bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remifentanil for tracheal intubation without neuromuscular blocking drugs in adult patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Santos L. , Zheng H. , Singhal S. , Wong M.
Published: February 2024

There is increasing interest in the use of short‐acting opioids such as remifentanil to facilitate tracheal intubation. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy and safety of remifentanil for tracheal intubation compared with neuromuscular blocking drugs in adult patients. We conducted a systematic search for randomised controlled trials evaluating remifentanil for tracheal intubation. Primary outcomes included tracheal intubation conditions and adverse events. Twenty‐one studies evaluating 1945 participants were included in the analysis. Use of remifentanil (1.5–4.0 μg.kg‐1) showed no evidence of a difference in tracheal intubation success rate compared with neuromuscular blocking drugs (risk ratio (95%CI) 0.97 (0.94–1.01); six studies; 1232 participants; I2 28%; p = 0.16; moderate‐certainty evidence). Compared with neuromuscular blocking drugs, the use of remifentanil (2.0–4.0 μg.kg‐1) makes little to no difference in terms of producing excellent tracheal intubation conditions (risk ratio (95%CI) 1.16 (0.72–1.87); two studies; 121 participants; I2 31%, p = 0.54; moderate‐certainty of evidence). There was no evidence of an effect between remifentanil (2.0–4.0 μg.kg‐1) and neuromuscular blocking drugs for bradycardia (risk ratio (95%CI) 0.44 (0.01–13.90); two studies; 997 participants; I2 81%; p = 0.64) and hypotension (risk ratio (95%CI) 1.05 (0.44–2.49); three studies; 1071 participants; I2 92%; p = 0.92). However, the evidence for these two outcomes was judged to be of very low‐certainty. We conclude that remifentanil may be used as an alternative drug for tracheal intubation in cases where neuromuscular blocking drugs are best avoided, but more studies are required to evaluate the haemodynamic adverse events of remifentanil at different doses.
Constructing a social responsibility system for professional sports clubs based on the perspective of China
Authors: Yang Xiannan , Lu Hongyu , Cai Junren , Zhang Shaojie
Published: February 2024

The development of CSR reflects the level and characteristics of professional sports organizations, and the CSR of professional sports clubs varies among different countries and regions. In order to explore the content of the CSR of Chinese professional sports clubs in a more comprehensive and systematic way, this study organizes previous studies on the CSR of clubs in different countries and regions, and analyzes the differences between Chinese professional sports clubs and clubs in Europe, North America, Japan, and other countries and regions. We collected the opinions of 20 experts through semi‐structured interviews and combined them with the “Five in One” overall layout to construct and explain the CSR system of professional sports clubs in China in the new era, filling the gaps in research on this topic. Research suggests that social economic responsibility, social political responsibility, social cultural responsibility, social construction responsibility, and social ecological responsibility constitute the CSR system of professional sports clubs in China. Within a certain range, the larger the scale and stronger the comprehensive strength of a club, the stronger its ability to fulfill its responsibilities, the more targets it fulfills, and the richer its content. The institutional environment and social awareness may account for this difference, and in a government‐led social environment or in the case of nationalized club ownership, the Chinese plan may be more applicable. Our research not only provides theoretical reference for subsequent research on the CSR content of professional sports clubs but also helps guide the CSR practice of clubs of different sizes, thereby promoting the exploration of diversified CSR development patterns of professional sports clubs in the academic community.
Seeing is more than believing: Personal experience increases climate action
Authors: Wei Xinni , Yu Feng , Peng Kaiping
Published: February 2024

Although global warming is a serious problem that influences numerous people worldwide, individuals are still reluctant to change their behaviours. The present research investigates how local hot temperatures affect climate action in non‐Western groups. In Study 1, an analysis of temperature and information acquisition by Shanghai residents in 122 days found that heat increased attention and awareness of climate change. In Study 2 and Study 3, participants who were primed with heat‐related perceptions were more likely to take climate action in private and public spheres. In Study 4, we further identified that people who experienced hot temperature events increased their beliefs and efficacy about climate change, which in turn motivated them to take more climate action. Importantly, the mediating effects were significant both in the manipulation of heat and real‐world settings. Consistent with our theoretical perspective, seeing is more than believing because personal experience increases climate action by fostering climate change beliefs and efficacy.
Shame in social interaction: Descriptions of experiences of shame by participants with high or low levels of narcissistic traits
Authors: Koskinen Emmi , Henttonen Pentti , Kettunen Sanna Kie , Pesonen Sanna , Piispanen Matias , Voutilainen Liisa , Wuolio Mariel , Peräkylä Anssi
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigate how personal experiences about shameful events are described in face‐to‐face social interaction, and how these stories differ between participants who have either high or low levels of narcissistic personality traits. The dataset consists of 22 dyadic conversations where the participants describe events where they felt ashamed of themselves. We found the narratives to vary in terms of five dimensions. With narcissistic individuals, the default narrative tended to exhibit a cluster of characteristics that gather at one end of these dimensions: (1) weak expressions of shame; (2) located in the story‐world; (3) low level of reflexivity as well as; (4) responsibility of the described event; and (5) a general level of description. We discuss the findings in relation to sociological and psychological theories of shame and suggest that individuals with narcissistic personality traits are more inclined to use suppressive conversational practices in their treatment of shame, thus providing a “window” to these interactional practices.
FoxO1 promotes ovarian cancer by increasing transcription and METTL14‐mediated m6A modification of SMC4
Authors: Tan Liping , Wang Shuangan , Huang Shijia , Tie Yujuan , Sai Na , Mao Yichen , Zhao Shuli , Hou Yayi , Dou Huan
Published: February 2024

The transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) is closely related to the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer (OC), however its role and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we found that FoxO1 was highly expressed in clinical samples of OC patients and was significantly correlated with poor prognosis. FoxO1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of OC cells in vitro and in vivo. ChIP‐seq combined with GEPIA2 and Kaplan–Meier database analysis showed that structural maintenance of chromosome 4 (SMC4) is a downstream target of FoxO1, and FoxO1 promotes SMC4 transcription by binding to its −1400/−1390 bp promoter. The high expression of SMC4 significantly blocked the tumor inhibition effect of FoxO1 knockdown. Furtherly, FoxO1 increased SMC4 mRNA abundance by transcriptionally activating methyltransferase‐like 14 (METTL14) and increasing SMC4 m6A methylation on its coding sequence region. The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset analysis confirmed a significant positive correlation between FoxO1, SMC4, and METTL14 expression in OC. In summary, this study revealed the molecular mechanisms of FoxO1 regulating SMC4 and established a clinical link between the expression of FoxO1/METTL14/SMC4 in the occurrence of OC, thus providing a potential diagnostic target and therapeutic strategy.
Cinnamaldehyde protects cardiomyocytes from oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation‐induced lipid peroxidation and DNA damage via activating the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Li Yan‐guang , Li Jiang‐hong , Wang Hai‐qin , Liao Junhua , Du Xiao‐ya
Published: February 2024

Rapid restoration of perfusion in ischemic myocardium is the most direct and effective treatment for coronary heart disease but may cause myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). Cinnamaldehyde (CA, C9H8O), a key component in the well‐known Chinese medicine cinnamomum cassia, has cardioprotective effects against MIRI. This study aimed to observe the therapeutic effect of CA on MIRI and to elucidate its potential mechanism. H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes were pretreated with CA solution at 0, 10, and 100 μM, respectively and subjected to oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Then the cell viability, the NF‐κB and caspase3 gene levels, the reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected. The severity of DNA damage was assessed by tail moment (TM) values using alkaline comet assay. Besides, the DNA damage‐related proteins and the key proteins of the Nrf2 pathway were detected by western blot. CA treatment increased the cell viability, GHS/GSSG ratio, SOD level, PARP1, Nrf2, PPAR‐γ, and HO‐1 protein levels of H9C2 cardiomyocytes, while reducing NF‐κB, caspase3, ROS level, 4‐HNE and MDA content, γ‐H2AX protein level, and TM values. Inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway reversed the effect of CA on cell viability and apoptosis of OGD/R induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Besides, 100 μM CA was more effective than 10 μM CA. In the OGD/R‐induced H9C2 cardiomyocyte model, CA can protect cardiomyocytes from MIRI by attenuating lipid peroxidation and repairing DNA damage. The mechanism may be related to the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.
The role of information presentation for wildlife knowledge, attitude, and risk perception
Authors: Oehler Felicitas , Kimmig Sophia , Hagen Robert , Kimmerle Joachim , Cress Ulrike , Hackländer Klaus , Arnold Janosch , Flemming Danny , Brandt Miriam
Published: February 2024

Public opinion can have a decisive influence on conservation actions leading to a need to understand how public opinion is formed. In a survey with a representative sample of the German population, participants answered questions about foxes in two consecutive years. Different versions of a leaflet about foxes were distributed to 2448 participants before the second interview. We compared a narrative text presentation to a non‐narrative list of facts and examined the use of photographs and schematic graphs. We assessed how the presentation format and socio‐demographic factors affected the probability that participants read the leaflet. Using a before‐after/control‐impact design, we examined whether the leaflet affected people's fox‐related knowledge, attitude, and risk perception. The results show that participants were more likely to read the leaflet with increasing age and a higher educational level. Reading probability also increased with attitude toward foxes. Participants who read the leaflet completely gained more knowledge about foxes than those who read it only partly. Photographs also contributed to a higher knowledge gain, but schematic graphs did not. Moreover, participants who read a fact list gained more knowledge compared to the control condition. Furthermore, the combination of visual and textual features had an effect on attitude toward foxes. However, we found no evidence that any treatment affected risk perception. We discuss implications and derivations for science communication to improve conservation actions.
Tech‐infused classrooms: A comprehensive study on the interplay of mobile learning, ChatGPT and social media in academic attainment
Authors: Amjad Amjad Islam , Aslam Sarfraz , Tabassum Umaira
Published: February 2024

