bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entwicklung eines Lokalisations‐basierten Algorithmus zur Vorhersage der Ätiologie von Ulcera cruris
Authors: Deinsberger Julia , Moschitz Irina , Marquart Elias , Manz‐Varga Alexander Konstantin , Gschwandtner Michael E. , Brugger Jonas , Rinner Christoph , Böhler Kornelia , Tschandl Philipp , Weber Benedikt
Published: November 2023

Hintergrund

Die diagnostische Abklärung des Ulcus cruris ist zeit‐ und kostenintensiv. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Ulkuslokalisation als diagnostisches Kriterium zu bewerten und einen diagnostischen Algorithmus zur Unterstützung in der Diagnostik bereitzustellen.

Patienten und Methodik

Die Studie umfasste 277 Patienten mit Ulcera cruris. Es wurden die folgenden fünf Gruppen definiert: Ulcus cruris venosum, arterielle Ulzera, gemischte Ulzera, Arteriolosklerose und Vaskulitis. Mittels computergestütztem Oberflächenrendering wurden die Prädilektionsstellen der verschiedenen Ulkustypen bewertet. Die Ergebnisse wurden in ein multinomiales logistisches Regressionsmodell integriert, um die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer bestimmten Diagnose in Abhängigkeit von Lokalisation, Alter, bilateraler Beteiligung und Anzahl der Ulzera zu berechnen. Zusätzlich wurde eine neuronale Netzwerk‐Bildanalyse durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die Mehrheit der venösen Ulzera fand sich in der medialen Malleolarregion. Arterielle Ulzera waren am häufigsten auf der dorsalen Seite des Vorfußes zu finden. Arteriolosklerotische Ulzera waren zumeist im mittleren Drittel des lateralen Unterschenkels lokalisiert. Vaskulitische Ulzera schienen zufällig verteilt zu sein und waren deutlich kleiner, häufiger multilokulär und bilateral. Das multinomiale logistische Regressionsmodell zeigte eine insgesamt zufriedenstellende Leistung mit einer geschätzten Genauigkeit von 0,68 bei ungesehenen Daten.

Schlussfolgerungen

Der vorgestellte Algorithmus auf Grundlage der Ulkuslokalisation kann als unterstützendes Instrument zur Eingrenzung potenzieller Differenzialdiagnosen und als Hilfestellung für die Einleitung diagnostischer Maßnahmen dienen.
Eleven‐year follow‐up of duodenal hemangiolymphangioma treated with duodenal‐laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery
Authors: Abe Takashi , Shibata Kohei , Kondo Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2023

Watch a video of this article.
Distribution of XTdrd6/Xtr protein during oogenesis and early development in Xenopus laevis: Zygotic translation begins only in germ cells that have entered the genital ridge
Authors: Sugimoto Tetsuharu , Kanayama Chihiro , Hiyoshi Masateru , Kosumi Daisuke , Takamune Kazufumi
Published: November 2023

We previously identified Xenopus tudor domain containing 6/Xenopus tudor repeat (Xtdrd6/Xtr), which was exclusively expressed in the germ cells of adult Xenopus laevis. Western blot analysis showed that the XTdrd6/Xtr protein was translated in St. I/II oocytes and persisted as a maternal factor until the tailbud stage. XTdrd6/Xtr has been reported to be essential for the translation of maternal mRNA involved in oocyte meiosis. In the present study, we examined the distribution of the XTdrd6/Xtr protein during oogenesis and early development, to predict the time point of its action during development. First, we showed that XTdrd6/Xtr is localized to germinal granules in the germplasm by electron microscopy. XTdrd6/Xtr was found to be localized to the origin of the germplasm, the mitochondrial cloud of St. I oocytes, during oogenesis. Notably, XTdrd6/Xtr was also found to be localized around the nuclear membrane of St. I oocytes. This suggests that XTdrd6/Xtr may immediately interact with some mRNAs that emerge from the nucleus and translocate to the mitochondrial cloud. XTdrd6/Xtr was also detected in primordial germ cells and germ cells throughout development. Using transgenic Xenopus expressing XTdrd6/Xtr with a C‐terminal FLAG tag produced by homology‐directed repair, we found that the zygotic translation of the XTdrd6/Xtr protein began at St. 47/48. As germ cells are surrounded by gonadal somatic cells and are considered to enter a new differentiation stage at this phase, the newly synthesized XTdrd6/Xtr protein may regulate the translation of mRNAs involved in the new steps of germ cell differentiation.
Outpatient encounters, continuity of care, and unplanned hospital care for children and young people with cerebral palsy
Authors: Paget Simon P. , Mcintyre Sarah , Schneuer Francisco J. , Martin Tanya , Sellars Louise , Burnett Heather , Price Sophie , Nassar Natasha
Published: November 2023

Aim

To describe the relationships between outpatient encounters, continuity of care, and unplanned hospital care in children/young people with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

In this population‐based data‐linkage cohort study we included children/young people with CP identified in the New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory CP Register (birth years 1994–2018). We measured the frequency of outpatient encounters and unplanned hospital care, defined as presentations to emergency departments and/or urgent hospital admissions (2015–2020). Continuity of outpatient care was measured using the Usual Provider of Care Index (UPCI).

