bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating food production‐associated DNA methylation changes in paleogenomes: Lack of consistent signals beyond technical noise
Authors: Çokoğlu Sevim Seda , Koptekin Dilek , Fidan Fatma Rabia , Somel Mehmet
Published: July 2024

The Neolithic transition introduced major diet and lifestyle changes to human populations across continents. Beyond well‐documented bioarcheological and genetic effects, whether these changes also had molecular‐level epigenetic repercussions in past human populations has been an open question. In fact, methylation signatures can be inferred from UDG‐treated ancient DNA through postmortem damage patterns, but with low signal‐to‐noise ratios; it is thus unclear whether published paleogenomes would provide the necessary resolution to discover systematic effects of lifestyle and diet shifts. To address this we compiled UDG‐treated shotgun genomes of 13 pre‐Neolithic hunter‐gatherers (HGs) and 21 Neolithic farmers (NFs) individuals from West and North Eurasia, published by six different laboratories and with coverage c.1×–58× (median = 9×). We used epiPALEOMIX and a Monte Carlo normalization scheme to estimate methylation levels per genome. Our paleomethylome dataset showed expected genome‐wide methylation patterns such as CpG island hypomethylation. However, analyzing the data using various approaches did not yield any systematic signals for subsistence type, genetic sex, or tissue effects. Comparing the HG‐NF methylation differences in our dataset with methylation differences between hunter‐gatherers versus farmers in modern‐day Central Africa also did not yield consistent results. Meanwhile, paleomethylome profiles did cluster strongly by their laboratories of origin. Using larger data volumes, minimizing technical noise and/or using alternative protocols may be necessary for capturing subtle environment‐related biological signals from paleomethylomes.
Lenvatinib radiofrequency ablation sequential therapy offers survival benefits for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma at intermediate stage and the liver reserve of Child–Pugh A category: A multicenter study
Authors: Zhang Ying , Numata Kazushi , Imajo Kento , Uojima Haruki , Funaoka Akihiro , Komiyama Satoshi , Ogushi Katsuaki , Chuma Makoto , Irie Kuniyasu , Kokubu Shigehiro , Yoneda Masato , Kobayashi Takashi , Hidaka Hisashi , Fukushima Taito , Kobayashi Satoshi , Morimoto Manabu , Kagawa Tatehiro , Hattori Nobuhiro , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Iwase Shigeru , Maeda Shin
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib radiofrequency ablation (RFA) sequential therapy for certain hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods

One hundred and nineteen patients with unresectable HCC in the intermediate stage with Child–Pugh A were retrospectively recruited in a multicenter setting. Those in the lenvatinib RFA sequential therapy group received lenvatinib initially, followed by RFA and the retreatment with lenvatinib. The study compared overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), tumor response, and adverse events (AEs) between patients undergoing sequential therapy and lenvatinib monotherapy.

Results

After propensity score matching, 25 patients on sequential therapy and 50 on monotherapy were evaluated. Independent factors influencing OS were identified as sequential therapy, modified albumin–bilirubin (mALBI) grade, and relative dose intensity (%) with hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.381 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.186–0.782), 2.220 (95% CI, 1.410–3.493), and 0.982 (95% CI, 0.966–0.999), respectively. Stratified analysis based on mALBI grades confirmed the independent influence of treatment strategy across all mALBI grades for OS (HR, 0.376; 95% CI, 0.176–0.804). Furthermore, sequential therapy was identified as an independent factor of PFS (HR, 0.382; 95% CI, 0.215–0.678). Sequential therapy significantly outperformed monotherapy on survival benefits (OS: 38.27 vs. 18.96 months for sequential therapy and monotherapy, respectively, p = 0.004; PFS: 13.80 vs. 5.32 months for sequential therapy and monotherapy, respectively, p < 0.001). Sequential therapy was significantly associated with complete response by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (odds ratio, 63.089). Ten of 119 patients experienced grade 3 AEs, with no AE beyond grade 3 observed.

Conclusion

Lenvatinib RFA sequential therapy might offer favorable tolerability and potential prognostic improvement compared to lenvatinib monotherapy.
Can thyroid histomorphology identify patients with PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome?
Authors: Dababneh Melad N , Rabinowitz Laura , Plitt Gilman , Eng Charis , Griffith Christopher C
Published: July 2024

Aims

The phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) hamartoma tumour syndrome (PHTS) is a genetic disorder with variable clinical presentation and increased lifetime risk of multiorgan malignancies. The thyroid gland is commonly affected with follicular nodular disease (FND) and follicular cell‐derived carcinomas. Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment of thyroid disease in PHTS is essential to identify patients at‐risk.

