bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gamification as a tool to teach key concepts in microbiology to bachelor students in biology: a case-study using microbial interactions and soil functioning
Authors: Estoppey Aislinn , Tinguely Camille , Cravero Melissa , Blandenier Estelle , Brand Lucie , Court Julien , Zaninetti Marie , Bindschedler Saskia , Junier Pilar
Published: November 2023

Microbiology is a difficult topic to teach given that the objects of study are mostly invisible to the learner. The majority of university students beginning their training in biology are more interested in natural objects that can be seen with the naked eye. Nonetheless, microorganisms are key components of the biosphere and a good microbiological background is required for a thorough training in natural sciences. Lecturing is still a common teaching format in universities. However, it is a passive learning format that is no longer considered the most adequate approach in most teaching situations. Instead, alternatives consisting of more active teaching formats have been recognized to better motivate students to acquire and consolidate knowledge. In addition, other transferable skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, and time management, are acquired simultaneously. A similar engagement can be obtained using games as part of the teaching experience. In this study, we designed a card game to teach key concepts in basic bacteriology and mycology to bachelor level students. The first task consists of creating and designing microbial characters based on a list of species. This proved very useful for second-year bachelor students to learn concepts such as cell morphologies, taxonomy, and life cycles. In the second task, third-year students used the characters created in the second-year class to develop a game based on an ecological function, namely forest litter degradation. In addition, they also considered experimental validation of the microbial activities and incorporated knowledge acquired in other fields.
Neutralization of African enterovirus A71 genogroups by antibodies to canonical genogroups
Authors: Volle Romain , Luo Lingjie , Razafindratsimandresy Richter , Sadeuh-Mba Serge Alain , Gouandjika-Valisache Ionela , Horwood Paul , Duong Veasna , Buchy Philippe , Joffret Marie-Line , Huang Zhong , Duizer Erwin , Martin Javier , Chakrabarti Lisa A. , Dussart Philippe , Jouvenet Nolwenn , Delpeyroux Francis , Bessaud Maël
Published: November 2023

Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) is a major public health problem, causing a range of illnesses from hand-foot-and-mouth disease to severe neurological manifestations. EV-A71 strains have been phylogenetically classified into eight genogroups (A to H), based on their capsid-coding genomic region. Genogroups B and C have caused large outbreaks worldwide and represent the two canonical circulating EV-A71 subtypes. Little is known about the antigenic diversity of new genogroups as compared to the canonical ones. Here, we compared the antigenic features of EV-A71 strains that belong to the canonical B and C genogroups and to genogroups E and F, which circulate in Africa. Analysis of the peptide sequences of EV-A71 strains belonging to different genogroups revealed a high level of conservation of the capsid residues involved in known linear and conformational neutralization antigenic sites. Using a published crystal structure of the EV-A71 capsid as a model, we found that most of the residues that are seemingly specific to some genogroups were mapped outside known antigenic sites or external loops. These observations suggest a cross-neutralization activity of anti-genogroup B or C antibodies against strains of genogroups E and F. Neutralization assays were performed with diverse rabbit and mouse anti-EV-A71 sera, anti-EV-A71 human standards and a monoclonal neutralizing antibody. All the batches of antibodies that were tested successfully neutralized all available isolates, indicating an overall broad cross-neutralization between the canonical genogroups B and C and genogroups E and F. A panel constituted of more than 80 individual human serum samples from Cambodia with neutralizing antibodies against EV-A71 subgenogroup C4 showed quite similar cross-neutralization activities between isolates of genogroups C4, E and F. Our results thus indicate that the genetic drift underlying the separation of EV-A71 strains into genogroups A, B, C, E and F does not correlate with the emergence of antigenically distinct variants.
Unexpected contribution to the prevailing trend of positive results for 40 Hz light flicker
Authors: Carstensen M. , Pedersen J. T. , Carstensen J.
Published: November 2023

