bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hot stops: timing, pathways, and habitat selection of migrating eastern whip‐poor‐wills
Authors: Bakermans Marja H. , Vitz Andrew C.
Published: October 2023

Although miniaturized data loggers allow new insights into avian migration, incomplete knowledge of basic patterns persists, especially for nightjars. Using GPS data loggers, this study examined migration ecology of the eastern whip‐poor‐will Antrostomus vociferus, across three migration strategies: flyover, short‐stay, and long‐stay. We documented migration movements, conducted hotspot analyses, quantified land cover within 1 and 5 km buffers at used and available locations, and modeled habitat selection during migration. From 2018–2020 we captured breeding whip‐poor‐wills from three study sites in Massachusetts and programmed GPS tags to collect data during fall and spring migration periods. Across 19 individual males (nine of them with repeated years of data), GPS tags collected 479 locations, where 30% were classified as flyover points, 33% as short‐stays, and 37% as long‐stay locations. We documented seasonal flexibility in migration duration, routes, and stopover locations among individuals and between years. Analyses identified hotspot clusters in fall and spring migration in the Sierra de Tamaulipas in Mexico. Land cover at used locations differed across location types at the 5 km scale, where closed forest cover increased and crop cover decreased for flyover, short‐stay, and long‐stay locations, and urban cover was lowest at long‐stay locations. Discrete choice modeling indicated that habitat selection by migrating whip‐poor‐wills differs depending on the scale and migration strategy. For example, at the 5 km scale birds avoided urban cover at long‐stay locations and selected closed forest cover at short‐stay locations. We suggest that whip‐poor‐wills may use land cover cues at large spatial scales, like 5 km, to influence rush or stay tactics during migration.
Reconstructing the complex colonisation histories of lizards across Mediterranean archipelagos
Authors: Sherpa Stéphanie , Salvi Daniele , Silva‐Rocha Iolanda , Capblancq Thibaut , Paris Josephine R. , Carretero Miguel Angel , Ficetola Gentile Francesco
Published: October 2023

Aim

The Mediterranean Basin is a global biodiversity hotspot and has one of the longest histories of human–biota interactions. Islands host a large fraction of Mediterranean diversity and endemism, but the relative importance of natural versus human‐mediated colonisation processes in shaping the distribution and genetic structure of Mediterranean island fauna remains poorly understood. Here, we combine population genomics, demographic models and palaeoshoreline reconstructions to establish the island‐colonisation dynamics of wall lizards in Mediterranean archipelagos.

Location

Four Mediterranean archipelagos in Italy and Croatia.

Taxon

The wall lizard Podarcis siculus.

Methods

We used ddRAD sequencing to genotype 140 lizards from 23 island and mainland populations. Analyses of admixture and site frequency spectra were used to reconstruct population structure, demographic history and variation of gene flow through time. Genomic results were integrated with palaeogeographical reconstructions and were compared to archaeological evidence of human presence on these islands.

Results

Although many island populations of this species are assumed to be non‐native, we find that many islands were colonised long before any known human settlements (230,000–12,000 years ago). This natural colonisation most likely occurred through land bridges during glacial marine regression or by over‐sea rafting. On the other hand, islands distant from the continent were often colonised recently, and some of the estimated island colonisation times match historical records of human arrival. We also determine that long‐established island populations generally show lower genetic diversity compared to proximate mainland populations, contrary to recently colonised islands that must have experienced higher rates of post‐colonisation gene flow.

Main Conclusion

Our integrated approach provides us with the power to accurately quantify the origin, timing and mode of island colonisation. This framework helps to clarify the biogeographical and evolutionary history of island populations, with important implications for conservation and management of island biodiversity.
Health‐risk behaviors and peer pressure of adolescents in the child protective services in Türkiye: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: İyi Zahide , Kahriman İlknur
Published: October 2023

Problem

This study was carried out to investigate the health‐risk behaviors and peer pressure of adolescents aged 12–18 years in need of protection at child protective services.

Methods

The data of this cross‐sectional study were collected using individual interviews with 85 adolescents living in child homes and child homes buildings complex between February 25 and May 31, 2019. The data were collected using the “Descriptive Information Form,” the “Health‐Risk Behaviors Questionnaire,” and the “Peer Pressure Questionnaire.”

Findings

The results of study in adolescents were 34.1% were in the risk group in terms of weight, and 41.2% had a psychiatric problem. Among the health‐risk behaviors of adolescents; 56.5% did not pay attention to daily nutrition, 51.8% had fast food every day, 54.1% injury behaviors were doing dangerous sports, only 15.3% wore seat belts, 78.8% did not exercise three or more days per week, 38.8% watched television and computer three or more hours per day, 27.1% used painkillers without consulting a doctor, 24.7% applied the health recommendations they read on the internet, 20.0% of the adolescents reported that they went on a diet without consulting the healthcare personnel, and 14.1% voluntary vomited to lose or maintain their weight. And 21.2% of the adolescents were exposed to peer pressure.