Results

Of 3267 children/young people with CP, most (n = 2738, 83.8%, 57.6% male) had one or more outpatient encounters (123 463 total encounters, median six outpatient encounters per year during childhood). High UPCI was more common in children/young people with mild CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–III, with no epilepsy or no intellectual disability), residing in metropolitan and areas of least socioeconomic disadvantage. Low UPCI was associated with four or more emergency department presentations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71–3.19) and one or more urgent hospital admissions (aOR 2.02; 95% CI 1.57–2.61).

Interpretation

Children/young people with CP require frequent outpatient services. Improving continuity of care, particularly for those residing in regional/remote areas, may decrease need for unplanned hospital care.

What this paper adds

Many children with cerebral palsy use multiple and frequent outpatient services.

Better continuity of care is associated with living in metropolitan and less socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.

Outpatient service utilization reduces at the time of transition to adult services.

High outpatient utilization is associated with unplanned hospital care.

Decreased continuity of care is associated with unplanned hospital care.
Associations between child abuse and neglect, and dento‐alveolar injuries in a Children's hospital population
Authors: Azadani Ehsan N. , McTigue Dennis J. , Peng Jin , Casamassimo Paul S.
Published: November 2023

Background/Aim

The purpose of this study was to identify social variables common to children with dento‐alveolar trauma (DAT) and child abuse and neglect (CAN) in a large children's hospital population.

Methods

Emergency department data from an urban trauma Level 1 children's hospital were queried between December 02, 2017 and September 30, 2022 to identify children with both DAT and CAN. Patients with DAT and CAN were compared to DAT‐only children in a case–control study design. Descriptive statistics were used to report characteristics of children in case and control groups. Chi‐Squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare cases and controls. The level of significance was set at p ≤ .05.

Results

In total, 14 children who had DAT and CAN reported simultaneously comprised the case group. A total of 42 children with DAT‐only, age/sex matched with cases, comprised the control group. Mean (SD) age of cases was 10.4 (±4) and controls was 10.1 (±3.9) years‐old. Eight cases (57.1%) and 24 controls (57.1%) were female. No statistical differences (p = .05) were present for language, race, insurance coverage, parental custody, legal guardianship, and type of residence for cases versus controls. Five (35.7%) cases had a special need versus 4 (9.5%) controls and was statistically different (p = .03). Nine (64.3%) cases had behavioral problems versus 13 (31%) controls (p = .05). Cases were more likely to have facial injuries than controls (74.3 vs. 31%), however no significant differences were present for total number of injured teeth, head injury or neck injury between cases and controls. In half of cases, the perpetrator reported was the sibling.

Conclusions

Demographics did not predict CAN in children with dental injuries. Sibling violence should be considered in suspected CAN children.
Parental involvement in secondary education in Belgium, France and Luxembourg: Associations with family and school characteristics
Authors: Poncelet Débora , Bordalba Monica Macia , Dierendonck Christophe
Published: November 2023

Although evidence generally suggests that parental involvement is beneficial for the academic success of students, much less is known about the determinants of this involvement. The study examined the associations between parental characteristics, beliefs and two types of parental involvement (school‐based and home‐based) in secondary education in three countries in Europe. Data from 1757 parents from nineteen public secondary schools in three European countries (six in Luxembourg, six in France and seven in Belgium) were analysed using multiple regression analyses. Models predicted overall significant but relatively low portions of variance in the home‐ and school‐based involvement of parents. Different patterns of results emerged from the three very different samples. When controlling for family background and school environment, parental self‐efficacy—associated for example with the role of parents at school—appeared to be central indicators of parental involvement. Results are discussed in terms of research on parental involvement and family‐school communication, as well as in relation to school practices involving parents.
An in vitro coculture approach to study the interplay between dental pulp cells and Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Akamp Tobias , Rosendahl Andreas , Galler Kerstin M. , Wölflick Melanie , Buchalla Wolfgang , Widbiller Matthias
Published: November 2023

Aim

To develop a new coculture system that allows exposure of dental pulp cells (DPCs) to Streptococcus mutans and dentine matrix proteins (eDMP) to study cellular interactions in dentine caries.

Methodology

Dental pulp cells and S. mutans were cocultured with or without eDMP for 72 h. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed by cell counting and MTT assays, while bacterial growth and viability were determined by CFU and LIVE/DEAD staining. Glucose catabolism and lactate excretion were measured photometrically as metabolic indicators. To evaluate the inflammatory response, the release of cytokines and growth factors (IL‐6, IL‐8, TGF‐β1, VEGF) was determined by ELISA. Non‐parametric statistical analyses were performed to compare all groups and time points (Mann–Whitney U test or Kruskal–Wallis test; α = .05).

Results

While eDMP and especially S. mutans reduced the number and viability of DPCs (p ≤ .0462), neither DPCs nor eDMP affected the growth and viability of S. mutans during coculture (p > .0546). The growth of S. mutans followed a common curve, but the death phase was not reached within 72 h. S. mutans consumed medium glucose in only 30 h, whereas in the absence of S. mutans, cells were able to catabolize glucose throughout 72 h, resulting in the corresponding amount of l‐lactate. No change in medium pH was observed. S. mutans induced IL‐6 production in DPCs (p ≤ .0011), whereas eDMP had no discernible effect (p > .7509). No significant changes in IL‐8 were observed (p > .198). TGF‐β1, available from eDMP supplementation, was reduced by DPCs over time. VEGF, on the other hand, was increased in all groups during coculture.

