bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ligustilide‐loaded liposome ameliorates mitochondrial impairments and improves cognitive function via the PKA/AKAP1 signaling pathway in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Xiangxiang , Yang Bing , Li Yan , Sun Xue‐Heng , Li Xiang , Sui Ping , Wang Yi‐Bin , Tian Shu‐Yu , Wang Chun‐Yan
Published: September 2023

Background

Oxidative stress is an early event in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and maybe a pivotal point of interaction governing AD pathogenesis; oxidative stress contributes to metabolism imbalance, protein misfolding, neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major contributor to oxidative stress. As vital sources of ROS, mitochondria are also the primary targets of ROS attack. Seeking effective avenues to reduce oxidative stress has attracted increasing attention for AD intervention.

Methods

We developed liposome‐packaged Ligustilide (LIG) and investigated its effects on mitochondrial function and AD‐like pathology in the APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mouse model of AD, and analyzed possible mechanisms.

Results

We observed that LIG‐loaded liposome (LIG‐LPs) treatment reduced oxidative stress and β‐amyloid (Aβ) deposition and mitigated cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice. LIG management alleviated the destruction of the inner structure in the hippocampal mitochondria and ameliorated the imbalance between mitochondrial fission and fusion in the APP/PS1 mouse brain. We showed that the decline in cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) and A‐kinase anchor protein 1 for PKA (AKAP1) was associated with oxidative stress and AD‐like pathology. We confirmed that LIG‐mediated antioxidant properties and neuroprotection were involved in upregulating the PKA/AKAP1 signaling in APPswe cells in vitro.

Conclusion

Liposome packaging for LIG is relatively biosafe and can overcome the instability of LIG. LIG alleviates mitochondrial dysfunctions and cognitive impairment via the PKA/AKAP1 signaling pathway. Our results provide experimental evidence that LIG‐LPs may be a promising agent for AD therapy.
Melatonin attenuates chronic sleep deprivation‐induced cognitive deficits and HDAC3‐Bmal1/clock interruption
Authors: Hu Yujie , Lv Yefan , Long Xiaoyan , Yang Guoshuai , Zhou Jinxia
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Sleep is predicted as a key modulator of cognition, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of melatonin on chronic rapid eye movement sleep deprivation (CRSD)‐induced cognitive impairment and circadian dysfunction in rat models.

Methods

Thirty‐six Sprague‐Dawley male rats were divided into three groups: CRSD with saline treatment, CRSD with chronic melatonin injection (20 mg/kg/day), and non‐sleep‐deprived control. The cognitive behavioral tests as well as the expression of clocks and HDAC3 were evaluated in all groups.

Results

CRSD significantly reduced recognition index in novel object location, increased escape latency and distance traveling in Morris water maze while melatonin treatment attenuated CRSD‐induced hippocampal‐dependent spatial learning and memory deficits. Furthermore, the mRNAs of brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator‐like 1(Bmal1) and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock) were globally down‐regulated by CRSD with constant intrinsic oscillation in both hippocampus and peripheral blood. The protein levels of hippocampal Bmal1, Clock, and HDAC3 were also remarkably down‐regulated following CRSD. Melatonin treatment reversed CRSD‐induced alterations of Bmal1/Clock and HDAC3 on both mRNA levels and protein levels.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that melatonin treatment attenuates CRSD‐induced cognitive impairment via regulating HDAC3‐Bmal1/Clock interaction. These findings explore a broader understanding of the relationship between sleep and cognition and provide a potential new therapeutic target for cognitive impairment.
Stock Market's Response to Real Output Shocks in China: A VARwAL Estimation
Authors: Ülkü Numan , Wu Kexing
Published: September 2023

This paper studies the connection between the stock market and real output in China and compares it with benchmark countries, employing a novel vector autoregression with asymmetric leads (VARwAL) model. It makes two contributions. First, it finds that the time profile of the Chinese stock market's response to real output shocks suggests no evidence of a distorted relationship due to manipulation of Chinese real output data or domination of the Chinese stock market by individual investors. Rather, the Chinese stock market is relatively more responsive to real output, in line with the larger share of manufacturing in the Chinese economy. Electricity output and industrial profits, two different, less‐manipulable time series, yield similar results. Second, it presents the first use of VARwAL impulse responses to detect stock market bubbles: VARwAL captures the 2015 bubble in China successfully. Over the full sample period, China's stock market appears to have been less prone to bubbles than the US stock market.
E‐commerce and Consumption Inequality in China
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Zeng Maoxia , Shi Mingming
Published: September 2023

