bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise interventions for the effect of endothelial function in hypertensive patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liang Chao , Song Zhenpeng , Yao XiaoZhi , Xiao Qian , Fu Hehui , Tang Lixu
Published: May 2024

Endothelial dysfunction is crucial factor to the hypertension occurrence, and controversy remains regarding the effect of exercise on improving endothelial function in hypertensive patients. The authors used meta‐analysis to evaluate the intervention effect of exercise on endothelial function in hypertensive patients and to investigate exercise protocols that may have a greater intervention effect. A total of 37 studies and a total of 2801 participants were included. The results were as follows: endogenous nitric oxide (NO)[SMD = .89, 95% CI (.48, 1.30), p < .0001], endothelin‐1 (ET‐1): [SMD = −.94, 95% CI (−1.15, −.73), p <. 0001], flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) [SMD = −.57, 95% CI (.36, .79), p < .000001]. In subgroup analysis, high‐intensity aerobic exercise, with a single exercise duration of 35–50 min, 3–4 times/week for a total of 10–12 weeks, had the largest amount of intervention effect on NO, and moderate‐intensity resistance exercise, with a single exercise duration of ≥60 min, 6 times/week for a total of 15–18 weeks, had the largest amount of intervention effect on ET‐1. In conclusion, exercise can improve NO levels, FDM levels, and reduce ET‐1 secretion of hypertension patients, thereby improve their endothelial function. The ideal intervention effect of improving NO level was more likely to be obtained by taking the exercise prescription of high‐intensity aerobic exercise with a single exercise duration of 35–50 min, 3–4 times/week for 10–12 weeks; the ideal intervention effect of improving ET‐1 was more likely to be obtained by taking the exercise prescription of oderate ‐intensity resistance exercise with a single exercise duration of ≥60 min, 6 times/week for 15–18 weeks.
Cutaneous melanoma in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Buja Alessandra , Rugge Massimo , Trevisiol Chiara , Zanovello Anna , Brazzale Alessandra Rosalba , Zorzi Manuel , Vecchiato Antonella , Del Fiore Paolo , Tropea Saveria , Chiarion‐Sileni Vanna , Rossi Carlo Riccardo , Mocellin Simone
Published: May 2024

Background

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) ranks among the five most common cancers in young people in high‐income countries and it features peculiar clinicopathological traits. Very few studies have addressed the quality of care and the costs for adolescents and young adults (AYA) population.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive epidemiological and clinicopathological profile of CMM in AYA. The study also addresses the cost‐of‐illness and the diagnostic‐therapeutic performance indicators by patient age category.

Methods

This population‐based cohort study included 2435 incident CMM (age range 15–65 years; age 15–39 = 394; age 40–65 = 2041), as recorded in 2015, 2017 and 2019 by the Regional Veneto Cancer Registry (Italy). Cramer's‐V tested the strength of association between pairs of variables. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to test the association between age and survival rate. The clinical performance indicators were computed using the Clopper–Pearson exact method.

Results

In AYA patients (16.2%), CMM incidence rates increased significantly from 1990 to 2019. Low‐stage CMM (p = 0.007), radial growth pattern (p = 0.026) and lower Clark levels (p = 0.007) prevailed; males had less advanced malignancies (p = 0.003), with the trunk as the most common primary site (67.5%); the lower limbs (32.6%) were the most common primary site for females (p < 0.001). Overall survival was better in AYA than adults. No significant difference was detected in the clinical management of the two age groups, with the only exception of the margin in wide local excision. The care costs were lower in AYA (€195.99 vs. €258.94, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

In AYA patients, the CMM clinicopathological presentation shows a distinctive profile. The present results provide critical information for optimizing primary and secondary prevention strategies and for tailoring diagnostic therapeutic procedures to the peculiar profile of AYA CMM patients.
A comparative evaluation of energetic and exergetic performance parameters in syrup purification and evaporation lines
Authors: Piri Ahmad , Fanaei Adel Rezvanivand , Rostampour Vahid
Published: May 2024

Considering the global challenges of environmental destruction, limited fossil reserves, and the reduction of the share of energy in the final price of the product, a detailed evaluation of energy‐intensive systems is needed to improve performance. The syrup heating process is one of the basic processes in sugar factories. In this study, the syrup heating system in the purification and evaporation lines, located in the Urmia sugar plant, was evaluated, analyzed, and compared with energy and exergy analysis. Also, the subsystems of the syrup heating process were evaluated with thermodynamic analysis. Mass, energy, and exergy balances were carried out by coding in EES software, and energetic and exergetic operational parameters were extracted. The heat loss rate and exergy destruction rate in the syrup heating system of the purification line were calculated as 121.29 and 404.36 kW, respectively, and in the syrup heating system of the evaporation line as 112.70 and 238.62 kW, respectively. The recovery potential rate was 134.99 kW for the purification line and 37.70 kW for the evaporation line. The stability index and exergy efficiency for the purification line were calculated as 3.03% and 67.01% for the purification line and 6.54% and 84.71% for the evaporation line. The results of the thermodynamic analysis showed that the syrup heating process in the purification line has weaker performance from the energetic and exergetic point of view, is accompanied by large losses, and imposes a greater environmental burden. Accordingly, it is suggested that the improvement of the syrup heating performance in the purification line should be prioritized for engineering optimization and redesign in sugar processing plants.

