bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The quality of servitization in project-oriented organizations
Authors: Zighan Saad , Bamford David , Reid Iain , EL-Qasem Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study examines the criteria for evaluating the quality of servitization and the factors influencing the project–service system's success.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence was collected through three rounds of Delphi consensus with 42 project managers.

Findings

The results indicate that the quality of servitization in project-oriented organizations is conceptualized as a cumulative construct driven by the product-service system's overall ability to offer more customer value. This value is defined by three interconnected dimensions: the service, the project and the integration system. The study also proposes a novel customer-oriented quality process with two connected levels comprising eight key factors influencing the quality of the project–service systems and nine key quality criteria that assist in evaluating the project–service systems.

Practical implications

Offering extra services is crucial for successful project-oriented organizations to deliver more customer value. The value of servitization is the combined value of products and services. The failure of one of these components to satisfy customers leads to the collapse of the whole system, which entails the need for a balanced-focus quality system toward projects and services.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the quality of servitization in project-oriented organizations, arguing that a balance between service orientation and project orientation is preferred to increase customer value and reduce the clash and ambiguity between project operations and service provision.
Participatory action research as a research approach: advantages, limitations and criticisms
Authors: De Oliveira Bruno
Published: January 2023

Purpose

How can people with lived experiences of marginalisation actively participate in contesting their marginalisation? This article aims to review the literature on PAR as a research approach. It will first describe what PAR means and consider this approach's particular features. The paper will go on to explore the advantages, limitations and criticisms of this approach to research.

Design/methodology/approach

How can people with lived experiences of marginalisation actively participate in contesting their marginalisation? The approach of this paper is to provide needed viewpoint discussion on Participatory Action Research (PAR) advantages, limitations and criticisms. PAR is mostly a qualitative research approach that takes account of researchers and participants collaborating to investigate social issues and take actions to bring about social change.

Findings

The aim of (PAR) is to systematically collect and analyse data to take action and make a change by generating practical knowledge. However, PAR as an approach to research has advantages and disadvantages. Also, PAR as an approach can be a problematic tool for facilitators and communities to apply due to power relations within the research process. However, PAR can help the praxis of collective critical consciousness of the participation and democratisation of participants presented in studies where this approach is used. Although a PAR approach can be an unknown and challenging tool, it is a path through which communities can explore their society and ignite to change it.

Originality/value

This paper provides a discussion of the critical consciousness value of PAR that seeks to bring academics, researchers and practitioners to the approach to primarily qualitative research methodology that should be understood with advantages, limitations (ethical challenges) and criticisms.
Dietary inflammatory potential and psoriasis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Liu Nuozhou , Zhang Chen , Hua Wei
Published: January 2023

Diet is an important source of inflammation, and diet‐induced inflammation might be associated with the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis. This study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII), a literature‐derived dietary tool to measure individual dietary inflammatory potential, and incident psoriasis. This was a cross‐sectional study based on the 2003–2006 and 2009–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The calculation of DII was based on 24‐h dietary recall. Psoriasis was defined by a self‐reported medical questionnaire. Logistic regressions were introduced to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of psoriasis relative to DII. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to test the nonlinear relationship in the regression model. A total of 13 284 participants with an average age of 48.94 ± 17.71 years were enrolled. The prevalence rate psoriasis was 2.88% (95% CI 2.61, 3.18). Incident psoriasis was not associated with DII in a multivariable logistic regression model (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.89, 1.11). Compared to participants in the lowest DII tertile, OR for those in the highest was 0.81 (95% CI 0.51, 1.28, P for trend = 0.0974). Subgroup analysis indicated that DII was still not associated with psoriasis in participants with different population settings. RCS showed that DII was not associated with psoriasis in either an overall or a nonlinear manner. Although a proinflammatory diet could lead to several health risks, psoriasis occurrence might not be associated with dietary inflammatory potential in this cross‐sectional study.
Defining marine bacterioplankton community assembly rules by contrasting the importance of environmental determinants and biotic interactions
Authors: Doane Michael P. , Ostrowski Martin , Brown Mark , Bramucci Anna , Bodrossy Levente , van de Kamp Jodie , Bissett Andrew , Steinberg Peter , Doblin Martina A. , Seymour Justin
Published: January 2023

Bacterioplankton communities govern marine productivity and biogeochemical cycling, yet drivers of bacterioplankton assembly remain unclear. Here, we contrast the relative contribution of deterministic processes (environmental factors and biotic interactions) in driving temporal dynamics of bacterioplankton diversity at three different oceanographic time series locations, spanning 15° of latitude, which are each characterized by different environmental conditions and varying degrees of seasonality. Monthly surface samples (5.5 years) were analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The high‐ and mid‐latitude sites of Maria Island and Port Hacking were characterized by high and intermediate levels of environmental heterogeneity, respectively, with both alpha diversity (72%; 24% of total variation) and beta diversity (32%; 30%) patterns within bacterioplankton assemblages explained by day length, ammonium, and mixed layer depth. In contrast, North Stradbroke Island, a sub‐tropical location where environmental conditions are less variable, interspecific interactions were of increased importance in structuring bacterioplankton diversity (alpha: 33%; beta: 26%) with environment only contributing 11% and 13% to predicting diversity, respectively. Our results demonstrate that bacterioplankton diversity is the result of both deterministic environmental and biotic processes and that the importance of these different deterministic processes varies, potential in response to environmental heterogeneity.
Dwight L. Moody in Southern Ireland: Modern Evangelical Revivalism, the Protestant Minority, and the Conversion of Catholic Ireland*
Authors: Holmes Andrew R. , Mathieson Stuart
Published: January 2023