Conclusions

It was concluded that adolescents in need of protection at child protective services have health‐risk behaviors and low‐level peer pressure.
Serum uric acid is independently associated with hypertension in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis
Authors: liu mei , Zhao Zhirong , Lu Kening , Luo Qiang , Zhao Tianjun , Wang Han
Published: October 2023

Serum uric acid (UA), as an antioxidant, has been associated with hypertension in the general population. Hypertension is highly prevalent in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM). Owning elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, patients with PM/DM have lower concentrations of UA in comparison with healthy people. We explored a potential association between UA levels and hypertension in PM/DM and evaluated whether this association is independent of hypertension risk factors, PM/DM characteristics and relevant drugs. A total of 472 PM/DM patients were assessed. UA and related laboratory data were measured. Demographic, hypertension‐related factors, PM/DM characteristics and drug use were assessed as potential covariates. Results were analyzed using logistic models to test the independence of the association between UA and hypertension. UA levels were higher in hypertension subjects compared to non‐hypertensive PM/DM patients [284.70 (239.93‐357.38) vs 264.00(222.50‐322.75), p = .017]. When adjusted for hypertension risk factors, PM/DM characteristics and drugs, the odds of being a hypertensive PM/DM patient per 1 μmol/L UA increase were significantly increased: odds ratio = 1.473 (95% confidence interval:1.063‐2.042, p = .020). This cross‐sectional study suggests that UA levels are independently associated with hypertension in PM/DM patients.
Bradykinin‐bradykinin receptor (B1R) signalling is involved in the blood–brain barrier disruption in moyamoya disease
Authors: Wang Haidong , Sun Wenxue , Li Fengfeng , Jiang Pei , Wang Lei , Zhou Nannan , Feng Lei
Published: October 2023

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare disorder of the cerebrovascular system. It is a steno‐occlusive disease that involves angiogenesis and blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Bradykinin (BK), its metabolite des‐Arg9‐BK, and receptor (B1R) affect angiogenesis and BBB integrity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in BK, B1R and des‐Arg9‐BK levels in the serum and brain tissues of patients with MMD and explore the underlying mechanism of these markers in MMD. We obtained the serum samples and superficial temporal artery (STA) tissue of patients with MMD from the Department of Neurosurgery of the Jining First People's Hospital. First, we measured BK, des‐Arg9‐BK and B1R levels in the serum of patients by means of ELISA. Next, we performed immunofluorescence to determine B1R expression in STA tissues. Finally, we determined the underlying mechanism through Western blot, angiogenesis assay, immunofluorescence, transendothelial electrical resistance and transcytosis assays. Our results demonstrated a significant increase in the BK, des‐Arg9‐BK and B1R levels in the serum of patients with MMD compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, an increase in the B1R expression level was observed in the STA tissues of patients with MMD. BK and des‐Arg9‐BK could promote the migratory and proliferative abilities of bEnd.3 cells and inhibited the formation of bEnd.3 cell tubes. In vitro BBB model showed that BK and des‐Arg9‐BK could reduce claudin‐5, ZO‐1 and occluding expression and BBB disruption. To the best of our knowledge, our results show an increase in BK and B1R levels in the serum and STA tissues of patients with MMD. BK and Des‐Arg9‐BK could inhibit angiogenesis, promote migratory and proliferative capacities of cells, and disrupt BBB integrity. Therefore, regulating BK, des‐Arg9‐BK and B1R levels in the serum and the brain could be potential strategies for treating patients with MMD.
Characteristics of individuals who developed type 2 diabetes from prediabetes despite undergoing interventions, and evaluation of the performance of urinary myo‐inositol as a risk factor for developing diabetes
Authors: Yamagata Fumio , Ogata Rei , Koda Yoko , Yamamoto Mayumi , Suga Atsuko , Kanauchi Noriko , Kohzuma Takuji , Kawazu Shoji
Published: October 2023

Aims/Introduction

The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of individuals with prediabetes who developed type 2 diabetes despite undergoing interventions, and to evaluate the performance of urinary myo‐inositol (UMI) as a noninvasive indicator for the risk of developing diabetes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 51 individuals with prediabetes who underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test, ΔUMI (the difference in the UMI : creatinine ratio between before and 120 min after 75‐g glucose loading), fasting plasma glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, noninvasive testing (age, body mass index, blood pressure) and general blood tests were measured at baseline, and underwent dietary/exercise guidance for 8 years were studied.

Results

A total of 31 participants developed diabetes in 8 years. At baseline, the group that developed diabetes was characterized by high ΔUMI, hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and insulinogenic index (I.I.). I.I and ΔUMI showed a higher correlation than fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c. Regarding diabetes onset within 8 years, Cox regression analysis of diabetes onset showed the baseline ΔUMI is an independent predictor, adjusted for the result of not only noninvasive markers, but also that of noninvasive and general blood markers. The log‐rank test showed that all glycemic indicators were significantly associated with diabetes onset.

