bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure‐response relationships for the efficacy and safety of filgotinib and its metabolite GS‐829845 in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis based on phase 2 and phase 3 studies
Authors: Meng Amy , Anderson Kacey , Nelson Cara , Ni Liyun , Chuang Shu‐Min , Bellanti Francesco , Chang Peter , Comisar Craig , Kearney Brian P. , Bartok Beatrix , Mathias Anita
Published: January 2022

Aims

Filgotinib is a potent, oral, JAK1‐preferential inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This report describes exposure‐response (ER) analyses of filgotinib for dose confirmation based on three phase 3 and two phase 2 studies in moderate to severe RA patients.

Methods

The pharmacokinetic exposures used in ER analyses were derived from population pharmacokinetic analysis. The exposure‐efficacy relationships were assessed for efficacy endpoints (ACR20/50/70 and DAS28) over effective area under curve (AUCeff), the combined exposures of filgotinib and GS‐829845 (major, active metabolite), with nonlinear logistic regression models developed. Also, a t‐test was performed to compare the exposure between subjects who achieved response and those who did not. For the ER analyses of safety, exposures were examined between subjects who experienced and who did not experience the evaluated safety events, which was conducted separately for filgotinib and GS‐829845.

Results

The nonlinear logistic regression showed increasing response with increasing exposure, with exposures at 200 mg dose primarily residing on the curve plateau. Also, AUCeff was significantly higher in the subjects who achieved responses compared to those who did not (10 900 vs 9900 h*ng/mL for ACR20, P value < .0001). For exposure‐safety analyses, filgotinib and GS‐829845 exposures were similar irrespective of the presence/absence of the evaluated safety endpoints, indicating no exposure‐safety relationship for common treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs)/laboratory abnormalities and serious TEAEs/infections.

Conclusions

ER analyses confirmed that filgotinib produced more robust therapeutic effects across the exposure range observed at 200 mg once daily compared to lower doses, and collectively with the lack of exposure‐safety relationship, the 200 mg once daily dose was supported for commercialization.
Compliance with social distancing: Theory and empirical evidence from Ontario during COVID‐19
Authors: Papanastasiou Anastasios , Ruffle Bradley J. , Zheng Angela
Published: January 2022

We study the factors associated with compliance with social‐distancing regulations using a unique data set on the behaviour of Ontarians during the COVID‐19 pandemic. To start, we build a simple theoretical model of social distancing in order to understand how some individual and community‐level factors influence compliance. We test our model's predictions by designing and conducting a survey on Ontarians in June and July 2020 in which we elicit their degree of compliance with existing distancing regulations as well as alternative policies such as fines for non‐compliance and wage subsidies for staying at home. Consistent with our model, we find that variables related to one's risk of infection (e.g., pre‐existing health condition, age, necessity of working outside the home and regional COVID‐19 cases) are significant predictors of compliance as are gender, political beliefs, risk and time preferences. To boost compliance among those who are young, healthy or apartment dwellers, we demonstrate the effectiveness of fines and wage subsidies.
Short‐term effects of reduced cost sharing on childhood dental care utilization and dental caries prevention in Japan
Authors: Ono Sachiko , Sasabuchi Yusuke , Ishimaru Miho , Ono Yosuke , Matsui Hiroki , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Generous dental insurance coverage can improve oral health among children. However, most previous studies were from the United States, and the results may not be applicable to countries with universal healthcare systems. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of dental subsidy on dental service utilization and oral health among school‐aged children.

Methods

An administrative claims database in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, between 2014 and 2015 was used for the study. Municipalities in which the upper age limit of qualification for the dental subsidy was either 9 years of age or older were selected. The difference‐in‐differences approach was used to investigate the impact of subsidy discontinuation on dental care utilization and dental caries prevention. Dental care utilization was measured by number of first visits, number of total visits, and dental care cost per visit. Failure in dental caries prevention was determined by identifying treatment for acute severe dental conditions.

Results

During the study period, 1108 eligible children made a total of 6276 visits to the 455 selected dental clinics. Among the dental clinics, 230 (50.5%) were located in municipalities in which the dental subsidy was discontinued when children reached age 10. After adjusting for area income and minimal user charges, there were no significant differences in subsequent dental care utilization (mean ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–1.04 for first visits; mean ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.98–1.05 for total visits), acute severe dental conditions (mean ratio 1.06, 95% CI 0.90–1.24) or cost (coefficient 0.7 US dollars; 95%CI −0.2–1.6) during the 12‐month period following the policy change.

