bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping consumptions and market size of cocaine, amphetamine and MDMA through wastewater analysis: A Dutch case study
Authors: ter Laak Thomas L. , Emke Erik , Dolot Nicole , van Loon Emiel E. , van der Kooi Margo M. E. , van Asten Arian C. , de Voogt Pim
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Illicit drug consumption is associated with public health effects and criminal activities. This study aimed to estimate Illicit drug consumption and annual market in the Netherlands from wastewater analysis of drug residues.

Methods

Residues of cocaine, amphetamine and 3,4‐methylene dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were measured between 2015 and 2022 in 30 Dutch wastewater treatment plants serving both rural and urban populations. These wastewater treatment plants covered 20% of the total Dutch population. The Dutch annual retail market was estimated by extrapolating consumption to the total Dutch population, back‐calculating consumption volume, correcting for drug purity and street price collected in voluntary checking services, and accounting for the correlation of consumption and urbanity.

Results

The per capita MDMA and cocaine consumption correlated positively with the urbanity of the wastewater treatment plant catchments with r2 of 31% and 64%, respectively. Amphetamine did not show a significant correlation with urbanity. The three studied drugs were conservatively estimated to cover an average annual market value of 903 (95% prediction interval 829 to 987) million Euro for the studied period. Market estimations from prevalence figures and interceptions of international trade were similar.

Conclusions

Illicit drug consumption in the Netherlands appears to correlate positively with urban (in contrast to rural) areas. Wastewater analysis can be used to estimate the volume and monetary value of illicit drug markets as a proof of concept.
Mindfulness improves psychological health and supports health behaviour cognitions: Evidence from a pragmatic RCT of a digital mindfulness‐based intervention
Authors: Remskar Masha , Western Max J. , Ainsworth Ben
Published: August 2024

Background

Mindfulness‐based interventions can improve psychological health; yet the mechanisms of change are underexplored. This pre‐registered remote RCT evaluated a freely accessible digital mindfulness programme aiming to improve well‐being, mental health and sleep quality. Health behaviour cognitions were explored as possible mediators.

Methods

Participants from 91 countries (N = 1247, Mage = 27.03 [9.04]) were randomized to 30 days of mindfulness practice or attention‐matched control condition. Measures of well‐being, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, barriers self‐efficacy, self‐regulation and behavioural predictors (e.g., attitudes and behavioural intentions) were taken at baseline, 1‐month (post‐intervention) and 2‐months (follow‐up). Linear regression examined intervention effects between and within groups. Longitudinal mediation analyses explored indirect effects through health behaviour cognitions.

Results

Three hundred participants completed post‐intervention measures. Those receiving mindfulness training reported significantly better well‐being (Mdifference = 2.34, 95%CIs .45–4.24, p = .016), lower depression (Mdifference = −1.47, 95%CIs −2.38 to −.56, p = .002) and anxiety symptoms (Mdifference = −.77, 95%CIs −1.51 to −.02, p = .045) than controls. Improvements in well‐being and depression were maintained at follow‐up. Intervention effects on primary outcomes were mediated by attitudes towards health maintenance and behavioural intentions. Mediating effects of attitudes remained when controlling for prior scores in models of depression and well‐being.

Conclusions

Digital, self‐administered mindfulness practice for 30 days meaningfully improved psychological health, at least partially due to improved attitudes towards health behaviours and stronger behavioural intentions. This trial found that digital mindfulness is a promising and scalable well‐being tool for the general population, and highlighted its role in supporting health behaviours.
Face perception and social cognitive development in early autism: A prospective longitudinal study from 3 months to 7 years of age
Authors: Zhou Xiaomei , Siddiqui Hasan , Rutherford M. D.
Published: August 2024

Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is characterized by atypical attention to eyes and faces, but the onset and impact of these atypicalities remain unclear. This prospective longitudinal study examined face perception in infants who develop ASC (N = 22, female = 5, 100% White) compared with typically developing infants (N = 131, female = 65, 55.6% White), tracking social‐cognitive and ASC development through age seven. Reduced interest in direct gaze and eyes during infancy correlated with atypical development of adaptive behavior at age four and theory of mind at age seven. Principal component analyses revealed less integrated processing of facial features and eye‐gaze information in ASC infants, potentially impacting their childhood social functioning. These findings highlight the intertwined nature of social‐cognitive development and ASC.
How smart is my child? The judgment accuracy of parents regarding their children's cognitive ability
Authors: Mack Elena , Scherrer Vsevolod , Preckel Franzis
Published: August 2024

Parents' judgment of their children's cognitive ability is important for providing adequate learning environments. This study examined parents' judgment accuracy with 2346 children (M = 8.94 years; 48.3% girls) and their parents (1283 mothers, 426 fathers, and 637 parental pairs). The data were collected between September 2012 and February 2014 in Germany. Latent regression analyses were conducted for the overall sample and by grade (nGrade1&2 = 830; nGrade3&4 = 1516). Characteristics of the child (gender, birth order) and parents (gender, socioeconomic background) were investigated as moderators. Children's cognitive ability explained 34%/25%/37% (overall sample/Grade1&2/Grade3&4) of the variance in parental judgments. Judgments depended more on children's academic achievement than on cognitive ability. Parents judged their son's intelligence more accurately than their daughter's and first‐born children more accurately than last‐born children. Higher‐educated parents showed higher judgment accuracy.
Specifying a target trial protocol to estimate the effect of preconception treatment of periodontitis on time‐to‐pregnancy: A commentary and applied example
Authors: Bond Julia C. , Heaton Brenda , Garcia Raul I. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Wise Lauren A. , Fox Matthew P. , Murray Eleanor J.
Published: August 2024