Methods and results

In all, 30 PHTS patients with available thyroidectomy specimen material (2000–2023) and 31 control patients with FND and “adenomatous nodules” were retrieved. Histologic criteria, including the frequency of adenomatous‐type nodules versus hyperplastic‐type nodules, background and nodular lipomatous metaplasia, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, cytoplasmic clearing of follicular cells in nodules, nodule‐in‐nodule appearance, and spectrum of nuclear atypia between nodules were evaluated in both cohorts and a Thyroid Histomorphologic PHTS Score (THiPS) system was established with a cutoff of 4 points or higher being considered concerning for PHTS. In all, 27 PHTS (90%) and five control (16.1%) cases had THiPS ≥4. A PTEN immunohistochemical stain was evaluated in 25 cases of each cohort and showed nuclear and cytoplasmic loss of expression in all or most of the nodules of 24/25 PHTS cases. In 3/25 control cases, two with THiPS ≥4, had loss of expression in one to multiple nodules. Conventional papillary thyroid carcinomas in PHTS patients retained PTEN cytoplasmic expression.

Conclusions

Our study supports that, although not specific, the finding of multiple histologic features is found more frequently in patients with PHTS compared to the non‐PHTS control group. The THiPS system has high sensitivity for thyroid specimens from patients with PHTS.
Trade, labor market rigidity, and distributive share in a generalized oligopolistic equilibrium model
Authors: Maiti Dibyendu
Published: July 2024

This paper applies a generalized oligopolistic equilibrium model with labor rigidity under strategic competition between heterogeneous firms, explaining the trade between two similar countries for the declining wage and labor share, the common experiences of many countries worldwide. The specialization effect for the labor movement from a high to less labor‐intensive sector arising from the heterogeneous productivity distribution of firms between trading partners dampens the wage more than the joint effect of market size and competition working favorably on it. Despite the wage drop, the trade ambiguously affects employment but unambiguously reduces their distributive share.
R&D financing and production: A new Ricardian specific factor model
Authors: Das Gouranga G. , Hati Koushik Kumar , Gupta Debkanika
Published: July 2024

This paper contributes to the literature on finance, production, and Research and Development (R&D) by investigating the unique possibilities of polarized decisions of entrepreneurs to yield “extreme” points rather than an “interior solution.” Financiers provide credits for employing sector‐specific skilled and unskilled workers as well as for R&D. With the objective of maximizing returns, financiers' interest lies in financing R&D only in the skilled sector while the unskilled sector—without innovation—collapses. Such corner solution occurs due to much higher skilled‐augmenting technical change guaranteeing maximum prospective return than that in the unskilled. This offers a novel interpretation of a declining share of production workers.
Factors affecting psychological resilience, self‐efficacy and job satisfaction of nurse academics: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ozdemir Cevriye , Kaplan Ali
Published: July 2024

Aim

The study aimed to determine the factors affecting psychological resilience, self‐efficacy and job satisfaction in nurse academics.

Background

Nurse academics follow an emotionally and mentally intense career path, along which they are required to balance many different roles and responsibilities, including teaching, research and guidance. However, in some cases, this equilibrium is disrupted and may cause functional disruptions; in achieving this balance, resilience, self‐efficacy and job satisfaction play important roles.

Methods

The data of this cross‐sectional study were collected between January and April 2023, and 446 nurse academics were included in the study. The Descriptive Characteristics Information Form, Brief Psychological Resilience Scale (BPRS), General Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS) were used to collect the research data.We adhered to the STROBE checklist for reporting.

Results

A significant positive relationship was found between general self‐efficacy levels and psychological resilience and job satisfaction levels. There is a significant positive relationship between job satisfaction levels and age, total years of service, psychological resilience and general self‐efficacy levels. In addition, it has been noted that family relationships, friend relationships and academic title factors were effective on the nurse academics’ psychological resilience, self‐efficacy and job satisfaction levels.

Conclusion

Managers can play an important role in increasing the psychological resilience, self‐efficacy and job satisfaction levels of nurse academics by developing strategies for these effective factors.

Implications for nursing and nursing policy

Governments need to ensure that nurse academics have an appropriate career framework that enables them to balance the competing demands on their time and that they have adequate mentoring and support in the early stages of their careers to enable them to adapt to working life as a nurse academic.
Linking nursing students’ professional identity, clinical learning environment, financial incentives, and career opportunities with migration intent: Structural equation modeling
Authors: Valencia Maria Isable E. , Urquico Reichelle C. , Taguinod Ma. Martina C. , Umali Carmelle Grace T. , Usana Maeveen A. , Uy Jean Marcus C. , Valledor Valeene Carmela F. , Vecina Ramon T. , Berdida Daniel Joseph E.
Published: July 2024

Aims

To investigate how nursing students’ professional identity, clinical learning environment, financial incentives, and career opportunities influence their intention to migrate.

Background

There is a preponderance of studies about nurse migration and its impact on the global nursing workforce. However, a critical gap remains about nursing students' intentions to migrate, particularly among developing countries like the Philippines.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional design, third‐ and fourth‐year nursing students (n = 316) from the largest comprehensive university in Manila were conveniently recruited. Data were collected from November to December 2023 using five validated self‐report scales. Descriptive (e.g., mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (e.g., Spearman rho, covariance‐based structural equation modeling) were used to analyze data.