Conclusion

The current dental subsidy policy may have limited value for promoting dental care utilization and improving oral health among school‐aged children in Japan.
UK dietitians' attitudes and experiences of formula very low‐ and low‐energy diets in clinical practice
Authors: Brown Adrian , Brosnahan Naomi , Khazaei Dorsa , Wingrove Jed , Flint Stuart W. , Batterham Rachel L.
Published: January 2022

Despite evidence that formula very low‐energy diets (VLED) and low‐energy diets (LED) are both effective and safe as treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes, these diets remain underutilized in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to explore UK dietitians' attitudes and experiences of using formula VLED and LED. A cross‐sectional survey was disseminated between September 2019 and April 2020 through websites, social media platforms and dietetic networks using snowball sampling. In total, 241 dietitians responded to the online survey with 152 participants included in the final analysis (female [94.1%], mean age 40.8 years [SD 9.5]; median 12 years [interquartile range 8, 22] within dietetic practice). One hundred and nine (71.7%) participants reported currently using VLED/LED in clinical practice and 43 (28.3%) did not. Those with lower motivation and confidence in implementing VLED/LED in clinical practice were less likely to use them. Cost and adherence were the two highest reported barriers to use. Dietitians perceived VLED/LED were effective, but concerns remained about long‐term effectiveness, particularly for some patient groups. Dietitians also reported that further education, funding and service infrastructure, including access to clinic space and administrative support, were required to help embed VLED/LED into routine clinical practice. With clinical services now regularly offering VLED/LED programmes in the United Kingdom, dietitians are ideally placed to provide long‐term support. However, understanding, reporting and addressing the potential barriers (funding/infrastructure and education) appear to be key requirements in increasing the delivery of VLED/LED programmes nationally.
Getting high for likes: Exploring cannabis‐related content onTikTok
Authors: Rutherford Brienna N. , Sun Tianze , Johnson Benjamin , Co Steven , Lim Tong Liang , Lim Carmen C. W. , Chiu Vivian , Leung Janni , Stjepanovic Daniel , Connor Jason P. , Chan Gary C. K.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

With over 1 billion monthly users globally, a third of whom are under 14 years, TikTok's popularity is indisputable. Publicly available cannabis‐related content on this platform may influence perceptions of cannabis use. We aimed to examine how cannabis‐related videos are portrayed on TikTok.

Methods

Data were collected from TikTok using hashtag‐based keywords on cannabis‐related videos (n = 1377). Seven researchers documented video metrics (i.e. views, likes, comments) and independently coded videos for sentiment and theme.

Results

After removing duplicates and non‐related content, the final sample contained 881 videos. These videos had a median view count of 518 700 (SD = ±1 082 905), median likes count of 99 900 (SD = ±206 647) and median comment count of 931 (SD = ±2977). Many videos portrayed cannabis use positively (54.14%; collectively viewed 417 million times), with 15.84% of this subset actively depicting cannabis or administration products. The thematic analysis identified seven non‐mutually exclusive themes. Content portraying cannabis use as entertaining or humorous accounted for 71.74% of videos, with a further 42.90% discussing personal cannabis use experiences and 24.63% promoting the social and cultural acceptability of cannabis use.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our sample revealed over half of videos portrayed cannabis use positively and none were age restricted. All were publicly accessible through standard web and smartphone applications. With previous research demonstrating that exposure to cannabis‐related content can influence adolescents' attitudes and problematic cannabis use, it is important more effective age restrictions and regulations are introduced to social media platforms.
Imputability, answerability, and the epistemic condition on moral and legal culpability
Authors: Tiffany Evan
Published: January 2022

This paper has two main goals. The first is to defend a particular account of answerability according to which a person is (morally or criminally) answerable for their conduct if it is (morally or criminally) wrongful under the same description under which it is imputable to their agency. Negating defences in law aim to defeat criminal answerability by negating some element of the charged offence while their moral analogues aim to defeat moral answerability by defeating the aptness of the description under which an action is imputed. In contrast, affirmative defences and their moral analogues aim to defeat the move from answerability to liability to sanction by offering an exculpatory explanation for the wrongful conduct. The second goal of this paper is to argue that there are important differences between the way that ignorance functions in negating defences and their moral analogues and affirmative defences and their moral analogues. Specifically, when ignorance functions to defeat answerability, it need only be sincere, but it is typically limited to matters of fact, whereas both moral and non‐moral ignorance can excuse one from liability but only if non‐culpable.
Slope position and biochar influence soil properties and seed displacement in a tropical agroecosystem
Authors: Janeau Jean‐Louis , Intanon Suphannika , Pansak Wanwisa , Rodprai Chanisara , Anusorn Khwanrawee , Hammecker Claude , Grellier Séraphine
Published: January 2022

Soil erosion due to land use change is a major concern in agricultural areas. There is an urgent need to develop appropriate agricultural practices that promote higher biodiversity and improve soil properties. Little is known about the processes of natural vegetation recovery after disturbance by human activities in tropical humid climates. This is particularly the case for dispersion by water (hydrochory) that affects seeds. The displacement of native plant seeds on the soil surface by runoff may be influenced by soil properties and by the use of biochar in agriculture. As these effects have not been documented in tropical agroecosystems and on steep slopes, we present here an in‐field experiment on a steeply sloping maize field affected by rainfall and tillage erosion in Northern Thailand. Our objectives were to test the effect of catena position and biochar use on seed displacement, soil loss and nutrient losses. We used 24 plots of 1 m2 located at four positions in the catena. Two treatments were tested: (1) conventional system with tillage and (2) biochar incorporated into the soil. We measured the displacement of plastic beads (to imitate round seeds), runoff volume, soil and nutrient losses and soil surface features during in‐situ rainfall simulations. After two simulated rainfall events and four natural rainfall events, total bead exportation was 7.2%. We found that catena position and biochar had an impact on runoff, soil and nutrient losses. In this study, previously incorporated biochar reappeared at the soil surface after 8 months under natural conditions and acted like a crust at the soil surface. This biochar crust increased runoff, increased potassium concentration and decreased phosphorus concentration in runoff, decreased bead displacement and had no effect on soil loss. This study, under tropical climate and steep slope conditions, highlights differences in soil surface features and runoff along the catena. We should consider catena position for improving soil management and using appropriate agroecological practices.