Dwight Lyman Moody (1837–1899) established the blueprint for modern evangelical revivalism. He targeted a broad audience and so avoided contentious points of theology and local political issues. The result was that how Moody was interpreted by those who heard him is often more revealing than the content of his addresses. Moody's three evangelistic campaigns in southern Ireland (1874, 1882–1883, 1892) offer a suggestive case study of how his brand of modern revivalism was accepted and challenged in a particular context. His first tour was significant because it was the first time he had worked in a location with a Catholic majority; his second and third missions took place against a background of political unrest associated with the growing demand for Irish “Home Rule”. This article examines the effect of Moody's brand of modern revivalism on unity amongst southern Ireland's protestant minority. It also investigates the impact of Moody's missions on Catholic Ireland, and the extent to which he was able to transcend religio‐political divisions. It demonstrates that Moody promoted evangelical unity yet generated friendly criticism as well as opposition from Protestants, and that the efforts to convert Catholic Ireland that he stimulated provoked a variety of responses that ranged from tolerance to outright hostility.
Forced Migration, Staying Minorities, and New Societies: Evidence from Postwar Czechoslovakia
Authors: Grossmann Jakub , Jurajda Štěpán , Roesel Felix
Published: January 2023

Can staying minorities who evade ethnic cleansing affect political outcomes in resettled communities? After World War Two, three million ethnic Germans were expelled from Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland, but some were allowed to stay, many of them left‐leaning antifascists. We study quasi‐experimental local variation in expulsion policies, a result of the surprising presence of the U.S. Army, which indirectly helped antifascist Germans stay. We find a long‐lasting footprint: Communist party support, party cells, and far‐left values are stronger today where antifascist Germans stayed in larger numbers. Postwar German Communist elites appear to be behind this effect along with the intergenerational transmission of values among active party members.
Transgenerational impact of grand‐paternal lifetime exposures to both folic acid deficiency and supplementation on genome‐wide DNA methylation in male germ cells
Authors: Chan Donovan , Ly Lundi , Rebolledo Edgar Martínez Duncker , Martel Josée , Landry Mylène , Scott‐Boyer Marie‐Pier , Droit Arnaud , Trasler Jacquetta M.
Published: January 2023

Background

DNA methylation (DNAme) erasure and reacquisition occur during prenatal male germ cell development; some further remodeling takes place after birth during spermatogenesis. Environmental insults during germline epigenetic reprogramming may affect DNAme, presenting a potential mechanism for transmission of environmental exposures across multiple generations.

Objectives

We investigated how germ cell DNAme is impacted by lifetime exposures to diets containing either low or high, clinically relevant, levels of the methyl donor folic acid and whether resulting DNAme alterations were inherited in germ cells of male offspring of subsequent generations.

Materials and methods

Female mice were placed on a control (FCD), 7‐fold folic acid deficient (7FD) or 10‐ to 20‐fold supplemented (10FS and 20FS) diet before and during pregnancy. Resulting F1 litters were weaned on the respective diets. F2 and F3 males received control diets. Genome‐wide DNAme at cytosines (within CpG sites) was assessed in F1 spermatogonia, and in F1, F2 and F3 sperm.

Results

In F1 germ cells, a greater number of differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) were observed in spermatogonia as compared with F1 sperm for all folic acid diets. DMCs were lower in number in F2 versus F1 sperm, while an unexpected increase was found in F3 sperm. DMCs were predominantly hypomethylated, with genes in neurodevelopmental pathways commonly affected in F1, F2 and F3 male germ cells. While no DMCs were found to be significantly inherited inter‐ or transgenerationally, we observed over‐representation of repetitive elements, particularly young long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs).

Discussion and conclusion

These results suggest that the prenatal window is the time most susceptible to folate‐induced alterations in sperm DNAme in male germ cells. Altered methylation of specific sites in F1 germ cells was not present in later generations. However, the presence of DNAme perturbations in the sperm of males of the F2 and F3 generations suggests that epigenetic inheritance mechanisms other than DNAme may have been impacted by the folate diet exposure of F1 germ cells.
ADAD2 functions in spermiogenesis and piRNA biogenesis in mice
Authors: Lu Yonggang , Nagamori Ippei , Kobayashi Hisato , Kojima‐Kita Kanako , Shirane Kenjiro , Chang Hsin‐Yi , Nishimura Toru , Koyano Takayuki , Yu Zhifeng , Castañeda Julio M. , Matsuyama Makoto , Kuramochi‐Miyagawa Satomi , Matzuk Martin M. , Ikawa Masahito
Published: January 2023

Background

Adenosine deaminase domain containing 2 (ADAD2) is a testis‐specific protein composed of a double‐stranded RNA binding domain and a non‐catalytic adenosine deaminase domain. A recent study showed that ADAD2 is indispensable for the male reproduction in mice. However, the detailed functions of ADAD2 remain elusive.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the cause of male sterility inAdad2mutant mice and to understand the molecular functions of ADAD2.