Practical applications

Monitoring the operational state of the systems and determining system losses are critical steps in food thermal processing. A practical and accurate method to evaluate the purification and evaporation lines is required to improve the thermal efficiency. According to exergy analyses, the performance of the syrup heating process in the purification line is low due to large losses and imposes a greater environmental burden. Therefore, the improvement of the syrup heating performance in the purification line should be prioritized for engineering optimization and redesign in sugar processing plants.
Minimum clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Son Jaemin , Kim Eun‐San , Lee Yoon Jae , Lee Nam‐Woo , Ha In‐Hyuk
Published: May 2024

Background

Research on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) responsiveness is scarce and limited regarding patients' representativeness.

Objective(s)

This study aimed to estimate minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) among a large and diverse patient population regarding sex and age.

Methods

In this study, 162 patients participated from five hospitals. MCID and SCB in pain, functional disability and quality of life were examined with anchor‐based methods. Patients' global impression of change was used as the anchor. Area under the curve (AUC) values were determined for testing accuracy. Changes from baseline and coefficient of variation by responsiveness status were calculated to explain the results of accuracy.

Results

SCB was estimated to be 2.18 for the numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain (AUC: 0.80 [95% CI: 0.72–0.88]) in all patients and 2.50 in women (AUC: 0.81 [95% CI: 0.71–0.89]). The estimated SCB of NRS for discomfort (1.50) and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale for mastication (1.35) had wide CIs for AUCs. Likewise, the estimated MCIDs of NRS for pain (0.80) and NRS for discomfort (1.50) had wide CIs for AUCs. Among non‐responders who did not achieve the MCID of NRS for pain, the coefficient of variation was very high for all outcomes other than the NRS for pain.

Conclusion

This study investigated the responsiveness of patients with TMD using a large and diverse patient sample. SCB in pain decrease can be used to assess the responsiveness of patients with TMD. Composite outcomes should be developed to estimate MCID.
Conceptualising TMD symptom burden in youths: Symptom duration, frequency, intensity and interference
Authors: Yap Adrian Ujin , Tan Sharon Hui Xuan
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to conceptualise Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptom burden and severity and explored their interrelationships with somatic symptoms and psychological distress.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a local polytechnic. The quintessential five TMD symptoms (5Ts) of the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (DC/TMD) were appraised and extended to evaluate the duration, frequency, intensity and interference of discrete TMD symptoms. Global TMD severity (GS) was computed by totaling the points for all TMD symptoms and dimensions. TMD (TS) and somatic symptom (SS) burden were assessed based on the Somatic Symptoms Scale‐8, while psychological distress was measured with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales‐21. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal–Wallis/Dunn tests and Spearman's correlation (α = .05).

Result

Of the 366 eligible participants (mean age 19.1 ± 2.3 years), 51.4% were 5Ts‐negative and 48.6% were 5Ts‐positive. Among the 5Ts‐positive individuals, 25.3%/64.0% were ‘bothered a little’ whereas 4.5%/10.7% were ‘bothered a lot’ by TMD pain/headache. Correspondingly, 32.6%/12.4%/5.1% were ‘bothered a little’ while 2.8%/2.8%/1.1% were ‘bothered a lot’ by TMJ sounds/closed/open locking.

TS burden was moderate‐to‐strongly correlated to aggregate symptom duration, frequency, intensity, interference, GS and SS burden (rs = .50–.88). While TS burden and GS were weakly associated with psychological distress (rs = .18–.36), SS burden was moderately related to depression, anxiety and stress (rs = .47–.53).

Conclusions

TS burden can serve as a proxy for global TMD severity and may be more meaningful than the mere presence of TMD symptoms in clinical and research settings.
Digital denture with mucostatic base and functional borders: A cast‐free digital technique
Authors: Lo Russo Lucio , Guida Laura , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Ercoli Carlo
Published: May 2024

Digital complete dentures fabricated using a mucostatic impression, like intraoral scans, are desirable for their beneficial effect on long‐term residual ridge stability but may have less retention than those fabricated with a mucocompressive impression. Border molding procedure may improve initial retention, thus favoring adaptation to new dentures, especially in cases where neuromuscular dysfunctions may diminish the patient's ability to cope with adapting to existing motor patterns or learn new ones. However, a mucocompressive impression may cause higher residual ridge resorption, thus resulting in a retention decrease over time. A desirable combination would be a digital denture with a mucostatic intaglio surface obtained from intraoral scans and functional borders. A cast‐free digital workflow for that is demonstrated in this technical report.
An in silico study to identify stress‐induced microRNAs and their targets from a mangrove Avicennia marina
Authors: Sharma Anjali , Datta Mousumi , Kundu Prajita , Nayak Aditi
Published: May 2024

