bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keep an eye on natural enemies: What Aphidius on sticky traps tells us about aphid pest population dynamics
Authors: Grupe Björn , Dieckhoff Christine , Meyhöfer Rainer
Published: August 2023

Monitoring pest population development in crops is crucial for determining action thresholds and evaluating the efficacy of pest control measures in greenhouse integrated pest management. Yellow sticky traps are a popular choice for trapping various pests; however, they may not be effective in capturing wingless or immature pests. For instance, winged aphids can only be trapped during their dispersal activities; thus, relying solely on sticky traps for monitoring can be insufficient and may result in an inaccurate estimation of population density. Therefore, we investigated a new approach for the indirect monitoring of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on cucumbers, Cucumis sativus L. (Cucurbitaceae) by monitoring the natural enemies on sticky traps. The study aimed to assess aphid population density in crops via the foraging activities of Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). In theory, the patch time allocation of parasitoids should increase with increasing host density, whereas the probability of trapping parasitoids on sticky traps should decrease. To test this hypothesis, we infested cucumber crops in greenhouse cabins with different aphid densities and hung yellow sticky traps before releasing A. colemani. Insects were counted weekly on the plants and sticky traps, and their relationships were analyzed using correlation modeling. The trap catches strongly correlated with aphid population density in the crops, but this correlation was positive, contrary to our expectations. Nevertheless, in the absence of winged aphids, indirect assessments could be a valuable tool for monitoring pest populations. Furthermore, our study confirms that monitoring winged aphids on yellow sticky traps is not a reliable method for the surveillance of the actual aphid population density in the crops. The possibilities of the biological control and monitoring of non‐flying insects are discussed.
Chemical and biological products used in sugarcane and their effect on Trichogramma galloi
Authors: Taguti Paula Sayuri , Ramalho Dagmara Gomes , Nascimento Vinícius Ferraz , dos Santos Lauany Cavalcante , Taguti Erica Ayumi , Mihsfeldt Laila Herta , De Bortoli Sergio Antonio
Published: August 2023

The parasitoid Trichogramma galloi Zucchi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is an effective biocontrol agent of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Its use is often recommended in integrated pest management (IPM) programs in sugarcane. However, the IPM of this crop also involves the use of chemical and biological insecticides, and little is known about the effects of concomitant use of these products together with T. galloi. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the chemical insecticide chlorantraniliprole (Altacor 350 WG) and the biological agents Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. (Granada WP), Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Opala WP), and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki (Dipel WP) on the parasitism of T. galloi adult females against D. saccharalis eggs under laboratory conditions, in addition to biological parameters of the offspring. Treatments with chlorantraniliprole and B. thuringiensis reduced the parasitism rate of T. galloi females. The biological agents M. anisopliae, B. thuringiensis, and chlorantraniliprole increased offspring mortality by more than 30%. The use of B. bassiana favored adult female parasitism rates and did not cause significant offspring mortality. None of the treatments had significant effects on the emergence, longevity, and sex ratio of the offspring. Our results suggest that an insecticide based on B. bassiana can be used concomitantly with the parasitoid T. galloi in sugarcane IPM programs. Moreover, M. anisopliae, B. thuringiensis, and chlorantraniliprole had significant undesirable effects on T. galloi; therefore, they should be used with caution to avoid potential suppression of the parasitoid effect.
Schelling on freedom, evil and imputation: A puzzle
Authors: Stern Robert
Published: August 2023

This paper is focused on F. W. J. Schelling's view of freedom during the period of the Freiheitsschrift (1809) and related works. It is argued that the standard way this has been understood may be too simplistic. On this standard interpretation of his view, evil is made a matter of free choice by the agent, but where the choice does not concern individual actions, but the choice of the agent's essence in an atemporal act. As a result of this choice, it is argued, Schelling can then make evil imputable. By contrast, I argue that for Schelling freedom does not involve choice, but necessity, but in a way that is still internal to the agent and hence non‐coercive, and thus in a way that remains free and makes evil imputable. How Schelling comes to have this view is considered, and some responses are given to ways it might be challenged both interpretatively and philosophically.
Taxonomic and functional diversity of the soil microbiome recruited from alternative crops in a rotation system
Authors: Liu Qing , Li Teng , Chen Lin , Zhang Sai , Zhao Yingxing , Chen Yuanquan , Liu Jin , Gao Wangsheng , Sui Peng
Published: August 2023