Background

The target trial framework was developed as a strategy to design and analyze observational epidemiologic studies with the aim of reducing bias due to analytic decisions. It involves designing a hypothetical randomized trial to answer a question of interest and systematically considering how to use observational data to emulate each trial component.

Aims

The primary aim of this paper is to provide a detailed example of the application of the target trial framework to a research question in oral epidemiology.

Materials and Methods

We describe the development of a hypothetical target trial and emulation protocol to evaluate the effect of preconception periodontitis treatment on time‐to‐pregnancy. We leverage data from Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a preconception cohort, to ground our example in existing observational data. We discuss the decision‐making process for each trial component, as well as limitations encountered.

Results

Our target trial application revealed data limitations that precluded us from carrying out the proposed emulation. Implications for data quality are discussed and we provide recommendations for researchers interested in conducting trial emulations in the field of oral epidemiology.

Discussion

The target trial framework has the potential to improve the validity of observational research in oral health, when properly applied.

Conclusion

We encourage the broad adoption of the target trial framework to the field of observational oral health research and demonstrate its value as a tool to identify directions for future research.
Mental Health and Parenting Practices and Styles Among Parents Receiving Child Welfare Services in Norway: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Kaasbøll Jannike , Berg Mari N. , Storhaug Anita S.
Published: August 2024

Interventions to enhance positive parenting practices have become a cornerstone of many Western child welfare services. Parental mental health is a crucial factor that influences parenting practices and styles. However, research on the associations between mental health and parenting among parents involved with child welfare services is scarce. The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between self‐reported mental health and parenting practices and emotional style among parents in contact with child welfare services. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2018–2019 (N = 256, 71.5% females). Linear regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounding factors, was conducted. The results indicated that higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms were significantly associated with a higher degree of inconsistent parenting practices, a lower degree of involving parenting practices and higher levels of emotion coaching parenting style. Socioeconomic status slightly attenuated the associations. The results highlight the importance of considering parental mental health when assessing parenting practices and styles among parents in contact with child welfare services. It is also crucial for child welfare workers to be aware of how parental mental health can affect their parenting practices and to address these issues through their interventions in the family.
Contextual classification of clinical records with bidirectional long short‐term memory (Bi‐LSTM) and bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) model
Authors: Zalte Jaya , Shah Harshal
Published: August 2024

Deep learning models have overcome traditional machine learning techniques for text classification domains in the field of natural language processing (NLP). Since, NLP is a branch of machine learning, used for interpreting language, classifying text of interest, and the same can be applied to analyse the medical clinical electronic health records. Medical text consists of lot of rich data which can altogether provide a good insight, by determining patterns from the clinical text data. In this paper, bidirectional‐long short‐term memory (Bi‐LSTM), bi‐LSTM attention and bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) base models are used to classify the text which are of privacy concern to a person and which should be extracted and can be tagged as sensitive. This text data which we might think not of privacy concern would majorly reveal a lot about the patient's integrity and personal life. Clinical data not only have patient demographic data but lot of hidden data which might go unseen and thus could arise privacy issues. Bi‐LSTM with attention layer is also added on top to realize the importance of critical words which will be of great importance in terms of classification, we are able to achieve accuracy of about 92%. About 206,926 sentences are used out of which 80% are used for training and rest for testing we get accuracy of 90% approx. with Bi‐LSTM alone. The same set of datasets is used for BERT model with accuracy of 93% approx.
Overhead conductor heating chamber and temperature effects on the fatigue life of aluminum alloy 6201‐T81 conductors
Authors: Rodrigues Ricardo Lenon Da Silva , Garcia Miguel Angel , Araújo José Alexander , Ferreira Jorge Luiz De Almeida , da Silva Cosme Roberto Moreira , Badibanga Remy Kalombo
Published: August 2024

This work investigates the impact of temperature on the fatigue life All Aluminum Alloy Conductors (AAAC) made of 6201‐T81. A heating chamber was developed to simulate thermal effects induced by electric current passage. Wöhler fatigue curves were generated under isothermal conditions at 75 and 150°C and later compared with the one at 20°C. The conductor exhibited similar fatigue life at 20 and 75°C; however, a significant increase of life was observed for tests at 150°C. Hardness tests and failure analysis of wire breakages were carried out on samples extracted from the conductor coil and on artificially aged samples maintained at controlled temperatures. The analyses revealed that at a temperature of 150°C, there is formation of small precipitates of magnesium and silicon within the aluminum matrix, which impeded the propagation of discontinuities, increasing the material's hardness and fatigue resistance.
Prolonged use of old dentures: A qualitative study with Brazilian older adults
Authors: Mendonça Carlos Cesar Gomes , Nogueira Túlio Eduardo , Moreira Francine do Couto Lima , Jordão Lidia Moraes Ribeiro , McKenna Gerald , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues
Published: August 2024

Objective

To explore older adults' perceptions, motivations and reasons for using and not replacing old and worn complete dentures over prolonged periods.