Conclusions

The results show that the coculture of DPCs and S. mutans is possible without functional impairment. The bacterially induced stimulation of proinflammatory and regenerative cytokines provides a basis for future investigations and the elucidation of molecular biological relationships in pulp defence against caries.
Oxidized thioredoxin 1 places a leash on NLRP1 inflammasome activity
Authors: Yap Jeremy KY , Emming Stefan , Schroder Kate
Published: November 2023

The biology of the NACHT domain and leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) and pyrin domain‐containing 1 (NLRP1) inflammasome has perplexed researchers since this inflammasome was first described about two decades ago. The identification of oxidized thioredoxin 1 (TRX1) as a suppressor of NLRP1 recently linked cellular redox homeostasis to NLRP1 inflammasome signaling. Now, Zhang et al. present a molecular structure of TRX1‐bound NLRP1 with unprecedented detail. This structure gives key insight into regulatory mechanisms governing NLRP1 activation and offers enormous potential for structure‐based anti‐inflammatory drug design.
Intestinal permeability and inflammatory features of juvenile age correlate with the eventual systemic autoimmunity in lupus‐prone female SWR × NZB F1 (SNF1) mice
Authors: Gudi Radhika R. , Johnson Benjamin M. , Gaudreau Marie‐Claude , Sun Wei , Ball Lauren , Vasu Chenthamarakshan
Published: November 2023

The incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is about nine times higher in women than in men, and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this gender bias are not fully understood. Previously, using lupus‐prone (SWR × NZB)F1 (SNF1) mice, we have shown that the intestinal immune system could play a role in the initiation and progression of disease in SLE, and depletion of gut microbiota produces more pronounced disease protection in females than in males. Here, we show that the gut permeability features of lupus‐prone female SNF1 mice at juvenile ages directly correlate with the expression levels of pro‐inflammatory factors, faecal IgA abundance and nAg reactivity and the eventual systemic autoantibody levels and proteinuria onset. Furthermore, we observed that the disease protection achieved in female SNF1 mice upon depletion of gut microbiota correlates with the diminished gut inflammatory protein levels, intestinal permeability and circulating microbial DNA levels. However, faecal microbiota transplant from juvenile male and females did not result in modulation of gut inflammatory features or permeability. Overall, these observations suggest that the early onset of intestinal inflammation, systemic autoantibody production and clinical stage disease in lupus‐prone females is linked to higher gut permeability in them starting at as early as juvenile age. While the higher gut permeability in juvenile lupus‐prone females is dependent on the presence of gut microbes, it appears to be independent of the composition of gut microbiota.
A starch film method for the identification of catalase in histological sections
Authors: HALE ARTHUR J.
Published: November 2023

SYNOPSIS

A method for the identification and localization of catalase in histological sections is described. Sections are placed in contact with a thin film of starch gel which is immersed in hydrogen peroxide and then in a solution of potassium iodide. The starch film turns dark blue except where the hydrogen peroxide in it has been destroyed by catalase. At these points the film remains white.
Distortion in dimensions produced by shadowing for electron microscopy
Authors: MISRA D. N. , GUPTA N. N. DAS
Published: November 2023

SYNOPSIS

Changes in dimensions of some spherical and cylindrical particles due to metal shadowing for electron microscopy have been investigated. Monodisperse polystyrene latex, colloidal gold particles, Bushy Stunt and Tobacco Mosaic Virus, normal human adult haemoglobin and DNA molecules were used as experimental material. Particles were deposited on carbon coated platinum grids and shadowed with platinum vapour using a fixed shadowing geometry. With the exception of TMV, haemoglobin and DNA, distortion was measured on individual particles by taking micrographs of the same particles before and after shadowing. Distortions were measured on a large number of particles both parallel and perpendicular to the shadow direction. On the smaller particles, the distortions in the two directions were estimated from the heights, deduced from shadow length, and measurement of the widths parallel and perpendicular to the shadow. The distortions were plotted against particle diameters. The distortion parallel to the shadow was found to be greater than that measured perpendicular to the shadow and both were found to increase up to a particle diameter of about 200 Å and thereafter became practically constant. The use of the calibration curves in the measurement of the dimensions of small biological particles has been discussed using the example of normal human foetal haemoglobin and egg albumin molecules.
A photo‐electronic phase‐measuring microscope
Authors: SMITH F. H.
Published: November 2023

SYNOPSIS

The usual manual compensator of a double‐refracting interference microscope is replaced by a modified version which is continuously driven by a synchronous electric motor. The resulting phase excursions cover a range of a complete light wave‐length and are linearly related to time, so that the light intensity discharged by the microscope fluctuates sinusoidally. When an optical‐phase object in the interference microscope system displaces the phase relationship between the two interfering beams, the resulting phase displacement of the sinusoidally fluctuating light intensity causes the sinusoidal voltage from a photodetector to suffer an equal and corresponding phase displacement. This last displacement is transformed into a directly phase‐proportionate voltage or pulse duration by means of an electronic phase‐measuring circuit.
Studies in fluorescence histochemistry: II. The demonstration of periodate‐reactive mucosubstances with pseudo‐Schiff reagents*
Authors: STOWARD PETER J.
Published: November 2023