Materials and methods

Adad2homozygous mutant mouse lines,Adad2–/–andAdad2Δ/Δ, were generated by CRISPR/Cas9. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to reveal the expression and subcellular localization of ADAD2. Co‐immunoprecipitation tandem mass spectrometry was employed to determine the ADAD2‐interacting proteins in mouse testes. RNA‐sequencing analyses were carried out to analyze the transcriptome and PIWI‐interacting RNA (piRNA) populations in wildtype andAdad2mutant testes.

Results

Adad2–/–andAdad2Δ/Δmice exhibit male‐specific sterility because of abnormal spermiogenesis. ADAD2 interacts with multiple RNA‐binding proteins involved in piRNA biogenesis, including MILI, MIWI, RNF17, and YTHDC2. ADAD2 co‐localizes and forms novel granules with RNF17 in spermatocytes. Ablation of ADAD2 impairs the formation of RNF17 granules, decreases the number of cluster‐derived pachytene piRNAs, and increases expression of ping‐pong‐derived piRNAs.

Discussion and conclusion

In collaboration with RNF17 and other RNA‐binding proteins in spermatocytes, ADAD2 directly or indirectly functions in piRNA biogenesis.
Interventional radiology in obstetric patients: A population‐based record linkage study of use and outcomes
Authors: Baldwin Heather J. , Randall Deborah A. , Maher Richard , West Simon P. , Torvaldsen Siranda , Morris Jonathan M. , Patterson Jillian A.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Interventional radiology (IR) is a technique for controlling hemorrhage and preserving fertility for women with serious obstetric conditions such as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) or postpartum hemorrhage. This study examined maternal, pregnancy and hospital characteristics and outcomes for women receiving IR in pregnancy and postpartum.

Material and methods

A population‐based record linkage study was conducted, including all women who gave birth in hospital in New South Wales or the major tertiary hospital in the neighboring Australian Capital Territory, Australia, between 2003 and 2019. Data were obtained from birth and hospital records. Characteristics and outcomes of women who underwent IR in pregnancy or postpartum are described. Outcomes following IR were compared in a high‐risk cohort of women: those with PAS who had a planned cesarean with hysterectomy. Women were grouped by those who did and those who did did not have IR and were matched using propensity score and other factors.

Results

We identified IR in 236 pregnancies of 1 584 708 (15.0 per 100 000), including 208 in the delivery and 26 in a postpartum admission. Two‐thirds of women receiving IR in the birth admission received a transfusion of red cells or blood products, 28% underwent hysterectomy and 12.5% were readmitted within 6 weeks. Other complications included: severe maternal morbidity (29.8%), genitourinary tract trauma/repair (17.3%) and deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (4.3%). Outcomes for women with PAS who underwent planned cesarean with hysterectomy were similar for those who did and did not receive IR, with a small reduction in transfusion requirement for those who received IR.

Conclusions

Interventional radiology is infrequently used in pregnant women. In our study it was performed at a limited number of hospitals, largely tertiary centers, with the level of adverse outcomes reflecting use in a high‐risk population. For women with PAS undergoing planned cesarean with hysterectomy, most outcomes were similar for those receiving IR and those not receiving IR, but IR may reduce bleeding.
Multiple sclerosis and circadian rhythms: Can diet act as a treatment?
Authors: Pivovarova‐Ramich Olga , Zimmermann Hanna Gwendolyn , Paul Friedemann
Published: January 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with increasing incidence and prevalence. MS is associated with inflammatory and metabolic disturbances that, as preliminary human and animal data suggest, might be mediated by disruption of circadian rhythmicity. Nutrition habits can influence the risk for MS, and dietary interventions may be effective in modulating MS disease course. Chronotherapeutic approaches such as time‐restricted eating (TRE) may benefit people with MS by stabilizing the circadian clock and restoring immunological and metabolic rhythms, thus potentially counteracting disease progression. This review provides a summary of selected studies on dietary intervention in MS, circadian rhythms, and their disruption in MS, including clock gene variations, circadian hormones, and retino‐hypothalamic tract changes. Furthermore, we present studies that reported diurnal variations in MS, which might result from circadian disruption. And lastly, we suggest how chrononutritive approaches like TRE might counteract MS disease activity.
Piloting a classification framework for the types of evidence used in alcohol policymaking
Authors: Kowalski Michala , Wilkinson Claire , Livingston Michael , Ritter Alison
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Most studies of alcohol policy have focussed on the role of industry. However, little is known about the evidence base used in alcohol policymaking or policymakers' actions in the field. Here, we mapped the different evidence types used in a case study to construct a classification framework of the evidence types used in alcohol policymaking.