Consumption inequality may impede economic development and hinder the achievement of common prosperity. Using three waves of the China Family Panel Studies from 2014 to 2018, this paper investigated the impact of e‐commerce on consumption inequality, as measured by the Kakwani index. The results indicate that e‐commerce can reduce household consumption inequality. A mechanism analysis shows that e‐commerce can narrow household income inequality, increase the purchasing power of low‐income households, and promote the consumption of households with limited access to offline markets, thereby reducing the consumption gap. A heterogeneity analysis suggests that the positive role of e‐commerce in reducing consumption inequality can be more significant among vulnerable households, such as households with elderly members and less‐educated households. E‐commerce can have varying impacts on consumption inequality across different subcategories of household expenditure, with the greatest impact seen in entertainment and education expenditure. These findings provide new evidence for the role of e‐commerce in reducing consumption inequality in the digital economy, and the implications of this are discussed.
Human Capital Development and Its Influence on FDI Withdrawal: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Li Chuanchuan , Li Lei , Tang Haodan , Zheng Yanyan , Gong Fangming
Published: September 2023

This paper examines the causal effect of human capital expansion on the exit of foreign‐owned firms using the difference‐in‐differences method together with a quasi‐natural experiment involving the expansion of higher education in China in 1999. The expansion of human capital reduces the probability of the exit of foreign‐owned firms significantly. This conclusion remains robust under a series of tests, including changing the sample range, adjusting the identification method, and considering the trade liberalization. Analysis of the mechanism indicates that human capital expansion reduces the exit probability of foreign‐owned firms by stimulating innovation, improving production efficiency, and optimizing the quality of input and output goods. Industries with higher asset specificity are also more likely to restrain the exit of foreign‐owned firms through human capital expansion. Overall, the findings of this study provide a good insight into the exit behavior of FDI in China from the perspective of human capital.
Can the Super‐deduction of R&D Expenses Boost R&D Investment?
Authors: Qian Tao , Zhan Yutao , Pan Shiyuan
Published: September 2023

The super‐deduction of research and development (R&D) expenses is at the core of the policy to stimulate enterprise innovation in China. This paper identifies whether firms are supported by the super‐deduction policies for R&D expenses and uses the difference‐in‐differences method to investigate the impact of the policies on R&D investment. The results show that changes in policy in 2013 significantly increased the R&D investment of firms engaging in key state‐supported technologies. Policy changes in 2016 significantly increased the R&D investment of firms engaging in non‐key‐state‐supported technologies. Enterprises not only invested all their tax incentives in R&D activities but also increased their investment in self‐raised funds. The super‐deduction policy had different impacts on different industries, firms with different boards, and firms with different ownership. The policy significantly affected the manufacturing and construction industries, the Small and Medium Enterprise Board, and non‐state‐owned enterprises. Through a mechanism analysis, we found that the policy significantly reduced the user cost of R&D and increased the net cash flow of enterprises, which could raise a firm's R&D investment. It is necessary to increase policy support, expand the scope of super‐deductible expenses, and increase the super‐deduction rate based on industry classification according to the sensitivity of different industries to the policy.
Investigating the methods and characteristics of the trafficking of performance and image enhancing drugs in Australia
Authors: Dunn Matthew , Bright David , Fletcher Paige
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Using case law, the aims of this study were to document the methods for trafficking of performance and image‐enhancing drugs (PIED) into Australia, and the characteristics of individuals and groups involved.

Methods

Data was collected from judges' sentencing comments. Searches were conducted using the Australasian Legal Information Institute database across all states in Australia, for the period of January 2010 to December 2021. After removing duplicates and cases which did not meet the inclusion criteria, 31 cases were included in the analysis.

Results

Across the 31 cases, 37 individuals were named as being involved in the supply and/or trafficking of PIEDs, with three cases involving an unknown number of individuals. One case named four actors involved in the supply and/or trafficking of PIEDs, three cases involved three actors, four cases involved two actors and 17 cases involved one actor. In 20 of the 31 cases, individuals operated alone. Over half (19 of the 37) of the individuals were health professionals. The majority (n = 17) of cases involved prescription as the method of acquisition, while seven cases involved the importation of PIEDs.

Discussion and Conclusion

The small number of cases identified, with the majority involving only a single actor, and half of the cases involving those in the medical profession. The findings suggest that discrete occurrences of trafficking involves individuals or small groups that do not appear to be linked to large‐scale networks or networks involving the supply and trafficking of other illicit substances.
Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring and hypoglycaemia awareness in drivers with diabetes: Insights from the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists Nationwide audit
Authors: Mark‐Wagstaff Charlotte , Deshmukh Harshal , Wilmot Emma G. , Walker Neil , Barnes Dennis , Parfitt Vernon , Saunders Simon , Gregory Rob , Choudhary Pratik , Patmore Jane , Walton Chris , Ryder Robert E. J. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat
Published: September 2023

Aim

Frequent hypoglycaemia results in disruption to usual hypoglycaemic autonomic responses leading to impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia, which is associated with an increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia requiring third‐party assistance (SH). The UK Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) does not permit car driving if they have either a complete loss of hypoglycaemia awareness or more than one SH event a year.

