryuta , Kitajima Ryo , Furuhashi Satoru , Takeda Makoto , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Kurachi Kiyotaka , Torii Kakeru , Sato Masanori , Takahashi Daisuke , Shiiya Norihiko , Takeuchi Hiroya
Published: January 2024

Laparoscopic liver resection has become safer over time, making it a viable option for patients previously considered high‐risk. We discuss a case in which a 73‐year‐old man underwent laparoscopic liver resection after coronary artery bypass grafting using the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA). The patient was noted to have liver metastases of rectal cancer in the medial segment. Laparoscopic hepatic S4 partial resection was done after preoperative assessment of the RGEA graft pathway by computed tomography. During the operation, the RGEA graft was adherent to the dorsal surface of the liver, but the laparoscopic approach allowed fine dissection. The tumor was then safely removed, and the patient was discharged without complications. Preoperative assessment of the graft pathway is necessary because of the lack of tactile sensation during laparoscopic surgery. However, a magnified view of the laparoscope enabled us to perform fine dissection to avoid injury to the graft vessels.
Difficult‐to‐treat primary immune thrombocytopenia in adults: Prevalence and burden. Results from the CARMEN‐France registry
Authors: Moulis Guillaume , Rueter Manuela , Duvivier Aymeric , Mahévas Matthieu , Viallard Jean‐François , Comont Thibault , Chèze Stéphane , Audia Sylvain , Ebbo Mikaël , Terriou Louis , Lega Jean‐Christophe , Jeandel Pierre‐Yves , Hemim Ines , Bozzi Sylvie , Daak Ahmed , Okada Hikaru , Bonnotte Bernard , Michel Marc , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Godeau Bertrand ,   the CARMEN‐France Investigators Group
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the burden of difficult‐to‐treat primary ITP (pITP), defined by the need for another ITP treatment after romiplostim and eltrombopag. Adult patients were selected in the prospective, real‐world CARMEN‐France registry up to December 2021. Out of 821 adult patients with pITP, 29 had difficult‐to‐treat ITP (3.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3%–4.8% in total; 7.6%; 95% CI: 4.9%–10.2% of patients needing ≥2nd line treatment). The 3‐year cumulative incidence of bleeding, infection and thrombosis was 100%, 24.1% and 13.8% respectively. The median cumulative duration of hospital stays was 31 days (median follow‐up: 30.3 months).
Left atrial strain is reduced following trastuzumab in breast cancer patients
Authors: Lassen Mats C. Højbjerg , Arya Farzin , Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Reeh Jacob L. T. , Melisko Michelle E. , Sarwary Shabir , Baik Alan H. , Aras Mandar A. , Qasim Atif
Published: January 2024

Background

The effect of trastuzumab therapy on left atrial (LA) function remains largely unknown. Our aim was to assess the changes in LA strain parameters longitudinally in patients treated with trastuzumab.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 170 patients with stage I‐IV HER2+ breast cancer. All patients had baseline echocardiograms and repeat echocardiograms at 3 months and after 1 year. We measured LA strain at all three time points. Changes in LA strain and strain rate (sr) parameters were evaluated using repeated‐measures mixed‐effects models. The cohort was stratified according to development of cancer therapeutics‐related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) during follow‐up.

Results

The mean age was 52.7 ± 13.8 years, 25.3% had hypertension and 16.0% had metastatic disease. Multiple LA strain parameters (predicted delta value, [95%CI]) showed statistically significant declines in patients who developed CTRCD from baseline to the 3‐month follow‐up after multivariable adjustment; LA reservoir strain (LAεres): −4.7%; [−8.1% to −1.3%], p = .007; LA conduit strain (LAεcon): −2.8%; [−5.3% to −.4%], p = .021); and LAεres sr: −.2/s; [−.3/s to −.09/s], p < .001). In patients who did not develop CTRCD, LA strain parameters declined significantly but to a smaller degree than in the CTRCD group (LAεres: −1.7%; [−3.1% to −.3%], p = .020, LAεcon: −2.2%; [−3.3% to −1.1%], p < .001, and LA booster pump strain : −2.4%; [−3.5% to −1.4%], p < .001). LA strain rates did not decline significantly in the non‐CTRCD group.