Mobile learning (M‐learning), ChatGPT and social media are integral to university education, improving accessibility, personalization and interactive engagement in the learning process. This paper aimed to investigate the role of M‐learning, ChatGPT and social media in university students' academic performance. It was a cross‐sectional quantitative investigation, and data were collected from 600 university students through a self‐developed questionnaire having four subscales (M‐learning, ChatGPT, social media and academic performance). Simple linear regression and process macro were deployed to test study hypotheses. The analysis revealed that M‐learning is a significant contributor to students' academic performance at the university level (β = .460, t(598) = 12.663, p < .001). Social media were found to be significantly mediating the relationship between M‐learning and academic performance with coefficient B = .267, SE = .038, t(597) = 7.08, p < .001, 95% CI [0.193, 0.341]. ChatGPT was significantly contributing to academic performance (B = .288, t(596) = 2.50, p = .013), but the interaction term had an insignificant effect on the relationship between M‐learning and academic performance (β = .292, t(596) = −0.43, p = .668). The study suggests that M‐learning can improve students' performance. The influence of social media and the non‐moderating role of ChatGPT indicate the need for strategic integration of these tools to enhance university students' outcomes. It is recommended that university students should judiciously use social media to enhance M‐learning. In contrast, universities should foster this integration to achieve educational aims and explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can be optimally deployed to improve learning.
Experiences from a cluster‐randomized trial (ParaNASPP) exploring triage and diagnostic accuracy in paramedic‐suspected stroke: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Guterud Mona , Hardeland Camilla , Bugge Helge Fagerheim , Sandset Else Charlotte , Svendsen Edel Jannecke , Hov Maren Ranhoff
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

Timely prehospital stroke recognition was explored in the Paramedic Norwegian Acute Stroke Prehospital Project (ParaNASPP) by implementation of stroke education for paramedics and use of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) through a mobile application. The study tested triage and facilitated communication between paramedics and stroke physicians. To complement the quantitative results of the clinical trial, a qualitative approach was used to identify factors that influence triage decisions and diagnostic accuracy in prehospital stroke recognition experienced by paramedics and stroke physicians.

Method

Semi‐structured qualitative individual interviews were performed following an interview guide. Informants were recruited from the enrolled paramedics and stroke physicians who participated in the ParaNASPP trial from Oslo University Hospital. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and approached inductively using the principles of thematic analysis.

Results

Fourteen interviews were conducted, with seven paramedics and seven stroke physicians. Across both groups two overarching themes were identified related to triage decisions and diagnostic accuracy in prehospital stroke recognition: prehospital NIHSS reliably improves clinical assessment and communication quality; overtriage is widely accepted whilst undertriage is not.

Conclusion

Paramedics and stroke physicians described how prehospital NIHSS improved communication quality and reliably improved prehospital clinical assessment. The qualitative results support a rationale of an application algorithm to decide which NIHSS items should prompt immediate prenotification rather than a complete NIHSS as default.
Increased leaf area index and efficiency drive enhanced production under elevated atmospheric [CO2] in a pine‐dominated stand showing no progressive nitrogen limitation
Authors: Palmroth S. , Kim D. , Maier C. A. , Medvigy D. , Walker A. P. , Oren R.
Published: February 2024

Enhancement of net primary production (NPP) in forests as atmospheric [CO2] increases is likely limited by the availability of other growth resources. The Duke Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment was located on a moderate‐fertility site in the southeastern US, in a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation with broadleaved species growing mostly in mid‐canopy and understory. Duke FACE ran from 1994 to 2010 and combined elevated [CO2] (eCO2) with nitrogen (N) additions. We assessed the spatial and temporal variation of NPP response using a dataset that includes previously unpublished data from 6 years of the replicated CO2 × N experiment and extends to 2 years beyond the termination of enrichment. Averaged over time (1997–2010), NPP of pine and broadleaved species were 38% and 52% higher under eCO2 compared to ambient conditions. Furthermore, there was no evidence of a decline in enhancement over time in any plot regardless of its native site quality. The relation between spatial variation in the response and native site quality was suggested but inconclusive. Nitrogen amendments under eCO2, in turn, resulted in an additional 11% increase in pine NPP. For pine, the eCO2‐induced increase in NPP was similar above‐ and belowground and was driven by both increased leaf area index (L) and production efficiency (PE = NPP/L). For broadleaved species, coarse‐root biomass production was more than 200% higher under eCO2 and accounted for the entire production response, driven by increased PE. Notably, the fraction of annual NPP retained in total living biomass was higher under eCO2, reflecting a slight shift in allocation fraction to woody mass and a lower mortality rate. Our findings also imply that tree growth may not have been only N‐limited, but perhaps constrained by the availability of other nutrients. The observed sustained NPP enhancement, even without N‐additions, demonstrates no progressive N limitation.
Cliff‐edge forests: Xerothermic hotspots of local biodiversity and models for future climate change
Authors: Fragnière Yann , Champoud Luca , Küffer Nicolas , Braillard Luc , Jutzi Michael , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Kozlowski Gregor
Published: February 2024