Methods

The FreeStyle Libre (FSL) Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) Nationwide Audit consists of data collected by clinicians during routine clinical work, submitted into a secure web‐based tool held within the National Health Service (NHS) N3 network. Analysis of paired baseline and follow‐up data for people with type 1 diabetes who also held a driving licence was undertaken.

Results

The study consisted of 6304 people who had data recorded about driving status from 102 UK specialist diabetes centres, of which 4218 held a driving licence: 4178 a group 1, standard licence, 33 a group 2, large lorries and buses, seven a taxi licence; 1819 did not drive. Paired baseline and follow‐up data were available for a sub‐cohort of 1606/4218. At a mean follow‐up of 6.9 months [95% CI (6.8, 7.1)], the Gold score had improved (2.3 ± 1.5 vs. 2.0 ± 1.3 p < .001), and the number of people who experienced an SH episode was also significantly lower (12.1% vs. 2.7%, p < .001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring may improve impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia and reduce the number of people with type 1 diabetes with a driving licence experiencing a severe hypoglycaemic episode.
Between us: Facilitated decision‐making in the relational experience of profound intellectual disability
Authors: Jackson Aaron J.
Published: September 2023

This article situates an analysis of facilitated decision‐making in the lived relational experience of caring for someone with a profound intellectual disability. Drawing from the experiences of a father and daughter residing in Boston, Massachusetts, I highlight the emotional dynamics and expressions of ableism that reverberate through social institutions and intersubjective relationships in shaping actions and practices around decision‐making support. These ubiquitous encounters, rooted in shared relational histories, bring into focus the affective grounds and embodied motivations that inform the practice of facilitated decision‐making within public spaces and systems. In the context of this article, these decisions are geared toward carving out a place of belonging, a goal beset with uncertainty. By demonstrating that disability is a relational experience and that decision‐making is an embodied evaluative process, deeply entwined with social and communicative practices, I aim to show what this practice looks like in the thick of everyday moral life.
Bridging the gap: Survey highlights challenges and solutions in outreach and identification of people with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: Hagembe Juliana , Baumann Alain , Santaella Maria E. , Sannie Thomas , Lambert Catherine , Cruickshank Anne Louise , Gaitan‐Fitch Carlos , Suwantaroj Ekawat , Garrido Cesar , Mekhuzla Salome
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) are genetic conditions that affect blood clotting, leading to complications such as prolonged or spontaneous bleeding into muscles or joints. Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. However, effective patient outreach and identification programs for IBD face significant challenges globally.

Aim

This study aimed to identify successful patient outreach initiatives for IBD, barriers encountered during implementation, and approaches used to overcome them.

Methods

The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) conducted a survey of its national member organizations and other patient associations, totalling 153 organizations, to identify common strategies, barriers to their implementation, and solutions for outreach and the identification of people with IBD. The survey consisted of both closed‐ended and open‐ended questions, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

Common challenges included resource and sustainability‐related aspects such as financial constraints, limited lab equipment for diagnosis, and inadequate government commitment. Significant barriers also encompassed physical/geographical challenges like difficulty accessing remote areas, and inadequate logistical support and transportation. Seven themes emerged to enhance patient outreach: resource mobilization; awareness‐raising and advocacy; knowledge and capacity building; collaboration and partnership; decentralization of services; improved logistical support and infrastructure; utilization of technology and innovation; and financial aid and incentives.

Conclusion

Multistakeholder collaboration, coupled with secured government commitment, is crucial for improving global outreach, diagnosis rates, and access to care for individuals with IBD. Customized outreach programs should consider regional contexts, financial constraints, and prioritize innovation.
Revealing suitable micro‐ and macrohabitat characteristics to save the critically endangered Chilean saproxylic beetle Sclerostomulus nitidus (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)
Authors: Barahona‐Segovia Rodrigo M. , Crespin Silvio J. , Pizarro‐Sobarzo Francisco , Brito‐Rozas Enzo , Tobar‐González Matías
Published: September 2023

Saproxylic insect species have deadwood‐specific requirements to survive, such as advanced decay stages. However, in some parts of the world, deadwood is currently considered an endangered resource. The Poqui's stag beetle Sclerostomulus nitidus (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)—a critically endangered saproxylic species—was rediscovered during the 2010s, but non‐academic collection currently threatens it with extinction in a projected 10‐year span.

Our main aim was to identify key macro‐ and microhabitat tools to restore this species' population by associating the abundance of S. nitidus with deadwood micro‐ and macrohabitat variables such as vegetation type (pure Nothofagus stands vs. hygrophilous forest stands) and elevation.

We measured decay stage (low, medium and high), volume and length of dead logs and the vegetation type and elevation of where they were available inside the restricted habitat of S. nitidus and assessed these variables as predictors of S. nitidus abundance using GLM analysis.