Methods

Using a case study from the state‐level in Australia, we used content analysis to delineate the evidence types cited across six phases of a policymaking process. We then grouped these types into a higher‐level classification framework. We used descriptive statistics to study how the different evidence types were used in the policymaking process.

Results

Thirty‐one evidence types were identified in the case study, across four classes of knowledge: person knowledge, shared knowledge, studied knowledge and practice knowledge. The participating public preferenced studied knowledge. Policymakers preferenced practice knowledge over all other types of knowledge.

Discussion and Conclusion

The classification framework expands on models of evidence and knowledge used across public health, by mapping new evidence types and proposing an inductive method of classification. The policymakers' preferences found here are in line with theories regarding the alcohol industry's influence on policymaking. The classification framework piloted here can provide a useful tool to examine the evidence base used in decision‐making. Further study of evidence types used in policymaking processes can help inform research translation and advocacy efforts to produce healthier alcohol policies.
The Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs' submission to the consultation draft National Tobacco Strategy 2022–2030
Authors: Courtney Ryan , Gupta Deepali , Gould Gillian Sandra
Published: January 2023

Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of death and morbidity globally. At the core of Australia's response to tobacco‐related harms is the National Tobacco Strategy which highlights a national collaborative framework to reduce prevalence, and associated health, social and economic impacts of tobacco use. A draft National Tobacco Strategy (2022–2030) has recently been released for consultation and as members of the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs' Special Interest Group for Smoking Cessation Professionals we provide a commentary on key successes of the previous National Tobacco Strategy, and suggestions for improvement areas to strengthen Australia's policy response to tobacco and e‐cigarette‐related issues.
Determinants of gait dystonia severity in cerebral palsy
Authors: Aravamuthan Bhooma R. , Pearson Toni S. , Ueda Keisuke , Miao Hanyang , Zerafati‐Jahromi Gazelle , Gilbert Laura , Comella Cynthia , Perlmutter Joel S.
Published: January 2023

Aim

To determine the movement features governing expert assessment of gait dystonia severity in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

In this prospective cohort study, three movement disorder neurologists graded lower extremity dystonia severity in gait videos of individuals with CP using a 10‐point Likert‐like scale. Using conventional content analysis, we determined the features experts cited when grading dystonia severity. Then, using open‐source pose estimation techniques, we determined gait variable analogs of these expert‐cited features correlating with their assessments of dystonia severity.

Results

Experts assessed videos from 116 participants (46 with dystonia aged 15 years [SD 3] and 70 without dystonia aged 15 years [SD 2], both groups ranging 10–20 years old and 50% male). Variable limb adduction was most commonly cited by experts when identifying dystonia, comprising 60% of expert statements. Effect on gait (regularity, stability, trajectory, speed) and dystonia amplitude were common features experts used to determine dystonia severity, comprising 19% and 13% of statements respectively. Gait variables assessing adduction variability and amplitude (inter‐ankle distance variance and foot adduction amplitude) were significantly correlated with expert assessment of dystonia severity (multiple linear regression, p < 0.001).

Interpretation

Adduction variability and amplitude are quantifiable gait features that correlate with expert‐determined gait dystonia severity in individuals with CP. Consideration of these features could help optimize and standardize the clinical assessment of gait dystonia severity in individuals with CP.
Advancing sexual health care in spina bifida multidisciplinary clinics and beyond
Authors: Houtrow Amy J.
Published: January 2023

This commentary is on the original article by Lutz et al. on pages 1105–1111 of this issue.
Combined effect of stimulation and electromagnetic induction on absence seizure inhibition in coupled thalamocortical circuits
Authors: Xie Yan , Zhang Hudong , Pan Yufeng , Chai Yuan
Published: January 2023

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and electromagnetic induction are new techniques that are increasingly used in modern epilepsy treatments; however, the mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we constructed a bidirectional‐coupled cortico‐thalamic model, based on which we proposed three regulation schemes: isolated regulation of DBS, isolated regulation of electromagnetic induction and combined regulation of the previous two. In particular, we introduced DBS with a lower amplitude and considered the influence of electromagnetic induction caused by the transmembrane current on the membrane potential. The most striking finding of this study is that the three therapeutic schemes could effectively control abnormal discharge, and combined regulation could reduce the occurrence of epileptic seizures more effectively. The present study bridges the gap between the bidirectional coupling model and combined control. In this way, the damage induced by electrical stimulation of the patient's brain tissue could be reduced, and the abnormal physiological discharge pattern of the cerebral cortex was simultaneously regulated by different techniques. This work opens new avenues for improving brain dysfunction in patients with epilepsy, expands ideas for promoting the development of neuroscience and is meaningful for improving the health of modern society and developing the field of science.
Climate change in the Arctic: Testing the poleward expansion of ticks and tick‐borne diseases
Authors: McCoy Karen D. , Toty Céline , Dupraz Marlène , Tornos Jérémy , Gamble Amandine , Garnier Romain , Descamps Sébastien , Boulinier Thierry
Published: January 2023