Highlights

The effect of catena position and biochar use on seed displacement, soil loss and nutrient losses were tested.

These effects have not been documented in tropical agroecosystems and steep slopes.

Catena position and biochar use had an impact on runoff, soil and nutrient losses.

Catena position for improving soil management and using agroecological practices should be considered.
Effect of an oral supplement containing curcumin extract (Longvida®) on lameness due to osteoarthritis and gastric ulcer scores
Authors: Andrews F. M. , Riggs L. M. , Lopez M. J. , Keowen M. L. , Garza F. , Takawira C. , Liu C.‐C. , Liu Y. , Seeram N. P. , Cairy A. , St. Blanc M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Herbal supplements containing curcumin and other ingredients are used for pain management in horses with osteoarthritis (OA).

Objectives

To test the effects of a herbal supplement containing curcumin and other ingredients in horses with lameness due to naturally occurring OA.

Study design

Two‐period randomised crossover design.

Methods

Ten Thoroughbreds with naturally occurring chronic OA were randomly assigned to the treatment (BLP; Buteless® Performance) or control (CTR, no supplement) groups and fed daily for 30 days. On Days −1 (before treatment), 15 and 30, lameness examination, range of motion, pain on palpation and force platform data were collected. Plasma curcumin concentration and its metabolites were measured on Days 1 and 14. Gastroscopy, a complete blood count and a serum biochemistry panel were performed on each horse before treatment Day −1 and Day 31. Gastric lesions (ulcers) were scored in real time by a masked investigator.

Results

Mean peak vertical force (PVF), measured by the force platform, significantly increased in the lame limb of the BLP‐treated horses on Days 15 (0.40 ± 0.13 N/kg, (p = 0.0025) and 30 (0.63 ± 0.14 N/kg,p < 0.0001) compared to the CTR group. In addition, mean normalised PVF was higher in the BLP group on Day 15 (p = 0.0438) and on day 30 (p = 0.0003) when compared to CTR horses for the same days. The PVF significantly improved (≥5%; range, 5.2–33%) in six of nine individual BLP‐treated horses and did not improve (<5%; range, 0–3.4%) in three of nine BLP‐treated horses. Also, PVF improved (≥5%; range, 7.6–15.4%) in three of nine horses in the CRT group. Squamous gastric lesion scores significantly decreased in both groups by Day 31. Plasma curcumin‐O‐sulphate concentrations (1.2–3.3 ng/ml) were present in 9/10 BLP‐treated horses by Day 14.

Main limitations

Small sample size and absence of a positive treatment (non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug) control.

Conclusions

The BLP supplement containing curcumin achieved plasma concentrations and improved weight bearing in some treated horses with naturally occurring OA.
Fragmentation of lateral connectivity and fish population dynamics in large rivers
Authors: Stoffels Rick J. , Humphries Paul , Bond Nick R. , Price Amina E.
Published: January 2022

Lateral Hydrological Connectivity (LHC) has been extensively fragmented in river–floodplain ecosystems of the world. Uncertainties about how LHC affects fishes are great, impeding the design of effective rehabilitation strategies. Existing conceptual frameworks do not provide sufficient mechanistic detail to support the novel decision problems river managers face. We offer a framework of how LHC affects fishes in river–floodplain ecosystems that is, process‐based, integrates all life‐stages and is spatial; these features, we argue, are required to assess risks and opportunities associated with different LHC rehabilitation strategies. Within river–floodplain segments, LHC affects population processes through five ‘effect‐classes’: effects of floodplain habitat (1) and channel habitat (2); effects of material subsidies from the floodplain to the channel (3) andvice versa(4); and effects of connectivity on lateral dispersal (5). The relative influence of these effect‐classes on processes varies among species and life‐stages. At the scale of the drainage basin, inter‐segment variation in geomorphology generates a longitudinal source‐sink structure to habitat quality and quantity, pointing to a need to better understand fish metapopulation dynamics in river–floodplain ecosystems. Given the significant investment in trying to restore river–floodplain ecosystems, we highlight potentially costly and ineffective LHC management decisions. These include certain heavily engineered LHC rehabilitation strategies that do not promote critical population processes at a local scale, and at basin scales implementing strategies that do not facilitate the metapopulation processes that promote species’ persistence.
Using probabilistic neural networks for modeling metal fatigue and random vibration in process pipework
Authors: Nashed Mohamad Shadi , Mohamed M Shadi , Shady Omar Tawfik , Renno Jamil
Published: January 2022

