bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribological performance of modified graphene as an additive in copper wire drawing lubricant
Authors: Lang XuJin , Suo Xiaoyu , Niu ZhiYong , Wang Liping , Li Lixia , Zhang Yanchao , Zhang Dongya
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the use of modified graphene (MG) in copper wire drawing lubricants to enhance their friction-reducing and anti-wear capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Graphene was modified using oleic and stearic acids to improve its dispersibility in lubricants. Various concentrations of MG were then introduced into a copper wire drawing lubricant to investigate their tribological performance. Wear mechanisms were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

Findings

The best concentration of MG is 1.5 Wt.%, at which the copper wire drawing oil exhibits a friction coefficient and wear rate of 0.085 and 2.11 × 10−6 mm3/Nm, respectively, representing decreases of 22.7% and 47.6% compared to the base oil. It was further found that the addition of 1.5 Wt.% MG to a copper wire drawing fluid with a water content of 70% resulted in a 30.3% reduction in friction coefficient compared to the base oil. Raman spectroscopy and EDS analysis confirmed that the MG tribo-film formed on the worn copper disc effectively minimized friction and wear.

Originality/value

This study analyzes the tribological performance of different concentrations of MG in copper wire drawing oils, establishing a basis for the application of MG in copper wire drawing fluids.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0399/
Bridging the gap: user expectations for conversational AI services with consideration of user expertise
Authors: Greiner Daphne , Lemoine Jean-François
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Past research has emphasised the potential for conversational artificial intelligence (AI) to disrupt services. Conversely, the literature recognises customer expectations as fundamental to service quality and customer satisfaction. However, the understanding of users’ expectations for conversational AI services is currently limited. Building upon previous research that has underscored the importance of users’ expertise, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the expectations of users with varying levels of expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted, on three populations: experts, quasi-experts and non-experts from various countries including Japan, France and the USA. This includes 10 experts and 11 quasi-experts, as in professionals in conversational AI and related domains. And 25 non-experts, as in individuals without professional or advanced academic training in AI.

Findings

Findings suggest that users’ expectations depend on their expertise, how much they value human contact and why they are using these services. For instance, the higher the expertise the less anthropomorphism was stated to matter compared to technical characteristics, which could be due to a disenchantment effect. Other results include expectations shared by all users such as a need for more ethics including public interest.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into a key yet relatively unexplored area: it defines three major expectations categories (anthropomorphic, technical and ethical) and the associated expectations of each user groups based on expertise. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it also highlights expectations never detected before as such in the literature such as explainability.
Embedded-embodied consumer experiences and the limits of responsibilization theory
Authors: Bankel Robin , Solér Cecilia
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Critical studies within the economic and administrative sciences are increasingly paying attention to the way markets shift responsibility to consumers for societal and personal goals, referring to this process as consumer responsibilization. This article advances a new approach to responsibilization theory with the aim of overcoming some of its limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual approach is used to critique dominant post-structural understandings of consumer responsibility and to advance alternative ways of thinking about responsibilization regimes that highlight the embodied and embedded experiences of responsible consumers.

Findings

The article suggests that responsible consumption is embodied and embedded within neoliberal social structures characterized by inherent tensions and will produce strained experiences rather than skilled and empowered neoliberal subjects. The authors underscore the need for an empirical focus on the adaptational responses of consumers to responsibilization processes. With a focus on the frictional relationship between the idealization pressures involved in responsibilization processes and the real-world consequences embodied in consumer experiences, the conceptual approach may provide new ways to advance the concept of responsibilization as a critique of neoliberal marketization.

Originality/value

While responsibilization theory has been gaining widespread attention, this is the first paper to critically examine its limitations and offer an embedded-embodied perspective on consumer responsibility.
Teachers' knowledge of dyslexia in one of the largest regions of Kazakhstan
Authors: Galimzhanova Gulnara
Published: January 2025

The purpose of the present research was to measure teachers' knowledge about dyslexia in mainstream schools of Akmola region in Kazakhstan and to analyse if there is any relationship between teachers' knowledge of dyslexia and their training experiences. The data was collected via an online survey with the use of the Scale of Knowledge and Beliefs about Developmental Dyslexia (Soriano‐Ferrer & Echegaray‐Bengoa, 2014). Overall, 1435 teachers participated in the survey. The research revealed that surveyed teachers have limited knowledge about dyslexia across three layers: neurological, cognitive and behavioural. Cross‐tabulation analysis showed that there is no relationship between teachers' knowledge of dyslexia and their training experiences. These findings highlight a high need for quality training on dyslexia for teachers in Kazakhstan.
Concurrent Phenylketonuria and Pyogenic Sacroiliitis: A Case Report Highlighting Rare Co‐Occurrence
Authors: Beke Sinem Kübra , Kaplan Hüseyin , Öney Marise , Cengiz Gizem
Published: January 2025