Climate change is most strongly felt in the polar regions of the world, with significant impacts on the species that live there. The arrival of parasites and pathogens from more temperate areas may become a significant problem for these populations, but current observations of parasite presence often lack a historical reference of prior absence. Observations in the high Arctic of the seabird tick Ixodes uriae suggested that this species expanded poleward in the last two decades in relation to climate change. As this tick can have a direct impact on the breeding success of its seabird hosts and vectors several pathogens, including Lyme disease spirochaetes, understanding its invasion dynamics is essential for predicting its impact on polar seabird populations. Here, we use population genetic data and host serology to test the hypothesis that I. uriae recently expanded into Svalbard. Both black‐legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) and thick‐billed murres (Uria lomvia) were sampled for ticks and blood in Kongsfjorden, Spitsbergen. Ticks were genotyped using microsatellite markers and population genetic analyses were performed using data from 14 reference populations from across the tick's northern distribution. In contrast to predictions, the Spitsbergen population showed high genetic diversity and significant differentiation from reference populations, suggesting long‐term isolation. Host serology also demonstrated a high exposure rate to Lyme disease spirochaetes (Bbsl). Targeted PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of Borrelia garinii in a Spitsbergen tick, demonstrating the presence of Lyme disease bacteria in the high Arctic for the first time. Taken together, results contradict the notion that I. uriae has recently expanded into the high Arctic. Rather, this tick has likely been present for some time, maintaining relatively high population sizes and an endemic transmission cycle of Bbsl. Close future observations of population infestation/infection rates will now be necessary to relate epidemiological changes to ongoing climate modifications.
Circulating effector γδ T cell populations are associated with acute coronavirus disease 19 in unvaccinated individuals
Authors: von Borstel Anouk , Nguyen Thi HO , Rowntree Louise C , Ashhurst Thomas M , Allen Lilith F , Howson Lauren J , Holmes Natasha E , Smibert Olivia C , Trubiano Jason A , Gordon Claire L , Cheng Allen C , Kent Stephen J , Rossjohn Jamie , Kedzierska Katherine , Davey Martin S
Published: January 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection causes severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in a small proportion of infected individuals. The immune system plays an important role in the defense against SARS‐CoV‐2, but our understanding of the cellular immune parameters that contribute to severe COVID‐19 disease is incomplete. Here, we show that populations of effector γδ T cells are associated with COVID‐19 in unvaccinated patients with acute disease. We found that circulating CD27negCD45RA+CX3CR1+ Vδ1effector cells expressing Granzymes (Gzms) were enriched in COVID‐19 patients with acute disease. Moreover, higher frequencies of GzmB+ Vδ2+ T cells were observed in acute COVID‐19 patients. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection did not alter the γδ T cell receptor repertoire of either Vδ1+ or Vδ2+ subsets. Our work demonstrates an association between effector populations of γδ T cells and acute COVID‐19 in unvaccinated individuals.
Randomised clinical trial to test the phenolization in sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease
Authors: Elvira Lopez Jordi , Escuder Perez Jorge , Sales Mallafre Ricard , Feliu Villaro Francsec , Caro Tarrago Aleidis , Espina Perez Beatriz , Ferreres Serafini Joan , Jorba Martin Rosa
Published: January 2023

To test the efficacy and safety of phenolization in uncomplicated Sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease (SPD) the phenolization in uncomplicated SPD is feasible and secure in selected patients in observational studies. The greatest benefits are obtained to reduce the length of sick leave (LSL) and complications. Single‐center randomised controlled clinical trial. Patients were recruited at University Hospital of Tarragona Joan XXIII of Spain. Patients were randomised into two treatment groups. All patients with uncomplicated sacrococcygeal disease, localised in the midline and with only 1 fistulous orifice. The patients were randomly assigned to the phenolization group (PhG) or conventional‐surgery group (CsG). Both groups were managed without admission. The main endpoint was the recurrence of sacrococcygeal disease. Secondary endpoints included time of sick leave, complications, and readmission. 124 patients were included in the study. No disease recurrence was observed in either group. Clinical follow‐up was carried out with a mean of 493.8 days (SD 6.59). The LSL was shorter in the PhG (mean 19.63 days, SD 28.15) than in the CSG (43.95 days, SD 38.60). The LSL reduction was −24.31 days (P .002). The phenolization in selected SPD is a safe and feasible procedure in selected patients. This approach could become the standard of care for patients with selected Sacrococcygeal pilonidal.
Co‐optimization of microwave dielectric properties in Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 complex perovskite ceramics through ordered domain engineering
Authors: Kang Zhi Hua , Guo Rui Ze , Da Shi Rui , Zhu Xiao Li , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: January 2023

