bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of immersive technologies for education: Learning performance, cognitive load and intrinsic motivation
Authors: Poupard Matisse , Larrue Florian , Sauzéon Hélène , Tricot André
Published: July 2024

Immersive technologies are assumed to have many benefits for learning due to their potential positive impact on optimizing learners' cognitive load and fostering intrinsic motivation. However, despite promising results, the findings regarding the actual impact on learning remain inconclusive, raising questions about the determinants of efficacy. To address these gaps, we conducted a PRISMA systematic review to investigate the contributions and limitations of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in learning, specifically by examining their effects on cognitive load and intrinsic motivations. Through the application of an analytical grid, we systematically classified the impact of VR/AR on the causal relationship between learning performance (ie, objective learning improvement) and cognitive load or motivation, while respecting the fundamental assumptions of the main theories related to these factors. Analysing 36 studies, the findings reveal that VR, often causing extraneous load, hinders learning, particularly among novices. In contrast, AR optimizes cognitive load, proving beneficial for novice learners but demonstrating less effectiveness for intermediate learners. The effects on intrinsic motivation remain inconclusive, likely due to variations in measurement methods. The review underscores the need for detailed, sophisticated evaluations and comprehensive frameworks that consider both cognitive load and intrinsic motivation to improve understanding of the impact of immersive technologies on learning.

Practitioner notes

What is know

Virtual and augmented reality show promise for education, but findings are inconsistent.

Existing studies suggest that augmented reality optimizes learners' cognitive load.

The literature often asserts that VR and AR are expected to enhance learning motivation.

Adding

VR introduces unnecessary cognitive load, while AR proves effective for learning performance and cognitive load, particularly for novice learners.

The impact of AR and VR on motivation to learn is unclear.

Our analytical grid offers a comprehensive framework for assessing the effects of AR and VR on learning outcomes.

Implications

AR is more suitable than VR for education concerning cognitive load.

The cost/benefit balance of VR should be carefully considered before implementation, especially for novice learners.

Rigorous studies on motivation to learn in AR and VR contexts are essential.
Prenatal diagnosis of a 15q24.1 microdeletion in a fetus with cerebral and urogenital abnormalities
Authors: Previdi Anaïk , Jordan Pénélope , Egloff Charles , Coussement Aurélie , Ahmed‐Eli Samira , Tudal Laure , Bienvenu Thierry , Picone Olivier , Dupont Jean‐Michel
Published: July 2024

15q24.1 microdeletion syndrome is a recently described condition often resulting from non‐allelic homologous recombination (NAHR). Typical clinical features include pre and post‐natal growth retardation, facial dysmorphism, developmental delay and intellectual disability. Nonspecific urogenital, skeletal, and digit abnormalities may be present, although other congenital malformations are less frequent. Consequently, only one case was reported prenatally, complicating the genotype–phenotype correlation and the genetic counseling. We identified prenatally a second case, presenting with cerebral abnormalities including hydrocephaly, macrocephaly, cerebellum hypoplasia, vermis hypoplasia, rhombencephalosynapsis, right kidney agenesis with left kidney duplication and micropenis. Genome‐wide aCGH assay allowed a diagnosis at 26 weeks of amenorrhea revealing a 1.6 Mb interstitial deletion on the long arm of chromosome 15 at 15q24.1‐q24.2 (arr[GRCh37] 15q24.1q24.2(74,399,112_76,019,966)x1). A deep review of the literature was undertaken to further delineate the prenatal clinical features and the candidate genes involved in the phenotype. Cerebral malformations are typically nonspecific, but microcephaly appears to be the most frequent in postnatal cases. Our case is the first reported with a frank cerebellar involvement.
Spectrum of psychiatric adverse reactions to cyclin‐dependent kinases 4/6 inhibitors: A pharmacovigilance analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Xiao Zhijun , Cao Jinming , Wu Shenghong , Zhou Ting , Li Canye , Duan Jingjing , Yang Zhen , Xu Feng
Published: July 2024

Background

The emergence of cyclin‐dependent kinases 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) represented a major breakthrough in the treatment of breast cancer over the past decade. In both clinical trials and real‐world settings, it was observed that patients using CDK4/6i might experience psychiatric adverse events (PAEs). Herein, we conducted a pharmacovigilance study to comprehensively assess the correlation between CDK4/6i and PAEs.

Method

We obtained individual case safety reports submitted to the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) during the period from January 2015 to December 2023. In disproportionality analysis, the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) values were calculated for each adverse event‐drug combination. Univariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to explore factors associated with PAEs following CDK4/6i treatment.

Results

A total of 95,591 reports related to CDK4/6i were identified, with 6.72% reporting PAEs, and this proportion exhibited an annual upward trend. Based on the ROR and IC values, 17 categories of PAEs were defined as CDK4/6i‐related PAEs. Among these PAEs, insomnia, stress, eating disorder, depressed mood, and sleep disorder were very common, each accounting for over 10% of CDK4/6i reports. Ribociclib showed the highest risk signal of CDK4/6i‐related PAEs (ROR = 1.89[1.75–2.04], IC025 = 0.79), followed by palbociclib (ROR = 1.47[1.41–1.53], IC025 = 0.49), while abemaciclib did not exhibit a significant signal (ROR = 0.52[0.44–0.62], IC025 = −1.13). Female sex, younger age and weight exceeding 80 kg were significant risk factors for the incidence of CDK4/6i‐related PAEs.