A 19‐year‐old male patient with phenylketonuria (PKU) was presented to our clinic with complaints of left hip pain and fever for one week. Physical examination and MRI examination showed findings compatible with pyogenic sacroiliitis and an abscess in the left iliopsoas muscle. The patient's clinical and radiological findings improved markedly with empirical antibiotic treatment. Although immune system disorders associated with PKU have been reported previously, to our knowledge, a direct link between PKU and rheumatological diseases has not yet been demonstrated. This case suggests that further research is needed to understand the potential effects of PKU on the immune system and susceptibility to infections.
Association Between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Findings of the Observational and Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Kang , Chen Zhujun , Wei Zhengxiao , He Lijun , Gong Liang
Published: January 2025

Background

Airway inflammation is considered one of the pathogenic factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the role of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the development of RA remains unclear. We used cross‐sectional studies and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the link between COPD and RA.

Methods

In National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2018, the association between COPD and RA was investigated using weighted logistic regression models. We also used subgroup analysis and interaction tests to explore the relationship between COPD and RA in populations with different clinical characteristics. The inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method was the primary method of MR analysis for investigating the causal effect of exposure on outcome.

Results

After adjusting for smoking history and other variables, weighted logistic regression analysis of 14 768 participants indicated that COPD is associated with an increased odds of developing RA (OR = 1.899, p < 0.001). Interaction tests showed that there is an interaction with this relationship concerning gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and hypercholesterolemia (p < 0.05). MR analysis showed a causal relationship between COPD and increased odds of RA (OR = 1.072, p = 0.008). Multivariable MR analysis, adjusted for smoking, also yielded the same result (OR = 1.071, p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that COPD may have a potential causal role in the development of RA. Further research is needed to validate our findings.
Taking pleasure seriously: Should alcohol research say more about fun?
Authors: Nicholls James , Hunt Geoffrey
Published: January 2025

Background

This paper invites discussion on whether pleasure should receive more attention in public health‐oriented research on alcohol. While there is a history of sociological and anthropological literature exploring alcohol and pleasure, this is much less common in public health‐oriented alcohol research, and associated advocacy.

Argument

We propose three broad reasons why more extensive engagement with issues of pleasure may be important for public health‐oriented research. The first is epistemological: because overlooking pleasure risks leaving a gap in knowledge of a key component of, and motive for, drinking. The second is ethical: because the prioritisation of long‐term health over shorter‐term pleasures is not uncontested, and needs to be explicitly justified. The third is pragmatic: because ceding the discourse on pleasure to other actors (including commercial ones) risks undermining effective engagement with target populations.

Conclusions

There is strong case for more attention to pleasure in public health‐oriented alcohol research. Key to this is the further development of interdisciplinary perspectives and mixed‐methods research. This brings both conceptual and methodological challenges, many of which remain unresolved; however, bringing these issues to the surface may enable greater clarity on both normative principles (including arguments against research engaging with pleasure) and practical questions concerning the design of research and analysis in this area.
Thyroid Autoimmunity: The Treatment of Hashimoto's Disease, or the Presence of Antithyroid Antibodies Alone, in Pregnancy
Authors: Scher Jonathan , Dabao Carmen , Rukat Caitlin
Published: January 2025

Problem

Hashimoto's disease is the commonest autoimmune disease of pregnancy. The presence of Anti‐Thyroid antibodies (ATAs) alone [subclinical hypothyroidism] has also been shown to have adverse pregnancy effects. These can result in failure to conceive, recurrent miscarriages, anemia, preeclampsia, and abruption. Hashimoto's disease in reproduction can cause difficulty in conception through hormonal interference. It can also cause miscarriages, growth retardation, and preterm birth. The current recommended treatment is the administration of levothyroxine. This corrects the thyroid balance and may relieve the patient's hypothyroid symptoms. However, repeated recent studies have shown that it is no more effective than a placebo in correcting obstetric complications.

Method of Study

As a result, we decided to use an anti‐autoimmune‐directed treatment for this disorder. We selected to use IVIG for both its known powerful anti‐inflammatory and anti‐autoimmune benefits. There are several studies and observational reports in the literature on the use of IVIG in pregnancy for treating recurrent miscarriages and repeated failed IVF. However, there are no reports in the literature on using IVIG to treat Hashimoto's disease, or the presence of ATAs alone, in pregnancy.

Results

This study showed an increase in live births in the IVIG‐treated group versus the non‐IVIG‐treated group after adjustment for maternal age at delivery (OR = 4.6, 95% CI (1.1, 18.1)). There were no adverse effects in the patients who received IVIG.