Conclusion

Trastuzumab treatment was associated with declines in LA strain parameters in patients with breast cancer. The largest declines were observed in patients who developed CTRCD during treatment.
Effect of wire diameter and extent of wire composite splint on the mobility of luxated and anchor primary teeth: A typodont study
Authors: Atif Mohammad , Sharma Saurabh , Tewari Nitesh , Rahul Morankar , Mathur Vijay Prakash , Bansal Kalpana
Published: January 2024

Background/Aims

The recommendations for splinting are well established for the injuries of permanent dentition; however, ambiguity still exists for the injuries in primary dentition. Hence, this study aimed to determine the most appropriate dimensions of stainless steel wire and its extent, for achieving the physiologic mobility in primary dentition.

Material and Methods

This study was designed as an in vitro experiment by using a typodont model of primary dentition. The baseline mobility of primary maxillary incisors was calibrated to the physiologic mobility of natural primary incisors by using a Teflon tape wrapped around the roots of resin teeth. Splinting was done using a stainless steel wire of 0.2 mm (Group I), 0.3 mm (Group II), and 0.4 mm (Group III). These groups were subdivided (a, b, and c) on the basis of the extent of the splint, and pre splint mobility (Pre‐PV) and post‐splint mobility (Post‐PV) were tested by Periotest M. The splint effect was calculated by subtracting Post‐PVs and Pre‐PVs.

Results

The normal values of mobility in healthy human volunteers ranged from 10.5 to 13. The overall splint effect was higher in Group III irrespective of the extent of the splint, whereas it was found to be the lowest in Group I (b and c). The splint effect increased with the extent of the splint in all the groups. Among all the groups, the splint effect on the anchor teeth was observed to increase with the extent of the splint and the diameter of the wire.

Conclusion

The mobility of the injured and anchor teeth splinted with 0.2‐mm stainless steel wire was similar to the pre‐splint and physiologic mobility. The most favorable extension was one tooth adjacent to the injured tooth on each side for both 0.2‐ and 0.3‐mm wires.
Comparative cytogenetics of the families Pteromalidae and Spalangiidae – a review
Authors: Gokhman Vladimir E.
Published: January 2024

Although chromosomes of only 20 members of Pteromalidae sensu lato (s.l.), which belong to the families Pteromalidae sensu stricto (hence Pteromalidae) and Spalangiidae, are studied up to now, the accumulated cytogenetic information has important implications for taxonomic and evolutionary studies of these parasitoids. Within the former family, which includes the overwhelming majority of karyotypically studied species of Pteromalidae s.l., the known haploid chromosome number (n) can vary from 4 to 7 in Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani) and Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard), respectively, with a clear mode at n = 5. Among these parasitoids, Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) is the most thoroughly studied species in terms of modern cytogenetic techniques. On the contrary, chromosomes of only two members of Spalangiidae are known, both belonging to the Spalangia endius Walker complex, with n = 4 and 6. A few cosmopolitan cryptic species of the family Pteromalidae were studied using cytogenetic approaches. Specifically, Anisopteromalus quinarius Gokhman et Baur, a newly described parasitoid of stored‐product pests with n = 5, was initially separated from A. calandrae based on its different chromosome number. Another pteromalid with a similar biology, Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster), was also found to harbor two cryptic species with n = 5 and 6. Moreover, a morphometric study of these karyotypes suggested that the largest chromosome in the set with n = 5 has resulted from a fusion of two particular chromosomes in the karyotype with n = 6, and this hypothesis was confirmed using microdissection and whole‐chromosome painting. Recent cytogenetic and bioinformatic research also showed that N. vitripennis, Nasonia longicornis Darling, Nasonia giraulti Darling, Nasonia oneida Raychouhury et Desjardins, Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan et Legner, and Trichomalopsis sarcophagae (Gahan) (all Pteromalidae) share the TTATTGGG telomeric motif with most other Chalcidoidea. Perspectives of the chromosome study of Pteromalidae s.l. are briefly discussed.
Northeast Atlantic elasmobranch community on the move: Functional reorganization in response to climate change
Authors: Coulon Noémie , Elliott Sophie , Teichert Nils , Auber Arnaud , McLean Matthew , Barreau Thomas , Feunteun Eric , Carpentier Alexandre
Published: January 2024