Many experiments are usually needed to quantify probabilistic fatigue behavior in metals. Previous attempts used separate artificial neural network (ANN) to calculate different probabilistic ranges which can be computationally demanding for building probabilistic fatigue constant life diagram (CLD). Alternatively, we propose using probabilistic neural network (PNNs) which can capture data distribution parameters. The resulted model is generative and can quantify aleatoric uncertainty using a single network. Two tests are presented. The first captures the fatigue life aleatoric uncertainty for P355NL1 steel and successfully builds a probabilistic fatigue CLD. The resulted network is not only more efficient but also provides higher accuracy compared with ANN. To assess fatigue, the second test examines vibrations of a pipework assembly. The proposed methodology quantifies the nonlinear relation between the vibration velocity and the equivalent stress and successfully reflects measurements uncertainties in fatigue assessment. The proposed methodology is published in opensource format (https://github.com/MShadiNashed/probabilistic-machine-learning-for-fatigue-data).
Environmentally induced functional shifts in phytoplankton and their potential consequences for ecosystem functioning
Authors: Di Pane Julien , Wiltshire Karen Helen , McLean Matthew , Boersma Maarten , Meunier Cédric Léo
Published: January 2022

Phytoplanktonic organisms are particularly sensitive to environmental change, and, as they represent a direct link between abiotic and biotic compartments within the marine food web, changes in the functional structure of phytoplankton communities can result in profound impacts on ecosystem functioning. Using a trait‐based approach, we examined changes in the functional structure of the southern North Sea phytoplankton over the past five decades in relation to environmental conditions. We identified a shift in functional structure between 1998 and 2004 which coincides with a pronounced increase in diatom and decrease in dinoflagellate abundances, and we provide a mechanistic explanation for this taxonomic change. Early in the 2000s, the phytoplankton functional structure shifted from slow growing, autumn blooming, mixotrophic organisms, towards earlier blooming and faster‐growing microalgae. Warming and decreasing dissolved phosphorus concentrations were linked to this rapid reorganization of the functional structure. We identified a potential link between this shift and dissolved nutrient concentrations, and we hypothesise that organisms blooming early and displaying high growth rates efficiently take up nutrients which then are no longer available to late bloomers. Moreover, we identified that the above‐mentioned functional change may have bottom‐up consequences, through a food quality‐driven negative influence on copepod abundances. Overall, our study highlights that, by altering the phytoplankton functional composition, global and regional changes may have profound long‐term impacts on coastal ecosystems, impacting both food‐web structure and biogeochemical cycles.
Development of patient‐centric eating advice for complete denture wearers
Authors: Al‐Sultani Hassan Faleeh Farhan , Breckons Matthew , Field James , Thomason J. Mark , Moynihan Paula
Published: January 2022

Background

Edentulous people eat less healthily, and wearing dentures impairs eating function and enjoyment.

Objective

To apply a sequential approach to integrate scientific evidence, and patient and professional experience to co‐develop intervention to support better eating with dentures.

Methods

Focus groups, two with purposive samples of patients and two with dental professionals, explored experiences and opinions about advice on eating with complete dentures. Findings were distilled with evidence from the literature to underpinned concepts for eating interventions. User engagement informed prioritisation of ideas and led to the development of a leaflet on eating with dentures.

Results

Patients receive no advice on what they can realistically expect when eating with dentures, and professionals lacked confidence to provide eating advice. Patients did not think dentists a credible provider of eating advice, feeling peer support more appropriate and offering numerous strategies for eating with dentures. Concepts for eating intervention included a patient leaflet, Web‐based eating interventions, patient support blogs, waiting room videos and improved nutrition training for dental professionals. User feedback informed prioritisation of ideas, leading to the development of a leaflet on eating with dentures. Justified by the data, the leaflet focused on patient‐generated tips for overcoming the functional limitations of eating with dentures, and unobtrusive healthier eating advice. Face validity with users confirmed acceptability.

Conclusion

A systematic and rigorous integration of scientific evidence, expert experience and patient input has developed a patient‐centric, evidence‐based approach to a patent leaflet on eating with dentures that, based on initial face validity, is likely to be well received.
Urinary incontinence and health burden of female patients in China: Subtypes, symptom severity and related factors
Authors: Qiu Zhaolong , Li Wanzhen , Huang Yanhong , Huang Wenlong , Shi Xiaoling , Wu Kusheng
Published: January 2022

Aim

Urinary incontinence (UI) causes long‐term physical and psychological suffering to patients. Risk factors for different UI subtypes and symptom severity are still unclear, as well as their associations. We aimed to examine the potential influencing factors of UI episodes, UI severity and UI subtypes, and the associations among them.