Conclusions

Using data from a real‐world, large‐scale spontaneous reporting system for adverse drug reactions, our study delineated the spectrum of PAEs to CDK4/6i. This potentially offered valuable insights for healthcare professionals to manage the risk of PAEs in patients receiving CDK4/6i treatment, particularly those with psychiatric disorders.
Case of a CIC::DUX4 fusion gene in a vascular neoplasm extends the spectrum of CIC‐rearranged sarcomas
Authors: Jeck William R. , Rapisardo Sarah , Anderson Barbara A. , Hendrickson Peter , Jour George , Riedel Richard F. , Brigman Brian E. , Al‐Rohil Rami N.
Published: July 2024

CIC‐rearranged sarcomas comprise a group of exceptionally aggressive round‐cell sarcomas. These tumors most commonly demonstrate CIC::DUX4 fusion and show similar histopathology to Ewing sarcomas, though lesions mimicking vascular neoplasms have recently been described. Here, we describe a case of a patient with CIC::DUX4 fusion sarcoma identified using RNA‐based molecular testing who was initially diagnosed with an endothelial neoplasm. The tumor showed extensive vasoformative growth, complete WT1 negativity, and global positive staining for ERG, CD31, and DUX4 by immunohistochemistry. Methylation testing of the tumor clustered more closely with angiosarcomas than with CIC‐rearranged sarcomas. Our findings suggest that CIC::DUX4 fused neoplasms may demonstrate a more diverse phenotypic range than previously appreciated and offer evidence that both molecular and immunohistochemical studies are needed for accurate diagnosis.
Systematic review of disparities in continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump utilization in the United States: Key themes and evidentiary gaps
Authors: Patel Pranav M. , Thomas Divya , Liu Zhixi , Aldrich‐Renner Sarah , Clemons Marilee , Patel Bimal V.
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of real‐world evidence pertaining to disparities in the utilization of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)/insulin pumps to highlight potential evidentiary gaps and discern emerging themes from the literature.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review of published manuscripts and abstracts was conducted from: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Nursing and Allied Health, Web of Science and CINHAL. Attributes related to patients, outcomes, interventions (CGMs/pumps/both) and study type were captured. In addition, factors associated with disparities in device utilization were examined.

Results

Thirty‐six studies were included in the final analysis; the studies predominantly focused on people living with type 1 diabetes. Only two studies included individuals with type 2 diabetes. Almost two‐thirds of the studies reported outcomes associated with disparities (e.g. glycated haemoglobin, diabetic ketoacidosis, resource utilization). Most studies highlighted disparities across race, ethnicity and insurance type. Evidentiary gaps were identified, particularly in the evidence for people with type 2 diabetes, the continuation of CGM/pump use and limited studies addressing disparities among Native Americans/American Indians.

Conclusion

This study reveals critical disparities in diabetes technology use across race, ethnicity and insurance type, particularly among people with type 1 diabetes. Evidentiary gaps assessing disparities in diabetes technology use persist, particularly concerning people with type 2 diabetes, Native American/American Indian and LGBTQ+ populations, and in outcomes related to continuation of use. Social and digital determinants of health, such as income, transportation, residential location and technological literacy, are crucial to achieving equitable access. Future research should focus on the patient journey to identify opportunities for equitable access to diabetes technology as its use grows.
Application of dermal substitutes in the surgical treatment of full‐thickness wounds: Outcomes of an international survey
Authors: van den Bosch Anna S. , Verwilligen Robin A. F. , Pijpe Anouk , Bosma Eelke , Lucas Ymke , van Zuijlen Paul P. M. , Middelkoop Esther ,   The National Burn Care, Education & Research Group The Netherlands
Published: July 2024

Dermal substitutes have been introduced to improve the outcome of wound healing. Despite proven efficacy in trials, these skin constructs do not have a firm footing in treatment protocols. This survey aimed to gain insight into the international perspective on dermal substitutes. An open, voluntary and anonymous internet‐based international survey was conducted. Eligible to complete the survey were professionals involved in the surgical treatment of patients with wounds. Information was collected on participant demographics, appointed facilitators, barriers, indications and contraindications related to the use of dermal substitutes, as well as participants' perceptions on the current available evidence and treatment protocols. A total of 148 professionals from 30 countries completed the survey. The majority of participants were male (57%), with 60% being plastic surgeons. Eighty‐three percent of the professionals had experience in using dermal substitutes. The primary facilitators were ‘increased scar elasticity’ and ‘reduction of contractures’, while primary barriers included ‘costs’ and ‘contamination risk’. Sixty‐two percent of the professionals acknowledged the efficacy of dermal substitutes; however, the majority emphasised the absence of clear indications and treatment protocols. This study emphasises the acknowledged efficacy of dermal substitutes while highlighting the need for clearer indications and treatment protocols.
The Caring Life Course Theory: Opening new frontiers in care—A cardiac rehabilitation example
Authors: Pinero de Plaza Maria Alejandra , Hutchinson Claire , Beleigoli Alline , Tieu Matthew , Lawless Michael , Conroy Tiffany , Feo Rebecca , Clark Robyn A. , Dafny Hila , McMillan Penelope , Allande‐Cussó Regina , Kitson Alison A.
Published: July 2024

Aim(s)

To operationalize the Caring Life Course Theory (CLCT) as a framework for improving cardiac rehabilitation (CR) engagement and informing ways to address disparities in rural, low socio‐economic areas.