Results

The emerging model demonstrated acceptable model fit indices. Nursing students’ professional identity (β = 0.18, p = 0.043) and financial incentives (β = 0.10, p = 0.046) significantly and positively influence the intention to migrate. The satisfaction with future career opportunities (β = –0.12, p = 0.038) and clinical learning environment perception (β = –0.15, p = 0.048) negatively influence the intention to migrate. These four predictors accounted for 4.60% of the total variance of intention to migrate.

Conclusion

Nursing students’ professional identity and financial incentives directly impact intent to migrate, whereas future career opportunities satisfaction and clinical learning environment inversely affect intent to migrate.

Implications for nursing practice and policy

This study underscores the imperative for nursing colleges and faculty to promote positive professional identity and provide a conducive clinical learning environment to develop sustainable nurses’ migration policies.
Artificial intelligence misuse and concern for information privacy: New construct validation and future directions
Authors: Menard Philip , Bott Gregory J.
Published: July 2024

To address various business challenges, organisations are increasingly employing artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse vast amounts of data. One application involves consolidating diverse user data into unified profiles, aggregating consumer behaviours to accurately tailor marketing efforts. Although AI provides more convenience to consumers and more efficient and profitable marketing for organisations, the act of aggregating data into behavioural profiles for use in machine learning algorithms introduces significant privacy implications for users, including unforeseeable personal disclosure, outcomes biased against marginalised population groups and organisations' inability to fully remove data from AI systems on consumer request. Although these implementations of AI are rapidly altering the way consumers perceive information privacy, researchers have thus far lacked an accurate method for measuring consumers' privacy concerns related to AI. In this study, we aim to (1) validate a scale for measuring privacy concerns related to AI misuse (PC‐AIM) and (2) examine the effects that PC‐AIM has on nomologically related constructs under the APCO framework. We provide evidence demonstrating the validity of our newly developed scale. We also find that PC‐AIM significantly increases risk beliefs and personal privacy advocacy behaviour, while decreasing trusting beliefs. Trusting beliefs and risk beliefs do not significantly affect behaviour, which differs from prior privacy findings. We further discuss the implications of our work on both research and practice.
Customer innovativeness in the adoption of Islamic banking in Malaysia
Authors: Latip Malisah
Published: July 2024

Islamic banking is a financial system that operates in accordance with Islamic principles, prohibiting the payment or receipt of interest (usury) and adhering to Shariah law. In order to ensure ethical and socially responsible financial practices, Islamic banks use profit and loss‐sharing arrangements rather than traditional interest‐based transactions. Islamic banking has gained substantial traction in Malaysia, driven by its alignment with the values of the predominantly Muslim population. However, the adoption of Islamic banking products and services still faces challenges related to consumer preferences and innovation attributes. This study investigates the mediating influence of customer innovativeness in the adoption of Islamic banking within the Malaysian settings. The study gathered responses from 436 respondents in Malaysia. Structural equation modelling was used to examine customer innovativeness's role in mediating the relationship between relative advantage, compatibility, observability and complexity and the intention to adopt Islamic banking. The study supports the hypotheses that customer innovativeness partially mediates the relationships between relative advantage, compatibility and observability of Islamic banking and the intention to adopt them. However, the study did not provide evidence for the mediation hypothesis concerning the complexity of Islamic banking. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the mediating role of customer innovativeness in Islamic banking adoption, aiding academia's understanding of consumer behaviour. Policymakers can use these insights to promote ethical financial practices, whereas the banking sector can adapt offerings to meet consumer preferences and enhance competitiveness.
Extreme temperature gradient promoting oxygen diffusion in yttria‐stabilized zirconia: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Guo Jian , Yin Yan , Yi Min
Published: July 2024

The oxidation resistance of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coatings and conductivity of YSZ solid oxide fuel cells are closely related to the diffusion of oxygen ions () in YSZ, but the diffusion behavior in small‐sized YSZ samples under non‐isothermal condition where the temperature gradient () could be significant remaining elusive. Herein, we disclose the previously unrevealed effect of extreme on the self‐diffusion behavior of in both pristine and strained YSZ. It is found that the self‐diffusion coefficient () experiences a nearly one‐fold increase under an extreme around 60 K/Å. The diffusion direction tends to be toward regions of high temperature. Uniaxial stress is revealed to reduce due to the increased activation energy of ions, whereas promotes the self‐diffusion in the stressed system. These results underscore the role of in influencing the self‐diffusion behavior of YSZ, providing a theoretical guideline for examining ceramics serving in extreme environments.
A nurse‐led model of care to improve access to contraception and abortion in rural general practice: Co‐design with consumers and providers
Authors: Moulton Jessica E. , Arefadib Noushin , Botfield Jessica R. , Freilich Karen , Tomnay Jane , Bateson Deborah , Black Kirsten I. , Norman Wendy V. , Mazza Danielle
Published: July 2024

Aim

To describe key features of a co‐designed nurse‐led model of care intended to improve access to early medication abortion and long‐acting reversible contraception in rural Australian general practice.