Abiotic stresses encompass different environmental stimuli and constantly affect plant sustainability throughout their lifetime. Plants have developed several complex mechanisms to respond against these abiotic stresses. Studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) effectively reduce stress‐responsive genes that significantly help plants tolerate abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, temperature, and heavy metals. The regulation of such genes by miRNAs not only aids in plant growth and development but also controls physiological processes such as identifying floral organs, leaf morphogenesis, and root development. As per the information, miRNA plays an important role in stress regulation and regulates homeostasis in mangrove plants such as Rhizophore apiculata. Several modern technologies and approaches have been developed to determine these stress response miRNAs. The targeted genes of miRNAs are transcription factors that further control a set of down and upstream genes to affect physiological response. This paper explores the miRNAs found in a mangrove plant Avicennia marina. The plant contains many miRNAs and knowledge of miRNAs – their development, roles, functions, and target genes under abiotic stress conditions.
Glycogen synthesis prevents metabolic imbalance and disruption of photosynthetic electron transport from photosystem II during transition to photomixotrophy in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Ortega‐Martínez Pablo , Nikkanen Lauri , Wey Laura T. , Florencio Francisco J. , Allahverdiyeva Yagut , Díaz‐Troya Sandra
Published: May 2024

Some cyanobacteria can grow photoautotrophically or photomixotrophically by using simultaneously CO2 and glucose. The switch between these trophic modes and the role of glycogen, their main carbon storage macromolecule, was investigated.

We analysed the effect of glucose addition on the physiology, metabolic and photosynthetic state of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and mutants lacking phosphoglucomutase and ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase, with limitations in glycogen synthesis.

Glycogen acted as a metabolic buffer: glucose addition increased growth and glycogen reserves in the wild‐type (WT), but arrested growth in the glycogen synthesis mutants. Already 30 min after glucose addition, metabolites from the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle and the oxidative pentose phosphate shunt increased threefold more in the glycogen synthesis mutants than the WT. These alterations substantially affected the photosynthetic performance of the glycogen synthesis mutants, as O2 evolution and CO2 uptake were both impaired.

We conclude that glycogen synthesis is essential during transitions to photomixotrophy to avoid metabolic imbalance that induces inhibition of electron transfer from PSII and subsequently accumulation of reactive oxygen species, loss of PSII core proteins, and cell death. Our study lays foundations for optimising photomixotrophy‐based biotechnologies through understanding the coordination of the crosstalk between photosynthetic electron transport and metabolism.
The varied forms and functions of plasmodesmata
Authors: Burch‐Smith Tessa M.
Published: May 2024

This article is a Commentary on Tee & Faulkner (2024), 243: 32–47.
Gradual development of left bundle branch current of injury during left bundle branch pacing lead implantation
Authors: Iida Yoji , Inamura Junzo
Published: May 2024

A larger left bundle branch (LBB) potential or LBB current of injury (COI) indicates a low LBB capture threshold in LBB pacing. During LBB pacing in an 85‐year‐old woman, achieving a low LBB capture threshold did not initially present with a larger LBB potential or LBB COI, but rather with a new initial negative deflection in a ventricular electrogram. LBB COI gradually developed over 7 min thereafter, which suggested that the lead tip had reached the left ventricular subendocardium. Therefore, this negative deflection may be the first sign to avoid further lead rotation.
Abnormalities in juvenile‐to‐adult transition are associated with hybrid weakness in chili pepper (Capsicum)
Authors: Shiragaki Kumpei , Yokoi Shuji , Tezuka Takahiro
Published: May 2024

Weakness was observed in the F1 hybrids of crosses between Capsicum annuum × Capsicum chinense or C. annuum × Capsicum frutescens. This phenomenon is morphologically characterized by the cessation of new leaf development approximately 30 days after germination (DAG). We wondered why this phenomenon appeared in the middle of growth and studied the relationship between Capsicum hybrid weakness and the juvenile‐to‐adult (JA) phase transition. Traits that changed during the early vegetative phase in both parents were the petiole/leaf length ratio, number of leaf lateral veins and stomata, colour of epidermal cells in leaves stained with toluidine blue and expression of miR156 and miR172. Based on the changes observed during the early vegetative phase, C. annuum and C. chinense were transferred to the adult phase 28 DAG. However, the F1 hybrids did not show characteristics of the adult phase at any time point. Furthermore, the phenotypes of hybrid weakness were observed at approximately 35 DAG, when F1 hybrids were presumed to reach the JA transition phase. It has been suggested that the JA transition is involved in Capsicum hybrid weakness.
Working conditions, missed care and patient experience in home care nursing in Italy: An observational study
Authors: Bagnasco Annamaria , Alvaro Rosaria , Lancia Loreto , Manara Duilio Fiorenzo , Rasero Laura , Rocco Gennaro , Burgio Alessandra , Di Nitto Marco , Zanini Milko , Zega Maurizio , Cicolini Giancarlo , Sasso Loredana , Mazzoleni Beatrice
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The aging of the population requires an appropriate knowledge of the type of care that needs to be provided to inform healthcare policies. In Italy, neither home care nursing, nor the patient experiences have ever been described.