We found that abundance (current and projected) is strongly associated (90%) with high stages of wood decay and lower elevations.

Microhabitat restoration by (i) replacement of low‐quality highly decayed deadwood but keeping equal volumes and (ii) injection of highly suitable habitat as a novel fieldwork experiment could be the best short‐term to mid‐term alternative for saving S. nitidus.
Emotional intelligence as a predictor of conflict management styles among dental hygiene students
Authors: Partido Brian , Colon Emily
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In dental hygiene education, a combination of ethics and professionalism, critical thinking, and problem‐solving skills are utilized while managing conflict in academic settings, especially in academic clinical patient care settings. Limited evidence exists in determining whether emotional intelligence is related to conflict management styles (CMS).

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether relationships exist between emotional intelligence and CMS among undergraduate dental hygiene students.

Methods

This quantitative cross‐sectional survey research study involved a non‐probabilistic sample of undergraduate dental hygiene students in the Western United States. The survey instrument consisted of three parts: 1. The Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory‐II (ROCI‐II) included 28 questions measuring 5 CMS; 2. The Emotional Quotient Self‐Assessment Checklist (EQSAC) included 30 questions measuring 6 domains of emotional intelligence (EI); and 3. Demographic questions. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlational statistics and multiple linear regression.

Results

The responses from 92 participants were analysed. Most dental hygiene participants had EI scores in the moderate range and mainly used the collaborative and compromising CMS. Total EI scores were significant predictors of collaborative, compromising, accommodating and competing CMS.

Conclusion

Improving EI scores may contribute to the increased use of the collaborative and compromising CMS in dental hygiene education.
Implementation of a nursing oral health care protocol in a university teaching hospital: A cluster‐randomized stepped‐wedge design
Authors: Schafthuizen Laura , Spruit‐Bentvelzen Lotte , van Dijk Monique , van Rosmalen Joost , Ista Erwin
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Providing oral care is an essential part of basic nursing care but receives little priority in daily practice, with a risk of adverse events. Also, nurses report many barriers to adequate provision of oral care, such as time restraints, insufficient materials, fear of causing pain, lack of knowledge and a negative attitude towards providing oral care.

Methods

We performed a cluster‐randomized, stepped‐wedge study to explore the effect of the the implementation of a new nursing evidence‐based oral care protocol on nurses' knowledge, attitude and protocol adherence. The study population included both nursing students, graduated nurses and patients in selected wards. The implementation strategy included oral and written information, instruction videos and reminders. Nurses' knowledge and attitude towards oral care were assessed at baseline and after the implementation of the protocol with a validated 47‐item questionnaire with a score range of 0–100. Secondarily, nurses' protocol adherence to teeth brushing, measured in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) dependent patients, was evaluated. The Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI) Statement was used.

Results

At baseline, the questionnaire was completed by 226 nurses; after implementation by 283. Knowledge had significantly improved from 68.8 to 72.3. Nurses' attitude improved not significantly. Protocol adherence was assessed in 73 ADL‐dependent patients at baseline, in 51 after implementation. Adherence to teeth brushing significantly decreased in patients with permanent teeth. Also, adherence to both teeth brushing and usage of soap decreased in patients with (partial) dentures.

Conclusion

Nurses' knowledge and attitude of oral care increased somewhat after the implementation of a new nursing evidence‐based protocol. After implementation, there was an unexplained decreased adherence to oral care in ADL‐dependent patients.
Duration and frequency of betel quid chewing affects periodontitis severity and life quality of people in Tanini Village, Kupang, Indonesia
Authors: Berniyanti Titiek , Jamaludin Marhazlinda Binti , Eky Yansestina Erlince , Bramantoro Taufan , Palupi Retno
Published: September 2023

Background

Chewing betel nuts can increase the risk of periodontal disease severity and potentially become malignant in the oral cavity.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the duration and frequency of betel quid chewing behaviour on periodontitis severity and the life quality of people in Tanini Village, Kupang Regency, Indonesia.

Methods

The type of this study was an analytic observational study with a cross‐sectional design. We used a questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic data. Oral Health Survey Basic Methods were used to measure debris index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, loss of attachment, and pocket depth. Behaviour and quality of life were measured by questionnaire and WHOQOL‐BREF method as well.

Results

The largest number of respondents were male. Duration of chewing had a significant relationship with the frequency of chewing and periodontal status. Periodontitis was higher compared to all categories. The lifestyle of the community greatly influenced their behaviour in betel nut chewing and also affected the severity of their periodontitis and OHIs significantly.