Conclusion

Participants who developed type 2 diabetes from prediabetes despite undergoing interventions were characterized by high glycemic control markers and low I.I. As noninvasive measurement of ΔUMI is associated with I.I. and diabetes onset, it could be a useful indicator for identifying individuals with a high risk of diabetes onset.
Ethnic endotypes in paediatric atopic dermatitis depend on immunotype, lipid composition and microbiota of the skin
Authors: Andersson A. M. , Ingham A. C. , Edslev S. M. , Sølberg J. , Skov L. , Koch A. , Ghauharali‐van der Vlugt K. , Stet F. S. , Brüggen C. M. , Jakasa I. , Kezic S. , Thyssen J. P.
Published: October 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) endotypes differ with ethnicity. We examined the skin microbiota, cytokine and lipid profiles in Greenlandic Inuit and Danish children with AD.

Methods

Twenty‐five Inuit children with AD and 25 Inuit control children were clinically examined and compared to previously collected data from 25 Danish children with AD. Skin tape strips and skin swabs were collected from lesional and non‐lesional skin. Levels of cutaneous immune biomarkers, free sphingoid bases and their (glycosyl)ceramides were analysed. Skin swabs were analysed with 16S rRNA and tuf gene for characterization of bacterial species communities.

Results

Bacterial β‐diversity was significantly different between Inuit and Danish AD skin, in both lesional (p < 0.001) and non‐lesional (p < 0.001) AD skin, and there was a higher relative abundance of Staphylococcus aureus in Danish compared to Inuit lesional (53% vs. 8%, p < 0.01) and non‐lesional skin (55% vs. 5%, p < 0.001). Danish AD children had a higher α‐diversity than Inuit children in non‐lesional (p < 0.05) but not in lesional skin. Significantly higher levels of type 2 immunity cytokine interleukin (IL)‐4 (p < 0.05) and IL‐5 (p < 0.01) were identified in Inuit compared to Danish AD children. In contrast, IL‐33 (p < 0.01) was higher in Danish lesional and non‐lesional AD skin. Higher levels of long‐chain glucosylceramide (GlcCER)[S](d26:1) were found in lesional (p < 0.001) and non‐lesional (p < 0.001) Inuit skin compared with Danish AD skin. NMF levels were similar in Inuit and Danish AD skin.

Conclusion

Skin microbiota, cytokine and lipid composition differed significantly between Inuit and Danish children with AD and showed a stronger type 2 immune signature in Inuit children.
A step‐by‐step technique to create an ideal color match, form, and surface texture to all‐ceramic restorations
Authors: EL‐Etreby Amr , McLaren Edward A.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Although the presence of a chairside CAD/CAM system in the dental office saves time and cost, it deprives the dentist from the dental technologist' skills and experience. The dentist now has to gain and acquire knowledge and skills about how to finish, characterize, stain, and glaze ceramic restorations. The main objectives of this article is to teach novel and reproducible techniques for surface color, texture, glaze and polish for either the chairside or laboratory fabricated indirect ceramic restoration.

Clinical Considerations

A protocol for intraoral characterization of monolithic ceramics; the “Triple R" protocol for tooth color mimicking was followed. It consist of three steps: (1) “Recognize” tooth color shapes, (2) “Record” the present color shapes in the patient dentition by drawing a color map for the color shapes extension and determine which luster paste stain to be used for replicating them, and (3) “Replicate” intraorally the recorded color shapes guided by the adjacent natural teeth using low fusing ceramic pastes (shades and stains) for color shape replication. Also, the final touch technique was followed to shape, texture and final surface finish of dental restorations. It is composed of 5 basic levels which we call dental “micro‐esthetics that define shape, texture, and surface luster.

Conclusions

Following the steps of both; the “Triple R” protocol and the “FINAL TOUCH” technique will help to reproduce the final shade of the restoration to create the illusion of a natural tooth to the observer.

Clinical Significance

This article shows how combining two practical methodologies to record and replicate both color shapes and surface texture of natural teeth may extend mimicking, that is, step by step natural tooth shade beyond the limitations of the available commercial shade guides.
Widespread occurrence of Tilapia parvovirus in farmed Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus from India
Authors: Rajendran Kooloth Valappil , Sood Neeraj , Rao B. Madhusudhana , Valsalam Anisha , Bedekar Megha K. , Jeena Kezhedath , Pradhan Pravata Kumar , Paria Anutosh , Swaminathan Thangaraj Raja , Verma Dev Kumar , Sood Naresh Kumar
Published: October 2023