Methods

A secondary analysis of data collected from 15 CR programmes to identify CR patterns through the CLCT lens using a mixed‐methods approach. All analytical processes were conducted in NVivo, coding qualitative data through thematic analysis based on CLCT constructs. Relationships among these constructs were quantitatively assessed using Jaccard coefficients and hierarchical clustering via dendrogram analysis to identify related clusters.

Results

A strong interconnectedness among constructs: ‘care from others’, ‘capability’, ‘care network’ and ‘care provision’ (coefficient = 1) highlights their entangled crucial role in CR. However, significant conceptual disparities between ‘care biography’ and ‘fundamental care’ (coefficient = 0.4) and between ‘self‐care’ and ‘care biography’ (coefficient = 0.384615) indicate a need for more aligned and personalized care approaches within CR.

Conclusion

The CLCT provides a comprehensive theoretical and practical framework to address disparities in CR, facilitating a personalized approach to enhance engagement in rural and underserved regions.

Implications

Integrating CLCT into CR programme designs could effectively address participation challenges, demonstrating the theory's utility in developing targeted, accessible care interventions/solutions.

Impact

Explored the challenge of low CR engagement in rural, low socio‐economic settings.

Uncovered care provision, transitions and individual care biographies' relevance for CR engagement.

Demonstrated the potential of CLCT to inform/transform CR services for underserved populations, impacting practices and outcomes.

Reporting Method

EQUATOR—MMR‐RHS.

Patient Contribution

A consumer co‐researcher contributed to all study phases.
Evidence for routine brain‐to‐pelvis imaging and antiplatelet therapy in patients diagnosed with fibromuscular dysplasia
Authors: Østergaard Mikkel Landgraff , Hjort Niels , Buus Niels Henrik , Reinhard Mark
Published: July 2024

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a disease of the musculature of arterial walls leading to stenoses, aneurysms, and dissections. The purpose of this report was to summarize the evidence for (1) one‐time routine imaging from brain‐to‐pelvis and (2) lifelong antiplatelet therapy, for example, aspirin, for patients diagnosed with FMD as suggested by an international consensus report from 2019.

PubMed was systematically searched, and the evidence providing a basis for the current consensus points, as well as articles published since, were reviewed. In four registries evaluating patients with FMD, the prevalence of multivessel involvement, aneurysms, and dissections was reported to be 43.5%–66.3%, 21.6%–30.6%, and 5.6%–28.1%, respectively. Any antiplatelet drug was used in 72.9% of patients, and aspirin was prescribed in up to 70.2% of patients. Based on the high prevalence of vascular manifestations, their associated morbidity, and the potential for endovascular or surgical intervention, the suggestion of one‐time brain‐to‐pelvis screening with computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography is well supported. Contrarily, the evidence to support the consensus statement of lifelong antiplatelet therapy to all patients in the absence of contraindications is more uncertain since a beneficial effect has not been demonstrated specifically in patients with fibromuscular dysplasia. Therefore, until the efficacy and safety of primary thromboprophylaxis have been demonstrated in this patient group specifically, it may be equally appropriate to only use antiplatelet agents in patients with a clear indication after individual evaluation according to risk factors for thrombotic and thromboembolic complications.
Is evidence‐based practice justified?—A philosophical critique
Authors: Berg Henrik
Published: July 2024

Background

Evidence‐based practice is the principle governing a range of healthcare practices and beyond. However, it has suffered from a lack of philosophical rigour. This paper sets out to analyse the epistemological basis of evidence‐based practice.

Method

The paper uses a conceptual analysis. First, it describes the implicit epistemology at work in evidence‐based practice. Second, it evaluates the implicit epistemological basis.

Results

The analysis indicates that evidence‐based practice lacks an explicit epistemological basis. It shows, moreover, that the implicit epistemological basis is untenable.

