bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damage-induced senescent immune cells regulate regeneration of the zebrafish retina
Authors: Konar Gregory , Flickinger Zachary , Sharma Shivani , Vallone Kyle , Lyon Charles , Doshier Claire , Lyon William , Patton James G.
Published: January 2023

Zebrafish spontaneously regenerate their retina in response to damage through the action of Müller glia. Even though Müller glia (MG) are conserved in higher vertebrates, the capacity to regenerate retinal damage is lost. Recent work has focused on the regulation of inflammation during tissue regeneration with precise temporal roles for macrophages and microglia. Senescent cells that have withdrawn from the cell cycle have mostly been implicated in aging, but are still metabolically active, releasing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules as part of the Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). Here, we discover that in response to retinal damage, a subset of cells expressing markers of microglia/macrophages also express markers of senescence. These cells display a temporal pattern of appearance and clearance during retina regeneration. Premature removal of senescent cells by senolytic treatment led to a decrease in proliferation and incomplete repair of the ganglion cell layer after NMDA damage. Our results demonstrate a role for modulation of senescent cell responses to balance inflammation, regeneration, plasticity, and repair as opposed to fibrosis and scarring.
Size-Dependent Expression of the Fission Yeast Cdc13 Cyclin is Conferred by Translational Regulation
Authors: Bashir Samirul , Sun Xi-Ming , Zhao Yixuan , Martínez-Illescas Nuria G. , Gallego-López Isabella , Negrón Lauren Guerrero , Keifenheim Daniel , Karadimitriou Tatiana , Tran Thi , Pickering Mary , Marguerat Samuel , Rhind Nicholas
Published: January 2023

Two fission yeast mitotic activators, Cdc13 and Cdc25, have been shown to increase in concentration in correlation with cell size, and have been proposed to thereby regulate cell size at division. Here, we show that the expression of both Cdc13 and Cdc25 are, in fact, size dependent, as apposed to simply sizecorrelated due to time-dependent expression. However, we also find that their size dependence is regulated by different mechanisms. Cdc25 was known to be regulated transcriptionally. Here, we show that Cdc13 is regulated translationally. Its transcript is not expression is a size-dependent manner, rather a size-dependent concentration of protein is expressed from a size-independent concentration of mRNA. Moreover, the degradation rate of Cdc13 is not size dependent, implicating size-dependent translation in its regulation. We identify a 20-amino-acid motif, which includes the APC D-box degron, as necessary and sufficient for sizedependent expression, which allowed us to construct a size-independent allele ofcdc13. Using this allele, in combination with a size-independent allele ofcdc25, expressed from a size-independent promoter, we show that size-dependent expression of neither Cdc13 nor Cdc25 is required for size control, nor are the redundantly required for size control.
Estradiol regulates voltage-gated potassium currents in corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons
Authors: Power Emmet M. , Ganeshan Dharshini , Iremonger Karl J.
Published: January 2023

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons are the primary neural population controlling the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the secretion of adrenal stress hormones. Previous work has demonstrated that stress hormone secretion can be regulated by circulating levels of estradiol. However, the effect of estradiol on CRH neuron excitability is less clear. Here we show that chronic estradiol replacement following ovariectomy increases two types of potassium channel currents in CRH neurons; fast inactivating voltage-gated A-type K+channel (IA) currents and non-inactivating M-type K+currents (IM). Despite the increase in K+currents following estradiol replacement, there was no overall change in CRH neuron spiking excitability assessed with either frequency-current curves or current ramps. Together, these data reveal a complex picture whereby ovariectomy and estradiol replacement differentially modulate distinct aspects of CRH neuron and HPA axis function.

Summary statement

Chronic estradiol replacement in ovariectomised mice influences voltage-gated potassium channel function.
Topic modeling of the quality of guest’s experience using latent Dirichlet allocation: western versus eastern perspectives
Authors: Sann Raksmey , Lai Pei-Chun
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand the satisfaction and needs of eastern and western travelers as hotel guest, based on their experiences as seen in guest reviews and review topics.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering 2,965 and 1,035 western and eastern traveler reviews, respectively, from 47 countries, obtained from TripAdvisor listed-hotel in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap city in Cambodia, this study investigates the differences in hotel guest satisfaction and needs by using topic modeling (i.e. latent Dirichlet allocation [LDA]).

Findings

The results reveal differences in the online preferences, experiences, expectations and behaviors of hotel guests from different cultural backgrounds. Though western and eastern travelers appear to place similar emphasis on service, location, room and destination. The westerners more likely focus on meal and online reservation, whereas the easterners focus on hotel facility.

Research limitations/implications

Reviews were obtained from only two cities in Cambodia, which is not an adequate representation of the diverse travelers visiting the country.