Cliffs are remarkable environments that enable the existence of microclimates. These small, isolated sites, decoupled from the regional macroclimate, play a significant role in maintaining species biodiversity, particularly in topographically homogeneous landscapes. Our study investigated the microclimate of south‐exposed forests situated at the edge of sandstone cliffs in the western part of the North Alpine Foreland Basin in Switzerland and its role in local forest community composition. Using direct measurements from data loggers, as well as vegetation analyses, it was possible to quantify the microclimate of the cliff‐edge forests and compare it with that of the surrounding forests. Our results highlighted the significant xerothermic and more variable nature of the cliff‐edge forest microclimate, with a mean soil temperature up to 3.72°C warmer in the summer, higher annual (+28%) and daily (+250%) amplitudes of soil temperature, which frequently expose vegetation to extreme temperatures, and an 83% higher soil drying rate. These differences have a distinct influence on forest communities: cliff‐edge forests are significantly different from surrounding forests. The site particularities of cliff edges support the presence of locally rare species and forest types, particularly of Scots pine. Cliff edges must therefore be considered microrefugia with a high conservation value for both xerothermic species and flora adapted to more continental climates. Moreover, the microclimate of cliff‐edge forests could resemble the future climate in many ways. We argue that these small areas, which are already experiencing the future climate, can be seen as natural laboratories to better answer the following question: what will our forests look like in a few decades with accelerated climate change?
Long‐term nitrogen and phosphorus addition have stronger negative effects on microbial residual carbon in subsoils than topsoils in subtropical forests
Authors: Fan Linjie , Xue Yuewei , Wu Donghai , Xu Meichen , Li Andi , Zhang Baixin , Mo Jiangming , Zheng Mianhai
Published: February 2024

Highly weathered lowland (sub)tropical forests are widely recognized as nitrogen (N)‐rich and phosphorus (P)‐poor, and the input of N and P affects soil carbon (C) cycling and storage in these ecosystems. Microbial residual C (MRC) plays a crucial role in regulating soil organic C (SOC) stability in forest soils. However, the effects of long‐term N and P addition on soil MRC across different soil layers remain unclear. This study conducted a 12‐year N and P addition experiment in two typical subtropical plantation forests dominated by Acacia auriculiformis and Eucalyptus urophylla trees, respectively. We measured plant C input (fine root biomass, fine root C, and litter C), microbial community structure, enzyme activity (C/N/P‐cycling enzymes), mineral properties, and MRC. Our results showed that continuous P addition reduced MRC in the subsoil (20–40 cm) of both plantations (A. auriculiformis: 28.44% and E. urophylla: 28.29%), whereas no significant changes occurred in the topsoil (0–20 cm). N addition decreased MRC in the subsoil of E. urophylla (25.44%), but had no significant effects on A. auriculiformis. Combined N and P addition reduced MRC (34.63%) in the subsoil of A. auriculiformis but not in that of E. urophylla. The factors regulating MRC varied across soil layers. In the topsoil (0–10 cm), plant C input (the relative contributions to the total variance was 20%, hereafter) and mineral protection (47.2%) were dominant factors. In the soil layer of 10–20 cm, both microbial characteristics (41.3%) and mineral protection (32.3%) had substantial effects, whereas the deeper layer (20–40 cm) was predominantly regulated by microbial characteristics (37.9%) and mineral protection (18.8%). Understanding differential drivers of MRC across soil depth, particularly in deeper soil layers, is crucial for accurately predicting the stability and storage of SOC and its responses to chronic N enrichment and/or increased P limitation in (sub)tropical forests.
Mode of SUV420H2 heterochromatin localization through multiple HP1 binding motifs in the heterochromatic targeting module
Authors: Nakao Masaru , Sato Yuko , Aizawa Arisa , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

Constitutive heterochromatin is transcriptionally repressed and densely packed chromatin, typically harboring histone H3 Lys9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1). SUV420H2, a histone H4 Lys20 methyltransferase, is recruited to heterochromatin by binding to HP1 through its Heterochromatic Targeting Module (HTM). Here, we have identified three HP1 binding motifs within the HTM. Both the full‐length HTM and its N‐terminal region (HTM‐N), which contains the first and second motifs, stabilized HP1 on heterochromatin. The intervening region between the first and second HP1 binding motifs in HTM‐N was also crucial for HP1 binding. In contrast, the C‐terminal region of HTM (HTM‐C), containing the third motif, destabilized HP1 on chromatin. An HTM V374D mutant, featuring a Val374 to Asp substitution in the second HP1 binding motif, localizes to heterochromatin without affecting HP1 stability. These data suggest that the second HP1 binding motif in the SUV420H2 HTM is critical for locking HP1 on H3K9me3‐enriched heterochromatin. HTM V374D, tagged with a fluorescent protein, can serve as a live‐cell probe to visualize HP1‐bound heterochromatin.
Co‐production of health and social science research with vulnerable children and young people: A rapid review
Authors: Erwin Jo , Burns Lorna , Devalia Urshla , Witton Robert , Shawe Jill , Wheat Hannah , Axford Nick , Doughty Janine , Kaddour Sarah , Nelder Abigail , Brocklehurst Paul , Boswell Skye , Paisi Martha
Published: February 2024

Background

The term ‘care‐experienced’ refers to anyone who is currently in care or has been in care at any stage in their life. A complex interplay of factors leads to care‐experienced children and young people (CECYP) experiencing poorer oral health and access to dental care than their peers. A rapid review of the co‐production of health and social care research with vulnerable children and young people (CYP) was carried out to inform the development of a co‐produced research project exploring the oral health behaviours and access to dental services of CECYP. Here, ‘co‐production’ refers to the involvement of CYP in the planning or conduct of research with explicit roles in which they generate ideas, evidence and research outputs.