Materials and Methods

In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Brazilian edentulous older adults who were wearing complete dentures which were at least 20 years old. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants from an existing waiting list of those referred to a hospital clinic for new dentures. The interviews were video‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Sixty‐two individuals were assessed and nine were included in the study, aged from 61 to 77 years (mean = 65.4), with seven (77.8%) of them women. The reported time using their current dentures ranged from 22 to 45 years (mean = 28). Content analysis revealed three main themes: the perception of the current dentures' condition after prolonged use; reasons for the prolonged use and non‐replacement; and unsuccessful attempts to replace the dentures. Overall, participants acknowledged the poor condition of their dentures and did recognise the need for replacement. Several factors had prompted them to delay or temporarily forego replacement, with financial constraints being the main barrier. Some reported failed attempts to replace the dentures in the past years or months; however, challenging adaptation to the new prostheses led to them reverting back to their old dentures as a fallback solution.

Conclusion

Factors influencing prolonged denture use in older adults include a complex interplay of financial aspects, treatment awareness, access and personal factors. Dental professionals can play a pivotal role in promoting timely denture adjustment or replacement by addressing these factors through patient education and personalised care.
Driving improvement of diagnosis and awareness of heavy menstrual bleeding in women among physicians
Authors: Kadir Rezan Adbul , Tarawah Ahmad , Shridhar Naveen , Kulkarni Roshni
Published: August 2024

Introduction

A number of barriers in care exist for women/girls with bleeding disorders. Little progress has been made to overcome them, particularly regarding levels of awareness of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and women/girls.

Aim

To evaluate awareness and perception of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and bleeding disorders among HCPs and women/girls.

Methods

A three‐part qualitative study was conducted, including HCPs and women/girls from over seven countries. Part 1 included eleven 60‐min interviews with experts discussing HMB diagnostic barriers, which were further assessed in surveys among 6099 women/girls, 353 general practitioners (GPs), and 426 obstetricians and gynaecologists (OB/GYNs) during Part 2. Part 3 included three 1.5–2‐h workshops with 20 clinicians and patient representatives covering HMB knowledge, criteria defining HMB and HCP resourcing for diagnosis.

Results

Many HCPs do not conduct certain investigations for women/girls presenting with HMB, and 22% of GPs lack confidence in the management of HMB. Only 8% of GPs use screening tools to evaluate menstrual blood loss, and 13% of GPs and 15% of OB/GYNs assess underlying bleeding disorders. Seventy‐six percent of menstruating women/girls believed they could recognise HMB symptoms ‘well’. However, 23% of these women/girls would not seek medical advice for abnormal/prolonged menstruation disrupting their lives. Disruptions were reported in 34% of women/girls from the general population and 61% of women with at‐risk symptoms of HMB.

Conclusion

Many women/girls and HCPs have limited awareness of important HMB indicators. There is a need for standardized clinical criteria to promote efficient diagnoses and management.
Thrombogenicity, DPPH assay, and MTT assay of sol–gel derived 3% silver‐doped hydroxyapatite for hard tissue implants
Authors: Kumar Ranbir , Shikha Deep
Published: August 2024

Silver ions possess inherent antioxidant properties, whereas hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a structural support within the body. The research methodology involves synthesizing HAP and 3% silver‐doped hydroxyapatite (Ag‐HAP) via the sol–gel method, followed by comprehensive characterization using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy, antioxidant, thrombogenicity, and cell viability. The investigation reveals that Ag‐HAP exhibits superior antioxidant properties and thrombogenicity compared to other metals doped so far. Remarkably, Ag‐HAP demonstrates moderate clotting behavior compared to HAP. Additionally, the (3‐(4, 5‐dimethythiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) MTT assay evaluates cellular viability, shedding light on the biocompatibility of the materials. The study uncovers the potential of silver doping to enhance the antioxidant capabilities of HAP significantly, offering promising prospects for orthopaedic implants. The antioxidant activity of the materials is evaluated through a 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, whereas the thrombogenicity is assessed using a whole blood clotting method. The improvement indicates that incorporating silver ions influences HAP crystalline structure and increased grain size, contributing to enhanced antioxidant efficacy and favorable cellular responses, thus underlining the potential of Ag‐HAP for advanced implant materials in orthopaedic surgery. The results also discuss that how Ag‐HAP is better than Co‐HAP.
Minibrain plays a role in the adult brain development of honeybee (Apis mellifera) workers
Authors: Martins Juliana Ramos , Silva Izabella Cristina , Mazzoni Talita Sarah , de Barrios Gabriela Helena , Freitas Flávia Cristina de Paula , Barchuk Angel Roberto
Published: August 2024