Objectives

To describe the characteristics of nurses and care recipients involved in home care.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study conducted in 18 Italian Regions. Between April and October 2023, data from nurses and patients involved in home care were collected through two surveys. Psychosocial conditions in workplaces, missed care, and care experiences were assessed using validated tools. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlations were performed.

Results

A total of 46 local healthcare units were included in this study, with a total of 2549 nurses and 4709 care recipients. Nurses (mean age 46.60; 79.48% female; 44.68% regional nursing diploma as the highest qualification) reported good working conditions (42.37; SD = 12.25; range = 0–100) and a high mean number of missed care activities (5.11; SD = 3.19; range 0–9). Most nurses (83.41%) reported high levels of job satisfaction, while 20.28% intended to leave their job. Patients (mean age 75.18; 57.57% female; 36.95% primary school), on the other hand, rated positively the care they had received (8.23; range = 0–10).

Conclusions

Despite the perception of critical issues at work and some missed care, satisfaction in nurses and patients was high. These data constitute a preliminary snapshot of the studied phenomena, which will be investigated through more in‐depth analyses.
Beyond retributive and restorative justice: In search of mercy with Jordan's Bedouin
Authors: Hughes Geoffrey
Published: May 2024

Popular debates about criminal justice reform often pose restorative justice as a humane (if utopian) alternative to retributive justice. Drawing on fieldwork with Jordan's Bedouin, I offer an unvarnished account of a longstanding and still‐vibrant tradition of restorative justice that also includes violent and punitive elements. While acknowledging how Bedouin justice can fail women, the poor and the poorly connected, I highlight how Bedouin justice also cultivates mercy as a social good, transforming enmity into forgiveness (if not friendship) and encouraging perpetrators to materially compensate victims. I conclude by considering how contemporary Jordanian practices of mercy might inform efforts to escape from the seeming inevitability of mass incarceration in modern society.
The power of WHO epistemic communities: The “tobacco epidemic” as construct
Authors: Hoffmann Marta
Published: May 2024

The aim of this article is to present the idea that the tobacco epidemic, included in the World Health Organization's (WHO) documents, may have contributed to the success of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The tobacco epidemic as a construct was present in internal and official WHO documentation as well as in scientific publications of the tobacco control‐oriented scientists who constituted the anti‐tobacco epistemic community. Using a qualitative approach, I analyzed three sets of texts to describe the features of the tobacco epidemic and how it may have contributed to the success of the FCTC. The methodology of the analysis was based on the sociological concept of medicalization. I argue that by virtue of medicalized framing in the case of the FCTC, the WHO was able to influence the debate on tobacco control.

Related Articles

Luján José, Luis. 2023. “Evidence‐Based Policies: Lessons from Regulatory Science.” Politics & Policy 51(4): 524–37. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12543.

Newman, Joshua. 2019. “The Role of Uncertainty in Regulating E‐Cigarettes: The Emergence of a Regulatory Regime, 2005‐15.” Politics & Policy 47(2): 407–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12294.

Roberts, Alex N. 2023. “The Scientization of Public Policy and Politics: A New Approach to Conceptualizing and Identifying the Phenomenon.” Politics & Policy 51(5): 726–54. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12548.
Prison radicalization: A persisting threat for Bangladesh
Authors: Mostofa Shafi Md
Published: May 2024

Prison radicalization poses a significant and evolving threat in Bangladesh's correctional facilities. This research article delves into the conditions fostering radicalization, including corruption, overcrowding, violence, and the lack of essential amenities. Drawing on extensive analysis of secondary data and expert interviews, this article argues that these conducive conditions have transformed Bangladeshi prisons into breeding grounds for radical ideologies, allowing militants to establish networks and plan attacks within and beyond prison confines. This article also points out the transformation of prisoners, even those with minimal radical tendencies, into militant leaders, along with the shift of non‐radical individuals toward extremism. Moreover, it underscores the lack of de‐radicalization programs within the current prison system as a crucial gap in countering this escalating issue. Furthermore, the research identifies societal denial, limited post‐release opportunities, and mistreatment by security forces as factors exacerbating radicalization post‐incarceration. As such, this study emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address prison radicalization.

Related Articles

Awan, Imran. 2012. “‘I Am a Muslim Not an Extremist’: How the Prevent Strategy Has Constructed a ‘Suspect’ Community.” Politics & Policy 40(6): 1158–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00397.x.

Heinmiller, B. Timothy, Matthew A. Hennigar, and Sandra Kopec. 2017. “Degenerative Politics and Youth Criminal Justice Policy in Canada.” Politics & Policy 45(3): 406–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12204.