Conclusion

IVIG is effective in significantly improving the obstetric outcome in patients with Hashimoto's disease, or the presence of ATAs alone.
A Rare Quadruple Valve Infective Endocarditis Combined With Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Xiao Qiuyu , Wang Shuzhen , Xiong Feng
Published: January 2025

Quadruple valve infective endocarditis is very rare and is often combined with congenital heart disease or other risk factors. The prognosis of this disease is poor and echocardiography is an important method of diagnosing this disease.
“‘To be all Ears’ [Être À L'Écoute], to be Listening”: Listening to Music with Jean‐Luc Nancy (Parts a, b, e)
Authors: Duarte Bono Eduardo M.
Published: January 2025

Sometimes we hear music (when we play it or hear it, whether live or recorded) and that experience is felt as a singular event. In those moments we find ourselves in an existential situation that, because it is singular (rare, unique, unintended), reveals the formative power of an aesthetic experience of listening to music, what we might call learning how to be poetic. Here, Eduardo Duarte Bono explores how engaging with Jean‐Luc Nancy can enable us to deepen our appreciation for music's aesthetic education. Specifically, Nancy's category of “resonant subjectivity” describes the existential place where this education is occurring during those singular experiences with music, what Nancy describes as “‘to be all ears’ [être à l'écoute], to be listening.” As a way of amplifying Nancy's writing on listening to music, Duarte Bono takes up three distinct cases in this paper: the percussionist Evelyn Glennie, Pablo Picasso's sculpture Guitar, and Ralph Ellison's musings on living with music as a writer.
Impact of Gasoline and Diesel Subsidy Reforms on Global Biofuel Mandates
Authors: Argueyrolles Robin , Heimann Tobias , Delzeit Ruth
Published: January 2025

Fossil fuel subsidy reform(s) support the deployment of low‐carbon technologies, yet fossil fuel subsidies remain stubbornly high, while money allocated by governments to renewable energy continues to grow. In the transport sector, this tension is observed between biofuels that still rely on national policies and gasoline/diesel subsidies. Using a global Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model, we study how phasing out gasoline and diesel subsidies would impact global biofuel mandates. We find that where they are implemented, Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reforms increase biofuel competitiveness and lower the cost of achieving the mandates. The fiscal benefit is therefore twofold with savings on fossil and bio‐based energy subsidies. In a multilateral reform scenario, we simulate the rise in fiscal revenue from phasing out the fossil fuel subsidies to be 25% higher when the avoided spending on biofuels' support is accounted for. In the rest of the world, however, the biofuel targets become costlier to achieve as the price of fossil fuels drops. Considering that global biofuel 2030 targets are achieved, governments' support for biofuel falls by $6 billion in regions phasing gasoline and diesel subsidies but increases by $600 million in the rest of the world.
SRPKs Homolog Dsk1 Regulates Homologous Recombination Repair in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Lu Guangchun , Tang Zhiheng , Wu Mei , Liu Li , Opoku Mitchell , Bian Kaicheng , Ruan Rui , Shang Jinjie , Liu Jia , Feng Gang
Published: January 2025

Serine‐arginine protein kinases (SRPKs) play important roles in diverse biological processes such as alternative splicing and cell cycle. However, the functions of SRPKs in DNA damage response remain unclear. Here we characterized the function of SRPKs homolog Dsk1 in regulating DNA repair in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We demonstrated that Dsk1 defective mutants of loss of the gene, spacer domain, and kinase activity as well as its overexpression mutant exhibited sensitivities of replication stress. Genetic analysis revealed that the loss of dsk1+ compromised the efficiency of homologous recombination (HR) repair, and Dsk1 was probably involved in the Rad52‐ and Rad51‐dependent HR repair pathways. Interestingly, Dsk1 translocated into the nucleus upon replication stress and directly interacted with Rad51‐mediator Rad52 and phosphorylated Rad52‐Ser365 residue. The Rad52‐Ser365 phosphorylation‐defective mutant was slightly sensitive to replication stress, and the phosphorylation‐mimicking mutants exhibited more sensitivities, which were partially correlated with phenotypes of the loss‐ and gain‐of‐function of dsk1+. This study uncovers a potential HR repair regulator Dsk1 in response to replication stress and implies that its homolog SRPKs may have the conserved targets and functions in higher eukaryotes.
Editor's Highlights—February 2025
Authors: Kemény Lajos
Published: January 2025

Understanding the pathophysiology of inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), and prurigo nodularis (PN), has led to the development of innovative treatments. In the February issue of the Journal, we provide insight into the global epidemiology and psychosocial impact of psoriasis. We also discuss the role of tissue‐resident memory T cells in disease recurrence and evaluate the effectiveness of tildrakizumab in treating difficult areas in psoriasis. A novel framework is introduced in AD research that integrates social determinants of health, emphasizing systemic inequities over biological factors. Additionally, a meta‐analysis identifies a strong bidirectional link between AD and PN, highlighting shared pathophysiological mechanisms and potential therapeutic opportunities.
Preconception Care: A Concept Analysis of an Evolving Paradigm
Authors: Aynalem Yared Asmare , Paul Pauline , Olson Joanne , Lassi Zohra S. , Meherali Salima
Published: January 2025

Aim(s)

To clarify the concept of preconception care and develop a precise and inclusive definition to improve its implementation and impact on reproductive health outcomes.