The brain of adult honeybee (Apis mellifera) workers is larger than that of queens, facilitating behavioural differentiation between the castes. This brain diphenism develops during the pharate‐adult stage and is driven by a caste‐specific gene expression cascade in response to unique hormonal milieus. Previous molecular screening identified minibrain (mnb; DYRK1A) as a potential regulator in this process. Here, we used RNAi approach to reduce mnb transcript levels and test its role on brain diphenism development in honeybees. White‐eyed unpigmented cuticle worker pupae were injected with dsRNA for mnb (Mnb‐i) or gfp, and their phenotypes were assessed two and 8 days later using classic histological and transcriptomic analyses. After 2 days of the injections, Mnb‐i bees showed 98% of downregulation of mnb transcripts. After 8 days, the brain of Mnb‐i bees showed reduction in total volume and in the volume of the mushroom bodies (MB), antennal, and optic lobes. Additionally, signs of apoptosis were observed in the Kenyon cells region of the MB, and the cohesion of the brain tissues was affected. Our transcriptomic analyses revealed that 226 genes were affected by the knockdown of mnb transcripts, most of which allowing axonal fasciculation. These results suggest the evolutionary conserved mnb gene has been co‐opted for promoting hormone‐mediated developmental brain morphological plasticity generating caste diphenism in honeybees.
Hysteresis constitutive model of C/SiC composites considering probabilistic matrix fragmentations
Authors: Li Longbiao
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a new micromechanical hysteresis loop constitutive model of C/SiC composites with different interphases was developed considering the probabilistic‐statistical matrix fragmentation process. The lengths of matrix fragmentation were divided into three types, that is, long matrix fragments (LMFs), medium matrix fragments (MMFs), and short matrix fragments (SMFs). The distributions of the LMFs, MMFs, and SMFs with increasing tensile stress were determined using the probabilistic‐stochastic model by assuming the two‐parameter matrix strength distribution. The micro stress field of the LMFs, MMFs, and SMFs upon unloading and reloading was obtained and adopted to determine the corresponding stress‐strain relations. The interaction of matrix fragmentation lengths, especially for the LMFs with large debonding energy (LDE) and SMFs, was considered in the closed‐form constitutive model and hysteresis‐based inverse tangent modulus (ITMs) damage parameter. Synergistic effects of the fiber volumes, peak stresses, and interface debonding energy on the interface damage state, mechanical hysteresis loops, and related ITMs with small debonding energy and LDE were also analyzed. Comparisons of the mechanical hysteresis loops using the new hysteresis models considering matrix stochastic fragmentation and hysteresis models considering constant matrix fragmentation were also discussed. Experimental cyclic tensile hysteresis loops and unloading/reloading ITMs of C/(PyC)/SiC and C/(PyC+SiC)/SiC composites with different interphase thickness (i.e., t = 300, 600, 1000, and 2000 nm) were predicted using the developed constitutive model. Evolution of the unloading/reloading interface slip ratio was analyzed for different tensile peak stresses.
Soothing venipuncture: Bubble blowing and ball squeezing in reducing anxiety, fear, and pain in children
Authors: Sarman Abdullah , Tuncay Suat
Published: August 2024

Problem

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of bubble‐blowing and ball‐squeezing interventions on children's levels of anxiety, fear, and pain during venipuncture procedures.

Methods

This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Out of 108 children aged 5−10 years, 72 were allocated to the two experimental groups, while 36 were assigned to the control group. The levels of anxiety, fear, and pain experienced by the children were assessed using the “Wong‐Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale,” “Child Anxiety Scale‐State,” and “Child Fear Scale,” respectively. Intergroup comparisons were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA, while intragroup comparisons were conducted using Wilks' Lambda analysis.

Findings

It was observed that 50% of the children in the control group, 47.2% in the bubble‐blowing group, and 47.2% in the ball‐queezing group did not receive information about the painful procedure. Anxiety, fear, and pain scores of all groups were statistically similar in the initial measurement without any intervention. Children in the bubble‐blowing and ball‐squeezing groups experienced lower anxiety, fear, and pain during and at the end of the painful procedures.

Conclusions

The study discovered that interventions involving bubble blowing and ball squeezing significantly decreased children's levels of anxiety, fear, and pain both during and after intravenous procedures. Information on procedures, alongside interactive techniques like bubble blowing and ball squeezing, helps pediatric nurses calm children, easing anxiety, fear, and pain. Implementing these strategies enhances treatment experiences and confidence in healthcare.
Factors associated with discharge home in older patients admitted to emergency department observation units: Looking for a predictive scale
Authors: Montero‐Pérez F. Javier , Bajo‐Fernández Inmaculada , González‐del Castillo Juan , Burillo‐Putze Guillermo , Jacob Javier , Aguiló Sira , Piñera‐Salmerón Pascual , Alquezar‐Arbé Aitor , Fernández‐Alonso Cesáreo , Llorens Pere , Cho Jeong‐Uh Hong , Casado‐Ramón Beatriz , Gayoso‐Martín Sara , Sánchez‐Sindín Goretti , Fernández‐Álvarez María Esther , Gallardo‐Vizcaíno Patricia , Romero‐Carrete Carlos , Llauger Lluís , Vázquez‐Rey Verónica , Calle‐Fernández Sara , Cañete Mónica , Ruescas Esther , Fernández‐Salgado Fátima , Miró Òscar ,   researchers of the SIESTA network
Published: August 2024