Tilapia parvovirus (TiPV) has been associated with heavy mortalities in tilapia as a single infection or in co‐infection with Tilapia lake virus (TiLV). In this study, TiPV was detected in farmed Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, from two geographical regions of India, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. TiPV‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reported earlier was used in the screening. Tilapia collected from Maharashtra showed characteristic clinical signs, and TiPV was detected along with TiLV and/or Aeromonas spp. However, fish from Uttar Pradesh were apparently healthy and only TiPV could be detected in these samples. A high prevalence of TiPV was recorded from both the geographical locations, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (59.6% and 95.0% respectively). The virus could be detected in tissues such as the spleen, liver, kidney, brain and mucus. The spleen appeared to be the best tissue for detecting TiPV in apparently healthy tilapia. The presence of TiPV was further confirmed through sequencing the PCR products, isolation of the virus in the cell line and electron microscopy. Sequences of the NS1 gene of the two TiPV isolates showed similarity to the earlier reported TiPV isolates. The virus could be successfully propagated in O. niloticus Liver (OnL) cell line, and cytopathic effect was observed as early as 3 days post‐infection. Furthermore, the presence of non‐enveloped icosahedral to round virus particles measuring about 26–35 nm could be demonstrated in the cytoplasm and nucleus of infected OnL cells in transmission electron microscopy. With this confirmation of the presence of the virus, India is the third country to report TiPV after China and Thailand. The detection of TiPV in co‐infection cases with TiLV and in apparently healthy Nile tilapia suggests its wide distribution and potential synergistic effect in co‐infection cases. Therefore, this emerging virus needs holistic attention to understand its virulence, host‐specificity and epidemiological risk factors.
Machine learning approaches for estimating apricot drying characteristics in various advanced and conventional dryers
Authors: Kaveh Mohammad , Çetin Necati , Khalife Esmail , Abbaspour‐Gilandeh Yousef , Sabouri Maryam , Sharifian Faroogh
Published: October 2023

Drying plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of agricultural products. Nevertheless, suboptimal conditions in drying systems have an adverse effect on drying characteristics and energy efficiency. Machine learning approaches are innovative and reliable that have been successfully used to solve such challenges and achieve optimization in drying processes. In this study, five machine learning approaches (multilayer perceptron [MLP], gaussian processes [GP], support vector regression [SVR], k‐nearest neighbors [kN], and random forest [RF]) were used to estimate moisture content and moisture ratio of apricot in five various dryers (convective [CV], microwave [MW], infrared [IR], microwave‐convective [MW‐CV], and infrared‐convective [IR‐CV]). Also, the values of specific energy consumption (SEC) and effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) were calculated in these dryers. Accordingly, the best result of the Deff (3.14 × 10−10 m2/s) and the minimum value of the drying time (130 min) and SEC (18.67 MJ/kg) were obtained using MW‐CV hybrid dryer. While the lowest values of Deff (2.09 × 10−11 m2/s) and highest drying time (18.5 h) and SEC (209.34 MJ/kg) were detected in CV dryer at 50°C. The best correlation coefficients (R) for the estimation of moisture content were gained using RF technique for k‐fold cross validation and train‐test split with the values of 0.9908 and 0.9912, respectively. Moreover, moisture ratio results showed that the MLP achieved the highest R value over 0.9985 for both validation methodologies. In the discrimination of the drying methods, the MLP had the greatest accuracy as 82.00% and 86.00% for k‐fold cross validation and train‐test split, respectively. The results showed that the RF and ML models could potentially be used for estimation and discrimination for drying applications.

Practical Applications

Recently, there has been an increased interest in healthy food choices such as foodstuffs, snacks, and dried products. This trend has captured the attention of both dietitians and conscious consumers. Apricots are a prime example of a valuable dried product that can be dry in various conditions. Machine learning techniques can be used for rapid and non‐destructive determination of drying characteristics and such techniques yield objective and accurate results. Present findings revealed that texture machine learning models could be used as an effective and reliable discrimination tool for dried products.
Nature‐based Solutions for sustainable flood management in East Africa
Authors: Long'or Lokidor Pauline , Taka Miho , Lashford Craig , Charlesworth Susanne
Published: October 2023

Africa's population is expected to triple by 2050, owing to rapid urbanisation and overall demographic trends. The combined pressures of urbanisation and climate change impact the ecosystem and the services it provides. As a result, additional dangers such as increased flooding, and environmental disruption have risen. Therefore, devising adaptive solutions to mitigate flood risk impacts while also building community resilience is needed. Evidence suggests that Nature‐based Solutions (NbS) can potentially alleviate floods and mitigate climate change impacts while also delivering other societal benefits. Despite rising NbS popularity following its recognition in the last decade, studies on its recognition in Africa remain limited. For this reason, this paper reviewed NbS studies conducted in East Africa (EA) to evaluate opportunities and barriers surrounding NbS adoption in EA. Academic literature published from January 2012 to May 2022 was reviewed using a comprehensive search of the SCOPUS database. Results show 14 papers have been published during the period, with the majority being post‐2020. In addition, the majority of the articles focused on cities and peri‐urban settlements, while public awareness, clear guidelines on performance monitoring, stakeholder inclusion, and diverse demonstration projects were highlighted as potential success factors for the adoption of NbS in EA.
Unravelling the link between physical activity and peer social connectedness in young people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review of quantitative studies
Authors: Maenhout L. , Melville C. A.
Published: October 2023

Background

There is limited understanding of the context surrounding physical activity (PA) of young people with intellectual disabilities (ID), which has an impact on the development of PA promotion programmes. Peer social connectedness seems to be a vital correlate to focus on, but has not been included in current studies examining the correlates and determinants of PA levels of young people with ID. This study aims to synthesise the evidence on (1) the social constructs researchers have used to conceptualise peer social connectedness in a PA context among young people with ID, (2) the measurement tools that have been used and (3) the relationship between PA and peer social connectedness in young people with ID.