Methods

A total of 611 women were recruited in Shantou, China. Clinical and demographic data were collected through electronic medical records, measurements and self‐reports. UI diagnosis, subtypes and symptom severity were confirmed according to international uniform standards. The health burden of UI was evaluated by the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were carried out to examine the potential risk factors and associations among UI subtypes, symptom severity, and health burdens.

Results

Age, body mass index, comorbidity, lower urinary tract symptoms and constipation were associated with UI episodes and UI severity. Mixed UI patients had worse severity than urgency UI and stress UI, especially in leak times/week and daily life obstructing. Mixed UI patients also had higher health burdens, including mental health burdens, than urgency UI and stress UI patients. UI severity was positively associated with higher health burdens (β = 0.46, 95% CI 0.34–0.60), especially in physical activities, travel and social relationship burden (β = 0.61, 95% CI 0.40–0.85; β = 0.55, 95% CI 0.19–0.76; β = 0.65, 95% CI 0.38–0.91; respectively).

Conclusions

Age, body mass index, comorbidity, somnipathy and constipation were associated with UI episodes and symptom severity. Mixed UI showed the highest symptoms severity and health burdens. Worse UI severity increased the patient's physical health burden, but was not obvious for mental health burden. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 219–226.
Engaging with technology: Projects and research initiated by health information professionals
Authors: Murphy Jeannette
Published: January 2022

The 2021 virtual issue of the Health Information and Libraries Journal is published to link to the Future Technologies Conference 2021, which takes place in Vancouver, Canada, 28–29 October 2021. This event, which began in 2016, presents the best of current systems research and practice. One of the themes of the 2021 conference is Smart Healthcare. Although libraries may appear to be far removed from some of the breakthroughs reported in the Future Technologies Conference, what is clear is that unlike those who work with technology, librarians work closely with the end users of health information—clinicians, managers, students, patients and the general public. The articles included in this virtual issue provide important insights into what library user groups want and what does and does not meet their needs.
Immune dynamics in the CNS and its barriers during homeostasis and disease*
Authors: Buckley Monica W. , McGavern Dorian B.
Published: January 2022

The central nervous system (CNS) has historically been viewed as an immunologically privileged site, but recent studies have uncovered a vast landscape of immune cells that reside primarily along its borders. While microglia are largely responsible for surveying the parenchyma, CNS barrier sites are inhabited by a plethora of different innate and adaptive immune cells that participate in everything from the defense against microbes to the maintenance of neural function. Static and dynamic imaging studies have revolutionized the field of neuroimmunology by providing detailed maps of CNS immune cells as well as information about how these cells move, organize, and interact during steady‐state and inflammatory conditions. These studies have also redefined our understanding of neural‐immune interactions at a cellular level and reshaped our conceptual view of immune privilege in this specialized compartment. This review will focus on insights gained using imaging techniques in the field of neuroimmunology, with an emphasis on anatomy and CNS immune dynamics during homeostasis, infectious diseases, injuries, and aging.
Dialogical Pedagogies in Visual Arts Education: A/r/tographical Encounters in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Garcia‐Lazo Veronica
Published: January 2022

This article reports on a research that explored students’ critical thinking in visual arts secondary education. The study was underpinned by an appraisal of the effects of the visual on students’ lives and the importance for them to critically navigate these experiences. Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural educational policies – based on Māori and European views – and flexible curriculum emerged as a rich conceptual vantage point from which to examine critical thinking. In this context, the curriculum underpins dialogical pedagogies and visual arts students engage in unique arts‐based projects driven by their personal interests and visual culture. The research was framed by a/r/tography, a methodology that enabled the interconnection of the fields of art, research and education in response to what emerged from the data. Through verbal and artistic means, the findings show the critical potential of Indigenous knowledge, dialogical pedagogies and arts‐based research methodologies.
Trees growing in Eastern North America experience higher autumn solar irradiation than their European relatives, but is nitrogen limitation another factor explaining anthocyanin‐red autumn leaves?
Authors: Renner Susanne S. , Zohner Constantin M.
Published: January 2022

Trees growing at a particular latitude in Eastern North America (ENA) receive more autumn solar irradiation than do trees growing at the same latitude in Europe, a difference that could partly explain the higher percentage of anthocyanin‐producing deciduous species in ENA compared with European floras. A proposed link between autumn light intensity and the production of anthocyanins is their function in photoprotection, which enables plants with red leaves to resorb nutrients for a longer time than can yellow or brown leaves. The innately 4‐week‐shorter foliage period of ENA trees compared with European ones may also play a role, as may stronger nitrogen limitation in poorer soils in ENA. We here test for a correlation between nitrogen access and fall anthocyanin in 126 species (55 genera, 22 families) from different temperate forests, using a Hierarchical Bayesian model and accounting for phylogenetic structure in the data. None of 81 species with nitrogen‐fixing symbionts produce autumn anthocyanin, whereas 42% of non‐nitrogen‐fixers do. Thus, when ample nitrogen is available from symbionts, the benefits of anthocyanin‐derived photoprotection apparently do not outweigh the costs of anthocyanin production. If nitrogen limitation indeed plays a role in the dominance of red‐autumn‐colouring trees in ENA floras – while European floras predominantly produce yellow autumn leaves – there might also be continental differences in the frequency or abundance of nitrogen‐fixing trees and shrubs, a new hypothesis that deserves testing.
The resin bond to high‐translucent zirconia—A systematic review
Authors: Alammar Amirah , Blatz Markus B.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Several systematic literature reviews have assessed the scientific evidence on resin bonding protocols to conventional 3 mol% ytrria‐stabilized zirconia (3Y‐TZP) ceramics. It has been widely discussed, however, that the differing composition and physical properties of new high‐translucent zirconia generations (4Y‐TZP and 5Y‐TZP) may require alternative bonding materials and procedures. This paper reviewed in vitro studies on the success and durability of bonding protocols to high‐translucent zirconia.