Spalek, Basia. 2010. “Community Policing, Trust, and Muslim Communities in Relation to ‘New Terrorism.’” Politics & Policy 38(4): 789–815. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00258.x.
Trump Voters' social position in U.S. Society: Uniqueness and radical‐right support
Authors: Versteegen Peter Luca
Published: May 2024

Previous research portrays radical‐right voters as economically, geographically, or politically marginalized. However, it seems implausible that these self‐perceived ordinary people—often overrepresenting historically powerful majorities (Whites, men, Christians)—are also socially marginalized. In the present article, I theorize why they may still feel socially excluded: Optimal distinctiveness research posits that individuals feel included in society if they experience (1) belonging to it and (2) uniqueness within it (i.e., feel their background is recognized). I argue that historical power and self‐perceived ordinariness satisfy most majority members' belonging need, but recent diversification and liberalization leave their uniqueness need unsatisfied. Indeed, cluster analyses of American National Election Studies (ANES) data show that a substantial share of majority members experiences firm belonging to society but lacks uniqueness therein. This group is more likely to support Trump than individuals whose needs are satisfied. This article contributes a social‐inclusion perspective on radical‐right voters' position in society.
Guilt, shame, and antiwar action in an authoritarian country at war
Authors: Grigoryan Lusine , Ponizovskiy Vladimir , Weißflog Marie Isabelle , Osin Evgeny , Lickel Brian
Published: May 2024

Feeling guilt and shame for the harm done to others by the ingroup can facilitate intergroup reconciliation. Most of the studies showing this effect are conducted in democratic countries and on historical, not current, conflicts. We investigated the role of group‐based guilt and shame in collective action in an authoritarian country at war. We asked more than 1000 Russians living in Russia, in a sample representative of the country's population by gender and age, about their experiences of group‐based guilt and shame regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine and their past and future antiwar political actions. We tested whether political efficacy is necessary for experiencing group‐based guilt and shame, and whether these emotions are predictive of antiwar action over and above other emotions and attitudes. Democratic values, not political efficacy, were the most robust predictor of group‐based guilt and shame. Only moral shame, but not image shame or guilt, predicted past and future antiwar action. Whereas attitude towards the war and moral shame predicted engagement in antiwar action (vs none), other negative dominant emotions like anger predicted the degree of this engagement. We highlight the gaps in the study of collective action and the need for more evidence from nondemocratic contexts.
Transcriptome analysis reveals important regulatory factors for condensed tannins synthesis in acorn
Authors: Wu Liwen , Xiong Shifa , Chen Yicun , Wang Yangdong
Published: May 2024

Condensed tannins are widely present in the fruits and seeds of plants and effectively prevent them from being eaten by animals before maturity due to their astringent taste. In addition, condensed tannins are a natural compound with strong antioxidant properties and significant antibacterial effects. Four samples of mature and near‐mature Quercus fabri acorns, with the highest and lowest condensed tannin content, were used for genome‐based transcriptome sequencing. The KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were highly enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism. Given that the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway is a crucial step in the synthesis of condensed tannins, we screened for significantly differentially expressed transcription factors and structural genes from the transcriptome data of this pathway and found that the expression levels of four MADS‐box, PAL, and 4CL genes were significantly increased in acorns with high condensed tannin content. The quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) experiment further validated this result. In addition, yeast one‐hybrid assay confirmed that three MADS‐box transcription factors could bind the promoter of the 4CL gene, thereby regulating gene expression levels. This study utilized transcriptome sequencing to discover new important regulatory factors that can regulate the synthesis of acorn condensed tannins, providing new evidence for MADS‐box transcription factors to regulate the synthesis of secondary metabolites in fruits.
The evaluation of the effectiveness of conventional and pulsating toothbrushes on the oral health of healthy and mentally disabled pediatric patients
Authors: Ballı Akgöl Beyza , Ulukapı Işın
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Children, especially the mentally disabled, are generally incapable of obtaining adequate oral hygiene levels by manual brushing due to their lack of knowledge about oral hygiene and their limited motor skills. In order to handle those limited skills, different designs of manual and electric toothbrushes are developed and put on markets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsating toothbrushes with easy‐to‐use properties, against conventional toothbrushes and to analyze their benefits on mentally disabled pediatric patients.

Methods

Thirty‐one healthy and 31 mentally disabled children (aged between 7 and 12) participated in this study. The effectiveness of three different toothbrushes (Oral‐B Pulsar, Colgate 360° Micro Sonic Power, Oral‐B Stages 3) was investigated with a cross‐over study design. DMFT, dft, modified sulcus bleeding index (MOD‐SBI), approximal plaque index (API) and Green and Vermillion simplified oral hygiene index (G&V OHI‐S) measurements are performed to evaluate the oral hygiene status.

Results

In the mentally disabled group the manual toothbrush for MOD‐SBI, and Colgate 360° Micro Sonic Power for API showed the best results respectively.