Intensive cropping is considered to contribute to negative effects both on soil physiochemical properties and on long‐term grain yield, which can be alleviated by appropriate crop rotations. The soil microbial community can vary with different crop rotations, which in turn affect soil quality and grain yield. Therefore, it is of great significance to elucidate the response of the soil microbial community to crop rotation. In this study, the structural and functional changes of microbial community in different crop rotations were analyzed using high‐throughput sequencing and metagenomics analysis in a field experiment. The continuous winter wheat‐summer maize cropping system was the control, and three crop rotations were established in October 2016 as follows: (1) spring peanut→winter wheat‐summer maize, (2) winter wheat‐summer peanut→winter wheat‐summer maize and (3) spring sweet potato→winter wheat‐summer maize. Soil samples were collected in September 2021 for soil microbial assessment. The results showed that the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota in the soil of spring sweet potato→winter wheat‐summer maize was significantly higher (15.2%) than that in the control. The relative abundance of Ascomycota was significantly higher (19.8%–23.2%) in the soil following crop rotation compared with the control. Compared with the control, spring peanut→winter wheat‐summer maize enriched energy metabolism genes, and spring sweet potato→winter wheat‐summer maize reduced the genes related to plant–pathogen interaction. Compared with the control, crop rotation significantly decreased the relative abundance of the inorganic phosphorus solubilization gene (gcd) and the phosphorus transport gene (upgE) and increased the abundance of organic phosphorus mineralization genes (phoA and phyA). Based on these results, we concluded that the composition of the soil microbial community and functional genes can be altered by crop rotation, and spring peanut→winter wheat‐summer maize and spring sweet potato→winter wheat‐summer maize had more significant effects. This study provided a reference for the selection of crop rotations in the North China Plain based on the soil microbial community and its function.
Information needs and sources of health professionals in Malawi
Authors: Gama Limbani Chrispin , Chawinga Winner Dominic , Chipeta George Theodore
Published: August 2023

Background

Health professionals require up‐to‐date information in their pursuit of evidence‐based practice in health care. There is a plethora of literature on information behaviour of different user groups across disciplines in Malawi with little evidence on health professionals.

Objectives

The study investigated the information behaviour of health professionals at one of the three biggest hospitals in Malawi.

Methods

A descriptive survey design was used. Ninety‐four health professionals participated in the study. SPSS was used for descriptive analysis to generate frequencies and percentages.

Results

Personal and professional development constituted the major information need among all the health professionals. Health professionals used books and colleagues as sources of information, but many preferred to use websites, rather than print resources. The challenges that affected their information behaviour included, inadequate information resources, limited access to the internet and e‐databases, and lack of information literacy skills.

Discussion

The study revealed various information needs of health professionals and their preferred information sources. Health professionals need adequate library and information services with both print and digital resources and support from information professionals. Nevertheless, use of the hospital library was very low among health professionals.

Conclusion

Health professionals at MCH continue to face various challenges that hinder access and efficient use of information resources.
Contrasting results of multiple species delimitation approaches cause uncertainty in synecological studies: A case study on Sri Lankan chafers
Authors: Ranasinghe U. G. S. L. , Thormann J. , Benjamin S. P. , Bezděk A. , Eberle J. , Ahrens Dirk
Published: August 2023

Biodiversity patterns are the sum of multiple overlapping species distributions. Their analysis therefore requires proper species inference. DNA‐based species delimitation has become increasingly popular for such assessments, but their robustness is often problematic due to incongruence between multiple delimitation approaches.

Here, we explored how contrasting results of different species’ delimitations translate into conclusions of synecological studies, exemplified by assemblages of phytophagous scarab beetles in Sri Lanka from different elevations and forest types. Particularly, we compared estimates based on complete assemblages and on cumulated species inventories inferred from individually analysed subclades.

The patterns of assemblage similarity were analysed across different spatial scales with reference to morphospecies, molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) and haplotypes.

Method‐related ambiguity of species (MOTUs) estimates, which also included subclade inferences, severely affected the certainty of apparent biodiversity patterns at most spatial scales. Even more contrasting patterns resulted from individual clade‐wise analyses of faunal similarity or even from cumulated species inventories from individual clade‐wise species delimitation analysis.

In this case study of tropical chafer beetles, haplotypes provided only very little explanatory information, since genetically highly diverse populations widely lacked shared haplotypes. Therefore, searching proper species boundaries should be the ultimate goal of biodiversity assessments to lend an enduring meaning to biodiversity research and its sustainable application.

Our study underlines the need for awareness when synecological observations from different studies are integrated, which use different species delimitation methods for their biodiversity assessment, and its potential impact on conservation management.
Impact of clinical and histopathological characteristics on the disease‐free survival of stage I‐II acral melanoma patients
Authors: Borges de Barros Primo Raquel , Brito Nobre Aretha , Santos Bruna Nathália , Nunes Luiz Fernando , Fernandes Ricardo , Abrão Possik Patricia , Santos Bernardes Sara
Published: August 2023

Background

Acral melanoma is rare and associated with a worse prognosis compared to cutaneous melanoma in other locations. Despite this, few studies have focused on the prognosis of acral melanoma, particularly in patients with initial clinical stage. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of clinical and histopathological characteristics on the disease‐free survival (DFS) of stage I‐II patients.