SYNOPSIS

According to Kasten, periodate‐oxidized mucosubstances which have been stained with his fluorescent Schiff‐type reagents (solutions of basic fluorescent dyes saturated with sulphur‐dioxide) emit a specific fluorescence in sections of fixed tissue. In my experience it is sometimes difficult to observe this fluorescence because it is obscured by the similarly‐coloured fluorescence emitted by proteins and nuclei. This and other difficulties, both theoretical and practical, can be mostly overcome by methylating tissue sections beforehand with a methanolic solution of thionyl chloride, then oxidizing them in periodic acid, and finally treating them first with sulphurous acid (at pH 3) and second with a solution of any basic fluorescent dye at a pH between 2 and 3. In sections treated in this way, nearly all periodate‐oxidized mucosubstances emit a much more intense fluorescence than when treated with Kasten's Schiff‐type reagents; and furthermore, that such mucosubstances fluoresce at all lends support to the theory that aldehydes react with Schiff's reagent proper not through N‐sulphinic acids, as has been commonly supposed, but by reacting first with the sulphurous acid present in Schiff's reagent to form an intermediate alkyl sulphonic acid which then combines with basic pararosaniline (the essential ingredient of Schiff's reagent) to give the familiar magenta‐coloured product.
Fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy of adrenergic nerves after constriction at two points
Authors: MAYOR D. , KAPELLER K.
Published: November 2023

SYNOPSIS

Guinea pig and cat adrenergic nerves have been constricted at two points and the effects studied with the fluorescence method for the localization of noradrenaline and with the electron microscope. After operation there was a rapid accumulation of fluorescent material proximal to the constrictions. This was greater above the proximal than the distal lesion and persisted for several days. The accumulation above the distal constriction disappeared between 24–48 hours after operation. Any accumulation of fluorescent material distal to the constrictions could almost invariably be correlated with the presence of ganglion cells situated more peripherally, or with an inadequate constriction of the nerves. Electron microscopy showed an accumulation of vesicles with an electron‐dense core, believed to carry noradrenaline, proximal to the constrictions. This corresponded closely to the accumulation of fluorescent material.

The results suggested that the passage of noradrenaline in these nerves is from the nerve‐cell body to the periphery. There was no unequivocal evidence of a retrograde flow of the transmitter.
Beobachtungen über Reviermarkierung sowie Droh‐, Kampf‐ und Abwehrverhalten des Murmeltieres (Marmota marmota L.)
Authors: Koenig Lilli
Published: November 2023

Insgesamt 17 in Gefangenschaft gehaltene Murmeltiere, darunter ein handzahmes, fremden Menschen gegenüber äußerst territoriales ♂ (Abb. 1, 2), und wildlebende Tiere wurden beobachtet. Wenn der Winterschlaf ausfällt, können mitunter Brünstigkeit und Kampflust der ♂♂ schon im Winter beginnen und in wechselnder Stärke bis zum Frühling dauern.

Die Wangendrüsen dienen der Reviermarkierung. Besonders häufig zur Paarungszeit, aber auch sonst bestreicht das ♂, seltener das ♀ vorspringende Steine, Äste und dergleichen mit dem Sekret, das an verschiedenen Stellen des Wangenfeldes (Abb. 3–5) austritt. Das von anderen Nagern geübte “Kopfwaschen” fehlt dem Murmeltier, vielleicht im Zusammenhang mit der Wangendrüse. Andere Sciuriden müssen daraufhin beobachtet werden. Häufige soziale Schnauzenkontrolle und Schnauzenreiben auf der Unterlage könnten Hinweise auf Lippendrüsen sein. Das übelriechende Analdrüsensekret dient nicht der Duftmarkierung, sondern der Abwehr von Gegnern.

Kurze, vertikale Schwanzschläge deuten, wie auch bei anderen Sciuriden, Erregung an und sind im Sozialverkehr zum optisch wirksamen Schwanzpeitschen ritualisiert (Abb. 6). Das angriffslustige Murmeltier drohguggert und peitscht mit dem durch extremes Haarsträuben vergrößerten Schwanz vertikal, in Achterschleifen und gelegentlich kleinschlägig seitwärts. Zur Paarungszeit “drohimponiert” das ♂ heftig gegen ♀♀ und schüchtert sie ein. Auch ♀♀ drohguggern.

Das drohende, aus 3 einander überlagernden Unterkieferbewegungen entstehende Zähnerattern kommt in Kampferregung, aber auch in Ruhezuständen vor, hier vielleicht als Zähneschärfen. Das angreifende Murmeltier umkreist den Gegner, richtet sich auf, klammert sich fest und beißt (Abb. 7).

Als wohlangepaßter Höhlenbewohner kann sich das Murmeltier im Unterschlupf unverrückbar festklemmen. Zur Abwehr beißt und kratzt es, stößt mit den Beinen, stülpt die übelriechende Analdrüse aus und knurrt. Sich balgende Murmeltiere hemmen durch Unmutsgreinen das Zubeißen des Artgenossen.

Das Pfeifen tritt bei unterschiedlichen Anlässen wie Angst, Schmerz, Balgereien, fremden Geräuschen usw. auf. Es ist ein wenig spezifischer Erregungslaut, der situationsgemäß verschiedene Bedeutung haben kann (Abb. 8).
Learning Experiments on Individual Recognition in Budgerigars (Melopsittacusundulatus)
Authors: Trillmich Fritz
Published: November 2023

By means of learning experiments individual recognition in budgerigars was demonstrated. In a 2‐choice situation 2 ♂ ♂ and 3 ♀ ♀ discriminated clearly between 2 object birds. Characteristics used for identification were predominantly of the head. Budgerigars can recognize conspecifics by means of optical characteristics alone. Training also enabled 2 ♂ ♂ to discriminate between colour slides of 2 object birds. In training, budgerigars discriminated only between greatly differing calls. When presented with slides and distance calls of 2 object birds, 2 ♂ ♂ chose mainly according to optical stimuli.