Background

The selection of patients who are going to be admitted to an emergency department observation unit (EDOU) is essential for the good management of these units, intended fundamentally to avoid unnecessary hospitalization of patients. This is especially important when dealing with older patients. It would be important to know what factors are associated with discharge home and to have a clinical predictive scale that appropriately selects older patients who are going to be admitted to an EDOU.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted of all patients ≥65 years of age assisted in 48 Spanish Emergency Departments for 7 consecutive days and were admitted to the EDOU. Demographics‐functional, vital signs data and initial laboratory results were analyzed to investigate its association with discharge home and develop and validate a prediction model for discharge home from EDOU. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to develop a prediction model, and a scoring system was created.

Results

Among 5457 patients admitted to the EDOU from the emergency room, 2508 (46%) patients were discharged home, and 2949 (54%) were admitted to the hospital. Five variables were strongly associated with discharge home: the absence of fever (adjusted OR: 3.61, 95% CI:1.53–8.54), Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 points (2.80, 1.63–4.82), absence of tachypnea (2.51, 1.74–3.64) or leukocytosis (2.07, 1.70–2.52) and oxygen saturation >94% (2.00, 1.64–2.43). The final model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.648 (IC95% = 0.627–0.668) in the development cohort and 0.635 (0.614–0.656) in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

There are factors associated with a greater probability of discharge home of older patients admitted to EDOUs. Prediction at the individual level remains elusive, as the best model obtained in this study did not have sufficient validity to be applied in the clinical setting.
Growth and life history of freshwater chelydrid turtles (Testudines: Cryptodira): A bone histological approach
Authors: Bhat Mohd Shafi , Cullen Thomas M.
Published: August 2024

The current study examines the growth pattern and lifestyle habits of the freshwater snapping turtles Chelydra and Macrochelys based on limb bone histology. Femora, humeri, and tibiae of 25 individuals selected from a range of ontogenetic stages were assessed to determine inter‐element and intraskeletal histological variation. Osteohistological assessment of multiple elements is consistent with overall moderate growth rates as revealed by the dominance of parallel‐fibered bone. However, the growth was cyclical as shown by deposition of multiple lines of arrested growths in the compacta. It appears that the bone tissue of C. serpentina is more variable through ontogeny with intermittent higher growth rates. M. temminckii appears to grow more slowly than C. serpentina possessing compact and thick cortices in accordance with their larger size. Overall, vascularization decreases through ontogeny with humeri and femora being well‐vascularized in both species. Contrarily, epipodials are poorly vascularized, though simple longitudinal and radial canals are present, suggesting differences in growth patterns when compared with associated diaphyseal sections. The tibiae were found to be the least remodeled of the limb bones and therefore better suited for skeletochronology for snapping turtles. Intra‐elementally, femora and humeri preserved higher cortical vascularity ventrally, suggestive of faster relative growth. We hypothesize that the differential growth pattern in limb bones of snapping turtles may relate to differential functional constraints, where forelimbs are operational in swimming while the hindlimbs provide stability.
‘Distant but close’: Leadership behaviours, psychological distance, employee coping and effectiveness in remote work contexts
Authors: Marstand Anders Friis , Epitropaki Olga , Kapoutsis Ilias
Published: August 2024

Drawing on construal level and conservation of resources theories, our paper focuses on the psychological distance employees experience from their manager in remote work contexts. We specifically examine the role of three leadership behaviours (initiating structure, consideration and vision communication) on employees' perceptions of psychological distance from their manager and the subsequent effects on employee task, emotion and avoidance coping and individual effectiveness outcomes. Using data from two independent studies (Study 1: a four‐wave time‐lagged online study of remotely working 338 participants; Study 2: a four‐wave time‐lagged study of 202 hybrid working professionals), we found that consideration and vision communication reduced employees' perceptions of psychological distance from their manager, while psychological distance decreased task coping. Support for a serial mediation model was also found, with consideration and vision communication indirectly influencing task performance and consideration indirectly influencing organizational citizenship behaviours and withdrawal behaviours via psychological distance and then via task coping. Our research results provide new insights into the role of leadership in remote work contexts and highlight the implications of psychological distance from the leader for employees' coping responses and individual effectiveness.
Mycena citricolor isolates from diverse hosts in Costa Rica: Colony aspect, growth dynamics, reproduction in vitro and aggressiveness on Coffea arabica
Authors: Granados‐Montero Milagro , Ureña Natalia , Castro‐Tanzi Sebastián , Avelino Jacques
Published: August 2024