Material and methods

A systematic search of PubMed and Cochrane Library for in vitro studies on bonding to new zirconia generations published until November 2020 was conducted and complemented by a manual search. Studies selected for review fulfilled the applied inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials.

Results

Of 629 screened articles, 18 were included in this review. They investigated different surface pretreatment methods, primers, resin cements, aging procedures, and bond strength test protocols. The limited number of the identified studies and the heterogeneity of the extracted data did not allow to conduct a meta‐analysis.

Conclusions

The available evidence suggests that resin bonding protocols successfully applied to conventional zirconia are also the most successful for high‐translucent zirconia. Airborne particle abrasion and special phosphate monomer‐containing primers or composite resin cements provide long‐term durable resin bonds.

Clinical significance

Durable bonds can be established between high‐translucent zirconia and resin cements. The bonding materials and procedures applied do not compromise their physical properties.
30% supramolecular salicylic acid peels effectively treats acne vulgaris and reduces facial sebum
Authors: Zhang Lingzhao , Shao Xinyi , Chen Yangmei , Wang Jiawei , Ariyawati Asoka , Zhang Yujie , Chen Jiayi , Liu Lin , Pu Yihuan , Li Yuxin , Chen Jin
Published: January 2022

Background

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with high incidence and recurrence.

Aim

To study the efficacy of 30% supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) in the treatment of acne, especially its effect on facial sebum secretion and the skin barrier.

Methods

Chemical peeling treatment with SSA using self‐contrast was performed every 2 weeks for a total of four treatments in 25 patients. VISIA photographs and skin parameter measurements were recorded at every treatment, with a 2‐week follow‐up after the last treatment. We performed skin biopsy and immunohistochemical staining to detect sterol response element‐binding proteins (SREBPs), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), which are important factors involved in the regulation of sebum metabolism.

Results

The global acne‐grading system (GAGS) score of patients with acne decreased with 30% SSA treatment. The sebum level in the nose (p < 0.001), chin (p < 0.001), left cheek (p < 0.05), and right cheek (p < 0.05) improved significantly with increasing number of treatments. The T‐zone sebum level (p < 0.001) improved more than the U‐zone (p < 0.01). The VISIA index porphyrin score also reduced (p < 0.001). Skin hydration (p < 0.001), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (p < 0.05), and pH value (p < 0.01)—reflecting the skin barrier—were also improved. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of SREBPs, FAS, and COX2.

Conclusion

Peels with 30%SSA effectively treated acne and reduced facial sebum secretion without damaging the skin barrier. Reduction of sebum showed cumulative effect, which suggests that multiple 30%SSA chemical peels are beneficial to acne patients.
Mini‐review: Wound healing of amnion and macrophages
Authors: Mogami Haruta
Published: January 2022

Preterm prelabor rupture of fetal membranes (pPROM) is a serious problem in obstetrics, especially when it occurs in the periviable period. It is generally considered that once the fetal membranes rupture, preterm birth is inevitable. In a preclinical mouse model of mechanical rupture of the fetal membranes, however, the spontaneous healing of amnion was observed with the assistance of fetal macrophages. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition appears to play a key role in the healing process of amnion. Clarifying the wound‐healing mechanism of amnion could provide a basis for the future treatment of pPROM.
Direct renal pelvicocystostomy using tube cystoplasty in a cat with ureteral obstruction
Authors: Hoshi K. , Hosoya K. , Takagi S. , Kim S. , Okumura M.
Published: January 2022

We describe a surgical technique to re‐establish urine flow in a 3‐year‐old Scottish Fold cat. A ureteral stent and subcutaneous urinary bypass failed after their placement due to rapid mineralisation of the lumen. Direct pelvicocystostomy anastomosis using a modified tube cystoplasty technique was performed. A wide rectangular apex‐based full‐thickness flap was created from the ventral aspect of the urinary bladder, which was sutured longitudinally to form a large‐diameter tube. The resulting tube‐shaped portion of the bladder was then directly anastomosed to the renal pelvis. No major postoperative complications were observed and no further recurrence of obstruction of the upper urinary tract was noted during follow‐up. The cat died at home 481 days postoperatively from an undetermined cause. A pelvicocystostomy technique can be considered as an alternative salvage surgical technique for obstructive ureteral disease in cats.
Competitive overlap between martensMartes americanaandMartes caurinaand fishersPekania pennanti: a rangewide perspective and synthesis
Authors: Pauli Jonathan N. , Manlick Philip J. , Tucker Jody M. , Smith G. Bradley , Jensen Paul G. , Fisher Jason T.
Published: January 2022

Competition is a major determinant of where species occur and how species interact. Among carnivorans, interspecific competition is particularly apparent, as many of these species have evolved to be efficient killers. Theoretically, phylogenetically related carnivorans that occupy seasonal habitats, share common resources, and differ in body size by a factor of 2.5–10× should exhibit the most interference competition.