Methods

The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, ERIC, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from 1 January 1996 up to, and including, July 2023 to identify English‐language studies, which examined associations between PA and peer social connectedness in adolescents and young adults (13–24 years) with ID. Study quality was assessed using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields.

Results

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Ten peer social connectedness constructs and 18 measurement instruments were identified. Studies were predominantly focused on Special Olympics participants and unified activity formats. Participation in PA can increase social connectedness, but there is a lack of studies examining whether PA can also be increased by focusing on peer social connectedness in young people with ID.

Conclusions

Results show that peer social connectedness is recognised as relevant to researchers developing and testing PA programmes for young people with ID.
Married women's response to spousal pornography use: A grounded theory
Authors: Crawford Misha D. , Butler Mark H. , Marks Loren D. , Leavitt Chelom J.
Published: October 2023

Empirical research suggests that married women may more commonly experience spousal pornography use as a relational attachment threat and are more likely to experience negative relational outcomes such as distress and loss of trust. The purpose of this study was to develop a grounded theory of married women's response to the discovery or disclosure of spousal pornography use. This study included the experiences of 30 married women who reported spousal pornography use as a threat to relational attachment, who chose to remain with their spouse, and who reported evidence of individual and relational healing thereafter. The research question, “How do married women describe the experience of learning of their spouse's pornography use and the individual and relationship sequelae that follow?” was explored using grounded theory methods to analyze deidentified blogpost accounts emphasizing response to a spouse's pornography use. The results describe a process model highlighting three interrelated informant categories—emotional response, mental response, and physical response—and one resultant category—behavioral response. Implications include (a) the importance of open communication regarding pornography use within relationships, (b) the necessity for individual and relational healing following betrayal trauma, and (c) the role of therapeutic intervention in shaping adaptive healing processes.
The buccal frenum: Trends in diagnosis and indications for treatment of buccal‐ties among 466 healthcare professionals
Authors: Baxter Richard , Merkel‐Walsh Robyn , Lahey Lisa , Knutsen Chad , Zaghi Soroush
Published: October 2023

Background

The buccal frenum is connective tissue that adheres the mucosa of the cheek to the alveolar process. When restricted, this condition is commonly known as a buccal‐ or cheek‐tie. Restrictive buccal frena are often treated during tongue‐ and lip‐tie procedures, yet widely accepted classification, diagnostic and treatment guidelines are lacking.

Objective

Provide a scoping review on the evaluation and management of buccal‐ties, including diagnosis, classification, symptoms and treatment, by surveying healthcare providers with experience evaluating and managing oral restrictions.

Methods

Literature review and IRB‐approved survey to assess practice patterns among healthcare providers identified from online directories of tongue‐tie release providers and associated allied health professionals.

Results

A multidisciplinary group of 466 providers responded. About 87% indicated that they assess buccal restrictions. Evaluation methods included finger sweep (89.1%), visual inspection (76.4%), tissue blanching (66.5%) and functional assessment (53.4%). Around 94% of providers reported that objective and subjective findings are both needed for diagnosis and that an estimated 5%–10% of infants may be affected. About 70% of providers release buccal‐ties (if needed) simultaneously with tongue‐ties, and 76.8% recommend post‐operative stretches as necessary for optimal healing. Respondents indicated a need for further research, evidence‐based assessments, a classification system and treatment protocols.

Conclusion

Evaluating a buccal frenum to diagnose a symptomatic buccal‐tie relies upon visual inspection, palpation and assessment of oral function. Survey data and clinical experience are summarized to review classification systems, diagnostic/evaluation criteria and treatment recommendations as a foundational cornerstone for future works to build upon.
Glucose upregulates amphiregulin in oral dysplastic keratinocytes: A potential role in diabetes‐associated oral carcinogenesis
Authors: Ma Tao , Montaner Silvia , Schneider Abraham
Published: October 2023

Background

Compelling evidence implicates diabetes‐associated hyperglycemia as a promoter of tumor progression in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Yet, information on hyperglycemia‐induced cell signaling networks in oral oncology remains limited. Our group recently reported that glucose‐rich conditions significantly enhance oral dysplastic keratinocyte viability and migration through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation, a pathway strongly linked to oral carcinogenesis. Here, we investigated the basal metabolic phenotype in these cells and whether specific glucose‐responsive EGFR ligands mediate these responses.