This comment addresses the potential influence of sample size on the conclusions drawn from a study investigating the beneficial effects of neuropathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). By examining the existing literature and employing statistical reasoning, we argue that an increase in sample size by factor of 2-4 would have led the authors to arrive at a different conclusion. Contrary to expectations, their findings unexpectedly contribute to the prevailing trend of positive results regarding the advantageous impacts of neuropathology in AD, with nine out of ten of their immunohistochemistry experiments showing a consistent ∼30 % reduction of amyloid plaque. We demonstrate that the quantity and quality of the data presented by Soula et al. 2023 do not support the paper’s conclusions on amyloid neuropathology. Based on a thorough statistical analysis of the available data, we therefore submit that given a larger sample size, the conclusion would have been positive towards possible improvements in neuropathology.
Identification and functional analysis of eRNA markers for hepatocellular carcinoma based on high-throughput data
Authors: Chen Zhengxin , Chen Jiaqi , Zhang Ruijie , Zhu Yuxi , Feng Dehua , Han Huirui , Li Tianyi , Liu Xinying , Wang Xuefeng , Wang Zhenzhen , Wang Hongjiu , Wang Limei , Li Bing , Li Jin
Published: November 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of liver cancer with a high mortality rate. enhancer RNA (eRNA) has been proved to play an important role in cancer progress and development. However, the eRNA studies in HCC are still limited. In this study, we attempted to identify some eRNA biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and analyzed their biological function. First, we identified three eRNA biomarkers (CAP2e, COLEC10e, and MARCOe), which were significant differentially expressed between tumor and normal tissues in 115 HCC patients across three datasets. CAP2e demonstrated upregulation in tumors while COLEC10e and MARCOe were downregulated. These results could be validated in TCGA-LIHC data. There were significant positive correlations between the expression of these eRNAs and their host genes. Then, functional enrichment analysis of protein-coding genes associated with the eRNA biomarkers revealed their involvement in cancer-related pathways. MARCOe was suggested to be a potential target for therapeutic drugs in HCC by a drug related study. The next, survival analysis demonstrated significant prognostic values of these eRNAs in prediction of overall survival. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a positive correlation between MARCOe expression and immune cell infiltration level. Finally, we found similar expression patterns of these eRNA biomarkers in other cancers, such as cholangiocarcinoma, through a pan-cancer comparison. CAP2e and COLEC10e in HCC were validated by other studies. However, the studies about MARCOe in HCC were limited. In conclusion, as best as our knowledge, it is the first time to identify three eRNA biomarkers for HCC diagnosis. These biomarkers are proved to be involved in HCC progress and development, have prognosis prediction values, and are potential to be therapeutic targets.
A bibliometrics analysis about male prepuce with Machine Learning
Authors: Lan Bibo , Nian Mengling , Liu Qian , Cai Xinyi
Published: November 2023

Limited research has been conducted on the male prepuce. Despite its ana-tomical complexity and role as an erogenous structure that interacts with adjacent penile structures, there is a dearth of information on this topic. To address this gap, this study employs bibliometric analysis to identify primary research areas and trends related to the male prepuce over the past two decades. A systematic search was performed on the Web of Science core collection to identify publications related to the male prepuce that were published between 2003 and 2022. Following this, bibliometric analysis and visualization were conducted utilizing the bibliometrix R package, the text2vec R package, Citespace, and VOSviewer software. This study presents a novel compilation and review of the authors, country, institutions, journals, and keywords pertaining to the male prepuce in the literature. The scarcity of adult and child prepuce pathologies, likely due to the prevalence of circumcision in many societies, may have hindered previous recognition of the academic significance of this anatomical feature. Through bibliometric analysis, this study investigates research trends and highlights current areas of interest, as well as identifying the most prolific authors, countries, institutions, and journals in this field.
Prognostic impact and causality of age on oncological outcomes in women with endometrial cancer: a multimethod analysis of the randomised PORTEC-1, -2 and -3 trials
Authors: Wakkerman Famke , Wu Jiqing , Putter Hein , Jürgenliemk-Schulz Ina M. , Jobsen Jan J , Lutgens Ludy C.H.W. , Haverkort Marie A.D. , de Jong Marianne , Mens Jan Willem M. , Wortman Bastiaan G. , Nout Remi A. , Léon-Castillo Alicia , Powell Melanie E. , Mileshkin Linda R. , Katsaros Dionyssios , Alfieri Joanne , Leary Alexandra , Singh Naveena , de Boer Stephanie M. , Nijman Hans W. , Smit Vincent T.H.B.M. , Bosse Tjalling , Koelzer Viktor H. , Creutzberg Carien L. , Horeweg Nanda
Published: November 2023