Design

This concept analysis paper employs Rodgers' evolutionary method to analyse the concept of preconception care, examining its historical evolution, attributes, antecedents and consequences.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, MEDLINE and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2012 to 2024. Data extraction involved identifying surrogate and related terms, attributes, antecedents and consequences of preconception care. A total of 1520 publications were retrieved, with 166 meeting eligibility criteria. Using systematic random sampling, 40 articles were selected for in‐depth analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed that preconception care encompasses several attributes: period‐related (biological, individual, public health and intergenerational), target population‐related (individual, public and intergenerational) and pathway‐related (universal, targeted and comprehensive). Antecedents include desires for a healthy baby and family planning decisions. Consequently, it improves pregnancy outcomes and health equity and enhances community and intergenerational health. The proposed operational definition highlights preconception care as a proactive strategy to optimise health before pregnancy through targeted and inclusive interventions.

Conclusion

Preconception care is a dynamic and multifaceted process that extends from immediate preconception periods to long‐term health considerations. Addressing diverse needs and effectively improving health outcomes requires a tailored approach considering individual, public and intergenerational perspectives.

Implications for Professions and Patient Care

A transparent and inclusive definition of preconception care will enable healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, to deliver more effective, culturally sensitive and equitable care. It will support advocacy for policy changes, resource allocation and educational initiatives to enhance preconception health.

Impact

Addressing preconception care's complexities and diverse needs will foster a more comprehensive understanding and implementation of preconception care, ultimately improving reproductive health outcomes and promoting health equity across generations.

Patient or Public Contribution

As this concept analysis was derived from published articles, patients or the public were not involved in the study's design, conduct or reporting.
Category Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Research Competence Among Chinese Specialty Nurses: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Lin Wenqiong , Zhang Panpan , Li Songyao , Li Yaru , Fang Ziru , Wang Yuning , Zhang Hongmei
Published: January 2025

Aim

This study uses latent profile analysis to explore the latent characteristics of research competence among speciality nurses and its influencing factors.

Design

This study is a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

From January to February 2024, 813 speciality nurses were recruited from five tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, China, using a convenience sampling method. Participants completed an online questionnaire, which included a scientific research ability self‐evaluation rating scale of nursing staff and a reflective practice questionnaire. Conducted latent profile analysis of the research competence characteristics of speciality nurses and identified the influencing factors of their latent profiles through univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression. Data were analysed using Mplus version 8.3 and SPSS version 26.0.

Results

A total of 792 speciality nurses were enrolled, with a valid response rate of 97.42%. We identified three latent categories of research competence among speciality nurses: an uneven research competence group (30.93%), a high research competence group (19.07%), and a moderate research competence group (50.0%). Multiple logistic regressions indicated that single speciality nurses were more likely to belong to the moderate research competence group (OR = 2.04, p = 0.003); speciality nurses with a college diploma were more likely to belong to the uneven research competence group (OR = 0.04, p = 0.005); specialty nurses who are permanent staff were more likely to belong to the high research competence group (OR = 1.946, p = 0.031); reflective practice was an important factor affecting the research competence of speciality nurses (OR = 0.985–1.015, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The majority of speciality nurses were classified into the moderate research competence group. Nursing managers should focus on enhancing the research awareness of speciality nurses and strengthening research training for those with lower educational backgrounds. Additionally, it is recommended to establish incentive mechanisms for nurses participating in research to enhance their research enthusiasm and foster their reflective practice skills throughout the research process.

Impact

The latent characteristics and influencing factors of research competence among different categories of speciality nurses provide valuable evidence for developing individualised intervention strategies.

No Patient or Public Contributions

This study aims to explore the factors related to the research competence of speciality nurses. There were no contributions from patients or the public.
Rampant Dispersal Without Gene‐Flow: Reproductively and Geographically Isolated Lineages of the Supertramp Lizard Lamprolepis smaragdina Permeate the Lesser Sunda Archipelago
Authors: Reilly Sean B. , Kaiser Hinrich , Karin Benjamin R. , Arifin Umilaela , Stubbs Alexander L. , Arida Evy , Hamidy Amir , Iskandar Djoko T. , McGuire Jimmy A.
Published: January 2025

Aim

We investigated the biogeographical patterns of a widespread arboreal lizard found throughout Wallacea and the western Pacific islands. Wallacea contains longstanding oceanic currents that flow from the Pacific Ocean into the Indian Ocean, known as the Indonesian Throughflow. Using genetic data, we aim to estimate the timing and sequence of island colonisation in the Lesser Sunda archipelago of southern Wallacea, and to determine the proportion of dispersal events that may have been aided by ocean currents. Levels of gene flow are also explored in the context of island arrangement, past connectivity (ex. Pleistocene land bridges), and ocean currents.

Location

Southern Wallacea (Indonesia, Timor‐Leste).

Taxon

Emerald Tree Skink (Lamprolepis smaragdina).