Design

Co‐design methodology informed by the Experience‐Based Co‐Design Framework.

Methods

Consumers, nurses, physicians and key women's health stakeholders participated in a co‐design workshop focused on the patient journey in seeking contraception or abortion care. Data generated at the workshop were analysed using Braun and Clarkes' six‐step process for thematic analysis.

Results

Fifty‐two participants took part in the co‐design workshop. Key recommendations regarding setting up the model included: raising awareness of the early medication abortion and contraceptive implant services, providing flexible booking options, ensuring appointment availability, providing training for reception staff and fostering good relationships with relevant local services. Recommendations for implementing the model were also identified, including the provision of accessible information, patient‐approved communication processes that ensure privacy and safety, establishing roles and responsibilities, supporting consumer autonomy and having clear pathways for referrals and complications.

Conclusion

Our approach to experience‐based co‐design ensured that consumer experiences, values and priorities, together with practitioner insights, were central to the development of a nurse‐led model of care.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The co‐designed nurse‐led model of care for contraception and medication abortion is one strategy to increase access to these essential reproductive health services, particularly in rural areas, while providing an opportunity for nurses to work to their full scope of practice.

Impact

Nurse‐led care has gained global recognition as an effective strategy to promote equitable access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. Still, nurse‐led contraception and abortion have yet to be implemented andevaluated in Australian general practice. This study will inform the model of care to be implemented and evaluated as part of the ORIENT trial to be completed in 2025.

Reporting Method

Reported in line with the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two consumer representatives contributed to the development of the co‐design methodology as members of the ORIENT Intervention Advisory Group Governance Committee.
Respect and Asylum
Authors: Buxton Rebecca
Published: July 2024

Asylum seekers are rarely treated with respect. This is perhaps especially true of institutions that adjudicate the extension of refugee status. In asylum interviews, those seeking refuge are sometimes asked to reveal deeply upsetting stories of their persecution while facing hostility and distrust from their interviewers. I argue that this arises from a failure to properly balance respect with fairness. A maximally fair scheme may not promote respect because ‘fairness‐first’ systems require extensive information to make their judgements. A maximally respectful system might be unfair: without any questioning, some may free‐ride on the trust of others. This article argues that we often place too much emphasis on fairness to the detriment of respect, with a particular focus on the asylum interview. First, I outline the limited discussion of asylum interviews in political philosophy. Second, I consider striking a ‘dynamic balance’ between fairness and respect, as set out by Jonathan Wolff. Third, I argue that a highly idealised version of contemporary asylum interviews puts fairness first at the cost of respect. This fairness‐first model leads to respect deficits in how asylum seekers are treated. Finally, I consider what a respectful asylum determination system might look like, offering three possible routes: civility, humility, and abolition.
Mecp2 promotes the anti‐inflammatory effect of alpinetin via epigenetic modification crosstalk
Authors: Hu Ke , Ma Ruoting , Huang Minjiang , Cao Xiangyu , Ding Yan , Li Yuxian , Chen Yuefu , Xiao Lijun , Ling Sha , Huang Youliang , Yin Huiming , Tan Bifeng
Published: July 2024

In recent years, inflammatory disorders have emerged as a significant concern for human health. Through ongoing research on anti‐inflammatory agents, alpinetin has shown promising anti‐inflammatory properties, including involvement in epigenetic modification pathways. As a crucial regulator of epigenetic modifications, Mecp2 may play a role in modulating the epigenetic effects of alpinetin, potentially impacting its anti‐inflammatory properties. To test this hypothesis, two key components, p65 (a member of NF‐KB family) and p300 (a type of co‐activator), were screened by the expression profiling microarray, which exhibited a strong correlation with the intensity of LPS stimulation in mouse macrophages. Meanwhile, alpinetin demonstrates the anti‐inflammatory properties through its ability to disrupt the synthesis of p65 and its interaction with promoters of inflammatory genes, yet it did not exhibit similar effects on p300. Additionally, Mecp2 can inhibit the binding of p300 by attaching to the methylated inflammatory gene promoter induced by alpinetin, leading to obstacles in promoter acetylation and subsequently impacting the binding of p65, ultimately enhancing the anti‐inflammatory capabilities of alpinetin. Similarly, in a sepsis mouse model, it was observed that homozygotes overexpressing Mecp2 showed a greater reduction in organ damage and improved survival rates compared to heterozygotes when administered by alpinetin. However, blocking the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) resulted in the loss of Mecp2′s anti‐inflammatory assistance. In conclusion, Mecp2 may augment the anti‐inflammatory effects of alpinetin through epigenetic ‘crosstalk’, highlighting the potential efficacy of a combined therapeutic strategy involving Mecp2 and alpinetin for anti‐inflammatory intervention.
Risk factors for chronic kidney disease progression over 20 years for primary prevention in Japanese individuals at a preventive medicine research center: Focus on the influence of plasma glucose levels
Authors: Minami Kento , Sakuma Yukie , Ogawa Kaoru , Takemura Koji , Takahashi Haruo , Inoue Takeshi , Suzuki Yoshifumi , Takahashi Hidenori , Shimura Haruhisa , Sato Yasunori , Watanabe Saburo , Yoshida Shouji , Ogino Jun , Hashimoto Naotake
Published: July 2024