Methods

We analyzed 154 stage I‐II acral melanoma cases, all of whom underwent a review of the histopathological and clinical parameters. Patients were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of disease recurrence within 5 years. We used Cox proportional regression to analyze independent risk factors and computed DFS curves using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Within 5 years, 27.9% of patients experienced disease recurrence, with 90.4% occurring during the first 3 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses did not identify any clinical parameters with a significant influence on DFS. The DFS rate at 5 years was 72.7%. The median duration of disease recurrence after the initial diagnosis was 21 months. However, Breslow thickness, presence of ulceration, >3 mitosis/mm2, presence of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and perineural invasion were significantly associated with a decrease in time to first recurrence.

Conclusions

Despite the favorable prognosis of stage I‐II acral melanoma compared with advance stage, clinical and histopathological characteristics can impact prognosis. In addition to Breslow thickness and ulceration, attention should be paid to mitotic rate, presence of TIL, and perineural invasion to optimize follow‐up of acral melanoma patients diagnosed in the initial clinical stage.
Mutational spectrum of HBD gene in the Chinese population: Description of 36 mutations including 11 novel variants
Authors: Xu Anping , Li Mingyang , Ye Yinghui , Li Liping , Ma Minjing , Wu Shang Ying , Ji Ling
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Mutations in the hemoglobin subunit delta (HBD) gene (MIM#142000) are associated with decreased levels of the Hemoglobin A2 (Hb A2) fraction. We aimed to examine the prevalence of HBD gene mutations and summarize their characteristics in the Chinese population.

Methods

Individuals who exhibited Hb A2 levels below 1.8%, with or without Hb A2 variant peaks, were chosen for further investigation. Hemoglobin analysis was conducted using capillary electrophoresis. Common α and β‐thalassemia in China were detected using gap‐PCR and reverse dot blot hybridization. The presence of HBD gene mutations was confirmed by DNA sequencing.

Results

A total of 188 patients were identified as carriers of the HBD gene mutation, with a prevalence of approximately 0.46%. We discovered 36 types of mutations, 30 of which resulted in δ‐globin variants, while the remaining 6 resulted in δ‐thalassemia. The most common mutation was HBD:c.‐127 T > C, accounting for 87.2% of δ‐thalassemia cases. In addition, we identified 11 novel HBD gene mutations and found 10 cases compounded with other common thalassemias.

Conclusion

We observed a high prevalence of HBD gene mutations in southern China. Our findings provide a genetic basis for screening for δ‐thalassemia and enrich the spectrum of HBD gene mutations.
Identification of tumor immunophenotypes associated with immunotherapy response in bladder cancer
Authors: Liang Hai‐qi , Liao Nai‐kai , Yang Shu‐bo , Wei Qiu‐ju , Tan Shu‐ting , Zhai Gao‐qiang , Lu Jiang‐ting , Huang Yi‐cheng , Deng Xiao‐bin , Mo Lin‐jian , Cheng Ji‐wen
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study aims to reveal immunophenotypes associated with immunotherapy response in bladder cancer, identify the signature genes of immune subtypes, and provide new molecular targets for improving immunotherapy response.

Methods

Bladder cancer immunophenotypes were characterized in the bulk RNA sequencing dataset GSE32894 and Imvigor210, and gene expression signatures were established to identify the immunophenotypes. Expression of gene signatures were validated in single‐cell RNA sequencing dataset GSE145140 and human proteins expression data source. Investigation of Immunotherapy Response was performed in IMvigor210 dataset. Prognosis of tumor immunophenotypes was further analyzed.

Results

Inflamed and immune‐excluded immunophenotypes were characterized based on the tumor immune cell scores. Risk score models that were established rely on RNA sequencing profiles and overall survival of bladder cancer cohorts. The inflamed tumors had lower risk scores, and the low‐risk tumors were more likely to respond to atezolizumab, receiving complete response/partial response (CR/PR). Patients who responded to atezolizumab had higher SRRM4 and lower NPHS1 and TMEM72 expression than the non‐responders. SRRM4 expression was a protective factor for bladder cancer prognosis, while the NPHS1 and TMEM72 showed the opposite pattern.

Conclusion

This study provided a novel classification method for tumor immunophenotypes. Bladder cancer immunophenotypes can predict the response to immune checkpoint blockade. The immunophenotypes can be identified by the expression of signature genes.
Historical epidemics of scrub typhus in Queensland and Papua New Guinea
Authors: Shanks G. D.
Published: August 2023

Undifferentiated febrile diseases (e.g., Mossman fever) from northern Queensland were eventually partially attributed to mite‐transmitted rickettsial infections known as scrub typhus or tsutsugamushi fever. Scrub typhus became a major medical threat to military operations in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War and killed more Australian soldiers than malaria in the pre‐antibiotic era. Further investigations showed scrub typhus to be an occupational disease of rural workers in north Queensland especially around Cairns and Innisfail. Occasional small epidemics of scrub typhus still occur during military exercises in Queensland, but as scrub typhus is not a reportable disease, its presence in the civilian community is largely unknown. Increased use of serological testing in patients with fever and rash illnesses after exposure in northern Queensland is likely to show that scrub typhus is a modern infection that remains treatable with antibiotics once it is identified.
TAM receptors in phagocytosis: Beyond the mere internalization of particles
Authors: Burstyn‐Cohen Tal , Fresia Roberta
Published: August 2023

TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK constitute the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases, activated by their ligands GAS6 and PROS1. TAMs are necessary for adult homeostasis in the immune, nervous, reproductive, skeletal, and vascular systems. Among additional cellular functions employed by TAMs, phagocytosis is central for tissue health. TAM receptors are dominant in providing phagocytes with the molecular machinery necessary to engulf diverse targets, including apoptotic cells, myelin debris, and portions of live cells in a phosphatidylserine‐dependent manner. Simultaneously, TAMs drive the release of anti‐inflammatory and tissue repair molecules. Disruption of the TAM‐driven phagocytic pathway has detrimental consequences, resulting in autoimmunity, male infertility, blindness, and disrupted vascular integrity, and which is thought to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Although structurally and functionally redundant, the TAM receptors and ligands underlie complex signaling cascades, of which several key aspects are yet to be elucidated. We discuss similarities and differences between TAMs and other phagocytic pathways, highlight future directions and how TAMs can be harnessed therapeutically to modulate phagocytosis.
Development and validation of a youth climate anxiety scale for the Youth Development Instrument survey
Authors: Wu Judy , Long David , Hafez Nada , Maloney Jacqueline , Lim Yan , Samji Hasina
Published: August 2023

Emerging terms in the literature such as climate anxiety describe heightened concern, fear, and anxiety related to the climate crisis. Recent efforts have attempted to develop and validate scales to measure climate anxiety; however, extant research is largely focused on adults. Consequently, it is unclear whether developed measures are appropriate for adolescent populations, despite disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis experienced by this age group. The purpose of this study was two‐fold; first, we aimed to assess levels of climate concern among Canadian adolescents using the Youth Development Instrument (YDI), a population‐level youth well‐being survey administered in schools with students (ages 15–18). Secondly, we collaborated with adolescents to adapt an existing climate anxiety scale to be included in the YDI survey. We used survey results to validate the adapted scale for use with adolescents and assessed levels of climate anxiety within our sample. In consultation with adolescents, the 13‐item Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS) was adapted to create the Climate Change Anxiety Scale – Short‐form (CCAS‐S) which consists of four‐items adapted from the original CCAS. A total of 2306 respondents were included in analyses. Most adolescents reported feeling climate change concern (75.8%). A smaller proportion reported experiences of climate anxiety (48.7%). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a one‐factor structure for the CCAS‐S, with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95) and good model fit with error co‐variance. Findings from this study provide construct validity evidence and reliability for the use of the CCAS‐S in adolescent populations.
Organizational display rules in nursing: Impacts on caring behaviors and emotional exhaustion through emotional labor
Authors: Qiu Pingping , Yan Liting , Zhang Qianmin , Guo Shengbin , Liu Chenyin , Liu Huijing , Chen Xinchen
Published: August 2023

Aim

To examine the impact of display rules on nurses’ caring behaviors and emotional exhaustion and the mediating role of emotional labor (surface/deep acting).

Background

Hospitals often implement emotional display rules for nurses with the expectation of performance benefits. However, these rules may have an impact on nurses' caring behaviors and emotional exhaustion.

Methods

This cross‐sectional correlational study included a sample of 746 nurses from five hospitals and used the STROBE checklist. Relationships between display rules, emotional labor, caring behaviors, and emotional exhaustion were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Results

Display rules did not directly affect caring behaviors or emotional exhaustion. Emotional labor mediated the relationships. Display rules were associated more with surface acting. Deep acting increased caring behaviors and reduced emotional exhaustion; surface acting had the opposite effect.

Conclusions

Findings challenge the assumption that display rules effectively promote caring behaviors. Display rules lead to emotional labor and emotional exhaustion. Reducing display rules, emotional labor, and surface acting while supporting deep acting may alleviate emotional exhaustion.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Nurse managers should review the nature and implementation of emotional display rules and explore ways to reduce emotional labor, encourage deep acting, mitigate the negative impact of surface acting, and ultimately improve nursing caring behaviors.
RETRACTED: Diabetic foot wound ulcer management by laser therapy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu He , Ya‐Qing Xia , Cai‐Feng Yang , Jia‐Li He , Xian‐Yu Tang
Published: August 2023

A meta‐analysis examination was implemented to review diabetic foot wound ulcer (DFWU) management by laser therapy (LT). A broad literature examination until May 2023 was done and 1357 interconnected examinations were revised. The 26 elected examinations, enclosed 1067 personals with DFWU were in the utilized examinations ‘starting point, 540 of them were utilizing LT, and 527 were utilizing control. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to appraise the DFWUs management by LT by the dichotomous and continuous approach and a fixed or random model. LT had significantly higher ulcer size decreases (MD, 17.04; 95% CI, 12.48–21.59, p < 0.001) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99%), and complete healing rate (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.89–4.37, p < 0.001) with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%) compared with control in personals with DFWU. LT had significantly higher ulcer size decreases, and complete healing rate compared to control in personals with DFWU. Nevertheless, exercise caution while interacting with its values since all the chosen examinations were found with a low sample size for the comparisons in the meta‐analysis.
Programmed cell death pathways as targets for developing antifilarial drugs: Lessons from the recent findings
Authors: Das Nabarun Chandra , Chakraborty Pritha , Nandy Samapika , Dey Abhijit , Malik Tabarak , Mukherjee Suprabhat
Published: August 2023