Practical implications

The comparison highlighting the similarities and dissimilarities between western and eastern traveler perspectives enable hoteliers to understand guests’ preferences and their hidden changes in (dis)satisfaction and leverage it to improve hotel service quality, increase occupancy and, thereby, maximize profits.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on hotel guests’ experiences by presenting the difference in perceptions of service experience of western and eastern travelers, through topic modeling.
Why do self-identity and efficacy matter for enjoying participation in charity sports events? The role of the warm glow feeling
Authors: Chiengkul Watchara , Mahasuweerachai Patcharaporn , Suttikun Chompoonut
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Charity sports events have emerged as a major, beneficial social phenomenon to be encouraged. In this study, the authors aim to examine the relationships among personal norms, social norms, self-identity, response efficacy and the “warm glow” feeling, which, in turn, influences willingness to return and enjoyment of participation in charity sports events in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

An online self-administered survey was conducted to collect data from 600 participants, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was done under the two-step modelling approach to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that self-identity and response efficacy positively influence participants' warm glow. By contrast, the relationships of personal and social norms with warm glow are not significant. Moreover, warm glow positively influences participants' willingness to return to attend the event and their enjoyment.

Practical implications

This study's findings have academic implications and can benefit marketers and event organizers by giving them insights into participants' behaviour and allowing them to better create services to improve participant experiences and boost repeat attendance better.

Originality/value

By applying the concept of warm glow in the context of charity sports events, this study deepens the understanding of the causal pathways from the antecedents to participants' willingness to return and enjoyment through the warm glow.
Impact of COVID-19’s supply and demand shocks on the household economy of tilapia smallholder farmer
Authors: Irawan Andi , Anjela Tri Nia , Melli Suryanty S.N. , Yuristia Rahmi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to verify the impact of the supply shock (fall in harvested output) and demand shock (fall in household income) due to the pandemic on the consumption of necessities and household savings of tilapia's smallholder farmer.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers randomly chose 144 households as research samples using the proportional random sampling technique in Padang Jaya District, North Bengkulu Regency. Researchers collected data on household income, farm losses, household consumption for basic needs, labor demand, use of production inputs, the amount of output sold and saving both during and before the pandemic. The data were collected from the sample using a questionnaire prepared by the researchers. This study used a simultaneous equations system for arranging tilapia's smallholder farmer household economic model.

Findings

This study verified that the demand shock phenomenon makes households more severe than the supply shock phenomenon. The demand shock phenomenon made worse-off tilapia smallholder farmers because it caused their household savings to drop during the pandemic. The fall in savings will disrupt the stability of consumption of household necessities (health, food, education and clothing) in the future.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study was providing empirical evidence about the impact of the demand and supply shock of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable entities in the Indonesian freshwater aquaculture industry, namely, smallholder farmer households of freshwater aquaculture fish.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2022-0554.
The use of management controls to enhance the perception of meaningful work – a systematic literature review and conceptional model development
Authors: Burghardt Janine , Möller Klaus
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between the use of management controls and the perception of meaningful work. Meaningful work is an important driver of individual performance of managers, and employees and can be enabled by sufficient use of management controls. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on bibliometric analyses and a structured literature review of academic research studies from the organizational, management and accounting literature, the authors develop a conceptual model of the relationship between the use of management controls and the perception of meaningful work.

Findings

First, the authors propose that the use of formal management controls in a system (i.e. the levers of the control framework) is more powerful than using unrelated formal controls only. Second, they suggest that the interaction of a formal control system together with informal controls working as a control package can even stretch the perception of meaningful work. Third, they argue that the intensity of the control use matters to enhance the perception of meaningful work (inverted u-shaped relationship).

Originality/value

This study presents the first conceptual model of the relationship between the use of management controls and the perception of meaningful work. It provides valuable implications for practice and future research in the field of performance management.
The regional economic impact of the 2020 COVID-19 recession in the USA
Authors: Connaughton John E. , Cebula Richard J. , Amato Louis H.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper to identify those states that suffered the largest job losses, largest GDP declines and the highest unemployment rates and those states whose employment levels, unemployment rates and GDP declines were smallest during the COVID-19 recession. In addition, this paper endeavors to provide at least preliminary insights into why some states faired so poorly, whereas other states suffered so little during this downturn.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses descriptive statistics and regression analysis to analyze the differences in state performance during the COVID-19 recession and recovery.

Findings

The results from the two estimated regression models suggest that where you lived determined the severity of the recession and living in a blue state negatively impacted the strength of state’s unemployment rate recovery.

Research limitations/implications

This paper looks at only a two-year period starting with the COVID-19 recession and ending in December 2021.

Practical implications

This paper provides a regional assessment of the COVID-19 recession and recovery on both a state and regional level.