Aims/Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a very important issue globally because of the risk of its progressing to end‐stage renal disease. We aimed to identify factors contributing to long‐term estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline to determine an early diagnosis and prevent CKD progression.

Materials and Methods

From January 2003 to December 2006, 5,507 individuals underwent health checkups at our hospital's Preventive Medicine Research Center. We ultimately enrolled 2,175 individuals. The eGFR was ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at the start of observation period, which was 20 years. The event onset time was the day that the eGFR became <30 mL/min during the 20‐year period. Baseline risk factors – in particular, the effect of plasma glucose levels on the eGFR – were extracted and evaluated by using Fine and Gray analysis.

Results

During the 20‐year observation, the hazard ratio (HR) of CKD progression was examined. A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level ≥105 mg/dL was significantly associated with the risk of CKD progressing to an eGFR <30 mL/min. This trend was similar in the slope of eGFR. An FPG ≥105 mg/dL or an glycated hemoglobin level ≥6.5% was useful for intervening in CKD progression. Multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors were an FPG level ≥105 mg/dL (HR 1.9; P < 0.001), age ≥60 years (HR 3.86; P < 0.001), obesity (HR 1.61; P < 0.01) and urinary protein (HR 1.55; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

For early intervention against a reduction in the eGFR, detecting mild increases in FPG ≥105 mg/dL in patients with CKD with or without diabetes is useful.
A Generalized Objective Function for Computer Adaptive Item Selection
Authors: Doran Harold , Yamada Testsuhiro , Diaz Ted , Gonulates Emre , Culver Vanessa
Published: July 2024

Computer adaptive testing (CAT) is an increasingly common mode of test administration offering improved test security, better measurement precision, and the potential for shorter testing experiences. This article presents a new item selection algorithm based on a generalized objective function to support multiple types of testing conditions and principled assessment design. The generalized nature of the algorithm permits a wide array of test requirements allowing experts to define what to measure and how to measure it and the algorithm is simply a means to an end to support better construct representation. This work also emphasizes the computational algorithm and its ability to scale to support faster computing and better cost‐containment in real‐world applications than other CAT algorithms. We make a significant effort to consolidate all information needed to build and scale the algorithm so that expert psychometricians and software developers can use this document as a self‐contained resource and specification document to build and deploy an operational CAT platform.
Generic and disease‐specific caregiver contribution to self‐care in a population with multiple chronic conditions: A comparative study
Authors: Erba Ilaria , De Maria Maddalena , Saurini Manuela , Ausili Davide , Matarese Maria , Vellone Ercole
Published: July 2024

Aim

Describe and compare generic and disease‐specific caregiver contribution (CC) to self‐care behaviours in the dimensions of self‐care maintenance, self‐care monitoring and self‐care management in multiple chronic conditions (MCCs).

Design

Multicentre cross‐sectional study.

Methods

We enrolled caregivers of patients with MCC, from April 2017 to November 2022, if they were (a) 18 years of age or older and (b) identified by the patient as the principal unpaid informal caregiver. The Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory, Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care of Heart Failure Index, Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care of COPD Inventory and Caregiver Contribution to Self‐care of Diabetes Inventory were used to measure generic and disease‐specific contribution to patient self‐care. Descriptive statistics, Student's t‐tests and Pearson's correlation coefficients were used.

Results

We found adequate generic CC for self‐care monitoring but inadequate CC in self‐care maintenance and management. All CC to disease‐specific self‐care maintenance, monitoring and management scales' scores were inadequate, except for caregivers of diabetic patients in which we observed an adequate score in the CC to self‐care maintenance and self‐care management scales in those practice insulin therapy.

Conclusion

Caregivers experience difficulties in performing behaviours of contribution to their patients affected by chronic conditions. Caregivers of patients with MCCs contribute more to self‐care in aspects related to provider prescriptions and less to lifestyle changes.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Healthcare professionals have to know in which behaviours caregivers show gaps and reflect on the reasons for poor CC to self‐care to develop interventions to enhance these behaviours.

Impact

This study underlines the importance of choosing the most appropriate instrument for measuring CC to self‐care, considering the caregiver's characteristics.

Reporting Method

We adhered to STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Caregivers of patients affected by MCCs were enrolled.
Bi‐directional two‐sample Mendelian randomization identifies causal association of depression with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Que Hanxin , Zhang Qinglian , Xu Shengming , Chu Tengda , Xu Leyan , Wang Yi
Published: July 2024

Background

Depression and anxiety have been suggested to be associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in observational studies. However, the causal association and the direction in the relationship between depression/anxiety and TMD remain unknown.