More than half a century has passed since the introduction of the National Filariasis Control Program; however, as of 2023, lymphatic filariasis (LF) still prevails globally, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions, posing a substantial challenge to the objective of worldwide elimination. LF is affecting human beings and its economically important livestock leading to a crucial contributor to morbidities and disabilities. The current scenario has been blowing up alarms of attention to develop potent therapeutics and strategies having efficiency against the adult stage of filarial nematodes. In this context, the exploration of a suitable drug target that ensures lethality to macro and microfilariae is now our first goal to achieve. Apoptosis has been the potential target across all three stages of filarial nematodes viz. oocytes, microfilariae (mf) and adults resulting in filarial death after receiving the signal from the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and executed through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Hence, it is considered a leading target for developing antifilarial drugs. Herein, we have shown the efficacy of several natural and synthetic compounds/nanoformulations in triggering the apoptotic death of filarial parasites with little or no toxicity to the host body system.
Incretin hormone responses to carbohydrate and protein/fat are preserved in adults with sulfonylurea‐treated KCNJ11 neonatal diabetes
Authors: Bowman Pamela , Patel Kashyap A , McDonald Timothy J , Holst Jens J , Hartmann Bolette , Leveridge Maria , Shields Beverley M , Hammersley Suzie , Spaull Steve R , Knight Bridget A , Flanagan Sarah E , Shepherd Maggie H , Andrews Rob C , Hattersley Andrew T
Published: August 2023

The incretin hormones glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are thought to be the main drivers of insulin secretion in individuals with sulfonylurea (SU)‐treated KCNJ11 permanent neonatal diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess for the first time the incretin hormone response to carbohydrate and protein/fat in adults with sulfonylurea‐treated KCNJ11 permanent neonatal diabetes compared with that of controls without diabetes. Participants were given a breakfast high in carbohydrate and an isocaloric breakfast high in protein/fat on two different mornings. Incremental area under the curve and total area under the curve (0‐240 minutes) for total GLP‐1 and GIP were compared between groups, using non‐parametric statistical methods. Post‐meal GLP‐1 and GIP secretion were similar in cases and controls, suggesting this process is adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive potassium channel‐independent. Future research will investigate whether treatments targeting the incretin pathway are effective in individuals with KCNJ11 permanent neonatal diabetes who do not have good glycemic control on sulfonylurea alone.
Monetary and Macroprudential Policy and Welfare in an Estimated Four‐Agent New Keynesian Model
Authors: BRATSIOTIS GEORGE J. , PATHIRAGE KASUN D.
Published: August 2023

We examine the social and agent‐specific welfare effects of monetary and macroprudential policy in a four‐agent estimated macro‐economic model comprising “banked simple households,” “underbanked simple households,” “firm owners,” and “bank owners.” Optimal capital requirement and loan loss provisions ratios improve all agent‐specific and social welfare, but imply smaller gains for simple households and firm owners that rely on credit. Countercyclical capital buffers support firm owners and bank owners with smaller gains for the two simple households, while countercyclical loan loss provisions improve social welfare only for specific shocks. Coordination between monetary and macroprudential policies yields higher social welfare than no coordination.
Dental anxiety and ageing anxiety: Moderated mediation roles of Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life and subjective accelerated ageing
Authors: Shacham Maayan , Ben‐Ezra Menachem , Hamama‐Raz Yaira , Palgi Yuval , Greenblatt‐Kimron Lee
Published: August 2023

Background

Oral health and its relation to ageing is an important topic often neglected among geriatric populations. Proper oral rehabilitation may aid in alleviating mental health burdens in such populations.

Objectives

The present study aimed to explore the association between dental anxiety and ageing anxiety, with regard to the interplay of Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) as mediator and subjective accelerated ageing as a moderator.

Methods

A total of 577 participants with mean age 72.78 years (SD = 3.832, range = 68–87) were recruited via a survey company in Israel. They completed a self‐report battery of questionnaires about dental anxiety, OHRQoL, subjective accelerated ageing and ageing anxiety, along with their informed consent.

Results

The findings revealed that dental anxiety was positively associated with ageing anxiety (direct effect), and that OHRQoL mediated the link between dental anxiety and ageing anxiety (indirect effect). Additionally, subjective accelerated ageing moderated the positive link between dental anxiety and OHRQoL, as well as the positive link between OHRQoL and ageing anxiety.