Aim

To learn how to meaningfully involve vulnerable CYP in the co‐production of health and social science research.

Objectives

To identify: Different approaches to facilitating the engagement of vulnerable CYP in co‐production of health and social science research; different activities carried out in such approaches, challenges to engaging vulnerable CYP in co‐production of health and social science research and ways to overcome them and areas of best practice in relation to research co‐production with vulnerable CYP.

Search Strategy

A rapid review of peer‐reviewed articles was conducted in six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, SocINDEX, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science) and grey literature to identify studies that engaged vulnerable CYP in co‐approaches to health and social research.

Main Results

Of 1394 documents identified in the search, 40 were included and analysed. A number of different approaches to co‐production were used in the studies. The CYP was involved in a range of activities, chiefly the development of data collection tools, data collection and dissemination. Individual challenges for CYP and researchers, practical and institutional factors and ethical considerations impacted the success of co‐production.

Discussion and Conclusion

Co‐production of health and social science with vulnerable CYP presents challenges to researchers and CYP calling for all to demonstrate reflexivity and awareness of biases, strengths and limitations. Used appropriately and well, co‐production offers benefits to researchers and CYP and can contribute to research that reflects the needs of vulnerable CYP. Adherence to the key principles of inclusion, safeguarding, respect and well‐being facilitates this approach.

Patient and Public Contribution

Members of our patient and public involvement and stakeholder groups contributed to the interpretation of the review findings. This manuscript was written together with a young care leaver, Skye Boswell, who is one of the authors. She contributed to the preparation of the manuscript, reviewing the findings and their interpretation.
The effect of root canal preparation tapers on planktonic bacteria and biofilm reduction in the apical third: A correlative microtomography and microbiological laboratory study
Authors: Macedo Fernanda Piffer Garcia , Soares Adriana de Jesus , Marceliano‐Alves Marília Fagury Videira , Martinez Elizabeth , Lopes Ricardo , Bastos Luan Ferreira , Nascimento Wayne Martins , Limoeiro Ana Grasiela , dos Frozoni Marcos
Published: February 2024

Aim

To evaluate the influence of different preparation tapers on the reduction in planktonic bacteria and biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans in the apical third (4 mm) of the mesial roots of mandibular molars, correlating decontamination with canal shape.

Methodology

After microtomography analysis for morphological standardization of the canals, 48 mandibular molar roots, each containing two canals (96 canals), were contaminated with E. faecalis and C. albicans and divided into four groups (n = 11) for canal instrumentation using ProDesign Logic 2 files with different tapers G (.03): # 25.03; G (.04): # 25.04; G (.05): # 25.05; and G (.06): # 25.06 and irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Four roots were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to qualitatively assess biofilm formation. Eight roots were used as the negative control group (samples were not contaminated). Bacteriological samples were taken exclusively from the apical third of the roots before and after chemical–mechanical preparation and bacterial counts were determined (CFU/mL). The final micro‐CT scan was used to quantify the volume variation and unprepared canal area in the apical third. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis, Student–Newman–Keuls and Wilcoxon tests for analysis of microbiological data. anova and the Tukey or Games–Howell test were used for analysis of micro‐CT data and Spearman's test for correlations (α = 5%).

Results

All groups showed a significant reduction in bacteria (p < .05), with no statistically significant difference between groups. There was no significant difference in per cent volume increase between groups. The unprepared area (Δ%) was affected by the file used (p = .026) and was significantly lower for G (.06) compared to G (.03). There was no statistically significant correlation among bacterial reduction, volume and unprepared area (p > .05).

Conclusion

The different preparation tapers influenced root canal shaping in the apical third but did not improve decontamination in this region.
Physico‐chemical characteristics of flours obtained from raw, roasted and autoclaved Cucurbita, Passiflora and Annona seeds
Authors: Artica Mallqui Luis , Baquerizo Canchumanya Mery , Rosales Papa Hermes , Rodríguez Gilbert , Aguirre Elza , Hidalgo Alyssa
Published: February 2024