Background

Numerous studies have shown that elderly women with endometrial cancer (EC) have a higher risk of recurrence and cancer-related death. It is, however, unclear whether aging is a causal prognostic factor, or whether other risk factors become increasingly common with age. We address to this with a unique multi-method study design using state of the art statistical and causal inference techniques on datasets of three large randomised trials.

Methods

Data of 1801 women participating in the randomised PORTEC-1, -2 and -3 trials were used for statistical analyses and causal inference. The cohort included 714 patients with intermediate-risk EC, 427 high-intermediate risk EC patients and 660 high-risk EC patients. Associations of age with clinicopathological and molecular features were analysed using non-parametric tests. Multivariable competing risk analyses were performed to determine the independent prognostic value of age. To analyse age as a causal prognostic variable a deep learning Causal Inference model called AutoCI was used.

Findings

Median follow-up was 12·3 years for PORTEC-1, 10·5 years for PORTEC-2 and 6·1 years for PORTEC-3. Both overall recurrence and EC-specific deaths significantly increased with age. Moreover, elderly women had a higher incidence of deep myometrial invasion, serous tumour histology and p53abn tumours. Age was an independent risk factor for both overall recurrence (HR 1·02 per year, 95%CI 1·01-1·04; p=0·0012) and EC-specific death (HR 1·03 per year, 95%CI 1·01-1·05; p=0·0012), and was identified as a significant causal variable.

Interpretation

This study shows that advanced age is associated with more aggressive tumour features, and independently and causally related to worse oncological outcomes. Therefore, treatment for endometrial cancer in elderly women should not be de-escalated based on their age alone.

Funding

The PORTEC-1, -2 and -3 trials and the associated translational studies are supported by the Dutch Cancer Society.
Reorganization of lamina-associated domains in early mouse embryos is regulated by RNA polymerase II activity
Authors: Pal Mrinmoy , Altamirano-Pacheco Luis , Schauer Tamas , Torres-Padilla Maria-Elena
Published: November 2023

Fertilization in mammals is accompanied by an intense period of chromatin remodeling and major changes in nuclear organization. How the earliest events in embryogenesis, including zygotic genome activation (ZGA) during maternal-to-zygotic transition, influence such remodeling remains unknown. Here, we have investigated the establishment of nuclear architecture, focusing on the remodeling of lamina-associated domains (LADs) during this transition. We report that LADs reorganize gradually in two-cell embryos and that blocking ZGA leads to major changes in nuclear organization, including altered chromatin and genomic features of LADs and redistribution of H3K4me3 toward the nuclear lamina. Our data indicate that the rearrangement of LADs is an integral component of the maternal-to-zygotic transition and that transcription contributes to shaping nuclear organization at the beginning of mammalian development.
“I have to be always on” – managerial role and experience of work-life balance and regeneration practices during remote work
Authors: Mikołajczyk Katarzyna , Molek-Winiarska Dorota , Kleszewski Emily
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The main aims of the paper were to explore the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in shaping the work-life balance of managers working remotely and to identify individual recovery strategies and organisational interventions to support digital managers. The theoretical background was based on the work-family border theory and the effort-recovery model.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-structured individual in-depth interview (IDI) was used as the research method. The research group consisted of 13 managers from companies in Poland representing various industries. In all, 560 min of recordings and 201 pages of text were obtained and subsequently coded and categorised.