Conclusions

The results provide insight for the roles of OHRQoL and subjective accelerated ageing among older adults between dental anxiety and ageing anxiety. Tailoring oral rehabilitation interventions that focus on these factors are warranted to improve older adults' dental health.
Domestic and international factors of the contemporary Russo–Venezuelan bilateral relationship
Authors: Boersner Herrera Adriana , Haluani Makram
Published: August 2023

This article offers an analysis of the domestic and international factors shaping the Russo–Venezuelan alliance. We provide a comprehensive analysis to understand the evolution of this alliance and to consider how the political leadership, the regime type, the military sector, the economy, and the presence of China and the United States in Latin America are vital determinants in this alliance. At the policy level, Russia and Venezuela's relationship has opened an opportunity for the Venezuelan government to consolidate power, while for Russia, this alliance has helped offset the influence of the United States in Latin America.
Large X‐effects are absent in torrent frogs with nascent sex chromosomes
Authors: Wang Ziwen , Luo Wei , Ping Jun , Xia Yun , Ran Jianghong , Zeng Xiaomao
Published: August 2023

Sex chromosomes are popularized as a special role in driving speciation. However, the empirical evidence from natural population processes has been limited to organisms with degenerated sex chromosomes, where hemizygosity is mainly considered to act as the driver of reproductive isolation. Here, we examined several hybrid zones of torrent frog Amolops mantzorum species complex, using an approach by mapping species‐diagnostic loci onto the reference genome to compare sex‐linked versus autosomal patterns of introgression. We find little support in sex‐linked incompatibilities for large X‐effects for these populations in hybrid zones with homomorphic sex chromosomes, due to the absence of the hemizygous effects. As expected, the large X‐effects were not found in those with heteromorphic but newly evolved sex chromosomes, owing to the absence of strong genetic differences between X and Y chromosomes. The available data so far on amphibians suggest little role for sex‐linked genes in speciation. The large X‐effects in those with nascent sex chromosomes may not be as ubiquitous as presumed across the animal kingdom.
Negation in Poetics and Theology
Authors: Milbank John
Published: August 2023

There is a certain parallel between ‘negative capability’ in poetics and negation in theology. However, the former should be understood after Coleridge, not Keats, as blending empathetic self‐estrangement with expressive subjective involvement. Yet this only makes sense in terms of a participation in the transcendent. Similarly, negation in mystical theology is one moment in oscillation with the cataphatic. Negative theology, so understood, only makes sense at all within a broadly Neoplatonic metaphysical framework, as can be shown both historically and conceptually. Neither phenomenological nor grammatical approaches to negation are by comparison sufficient, though they have their supplementary illuminating place. Today, however, we need to supplement the Neoplatonic metaphysical framework with a stronger sense that the mystical approach to God involves in itself our poetic activity which inversely has to be understood as participative.
An interplay between bZIP16, bZIP68, and GBF1 regulates nuclear photosynthetic genes during photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Norén Lindbäck Louise , Ji Yan , Cervela‐Cardona Luis , Jin Xu , Pedmale Ullas V. , Strand Åsa
Published: August 2023

The development of a seedling into a photosynthetically active plant is a crucial process. Despite its importance, we do not fully understand the regulatory mechanisms behind the establishment of functional chloroplasts.

We herein provide new insight into the early light response by identifying the function of three basic region/leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors: bZIP16, bZIP68, and GBF1. These proteins are involved in the regulation of key components required for the establishment of photosynthetically active chloroplasts. The activity of these bZIPs is dependent on the redox status of a conserved cysteine residue, which provides a mechanism to finetune light‐responsive gene expression.

The blue light cryptochrome (CRY) photoreceptors provide one of the major light‐signaling pathways, and bZIP target genes overlap with one‐third of CRY‐regulated genes with an enrichment for photosynthesis/chloroplast‐associated genes. bZIP16, bZIP68, and GBF1 were demonstrated as novel interaction partners of CRY1. The interaction between CRY1 and bZIP16 was stimulated by blue light. Furthermore, we demonstrate a genetic link between the bZIP proteins and cryptochromes as the cry1cry2 mutant is epistatic to the cry1cry2bzip16bzip68gbf1 mutant.

bZIP16, bZIP68, and GBF1 regulate a subset of photosynthesis associated genes in response to blue light critical for a proper greening process in Arabidopsis.
Group‐identification, collectivism, and perspectival autonomy
Authors: Zahavi Dan
Published: August 2023

One of the aims of the 40th Annual Spindel Conference was to discuss whether the ongoing, but relatively distinct, investigations of relational autonomy and collective intentionality could crossfertilize. Whereas the concept of relational autonomy was developed to do justice to the relational character of selfhood, and as an alternative to traditional conceptions of autonomy, which were accused of exaggerating the self‐reliance and social independence of the self, recent discussions of collective intentionality have often centered on the question of whether and how collective intentions differ from aggregations of individual intentions. As different as they might otherwise be, theoretical explorations of autonomy and collective intentionality intersect at a crucial point: both require an understanding of the relationship between the self and the group, between individual subjectivity and social life. The aim of the following paper is to argue that the collective intentionality literature contains insights that cannot merely contribute to our understanding of autonomy, but also prevent us from taking our relationism too far.
Efficacy and safety of persimmon leaf formulated with green tea and sophora fruit extracts (BLH308) on hair growth: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ham Seoyoon , Lee Young In , Kim In Ah , Suk Jangmi , Jung Inhee , Jeong Jong‐Moon , Lee Ju Hee
Published: August 2023