FishersPekania pennantiand martensMartes americanaandMartes caurinaare members of the subfamily Guloninae (Mustelidae, Carnivora) that occupy forests throughout northern North America. These taxa occur sympatrically throughout much of their range, utilise similar habitats, and consume similar prey; fishers and martens also differ in body size by a factor 2–5×. Consequently, these two taxa appear to be locked in particularly strong interspecific competition and should attempt to limit competitive overlap.

We review the current knowledge of this dyadic interaction in the framework of ecological niches and niche partitioning. In particular, we explore the three critical niche axes of diet, space, and time.

We found that, in contrast to the traditional view of them being highly specialised, both martens and fishers are dietary generalists; however, they also appear to be specialists in complexity, at least in space and habitats. Collectively, martens and fishers exhibit high degrees of diet and habitat niche overlap across their ranges, and this overlap is likely to have the greatest fitness consequences for the smaller and subordinate martens. Nevertheless, fine‐scale habitat and prey partitioning, and especially partitioning along snow clines, seem to be the mechanisms by which these two taxa can coexist.

We predict that rapid ecological change – especially from increasingly homogenised forests and prey communities, as well as from declining snow cover and snowpack due to climate warming – is likely to destabilise marten–fisher coexistence. As the climate continues to change, fishers and martens are likely to experience distributional and numerical shifts and increased isolation at their southern range boundaries, and vulnerable populations – especially of martens – will be driven to local extirpation.
Condensins are essential for Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal virulence through their control of lifestyle and virulence programs
Authors: Zhao Hang , Clevenger April L. , Coburn Phillip S. , Callegan Michelle C. , Rybenkov Valentin V.
Published: January 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant opportunistic pathogen responsible for numerous human infections. Its high pathogenicity resides in a diverse array of virulence factors and an ability to adapt to hostile environments. We report that these factors are tied to the activity of condensins, SMC and MksBEF, which primarily function in structural chromosome maintenance. This study revealed that both proteins are required for P. aeruginosa virulence during corneal infection. The reduction in virulence was traced to broad changes in gene expression. Transcriptional signatures of smc and mksB mutants were largely dissimilar and non‐additive, with the double mutant displaying a distinct gene expression profile. Affected regulons included those responsible for lifestyle control, primary metabolism, surface adhesion and biofilm growth, iron and sulfur assimilation, and numerous virulence factors, including type 3 and type 6 secretion systems. The in vitro phenotypes of condensin mutants mirrored their transcriptional profiles and included impaired production and secretion of multiple virulence factors, growth deficiencies under nutrient limiting conditions, and altered c‐di‐GMP signaling. Notably, c‐di‐GMP mediated some but not all transcriptional responses of the mutants. Thus, condensins are integrated into the control of multiple genetic programs related to epigenetic and virulent behavior of P. aeruginosa.
Epidemiology of disorders of Gut‐Brain interaction in Israel: Results from the Rome Foundation global epidemiology study
Authors: Sperber Ami D. , Freud Tamar , Abu‐Freha Naim , Shibli Fahmi , Brun Rita , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Palsson Olafur S. , Dickman Ram
Published: January 2022

Background

Data for Israel from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study on the disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) were used to assess the national prevalence of all 22 DGBI, the percentage of respondents meeting diagnostic criteria for at least one DGBI, and the impact on burden of disease in Israel.

Methods

The survey was conducted through the Internet with multiple built‐in quality‐assurance techniques and included the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire and an in‐depth supplemental questionnaire.

Key Results

2012 Israeli participants completed the survey nationwide: mean age 44.6 ± 16.4 years, 50% females. The national distribution was very close to the latest Israeli census. 36.4% (95% CI 34.3, 38.4) met diagnostic criteria for at least one DGBI, with 4.4% for any esophageal disorder, 6.5% for any gastroduodenal disorder, 30.8% for any bowel disorder, and 5.3% for any anorectal disorder. The rates were higher for women. Having any DGBI was associated negatively with psychosocial variables (including quality of life, somatization, and concern about digestive problems), and healthcare utilization (including doctor visits, use of medications, and abdominal surgeries).