Conclusion

There is a need to re‐think the epistemological basis for evidence‐based practice. Evidence‐based practice is out of touch with developments within philosophy of science.
Farmed fish welfare research status in Latin America: A review
Authors: Linares‐Cordova Joel Fitzgerald , Roque Ana , Ruiz‐Gómez María de Lourdes , Rey‐Planellas Sonia , Boglino Anaïs , Rodríguez‐Montes de Oca Gustavo Alejandro , Ibarra‐Zatarain Zohar
Published: July 2024

Latin America (LATAM) plays an important role in the world's production of aquatic animals and is the second most productive region in the world. Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Perú contribute 87% of LATAM aquaculture production. The fish welfare in aquaculture is of increasing public concern globally, and LATAM is no exception, growing in importance for fish farmers, authorities, and scientists. Although the topic is somewhat controversial, the welfare status of farmed fish has direct implications for their production and the sustainability of the industry. Therefore, this study analyses scientific papers on animal welfare in farmed fish, from the six countries in LATAM with the highest aquaculture production. The main objectives were to quantify the number of papers published between 2000 and 2023 on fish welfare by using scientific databases. A total of 285 papers were found for the period analysed. The country with the largest number of publications was Brazil (75.79%), followed by Chile (13.33%), Mexico (7.02%), Peru (1.75%), Ecuador, and Colombia (1.05%). Nile tilapia was the most studied species, appearing in 30.18% of the publications, with most of the studies mainly dealing with nutrition (32.28%). The growth of aquaculture is leading to joint efforts to generate knowledge on welfare issues, especially in poorly studied species with high production, to create policies that help minimize welfare risks. Given this, the insights generated by this review could be a useful addition to approaches investigating the trends and concepts of fish welfare in LATAM.
Assessments of multiple precipitation products and application in hydrodynamic simulations: A case of casualty‐inducing mountain torrents in Sichuan, Southwest China
Authors: Luo Hongxin , Lin Zhiqiang , Chen Haimeng , Xiao Dixiang , Chen Gong , Su Dongsheng
Published: July 2024

Mountain torrents are frequent and severe hazards, causing serious economic losses and personnel casualties, and in particular, they are the most dangerous threat in the complex terrain. Multi‐source precipitation products should be used to drive the hydrological models to improve understanding of the processes of mountain torrents. Fifteen sets of precipitation products are evaluated against the ground observations in situ within a serious mountain torrent caused by a severe rainstorm at June 26, 2020 in Sichuan. The multi‐source merged precipitation products performed better than the others. Satellite‐based precipitation performed better than model‐based products, while IMERG‐Early and FY2G performed better than other satellite‐based precipitation products. The reanalysis datasets are relatively worse than the observed products. The operational NWPs strongly underestimated precipitation in the mountainous areas. Furthermore, the related floods caused by the rainstorm is simulated based on various precipitation products by a raster‐based hydrodynamic two‐dimensional model of FloodArea. Most observation‐based precipitation products represented the flooding area well, while the model‐based precipitation products underestimated the severity of the mountain torrents. Finally, the risk of mountain torrents under variant return‐period rainfall is analyzed. The result shows the potential of real‐time torrent monitoring and forecasting using high‐resolution DEM and precipitation products.
Surpassing light inhomogeneities in structured‐illumination microscopy with FlexSIM
Authors: Soubies Emmanuel , Nogueron Alejandro , Pelletier Florence , Mangeat Thomas , Leterrier Christophe , Unser Michael , Sage Daniel
Published: July 2024

Super‐resolution structured‐illumination microscopy (SIM) is a powerful technique that allows one to surpass the diffraction limit by up to a factor two. Yet, its practical use is hampered by its sensitivity to imaging conditions which makes it prone to reconstruction artefacts. In this work, we present FlexSIM, a flexible SIM reconstruction method capable to handle highly challenging data. Specifically, we demonstrate the ability of FlexSIM to deal with the distortion of patterns, the high level of noise encountered in live imaging, as well as out‐of‐focus fluorescence. Moreover, we show that FlexSIM achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance over a variety of open SIM datasets.
Patient racism toward nurses in a divided society: The case of Jews and Arabs in Israel
Authors: Halamish‐Leshem Riki , Bokek‐Cohen Ya'arit , Tarabeih Mahdi , Azuri Pazit
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study examines whether racism exists among Jewish and Arab patients in Israel, as reflected in patient preference for receiving treatment from a nurse with the same ethnic background.

Background

We examine the relationship between racism and the level of trust in a nurse from a different ethnic group than the patient, as well as the preferred level of social distance, in the context of ongoing conflicts between the Jewish majority and the Arab minority in Israel.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using a unique study questionnaire that asked 534 Jewish and 478 Arab respondents to express their preference for an Arab and a Jewish nurse.

Results

Among both the Jews and the Arabs, there is a similar tendency of racism toward nurses of the dissimilar ethnic group. This racism was also prevalent among participants who live in a mixed environment or those who studied or are studying and worked or work in a mixed environment. As the trust in nursing staff members from the other group increases, the level of racism decreases. The greater the social distance the participants felt from the members of the other group, the more racist the attitudes they expressed.

Conclusions

Both Jews and Arabs preferred to be treated by nurses of their own ethnic group. In contrast to the contact hypothesis theory, participants who live in a mixed environment did not express fewer racist preferences. We conclude with some useful practical suggestions aimed at decreasing racism in health care.