Social implications

The paper uses descriptive statistics to characterize the substantial state-level differences in the relative magnitude of economic decline due to the Covid-19 recession. Regression analysis reveals that blue states experienced weaker recovery as compared to red states.

Originality/value

The study uses publicly available data to identify states that suffered the largest job losses and highest peak unemployment rates during the Covid-19 recession. The results are among the first to analyze the economic impact of the Covid-19 recession at the state level.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate tax avoidance: evidence from S&P 500 firms
Authors: Kobbi-Fakhfakh Sameh , Bougacha Fatma
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate tax avoidance (TA).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a panel data set of US publicly traded firms listed in the Standard & Poor 500 index. Based on available information in the DATASTREAM database covering the 2019–2021 period, three proxies for TA are used, namely the current effective tax rate (CUETR), the cash effective tax rate and book-tax differences (BTD). Multiple regression models including industry and year fixed effects are estimated. Additional analyses are performed using BTD components i.e. temporary and permanent BTD, and testing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across industries.

Findings

The results show that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) affected positively the CUETRs and negatively BTD, indicating a reduction in TA, in the postpandemic period. Further analyses provide evidence that this effect is the same, regardless of the degree of industry failure probability, but it is more driven by the reduction of deferred tax expenses (temporary BTD component). These findings suggest that the US publicly listed firms have experienced a serious drop in their income in the postpandemic period, following the markets closure and the quarantine periods that hampered business. Therefore, with lower profits, they are not willing to evade taxes.

Social implications

This paper enriches taxation research during economic crises. The research findings have important policy implications. On the one hand, the fiscal policy should stimulate growth to allow firms to tackle the challenges they confronted post-COVID-19. On the other hand, the global economic crisis caused by the pandemic has led to a major deterioration in public finances and has raised inequalities across households. Therefore, it would be necessary to review public fiscal policies to achieve a balance of equity, growth and sustainability. In this context, tax reform focusing on tax progressivity could counter in part the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and led to economy recovery.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the COVID-19 effects with a special focus on corporate practices. This study provides first evidence on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on manager’s behavior from taxation perspective. This study also enriches taxation research during economic crises.
Effect of phylloquinone on indomethacin‐induced gastric ulceration in rats: Role of SIRT‐1
Authors: Hamza Sara E. , Wahdan Sara A. , El‐Demerdash Ebtehal
Published: January 2023

Gastric ulcer is the most common gastrointestinal disorder affecting people globally. Although many drugs are available to treat ulcers, the mortality rate is relatively high, and drugs lack selectivity to treat ulcers without causing side effects. In this study, the potential therapeutic effects of phylloquinone were tested against indomethacin‐induced gastric ulcer in rats by giving rats a single oral dose of indomethacin (48 mg/kg), followed by phylloquinone (10 mg/kg) orally, once daily for six consecutive days. Phylloquinone significantly attenuated indomethacin‐induced oxidative and inflammatory responses through hindering the inflammatory cascade by decreasing the levels of TNF‐α, NF‐κB, INOS and COX‐2 which counteracts indomethacin effects. Also, it increased NAD+ which enhanced SIRT‐1 level. Furthermore, phylloquinone was effective in increasing mucus secretion, decreasing acid secretion, reversing histological effects caused by indomethacin and minimizing ulcer and lesion indices All these findings indicate that phylloquinone may be used in protection and treatment of indomethacin‐induced gastric ulcer.
Accuracy of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion in patients with diabetic foot
Authors: Vitória Costa Gontijo Paula , da Silva Viviane Martins , Moreira Leitão Cardoso Maria Vera Lúcia , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos Venícios , Pascoal Lívia Maia , Neto Marcelino Santos , Santos Floriacy Stabnow
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion in patients with diabetic foot.

Method

A diagnostic accuracy study with a cross‐sectional design was carried out with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on outpatient diabetic foot treatment. We evaluated 134 patients with diabetic foot to determine the accuracy of the defining characteristics of ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion. A latent class model with random effects was used to establish the sensitivity and specificity of the defining characteristics assessed.

Results

Ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion was present in 83.79% of the patients. The defining characteristics color does not return to lowered limb after 1‐minute leg elevation and edema had high sensitivity (0.8370 and 0.7213) and specificity (0.9991 and 0.9995).