While spatial distribution shifts have been documented in many marine fishes under global change, the responses of elasmobranchs have rarely been studied, which may have led to an underestimation of their potential additional threats. Given their irreplaceable role in ecosystems and their high extinction risk, we used a 24‐year time series (1997–2020) of scientific bottom trawl surveys to examine the effects of climate change on the spatial distribution of nine elasmobranch species within Northeast Atlantic waters. Using a hierarchical modeling of species communities, belonging to the joint species distribution models, we found that suitable habitats for four species increased on average by a factor of 1.6 and, for six species, shifted north‐eastwards and/or to deeper waters over the past two decades. By integrating species traits, we showed changes in habitat suitability led to changes in the elasmobranchs trait composition. Moreover, communities shifted to deeper waters and their mean trophic level decreased. We also note an increase in the mean community size at maturity concurrent with a decrease in fecundity. Because skates and sharks are functionally unique and dangerously vulnerable to both climate change and fishing, we advocate for urgent considerations of species traits in management measures. Their use would make it better to identify species whose loss could have irreversible impacts in face of the myriad of anthropogenic threats.
Field conditions for the synergistic increase of biomethane in the goaf of coal mines filled with corn straw
Authors: Li Guofu , Guo Hongyu , Zhang Minglu , Chen Linyong , Zhao Shufeng , Wei Guoqin
Published: January 2024

Synergistic fermentation of coal and corn straw is an effective tool to increase biomethane production. However, a large gap exists between the biomethane production conditions of corn straw filling coal mine goafs and laboratory experiments. In order to determine the effect of the field environment on synergistic biomethane production, biomethane production experiments with coal and corn straw were carried out under different conditions to find the key factors restricting the potential of biomethane production. The obtained results showed that various bacterial sources had significant influences on the biomethane production of coal and corn straw, and domesticated bacterial sources provided fermentation systems with more efficient biomethane production capacities than mine water sources. Biomethane production of coal and corn straw was relatively high under mixed conditions, but it was also promoted under unmixed conditions. Different inorganic minerals had different effects on synergistic biomethane production, which varied. For example, calcite, montmorillonite, and kaolin are common minerals in coal‐bearing strata that significantly enhance synergistic biomethane production of coal and corn straw. However, pyrite was found to significantly inhibit the synergistic biomethane production effect of coal and corn straw. Highly metamorphosed anthracite coal also presented biomethane production potential when stimulated by corn straw as a carbon source. The obtained results revealed the influences of different field conditions on the biomethane production of coal and corn straw and provided a reference for the field application of corn straw filling in coal mine goafs.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography‐obtained bile culture in acute cholangitis: retrospective analysis of bile cultures and risk factors in a tertiary care center
Authors: Stathopoulos Petros , Lerner Paulina , Astheimer Philipp , Breitling Lutz P. , Zumblick Malte , Pararas Michael , Lohoff Michael , Gress Thomas M. , Denzer Ulrike W.
Published: January 2024

Background

Collection of bile aspirate during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is essential to identify pathogens responsible for acute cholangitis. Limited data are available on the risk factors for the presence of multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDRO) in bile.

Methods

We conducted this retrospective, single‐center study to assess the prevalence and susceptibility rates of bacteria in bile cultures, and the risk factors for the presence of pathogens, MDRO, and fungi in bile. All consecutive patients who underwent biliary drainage for acute cholangitis from January 2017 to December 2019 were included.

Results

443/1610 ERCPs were performed for acute cholangitis. Bile culture was collected in 91.4% (405/443), of which 86.7% were positive. Most common isolates were Enterococcus faecalis (37.6%) and Escherichia coli (32.8%). Vancomycin resistance was found in 9.9% of Enterococcus species (spp.); extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases in 11.2% and 0.9% of Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. The empiric antimicrobial therapy was changed in 26.4% (n = 107) of cases, with a clinical response in 90.7%. In multivariate analysis, biliary stenting was an independent risk factor for positive bile culture (odds ratio [OR] 9.43; P < 0.01). Independent risk factors for MDRO in bile were patient age>60 years (OR 2.51; P = 0.03), previous sphincterotomy (OR 2.57; P = 0.02), and biliary stenting (OR 2.80; P < 0.01). Previous sphincterotomy was the only risk factor for isolation of fungi in bile (OR 1.61; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Our study showed an increasing prevalence of Enterococcus spp. and MDRO. Bile cultures should be routinely collected in cholangitis and in patients with repeated ERCPs to allow more efficient antimicrobial treatment.
The Future of School Health Education in the United States: An Ontology
Authors: Kolbe Lloyd J.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

As summarized in this article, the widespread implementation of modern school health education (SHE) could become one of the most effective means available to improve the well‐being of people in the United States and in other nations. However, the development and evolution of SHE largely remains unorganized, underdeveloped, and neglected by health and education agencies, policymakers, and the public.