Clinical Relevance

Findings imply that prospective patients prefer to receive nursing care from nurses of their own ethnic group and trust these nurses more than they trust nurses of different ethnic group.
High viral loads combined with inflammatory markers predict disease severity in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients: Results from the NOR‐Solidarity trial
Authors: Viermyr Hans‐Kittil , Halvorsen Bente , Sagen Ellen Lund , Michelsen Annika E , Barrat‐Due Andreas , Kåsine Trine , Nezvalova‐Henriksen Katerina , Dyrhol‐Riise Anne Ma ,   The Nor‐Solidarity Consortium, Lerum Tøri Vigeland , Müller Fredrik , Tonby Kristian , Tveita Anders , Aukrust Pål , Trøseid Marius , Ueland Thor , Dahl Tuva Børresdatter
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate temporal changes in the association between SARS‐CoV2 viral load (VL) and markers of inflammation during hospitalization, as well as the ability of these markers alone or in combination to predict severe outcomes.

Methods

Serial oropharyngeal and blood samples were obtained from hospitalized COVID‐19 patients (n = 160). Levels of inflammatory markers and oropharyngeal VL were measured during hospitalization (admission, days 3–5, and days 7–10) and related to severe outcomes (respiratory failure/intensive care unit admission).

Results

Elevated admission levels of IL (interleukin)‐6, IL‐33, IL‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), interferon‐γ‐induced protein 10 (IP‐10), IL‐1β, and IL‐1Ra were associated with severe outcomes during hospitalization. Although no inflammatory markers correlated with VL at baseline, there was a significant correlation between VL and levels of IP‐10 and MCP‐1 at days 3–5, accompanied by IL‐8 and IL‐6 at days 7–10. Finally, there was a seemingly additive effect of IP‐10, MCP‐1, and IL‐6 in predicting severe outcomes when combined with high VL at baseline.

Conclusions

An increasing number of inflammatory markers were associated with VL during the first 10 days of hospitalization, and several of these markers were associated with severe outcomes, in particular when combined with elevated VL. Future studies should assess the potential for combining antiviral and immunomodulatory treatment, preferably guided by viral and inflammatory biomarkers, for the selection of high‐risk patients.
‘Who's to blame?’ matters: The role of attributions in employees' emotional and behavioural responses to career inaction
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhu Yin , Jiang Fubin
Published: July 2024

Career inaction, or failing to act adequately for a period of time to make a desired change in one's career, is quite common in the workplace. Despite this, research regarding how it affects employees at work is very limited. Using attribution theory and stress research, we propose an integrated view of how employees interpret and respond to career inaction differently. Specifically, we establish the idea of blame attributions for career inaction (i.e., self‐ and other‐directed blame attribution) and investigate how they relate to employees' emotional and behavioural responses to career inaction. We conducted three studies to address the research questions: a scenario‐based experiment with 315 workers, a three‐wave survey with 302 full‐time employees and a daily diary study of 123 hospital nurses across five consecutive working days. The findings revealed that when faced with career inaction, employees who blame themselves are more likely to experience anxiety, while those who blame others tend to experience anger. Anxiety and anger are further linked to work withdrawal and interpersonal deviance respectively. Overall, we contribute to the advancement of career inaction theory and career management practices.
Incidence, diagnosis, and management of orofacial pain among new patients receiving tertiary care in Thailand: A 6‐year retrospective study comparing before and during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Uma Uthai , Sae‐tia Klafan , Riewruja Yanisa , Duphong Panuwat , Srisathaporn Asamapon
Published: July 2024

Background

There is insufficient data on orofacial pain related to the COVID‐19 outbreak in Thailand.

Objective

To investigate the incidence, diagnosis and management of orofacial pain among new patients over the last 6 years, before and during the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Methods

Medical records from new patients who first visited Chulalongkorn Dental Hospital between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively investigated. The sample size was determined, and proportional stratified random sampling was employed to distribute the sample number proportionally across each year. The hospital number of each patient was randomised using online software as a sampling strategy. A data collection form was developed and used to gather information from the digital data system.

Results

At the first visit, 770 out of 1359 patients (56.7/100 people, 95% CI: 54.0–59.3) reported orofacial pain defined as acute, chronic and unclassified pain. The most common chief complaints based on the AAOP classification were odontogenic pain (90.00%) and temporomandibular disorders (6.10%). The top three provisional modified ICD‐10‐TM diagnoses among these patients were pulp diseases (21.95%), impacted teeth (20.65%) and dental caries (9.09%). 81.87% of dental students' provisional diagnoses matched the final diagnoses given by dental specialists. Only 63.38% of orofacial pain patients were completely managed during the COVID‐19 pandemic with common procedures being surgical removal, extraction and root canal therapy.

Conclusion

Half of Thai dental patients seeking tertiary care at a university dental hospital reported orofacial pain, which was not impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. In contrast, dysfunction‐related problems in the orofacial area significantly increased during the pandemic.
Deep learning and explainable artificial intelligence for investigating dental professionals' satisfaction with CAD software performance
Authors: Mai Hang‐Nga , Win Thaw Thaw , Kim Hyeong‐Seob , Pae Ahran , Att Wael , Nguyen Dang Dinh , Lee Du‐Hyeong
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the satisfaction of dental professionals, including dental students, dentists, and dental technicians, with computer‐aided design (CAD) software performance using deep learning (DL) and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI)‐based behavioral analysis concepts.