Conclusion

The defining characteristics color does not return to lowered limb after 1‐minute leg elevation and edema are good clinical indicators that can be used for screening and confirming ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion in patients with diabetic foot.
Government–Business Relations and Corporate Cash Holdings: Evidence from China*
Authors: Gao Yu , Cai Yan , Teng Zhuoqi , Fang Yuantao
Published: January 2023

This study employs data from Chinese firms between 2017 and 2019 to explore how government–business relations affect corporate cash holdings. We find that healthy government–business relations have a significantly positive impact on corporate cash holdings. The mechanism test reveals that the former affects the latter via investment opportunities. Furthermore, product market competition positively moderates the relationship between government–business relations and corporate cash holdings, but financial constraints negatively moderate this relationship. The results of our research have implications for the government to optimize the quality of governance and for enterprises to adjust their business strategies.
On the role of experience versus motivation in predicting the own‐race effect
Authors: Tracy Ryan E. , Zomberg Dvora , Young Steven G.
Published: January 2023

The other‐race effect (ORE) is a longstanding phenomenon in experimental psychology, where recognition for same‐race faces is superior than for other‐race faces. The present research pits two competing theories of perceptual expertise and social motivation against each other to see which is the more robust predictor of the ORE. In Study 1, we measured Black and White participants' prior contact with individuals from the other‐race (i.e. expertise) as well as their expected level of future interaction with other‐race individuals (i.e. motivation). Of the two theories, anticipated interaction (i.e. motivation) emerged as a significant predictor of the ORE. Study 2 followed the same design, measuring motivation with a self‐report assessment of how much participants are willing to have cross‐race friendships. Here, neither experience nor motivation predicted the ORE, though an ORE was established. Differences in measures that assess motivation and the experience versus motivation debate are discussed.
Machine‐learning approach for prediction of pT3a upstaging and outcomes of localized renal cell carcinoma (UroCCR‐15)
Authors: Boulenger de Hauteclocque Astrid , Ferrer Loïc , Ambrosetti Damien , Ricard Solene , Bigot Pierre , Bensalah Karim , Henon François , Doumerc Nicolas , Méjean Arnaud , Verkarre Virginie , Dariane Charles , Larré Stéphane , Champy Cécile , de La Taille Alexandre , Bruyère Franck , Rouprêt Morgan , Paparel Philippe , Droupy Stéphane , Fontenil Alexis , Patard Jean‐Jacques , Durand Xavier , Waeckel Thibaut , Lang Herve , Lebâcle Cédric , Guy Laurent , Pignot Geraldine , Durand Matthieu , Long Jean‐Alexandre , Charles Thomas , Xylinas Evanguelos , Boissier Romain , Yacoub Mokrane , Colin Thierry , Bernhard Jean‐Christophe
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To assess the impact of pathological upstaging from clinically localized to locally advanced pT3a on survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), as well as the oncological safety of various surgical approaches in this setting, and to develop a machine‐learning‐based, contemporary, clinically relevant model for individual preoperative prediction of pT3a upstaging.

Materials and Methods

Clinical data from patients treated with either partial nephrectomy (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) for cT1/cT2a RCC from 2000 to 2019, included in the French multi‐institutional kidney cancer database UroCCR, were retrospectively analysed. Seven machine‐learning algorithms were applied to the cohort after a training/testing split to develop a predictive model for upstaging to pT3a. Survival curves for disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were compared between PN and RN after G‐computation for pT3a tumours.

Results

A total of 4395 patients were included, among whom 667 patients (15%, 337 PN and 330 RN) had a pT3a‐upstaged RCC. The UroCCR‐15 predictive model presented an area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve of 0.77. Survival analysis after adjustment for confounders showed no difference in DFS or OS for PN vs RN in pT3a tumours (DFS: hazard ratio [HR] 1.08, P = 0.7; OS: HR 1.03, P > 0.9).

Conclusions

Our study shows that machine‐learning technology can play a useful role in the evaluation and prognosis of upstaged RCC. In the context of incidental upstaging, PN does not compromise oncological outcomes, even for large tumour sizes.
Standing in others' shoes: The role of leader prosocial motivation in facilitating employee creativity
Authors: Zhao Yanmei , Zhang Zhengtang , Lu Ying , Ding Mingzhi
Published: January 2023

By reference to social learning theory, this research examines the effect of leader prosocial motivation on employee creativity through investigating the mediating role of employee perspective taking and the moderating role of leader performance. Using a dyadic sample of 262 subordinates and their direct supervisors, the results reveal that leader prosocial motivation positively relates to employee perspective taking and employee perspective taking can mediate the correlation of leader prosocial motivation with employee creativity. Meanwhile, leader performance can moderate the correlation of leader prosocial motivation with employee perspective taking. Moreover, the perspective taking's mediating role between leader prosocial motivation and employee creativity can be moderated by leader performance. Finally, according to the findings and limitations of the study, its future research and managerial implications are discussed.
At‐risk mental states and personality traits: A cluster analysis approach on a group of help‐seeking young adults
Authors: Rossi Chiara , De Salve Francesca , Biagianti Bruno , Cavalera Cesare , Malvini Lara , Barbera Simona , Pastelli Ilaria , Tagliabue Sofia , Oasi Osmano , Percudani Mauro
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Research on the relationship between personality and psychosis onset is growing, with the goal of preventing or intervening early in patients' vulnerability. The identification of individuals with at‐risk mental states has enabled the development of early intervention strategies, such as Programma 2000, a youth mental health service that was implemented in Milan (Italy).