Methods

We estimated a mitochondrial DNA phylogeny from southern Wallacean populations to identify divergent populations and to guide sample selection for genomic‐scale data collection. These genomic data were used to estimate (1) phylogenetic relationships of island populations using both concatenated Maximum Likelihood, summary coalescent and multispecies coalescent methods, (2) levels of genetic connectivity between lineages using genetic clustering and migration analyses, and (3) to reconstruct their dispersal history using ancestral range reconstruction analysis.

Results

We found that the Emerald Tree Skinks of southern Wallacea diverged from a population on Peleng Island ~1.25 Ma and that Lesser Sunda populations diverged between ~1 and 0.4 Ma. MtDNA data are insufficient to estimate the relationships of each population and find one island to be paraphyletic and two to be polyphyletic. Genomic data find that Timor Island is polyphyletic while all other islands are recovered as monophyletic. Gene flow is minimal or absent across the archipelago, even between islands that become periodically land bridged. More than half of the estimated over‐water dispersal events occurred perpendicular to or against ocean currents.

Main Conclusions

Despite this species' over‐water dispersal abilities island populations are genetically isolated from one another, even on adjacent islands that become periodically land bridged. This suggests that species formation is complete. The inferred dispersal history involved many paths that would be difficult to complete given the direction of ocean currents, indicating that historical ocean currents are more dynamic than currently understood.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Topical NSAIDs in the Treatment of Sports Injuries
Authors: Xiong Yan , Liu Yan , Zhou Jingbin , Shang Xiliang , He Hongchen , Li Guoping , Chen Shiyi , Li Jian
Published: January 2025

Topical nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat sports injuries, but evidence‐based medical guidance for their standardized and rational use is lacking. This guideline working group identified clinically important issues, obtained the full opinions of patients and clinical staff, and discussed them with the expert group. Based on evidence from the literature, the “clinical practice guidelines for topical NSAIDs in the treatment of sports injuries” were formulated following the methods and principles of international guidelines. According to these guidelines, 7 clinical concerns were ultimately selected, and 22 recommendations were formed. These included the status, indications, contraindications, efficacy, combined application, use in special populations, adverse reactions, and countermeasures of topical NSAIDs in the treatment of sports injuries. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide evidence‐based recommendations for practitioners in the fields of orthopedics, sports medicine, rehabilitation medicine, and sports science, as well as other fields, in the treatment of sports injuries to promote more standardized and rational use of topical NSAIDs.
Neuronal TRPV1‐CGRP axis regulates peripheral nerve regeneration through ERK/HIF‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Che Huiling , Du Yu , Jiang Yixuan , Zhu Zhanfeng , Bai Mingxuan , Zheng Jianan , Yang Mao , Xiang Lin , Gong Ping
Published: January 2025

Severe trauma frequently leads to nerve damage. Peripheral nerves possess a degree of regenerative ability, and actively promoting their recovery can help restore the sensory and functional capacities of tissues. The neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is believed to regulate the repair of injured peripheral nerves, with neuronal transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) potentially serving as a crucial upstream factor. In this study, we established a mouse model of sciatic nerve (SN) crush injury and found that intrathecal injection of capsaicin (Cap) activated the neuronal TRPV1‐CGRP axis, thereby promoting SN repair. Conversely, the application of capsazepine (Cpz), which inhibits the neuronal TRPV1‐CGRP axis, delayed SN repair. Local restoration of CGRP expression at the injury site enhanced the repair process. In vitro experiments, we employed the rat Schwann cell (SC) line RSC96 to establish an indirect co‐culture model of neurons and SCs. We observed that the proliferation, migration, expression of myelination‐associated proteins, and neurotrophic secretion functions of RSC96 cells are positively correlated with the degree of activation of neuronal TRPV1. Inhibition of neuronal TRPV1, followed by the restoration of CGRP levels, improved these functions in RSC96 cells. Furthermore, activation of the neuronal TRPV1‐CGRP axis resulted in an upregulation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation levels and an increase in hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) accumulation in RSC96 cells, thereby promoting their proliferation and migration. In summary, this study demonstrates that neuronal TRPV1‐CGRP axis can regulate biological behavior of SCs and axon regeneration by activating the ERK/HIF‐1 signaling pathway following peripheral nerve injury. This finding clarifies the role of CGRP in neuroregulatory networks and provides a novel reference point for the development of drugs and biomaterials for treating nerve damage.