Conclusion

The ability of tooth brushing was improved both in healthy and in disabled children during this 5 months study. Unfortunately, it was not obvious in disabled children. Persevering training for tooth brushing might be the most important regardless of the kind of toothbrush.
Assessing changes in soil organic carbon stocks and vulnerability to land degradation in Western Ghats, South India: Is it restorative enough?
Authors: Kavukattu Sreekumar Karthika , Anil Kumar Kokkuvayil Sankaranarayanan , Madhusoodanan Nair Krishna Pillai , Beeman Kalaiselvi , Manickam Lalitha , Sreekumar Parvathy , Ramamurthy Venkataramanappa
Published: May 2024

Soil organic carbon stock is an important universal land degradation indicator. Owing to the depletion in soil nutrients, the pace of land degradation has increased in the Western Ghats of South India. To understand the changes in surface and subsurface soil organic carbon stocks and vulnerability to land degradation upon land use change, a study was carried out along the natural forest and coffee plantation ecosystems of Western Ghats in South India. The study sites were located in Chikmagaluru of Karnataka and Wayanad and Idukki districts of Kerala. Soil organic carbon stocks (SOC) at the surface (0–30 cm) were higher, 9.10 t C ha−1 and 7.49 k t C ha−1 in forest soils of Chikmagaluru and Idukki, respectively, and the subsurface (30–100 cm) SOC stocks were higher in the coffee plantation ecosystems, 9.11, 9.87, and 8.41 t C ha−1, respectively, in Chikmagaluru, Wayanad, and Idukki. Vulnerability analysis revealed that Chikmagaluru forest (0.57) and coffee (0.51), Wayanad forest (0.58) and coffee (0.55) land uses were low, and both the land uses in Idukki were medium in the status of land degradation with scores of 0.65 and 0.60, respectively, in forest and coffee ecosystems. The difference in the status of land degradation was mainly because of changes in soil reaction, surface, and subsurface SOC stock. An increase in soil pH, CEC, and available nutrients upon conversion to coffee plantation along with increased subsurface carbon storage have confirmed the restorative properties of coffee land use even after conversion from natural forests.
Comparative transcriptomics of seed nourishing tissues: uncovering conserved and divergent pathways in seed plants
Authors: Florez‐Rueda Ana Marcela , Miguel Célia M. , Figueiredo Duarte D.
Published: May 2024

The evolutionary and ecological success of spermatophytes is intrinsically linked to the seed habit, which provides a protective environment for the initial development of the new generation. This environment includes an ephemeral nourishing tissue that supports embryo growth. In gymnosperms this tissue originates from the asexual proliferation of the maternal megagametophyte, while in angiosperms it is a product of fertilization, and is called the endosperm. The emergence of these nourishing tissues is of profound evolutionary value, and they are also food staples for most of the world's population. Here, using Orthofinder to infer orthologue genes among newly generated and previously published datasets, we provide a comparative transcriptomic analysis of seed nourishing tissues from species of several angiosperm clades, including those of early diverging lineages, as well as of one gymnosperm. Our results show that, although the structure and composition of seed nourishing tissues has seen significant divergence along evolution, there are signatures that are conserved throughout the phylogeny. Conversely, we identified processes that are specific to species within the clades studied, and thus illustrate their functional divergence. With this, we aimed to provide a foundation for future studies on the evolutionary history of seed nourishing structures, as well as a resource for gene discovery in future functional studies.
Adverse effects of therapeutic phlebotomies: Prospective study of 587 procedures
Authors: Romón Iñigo , Domíguez‐García Juan , Fernández Carlos , Carretón Marisa , Martínez Noelia , Calzada Laura , Cortés Miguel A. , Mendez Gala A. , Gorostidi Irene , Briz Montserrat , Ocio Enrique
Published: May 2024

Background

Therapeutic phlebotomy (TP), a widely used medical procedure, can be performed on diverse patients with iron overload or polyglobulia. However, its adverse events are not well known as most of the information on phlebotomy is derived from healthy blood donors (0.1%–5.3%). In contrast, TP is applicable to a broader, more complex population with comorbidities and old age. To ascertain the incidence of adverse events in phlebotomies, we conducted a prospective study on patients who attended our Unit.

Study Design and Methods

We prospectively gathered data from patients referred to our Unit for TP. Data regarding demographics, health status, and adverse events within at least 24 h of phlebotomy were gathered via a structured questionnaire during each visit.

Results

Between August 2021 and September 2022, 189 patients underwent 587 procedures. Most patients were men, over 60 (57.3%) had comorbidities, and 93% underwent at least two procedures during the study period. Twenty patients (10.8%) presented 25 adverse events (4.3% of phlebotomies), usually vasovagal reactions, none of which were clinically relevant, and all were managed by nursing staff on site, with full patient recovery.

Discussion

The rate of adverse events (<5%) in patients undergoing TP was low and comparable to that seen in healthy blood donors. Consequently, even old patients and those with some comorbidities can safely undergo TP when the process is carefully managed.
Successful treatment of bifenthrin toxicosis using therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Fitzgerald Alyson H. , Davies Rebecca K. , Zhang Yuntao , Ensley Steve , Fritz Scott
Published: May 2024

Objective

To describe a case of bifenthrin toxicosis in a dog with a successful outcome following the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and intralipid therapy.