Fruit seeds often have interesting nutritional characteristics as well as antinutrients, which may be inactivated by thermal processes. The aim of this work was to study the characteristics of flours obtained from raw, roasted or autoclaved (121 °C, 10 min) seeds of Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita ficifolia, Passiflora ligularis, Annona cherimola and Annona muricata by analysing their chemical composition, protein in vitro digestibility, content of antinutrients (tannins, phytates and oxalates) and functional properties. All the flours presented high protein (15.3–36.7 g/100 g) and fat (22.7–41.8 g/100 g) contents. Roasting and autoclaving increased in vitro protein digestibility (from 45.6% to 57.8% and 72.1%, respectively) and decreased antinutrient content (from 100.3 to 75.6 and 82.0 mg tannins/100 g; from 158.1 to 137.8 and 104.0 mg phytates/100 g; from 19.6 to 12.8 and 13.3 mg oxalates/100 g, respectively). Water and oil absorption capacities increased, while emulsion and foaming capacities as well as bulk density decreased during thermal processing. The flours from autoclaved seeds showed improved nutritional and functional characteristics and could be considered as functional food ingredients for direct human consumption and/or in food mixtures. Future studies should be performed to evaluate the presence of allergens and other possible risk factors.
Lycopene and β‐carotene thermal degradation kinetics and colour‐antioxidant changes in gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) fruit aril paste
Authors: Syawalluddin Nur Salina , Abdul Rahman Hafeedza , Lim Seng Joe , Wan Mustapha Wan Aida , Mohd Razali Noorul Syuhada , Kasim Khairul Farihan , Aziz Nurul Shahirah , Sofian‐Seng Noor‐Soffalina
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the impact of heating temperatures (70 °C to 90 °C for up to 14 h) on lycopene and β‐carotene degradation kinetics in gac aril paste. Carotenoids extracted via low‐volume hexane‐assisted ultrasonic extraction revealed a first‐order degradation pattern with high correlation coefficients (0.96–0.97). Lycopene degraded faster at 90 °C (k = 12.05 × 102 h−1) than at 70 °C (5.41 × 102 h−1), while β‐carotene displayed relatively slower degradation. Corresponding half‐life (t1/2) values for lycopene ranged from 5.75 to 12.81 h, while β‐carotene displayed values of 9.48–20.2 h. β‐carotene showed superior thermal stability compared to lycopene across all temperatures. Additionally, colour changes indicated decreased brightness with increasing temperature. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP values decreased during gac fruit heating. Overall, this study emphasises temperature‐induced declines in lycopene and β‐carotene levels in gac aril paste and offers insights into their degradation kinetics under thermal processing.
Cushing syndrome and tertiary adrenal insufficiency from prolonged concomitant use of budesonide and posaconazole
Authors: Grigg Andrew
Published: February 2024

Budesonide is a ‘non‐absorbable’ corticosteroid often used for gut graft versus host disease. Systemic exposure is usually minimal because of metabolism by cytochrome (CYP) 3A4 in enterocytes and the liver. However, concomitant use of posaconazole and voriconazole, inhibitors of CYP3A4 commonly used as antifungal prophylaxis in allograft patients receiving immunosuppression, can lead to substantial systemic steroid exposure. This paper describes a case of severe iatrogenic Cushing syndrome and tertiary adrenal insufficiency because of this interaction, highlighting the necessity for improved awareness of this phenomenon.
How does economic growth impact environmental quality in Ethiopia? A non‐linear approach
Authors: Abate Chala Amante
Published: February 2024

Fueled by economic growth, among other factors, environmental degradation is one of the most serious challenges facing humanity in the twenty‐first century. Although extensive research has been conducted on the relationship between economic growth and environmental quality, the findings are inconclusive. This study investigated the relationship between economic growth and environmental quality in Ethiopia from 1981 to 2016 using non‐linear autoregressive distributive lag and two‐step least squares models. First, the study finds that the relationship between economic growth and environmental quality is asymmetric. Second, economic growth negatively affects environmental quality. Third, the positive environmental effect of a negative shock on economic growth is stronger than that of a positive shock. Fourth, energy consumption and population growth negatively affect environmental quality, whereas the effects of renewable energy consumption, natural resources, trade openness and human capital are positive. Fifth, an inverted N‐shaped relationship exists between economic growth and environmental quality, where GDP per capita greater than $686.770 contributes to environmental quality. Therefore, high and sustainable economic growth, renewable energy consumption, population control, resource conservation, trade openness and human capital accumulation are required to improve the environmental quality of Ethiopia. The limitation of this study is that it examines the direct impact of economic growth on environmental quality. It would be better to examine the potential indirect impact of economic growth via variables, such as institutional quality and human capital.
Micro‐scale mechanical properties of surface layer in ion‐exchanged glass
Authors: Fujita Saho , Ohji Tatsuki , Yahagi Tsukaho , Iijima Motoyuki , Tatami Junichi
Published: February 2024

Today, ion‐exchanged or chemically strengthened glass is ubiquitously used all over the world, typically for scratch‐free display cover of personal mobile phones. It has been known that the strengthening is due to developments of high compressive stress in the surface layer by its internally constrained dilation . We investigated micro‐scale mechanical properties of the surface layer itself of a Na+‐to‐K+ ion‐exchanged soda lime silicate glass, revealing that the strength of the layer increased nearly 40% by the ion‐exchange with little compression effect from the interior. The fracture toughness, however, was comparable before and after the ion‐exchange, indicating that the ion‐exchange reduces the crack size of the fracture origin. Theoretical estimates of fracture surface energies verified the measured fracture toughness. It was presumed that the observed crack‐size reduction is due to crack healing effects enhanced by the ion‐exchange.
Hybridization constrains the evolution of mimicry complexes in woodpeckers
Authors: Ottenburghs Jente , Nicolaï Michaël P. J.
Published: February 2024