Findings

The results showed that remote managers struggle with the work-life imbalance and blurred boundaries between work and private roles, as well as difficulties in maintaining digital hygiene. The use of ICT enables high flexibility but contributes to work-life conflict. Managers who work from home experience a constant workload and suffer from impaired recovery. The use of ICT creates a need to recover and maintain digital hygiene. However, there are constraints that impede managers' recovery attempts. Many feel that their work does not allow to recover but requires to be “always on” to help their subordinates fulfil their responsibilities, even though they do not expect their subordinates to work after hours. Finally, managers perceive organisational support as insufficient or inappropriate for their needs. They admit that they do not participate in organisational interventions due to lack of time and do not believe that they help them to maintain or restore their well-being.

Originality/value

The role of ICT in blurring the boundaries between work and private roles was explored in depth, as was the “always on” phenomenon as a factor contributing to the tension between the need to recover and the inability to engage in recovery activities. The study has practical implications for integrating individual and organisational approaches to well-being and identifies solutions to encourage managers to maintain digital hygiene and mental health.
Transforming the nature of trust between banks and young clients: from traditional to digital banking
Authors: Melnyk Valeriia
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the shift from traditional to digital banking transforms the nature of trust between banks and their younger clients (aged 18–35) from the perspective of bank employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative semi-structured interviews with representatives of Ukrainian classical banks and neobanks were conducted. The interviews were analysed using the theoretical approach of institution-based and social network-based trust to identify the key distinctions between the nature of trust in traditional and digital banking.

Findings

The employees of the banks reported that digitalization processes have helped to mitigate trust issues; as a result, their banks have not experienced any difficulties in this regard among young people. Furthermore, social networks, particularly social approval, were found to be significant factors for establishing trust in digital banking among young people.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study could assist bank managers in adapting their strategies for cultivating trust among younger clients and aiding international law regulators and government institutions in preventing unintended circumstances in financial services. These contributions were shaped by the study’s limitations, including its focus on only two concepts of trust building: institution-based and social network-based, as well as its specific Ukrainian context.

Originality/value

This study highlights social approval as a valuable constituent of the trust-building process that influences trust in institutions. Furthermore, while gaining social approval – particularly through digital platforms – can promote trust-building among young people, this “easy way” may have negative societal consequences by endorsing unscrupulous institutions.
Dispersal limitation predicts the spatial and temporal filtering of tropical bird communities in isolated forest fragments
Authors: Ausprey Ian J. , Newell Felicity L. , Robinson Scott K.
Published: November 2023

The link between dispersal traits and patterns of community assembly remains a frontier in understanding how vertebrate communities persist in fragmented landscapes. Using experimental release trials and intensive field surveys of bird communities in fragmented forests of the Peruvian and Colombian Andes, we demonstrate that morphological traits related to movement (1) predict experimental flight performance and (2) exhibit dispersal‐mediated environmental filtering at the community scale.

After correcting for body size, four traits hypothesised to influence flight ability (wing length, wing pointedness, wing loading, and eye size) predicted distance flown across a hostile experimental landscape, with successful species having significantly longer pointed wings, carrying less mass per unit wing area (i.e. lower wing loading), and having smaller eyes. Species with larger eyes also displayed increased flight latency, potentially due to disability glare.

At the community scale, we detected a gradient of dispersal‐mediated environmental filtering in fragments compared to reference forest within the same landscape, with relative differences in trait values explained by the temporal and spatial extent of patch isolation. In the Colombian landscape where fragments had been isolated for >60 years, communities were filtered for species with long and narrow wings and small eyes, especially within the most spatially isolated fragments. We observed the opposite pattern in the more recently fragmented Peruvian landscape (15–30 years): communities within fragments tended to have shorter and more rounded wings compared to those in nearby contiguous forests, suggesting that dispersal‐limited species accumulate in the initial years following patch isolation due to “restricted dispersal” and represent an extinction debt yet to be paid.