The basidiomycete fungus Mycena citricolor hosts on about 80 plant families. The asexual morph causes the disease known as American leaf spot of coffee (Coffea arabica). We isolated and characterized 15 isolates of M. citricolor collected from coffee plants, shade trees and weeds. Cultures on potato‐dextrose‐agar + yeast extract (PDAY) medium were kept for a week in complete darkness. The cultures were then exposed to light for 7 weeks and co‐cultivated with coffee foliar discs, to stimulate the production of gemmifers. We evaluated the speed of growth, appearance, colour of the mycelium and gemmifers production capacity. All isolates conformed to the typical cultural characteristics of M. citricolor, with beige/white thin and slightly aerial mycelium. The whitest isolate was from Persea americana, which had the slowest growth rate in vitro (6.4 mm/day), while the isolate from weed Kalanchoe pinnata was the fastest, with a speed of 9 mm/day. The most gemmifer‐producing isolates were those isolated from the coffee cultivar Catimor‐Costa Rica 95, Citharexylum donnell‐smithii and Cissus verticillata, with over 200 gemmifers per Petri dish. Isolates from Erythrina and Ipomoea nil produced <50 gemmifers on average. The Composite Aggressiveness Index (CAI) was determined on 2‐year‐old detached coffee branches of the Caturra variety foliage. The least aggressive isolate was from Erythrina poeppigiana (CAI = 0) and the most aggressive was from Kalanchoe pinnata (CAI = 18.87). The isolate from the coffee cultivar Catimor‐Costa Rica 95 was more aggressive than that from the cultivar Caturra (CAI = 9.94 vs. CAI = 3.66). Moreover, successful infection occurred only when the apex of gemmae made direct contact with the coffee leaf when using the inoculum derived from C. verticillata and Anredera cordifolia. These results show the variability in the population of the pathogen. This is the first study that characterizes the growth, morphology, reproduction and aggressiveness of M. citricolor obtained from hosts other than coffee. In addition, it is the first to report the use of coffee foliar discs to induce gemmifer production in vitro and to assess and quantify the effect of gemma position when inoculating coffee leaves.
What happens when the insecticide does not kill? A review of sublethal toxicology and insecticide resistance in triatomines
Authors: Mougabure‐Cueto Gastón , Fronza Georgina , Nattero Julieta
Published: August 2024

Chagas disease is considered one of the most important human parasitosis in the United States. This disease is mainly transmitted by insects of the subfamily Triatominae. The chemical vector control is the main tool for reducing the incidence of the disease. However, the presence of triatomines after pyrethroids spraying has been reported in some regions, as in the case of Triatoma infestans in Argentina and Bolivia. The presence of insects can be explained by the colonization from neighbouring areas, the reduction of insecticide dose to sublethal levels due to environmental factors, and/or by the evolution of insecticide resistance. In the last two scenarios, a proportion of the insects is not killed by insecticide and gives rise to residual populations. This article focuses on the toxicological processes associated with these scenarios in triatomines. Sublethal doses may have different effects on insect biology, that is, sublethal effects, which may contribute to the control. In addition, for insect disease vectors, sublethal doses could have negative effects on disease transmission. The study of sublethal effects in triatomines has focused primarily on the sequence of symptoms associated with nervous intoxication. However, the effects of sublethal doses on excretion, reproduction and morphology have also been studied. Rhodnius prolixus and T. infestans and pyrethroids insecticides were the triatomine species and insecticides, respectively, mainly studied. Insecticide resistance is an evolutionary phenomenon in which the insecticide acts as a selective force, concentrating on the insect population's pre‐existing traits that confer resistance. This leads to a reduction in the susceptibility to the insecticide, which was previously effective in controlling this species. The evolution of resistance in triatomines received little attention before the 2000s, but after the detection of the first focus of resistance associated with chemical control failures in T. infestans from Argentina in 2002, the study of resistance increased remarkably. A significant number of works have studied the geographical distribution, the resistance mechanisms, the biological modifications associated with resistance, the environmental influences and the genetic of T. infestans resistant to pyrethroid insecticides. Currently, studies of insecticide resistance are gradually being extended to other areas and other species. The aim of this article was to review the knowledge on both phenomena (sublethal effects and insecticide resistance) in triatomines. For a better understanding of this article, some concepts and processes related to insect‐insecticide interactions, individual and population toxicology and evolutionary biology are briefly reviewed. Finally, possible future lines of research in triatomine toxicology are discussed.
3D‐printed zirconia orthodontic brackets: Effect of printing method on dimensional accuracy
Authors: Tang Zhi , Dai Jingtao , Yu Anlan , Li Ping , Liu Chufeng , Shen Xiaoqing
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study investigated the effect of additive manufacturing (AM) methods on the slot height dimensions and accuracy of 3D‐printed orthodontic brackets.

Methods

A 3D model of a standard Mclaughlin Bennett Trevisi bracket was used as a reference to print the ceramic bracket in a 90° orientation using two representative AM methods: digital light processing (DLP) and material jetting (MJ). The dimensional accuracy and slot heights were determined using a scanning electron microscope and an optical scanner. Also, all specimens were analysed using the Geomagic Control X 3D inspection software. The root mean square (RMS) values were used for trueness and precision assessment. Statistical analyses were performed using an independent sample t‐test.

Results

Slot height dimensions, trueness RMS, and precision RMS were statistically affected by different AM methods (p < .01). There was a significant difference between the different printing methods, with DLP meeting the tolerance requirements (mean slot height = 0.557 ± 0.018 mm) and MJ being slightly below them (mean slot height = 0.544 ± 0.021 mm). However, MJ significantly outperformed DLP in terms of accuracy. Among the two printing methods, MJ was associated with higher trueness (RMS = 0.025 ± 0.004 mm) and precision (RMS = 0.038 ± 0.005 mm).