Case Summary

An 8‐month‐old female neutered poodle mix dog ingested an unknown amount of powered bifenthrin, which resulted in acutely altered mentation, cranial nerve deficits, and intractable tremors that persisted in severity despite aggressive medical management to include intravenous fluids, intravenous lipid emulsion, anticonvulsant medications, and methocarbamol. TPE was initiated after lack of significant clinical improvement 12 hours after initial presentation. The dog underwent cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) following approximately 1 plasma volume equivalent exchange. The dog was successfully resuscitated and showed marked improvement 12 hours postarrest and post‐TPE treatment. Serum bifenthrin concentrations were analyzed prior to TPE (445.38 ng/mL) and ∼10 hours after TPE (51.18 ng/mL), which resulted in an 89% reduction in serum bifenthrin concentration.

New Information

TPE may be a promising adjunctive therapeutic modality for bifenthrin toxicosis in dogs.
Evaluation of photoactivated chromophore for keratitis–corneal cross‐linking (PACK‐CXL) in feline infectious keratitis—patient demographics, treatment protocols, risk factors, and treatment outcome: a retrospective study
Authors: Shukla Angelie K. , Kowalska Malwina E. , Arteaga Kevin , Crasta Manuela , Dixon Christopher , Famose Frank , Hartnack Sonja , Pot Simon Anton
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To describe patient demographics and treatment protocols in a population of feline patients undergoing photoactivated chromophore for keratitis–corneal cross‐linking (PACK–CXL) as an adjunctive treatment for infectious keratitis. Furthermore, to determine the proportion of PACK–CXL treatment success in the population studied, explore risk factors for treatment failure, and provide recommendations for future PACK–CXL clinical studies.

Materials and Methods

Records from four veterinary ophthalmology practices were reviewed to identify eligible patients and extract data. Recorded variables included patient‐related factors, ocular examination findings, PACK‐CXL protocol parameters, and treatment outcome.

Results

Records for 153 cats (154 eyes) were included. Median age in the treatment success group was 8 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4–12), with a median ulcer depth of 30% (IQR 30–40). Median age in the treatment failure group was 10.5 years (IQR 4.75–12) with a median ulcer depth of 45.9% (IQR 30–75). Persian cats were the most represented brachycephalic breed (52 out of 64 cats). Modified PACK–CXL protocols were used, including fast energy delivery (134 eyes), and increased fluence (52 eyes). The overall proportion of success was 88% (95% CI 84–93), which was variable between clinics. Eighty‐two of 89 mesocephalic cat eyes (92%), and 54 of 65 brachycephalic cat eyes (83%) were classified as treatment successes.

Conclusions

PACK–CXL appeared to be a useful, adjunctive therapeutic modality for the treatment of infectious keratitis in the feline patient population presented here. Brachycephalic cats, older cats, and those with deeper ulcers may be at increased risk for treatment failure.
Computed tomographic characteristics of testicular teratoma in a cat
Authors: Nagumo Takahiro , Yoshii Rika , Uzuka Yuji , Hoshino Yuki , Nakata Kohei , Katayama Masaaki , Yamasaki Masahiro
Published: May 2024

A 5‐year‐old intact male mixed‐breed cat weighing 4.5 kg was referred to our hospital with a left testicular mass. CT revealed mild heterogeneous contrast enhancement and calcification in the testicular mass. A well‐defined, contrast‐enhancing, multiloculated mass with fluid‐filled areas was extended from the testicular mass in the scrotum to the caudal aspect of the left kidney. The abdominal mass extended to the right crus of the diaphragm, and the gastrointestinal tract was compressed dorsally. Histopathology was consistent with teratoma. Characteristic CT findings in a feline testicular teratoma may include calcification and cystic areas.
Analytical Properties and Numerical Preservation of an Age-Group Susceptible-Infected-Recovered Model: Application to the Diffusion of Information
Authors: Cardone Angelamaria , de Alba Patricia Diaz , Paternoster Beatrice
Published: May 2024

This paper analyzes an age-group susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model. Theoretical results concerning the conservation of the total population, the positivity of the analytical solution, and the final size of the epidemic are derived. Since the model is a nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), a numerical approximation is considered, based on Standard and non-Standard Finite Difference methods, and on a Modified Patankar-Runge–Kutta (MPRK) method. The numerical preservation of the qualitative properties of the analytical solution is studied. The obtained results are applied to the diffusion of information in social networks, and the effectiveness of the different numerical approaches is shown through several numerical tests on real data.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Single-Phase Liquid Cooling for Heterogeneous Integration Multichip Module
Authors: Gharaibeh Ahmad R. , Soud Qusai , Manaserh Yaman , Tradat Mohammad , Sammakia Bahgat
Published: May 2024