Materials and Methods

This study involved 436 dental professionals with diverse CAD experiences to assess their satisfaction with various dental CAD software programs. Through exploratory factor analysis, latent factors affecting user satisfaction were extracted from the observed variables. A multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (MLP‐ANN) model was developed along with permutation feature importance analysis (PFIA) and the Shapley additive explanation (Shapley) method to gain XAI‐based insights into individual factors' significance and contributions.

Results

The MLP‐ANN model outperformed a standard logistic linear regression model, demonstrating high accuracy (95%), precision (84%), and recall rates (84%) in capturing complex psychological problems related to human attitudes. PFIA revealed that design adjustability was the most important factor impacting dental CAD software users' satisfaction. XAI analysis highlighted the positive impacts of features supporting the finish line and crown design, while the number of design steps and installation time had negative impacts. Notably, finish‐line design‐related features and the number of design steps emerged as the most significant factors.

Conclusions

This study sheds light on the factors influencing dental professionals' decisions in using and selecting CAD software. This approach can serve as a proof‐of‐concept for applying DL‐XAI‐based behavioral analysis in dentistry and medicine, facilitating informed software selection and development.
Preoperative factors predicting poor therapeutic efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Watanabe Kyohei , Otsuka Atsushi , Kitagawa Yuichi , Sano Asuka , Sato Ryo , Matsushita Yuto , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Tamura Keita , Motoyama Daisuke , Ito Toshiki , Takada Sanki , Miyake Hideaki
Published: July 2024

Objectives

We assessed preoperative factors predicting the poor therapeutic efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.

Methods

The present study included 159 patients who underwent HoLEP between August 2015 and June 2021 at our institution. Overall therapeutic efficacy was divided into good and poor therapeutic efficacies according to changes in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), IPSS quality of life (IPSS‐QOL), and the maximum urinary flow rate. Patients were divided into good and poor therapeutic efficacy groups based on findings obtained 3 months after HoLEP, and comparative assessments were performed between the two groups.

Results

The therapeutic efficacy of HoLEP was poor in 53 (33.3%) out of 159 patients. Intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), IPSS, IPSS‐QOL, post‐void residual volume (PVR), and the presence of overactive bladder (OAB) were significantly higher in the poor therapeutic efficacy group than in the good therapeutic efficacy group. A multivariable analysis of several factors identified the preoperative presence of OAB and short IPP as independent risk factors for the poor therapeutic efficacy of HoLEP. When treatment efficacy was divided according to risk factors, poor therapeutic efficacy was observed in only 14% of patients with prolonged IPP and the absence of OAB.

Conclusions

The therapeutic efficacy of HoLEP may be poor in patients with OAB and short IPP, resulting in the significant deterioration of lower urinary tract symptoms. Accordingly, it is important to consider the presence or absence of OAB and IPP measurements when selecting indications for HoLEP.
Longitudinal gut microbiome dynamics in relation to age and senescence in a wild animal population
Authors: Worsley Sarah F. , Davies Charli S. , Lee Chuen Zhang , Mannarelli Maria‐Elena , Burke Terry , Komdeur Jan , Dugdale Hannah L. , Richardson David S.
Published: July 2024

In humans, gut microbiome (GM) differences are often correlated with, and sometimes causally implicated in, ageing. However, it is unclear how these findings translate in wild animal populations. Studies that investigate how GM dynamics change within individuals, and with declines in physiological condition, are needed to fully understand links between chronological age, senescence and the GM, but have rarely been done. Here, we use longitudinal data collected from a closed population of Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) to investigate how bacterial GM alpha diversity, composition and stability are associated with host senescence. We hypothesised that GM diversity and composition will differ, and become more variable, in older adults, particularly in the terminal year prior to death, as the GM becomes increasingly dysregulated due to senescence. However, GM alpha diversity and composition remained largely invariable with respect to adult age and did not differ in an individual's terminal year. Furthermore, there was no evidence that the GM became more heterogenous in senescent age groups (individuals older than 6 years), or in the terminal year. Instead, environmental variables such as season, territory quality and time of day, were the strongest predictors of GM variation in adult Seychelles warblers. These results contrast with studies on humans, captive animal populations and some (but not all) studies on non‐human primates, suggesting that GM deterioration may not be a universal hallmark of senescence in wild animal species. Further work is needed to disentangle the factors driving variation in GM‐senescence relationships across different host taxa.
Erich Przywara and Edith Stein: A Dissimilarity within Similarity
Authors: Scerri Carl
Published: July 2024

Erich Przywara and Edith Stein were not only two of the leading Catholic intellectuals of the first half of the twentieth century, but also friends and confidants. This article explores the similarities and dissimilarities between their respective views on analogy. It also explains why so little of their correspondence has survived. Most importantly, this article presents a previously unknown poem co‐authored by the two thinkers, which was discovered in the Przywara Archive. This is their only known cowritten document, and opens a window on the ideas, spiritualities, and personalities of both Przywara and Stein.
Ecological determinants of leishmaniasis vector, Lutzomyia spp.: A scoping review
Authors: DeWinter Sydney , Shahin Keana , Fernandez‐Prada Christopher , Greer Amy L. , Weese J. Scott , Clow Katie M.
Published: July 2024