Conclusions

Both tested AM methods yielded clinically acceptable outcomes, with the RMS range set to ±100 μm and the slot height tolerance established at 0.549–0.569 mm. The MJ technology achieved the highest accuracy.
A Study on Imaging Risk Factors for Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Fan , Yuan Peng , Gong Yixin , Zhang Guohao , Li Pengcui , Jiao Qiang
Published: August 2024

Objective

Due to low prevalence and few studies, the morphologic risk factors for hip osteoarthritis (HOA) in Chinese population remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 10 radiographic parameters measured via anteroposterior pelvic X‐ray radiography and HOA in Chinese population.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients who required total hip arthroplasty for unilateral HOA (2017–2022) and 132 healthy individuals were selected for this case–control study. We measured 10 radiological parameters via anteroposterior pelvic X‐ray radiography, which were sharp angle, center edge angle, sourcil angle, neck shaft angle, α angle, pelvic height, pelvic width, femoral head diameter, femoral neck width, and ratio of the femoral head diameter to the femoral neck width. After measurements were obtained, logistic regression analysis was utilized to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for confounding variables such as age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to determine the proportional risk contribution (PRC) of each radiographic factor.

Results

After adjustment for confounding factors, individuals with a larger sourcil angle (SA) (OR = 4.89, 95% CI 1.66–14.42, p = 0.004), larger α angle (OR = 4.14, 95% CI 1.53–11.23, p = 0.005), and wider femoral neck (OR = 5.27, 95% CI 1.50–18.51, p = 0.01) were found to have a greater risk of developing HOA. Among all radiographic parameters, the SA demonstrated the greatest risk contribution (PRC = 13.695%).

Conclusions

Radiographic parameters correlate with the incidence of HOA. The SA is probably the most powerful of all the parameters related to HOA.
Wittgenstein in Cantor's paradise
Authors: Zahidi Karim
Published: August 2024

This paper offers an evaluation of Wittgenstein's critique of Cantorian set theory, illustrating his broader philosophical stance on mathematics. By emphasizing the constructed nature of mathematical theories, Wittgenstein encourages a reflective approach to mathematics that acknowledges human agency in its development. His engagement with Cantorian set theory provides valuable insights into the philosophical and practical dimensions of mathematics, urging a reconsideration of its foundations and the nature of mathematical proofs. This perspective aligns closely with the philosophy of mathematical practice, which emphasizes the human side of mathematics by its focus on mathematical practice.
The gut‐facial aging axis: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization and mediation analysis of gut microbiota, gut microbiota metabolic pathways, and blood metabolites
Authors: Yang Sha , Zhao Ying , Liu Jian , Song Jianning , Long Qingyan , Cheng Si
Published: August 2024

Background

Facial aging (FA) is a complex process influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Gut microbiota (GM), gut microbiota metabolic pathways (GMMPs), and blood metabolites (BMs) have been implicated in the regulation of FA, but the causal and mediating effects of these factors remain unclear.

Methods

We used summary‐level data from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of 16S rRNA gene sequencing data for GM (n = 18 340), GWAS of GMMPs (n = 7738), BMs (n = 24 925), and GWAS of FA (n = 423 999). We applied Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to estimate the causal effects of GM, GMMPs, and BMs on FA. We performed mediation analysis to quantify the proportion of the effects mediated by blood metabolites.

Results

We identified nine genus, two phylum, two families of GM, nine GM metabolic pathways, and 73 BMs that showed potential causal effects on FA. After Bonferroni correction, three BMs remained causally associated with FA, including average number of methylene groups per double bond (β, ‐0.023; 95% CI, ‐0.032∼‐0.014; p = 3.120×10‐7) and average number of methylene groups in a fatty acid chain (β, ‐0.031; 95% CI, ‐0.045∼‐0.016; p = 2.062×10‐5), which had strong negative causal effects on FA, and ratio of bisallylic groups to total fatty acids (β, 0.023; 95% CI, 0.017∼‐0.029; p = 8.441×10‐15), which had a strong positive causal effect on FA. Mediation analysis revealed that histidine, average number of methylene groups in a fatty acid chain, and triglycerides in chylomicrons and largest VLDL particles mediated the effects of anaerofilum and/ or superpathway of Laspartate and Lasparagine biosynthesis on FA.

Conclusion

Our study provides novel insights into the causal and mediating effects of GM, GMMPs, and BMs on FA. These findings may have implications for the development of new strategies for preventing or delaying FA.
A bibliometric analysis of global research on microbial immune microenvironment in melanoma from 2012 to 2022
Authors: Sun Lin , Ying Jianghui , Guo Rong , Jia Lingling , Zhang Hongyi
Published: August 2024

Background

Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy primarily impacting the skin, mucous membranes, and pigment epithelium. The tumor microbial microenvironment encompasses both the microorganisms inhabiting the tumor vicinity and the environmental factors influencing their interactions. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of the microbial immune microenvironment in melanoma.