Background

Recent research suggests that persimmon leaf extract (PLE) has an effect on inflammatory skin diseases. Previously, PLE is revealed to inhibit not only nitric oxide production but also inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression levels in mouse macrophages in vitro. Moreover, it significantly reduced IL‐6 production and 5α‐reductase expression in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). This study aimed to determine whether the PLE‐containing BLH308 complex improves hair growth in clinical trials.

Materials and Methods

A total of 88 participants were recruited, and were instructed to orally take BLH308 or the placebo twice a day for 24 weeks. The mean age of the test group was 38.52 ± 7.98 years and that of placebo group was 38.98 ± 8.80 years. The study was conducted for 24 weeks, and hair density, thickness, and gloss were evaluated. All participants completed a satisfaction survey questionnaire.

Results

The test group showed significantly increased hair density and hair diameter at week 24 compared with the placebo group (p = 0.0015 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Although not statistically significant, the degree of gloss also showed higher improvement in the test group compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that oral consumption of the BLH308 complex containing PLE significantly increased hair density and thickness compared to the placebo group, showing its possible role in promoting hair growth.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DPA1*01:159 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Andreani Marco , Galluccio Tiziana , Wojciechowski Elodie , Visentin Jonathan
Published: August 2023

HLA‐DPA1*01:159 differs from HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:03 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 120 in exon 3.
Capturing growth curves of medical students' clinical skills performance
Authors: Colbert‐Getz Jorie M. , Lappe` Katie , Gerstenberger John , Milne Caroline K. , Raaum Sonja
Published: August 2023

Introduction

A benefit of a milestone or Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA) assessment framework is the ability to capture longitudinal performance with growth curves using multi‐level modelling (MLM). Growth curves can inform curriculum design and individualised learning. Residency programmes have found growth curves to vary by resident and by milestone. Only one study has analysed medical students' growth curves for EPAs. Analysis of EPA growth curves is critical because no change in performance raises concerns for EPAs as an assessment framework.

Methods

Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine‐University of Utah students' workplace‐based assessment ratings for 7 EPAs were captured at 3 time‐points in years 3–4 of AY2017–2018 to AY2020–2021. MLM was used to capture EPA growth curves and determine if variation in growth curves was explained by internal medicine (IM) clerkship order.

Findings

A curvilinear slope significantly captured 256 students' average ratings overtime for EPA1a‐history‐taking, EPA2‐clinical reasoning, EPA3‐diagnostics, EPA5‐documentation and EPA6‐presentation, and a linear slope significantly captured EPA9‐teamwork ratings, p ≤ 0.001. Growth curves were steepest for EPA2‐clinical reasoning and EPA3‐diagnostics. Growth curves varied by students, p < 0.05 for all EPA ratings, but IM clerkship rotation order did not significantly explain the variance, p > 0.05.

Discussion

The increase in ratings from Year 3 to Year 4 provides validity evidence for use of EPAs in an assessment framework. Students may benefit from more curriculum/skills practice for EPA2‐clinical reasoning and EPA3‐diagnostics prior to year 3. Variation in student's growth curves is important for coaching and skill development; a one size fits all approach may not suffice.
An embodied theorisation: Arend Heyting's hypothesis about how the self separates from the outer world finds confirmation
Authors: Franchella Miriam
Published: August 2023

At the beginning of the twentieth century, among the foundational schools of mathematics appeared ‘intuitionism’ by Dutchman L. E. J. Brouwer, who based arithmetic on the intuition of time and all mental constructions that could be made out of it. His pupil Arend Heyting was the first populariser of intuitionism, and he repeatedly emphasised that no philosophy was required to practise intuitionism so that such mathematics could be shared by anyone. Still, stimulated by invitations to humanistic conferences, he wrote a series of notes, preserved in the State Archives, Haarlem, about solipsism. In them, he operated a series of theoretical reflections consisting of the stripping away of the patterns that are part of our consciousness and their subsequent progressive re‐introduction, in order to understand the formation of our Self as distinct from the natural world and other humans. In 1996, following a stroke, neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor experienced the deprivation of certain abilities in her brain and their successive regaining. In her experience there are remarkable similarities with what Heyting had hypothesised about the formation of the self. The purpose of this article is to highlight them and point out how Heyting's theoretical construct was found to be embodied in the brain.
Stereotactic radiotherapy outcomes for intraventricular brain tumours in 11 dogs
Authors: Hansen Katherine Sarah , Li Chai Fei , Théon Alain Pierre , Kent Michael Sean
Published: August 2023