The variety of new electronic packaging technologies has grown significantly over the last 20 years as a result of market demands for higher device performance at lower costs and in less space. Those demands have pushed for heterogeneous packaging, where computer chips with different stack heights are closely packed, creating nonuniform heat flux and temperature and additional challenges for thermal management. Without implementing an appropriate thermal management strategy for heterogeneous packages, large temperature gradients can be observed within the package, which would increase the thermal stresses on the chip and raise reliability issues. To mimic this real-life scenario of such packaging, an experimental setup was designed and built. The design of the new experimental setup consists of four identical 1.2 cm × 1.2 cm ceramic heaters, each of which is connected to a separate power supply and can reach a heat flux of 140 W/cm2. Accordingly, this mock package is capable of delivering different power levels to mimic different multicore microprocessor conditions. To give the heater the ability to move precisely in the x-, y-, and z-directions, each heater is mounted to an XYZ linear stage. Deionized water (DI) was used as the working fluid, and a pin-fin heat sink was used to run the initial steady-state tests on the experimental rig. The tests showed how different flow rates at a constant fluid temperature and input power affect the temperatures of the heaters and the thermohydraulic performance of the heat sink. In addition, a three-dimensional numerical model has been developed and validated with experimental data in terms of heat sink pressure drop and the temperatures of the heaters.
The Problem With National Institute of Standards and Technology Thermodynamics Tables in Continuum Mechanics
Authors: Ateshian Gerard A. , Shim Jay J. , Kepecs Raphael J. , Narayanaswamy Arvind , Weiss Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2024

Thermodynamics is a fundamental topic of continuum mechanics and biomechanics, with a wide range of applications to physiological and biological processes. This study addresses two fundamental limitations of current thermodynamic treatments. First, thermodynamics tables distributed online by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) report properties of fluids as a function of absolute temperature T and absolute pressure P. These properties include mass density ρ, specific internal energy u, enthalpy h=u+P/ρ, and entropy s. However, formulations of jump conditions across phase boundaries derived from Newton's second law of motion and the first law of thermodynamics employ the gauge pressure p=P−Pr, where Pr is an arbitrarily selected referential absolute pressure. Interchanging p with P is not innocuous as it alters tabulated NIST values for u while keeping h and s unchanged. Using p for functions of state and governing equations solves the problem with using NIST entries for the specific internal energy u in standard thermodynamics tables and analyses of phase transformation in continuum mechanics. Second, constitutive models for the free energy of fluids, such as water and air, are not typically provided in standard thermodynamics treatments. This study proposes a set of constitutive models and validates them against suitably modified NIST data.
A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Modeling Approach to the Inverse Heat Conduction Problem
Authors: Olabiyi Ridwan , Pandey Hari , Hu Han , Iquebal Ashif
Published: May 2024

This study introduces a Bayesian spatiotemporal modeling approach to solve inverse heat conduction problems (IHCPs), employing penalized splines within a spatiotemporal forward model. The complexity and ill-posed nature of IHCPs, characterized by potential nonexistence, nonuniqueness, or instability of solutions, pose significant challenges for traditional methods. Addressing this, our study presents a spatiotemporal forward model that incorporates spatial, temporal, and interaction terms, accurately capturing the intricate dynamics inherent in IHCPs and using this information as a leverage to solve the inverse problem. We adopted a Bayesian inference framework for the subsequent parameter estimation problem and developed a Gibbs sampling algorithm to sample from the posterior distribution of the model's parameters, enhancing the estimation process. Through case studies on a one-dimensional (1D) heat simulation and a pool boiling experiment using multisensor thermocouple data for heat flux reconstruction, we demonstrate the model's superiority over traditional methods. The inclusion of the spatiotemporal interaction term significantly enhances model performance, indicating its potential for broader application in solving IHCPs. The application of this method in both simulated and real-world scenarios highlights its effectiveness in capturing the spatiotemporal complexities of IHCPs. This work contributes to the field by offering a robust methodology for addressing the spatial and temporal complexities inherent in IHCPs, supported by a comprehensive Bayesian inference framework and the use of a Gibbs sampling algorithm for parameter estimation.
Genetic Algorithm as the Solution of Non-Linear Inverse Heat Conduction Problems: A Novel Sequential Approach
Authors: Allard Dominic , Najafi Hamidreza
Published: May 2024

Direct measurement of surface heat flux could be extremely challenging, if not impossible, in numerous applications. In such cases, the use of temperature measurement data from subsurface locations can facilitate the determination of surface heat flux and temperature through the solution of the inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP). Several different techniques have been developed over the years for solving IHCPs, with different levels of complexity and accuracy. The filter coefficient technique has proved to be a promising approach for solving IHCPs. Inspired by the filter coefficient approach, a novel method is presented in this paper for solving one-dimensional IHCPs in a domain with temperature-dependent material properties. A test case is developed in COMSOL Multiphysics where the front side of a slab is subject to known transient heat flux and the temperature distributions within the domain are calculated through numerical simulation. The IHCP solution in the form of filter coefficients is defined and a genetic algorithm (GA) is used for the calculation of filter matrix. The number of significant filter coefficients required to evaluate surface heat flux at each time-step is determined through trial and error and the optimal number is selected for evaluating the solution. The structure of the filter matrix is assessed and discussed. The resulting filter coefficients are then used to evaluate the surface heat flux for several different test cases and the performance of the proposed approach is assessed in detail. The results showed that the presented approach is robust and can result in finding optimal filter coefficients that can accurately estimate various types of surface heat flux profiles using temperature data from a limited number of time steps and in a near real-time fashion.