Methods

We conducted an extensive review of scholarly works published from 2012 to 2022, utilizing The Web of Science Core Collection. Subsequently, we employed analytical tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R programming language to scrutinize prevailing research patterns within this domain.

Results

A sum of 513 articles were pinpointed, with notable input coming from the United States and China. Harvard University stood out as the top‐contributing institution, while the journal Science received the most citations. Current research within this sphere chiefly focuses on two principal domains: the gut microbiota and the PD‐L1 pathway concerning melanoma treatment.

Conclusion

The study offers an extensive analysis and overview of the worldwide research landscape concerning the immune microenvironment with a focus on microbes in melanoma. It underscores the promising prospects for harnessing the microbial immune microenvironment's potential in melanoma. These findings furnish valuable insights and guidance for advancing scientific inquiry and refining clinical approaches within this dynamic field.
Whisper words of wisdom: Asides and appositives in Kaplan's logic of demonstratives
Authors: Predelli Stefano
Published: August 2024

This paper is grounded on an exegetically creative reading of Kaplan's late approach to dthat‐terms. I do have a few exegetic pretensions. In particular, I simply assume what I take to be the central tenets of Kaplan's theory of demonstratives between 1977 and 1989, and I develop them according to ideas suggested by certain passages in Afterthoughts. But my developments are also unashamedly creative. I recognize that I may overemphasize a few carefully chosen snippets and that, in doing so, I may end up ignoring other important junctures. But I happily trade textual faithfulness for theoretical insight: if on the right track, my results hopefully cast a new light not only on Kaplan's take on ‘dthat’ but also on the fundamental ideas in his philosophical and semantic framework.
Impact of 10% Dose Reductions and Duration of Treatment Delays in the Management of Chemotherapy‐Induced Neutropenia in Dogs Treated With Common Chemotherapy Protocols: A Single‐Centre Experience
Authors: Busser Suzanne , Blackwood Laura , Pereira Constanza , Chase‐Topping Margo , Bavcar Spela , Fournier Quentin
Published: August 2024

Neutropenia is a common chemotherapy‐associated adverse event (AE) in dogs and a significant cause of decreased relative dose intensity. Dose reductions (DRs) and treatment delays (TDs) are frequently applied to decrease the risk of further neutropenic events (NEs) and AEs, but there is no standardised approach. The two main objectives of this retrospective study were to determine: (1) the failure rate of a 10% DR to prevent a subsequent inadequate absolute neutrophil count (ANC), defined as a nadir ANC <0.75 × 109/L or pretreatment ANC <1.5 × 109/L; and (2) if the duration of TDs due to pretreatment neutropenia affects the occurrence of subsequent NEs. A total of 1056 chemotherapy treatments were recorded for 128 dogs that developed at least one NE. In 75 of 124 (60.5%, 95% CI: 51.2%–69%) evaluable NEs, a nadir ANC of ≥0.75 × 109/L and pretreatment ANC of ≥1.5 × 109/L were achieved after a single 10% chemotherapy DR, while a 10% DR failed to prevent a subsequent inadequate ANC in the remaining 49/124 (39.5%, 95% CI: 30.1%–48.3%). The only variable associated with failure was the drug prescribed. DR failure occurred in 22/39 (56.4%, 95% CI: 40.9%–70.6%) lomustine DRs, 14/27 (51.9%, 95% CI: 33.9%–69.2%) cyclophosphamide DRs, but only 2/22 (9.1%, 95% CI: 2.5%–27.8%) doxorubicin DRs and 2/24 (8.3%, 95% CI: 2.3%–25.8%) vincristine DRs. Seventy‐three evaluable TDs (mean: 5 days, SD ± 2.2 days) were prescribed. There was no association between TD duration and subsequent NEs (p = 0.11).
Data science education in undergraduate physics: Lessons learned from a community of practice
Authors: Shah Karan , Butler Julie , Knaub Alexis V. , Zenginoğlu Anıl , Ratcliff William , Soltanieh-ha Mohammad
Published: August 2024

It is becoming increasingly important that physics educators equip their students with the skills to work with data effectively. However, many educators may lack the necessary training and expertise in data science to teach these skills. To address this gap, we created the Data Science Education Community of Practice (DSECOP), bringing together graduate students and physics educators from different institutions and backgrounds to share best practices and lessons learned from integrating data science into undergraduate physics education. In this article, we present insight and experiences from this community of practice, highlighting key strategies and challenges in incorporating data science into the introductory physics curriculum. Our goal is to provide guidance and inspiration to educators who seek to integrate data science into their teaching, helping to prepare the next generation of physicists for a data-driven world.
Resource Letter ALC-1: Advanced Laboratory Courses
Authors: Smith Walter F.
Published: August 2024

Advanced laboratory courses play several essential roles in the undergraduate curriculum, including the development of students into independent experimentalists. This Resource Letter provides an overview of the typical structure and learning goals of advanced laboratory courses. It then details the books, organizations, online resources, equipment vendors, and assessment tools that are available to support such courses. There are so many journal articles on this topic that it is impractical to summarize them in this article, although several of the most central ones are highlighted. Instead, a categorized database of these articles has been created and will be kept updated.