Conclusion

The lifestyle of betel nut chewing of the people in Tanini Village, greatly influences their behaviour. Prolonged and excessive use of betel nut induced significant adverse effects on human health. The longer and more often chew betel or areca nut, the higher the incidence of periodontitis, which significantly affects the quality of life as there is a possibility of the development of carcinogenesis, particularly in the oral cavity.
The effects of dental hygiene instrument handles on muscle activity production
Authors: Suedbeck Jessica R. , Russell Daniel , Armitano‐Lago Cortney , Ludwig Emily A.
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of 10 commercially available instrument handle designs' mass and diameter on forearm muscle activity during a simulated periodontal scaling experience.

Methods

A convenience sample of 25 registered dental hygienists was recruited for this IRB‐approved study. Ten commercially available instruments were categorized into four groups based on their masses and diameters: large diameter/light mass, small diameter/light mass, large diameter/heavy mass and small diameter/heavy mass. Participants were randomized to four instruments, one from each group. Participants scaled with each instrument in a simulated oral environment while muscle activity was collected using surface electromyography. Muscle activity was compared among the four instrument group types.

Results

Muscle activity of the flexor digitorum superficialis was not significantly influenced by instrument mass (p = 0.60) or diameter (p = 0.15). Flexor pollicis longus muscle activity was not significantly influenced by instrument mass (p = 0.81); diameter had a significant effect (p = 0.001), with smaller diameter instruments producing more muscle activity. For the extensor digitorum communis and extensor carpi radialis brevis, instrument mass did not significantly affect muscle activity (p = 0.64, p = 0.43), while diameter narrowly failed to reach significance for both muscles (p = 0.08, p = 0.08); muscle activity for both muscles increased with smaller diameter instruments.

Conclusion

Results from this study indicate instrument diameter is more influential than mass on muscle activity generation; small diameter instruments increased muscle activity generation when compared to large diameter instruments. Future research in real‐world settings is needed to determine the clinical impact of these findings.
Dental hygiene clinical faculty attitudes and likelihood of working during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Delacruz Natalie M. , Anderson Kelly L. , Smith Barbara S.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To identify circumstances that influenced dental hygiene clinical faculty's likelihood of working during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and to explore attitudes (responsibilities, personal issues, ethics, and policy statements) about working.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used a purposive sample of dental hygienists (n = 1710) employed in academic clinical settings that held full‐time, part‐time, or adjunct appointments. The Health Care Workers' Attitudes to Working During a Pandemic survey was utilized. Likelihood scores were calculated based on respondents more or less likely to work under differing circumstances. Frequencies of agreement for attitudes were developed. Correlations were explored between likelihood scores and demographic data. Answers to the open‐ended questions were categorized and described.

Results

The response rate was 13.5% (225/1710). Only one‐third of respondents had a likelihood score of 100%. Factors with the greatest impact on likelihood to work were personal protective equipment. Almost all respondents' attitudes of working indicated that their employer is responsible for providing PPE. Over 90% felt their main responsibility was to themselves/family. Correlation analyses resulted in no significant associations between likelihood scores and age, etc. Faculty are considering leaving their jobs because of pay cuts and/or not feeling safe.

Conclusion

Likelihood of working for dental hygiene faculty represents several personal and ethical decisions. Most respondents want employers to be responsible for their on‐the‐job safety. In addition, personal and work‐related issues were causes of unease. The pandemic has had far‐reaching implications on day‐to‐day work of dental hygiene clinical faculty as well as on the long‐term trajectories and views on employment in higher education.
Digital surveillance: The interest in mouthwash‐related information
Authors: Di Profio Bruna , Lotto Matheus , Ayala Aguirre Patricia E. , Villar Cristina C. , Romito Giuseppe A. , Cruvinel Thiago , Pannuti Cláudio Mendes
Published: September 2023

Background

The comprehension of the interests of Internet users regarding their health‐related searches may reveal the community's demands about oral health. The study aimed to characterize the interests of Google users related to mouthwash in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Japan, Mexico, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Saudi Arabia and South Africa applying the Google Trends.

Methods

This longitudinal retrospective study analysed the mouthwash‐related interest of Google users from January 2004 to December 2020. The monthly variation of relative search volume (RSV) and the main queries related were determined using Google Trends. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) forecasting models were built to establish the predictive RSV values for mouthwash for additional 12 months. Auto‐correlation plots and a general additive model (GAM) were used to diagnose trends and seasonality in RSV curves. In addition, the influence of social isolation related to the outbreak of COVID‐19 were analysed.

Results

The RSVs curves showed a considerable increase in searches related to mouthwash to AUS, BRA, JAP, MEX, GBR and USA (RSV > 25), while the growth was slight to CHI, KSA, RSA and RUS (RSV < 25) over the years, without influence of monthly seasonality. All countries showed a significant increase in mouthwash interest after the outbreak of COVID‐19, except for KSA and RUS. The mouthwash‐related searches were associated to specific brands or chemical compositions, treatments, whitening agents, homemade mouthwash and indications for the ‘best mouthwash’.