Methods

Cell energy phenotype and lactate concentration were evaluated via commercially available assays. EGFR ligands in response to normal (5 mM) or high (20 mM) glucose were analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR, ELISA, and western blotting. Cell viability and migration assays were performed in the presence of pharmacological inhibitors or RNA interference.

Results

When compared to normal keratinocytes, basal glycolysis in oral dysplastic keratinocytes was significantly elevated. In highly glycolytic cells, high glucose‐activated EGFR increasing viability and migration. Notably, we identified amphiregulin (AREG) as the predominant glucose‐induced EGFR ligand. Indeed, enhanced cell migration in response to high glucose was blunted by EGFR inhibitor cetuximab and AREG siRNA. Conversely, AREG treatment under normal glucose conditions significantly increased cell viability, migration, lactate levels, and expression of glycolytic marker pyruvate kinase M2.

Conclusion

These novel findings point to AREG as a potential high glucose‐induced EGFR activating ligand in highly glycolytic oral dysplastic keratinocytes. Future studies are warranted to gain more insight into the role of AREG in hyperglycemia‐associated OPMD tumor progression.
Being open, feeling safe and getting creative: The role of team mean openness to experience in the emergence of team psychological safety and team creativity
Authors: Sacramento Claudia , Lyubovnikova Joanne , Martinaityte Ieva , Gomes Catarina , Curral Luis , Juhasz‐Wrench Andrea
Published: October 2023

Although the effects of openness to experience (OTE) on individual creativity are well‐established, research on how such effects unfold in a team context is scarce. Drawing on theories of group norms and uncertainty reduction, we argue that team mean OTE leads to a climate of team psychological safety which, in turn, facilitates team creativity. We test our hypothesis over three independent studies, the first comprising 35 business student project teams, the second based on 28 professional teams from the automotive industry, both conducted in the United Kingdom, and the third comprising 24 healthcare teams in Portugal. As predicted, across all three studies, team mean OTE was positively associated with team creativity via the affective emergent state of team psychological safety. Furthermore, the mediating role of team psychological safety remained significant even when accounting for team OTE variance, alternative motivational and cognitive emergent states, namely team promotion focus (studies 1 and 2) and team exploration climate (study 3), as well as empowering leadership (study 3). Finally, in study 3, we examined the differential impact of the two major facets of OTE, intellect, and openness, and found that intellect, but not openness, was responsible for driving the indirect effects. Further analysis did not support alternative perspectives concerning team OTE variance or the interaction between mean and variance. Our findings not only contribute to theoretical understanding regarding the relationship between team personality composition, specifically OTE, and team creativity but also provide much‐needed insight into how such effects unfold. We delineate several practical implications for team design and development.
The osteogenic effects of sappanchalcone in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zheng Xiaodan , Chen Jingqiu , Liu Juan , Shi Xiaoying , Li Gang , Shi Qimeng , Zhang Jun , Li Yanhong
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

The utilization of natural products to enhance the function of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) has emerged as a popular area of research. Recent investigations have demonstrated that sappanchalcone (SC) possesses pharmacological properties such as anti‐inflammatory and osteoprotective effects. This study aims to explore the impact of SC on the in vivo and in vitro osteogenic differentiation ability of PDLCs.

Materials

Cell proliferation was quantified using the CCK‐8 assay, while gene expression levels were assessed through qRT–PCR analysis. Osteoblast differentiation capacity was evaluated by employing Alizarin red staining (ARS), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and western blot (WB) analysis. A rat model of periodontitis was established utilizing the tether‐wire method. Micro‐CT imaging and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were employed to evaluate alveolar bone resorption. Masson's trichrome staining was utilized to observe fiber alignment, whereas immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques were applied for detecting osteogenic and inflammatory factors.

Results

The results from the CCK‐8 assay indicate no observed cytotoxicity for concentrations of 1, 5, or 10 nM for SC treatment (p < .05), while qRT–PCR analysis demonstrates a significant decrease in inflammatory factors such as MMP‐1 and IL‐6 with treatment by SC (p < .05). Additionally, western blotting reveals an increase in protein expression levels of Runx2 and OPN within PDLCs treated with SC compared to control groups (p < .05), which is further supported by ARS and ALP staining indicating an increase in mineralized nodules formation along with elevated ALP content within these cells following treatment with this compound (p < .05). Finally, both HE staining as well as micro‐CT imaging suggest potential benefits associated with using this compound including slowing alveolar bone resorption while simultaneously promoting junctional epithelium proliferation.

Conclusions

Our in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that SC can effectively enhance the inflammatory response of PDLCs and promote their osteogenic differentiation ability under inflammatory conditions, indicating its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for improving periodontal inflammation and bone formation.
Understanding the impacts of rural hospital closures: A scoping review
Authors: Mullens Cody Lendon , Hernandez J. Andres , Murthy Jeevan , Hendren Steph , Zahnd Whitney E. , Ibrahim Andrew M. , Scott John W.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Rural hospitals are closing at unprecedented rates, with hundreds more at risk of closure in the coming 2 years. Multiple federal policies are being developed and implemented without a salient understanding of the emerging literature evaluating rural hospital closures and its impacts. We conducted a scoping review to understand the impacts of rural hospital closure to inform ongoing policy debates and research.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy was devised by library faculty to collate publications using the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Two coauthors then independently performed title and abstract screening, full text review, and study extraction.