Leishmania spp. are zoonotic parasites transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, including those of the Lutzomyia genus, which can cause leishmaniases in both humans and dogs. Lutzomyia spp. are established in many countries in South and Central America and some areas of the southern United States, with suspected potential of these vectors to undergo further range expansion due to climate change. A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extensions for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines to describe the current state of knowledge on the key ecological factors associated with Lutzomyia spp. survival, reproduction and establishment. The following electronic databases were searched for eligible studies published from 1 January 1990, to the date of search, 26 April 2023: CAB Direct (CABI), MEDLINE (via Ovid), Biological Sciences Database and Environmental Sciences Database. Primary research articles that were available in English and focused on ecological factors associated with Lutzomyia spp., such as climatic and habitat factors, geographic range, seasonality and temporality, and host abundance, were eligible for inclusion in the study. Following de‐duplication, a total of 167 studies were included in Level 1 screening, 64 studies were included in Level 2 screening and 31 studies met the criteria for data extraction. Study locations included Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, the United States, Mexico and Canada, with some studies including multiple regions. A total of 31 different Lutzomyia spp. were assessed across these studies, with most (51.6%) of the studies focused on Lutzomyia longipalpis. Eligible studies investigated factors such as seasonality (n = 5), temperature (n = 19), precipitation (n = 13), humidity (n = 2), vegetation presence or requirements (n = 13), ecotypes (n = 7), and/or community type (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) (n = 5). Lutzomyia spp. activity was found to be higher during the rainy season, and peak when temperatures were between 20 and 25°C. Lutzomyia spp. were also found to preferentially reside in tropical or subtropical forests, which are characterised by their lack of a distinct dry season and high precipitation. This scoping review summarised the current state of the literature on the ecological factors associated with the survival, activity and reproduction of Lutzomyia spp. While there appears to be some consensus in the literature regarding some ecological requirements (such as seasonality, temperature and habitat features), overall, there is a lack of published research in this topic. This poses a significant challenge for future studies, which aim to predict the future distribution of Lutzomyia spp. in the context of climate and land use changes. Additional ecological research is urgently needed on Lutzomyia spp. given their relevance to both human and animal health.
Rhodojaponin VI ameliorates podocyte injury related with MDM2/Notch1 pathway in rat experimental membranous nephropathy
Authors: Song Anni , Yan Ruiwei , Qiu Yue , Yin Xingjie , Xiong Jing , Yao Guangmin , Zhang Chun
Published: July 2024

Aim

Rhodojaponin VI (R‐VI) is the key compound of Rhododendron molle G. Don (Ericaceae) (RM) with effective clinical application in rheumatoid arthritis and chronic glomerulonephritis. In our study, we tried to explore the effect of R‐VI on the rat model of membranous nephropathy.

Methods

The rat model of passive heymann nephritis (PHN) was established by injecting sheep anti‐rat Fx1A serum at a single dose through the tail. The rats were orally administered R‐VI (0.02 mg/kg) or FK506 (1 mg/kg) 1 day before PHN induction, which was kept for 4 weeks. Urine and blood samples as well as kidney tissue were collected for analysis. C5b‐9‐induced human podocyte cell (HPC) was employed for experiments in vitro.

Results

R‐VI could alleviate glomerulonephritis progression and podocyte injury in PHN rats, as indicated by the decreased proteinuria and the elevated level of albumin, accompanied with reduced immune deposits, reversed podocyte injury in the kidneys. Furthermore, R‐VI suppressed murine double minute 2 (MDM2) expression without the alteration in the protein level of p53 and decreased Notch1 expression independent of Numb regulation. Pre‐treatment with R‐VI in C5b‐9‐induced HPC blocked MDM2/Notch1 signalling pathway.

Conclusion

Thus, R‐VI ameliorates podocyte injury in rats with PHN, which was probably related with MDM2/Notch1 signalling pathway.

image
Unravelling the unusual: chromosome elimination, nondisjunction and extra pollen mitosis characterize the B chromosome in wild sorghum
Authors: Karafiátová Miroslava , Bojdová Tereza , Stejskalová Magdaléna , Harnádková Natália , Kumar Vinod , Houben Andreas , Chen Jianyong , Doležalová Alžběta , Honys David , Bartoš Jan
Published: July 2024

The B chromosomes exhibit diverse behaviour compared with conventional genetic models. The capacity of the B chromosome either to accumulate or to be eliminated in a tissue‐specific manner is dependent on biological processes related to aberrant cell division(s), but here yet remains compatible with normal development.

We studied B chromosome elimination in Sorghum purpureosericeum embryos through cryo‐sections and demonstrated the B chromosome instability during plant growth using flow cytometry, molecular markers and fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques. Consequently, using B chromosome‐specific probes we revealed the non‐Mendelian inheritance of B chromosomes in developing pollen.

We disclosed that the occurrence of the B chromosome is specific to certain tissues or organs. The distribution pattern is mainly caused by an extensive elimination that functions primarily during embryo development and persists throughout plant development. Furthermore, we described that B chromosome accumulation can occur either by nondisjunction at first pollen mitosis (PMI) or the initiation of extra nuclear division(s) during pollen development.