Es wurde versucht individuelles Erkennen beim Wellensittich mit Lern‐versuchen nachzuweisen und zu analysieren, welche Merkmale daran beteiligt sind.

2 ♂ ♂ und 3 ♀ ♀ wurden in einem Y‐Labyrinth mit Futterbelohnung darauf dressiert, verschiedene ♂ ♂ bzw. ♀ ♀ voneinander zu unterscheiden. Die Vögel bewerteten den Vogel, bei dem sie belohnt wurden, als zur Wahl stimulierenden Reiz, den anderen als Wahl‐hemmenden Reiz. Die verwendeten Unterscheidungsmerkmale lagen vorwiegend in der Kopfregion. Veränderungen der Kopfzeichnung gaben keine eindeutigen Hinweise, welche Merkmale für das individuelle Erkennen verwendet wurden.

2 ♂ ♂ konnten nach der Dressur verschiedene Farbdias zweier Wellen‐sittiche unterscheiden. Sie reagierten auf weitere, noch nie zuvor gesehene Dias dieser Vögel im Sinne der Dressur. Ein ♂ ♂ wählte zwischen 2 ♀ ♀, auf deren Dias er dressiert worden war, wie zwischen den Dias.

Die Distanzrufe von Wellensittichen besitzen individuenspezifische Merkmale. In der Dressur unterschieden die Wellensittiche nur zwischen sehr verschiedenen Rufen eindeutig.

2 ♂ ♂ konnten erfolgreich auf die Unterscheidung der Kombination von Dias und entsprechenden Distanzrufen zweier Wahlvögel dressiert werden. Wurden ihnen die Rufe und die Dias anschließend über Kreuz geboten, richteten sie ihre Wahl bevorzugt nach den optischen Reizen.

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß individuelles Erkennen durch optische Reize ermöglicht wird, akustische Reize dagegen unter den Versuchsbedingungen weniger geeignet sind. Mögliche Gründe für das Versagen der Wellensittiche in der Dressur auf akustische Reize werden diskutiert, so unter anderem, daß akustische Reize in Verbindung mit optischen von den Wellensittichen stärker beachtet werden.
Display Specificity and Reproductive Isolation in the Fiddler Crabs, Uca panacea and U. pugilator
Authors: Salmon Michael , Hyatt Gary , McCarthy Kathleen , Costlow John D.
Published: November 2023

The factors responsible for reproductive isolation between two sibling species of fiddler crabs (Uca pugilator and U. panacea) were studied under both laboratory and field conditions. ♂♂ showed species differences in their visual and acoustical displays. These differences were exaggerated in the overlap zone, where U. pugilator showed character displacement of its acoustic signals. ♀♀ of U. pugilator confined with ♂♂ of U. panacea produced fewer clutches of young. Occasionally, forced matings took place in the laboratory, resulting in hybrids suffering greater mortality through development. The data indicate that both premating (behavioral) as well as postmating (higher larval mortality) barriers act to prevent interbreeding.
Temperaturabhängiges Putzen bei Sammelwespen
Authors: Pflumm Walter
Published: November 2023

The influence of temperature on the preening of foraging wasps (Paravespula vulgaris) collecting sucrose solution at an artificial food source is described. The temperature has an influence on the number of preening movements performed per unit time (= rate of preening) as well as on the spatial distribution of the preening movements. The rate of preening as a function of the temperature is explained in a quantitative manner using a diagram, which corresponds to the disinhibition hypothesis for displacement activities. This also holds true for the honeybee. The degree of disinhibition of the preening tendency does not determine the spatial distribution of the preening movements.
A Simple Method for the Rapid Analysis of Animal Sounds
Authors: Staddon J. E. R. , McGeorge Lee W. , Bruce R. A. , Klein F. F.
Published: November 2023

A simple, real‐time method for displaying the information contained in the zero‐crossings of acoustic signals is described. The method can be used even with many signals that have harmonics, and reveals a wealth of fine structure in bird song. Some of this structure may serve a communicatory function.
Distribution of nerve endings in human thumb interphalangeal joint
Authors: Acar Baver , Unal Melih , May Hasan , Ozturk Serra , Tanrıover Gamze , Sındel Muzaffer
Published: November 2023

This study aims to quantitatively analyze the distribution of encapsulated nerve endings in the human thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint capsule. There are three types of nerve endings. Type‐I nerve endings (Ruffini‐like ending) sense pressure changes, Type II (Pacini‐like ending) nerve endings contribute to the kinesthetic sense, and Type III (Golgi‐like ending) nerve ending provides proprioceptive information. We dissected five right thumbs IP joints from freshly frozen cadavers (5 men). The mean age of the cadavers at the time of death was 63.4 years (55–73). Sections were stained with the hematoxylin–eosin and antiprotein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) to identify encapsulated nerve endings. Transverse sections were cut and divided into volar, dorsal, and then into two equal parts, proximal and distal. The density of encapsulated nerve endings compared to volar versus dorsal and proximal versus distal regions was examined. This study showed that type 1 nerve endings were more common in the distal parts of the IP joint (p < 0.05). Also, type 3 nerve endings were observed in the thumb IP joint. There was no difference between regions in type II and type III nerve endings. The current study demonstrates that the distribution of encapsulated nerve endings in the IP joint is different from the PIP and DIP joints. Moreover, further studies are required to understand the thumb‘s physiology.
FTY720 increases paclitaxel efficacy in cisplatin‐resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Torres Lizeth Andrea Torres , Silva Gabriel , Alves Jovelina Samara Ferreira , Ushida Tatiane Resende , Potenza Julia , Garcia Cristiana Bernadelli , Sousa Lucas Oliveira , Lopes Norberto Peporine , Almeida Luciana Oliveira , Leopoldino Andréia Machado
Published: November 2023