Findings

We identified 5054 unique citations and assessed 236 full texts for possible inclusion in our narrative synthesis of the literature on the impacts of rural hospital closure. Twenty total original studies were included in our narrative synthesis. Key domains of adverse impacts related to rural hospital closure included emergency medical service transport, local economies, availability and utilization of emergency care and hospital services, availability of outpatient services, changes in quality of care, and workforce and community members. However, significant heterogeneity existed within these findings.

Conclusions

Given the significant heterogeneity within our findings across multiple domains of impact, we advocate for a tailored approach to mitigating the impacts of rural hospital closures for policymakers. We also discuss crucial knowledge gaps in the evidence base—especially with respect to quality measures beyond mortality. The synthesis of these findings will permit policymakers and researchers to understand, and mitigate, the harms of rural hospital closure.
Infant and young child feeding indicators are positively associated with length and family care indicators in the children of the Women First trial participants
Authors: Long Julie M. , Gatica‐Domínguez Giovanna , Westcott Jamie E. , Taren Douglas , Tejeda Gabriela , Diba Tshilenge S. , Mastiholi Shivanand C. , Khan Umber S. , Garcés Ana , Figueroa Lester , Lokangaka Adrien , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Aziz Ali Sumera , Hambidge K. Michael , Krebs Nancy F. ,   the Women First Preconception Maternal Nutrition Study Group
Published: October 2023

This research describes the proportion of children in four low‐ and middle‐income countries with adequate dietary practices at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age and how these practices changed over time using the World Health Organisation and UNICEF's infant young child feeding (IYCF) indicators. The associations between the IYCF indicators and anthropometric z‐scores from 6 to 24 months, and between the IYCF indicators and the family care indicators (FCIs) at 24 months are described. This was a longitudinal study of offspring from participants in the Women First Preconception Maternal Nutrition Trial conducted in Sud‐Ubangi, Democratic Republic of Congo; Chimaltenango, Guatemala; Belagavi, North Karnataka, India; and Thatta, Sindh Province, Pakistan. The frequency of the minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum adequate diet (MAD) increased between 6 and 24 months, but even at 24 months MAD remained below 50% at all sites. MDD (β = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.04−0.22) and MMF (β = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.03−0.17) were positively associated with length‐for‐age z‐score at 24 months. All IYCF indicators were positively associated with mean total FCI score: MDD (proportion ratio [PR] = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.02−1.07), MMF (PR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.01−1.04), MAD (PR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.02−1.08). Although there are multiple barriers to young children having an adequate diet, our results support a positive association between familial interactions and improved IYCF feeding practices.
Image quality evaluation method for surface crack detection based on standard test chart
Authors: Zhu Zhiheng , Huang Dongliang , Zhou Xuanyi , Chen Dingping , Fu Jinyang , Yang Junsheng
Published: October 2023

The use of automated equipment for surface crack detection based on digital image acquisition is becoming increasingly popular in the inspection industry. While researchers typically focus on improving the accuracy of recognition methods, the image quality is essential to the effectiveness of the algorithm. However, evaluating the quality of crack images has received little attention in computer‐aided civil and infrastructure engineering. A prominent issue is whether surface cracks are visible and measurable in images. This study proposes an image quality evaluation method using an original standard test chart that simulates cracks of different widths and directions. Geometric transformations and preprocessing techniques are employed in a full‐reference strategy to process the acquired crack images. The resulting information provides quantitative scores for crack visibility and measurability. The proposed Crack Structural Similarity Index is more in line with human perception and offers an accurate evaluation of real image quality. The study shows that Gaussian blur disturbance and random noise disturbance primarily affect measurability and visibility, respectively. Furthermore, the study finds that the quality of the crack image improves with increasing sensor pixel size and using a prime lens over a zoom or long zoom lens. This approach enables comparing image quality collected by different devices in the field environment and provides guidance for optimizing field acquisition parameters. In the future, the results of this study can be applied to facilitate the application of automated testing equipment and improve overall performance.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus thermostable direct haemolysin induces non‐classical programmed cell death despite caspase activation
Authors: Verma Pratima , Chauhan Aakanksha , Thakur Reena , Lata Kusum , Sharma Arpita , Chattopadhyay Kausik , Mukhopadhaya Arunika
Published: October 2023