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AENK ameliorates cognitive impairment and prevents Tau hyperphosphorylation through inhibiting AEP‐mediated cleavage of SET in rats with ischemic stroke
Authors: Liu Yi , Liu Wei , Guo Cuiping , Bao Jian , Zhang Huiliang , Li Wensheng , Li Youwei , Gui Yurang , Zeng Yi , Wang Xiaochuan , Peng Caixia , Shu Xiji , Liu Rong
Published: January 2025

Brain damage induced by ischemia promotes the development of cognitive dysfunction, thus increasing the risk of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies indicate that cellular acidification‐triggered activation of asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) plays a key role in ischemic brain injury, through multiple molecular pathways, including cleavage of its substrates such as SET (inhibitor 2 of PP2A, I2PP2A) and Tau. However, whether direct targeting AEP can effectively prevent post‐stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remains unanswered. Here, we explored the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of the AEP inhibitor AENK on cognitive impairment of the rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and on neuronal damage in cultured primary neurons exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). We found that the administration of AENK significantly reduces activated AEP levels in ischemic rat brains, attenuates cognitive deficits, and rescues synaptic dysfunction. For the mechanism, with AEP inhibition, cleavage of SET, inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and Tau hyperphosphorylation resulted from PP2A inhibition, were all completely or partially reversed. In primary neurons, AENK effectively prevents AEP activation, SET cleavage and cytoplasmic retention, tau hyperphosphorylation and synaptic damage induced by OGD. We conclude that AENK ameliorates cognitive impairment and prevents tau hyperphosphorylation, through inhibiting AEP‐mediated cleavage of SET in ischemic brain injury, and direct inhibition of AEP might be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing synaptic damage and cognitive impairment after stroke.

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Synthetic Dermal Fillers in Treating Acne Scars: A Comparative Systematic Review
Authors: Albargawi Salma
Published: January 2025

Background

Acne is a common condition observed in adolescents and in most severe acne the scars develop. There are numerous treatment options for acne scars. However, no standardized guidelines have been established to guide physicians in the optimal treatment of acne scars.

Aims

The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the existing evidence on various fillers used for the treatment of acne scars and to compare their effectiveness with one another.

Methods

The study was designed following PRISMA guidelines, and the information was retrieved in May 2024 using the PubMed database and ClinicalTrials.gov registry. The inclusion criteria were that studies involving patients of any age or gender with acne scars of any type treated with synthetic dermal fillers, and studies published in English. The exclusion criteria were studies with less than 10 participants and studies that did not use synthetic dermal fillers. To assess the risk of bias in the included studies, the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool was used for randomized controlled trials, and in observational studies, the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used.

Results

Twenty‐six studies were included with a total of 1121 participants. Fourteen studies evaluated HA on 372 subjects, five studies focused on PMMA on 305 subjects, four on CaHA on 392 subjects, two on PLLA on 42 subjects, and one on PCL on 10 subjects.

Conclusions

Most of the studies included in this review were of low quality, as indicated by their scores on quality assessments, lack of high‐quality RCTs, and small sample sizes. Future research should focus on conducting randomized, controlled, split‐face studies with an adequate number of participants and a detailed examination of different scar subtypes.
The Impact of an Orofacial Muscle Strengthening Program on Temporomandibular Muscles and on the Performance of Wind Instrumentalists
Authors: de Sá Joana Salomé Nunes , da Silva Cavalheiro Luis Manuel Neves , Silva Carla Sofia Duarte Matos
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Playing a wind instrument is one of the most complex tasks for the musculoskeletal system.

Objective

Verify the effectiveness of a strengthening exercise programme on musical performance and the strength of the temporomandibular muscles.

Methods

The sample was 60 participants (36 men; 24 women), with a mean age of 24.67 ± 13.06 years, divided into experimental group (EG) (16 brass; 15 woodwind) and control group (CG) (15 brass; 14 woodwind). The initial assessment (T0) consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the EQ‐5D‐5L, an assessment of maximum bite force and endurance time and sound recording, before (T0) and after a musical practice of 8.5 min (T1). The EG, during 5 weeks, underwent 10 sessions of a temporomandibular muscle strengthening program, consisting of a series of 25 repetitions of isometric bite contraction, followed by a reassessment (T2) and sound recording (T2 and T3).

Results

Statistically significant differences were found between groups in maximum bite force between T0 and T2, explained by the improvement in the EG (p = 0.014, bilaterally). We found no differences in endurance. In musical performance, statistically significant differences were found in the mean intensity values. There was an improvement in performance in the brass EG, with statistically significant differences in the high‐piano note (p = 0.025) and in the woodwind EG all the notes were played at a significantly lower intensity (p ≤ 0.05), compared to the CG, where all the notes increased in intensity.

Conclusion

The isometric exercise improves the maximum bite force, accompanied by an improvement in the high note's performance in brass and greater sound stability in woodwinds.
Interactive Effects of COVID‐19 Infection and Psychological Factors on Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life in Myanmar
Authors: Thwin Kaung Myat , Takehara Sachiko , Lin Wa Than , Ogawa Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Background

The complex association between COVID‐19 and psychological factors may significantly impact oral health, including oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). Despite their interconnected nature, literature regarding their collective impact on OHRQoL is limited.

Objective

This study aims to assess the independent and interactive effects of COVID‐19 infection and psychological factors on OHRQoL.