Aims

Focusing on the 18–25 age range—the time window with the highest incidence of psychotic onset—this study aims to identify the personality traits that may characterize the at‐risk mental states and the social functioning of a group of help‐seeking young adults.

Methods

The sample includes 169 people (48.5% males and 51.5% females). Data were collected during an initial assessment that comprised the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale, the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5, the Checklist ERIraos and a clinical session.

Results

Results identified a three‐cluster solution based on the Checklist scores: Cluster 1 ‘Not at psychotic risk’; Cluster 2 ‘At intermediate risk’; Cluster 3 ‘With psychotic onset’. The multivariate analysis of the variance of personality traits shows significant differences among the clusters in negative affect, detachment and disinhibition. Higher scores in these traits may distinguish individuals, not at psychotic risk from those at intermediate risk or with psychotic onset. Moreover, social functioning was found to be negatively associated with clusters of psychotic risk.

Conclusion

Findings from this study highlighted the need to evaluate personalized interventions targeting such personality traits that could prevent psychotic transition and promote psychological well‐being.
Predicting creep‐fatigue and thermomechanical fatigue life of Ni‐base superalloys using a probabilistic physics‐guided neural network
Authors: Acharya Rohan , Caputo Alexander N. , Neu Richard W.
Published: January 2023

Predicting the life of thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) is challenging because there are several parameters describing the mechanical and thermal cycles including dwell periods within the cycle that can impact life. The relationships between these TMF history parameters and fatigue life are not always clear. This paper explores the use of a neural network (NN) with a probabilistic physics‐guided architecture to learn these relationships and predict the cycles to failure for a wide range of possible creep‐fatigue and thermomechanical fatigue histories. Using inputs of strain range, maximum and minimum temperature, the phasing between the thermal and mechanical cycles, cycling frequency, and dwell time in either tension or compression, the model predicts both the mean fatigue life and its confidence intervals (CI). The model is demonstrated from a comprehensive set of data on single‐crystal and directionally solidified Ni‐base superalloys extracted from the literature. The model is evaluated in several ways to determine the success of learning the relationship between the applied TMF histories and cycles to failure.
Population genetics and phylogeography of North American Merlins (Falco columbarius) in thepost‐DDT era
Authors: Martinico Breanna L. , Sage George K. , Gravley Megan C. , Talbot Sandra L. , Bourbour Ryan P. , Hull Angus C. , Haak Bruce A. , Fish Allen M. , Hull Joshua M.
Published: January 2023

In North America, the population genetic structure of many raptor species has been shaped by patterns of post‐glacial population expansion and anthropogenic forces, such as the widespread use of the organochlorine pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) during the mid‐20th century. While common themes of post‐glacial avian population expansion have emerged, little is known about the genetic impacts of DDT on raptor species that experienced a population bottleneck but were not the focus of conservation efforts. We investigated how the combination of post‐Pleistocene environmental change and the DDT‐era population bottleneck have influenced the contemporary population structure of MerlinsFalco columbariusin North America. We genotyped migrating Merlins across North America (n = 272) at 23 polymorphic microsatellite loci and generated sequence data for a 569‐base‐pair segment of the mitochondrial control region. We used hierarchical analysis of molecular variance, pairwiseFST/STcomparisons and Bayesian clustering analyses to assess genetic differentiation between individuals from eastern and western North America, distinct migratory flyways, and three recognized North American subspecies. Across all analyses, we found low or no population differentiation, suggesting that North American Merlins largely comprise one panmictic population showing evidence of a post‐glacial population expansion with little genetic differentiation detected between regions. Furthermore, we did not detect a contemporary signal of a genetic bottleneck that could have resulted from the DDT‐era population decline with the markers used in this study. Consistent with other avian species, we found a correlation between allele length variation at a microsatellite isolated from the 3′ untranslated region of theADCYAP1gene and migratory versus sedentary characteristics in Merlin subspecies. We detected two common mitochondrial control region haplotypes in the geographical regions sampled, a unique pattern among other widespread North American raptor species. This study furthers our understanding of the genetic and demographic history of Merlins in North America and can inform future genomic studies of this species.
Prediction and validation of microbial community function from normal pulp to pulpitis caused by deep dentinal caries
Authors: Liu Yimeng , Wang Jiaojiao , Dong Bojuan , Zhai Yuanbin , Zhou Liwen , Sun Siyuan , Li Xinyi , Wu Ligeng
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Microbial function changes may be responsible for dental pulp transformation from normal to diseased. However, studies on the prediction and verification of the function of the microbial community in the deep dentine and pulp of caries‐induced pulpitis are lacking.