Thermostable direct haemolysin (TDH) is the key virulence factor secreted by the human gastroenteric bacterial pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus. TDH is a membrane‐damaging pore‐forming toxin. It evokes potent cytotoxicity, the mechanism of which still remains under‐explored. Here, we have elucidated the mechanistic details of cell death response elicited by TDH. Employing Caco‐2 intestinal epithelial cells and THP‐1 monocytic cells, we show that TDH induces some of the hallmark features of apoptosis‐like programmed cell death. TDH triggers caspase‐3 and 7 activations in the THP‐1 cells, while caspase‐7 activation is observed in the Caco‐2 cells. Interestingly, TDH appears to induce caspase‐independent cell death. Higher XIAP level and lower Smac/Diablo level upon TDH intoxication provide plausible explanation for the functional inability of caspases in the THP‐1 cells, in particular. Further exploration reveals that mitochondria play a central role in the TDH‐induced cell death. TDH triggers mitochondrial damage, resulting in the release of AIF and endonuclease G, responsible for the execution of caspase‐independent cell death. Among the other critical mediators of cell death, ROS is found to play an important role in the THP‐1 cells, while PARP‐1 appears to play a critical role in the Caco‐2 cells. Altogether, our work provides critical new insights into the mechanism of cell death induction by TDH, showing a common central theme of non‐classical programmed cell death. Our study also unravels the interplay of crucial molecules in the underlying signalling processes. Our findings add valuable insights into the role of TDH in the context of the host–pathogen interaction processes.
Intracellular polyamines regulate redox homeostasis with cAMP–PKA signalling during sexual mating/filamentation and pathogenicity of Sporisorium scitamineum
Authors: Yin Kai , Cui Guobing , Bi Xinping , Liang Meiling , Hu Zhijian , Deng Yi Zhen
Published: October 2023

Sugarcane smut caused by Sporisorium scitamineum seriously impairs sugarcane production and quality. Sexual mating/filamentation is a critical step of S. scitamineum pathogenesis, yet the regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we identified the SsAGA, SsODC, and SsSAMDC genes, which are involved in polyamine biosynthesis in S. scitamineum. Deletion of SsODC led to complete loss of filamentous growth after sexual mating, and deletion of SsAGA or SsSAMDC caused reduced filamentation. Double deletion of SsODC and SsSAMDC resulted in auxotrophy for putrescine (PUT) and spermidine (SPD) when grown on minimal medium (MM), indicating that these two genes encode enzymes that are critical for PUT and SPD biosynthesis. We further showed that low PUT concentrations promoted S. scitamineum filamentation, while high PUT concentrations suppressed filamentation. Disrupted fungal polyamine biosynthesis also resulted in a loss of pathogenicity and reduced fungal biomass within infected plants at the early infection stage. SPD formed a gradient from the diseased part to nonsymptom parts of the cane stem, suggesting that SPD is probably favourable for fungal virulence. Mutants of the cAMP–PKA (SsGPA3–SsUAC1–SsADR1) signalling pathway displayed up‐regulation of the SsODC gene and elevated intracellular levels of PUT. SsODC directly interacted with SsGPA3, and sporidia of the ss1uac1ΔodcΔ mutant displayed abundant pseudohyphae. Furthermore, we found that elevated PUT levels caused accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), probably by suppressing transcription of ROS‐scavenging enzymes, while SPD played the opposite role. Overall, our work proves that polyamines play important roles in the pathogenic development of sugarcane smut fungus, probably by collaboratively regulating intracellular redox homeostasis with the cAMP–PKA signalling pathway.
The role of mycorrhizal fungi in driving ecotype formation in mycoheterotrophic plants
Authors: Jacquemyn Hans , Suetsugu Kenji , Merckx Vincent
Published: October 2023

In his seminal paper, Göte Turesson proposed the term ecotype as the ‘ecological unit to cover the product arising as a result of the genotypical response of an ecospecies to a particular habitat'. Turesson further outlined that to fully understand the ecology of a species, a knowledge of its most important ecotypes is needed. Whereas Turesson's original idea of an ecotype mainly referred to the response of a species to abiotic conditions, there is mounting evidence that ecotypes can also originate as a response to biotic conditions. Hence, to understand the ecology of a species, one should also understand the distribution and variation in biotic interactions. For plants, one such biotic interaction involves mycorrhizal fungi. Particularly in mycoheterotrophic plants, i.e. plants that rely on mycorrhizal fungi for their carbon supply, adaptation to and specialization on mycorrhizal fungi have the potential to drive ecotype formation and speciation. In this paper, we provide evidence that populations of mycoheterotrophic plants inhabiting contrasting habitats commonly encounter divergent mycorrhizal fungal communities leading to geographic mosaics of mycorrhizal interactions. Adaptation to local fungal communities, in turn, can induce (partial) reproductive isolation and contribute to ecotype and ultimately species formation as a result of decreased fitness of immigrant genotypes (immigrant inviability). In the most extreme case, loss of photosynthesis and mycorrhizal switching have led to reproductive isolation and the development of novel species that have become fully mycoheterotrophic. Such shifts have occurred repeatedly during the evolutionary history of land plants. We conclude that mycorrhizal fungi not only contribute to the early divergence of populations of mycoheterotrophic plants, but also play a crucial role in the further diversification and origination of this unique set of species that rely on mycorrhizal fungi for obtaining carbon and completing their life cycle.