The evolution of interspecific mimicry does not always result in perfect resemblance between mimics and models. Differences between members of a mimicry complex can be explained by genetic or developmental constraints. Alternatively, imperfect mimicry might be the outcome of a tradeoff between multiple selective pressures. In this study, we explored the evolutionary conflict between mimicry and hybridization in woodpeckers. Based on the selective tradeoff hypothesis, we expected that mimicry complexes will start to evolve once the constraint of maladaptive hybridization is relaxed. Hence, we predicted limited overlap in the divergence times between hybridizing species pairs and members of a mimicry complex. This prediction was supported by clear tipping point in the probability of hybridization and mimicry at ca 9 million years of divergence. Around this timepoint, the probability of hybridization approaches zero while the probability of belonging to a mimicry complex increases. This finding is only correlational and remains to be confirmed in other taxonomic groups. Nonetheless, our results suggest a selective tradeoff between evolving interspecific mimicry and avoiding maladaptive hybridization in woodpeckers.
Surveillance esophagogastroduodenoscopy using linked color imaging and narrow‐band imaging: A multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kubo Marina , Ono Shoko , Dohi Osamu , Fukui Hayato , Hikichi Takuto , Kato Tsunetaka , Tsuda Momoko , Matsumoto Mio , Kato Sosuke , Mukai Rieko , Yagi Nobuaki , Takagi Ryo , Sakamoto Naoya , Kato Mototsugu ,   LAN Trial Group
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

There has been no report on a direct comparison between linked color imaging (LCI) and second‐generation narrow‐band imaging (2G‐NBI) for surveillance of epithelial neoplasms in the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT). The aim of this study was to verify the superiority of LCI to 2G‐NBI for surveillance esophagogastroduodenoscopy and to clarify how each endoscopic system should be used.

Methods

This study was conducted as an open‐label, two‐arm‐parallel (1:1), multicenter, randomized controlled trial at six institutions. Patients aged 20–85 years with a treatment history of epithelial neoplasms in the UGIT were recruited. Patients were assigned to a 2G‐NBI group and an LCI group, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed with primary image‐enhanced endoscopy followed by white light imaging (WLI). The primary endpoint was the detection rate of one or more epithelial neoplasms in the primary image‐enhanced endoscopy. A WLI‐detected epithelial neoplasm was defined as a lesion that was detected in only WLI.

Results

A total of 372 patients in the 2G‐NBI group and 378 patients in the LCI group were analyzed. Epithelial neoplasms in the UGIT were detected by 2G‐NBI in 18 patients (4.6%) and were detected by LCI in 20 patients (5.3%) (P = 0.87). WLI‐detected epithelial neoplasms were in 11 patients in the 2G‐NBI group (3.0%) and in 1 patient in the LCI group (0.27%) (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Linked color imaging did not show superiority to 2G‐NBI for the detection of epithelial neoplasms. Also, the percentage of WLI‐detected epithelial neoplasms in primary NBI was significantly higher than that in primary LCI.
Development and prenatal exposure to androgens alter potassium currents in gonadotropin‐releasing hormone neurons from female mice
Authors: Jaime Jennifer , DeFazio R. Anthony , Moenter Suzanne M.
Published: February 2024

Pulsatile gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) release is critical for reproduction. Disruptions to GnRH secretion patterns may contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Prenatally androgenized (PNA) female mice recapitulate many neuroendocrine abnormalities observed in PCOS patients. PNA and development induce changes in spontaneous GnRH neuron firing rate, response to synaptic input, and the afterhyperpolarization potential of the action potential. We hypothesized potassium currents are altered by PNA treatment and/or development. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were made of transient and residual potassium currents of GnRH neurons in brain slices from 3‐week‐old and adult control and PNA females. At 3 weeks of age, PNA treatment increased transient current density versus controls. Development and PNA altered voltage‐dependent activation and inactivation of the transient current. In controls, transient current activation and inactivation were depolarized at 3 weeks of age versus in adulthood. In GnRH neurons from 3‐week‐old mice, transient current activation and inactivation were more depolarized in control than PNA mice. Development and PNA treatment interacted to shift the time‐dependence of inactivation and recovery from inactivation. Notably, in cells from adult PNA females, recovery was prolonged compared to all other groups. Activation of the residual current occurred at more depolarized membrane potentials in 3‐week‐old than adult controls. PNA depolarized activation of the residual current in adults. These findings demonstrate the properties of GnRH neuron potassium currents change during typical development, potentially contributing to puberty, and further suggest PNA treatment may both alter some typical developmental changes and induce additional modifications, which together may underlie aspects of the PNA phenotype. There was not any clinical trial involved in this work.
“If I got it, she got it”: Black mothers' food provision and symbiotic mothering
Authors: Hill Marbella Eboni , Fern Simon E. , Kimbro Rachel , Hughes Cayce C.
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study advances contemporary theories of motherhood, mothering, and foodwork within the context of poverty by focusing on the ways that low‐income Black mothers engage interdependent culturally distinct mothering strategies in light of a porous social safety net.