Conclusions

In general, there was an increasing interest of Google users in mouthwash‐related topics between 2004 and 2020. In addition, in most countries, there was an expansion in searches during the social isolation of the COVID‐19 pandemics.
Effects of interdental aids on clinical periodontal indices
Authors: Jassim Sura Dakhil
Published: September 2023

Background

Removal of plaque and food particle between teeth represent interdental cleaning. Every patient's self‐care program includes plaque removal efficiently and systematically. Periodontal disease, tooth decay and tooth loss may result from the absence of interdental cleaning or even an irregular and unsuccessful interdental cleaning.

Aim

The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of inter‐dental aids, including dental floss and toothpicks, on gingival and plaque indices.

Methods

A questionnaire including age, gender, education level and other information was obtained from 150 male subjects who were systemically and periodontally healthy. Clinical periodontal parameters (including plaque index and gingival index) were taken from each subject. The participants were categorized into different groups according to the use of inter‐dental aids (dental floss, dental picks and without any interdental aids). The participants were divided into the toothbrush‐alone group, including participants who did not use either dental floss or toothpicks; the dental floss group, including participants who used dental floss; and the toothpick group including participants who used toothpicks. Plaque and gingival indices compared among groups.

Results

Statistical analysis showed that the maximum mean of Plaque index was found in the toothbrush‐alone group (1.09 ± 0.43), while the lowest mean of Plaque index was found in the dental floss group (0.87 ± 0.39). Plaque index of the toothpick group was (0.99 ± 0.41) with statistically significant difference among groups (p‐value = 0.04*).

Conclusion

In conclusion, dental floss is the most effective mean of removing interdental plaque.
Preparation and properties of the glass‐ceramics from low Ti‐bearing blast furnace slag and waste glass
Authors: Wu Hangmi , Teng Wenxin , Feng Xin , Li Jiangling
Published: September 2023

Ti‐bearing blast furnace slag is a typical silicate material, which can be an important component for the preparation of silicate‐based glass‐ceramics. Quartz‐based waste glass is commonly used as an additive to adjust the basicity of slag‐based glass‐ceramics. In this study, the quartz‐based waste glasses were added to the Ti‐bearing blast furnace slag to prepare the mixed solid waste glass‐ceramics. The effects of waste glass content and heat treatment temperatures on the crystallization and performances of the prepared glass‐ceramics were investigated. The results showed that as the waste glass content increased, the crystallization ability of the glass was weakened. Fassaite and nepheline were identified as the dominant crystalline phases in the prepared glass‐ceramics and mainly featured a combination of both massive and dendritic forms. With increasing the heat treatment temperatures, the size of dendritic crystals first increased and then decreased. The optimal experimental conditions were identified as a waste glass content of 45%, a crystallization temperature of 900°C, and a nucleation temperature of 730°C. Under these conditions, the prepared glass‐ceramics exhibited good crystalline phase distribution and excellent mechanical properties, including a Vickers hardness of 991.67 MPa and a flexural strength of 89.81 MPa. All the prepared solid waste‐based glass‐ceramics exhibited excellent chemical durabilities.
Customer relational benefit: A second‐order meta‐analysis and an alternative framework
Authors: Vieira Valter Afonso , Araujo Clécio Falcão , de Almeida Marcos Inácio Severo
Published: September 2023

Previous literature uses first‐order meta‐analyses to overcome the divergent theories about customer relational benefit, which produced mixed results in terms of the associations found. Originally conceptualised as unidimensional, customer relational benefit is an integrative multidimensional concept that includes trust, commitment, loyalty, satisfaction, word of mouth, and other constructs involved in long‐term relational exchanges. The authors conduct a second‐order meta‐analysis on 41 first‐order meta‐analyses on customer relational benefits, generating 3.8 million observations and 3462 independent samples, resulting in an overall generalisation of the relationships between these constructs. We test three theoretical models and propose an alternative rival framework. Main results indicate that the product‐ versus consumer‐related model generates strong variance in loyalty. Second, the cognitive–affective–conative–behavioural model is not superior in terms of explaining and predicting loyalty, but our three‐stage model performs better. Third, the service‐profit chain model is an alternative in terms of generating a sequence of effects (serial perspective). Fourth, our new alternative framework (a three‐stage model based on the temporal sequence of loyalty) works better for explaining some constructs.
Decolonising Art and Design Education through Standpoint Theory, Embodied Learning and Deep Listening
Authors: MacGill Belinda
Published: September 2023

Understanding and advancing pluralist worldviews through education is a tenet of decolonisation. This paper explores the importance of a decolonial pedagogical framework in visual art and design education by disrupting epistemic injustice through employing creative body‐based learning (CBL). This approach focuses on relationality and inter‐subjectivity through embodied strategies that create encounters to explore pluralist worldviews. Finally, by employing the cognitive, affective and aesthetic domains within a learning design, the paper argues for a decolonising approach to visual art and design education that embodies deep listening, dialogic meaning making and standpoint theory.
Task type matters: The impact of virtual reality training on training performance
Authors: Yoon Meehyun , Choi Koun , Yoon Seonghye , Jo Il‐Hyun
Published: September 2023

Background

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly accessible and being utilized in various organizations to meet education and training needs. Despite its potential, research regarding VR applications has focused on measuring the effectiveness of VR programs relative to non‐VR programs; consequently, the ways in which VR programs are effective remain unclear.