It is an important subject to improve the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) and thermal conductivity (κ) of microwave dielectric ceramics without reducing the Qf value. Ordered domain engineering was applied to realize the previous objectives in Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 ceramics. With the increasing ordering degree from 0.835 to 0.897, the optimized Qf value was obtained. Meanwhile, near zero τf from 11.9 to 5.6 ppm °C−1 was achieved, together with increased κ from 5.5 to 7.6 W m−1 K−1, and enhanced dielectric strength from 801 to 921 kV cm−1. The noticeable ordered domain structure with large ordered domains (∼100 nm) and low‐energy domain boundaries was revealed in Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3. The consequent weakened phonon scattering rises the thermal conductivity. The increased bond covalency and oxygen distortion in ceramics with higher ordering degree were suggested as a cause of enlarged bandgap, which enhanced the dielectric strength. The reduced τf is dominated by the less “rattling” space of the cations in the ordered state by inducing more positive τε. The reduced τf, optimized thermal conductivity, and Qf value in the present work indicate that the ordered domain engineering could open up a new direction for the optimization of microwave dielectric ceramics.
Growth of titania and tin oxide from Ti2SnC via rapid thermal oxidation in air for lithium‐ion battery application
Authors: Jolly Shae , Husmann Samantha , Presser Volker , Naguib Michael
Published: January 2023

Herein, we report the synthesis of TiO2–SnO2–C/carbide hybrid electrode materials for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) via two different methods of controlled oxidation of layered Ti2SnC. The material was partially oxidized in an open‐air furnace (OAF) or using a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) approach to obtain the desired TiO2–SnO2–C/carbide hybrid material; the carbide phase encompassed both residual Ti2SnC and TiC as a reaction product. We tested the oxidized materials as an anode in a half cell to investigate their electrochemical performance in LIBs. Analysis of the various oxidation conditions indicated the highest initial lithiation capacity of 838 mAh/g at 100 mA/g for the sample oxidized in the OAF at 700°C for 1 h. Still, the delithiation capacity dropped to 427 mAh/g and faded over cycling. Long‐term cycling demonstrated that the RTA sample treated at 800°C for 30 s was the most efficient, as it demonstrated a reversible capacity of around 270 mAh/g after 150 cycles, as well as a specific capacity of about 150 mAh/g under high cycling rate (2000 mA/g). Given the materials’ promising performance, this processing method could likely be applied to many other members of the MAX family, with a wide range of energy storage applications.
Crystallization in a soda–lime‐silicate glass after high pressure
Authors: Abel da Silveira Rafael , Hippler Gisele , Evaristo Leonardo , Buchner Silvio
Published: January 2023

This work explored the permanent changes a high pressure (HP) processing could cause on nucleation, Raman vibrational modes, thermal, and mechanical properties of the Na2O • 2CaO • 3SiO2(N1C2S3) glass. It was shown that, with higher pressure values, the number of nuclei per unit of volume,NV, has decreased. Raman spectra showed no significant changes in the vibrational modes; however, the differential thermal analysis performed indicated that the glass transition temperatures,Tg, were higher than the pristine glass sample and that HP caused the glass to be less stable. The Vickers indentation radial cracks remained constant; however, the lateral cracks increased in size, indicating that the glass is more stressed after HP, and therefore, the relaxation time for nucleation will be higher, loweringNVfurther, as observed.
Promoting international high‐school students' Chinese language learning achievements and perceptions: A mind mapping‐based spherical video‐based virtual reality learning system in Chinese language courses
Authors: Zhao Jia‐Hua , Yang Qi‐Fan
Published: January 2023

Background

As adequate support, virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly introduced into the classroom to help students learn a new language. However, empirical studies exploring the educational potential of using 360° spherical video‐based virtual reality (SVVR) in high‐school Chinese language classrooms are still lacking.

Objectives

A mind mapping‐based SVVR learning system is proposed for international high‐school students' Chinese courses and examines its effects on improving Chinese learning achievements and perceptions among Grade 10 students who learn Chinese as a foreign language.

Methods

This study adopted a quasi‐experiment design. Participants (N = 66) were assigned to one of three conditions: mind mapping‐based SVVR (MMBSVVR), conventional SVVR (CSVVR), or traditional lecturing (TL). Our mixed‐method approach employed pre‐and post‐tests to measure Chinese learning achievements, questionnaires to measure Chinese learning motivation, problem‐solving ability, and self‐efficacy, and semi‐structured interviews to further explore students' feelings and attitudes about Chinese courses in corresponding learning environments.

Results and Conclusions

The results showed that the MMBSVVR classroom significantly improved high students' Chinese learning achievements in Chinese vocabulary and making sentence, problem‐solving ability, and self‐efficacy. Moreover, SVVR stimulates students' learning interest and class participation, and mind mapping provides students with a clear guide to arrange the knowledge. These findings help interpret the relationships between MMBSVVR and learning achievements, Chinese learning motivation, problem‐solving ability, and self‐efficacy in an international high school Chinese courses, thus providing insight on integrating MMBSVVR into existing classrooms.
Lactoferrin regulates sebogenesis and inflammation in SZ95 human sebocytes and mouse model of acne
Authors: Su Yuan‐Ting , Zouboulis Christos C. , Cui Wei , Zhang An‐Ping
Published: January 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐lipid effects of lactoferrin on SZ95 human sebaceous gland cells and mouse model of acne.