METHODS

Essential to the development of any scientific discipline, scientists today use the word ontology to refer to efforts to organize knowledge in particular domains. A useful working definition of a scientific ontology is an explicit, formal specification of a shared conceptualization—a systematic set of shared terms and an explication of their interrelationships. Nine interdependent questions are outlined to help guide the development of an initial, broad, and actionable scientific ontology for SHE.

RESULTS

Whether and how we respond to these questions arguably will determine the future of SHE research, policy, practice, and equity in the United States.

CONCLUSIONS

An initial ontology might help conceptualize, inform, and facilitate more systematic and strategic local, state, national, and international deliberations and actions to improve SHE.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy for pacing induced cardiomyopathy: Role of baseline right ventricular pacing burden
Authors: Shahab Ahmed , Lacy Sean , Chandler Jonathan K. , Sheldon Seth H. , Pimentel Rhea C. , Dendi Raghuveer A. , Ramirez Rigoberto R. , Emert Martin P. , Berenbom Loren D. , Reddy Y. Madhu , Apte Nachiket , Noheria Amit
Published: January 2024

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is indicated for patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing burden ≥40% (pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy, PICM). It is uncertain whether baseline RV pacing burden impacts response to CRT.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of all CRT upgrades for PICM at our hospital from January 2017 to December 2018. Univariate and multivariable‐adjusted changes in LVEF, and echocardiographic response (≥10% improvement in LVEF) at 3–12 months post‐CRT upgrade were compared in those with RV pacing burden ≥90% versus <90%.

Results

We included 75 patients (age 74 ± 11 years, 71% male) who underwent CRT upgrade for PICM. The baseline RV pacing burden was ≥90% in 56 patients (median 99% [IQR 98%–99%]), and <90% in 19 patients (median 79% [IQR 73%–87%]). Improvement in LVEF was greater in those with baseline RV pacing burden ≥90% versus <90% (15.7 ± 9.3% vs. 7.5 ± 9.6%, p = .003). Baseline RV pacing burden ≥90% was a strong predictor of an improvement in LVEF ≥10% after CRT upgrade both in univariate and multivariate‐adjusted models (p = .005 and .02, respectively).

Conclusion

A higher baseline RV pacing burden predicts a greater improvement in LVEF after CRT upgrade for PICM.
A chromosome‐scale genome of Rhus chinensis Mill. provides new insights into plant–insect interaction and gallotannins biosynthesis
Authors: Ni Bing‐bing , Liu Hong , Wang Zhao‐shan , Zhang Guo‐yun , Sang Zi‐yang , Liu Juan‐juan , He Cai‐yun , Zhang Jian‐guo
Published: January 2024

Rhus chinensis Mill., an economically valuable Anacardiaceae species, is parasitized by the galling aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis, resulting in the formation of the Chinese gallnut (CG). Here, we report a chromosomal‐level genome assembly of R. chinensis, with a total size of 389.40 Mb and scaffold N50 of 23.02 Mb. Comparative genomic and transcriptome analysis revealed that the enhanced structure of CG and nutritional metabolism contribute to improving the adaptability of R. chinensis to S. chinensis by supporting CG and galling aphid growth. CG was observed to be abundant in hydrolysable tannins (HT), particularly gallotannin and its isomers. Tandem repeat clusters of dehydroquinate dehydratase/shikimate dehydrogenase (DQD/SDH) and serine carboxypeptidase‐like (SCPL) and their homologs involved in HT production were determined as specific to HT‐rich species. The functional differentiation of DQD/SDH tandem duplicate genes and the significant contraction in the phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) gene family contributed to the accumulation of gallic acid and HT while minimizing the production of shikimic acid, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in CG. Furthermore, we identified one UDP glucosyltransferase (UGT84A), three carboxylesterase (CXE), and six SCPL genes from conserved tandem repeat clusters that are involved in gallotannin biosynthesis and hydrolysis in CG. We then constructed a regulatory network of these genes based on co‐expression and transcription factor motif analysis. Our findings provide a genomic resource for the exploration of the underlying mechanisms of plant‐galling insect interaction and highlight the importance of the functional divergence of tandem duplicate genes in the accumulation of secondary metabolites.
Clinicopathologic profiles of canine ocular melanosis: A comparative study between cairn terriers and non‐cairn terriers
Authors: Eaton J. Seth , Potnis Sanskruti S. , Cavanaugh Alexis , Davis Cody A. , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Shaw Gillian C.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To identify canine breeds at risk for ocular melanosis and to compare the clinical and histologic features between affected Cairn Terriers (CTs) and non‐Cairn Terriers (NCTs).