Materials and Methods

The cross‐sectional study included 158 participants from a health centre in Yangon city. Participants were categorised into three groups based on their COVID‐19 infection history, hospitalisation and oxygen supply: ‘not experienced’, ‘experienced, non‐hospitalised’ and ‘experienced, hospitalised’. Validated instruments, including Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21) to measure emotional states and the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) to assess OHRQoL, were employed. Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, linear regressions and interaction analysis were computed.

Results

The median OHIP‐14 score was 7.2. Among 85 confirmed COVID‐19 cases, 38.8% (n = 33) received hospitalisation and oxygen supply. Multivariable regression analysis identified ‘experienced, hospitalised’ (95% CI: 6.36, 11.76), difficulty falling asleep (95% CI: 2.65, 7.18), depressive symptoms (95% CI: 7.38, 12.44), anxiety symptoms (95% CI: 2.93, 7.52) and stress symptoms (95% CI: 4.55, 11.11) as predictors of OHIP‐14. Interaction analysis revealed their associations varied by hospitalisation history. In non‐hospitalised individuals, depressive symptoms were positively interacted with OHRQoL (95% CI: 1.34, 9.02). Significant associations were observed between ‘experienced, hospitalised’ × ‘depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms’ and OHRQoL in both univariable and multivariable analyses.

Conclusion

A COVID‐19 infection history and psychological distress significantly affect OHRQoL in Myanmar participants. Moreover, a strong interactive association was observed between hospitalisation during infection and symptoms of psychological distress.
Liver Disease Complicating Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Study on 66 Patients Out of 533 Adult From the JIR Cohort
Authors: Marion Delplanque , Xavier Amiot , Dominique Wendum , François Rodrigues , Aknouche Zohra , Bourguiba Rim , Benoit Terris , Christophe Duvoux , Pierre Bedossa , Didier Lebrec , Philippe Sogni , Lucia Parlati , Frederic Charlotte , Vlad Ratziu , Stéphane Mouly , Jeremy Augustin , Julien Calderaro , Giovanna Scoazec , Michel Vignaud Jean , Arnaud Seyrig Jacques , Gilles Grateau , Léa Savey , Sophie Georgin‐Lavialle
Published: January 2025

Background

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common monogenic autoinflammatory disease, associated with MEFV mutations. FMF patients can experience liver involvement, potentially leading to cirrhosis.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate liver involvement in FMF patients at a French tertiary centre for adult FMF.

Methods

We conducted an observational study with FMF patients displaying 2 pathogenic MEFV mutations at the National Reference Center for Autoinflammatory Diseases and Inflammatory Amyloidosis (CEREMAIA) in Paris and included in the JIR cohort. MEFV heterozygous patients and those with other liver disease causes were excluded.

Results

Among 533 FMF patients 12.4% had chronic liver abnormalities, with 30% who developed cirrhosis 54 years [36–57] in median after disease onset. Forty‐seven per cent were colchicine resistant, and 41% received interleukin‐1 inhibitors. Cirrhotic patients experienced delayed hepatopathy diagnosis, prolonged FMF diagnosis delay and late‐onset treatment initiation compared to those with only liver function test abnormalities. Colchicine resistance and interleukin‐1 inhibitor use were more common in cirrhotic patients. Body mass index and AA amyloidosis rates did not differ significantly between groups. Twenty‐one patients had undergone liver biopsies including 14 cirrhotic patients revealing steatohepatitis in 12 cases and probable steatohepatitis in 4. Other lesions, like iron overload and sinusoidal dilatation, were sporadically observed.

Conclusion

FMF patients are at risk of chronic liver disease. Regular liver function monitoring is crucial, particularly in case of persistent inflammation, due to the risk of progression to cirrhosis and its associated morbidity and mortality.
The Autologous Fascial Pubovaginal Sling for Recurrent Stress Incontinence: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Luo Jin‐Yang , Shen Si‐Hong , Ye Zhen‐Yang , Xu Li‐Jing , Chen Jia‐Wei , Peng Liao , Shen Hong , Luo De‐Yi
Published: January 2025

Aim

This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of autologous fascial pubovaginal sling (AFPVS) surgery in treating recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following the failure of mid‐urethral sling procedures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of SUI patients who underwent AFPVS at our hospital between 2008 June and 2024 June following the failure of mid‐urethral sling procedures. The analysis included basic information, surgical parameters, and postoperative complications. Additionally, telephone interviews using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICI‐Q‐SF) and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I‐QOL) was conducted at 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

Thirty‐four patients with the mean age of 54.8 ± 15.7 years old were reviewed, and the median disease duration was 3 (2–10) years. Of the 34 patients, 20 (58.8%) were cured, 8 (23.5%) showed improvement, resulting in an overall effectiveness rate of 82.3%. Three cases experienced bladder injury, which resolved after 2 weeks of catheterization, but no patients had urethral or vaginal injuries intraoperatively. Postoperative scores on the ICI‐Q‐SF significantly decreased (p < 0.001), and postoperative I‐QOL scores significantly increased (p < 0.001) compared to preoperative scores.