Objectives

This study investigated the potential causal relationship between depression/anxiety and TMD with two‐sample bi‐directional Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Summary statistics of depression (N = 500 199), anxiety disorder (N = 17 310) and TMD (N = 195 930) were sourced from large‐scale genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). The primary Mendelian randomization (MR) estimation employed the inverse‐variance weighted meta‐analysis (IVW). Additional MR sensitivity methods and multivariate MR (MVMR) were applied to address pleiotropy.

Results

IVW results indicated a causal effect of genetically predicted depression on TMD (OR = 1.887, 95% CI = 1.504–2.367, p < .001), which was supported by other sensitivity MR approaches. MVMR results suggested that the negative effect of depression on TMD persisted after conditioning on other potential confounders. The association of anxiety disorder with TMD was not supported by our findings. In the reverse direction, we did not find compelling evidence suggesting the causal effect of TMD on depression and anxiety disorder.

Conclusions

The present study suggests a potential causal association between genetic liability for depression and the risk of TMD. Our MR findings align with prior epidemiological research, underscoring the significance of early detection and prevention of depression in the treatment of TMD.
The core tendencies underlying prosocial behavior: Testing a person–situation framework
Authors: Popov Natalie , Thielmann Isabel
Published: July 2024

Objective and Background

According to a recently proposed theoretical framework, different personality traits should explain pro‐social behavior in different situations. We empirically tested the key proposition of this framework that each of four “core tendencies” (i.e., the shared variance of related traits) specifically predicts pro‐social behavior in the presence of a different situational affordance.

Methods

We used a large‐scale dataset (N = 2479) including measures of various personality traits and six incentivized economic games assessing pro‐social behavior in different social situations. Using bifactor modeling, we extracted four latent core tendencies and tested their predictive validity for pro‐social behavior.

Results

We found mixed support for the theoretically derived, preregistered hypotheses. The core tendency of beliefs about others' pro‐sociality predicted pro‐social behavior in both games involving dependence under uncertainty, as expected. Unconditional concern for others' welfare predicted pro‐social behavior in only one of two games providing a possibility for exploitation. For conditional concern for others' welfare and self‐regulation, in turn, evidence relating them to pro‐social behavior in the presence of a possibility for reciprocity and temporal conflict was relatively weak.

Conclusion

Different features of social situations may activate different personality traits to influence pro‐social behavior, but more research is needed to fully understand these person–situation interactions.
School burnout and schoolwork engagement profiles among French high school students: Associations with perceived academic stress and social support
Authors: Vansoeterstede Aline , Cappe Emilie , Ridremont Damien , Boujut Emilie
Published: July 2024

Adolescents' well‐being at school is positively affected by social support from parents, teachers, and peers and negatively affected by academic stress. However, little is known about how specific academic stressors are related to study‐related well‐being profiles. This study used a person‐centered approach to identify the profiles of high school students based on their school burnout (i.e., exhaustion and cynicism) and engagement levels to examine their associated levels of perceived academic stress, social support, and sociodemographic characteristics. Using cluster analysis on a sample of 540 high school students (67.8% girls), we identified five profiles labeled “Engaged” (22.4%), “Relaxed” (18.9%), “Overextended” (25.6%), “Disengaged” (17.6%), and “Burned out” (15.4%). The “Engaged” and “Relaxed” groups experienced similar levels of perceived social support, but the “Engaged” students showed higher academic stress levels. The “Overextended” group displayed high academic stress with lower social support, while the “Disengaged” group showed low stress with low social support. Finally, the “Burned out” group displayed the highest academic stress and the lowest perceived support. Results are discussed within the demands−resources model of school burnout and clinical implications are presented for each profile.
Impact of saliva incorporation on the rheological properties of in vitro gastric contents formulated from sour cream
Authors: Lavoisier Anaïs , Jamme Tino , Rousseau Florence , Morzel Martine
Published: July 2024

Rheological properties of gastric contents depend on the food ingested, and on the volume and composition of secretions from the host, which may vary. This study investigates the impact of saliva regular incorporation in the stomach after a meal on the rheological properties of gastric contents, considering two levels of salivary flow (low = 0.5 and high = 1.5 mL/min). In vitro chymes were obtained by mixing sour cream, simulated gastric fluid, two different volumes of oral fluid (at‐rest human saliva, SSF for Simulated Salivary Fluid or water) and adjusting pH at 3. Chymes samples were characterized at 37°C for their particle size and rheological properties. Overall, particle size distribution was not different between samples: incorporating a larger volume of saliva resulted in more heterogeneity, but the surface area moment D[3,2] and volume moment D[4,3] did not differ significantly with the oral fluid type. Shear viscosity of chyme samples was higher when saliva was incorporated, in comparison with water or SSF. In addition, as shown from data extracted at  = 20 s−1 the higher the fluid volume the lower the shear viscosity, which is attributed to a dilution effect. However, this dilution effect was attenuated in the case of saliva, most likely due to its composition in organic compounds (e.g., mucins) contributing to the rheological properties of this biological fluid. In these in vitro conditions, both saliva and the salivation rate had a significant but slight impact on the rheological properties of gastric contents (of the order of 1–5 mPa s at  = 20 s−1).
SGLT2 inhibitor use in the management of feline diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cook Audrey K. , Behrend Ellen
Published: July 2024