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma has high recurrence and cisplatin resistance. As cancer stem cells, autophagy, and sphingolipids have been appointed as associated with chemotherapy resistance, we tested combined treatments targeting autophagy and/or sphingolipid metabolism with paclitaxel using cisplatin‐resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Methods

Cisplatin‐resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells were maintained under exposition to FTY720 and chloroquine combined with paclitaxel and submitted to viability, clonogenicity, and spheres formation assays. The xenograft tumor model using cisplatin‐resistant CAL27 cells was adopted to examine the drug combinations' potential antitumoral efficacy. Using an animal model, sphingolipids profiles from plasma and tissue samples were obtained by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to identify potential lipids associated with drug response.

Results and Discussion

Our results showed higher autophagic flux in cisplatin‐resistant Ooral squamous cell carcinoma (CAL27 and SCC9) cells than in parental cells. The combinations of an autophagy inhibitor (chloroquine) or an autophagy inducer/sphingosine kinase 1 antagonist (FTY720) with paclitaxel (PTX) had a synergistic antitumor effect. Treated CisR cells lost clonogenicity and tumor sphere abilities and reduced proteins associated with proliferation, survival, and cancer stem cells. FTY720 plus PTX had higher antitumor efficacy than PTX against CAL27 CisR xenograft tumor formation. Additionally, increases in glucosylceramide, dehydroglucosylceramide, and sphingomyelin were presented in responsive tumors.

Conclusion

FTY720 sensitizes cisplatin‐resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells for paclitaxel.
Surface roughness, optical properties, and microhardness of additively and subtractively manufactured CAD‐CAM materials after brushing and coffee thermal cycling
Authors: Çakmak Gülce , Donmez Mustafa Borga , de Paula Marcella Silva , Akay Canan , Fonseca Manrique , Kahveci Çiğdem , Abou‐Ayash Samir , Yilmaz Burak
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the surface roughness, optical properties, and microhardness of additively or subtractively manufactured CAD‐CAM materials after simulated brushing and coffee thermal cycling.

Material and methods

Two additively manufactured resins (Crowntec, CT and VarseoSmile Crown Plus, VS) and 3 subtractively manufactured materials (a reinforced composite (Brilliant Crios, BC), a polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network (Enamic, VE), and a feldspathic ceramic (Mark II, VM)) were used to fabricate disk‐shaped specimens (Ø10×1‐mm) (n = 10). Surface roughness, Vickers microhardness, and color coordinates were measured after polishing, while surface roughness was also measured before polishing. Specimens were then subjected to 25000 cycles of brushing and 10000 cycles of coffee thermal cycling, and measurements were repeated after each time interval. Color difference (ΔE00) and relative translucency parameter (RTP) were calculated. Robust analysis of variance test was used to evaluate surface roughness, ΔE00, and RTP data, while generalized linear model analysis was used for microhardness data (α = 0.05).

Results

Material type and time interval interaction affected tested parameters (p ≤ 0.002). In addition, material type affected all parameters (p < 0.001) other than surface roughness (p = 0.051), and time interval affected surface roughness and microhardness values (p < 0.001). Tested materials mostly had their highest surface roughness before polishing (p ≤ 0.026); however, there was no clear trend regarding the roughness of materials within different time intervals along with ΔE00 and RTP values within materials or time intervals. VS and CT had the lowest microhardness regardless of the time interval, while the remaining materials were listed as VM, VE, and BC in decreasing order (p < 0.001). Coffee thermal cycling only reduced the microhardness of VM (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Tested additively manufactured resins can be considered more susceptible to simulated brushing and coffee thermal cycling than the other materials, given the fact that their surface roughness and ΔE00 values were higher than previously reported acceptability thresholds and because they had the lowest microhardness after all procedures were complete.
Report of Phytophthora capsici (mating type A1) isolates associated with crown‐rot disease of Capsicum annuum in Guatemala
Authors: Gonçalves‐Pereira Débora , Fonseca Maria Esther N. , Boiteux Leonardo S. , Veloso Josiene S. , Fontes Maria Geane , Sierra Alvaro Javier Rodas , Relevante‐Belagantol Cherry , Reis Ailton
Published: November 2023

Wilting and crown‐rot symptoms were observed in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants in field surveys carried out in 2021 across major vegetable‐producing areas of three municipalities of Guatemala. Phytophthora capsici (Peronosporales, Peronosporaceae) isolates were identified in association with these symptoms based upon morphological and phylogenetic analyses using nucleotide sequence information of the Cox2 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) region. Biological tests confirmed P. capsici mating type A1 isolates as the causal agents of the disease. Symptoms similar to those observed in the field were obtained after controlled inoculation of C. annuum ‘Tico’ seedlings. Solanum habrochaites ‘LA 404’ and C. annuum ‘Criollo de Morelos’ displayed strong resistance reaction against all Guatemalan isolates. Even though P. capsici is a cosmopolitan pathogen, this is the first molecular confirmation of this pathogen infecting C. annuum in Guatemala.
Literature and global responsibility: Narratives, questions, and challenges
Authors: Bellin Stefano
Published: November 2023