Methods

SZ95 cells were co‐cultured with different concentrations of lactoferrin, and cell viability was determined using the 2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide method. Oil red O and Nile red staining were performed to determine the lipid content. The mRNA expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1 [SREBP‐1], fatty acid synthase [FAS], stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 [SCD‐1], fatty acid desaturase 2 [FADS2]) and inflammation (interleukin‐8 [IL‐8]) was determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. An acne mouse model was established using injection of P. acnes on the backs of mice. The proliferation and apoptosis of sebaceous gland cells were examined by immunohistochemistry against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and TUNEL staining, respectively. Western blotting was used to detect FADS2 and CXCL15 protein expression.

Results

Lactoferrin treatment at 10–500 μg/ml significantly decreased the lipid content, as revealed by the oil red O and Nile red staining. It also attenuated the increase of mRNA expression of SREBP‐1, FAS, SCD‐1, FADS2, and IL‐8 in insulin‐treated SZ95 cells. Moreover, lactoferrin treatment at the doses of 1–50 mg/mouse significantly reduced the inflammation and lipid production in the mouse model of acne. Also, the number of sebaceous gland cells was significantly reduced, and apoptosis was significantly increased by lactoferrin treatment in the mice. Mechanically, the levels of FADS2 and CXCL15 proteins in tissues were significantly decreased after lactoferrin treatment in the model mice.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the potential of lactoferrin against sebogenesis, sebaceous gland inflammation in acne.
Distributed autobiographical memories, distributed self‐narratives
Authors: Fabry Regina E.
Published: January 2023

Richard Heersmink argues that self‐narratives are distributed across embodied organisms and their environment, given that their building blocks, autobiographical memories, are distributed. This argument faces two problems. First, it commits a fallacy of composition. Second, it relies on Marya Schechtman's narrative self‐constitution view, which is incompatible with the distributed cognition framework. To solve these problems, this article develops an alternative account of self‐narratives. On this account, we actively connect distributed autobiographical memories through distributed conversational and textual self‐narrative practices. This account enhances our understanding of the memory–narrative nexus and has implications for philosophical conceptions of self.
Fine particulate matter induces adipose tissue expansion and weight gain: Pathophysiology
Authors: Della Guardia Lucio , Wang Ling
Published: January 2023

Dysregulations in energy balance represent a major driver of obesity. Recent evidence suggests that environmental factors also play a pivotal role in inducing weight gain. Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with white adipose tissue (WAT) expansion in animals and higher rates of obesity in humans.

This review discusses metabolic adaptions in central and peripheral tissues that promote energy storage and WAT accumulation in PM2.5‐exposed animals and humans.

Chronic PM2.5 exposure produces inflammation and leptin resistance in the hypothalamus, decreasing energy expenditure and increasing food intake. PM2.5 promotes the conversion of brown adipocytes toward the white phenotype, resulting in decreased energy expenditure. The development of inflammation in WAT can stimulate adipogenesis and hampers catecholamine‐induced lipolysis. PM2.5 exposure affects the thyroid, reducing the release of thyroxine and tetraiodothyronine. In addition, PM2.5 exposure compromises skeletal muscle fitness by inhibiting Nitric oxide (NO)‐dependent microvessel dilation and impairing mitochondrial oxidative capacity, with negative effects on energy expenditure.

This evidence suggests that pathological alterations in the hypothalamus, brown adipose tissue, WAT, thyroid, and skeletal muscle can alter energy homeostasis, increasing lipid storage and weight gain in PM2.5‐exposed animals and humans. Further studies will enrich this pathophysiological model.
Technical notes on peripheral refraction, peripheral eye length and retinal shape determination
Authors: Atchison David A. , Rozema Jos J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To give an overview of the misconceptions and potential artefacts associated with measuring peripheral refractive error and eye length, the use of these measures to determine the retinal shape and their links to myopia development. Several issues were identified: the relationship between peripheral refractive error and myopia development, inferring the retinal shape from peripheral refraction or eye length patterns, artefacts and accuracy when measuring peripheral eye length using an optical biometer.

Methods

A theory was developed to investigate the influence of artefacts in measuring peripheral eye length and on using peripheral eye length to make inferences about retinal shape.

Results

When determining peripheral axial length, disregarding the need to realign instruments with mounted targets can lead to incorrect field angles and positions of mounted targets by more than 10% for targets placed close to the eye. Peripheral eye length is not a good indicator of the effects of myopia or of treatment for myopia development because eyes of different lengths but with the same retinal shape would be interpreted as having different retinal shapes; the measurement leads to overestimates of changes in retinal curvature as myopia increases. Determining peripheral eye length as a function of estimated retinal height rather than field angle will halve the magnitude of the artefact. The artefact resulting from the peripheral use of biometers with an on‐axis calibration is modest and can be ignored.