Conclusion

AFPVS is a safe and effective salvage procedure for recurrent SUI following the failure of mid‐urethral sling procedures.
Tip‐to‐base bark cross‐sectional areas contribute to understanding the drivers of carbon allocation to bark and the functional roles of bark tissues
Authors: Vázquez‐Segovia Karen , Olson Mark E. , Campo Julio , Ángeles Guillermo , Martínez‐Garza Cristina , Vetter Susanne , Rosell Julieta A.
Published: January 2025

Along their lengths, stems experience different functional demands. Because bark and wood traits are usually studied at single points on stems, it remains unclear how carbon allocation changes along tip‐to‐base trajectories across species.

We examined bark vs wood allocation by measuring cross‐sectional areas of outer and inner bark (OB and IB), IB regions (secondary phloem, cortex, and phelloderm), and wood from stem tips to bases of 35 woody angiosperm species of diverse phylogenetic lineages, climates, fire regimes, and bark morphologies. We examined how varied bark vs wood allocation was and how it was affected by precipitation, temperature, soil fertility, leaf habit, and fire regime.

Allocation to phloem (relative to wood) varied little across species, whereas allocation to other tissues, strongly affected by the environment or shed in ontogeny, varied widely. Allocation to parenchyma‐rich cortex and phloem was higher at drier sites, suggesting storage. Higher allocation to phloem and cortex also occurred on infertile soils, and to phloem in drought‐deciduous vs cold‐deciduous and evergreen species. Allocation to OB was highest at sites with frequent fires and decreased with fire frequency.

Our approach contextualizes inferences from across‐species studies, allows testing functional hypotheses, and contributes to disentangling the functional roles of poorly understood bark tissues.
Validity and Utility of a Risk Prediction Model for Wound Infection After Lower Third Molar Surgery
Authors: Yamagami Akira , Narumi Katsuya , Saito Yoshitaka , Furugen Ayako , Imai Shungo , Okamoto Keisuke , Kitagawa Yoshimasa , Ohiro Yoichi , Takagi Ryo , Takekuma Yoh , Sugawara Mitsuru , Kobayashi Masaki
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To externally validate a clinical prediction model for surgical site infection (SSI) after lower third molar (L3M) surgery and evaluate its clinical usefulness.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent L3M surgery at Hokkaido University Hospital. The study was designed to evaluate the historical and methodological transportability. Clinical usefulness was evaluated using decision curve analysis on the data of the non‐antibiotic‐treated patients.

Results

We obtained 2543 validation cohorts from April 2020 to March 2023, and 640 non‐antibiotic cohorts from July 2010 to September 2023. The incidences of SSI after L3M surgery were 5.3% (135/2543) and 7.7% (49/640) in the validation and non‐antibiotic cohorts, respectively. The discrimination ability of the prediction model was acceptable for the external validation cohort (c‐statistic: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.62–0.71) and adequate for the non‐antibiotic cohort (c‐statistic: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.63–0.79). In both cohorts, the model showed excellent calibration between the observed and predicted probabilities. Decision curve analysis showed increased net benefit across a range of meaningful risk thresholds.

Conclusion

A simple risk prediction model for SSI after L3M surgery demonstrated clinical transportability and usefulness. This model may help surgeons/clinicians determine the appropriateness of prophylactic antibiotics administration for patients in L3M surgery.
Simplified Jaw Functional Limitation Scale for Temporomandibular Disorders: Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Sun Ruonan , Liu Tiqian , Liu Yiwei , Zhang Shuyuan , Yue Yuan , Jiang Nan , Zhang Liming , Xiong Xin
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to simplify the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) and evaluate its reliability and validity in assessing jaw function in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in primary care.

Methods

TMD patients and non‐TMD participants were assessed using Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Demographic data and the 8‐item JFLS questionnaire were collected to quantify jaw functional restriction. Confirmatory factor analysis tested the validity of JFLS‐8 using chi‐square, comparative fit index (CFI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), and root mean square residual (RMR). The study selected key items from each domain to create a 4‐item JFLS for further testing. Exploratory factor analysis, reliability, and validity tests were conducted.

Results

Analysis included 671 valid questionnaires (502 TMD patients, 169 non‐TMD participants). JFLS‐8 exhibited satisfactory fit among TMD patients (RMSEA = 0.143, CFI = 0.881, RMR = 0.567). JFLS‐4 retained items with high factor loadings: JFLS1 (0.935), JFLS2 (0.923), JFLS7 (0.766), and JFLS5 (0.713). The simplified JFLS‐4 showed good reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.714) and validity (Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin 0.558, Bartlett's test < 0.001) among TMD patients.

Conclusion

A 4‐item JFLS was developed and validated, demonstrating good reliability and validity in assessing mandibular function in TMD patients, exhibiting the potential to streamline evaluation processes in clinical practice.