Conclusions & Inferences

The results of this study provide the first in‐depth assessment of the prevalence and burden of Rome IV DGBI in Israel and facilitate comparisons with other countries. As 36.4% of the 2,012 participants met diagnostic criteria for at least one DGBI, and 23.5% of those met criteria for more than one DGBI, the burden of DGBI in Israel is high, indicating a need to focus on research and training for patient care.
Fungi as potential factors limiting natural regeneration of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) in mixed‐species forest stands in Poland
Authors: Jankowiak Robert , Stępniewska Hanna , Bilański Piotr , Taerum Stephen J.
Published: January 2022

Dieback of youngQuercus roburseedlings can limit natural regeneration in mixed‐species forest stands in Poland. The aim of this study was to examine the role of fungi in the dieback of oak seedlings in central Europe. Fungi were isolated from the stems and roots ofQ.robur, from both healthy seedlings and seedlings with symptoms, that were sampled from four stands in Poland. In total, 111 distinct taxa were identified. Ascomycota was dominant, representing 95.6% of the isolates. Among the taxa identified,Alternaria alternata,Colletotrichum fioriniae,Colletotrichumgodetiae,Coniella quercicola,Diaporthe eres,Gnomoniopsis paraclavulata,Ilyonectria rufa,Mucor genevensis,Penicillium glandicola,Tubakia dryina, andUmbelopsis changbaiensiswere most frequently isolated, and were consistently found in stems and roots of both healthy and diseased plants. The community compositions of fungi in healthy and diseased stems were similar, althoughFusariumspecies, especiallyFusariumsp. 1 (FTSC 5) andF.sporotrichioides, were found mainly in seedlings with symptoms. The pathogenicity of the most consistently isolated species from stems and roots of diseased seedlings was tested onQ.roburseedlings.F.sporotrichioidescaused the largest lesions on inoculated seedlings. Six weeks after inoculation,D.eres,C.fioriniae,G.paraclavulata,T.dryina, andF.sporotrichioideskilled 0%–18.8% of seedlings, whileI.rufaandIlyonectriapseudodestructansdid not cause any lesions or other symptoms. This study is the first comprehensive report suggesting that massive fungal attack can lead to oak seedling dieback in mixed‐species forest stands in central Europe.
Culture and the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Multiple Mechanisms and Policy Implications
Authors: Kitayama Shinobu , Camp Nicholas P. , Salvador Cristina E.
Published: January 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has taken a massive toll on human life worldwide. The case of the United States—the world's largest economy—is particularly noteworthy, since the country suffered a disproportionately larger number of deaths than all other countries during the first year of the pandemic. A careful analysis may shed new light on the multifaceted processes contributing to this failure and help us prepare ourselves not to repeat the same mistakes in the future. Cultural psychology offers unique insights by highlighting mutually reinforcing interactions across collective, cultural, and psychological factors. Here, we review extant evidence and argue that various factors at these disparate levels converged to foster an independent mode of action, which, in turn, undermined effective coping with the infectious disease. The lack of effective political leadership exacerbated the resulting dire state of the country. Drawing on this analysis, we discuss several policy recommendations at collective, cultural, and psychological levels.
Average ordinary least squares‐centeredpenalized regression: A more efficient way to address multicollinearity than ridge regression
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Linjian , Li Sheng , Yin Fei , Liao Fang , Zhang Tao , Li Xiaosong , Xiao Xiong , Ma Yue
Published: January 2022

We developed a novel method to address multicollinearity in linear models called average ordinary least squares (OLS)‐centered penalized regression (AOPR). AOPR penalizes the cost function to shrink the estimators toward the weighted‐average OLS estimator. The commonly used ridge regression (RR) shrinks the estimators toward zero, that is, employs penalization prior in the Bayesian view, which contradicts the common real prior . Therefore, RR selects small penalization coefficients to relieve such a contradiction and thus makes the penalizations inadequate. Mathematical derivations remind us that AOPR could increase the performance of RR and OLS regression. A simulation study shows that AOPR obtains more accurate estimators than OLS regression in most situations and more accurate estimators than RR when the signs of the true s are identical and is slightly less accurate than RR when the signs of the true s are different. Additionally, a case study shows that AOPR obtains more stable estimators and stronger statistical power and predictive ability than RR and OLS regression. Through these results, we recommend using AOPR to address multicollinearity more efficiently than RR and OLS regression, especially when the true s have identical signs.
Bayesian subcohort selection for longitudinal covariate measurements in follow‐up studies
Authors: Reinikainen Jaakko , Karvanen Juha
Published: January 2022

We propose an approach for the planning of longitudinal covariate measurements in follow‐up studies where covariates are time‐varying. We assume that the entire cohort cannot be selected for longitudinal measurements due to financial limitations, and study how a subset of the cohort should be selected optimally, in order to obtain precise estimates of covariate effects in a survival model. In our approach, the study will be designed sequentially utilizing the data collected in previous measurements of the individuals as prior information. We propose using a Bayesian optimality criterion in the subcohort selections, which is compared with simple random sampling using simulated and real follow‐up data. Our work improves the computational approach compared to the previous research on the topic so that designs with several covariates and measurement points can be implemented. As an example we derive the optimal design for studying the effect of body mass index and smoking on all‐cause mortality in a Finnish longitudinal study. Our results support the conclusion that the precision of the estimates can be clearly improved by optimal design.