This introductory essay offers a theoretical framework for discussing the relationship between contemporary literature and global responsibility. After surveying recent conceptualisations of collective responsibility, the introduction presents the definition of global responsibility that frames the Special Issue. ‘Global’ is understood here in the double sense of worldwide and comprehensive: it draws attention to our global relations of interdependence and to the complex networks of actions and inactions that create the conditions of possibility for structural violence and injustice. Literature is a powerful tool for thinking about the challenges and questions that characterise our interconnected world, as well as for developing a sense of responsibility that transcends national and cultural boundaries. Having reflected on the ethico‐political role and potential of literature, this introduction summarises the articles that constitute this Special Issue. While the five essays that follow cannot possibly address all the problems that affect our globalised world, they offer a set of concepts, narrative explorations, and hermeneutical readings that help us to reassess critically our compromised positions, thus creating the pre‐conditions for transformative interventions.
Liver transplantation for pediatric patients with congenital heart disease: A single‐center study in mainland China
Authors: Li Tingting , Wei Xinzhe , Hu Xiangyu , Ye Xuying , Li Chao , Li Zhuqing , Li Qi , Liu Chunlei , Gao Wei , Lu Chengzhi
Published: November 2023

Background

Liver transplantation (LT) is a serious cardiovascular stressor for patients with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). Data on the effects of cardiovascular diseases on pediatric LT is limited. No study on LT for pediatric patients with ESLD combined with congenital heart disease (CHD) has been reported from mainland China.

Methods

A total of 1005 patients were included in this study. The Kaplan–Meier method with log‐rank testing was used to evaluate survival outcomes between groups. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine the risk factors for patient and graft survival.

Results

The most common indication for LT was biliary atresia (BA 90.3%). The prevalence of CHD was 3.8% (38). 42 CHD were found in 38 patients. The incidence of death and graft loss was more common in the CHD group than in the no‐CHD group (13.2% vs. 5.0%, p = .045 and 15.8% vs. 6.2%, p = .019, respectively). The 5‐year patient survival and graft survival in the CHD group versus the no‐CHD group was 86.8% versus 94.7% (log‐rank p = .022) and 84.2% versus 93.5% (log‐rank p = .015), respectively. No significant differences were observed in re‐transplantation, hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). After adjusting for age, BMI, etiology of LT, and other confounding factors, we can still find that the presence of CHD was associated with patient and graft survival after LT.

Conclusion

The presence of CHD was associated with higher mortality and lower graft survival after LT. If possible, the cardiac defects should be addressed prior to LT.
Who benefits from work‐life programs? Lessons in gender and race from OPM's Federal Work‐Life Survey
Authors: Viswanath Shilpa , Yun Jung Ah (Claire) , Mullins Lauren Bock
Published: November 2023

Engaging the US Office of Personnel Management's inaugural Federal Work‐life Survey (2017), this study deconstructs the gender and race differences in employee satisfaction with federal work‐life programs. We examine whether women of color employees in particular stand to benefit differently from the federal work‐life programs in comparison to their male and white colleagues. Notably, this study operationalizes the federal employee's work‐life interference and dependent care responsibilities to determine gender and race‐related differences in employee satisfaction with federal work‐life programs. Study results indicate that federal employees belonging to historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups are satisfied to a lesser extent with partaking in federal work‐life programs than their white counterparts.
Peer‐Assisted Learning Is More Effective at Higher Task Complexity and Difficulty
Authors: Carson Jarean , Juvina Ion , O'Neill Kevin , Wong Chi Hang , Menke Preston , Kindell Kristin M. , Harmon Erin
Published: November 2023

This paper presents two studies in which a peer‐assisted learning condition was compared to an individual learning condition. The first study used the paired‐associates learning task and the second study used an incrementally more complex task—the remote associate test. Participants in the peer‐assisted learning condition worked in groups of four. They had to solve a given problem individually and give a first answer before being able to request to see their peers’ solutions; then, a second answer was issued. After six sessions of peer‐assisted practice, a final individual test was administered. Peer interaction was found to benefit learning in both studies but the benefit transferred to the final test only in the second study. Fine‐grained behavioral analyses and computational modeling suggested that the benefits of peer interaction were (partially) offset by its costs, particularly increased cognitive load and error exposure. Overall, the superiority of peer‐assisted learning over individual learning was more pronounced in the more complex task and for the more difficult problems in that task.
Spatio‐temporal analysis of trends in annual maximum rainfall in the North‐West of Algeria: Comparative analysis of recent and old non‐parametric methods
Authors: Benzater Benali , Elouissi Abdelkader , Fellah Sahnoun , Hachemaoui Anouar
Published: November 2023

This article examines the spatial variability of extreme precipitation trends in northwestern Algeria (Macta) and compares the results obtained from the four recent and old non‐parametric methods. A dataset of annual maximum precipitation consisting of 41 observation years (1970–2010) and 41 rain gauges was used. The results of the four old and new methods used to detect trends, Mann–Kendall (MK), Bravais–Pearson (BP), Spearman (SR) and innovative trend analysis (ITA), show good agreement. They revealed that a decrease in the trend of annual maximum precipitation was detected during the first period (1970–1992) with −44% (MK), −61% (BP), −68% (SR) and −76% (ITA). On the other hand, in the second period (1993–2010), a total shift occurred in which a significant increase in annual maximum precipitation trends was observed with +63% (BP), +34% (MK and SR) and +93% (ITA). These results show the ability of ITA to detect partial trends that the other three tests do not allow. Our results allow decision‐makers to properly design adaptation strategies in the face of the intensification of these extreme events.
Optically controlling the competition between spin flips and intersite spin transfer in a Heusler half-metal on sub–100-fs time scales
Authors: Ryan Sinéad A. , Johnsen Peter C. , Elhanoty Mohamed F. , Grafov Anya , Li Na , Delin Anna , Markou Anastasios , Lesne Edouard , Felser Claudia , Eriksson Olle , Kapteyn Henry C. , Grånäs Oscar , Murnane Margaret M.
Published: November 2023