Methods

This study included 171 cases of deep dentinal caries divided into normal pulp (NP), reversible pulpitis (RP), and irreversible pulpitis (IRP). In Experiment I, the microbial community composition was identified in 111 samples using 16S ribosomal DNA. Function prediction was performed through phylogenetic investigation of communities by Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States prediction and qPCR. In Experiment II, different microbiome functions were confirmed in 60 samples using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

In Experiment I, microbial abundance significantly differed in the IRP group compared to the other two groups. The RP and NP groups had the same microbiome composition, but the predicted functional difference between the RP and NP groups pertained to membrane transport (p < .010). The predicted functional difference between the IRP and NP groups pertained to amino‐acid, co‐factor, and vitamin metabolism (p < .010). In Experiment II, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional annotation revealed that the differential metabolites between the RP and NP groups did not participate in membrane transport; however, the differential metabolites between the IRP and NP groups participated in amino‐acid metabolism.

Conclusions

The near‐pulp microbiome in RP and NP with deep dentinal caries had the same differential function. However, amino acid metabolism in near the pulp microbial community differed between IRP and NP with deep dentinal caries.
The effect of Ti and Si on the mechanical and electrochemical behaviors of the AlCrN coating deposited by CAPVD on 304SS
Authors: Meghdari Mostafa , Rahmanifard Roohollah , Elmkhah Hassan
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding titanium (Ti) and silicon (Si) elements on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the AlCrN‐based coating. For this purpose, a cathodic arc physical vapor deposition machine was used. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and nanoindentation tests were utilized for morphological, microstructural, and mechanical characterization of the coatings. The hardness value and plastic deformation index of CrAlN‐based coating increase with the presence of Si element. The mechanical properties improvement is attributed to the reduction of crystallite size as well as to the tendency of the coating structure to become amorphous. The specimens were subjected to 3.5 wt% NaCl solution to electrochemical impedance corrosion and potentiodynamic polarization tests. The results showed that by increasing the coatings’ titanium content, the coatings’ corrosion resistance improved. Moreover, by adding 3% and 5% of Si elements to the coatings’ composition, the corrosion resistance of the AlCrTiSiN coatings was enhanced by 35% and 78%, respectively. Improving the corrosion resistance of the AlCrN‐based coatings by adding the Si element is attributed to the change in the microstructure and reduction in the porosity of the coatings.
Does share pledging affect corporate philanthropy? Evidence from China
Authors: Xiong Jiacai , Tong Yixing , Zhang Feida , Ouyang Caiyue , Chan Kam C.
Published: January 2023

We investigate the effect of insiders’ share pledging (SP) on corporate philanthropy and find that SP firms engage in corporate philanthropy more often than non‐SP firms. This effect is more pronounced for firms with higher downward price pressure or margin call risks. Our results remain robust after using alternative measures and addressing endogeneity issues. We also sample a group of SP and non‐SP firms that make comparable philanthropic donations and find that SP firms show better market performance and lower downside risks of stock price movements than non‐SP firms, indicating that SP firms use corporate philanthropy to alleviate margin call risks.
When Patients' Assessments of Treatment for Subjective Symptoms are At Odds with Authoritative Assessments in the Biomedical Literature: The Case of Patients Treated with Acupuncture for Low Back Pain in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in China (and Story of a Bewildered Chicken)
Authors: Volinn Ernest
Published: January 2023

Assessments of treatments for ‘subjective symptoms’ are problematic and potentially contentious. These are symptoms without ascertainable pathophysiology, also referred to as ‘medically unexplained.’ Treatments of them may be assessed from different perspectives, and an assessment as seen from one perspective may be discrepant with an assessment as seen from another perspective. The observational study described in the paper represents one perspective. Patients in the study were treated with acupuncture for the subjective symptom of low back pain in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in China; acupuncture is a form of TCM, which is indigenous to China. Shortly after treatment began and six months afterward, patients reported ‘clinically important improvements’ on a variety of standard, cross‐culturally validated outcome measures, including pain intensity, physical functioning, and emotional functioning; this assessment is consistent with numerous assessments of acupuncture in China and other Southeastern Asian countries. On the other hand, clinical trials represent another perspective from which to assess acupuncture. Although assessments based on trials are not uniform, several assessments based on them, including those published in journals such as Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine, conclude that acupuncture is not effective. These trials, however, were mainly situated in the U.S., western European countries, and other WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) countries. This is notable, because the population of China, the indigenous context of acupuncture, is greater than populations of WEIRD countries combined. Patients' expectations of a treatment such as acupuncture and their prior familiarity with it vary among contexts, and patients' experiences of treatment outcomes may vary accordingly. In short, although clinical trials constitute a test of truth in biomedicine and inform authoritative assessments in WEIRD countries, they do not necessarily represent the truth from the perspective of those experiencing outcomes of especially indigenous treatments for subjective symptoms in non‐WEIRD contexts.
CO2 enterography in endoscopic retrograde cholangiography using double‐balloon endoscopy: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Murate Kentaro , Nakamura Masanao , Yamamura Takeshi , Maeda Keiko , Sawada Tsunaki , Ishikawa Eri , Kida Yuichi , Esaki Masaya , Hamazaki Motonobu , Iida Tadashi , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Yamao Kentaro , Ishikawa Takuya , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Ohno Eizaburo , Honda Takashi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Kinoshita Fumie , Ando Masahiko , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim

Double‐balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DBERC) is a valuable procedure for patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Nonetheless, it is time‐consuming and burdensome for both patients and endoscopists, partly because route selection in the reconstructed bowel with complicating loop is challenging. Carbon dioxide insufflation enterography is reportedly useful for route selection in the blind loop. This prospective randomized clinical trial investigated the usefulness of carbon dioxide insufflation enterography for route selection by comparing it with conventional observation.

Methods

Patients scheduled to undergo DBERC were consecutively registered. They were divided into carbon dioxide insufflation enterography and conventional groups via randomization according to stratification factors, type of reconstruction methods, and experience with DBERC. The primary endpoint was the correct rate of initial route selection. The secondary endpoints were the insertion time, examination time, amount of anesthesia drugs, and complications.

Results

The correct rate of route selection was significantly higher in the carbon dioxide insufflation enterography group (23/25, 92%) than in the visual method (15/25, 60%) (P = 0.018). The insertion time was significantly shorter in the carbon dioxide insufflation enterography group than in the visual group (10.8 ± 11.1 min vs 29.8 ± 15.7 min; P < 0.001). No significant differences in complications were noted between the two groups. The amounts of sedatives and analgesics used were significantly lower in the carbon dioxide insufflation enterography group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Carbon dioxide insufflation enterography can reduce the burden of DBERC on patients and endoscopists by shortening the examination time and reducing the amount of medication.
Vitamin D levels and oral health in stroke patients during inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Yakşi Elif , Horasan Nevin
Published: January 2023

Background

Stroke is a severe that restricts the individual's functions, effects the oral health.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral health and vitamin D levels in stroke patients in rehabilitation units.

Methods

Participants with stroke, and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were recruited for the study. Oral Health Impact Scale‐14 (OHIP‐14), Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index, Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque Index (PI) were assessed for all participants. Barthel Index (BI), Brunnstrom Recovery Scale (BRS) and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) assessed for the stroke patients. Vitamin D levels of each participant were recorded.

Results

The stroke patients' DMFT index and OHIP‐14 values were higher than those of the healthy controls (p < .05). However, no significant differences were observed in terms of CPTIN, PI, or GI scores (p > .05). No statistically significant difference was determined in the DMFT index, OHIP‐14 scores, Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), PI (Plaque Index) and GI (Gingival Index) scores according to vitamin D levels among the stroke patients (p > .05). Stroke patients' functional scores (BRS, MAS and BI), vitamin D levels and oral health status (OHIP‐14, DMFT, CPITN, PI and GI) were subjected to correlation analysis. This revealed significant negative correlation between BRS (arm, hand and leg), and BI and OHIP‐14 scores (p < .05).

Conclusion

Although the DMFT index and oral health‐related quality of life were adversely affected in stroke patients, no relationship was found between vitamin D and oral health status.
Effect of intraoral scanning distance on the marginal discrepancy of milled interim crowns
Authors: Ozden Yunus Emre , Ozkurt‐Kayahan Zeynep , Kazazoglu Ender
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To compare the marginal discrepancy between milled interim crowns fabricated using intraoral digital scans acquired at different scanning distances.

Materials and methods

Ten acrylic typodont teeth were prepared for interim crowns. Three different resin frames of 2.5‐, 5‐, and 7.5‐mm heights were fabricated and attached to an intraoral scanner (Omnicam). Three groups were created based on the different scanning distances tested: 2.5 mm (Group A), 5 mm (Group B), and 7.5 mm (Group C). Intraoral digital scans were performed on four tooth surfaces: mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual (n = 10). Each experimental scan was used to design and fabricate a milled polymethylmethacrylate anatomically contoured crown. Vinyl polyether silicone was used three times to assess the marginal discrepancy of the specimens by measuring five marginal points on digital photographs. One‐way analysis of variance test was used to analyze the data, followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference test (α = 0.05).