Our study demonstrates the existence of a not‐yet‐fully described B chromosome drive process, which is likely under the control of the B chromosome.
The Impact of Firm Technology on Carbon Disclosure: The Critical Role of Stakeholder Pressure
Authors: Adetutu Morakinyo O. , Odusanya Kayode A. , Stathopoulou Eleni , Weyman‐Jones Thomas G.
Published: July 2024

The demand for transparency about the microeconomic sources of environmental pollution has surged recently, causing carbon disclosure to rise to the top of the global climate change discourse. In this study, we empirically investigate how the environmental performance of firm production technologies shapes their voluntary carbon disclosure behaviour and how key stakeholders influence the performance‐disclosure relationship. Using a panel of 1,547 firms across 24 countries covering 2006–20, we find that firms with the most efficient technologies for reducing emissions tend to disclose their carbon impact, especially when they face more stringent environmental regulations. These high‐performing firms demonstrate a tendency for non‐disclosure when faced with intense shareholder and environmental activist pushback against pollution. Our findings also highlight the existence of a profitability penalty for transparent high‐efficiency firms relative to comparable firms that adopt strategic silence.
Synergism of ApoE4 and systemic infectious burden is mediated by the APOE‐NLRP3 axis in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Liu Xue‐Ting , Chen Xiu , Zhao Na , Geng Fan , Zhu Meng‐Meng , Ren Qing‐Guo
Published: July 2024

Background

Systemic infections are associated with the development of AD, especially in individuals carrying the APOE4 genotype. However, the detailed mechanism through which APOE4 affects microglia inflammatory response remains unclear.

Methods

We obtained human snRNA‐seq data from the Synapse AD Knowledge Portal and assessed the DEGs between APOE3 and APOE4 isoforms in microglia. To verify the interaction between ApoE and infectious products, we used ApoE to stimulate in vitro and in vivo models in the presence or absence of LPS (or ATP). The NLRP3 gene knockout experiment was performed to demonstrate whether the APOE‐NLRP3 axis was indispensable for microglia to regulate inflammation and mitochondrial autophagy. Results were evaluated by biochemical analyses and fluorescence imaging.

Results

Compared with APOE3, up‐regulated genes in APOE4 gene carriers were involved in pro‐inflammatory responses. ApoE4‐stimulation significantly increased the levels of NLRP3 inflammasomes and ROS in microglia. Moreover, compared with ApoE4 alone, the co‐incubation of ApoE4 with LPS (or ATP) markedly promoted pyroptosis. Both NF‐κB activation and mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction were contributed by the increased level of NLRP3 inflammasomes induced by ApoE4. Furthermore, the pathological impairment induced by ApoE4 could be reversed by NLRP3 KO.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the importance of NLRP3 inflammasomes in linking ApoE4 with microglia innate immune function. These findings not only provide a molecular basis for APOE4‐mediated neuroinflammatory but also reveal the potential reason for the increased risk of AD in APOE4 gene carriers after contracting infectious diseases.
Realizing the clinical utility of saliva for monitoring oral diseases
Authors: Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Hasturk Hatice , Huber Michaell , Gellibolian Robert , Markaryan Adam , Zhang Xiaohua D. , Miller Craig S.
Published: July 2024

In the era of personalized/precision health care, additional effort is being expended to understand the biology and molecular mechanisms of disease processes. How these mechanisms are affected by individual genetics, environmental exposures, and behavioral choices will encompass an expanding role in the future of optimally preventing and treating diseases. Considering saliva as an important biological fluid for analysis to inform oral disease detection/description continues to expand. This review provides an overview of saliva as a diagnostic fluid and the features of various biomarkers that have been reported. We emphasize the use of salivary biomarkers in periodontitis and transport the reader through extant literature, gaps in knowledge, and a structured approach toward validating and determine the utility of biomarkers in periodontitis. A summation of the findings support the likelihood that a panel of biomarkers including both host molecules and specific microorganisms will be required to most effectively identify risk for early transition to disease, ongoing disease activity, progression, and likelihood of response to standard periodontal therapy. The goals would be to develop predictive algorithms that serve as adjunctive diagnostic tools which provide the clinician and patient important information for making informed clinical decisions.
Association of genomic prediction for twin pregnancies with the incidence of double ovulation in primiparous dairy cows
Authors: Garcia‐Ispierto Irina , Pal Prasanna , Ganau Sergi , López‐Gatius Fernando
Published: July 2024

Twin pregnancies compromise the health and well‐being of dairy cattle. A recent genomic prediction model for twin pregnancies has been developed based on twin calving or abortion. However, the incidence of double ovulation is significantly higher than that of twin births. This study aimed to evaluate whether genomic prediction values for twin pregnancies are associated with the incidence of double ovulation in primiparous dairy cows. Factors influencing the double ovulation rate were analysed using binary logistic regression on 676 cows: 475 (70.3%) inseminated at spontaneous estrus and 201 following one of two different estrus synchronization protocols for fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI). The odds ratio for double ovulations was 0.92 (p = .002) per unit increase in prediction value and 2 (p = .01) for cows subjected to an FTAI protocol. Our findings suggest that genomic prediction values for twin pregnancies can effectively identify the risk of double ovulation at the herd level.