Objectives

Recognizing this research gap, this study examined whether task type‐dependent differences in training outcomes exist between VR training and non‐VR training groups.

Methods

To examine the effects of VR technology for training purposes in a military setting, we conducted a quasi‐experiment focusing on how the effects vary based on task characteristics. A total of 90 military personnel were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (VR) or a control group (non‐VR). After completing their respective training, the two groups participated in four tasks simulating real battle scenarios and designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the VR‐based training. We analysed primary data collected through survey instruments and performance evaluation using a one‐way between‐group analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and supplementary interview data using thematic analysis.

Results and Conclusions

The quantitative analysis showed that the VR group performed better than the control group on three tasks in which communication, interaction and immediate situational judgements were critical. No difference was found between the two groups in the other task, which involved the routine operation of physical objects. Additional interview data revealed the extent to which trainees perceived the VR training as effective in understanding in‐situ conditions, preparing and practising their own and their team's reactions to emergent situations and in manipulating virtual objects.

Implications

Our findings provide insight into VR technology's potential to enhance human performance in various training contexts. VR is specifically effective in training that aim to improve immediate judgement and group coordination. Our findings provide useful information for those seeking to design and develop training environments that maximize the effects of VR.
Characteristics of papers that affect citations in the Journal of Fish Biology
Authors: Fenton M. A. , Fennell H. L. , Kaiser M. J.
Published: September 2023

Identifying the factors that influence the citation of articles helps authors improve the impact and reach of their research. Analysis of publications in the Journal of Fish Biology between 2008 and 2021 revealed that variables such as the number of keywords, abstract length, number of authors, and page length were associated with higher impact papers. These trends applied to both review and regular papers. These findings suggest that papers that are more informative, have higher numbers of authors, and have more keywords are more likely to be cited. Adoption of some simple “best‐practice” behaviors can improve the likelihood that a paper is cited.
Quality and energy efficiency evaluation of Rosmarinus officinalis L. by intermittent and continuous microwave drying: Polyphenol composition, bioactive compounds quantification, antioxidant properties, physical characteristics, and energy consumption
Authors: Ali Ameena , Chua Bee Lin , Chow Yin Hui , Tee Lee Hong
Published: September 2023

Improper drying is one of the major causes of beneficial bioactive compounds' degradation in bio‐crops together with high energy consumption. Preservation of the compounds is crucial in retaining the bioactivities of the herbs with diverse industrial applications. Continuous microwave drying (CMD), despite being effective and efficient, has not merged with the industry as process intensification due to the challenges of overheating. This study investigates the application of intermittent microwave drying (IMD) on rosemary and its compounds, to address the issues of overheating and the subsequent loss of bioactive compounds resulting from CMD. This technology is implemented through the application of microwaves in a periodic on/off manner. Although CMD had the shortest drying duration (>20 min) and the highest drying rate (0.431 kg H2O/kg DB min), IMD had the highest effective diffusivities (1.292 × 10−10 m2/s) indicating better moisture kinetics and evaporation. CMD exhibited favorable physical characteristics of shrinkage (83.40%), bulk density (669.23 kg/m3), and rehydration capacity (34%). However, both methods displayed high antioxidant activity (90.36%–93.78% inhibition). Higher compound concentrations of Carnosic acid (4.85 mg/g), Carnosol (6.86 mg/g), and Rosmarinic acid (14.36 mg/g) were achieved using IMD. Lastly, IMD had a higher energy efficiency (1.70%) than CMD due to drying by residual heat generation and redistribution.