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are routinely used in the management of human type 2 diabetes and have been shown to effectively mitigate hyperglycemia and reduce the risks of cardiovascular and renal compromise. Two SGLT2 inhibitors, namely bexagliflozin and velagliflozin, were recently FDA approved for the treatment of uncomplicated feline diabetes mellitus. These oral hypoglycemic agents are a suitable option for many newly diagnosed cats, with rapid improvements in glycemic control and clinical signs. Suitable candidates must have some residual β‐cell function, as some endogenous insulin production is required to prevent ketosis. Appropriate patient selection and monitoring are necessary, and practitioners should be aware of serious complications such as euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.
Evasion of wheat resistance gene Lr15 recognition by the leaf rust fungus is attributed to the coincidence of natural mutations and deletion in AvrLr15 gene
Authors: Cui Zhongchi , Shen Songsong , Meng Linshuo , Sun Xizhe , Jin Yuqing , Liu Yuanxia , Liu Daqun , Ma Lisong , Wang Haiyan
Published: July 2024

Employing race‐specific resistance genes remains an effective strategy to protect wheat from leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina (Pt) worldwide, while the newly emerged Pt races, owing to rapid genetic evolution, frequently overcome the immune response delivered by race‐specific resistance genes. The molecular mechanisms underlying the newly evolved virulence Pt pathogen remain unknown. Here, we identified an avirulence protein AvrLr15 from Pt that induced Lr15‐dependent immune responses. Heterologously produced AvrLr15 triggered pronounced cell death in Lr15‐isogenic wheat leaves. AvrLr15 contains a functional signal peptide, localized to the plant nucleus and cytosol and can suppress BAX‐induced cell death. Evasion of Lr15‐mediated resistance in wheat was associated with a deletion and point mutations of amino acids in AvrLr15 rather than AvrLr15 gene loss in the Lr15‐breaking Pt races, implying that AvrLr15 is required for the virulence function of Pt. Our findings identified the first molecular determinant of wheat race‐specific immunity and facilitated the identification of the first AVR/R gene pair in the Pt–wheat pathosystem, which will provide a molecular marker to monitor natural Pt populations and guide the deployment of Lr15‐resistant wheat cultivars in the field.
Enhancing contrast distribution with the far lateral approach in lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yang Ying‐Wei , Lin Chia‐Shiang , Lao Hsuan‐Chih , Lin Ying‐Chun
Published: July 2024

Background

Herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) with radiculopathy is a common degenerative spine disorder. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is one of the pain relief treatments for lumbar radiculopathy recommended by evidence‐based guidelines. Adequate contrast distribution is correlated with better pain control, but the best approach has not been confirmed yet.

Aim

To confirm the distribution of contrast medium injected with a new approach of TFESI, that is, far lateral lateral recess approach (FLLR‐TFESI).

Methods

Patients receiving TFESI due to HIVD with radiculopathy between 2010 January and 2020 August were retrospectively enrolled. While the FLLR‐TFESI was taken as the experimental group, the conventional approach was viewed as the control group. The baseline characteristics, the pattern of contrast enhancement under fluoroscopic guidance, and the complications of these patients were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 380 patients were analyzed (143 in control group and 237 in experimental group). The two groups were balanced in most baseline characteristics, except disc extrusion (p = 0.01) and scoliosis (p = 0.04). The FLLR‐TFESI have a better contrast distribution (p < 0.01), even after adjustment (p < 0.001). No intrathecal injection was noted, but higher rate of intra‐disc injection was noted in FLLR‐TFESI group (10% vs. 3%, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

The FLLR‐TFESI has a superior contrast enhancement and distribution in comparison to conventional approach. Prospective study to confirm the study result as well as the clinical benefits is suggested in the future.
The nexus between revenue decentralization reforms and economic growth
Authors: Muthomi Frankline , Ndunda Titus M.
Published: July 2024