Published radiotherapy data for canine intraventricular tumours are limited. In this retrospective, longitudinal study (9/2011–2018), 11 dogs with intraventricular masses were treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). Pathologic diagnosis was available from surgery or necropsy in 6/11 cases, revealing choroid plexus papilloma (3) or carcinoma (2), and ependymoma (1). The remainder were magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐diagnosed as suspected choroid tumours or ependymomas. Tumours were located in the third or lateral ventricle (8), fourth ventricle (2), and cerebellopontine angle (1). Surgery was performed in three dogs prior to radiotherapy, and all showed gross residual/recurrent disease at treatment. Dogs received 8 Gray × 3 fractions (7), or 15 Gray × 1 fraction (4). Ten dogs were deceased at analysis, and one was living. The estimated median overall survival time (OS) from first SRT treatment was 16.9 months (515 days, 95% CI 33–1593 days). The survival time for two pathology‐diagnosed carcinoma dogs were 24 and 133 days, respectively, and survival time for dogs with moderate to marked ventriculomegaly (4/11) ranged from 24 to 113 days. A total of 10/11 showed clinical improvement per owner or clinician, but two had short‐lived benefits and were euthanized within 6 weeks of SRT. Limited conclusions on radiation‐specific complications are possible due to the small dataset and limited follow‐up imaging. This study provides preliminary evidence that radiotherapy outcomes are variable with intraventricular tumours, and some long‐term survivors are noted.
Findings consistent with equine proximal suspensory desmitis can be reliably detected using computed tomography and differ between affected horses and controls
Authors: Müller Eva M. T. , Vanderperren Katrien , Merle Roswitha , Rheinfeld Svenja , Leelamankong Pitiporn , Lischer Christoph J. , Ehrle Anna
Published: August 2023

The objective of this retrospective, observational, controlled study was to evaluate bone and soft tissue window CT images of the proximoplantar metatarsus III region in twenty horses with pain localized to the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) and 20 horses with findings nonrelated to tarsal pain. All horses underwent CT and radiographic examination. Images were reviewed by three independent observers who graded the severity and localization of findings. Bone‐related categories as well as soft tissue‐related categories were evaluated. For the comparison of imaging findings in horses with and without proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD), mixed linear regression was performed. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess intraobserver agreement, and kappa statistics were employed to evaluate interobserver agreement. CT examination identified significantly more abnormalities in the diseased group. The scores for osseous exostosis (p = .015) and PSL enlargement (p = .004) were notably higher in PSD horses compared to controls. Intraobserver agreement was overall high (ICC .82–1.0), and interobserver agreement was substantial for the detection of mineralization (kappa = .61) and moderate for sclerosis (kappa = .43), exostosis (kappa = .43), and PSL enlargement (kappa = .48/.51). Measurements in the soft tissue window were significantly smaller than those in the bone window. Findings concurrent with PSD including osseous proliferation and sclerosis as well as soft tissue enlargement, mineralization, and avulsion can be reliably detected using CT. Findings from the current study supported the use of CT for evaluating horses with suspected PSD where high‐field MRI is not available.
Evaluation of a client questionnaire at diagnosing surgical site infections in an active surveillance system
Authors: Glenn Owen J. , Faux Ian , Pratschke Kathryn M. , Bowlt Blacklock Kelly L.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To report sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy of a client questionnaire at diagnosing surgical site infections (SSIs) and describe the impact of active surveillance on SSI detection.

Study design

Prospective, cohort study.

Animals

Dogs and cats undergoing soft tissue or orthopedic surgery over a 12‐month period at a referral hospital.

Methods

Clients were emailed a questionnaire 30 days postoperatively, or 90 days where an implant was used. Three algorithms were developed to diagnose SSIs using one or both of two criteria: (1) presence of any wound healing problems; (2) wound dehiscence or antibiotic prescription, and either purulent discharge or two or more clinical signs (redness, pain, heat, swelling, discharge). Algorithmic diagnoses were compared to gold standard diagnoses made by veterinarians.

Results

Of 754 surgical procedures, 309 responses were completed with 173 corresponding gold standard diagnoses. The most accurate algorithm determined “SSI” or “No SSI” from 90.2% of responses with 95.5% (92.4–98.6) accuracy, 82.6% (77–88.3) sensitivity, 97.7% (95.5–100) specificity, 86.4% (81.2–91.5) positive predictive value, and 97% (94.5–99.6) negative predictive value. “No SSI” was diagnosed in responses not meeting criterion 1, and “SSI” in responses meeting criteria 1 and 2. “Inconclusive” responses, comprising 9.8% of responses, met criterion 1 but not 2. Overall SSI rate was 62/754 (8.2%) and 12/62 (19.4%) SSIs were detected by active surveillance only.

Conclusion

Use of this client questionnaire accurately diagnosed SSIs; active surveillance increased SSI detection.

Clinical significance

Surveillance of SSIs should be active and can be simplified by using a client questionnaire and algorithmic diagnoses, allowing automated distribution, data collection and analysis.