Conclusion

There are significant issues with peripheral measurements of the refractive error and eye length that must be considered when interpreting these data for myopia research. Some of these issues can be mitigated, while others require further investigation.
Association of white matter lesions and brain atrophy with the development of dementia in a community: the Hisayama Study
Authors: Nakazawa Taro , Ohara Tomoyuki , Hirabayashi Naoki , Furuta Yoshihiko , Hata Jun , Shibata Mao , Honda Takanori , Kitazono Takanari , Nakao Tomohiro , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: January 2023

Aim

To investigate the association of white matter lesions volume (WMLV) levels with dementia risk and the association between dementia risk and the combined measures of WMLV and either total brain atrophy or dementia‐related gray matter atrophy in a general older population.

Methods

One thousand one hundred fifty‐eight Japanese dementia‐free community‐residents aged ≥65 years who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging were followed for 5.0 years. WMLV were segmented using the Lesion Segmentation Toolbox. Total brain volume (TBV) and regional gray matter volume were estimated by voxel‐based morphometry. The WMLV‐to‐intracranial brain volume ratio (WMLV/ICV) was calculated, and its association with dementia risk was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Total brain atrophy, defined as the TBV‐to‐ICV ratio (TBV/ICV), and dementia‐related regional brain atrophy defined based on our previous report were calculated. The association between dementia risk and the combined measures of WMLV/ICV and either total brain atrophy or the number of atrophied regions was also tested.

Results

During the follow‐up, 113 participants developed dementia. The risks of dementia increased significantly with higher WMLV/ICV levels. In addition, dementia risk increased additively both in participants with higher WMLV/ICV levels and lower TBV/ICV levels and in those with higher WMLV/ICV levels and a higher number of dementia‐related brain regional atrophy.

Conclusion

The risk of dementia increased significantly with higher WMLV/ICV levels. An additive increment in dementia risk was observed with higher WMLV/ICV levels and lower TBV/ICV levels or a higher number of dementia‐related brain regional atrophy, suggesting the importance of prevention or control of cardiovascular risk factors.
Minimal invasiveness in vertical ridge augmentation
Authors: Urban Istvan , Montero Eduardo , Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio , Palombo David , Monje Alberto , Tommasato Grazia , Chiapasco Matteo
Published: January 2023

Vertical ridge augmentation is one of the most challenging procedures in implant dentistry because of the advanced skills required by the operator and the fact that bone augmentation is aimed outside the bony contour, in an environment of reduced blood supply. What is more, the flap management required to ensure soft tissue closure frequently leads to associated comorbidities in terms of swelling and hematomas. For these reasons, and even if autologous onlay block grafts are still the gold standard, new techniques and biomaterials have favored the development of potentially less invasive approaches. The present work evaluates the most recent strategies in vertical ridge augmentation to reduce invasiveness and complications, including diagnostic/treatment planning considerations, surgical techniques, digital tools (eg, customized titanium meshes/membranes or bone blocks), and future trends in the field of tissue engineering and cell therapy.
Prevalence of meeting all three 24‐h movement guidelines and its correlates among preschool‐aged children
Authors: Ramírez‐Vélez Robinson , Izquierdo Mikel , López‐Gil José Francisco , Rincón‐Pabón David , Martínez‐Jamioy Edwar Nicolas , Rivera‐Ruíz Rosemberg , Castellanos‐Montaña Sebastián , Atencio‐Osorio Miguel Alejandro , Carrillo‐Arango Hugo Alejandro , Alonso‐Martínez Alicia M. , García‐Hermoso Antonio
Published: January 2023

The aim of the present study was twofold: first, to determine the meeting all three 24‐h movement guidelines in Colombian preschool‐aged children, and second, to explore the associations between different socio‐ecological correlates and the meeting of these guidelines. This was a cross‐sectional study with data from the Encuesta Nacional de Situación Nutricional (ENSIN‐2015) in Colombia, 2015–2016. The sample comprised 3002 low‐income preschoolers (3–4 years old, 50.7% boys). Data on physical activity, screen time, and sleep time were collected using the Cuestionario para la Medición de Actividad Física y Comportamiento Sedentario, reported by their parents. In total, 18 potential correlates (individual, interpersonal, organizational, and community level) were analyzed. Backward binary logistic regression analysis was performed with the potential correlates as independent variables and meeting all three 24‐h movement guidelines as dependent variables. The prevalence of preschoolers meeting all three 24‐h movement guidelines or none was 4.8% and 16.6%, respectively. In the final model, boys (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–3.50) and those who do not have television in their bedroom (OR = 2.09, 95%CI 1.05–4.14) were more likely to meet all three 24‐h movement guidelines compared to with girls and those who have television, respectively. In conclusion, strategies to promote adherence to all 24‐h movement guidelines among low‐income preschoolers are warranted, and should focus on actions considering the importance of sex and home environment changes to support these movement behaviors.