Practical application

Drying is a crucial first post‐harvest process to preserve aromatic and medicinal herbs and plants for downstream processing. However, the sensitive and diverse nature of bioactive compounds makes it practically impossible to implement one drying technology to process all. Microwave technology is highly favored by researchers as well as industries to replace traditional convective hot air drying due to its effectiveness and higher efficiency. Nevertheless, the overheating issue from the continuous microwave is still a challenge while processing delicate herbs and their bioactive compounds. Especially, herbs like rosemary which possesses thermolabile compounds. The current study implements microwave technology periodically to benefit from sustainable drying via microwave without overheating and subsequent loss of bioactive compounds. The outcome of this study demonstrated the effectiveness of the intermittent microwave technology which proved to be more energy efficient than continuous microwave while retaining higher bioactive compound concentration in rosemary leaves.
Determination of mycotoxins in nuts, cereals, legumes, and coffee beans and effectiveness of a selenium‐based decontamination treatment
Authors: Gammoh Sana , Alu'datt Muhammad H. , Alhamad Mohammad N. , Tranchant Carole C. , Rababah Taha , Kanakri Khaled , Ammari Zaid , Malkawi Dania , Alrosan Mohammad , Tan Thuan‐Chew , Alzoubi Haya
Published: September 2023

Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) was used for the rapid quantification of multiple mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN), in walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, coffee beans, rice, and chickpeas from various countries. Total counts of fungi, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus parasiticus were also assessed, along with the effectiveness of a decontamination treatment with inorganic selenium to reduce mycotoxin levels. Of the 78 samples tested, 69% were contaminated with mycotoxins. ZEN, the predominant mycotoxin contaminant, was detected in all the contaminated samples in concentrations often exceeding the maximum level, followed by AFG1 (28% of the contaminated samples), DON (22%), AFG2 (11%), and AFB1 (5.5%). The occurrence of aflatoxins was associated with high proportions of A. flavus and A. parasiticus. Complete removal of AFB1 from walnuts and DON from roasted coffee beans was achieved by treatment with aqueous selenium, while the levels of ZEN and AFG1 were respectively lowered by 65% to 89% depending on the commodity and by about 56% in roasted coffee beans. While this novel treatment is a promising approach for mycotoxin decontamination, it is not intended to replace safe practices upstream.
Risk factors of low‐level viremia in chronic hepatitis B patients receiving Entecavir monotherapy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen He , Fu Juan‐Juan , Li Li , Wang Xia , Pan Xiu‐Cheng
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

Low‐level viremia (LLV), a special case of poor response to antiviral therapy, has become a focus of liver disease research; however, most studies have focused on poor response to antiviral therapy, and little attention has been paid to LLV. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing LLV in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving entecavir (ETV) monotherapy.

Methods

Clinical data of CHB patients receiving ETV treatment for at least 1 year at the outpatient department of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from November 2018 to June 2020 were collected. Patients were divided into LLV (180 cases) and sustained virological response (SVR) groups (337 cases) according to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA load at the end of the observation period. Demographic features and laboratory markers were also examined. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors influencing LLV in patients receiving long‐term ETV monotherapy.

Results

Significant differences were noted between the LLV and SVR groups in terms of age, sex, presence or absence of cirrhosis, HBeAg positivity rate, baseline HBV DNA load, and baseline HBsAg level before treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that baseline HBeAg status, HBV DNA load, and HBsAg quantification were pretreatment risk factors for LLV in long‐term ETV antiviral therapy.

Conclusions

CHB patients with a high HBV DNA load, high HBsAg quantification, and positive HBeAg results tend to have a high risk of LLV despite long‐term ETV antiviral treatment and should be dynamically monitored.
Reverse scan body: The scan pattern affects the fit of complete‐arch prototype prostheses
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , Bedrossian E. Armand , Ntovas Panagiotis , Kudara Yukio , Bokhary Abdullah , Chochlidakis Konstantinos
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To assess the effect of different scan patterns on the fit of implant‐supported complete‐arch prototype prostheses fabricated via a complete digital extraoral protocol with a reverse scan body.

Materials and Methods

A mandibular cast with four multi‐unit abutment (MUA) implant analogs with adequate antero‐posterior spread served as the reference cast, simulating a common clinical patient situation, and a polymethylmethacrylate interim screw‐retained prosthesis was fabricated on it. Novel reverse scan bodies were connected to the interim prosthesis on the intaglio of the MUA abutments and extraoral scanning was performed with a white light intraoral scanner (TRIOS 4; 3 shape) and three different scan patterns: starting from the occlusal surface of the interim prosthesis (O–group), starting from the intaglio (I–group), and helix pattern (H–group).  The resulting STL files from the three groups were then imported to computer‐aided design (CAD) software and after the digital design, the STL files were exported to a computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) milling machine which generated a total of 15 CAD‐CAM milled prototype prostheses per group. Two clinicians assessed the fit of each digitally fabricated prototype prosthesis on the reference cast, utilizing the screw‐resistance test and radiographic evaluation. Fisher's exact test was used to test the difference between the three groups, and Cohen's k‐score was used to assess the inter‐examiner agreement.

Results

Out of the three different groups, the O–group scan pattern led to 100% prosthesis fit, while the prototype prostheses generated from I‐ and H‐groups had 80% and 53% fit, respectively. The results were statistically significant (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Occlusal scan pattern leads to fitting milled prototype prostheses after extraoral scanning with reverse scan bodies without intraoral implant data acquisition.