Background

Contemporary standards for good parenting are increasingly resource‐based.

As such, the intricate and tactical ways that low‐income Black mothers manage to make food ends meet with little means and few resources are often obscured in favor of hegemonic forms of mothering.

Method

This study draws on 44 in‐depth interviews with low‐income Black mothers and grandmothers to examine their survival strategies, focusing on food provision.

Results

Findings reveal that these mothers prioritize basic needs provision, such as food and feeding, and achieve this often difficult goal by engaging a cultural toolkit that we term symbiotic mothering. Symbiotic mothering is constructed and reinforced through the collective processes of maternal exchange, mutual aid and resource pooling, and the intergenerational and horizontal transmission of cultural knowledges, values, and practices.

Conclusions

While there is a wealth of scholarship interrogating the ways Black women deviate from dominant mothering expectations, symbiotic mothering highlights the unique cultural skillsets these mothers actively engage to meet the everyday demands of mothering, particularly related to food provision.
Denture relining using digital replication method: A dental technique
Authors: Gad Mohammed M. , Alalawi Haidar , Al‐Qarni Faisal D. , Al‐Harbi Fahad A.
Published: February 2024

The aim of this report was to digitize traditional denture relining using a digital duplication method, in addition to assessing the wear resistance of three‐dimensional (3D) printed denture teeth. A complete denture was relined using light body impression. The denture with impression was scanned yielding a standard tessellation language file that was designed to print the denture base and teeth. The printed teeth were fitted into the sockets of the printed denture base and then bonded using auto‐polymerized acrylic resins, followed by finishing and polishing. Dentures were inserted and fit and occlusion were adjusted as needed, and the patient was scheduled for follow‐up appointments at one week, three months, and six months. At each follow‐up visit, dentures were scanned using a 3Shape E3 desktop scanner and scans were superimposed. The occlusal wear was assessed in reference to the first scan after the denture insertion visit. The accuracy of the intaglio surface of dentures was within clinically acceptable limits. The clinical evaluation of inserted dentures in terms of retention, occlusion, esthetic, and patient satisfaction was encouraging. Using digital duplication, conventional dentures could be relined. The advantages of digital records include eliminating polymerization dimensional changes, and reducing cost and clinical time by minimizing the number of visits, which is particularly helpful with geriatric patients.
Working from home, commuting time, and intracity house‐price gradients
Authors: Kim Jinwon , Long Dede
Published: February 2024

The popularity of working from home (WFH) in the US has surged over the past two decades, with the COVID‐19 pandemic further accelerating this trend. We hypothesize that WFH not only reduces the frequency of physical commutes but also lowers the time cost of commutes due to decreased urban congestion levels; both factors would flatten house‐price gradients. Analyzing big data from Google Maps on travel time in California, we first confirm that COVID‐19, as a WFH‐boosting shock, induced larger decreases in morning travel time in cities with a higher WFH potential. We then empirically validate the effect of WFH on house‐price gradients, channeled through its impact on commuting time; this effect explains 20% of the total WFH‐induced flattening of house‐price gradients during the pandemic in California.
Roles for leakiness and O2 evolution in explaining lower‐than‐theoretical quantum yields of photosynthesis in the PEP‐CK subtype of C4 plants
Authors: Ouyang Wenjing , Wientjes Emilie , van der Putten Peter E. L. , Caracciolo Ludovico , Zhao Ruixuan , Agho Collins , Chiurazzi Maurizio Junior , Bongers Marius , Struik Paul C. , van Amerongen Herbert , Yin Xinyou
Published: February 2024

Theoretically, the PEP‐CK C4 subtype has a higher quantum yield of CO2 assimilation () than NADP‐ME or NAD‐ME subtypes because ATP required for operating the CO2‐concentrating mechanism is believed to mostly come from the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC). However, reported is not higher in PEP‐CK than in the other subtypes. We hypothesise, more photorespiration, associated with higher leakiness and O2 evolution in bundle‐sheath (BS) cells, cancels out energetic advantages in PEP‐CK species.

Nine species (two to four species per subtype) were evaluated by gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and two‐photon microscopy to estimate the BS conductance (gbs) and leakiness using a biochemical model.

Average gbs estimates were 2.9, 4.8, and 5.0 mmol m−2 s−1 bar−1, and leakiness values were 0.129, 0.179, and 0.180, in NADP‐ME, NAD‐ME, and PEP‐CK species, respectively. The BS CO2 level was somewhat higher, O2 level was marginally lower, and thus, photorespiratory loss was slightly lower, in NADP‐ME than in NAD‐ME and PEP‐CK species. Differences in these parameters existed among species within a subtype, and gbs was co‐determined by biochemical decarboxylating sites and anatomical characteristics.

Our hypothesis and results partially explain variations in observed , but suggest that PEP‐CK species probably use less ATP from mETC than classically defined PEP‐CK mechanisms.