Design

Relative risk (RR) analysis and retrospective cohort study of dogs histologically diagnosed with ocular melanosis.

Procedures

The COPLOW archive was searched for globe submissions diagnosed with ocular melanosis. Six hundred fifty globes were included, and RR analysis was performed to identify at‐risk NCT breeds. A cohort of 360 CT and NCT globes diagnosed from 2013 to 2023 were included in the retrospective cohort study. Clinical data were collected from submission forms, medical records, and follow‐up surveys. One hundred fifty‐seven submissions underwent masked histologic review. Immunohistochemical staining for CD204 was performed to determine the predominance of melanophages in affected uvea from five NCTs.

Results

At‐risk NCT breeds included the Boxer, Labrador Retriever, and French Bulldog. Glaucoma was the reported reason for enucleation in 79.4% of submissions. At enucleation, clinical features less prevalent in NCTs than CTs included pigmentary abnormalities in the contralateral eye (33.7% vs. 63.1%, p = .0008) and abnormal episcleral/scleral pigmentation in the enucleated globe (25.4% vs. 53.6%, p = .0008). Histologic involvement of the episclera was also less frequent in NCTs than in CTs (39.7% vs. 76.9%, p = .008). Concurrent melanocytic neoplasms arising in melanosis were more common in NCTs (24.4%) than CTs (3.9%). Melanophages were not predominant in any samples evaluated immunohistochemically.

Conclusions

Several popular NCT breeds carry risk for ocular melanosis, and some clinicopathologic disease features may differ from those described in CTs.
The Female Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint: Motion and Force Changes Due to Arthritis and Surgical Intervention
Authors: Arnold Nicole D. , Chrzan Adam J. , Chan Kevin , Bush Tamara Reid
Published: January 2024

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA) has been one of the most common locations of hand OA. CMC OA disproportionately occurs in females over males. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed. However, to determine the effects of surgical treatment, normative, pre-, and postsurgery function must be understood. The goals of this work were to compare the thumb motion and force abilities of older healthy (OH) females without CMC OA to those of females with CMC OA and who received ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition (LRTI) surgery at time points presurgery, 3- and 6-months postsurgery. On average, CMC OA participants 3- and 6-months postsurgery showed 35.6% and 32.9% less overall metacarpal motion compared to presurgery, 31.9% and 29.1% less than OH, and exhibited altered motion. Metacarpal flexion/extension and abduction/adduction ranges were 51.9 deg and 43.4 deg for OH, 52.9 deg and 40.3 deg presurgery, 39.9 deg and 33.5 deg at 3-months, and 42.6 deg and 32.7 deg at 6-months postsurgery. On average, participants had increased force generation at 6-months postsurgery compared to presurgery, and 20% of participants returned to the level of OH females. These data sets highlight changes in thumb metacarpal movement and thumb force generation due to disease and surgical intervention. This work has the ability to support both surgeons and patients through improved outcome assessments as well as additional data to inform the decision process on intervention.
Open-Loop Centering of a Point Mass on a Horizontally Vibrating Frictional Table
Authors: Manthena Dheeraj Varma , Vyasarayani C. P. , Chatterjee Anindya
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study a particle sliding on a horizontally vibrating frictional table. This dynamical system has applications in parts manipulation within robotics and manufacturing. We first show numerically that, upon vibrating the table in a specific open-loop way, the particle moves to a target location under Coulomb friction alone. We then turn to analytical treatment of the system. The governing equations have strong nonlinearities due to the friction. We apply the method of multiple scales (MMS) near a 1:2 resonance in two frequencies relevant to the forcing. Application of the MMS requires some difficult integrals, for which we develop asymptotic approximations. The MMS slow flow has logarithmic nonlinearities, is valid near the target location on the table, and is easy to integrate numerically since it retains parametric excitation only in slow time. The slow flow matches very well with full numerical solutions. This problem has a practical motivation, novel elements in the application of the MMS, a satisfactory slow flow, and potential for further analytical simplification.