The direct manipulation of spins via light may provide a path toward ultrafast energy-efficient devices. However, distinguishing the microscopic processes that can occur during ultrafast laser excitation in magnetic alloys is challenging. Here, we study the Heusler compound Co
2
MnGa, a material that exhibits very strong light-induced spin transfers across the entire M-edge. By combining the element specificity of extreme ultraviolet high-harmonic probes with time-dependent density functional theory, we disentangle the competition between three ultrafast light-induced processes that occur in Co
2
MnGa: same-site Co-Co spin transfer, intersite Co-Mn spin transfer, and ultrafast spin flips mediated by spin-orbit coupling. By measuring the dynamic magnetic asymmetry across the entire M-edges of the two magnetic sublattices involved, we uncover the relative dominance of these processes at different probe energy regions and times during the laser pulse. Our combined approach enables a comprehensive microscopic interpretation of laser-induced magnetization dynamics on time scales shorter than 100 femtoseconds.
TWIST1
and
TSG6
are coordinately regulated and function as potency biomarkers in human MSCs
Authors: Lee Ryang Hwa , Boregowda Siddaraju V. , Shigemoto-Kuroda Taeko , Bae EunHye , Haga Christopher L. , Abbery Colette A. , Bayless Kayla J. , Haskell Andrew , Gregory Carl A. , Ortiz Luis A. , Phinney Donald G.
Published: November 2023

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been evaluated in >1500 clinical trials, but outcomes remain suboptimal because of knowledge gaps in quality attributes that confer potency. We show that TWIST1 directly represses
TSG6
expression that
TWIST1
and
TSG6
are inversely correlated across bone marrow–derived MSC (BM-MSC) donor cohorts and predict interdonor differences in their proangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immune suppressive activity in vitro and in sterile inflammation and autoimmune type 1 diabetes preclinical models. Transcript profiling of

TWIST1
Hi
TSG6
Low

versus

TWIST
Low
TSG6
Hi

BM-MSCs revealed previously unidentified roles for TWIST1/TSG6 in regulating cellular oxidative stress and TGF-β2 in modulating
TSG6
expression and anti-inflammatory activity.
TWIST1
and
TSG6
levels also correlate to donor stature and predict differences in iPSC-derived MSC quality attributes. These results validate
TWIST1
and
TSG6
as biomarkers that predict interdonor differences in potency across laboratories and assay platforms, thereby providing a means to manufacture MSC products tailored to specific diseases.
Geographical emergence of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine drug resistance-associated
P. falciparum
and
P. malariae
alleles in co-existing
Anopheles
mosquito and asymptomatic human populations across Cameroon
Authors: Nkemngo Francis N. , Raissa Lymen W. , Nguete Daniel N. , Ndo Cyrille , Fru-Cho Jerome , Njiokou Flobert , Wanji Samuel , Wondji Charles S.
Published: November 2023

Malaria molecular surveillance remains critical in detecting and tracking emerging parasite resistance to anti-malarial drugs. The current study employed molecular techniques to determine
Plasmodium
species prevalence and characterize the genetic diversity of
Plasmodium falciparum
and
Plasmodium malariae
molecular markers of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance in humans and wild
Anopheles
mosquito populations in Cameroon.
Anopheles
mosquito collections and parasitological survey were conducted in villages to determine
Plasmodium
species infection, and genomic phenotyping of anti-folate resistance was accomplished by sequencing the dihydrofolate-reductase (
dhfr
) and dihydropteroate-synthase (
dhps
) genes of naturally circulating
P. falciparum
and
P. malariae
isolates. The malaria prevalence in Elende was 73.5% with the 5–15 years age group harboring significant
P. falciparum
(27%) and
P. falciparum + P. malariae
(19%) infections. The polymorphism breadth of the pyrimethamine-associated
Pfdhfr
marker revealed a near fixation (94%) of the triple-mutant -A
16

I
51
R
59
N
108

I
164
. The
Pfdhps
backbone mediating sulfadoxine resistance reveals a high frequency of the

V
431
A
436
G
437

K
540
A
581
A
613
alleles (20.8%). Similarly, the
Pmdhfr
N
50
K
55

L
57
R
58

S
59
S
114
F
168
I
170
haplotype (78.4%) was predominantly detected in the asexual blood stage. In contrast, the
Pmdhps
–
S
436
A
437
occured at 37.2% frequency. The combined quadruple N
50
K
55

L
57
R
58

S
59
S
114
F
168
I
170
_

S
436
G
437

K
540
A
581
A
613
(31.9%) was the major circulating haplotype with similar frequency in humans and mosquitoes. This study highlights the increasing frequency of the
P. malariae
parasite mostly common in asymptomatic individuals with apparent
P. falciparum
infection. Interventions directed at reducing malaria transmission such as the scaling-up of SP are favoring the emergence and spread of multiple drug-resistant alleles between the human and mosquito host systems.