Results

The mean marginal discrepancy values in Group C were significantly higher than those in Groups A (p ≤ 0.000) and B (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between Groups A and B (p = 0.702). There were no significant differences among the four surfaces in any of the scanning distance groups (p1 = 0.583, p2 = 0.390, and p3 = 0.135; p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The interim crowns fabricated with a scanning distance of 7.5 mm showed the greatest marginal discrepancy when compared with crowns fabricated using 2.5‐ and 5‐mm scanning distances.
Plasma human neutrophil peptides as biomarkers of disease severity and mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Huang Chunhong , Lou Congcong , Zheng Xiaoping , Pang Lantian , Wang Gang , Zhu Mengfei , Dai Xiahong , Wang Jie , Tu Mingmin , Xu Wei , Chen Zhi , Gao Hainv , Xu Lichen
Published: January 2023

Background & Aims

Human neutrophil peptides (HNP)‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 are the most abundant proteins in neutrophil azurophilic granules and are rapidly released via neutrophil degranulation upon activation. The aims of our study were to assess the role of HNP1‐3 as biomarkers of disease severity in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and their value in predicting short‐term mortality.

Methods

In this study, 451 patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis (AD) were enrolled at the two medical centres. Overall, 281 patients were enrolled as the training cohort from October 2015 to April 2019, and 170 patients were enrolled as the validation cohort from June 2020 to February 2021. Plasma HNP1‐3 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Plasma HNP1‐3 increased stepwise with disease severity (compensated cirrhosis: 0.3 (0.2–0.4); AD without acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF): 1.9 (1.3–4.8); ACLF‐1: 2.3 (1.8–6.1); ACLF‐2: 5.6 (2.9–12.3); ACLF‐3: 10.3 (5.7–17.2) ng/ml). From the multivariate Cox regression analysis, HNP1‐3 emerged as independent predictors of mortality at 30 and 90 days. Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis. On ROC analysis, plasma HNP1‐3 showed better predictive accuracy for 30‐ and 90‐day mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.850 and 0.885, respectively) than the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and similar accuracy as end‐stage liver disease (MELD: 0.881 and 0.874) and chronic liver failure‐sequential organ failure (CLIF‐SOFA: 0.887 and 0.878).

Conclusions

Plasma HNP1‐3 levels were closely associated with disease severity and might be used to identify patients with AD at high risk of short‐term mortality.
The Bradyrhizobium japonicum fsrB gene is essential for utilization of structurally diverse ferric siderophores to fulfill its nutritional iron requirement
Authors: Ong Alasteir , O'Brian Mark R.
Published: January 2023

In Bradyrhizobium japonicum, iron uptake from ferric siderophores involves selective outer membrane proteins and non‐selective periplasmic and cytoplasmic membrane components that accommodate numerous structurally diverse siderophores. Free iron traverses the cytoplasmic membrane through the ferrous (Fe2+) transporter system FeoAB, but the other non‐selective components have not been described. Here, we identify fsrB as an iron‐regulated gene required for growth on iron chelates of catecholate‐ and hydroxymate‐type siderophores, but not on inorganic iron. Utilization of the non‐physiological iron chelator EDDHA as an iron source was also dependent on fsrB. Uptake activities of 55Fe3+ bound to ferrioxamine B, ferrichrome or enterobactin were severely diminished in the fsrB mutant compared with the wild type. Growth of the fsrB or feoB strains on ferrichrome were rescued with plasmid‐borne E. coli fhuCDB ferrichrome transport genes, suggesting that FsrB activity occurs in the periplasm rather than the cytoplasm. Whole cells of an fsrB mutant are defective in ferric reductase activity. Both whole cells and spheroplasts catalyzed the demetallation of ferric siderophores that were defective in an fsrB mutant. Collectively, the data support a model whereby FsrB is required for reduction of iron and its dissociation from the siderophore in the periplasm, followed by transport of the ferrous ion into the cytoplasm by FeoAB.
Fly with care: belugas show evasive responses to low altitude drone flights
Authors: Aubin Jaclyn A. , Mikus Marie‐Ana , Michaud Robert , Mennill Dan , Vergara Valeria
Published: January 2023

Drones have become an important research tool for studies of cetaceans, providing valuable insights into their ecology and behavior. However, drones are also recognized as a potential source of disturbance to cetaceans, particularly when flown at low altitudes. In this study, we examined the impact of drones on endangered St. Lawrence belugas (Delphinapterus leucas), and reviewed drone studies of cetaceans to identify altitude thresholds linked to disturbance. We repurposed drone footage of free‐living belugas taken at various altitudes, speeds, and angles‐of‐approach, and noted the animals' reactions. Evasive reactions to the drone occurred during 4.3% (22/511) of focal group follows. Belugas were more likely to display sudden dives during low‐altitude flights, particularly flights below 23 m. Sudden dives were also more likely to occur in larger groups and were especially common when a drone first approached a group. We recommend that researchers maintain a lower altitude limit of 25 m in drone‐assisted studies of belugas and approach larger groups with caution. This recommendation is in line with our literature review, which indicates that drone flights above 30 m are unlikely to provoke disturbance among cetaceans.