Revenue decentralization represents a framework that facilitates enhanced fiscal autonomy for subnational governments, thereby enabling the tailoring of services to meet local needs and potentially fostering economic growth. In Kenya, the ratification of the 2010 constitutional formalized novel revenue frameworks aimed at supporting the operations, management, and sustainability of devolved county governments. However, there remains a paucity of empirical analysis examining the relationship between the revenue decentralization reforms and county‐level economic growth. We begin by identifying the main sources of county revenues within the decentralization frameworks, then investigate the dynamic interrelation with county economic growth. Through panel vector autoregression estimation techniques, our analysis reveals a positive and statistically significant association between own‐source revenue and conditional grants with county‐level economic growth. We discuss the implications of our findings and call for policymakers to reassess the fiscal instruments with the aim of strengthening the roles and responsibilities of counties.
Current status of pistachio diseases in countries of the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Gusella Giorgio , López‐Moral Ana , Antón‐Domínguez Begoña I. , Trapero Carlos , Polizzi Giancarlo , Trapero Antonio , Michailides Themis J. , Agustí‐Brisach Carlos
Published: July 2024

In the Mediterranean Basin, the pistachio crop is considered an emerging nut crop due to the dependence of the European nut markets on international imports. Consequently, the extension and intensification of pistachio production to nontraditional growing areas has promoted both classic and emerging diseases of this nut tree, which are limiting factors in crop production. Due to the limited interest in pistachio crops, the aetiology and epidemiology of the main pistachio diseases are poorly studied. Thus, this review summarizes the state of pistachio disease research, with particular attention given to the Mediterranean area. The information reported here is based not only on the literature, but also the advancement of our research on pistachio diseases conducted in both Italy and Spain. We describe the main fungal diseases of the tree canopy in Mediterranean countries, such as Botryosphaeria panicle and shoot blight, Septoria leaf spot, and stem, branch and trunk canker diseases, followed by the main soilborne diseases. In addition, we review minor and/or sporadic fungal diseases originating in not only the Mediterranean, but also other pistachio‐producing countries. Another section is dedicated to other diseases caused by bacteria, phytoplasmas, viruses and nematodes. Finally, we summarize the main control strategies adopted in Mediterranean Basin countries against pistachio diseases.
Prime matter emergentism: Unity without reduction
Authors: Boulter Stephen
Published: July 2024

I am persuaded that the anti‐reductionist stance of the Mistake‐Making Theoretical Framework is fundamentally sound and will prove heuristically fruitful. But the very success of this framework generates a challenge. Many biologically informed metaphysicians have drawn striking conclusions from the fact that biology cannot be reduced to physics and chemistry. One such conclusion is John Dupré's “disunity of the sciences” thesis which follows upon the alleged “disorder of things.” These conclusions threaten to undermine assumptions underpinning the Mistake‐Making Theoretical Framework. In this paper I argue that metaphysicians need to find a middle path between an unattainable reductionism one the one hand and the unwelcome disunity thesis on the other. This is no easy task, as a survey of various proposals makes clear. I argue that adverting to the long‐discredited Aristotelian notion of Prime Matter is the most economical way of achieving unity without reduction.
The limits of compromise
Authors: Wendt Fabian
Published: July 2024

This paper defends the view that the limits of compromise are identical with the moral principles that set limits to human action more generally. Moral principles that prohibit lying, stealing, or killing, for example, sometimes make it morally impermissible to accept a compromise proposal, for the simple reason that the proposal involves an act of lying, killing, or stealing. The same holds for any other moral principle that sets limits to human action. This may sound straightforward and, perhaps, trivial. Yet in the philosophical literature, discussions of the limits of compromise have singled out more specific principles: Avishai Margalit proposes that the limits of compromise are set by the value of humanity, Simon May points at racial equality and more generally democratic legitimacy, Alexander Ruser and Amanda Machin appeal to the value of integrity, and a fourth at least initially plausible account invokes the idea of public justifiability. After discussing in greater detail what an account of the limits of compromise may be expected to do, the paper will show that none of these accounts is convincing.
‘Who is afraid of fairenesse or wanton ladies appearing in their barenesse?’: laughing at female desire in early modern English reception of the myth of the Trojan War☆
Authors: Ganberg Evgeniia
Published: July 2024

In early modern England, as part of a broader interrogation of exemplarity, full‐scale works on the Trojan War often subjected the myth's heroes to humorous scrutiny, whereas the heroines remained surprisingly untouched by comedy. Testifying to the war's calamities already in antiquity, in the early modern period, the myth's women acquired a further link to destruction: their sexuality was believed to ‘undo’ men. Embodying different types of suffering, the heroines came to be regarded as inherently tragic. Read against this context, one aspect of William Shakespeare's and Thomas Heywood's interventions into the myth appears remarkably defiant. Pursuing divergent aims – in Troilus and Cressida Shakespeare explores the annihilating power of laughter irrespective of gender, in Oenone and Paris and The Iron Age Heywood specifically sets out to rehabilitate female characters – both authors temporarily turn the heroines into objects of comedy. However, if Shakespeare creates a Troy in which mockery is universal, Heywood does not. Thus, although both maintain that laughter against the myth's heroines ultimately backfires, turning those laughing into comic figures, Heywood, by having the women never resort to mockery, makes them seem more sympathetic, even tragic, whereas their Shakespearean counterparts laugh and suffer laughter's consequences alongside men.