Our results (1) experimentally validate the use of morphological traits as proxies for movement ability in fragmented landscapes, (2) demonstrate that visual acuity functions as a novel dimension of dispersal limitation and (3) quantify how the spatial and temporal components of patch isolation produce a gradient in dispersal‐mediated environmental filtering and extinction debt for communities inhabiting fragments.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Introducing the Berggruen Governance Index III. Implications for theory and policy
Authors: Anheier Helmut K. , Kononykhina Olga
Published: November 2023

This article looks at some of the major implications for theory and policy that follow from the Berggruen Governance Index (BGI). After discussing the BGI's quality as an indicator in more general terms, the article explores two types of implications. The first are conceptual implications that relate to an improved understanding of governance, democracy and economic development. They illustrate the highly contingent patterns that emerge from the Governance Triangle—the basis of the BGI's conceptual framework—for high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries as well as political regimes, and caution against any notions of simple causalities in how countries develop. Second, we address policy implications in terms of managing the tensions inherent in the Governance Triangle in view of longer‐term sustainability and resilience based on insights that can be gained with the help of the BGI.
Debunking the autocratic fallacy? Improving public goods delivery in Russia
Authors: Fröhlich Christian
Published: November 2023

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has not only deeply challenged Russia's international standing but has also endangered its fragile domestic order. Data from the 2022 Berggruen Governance Index reveals that overall state capacity has been stagnating at a fairly low level since the beginning of the millennium, while democratic accountability has been declining steadily and profoundly. In contrast, the provision of public goods has strongly increased during the same period. This puts the assumption of the ‘autocratic fallacy’—the idea that sustained public goods delivery relies on democratic accountability in the long run—to the test. We argue that Russia's resource abundance allowed for the maintenance of a regime‐supporting social contract with the population. However, the basis of that contract has changed significantly due to economic decline, fired by, among other factors, several waves of sanctions and the costs of war and will press the Russian government to find urgent solutions to sustain a high level of public goods provision under such unfavourable conditions.
Laparoscopic modified mesh rectopexy: medium‐term results of a novel approach for external rectal prolapse
Authors: Thomas G. P. , Wong F. , Vaizey C. J. , Warusavitarne J. H.
Published: November 2023

Aim

Rectal prolapse is a common and significantly debilitating condition. Surgical correction is usually required. The two most common abdominal approaches are ventral mesh rectopexy and posterior suture rectopexy. Both may be complicated, respectively, by either mesh‐related complications or significant postoperative constipation. We report the outcome of a novel rectopexy operation which combines aspects of both the aforementioned approaches, for the treatment of external rectal prolapse (ERP).

Method

The technique involves laparoscopic partial posterior‐lateral rectal mobilization of the rectum with posterior suture fixation to the sacral promontory and placement of an absorbable mesh in the rectovaginal space. Data were collected on postoperative complications, prolapse recurrence, mesh‐related complications and the assessment of quality of life.

Results

Eighty patients underwent a modified mesh rectopexy for ERP. Seventy‐seven were women. The median age was 67.5 years. Almost a third had undergone a previous rectal prolapse repair. Recurrences were seen in 11 (13.8%). No mesh‐related complications were seen. Eleven patients reported postoperative constipation.

Conclusion

The laparoscopic modified mesh rectopexy may be a safe and effective operation for the treatment of ERP.
Fish aggregating devices could enhance the effectiveness of blue water marine protected areas
Authors: Bode Michael , Game Edward T. , Wegmann Alex , Pollock Kydd
Published: November 2023

In the past two decades, drifting fish aggregation devices (FADs) have revolutionized pelagic fisheries, and are now responsible for the majority of tuna purse seine catches. Here, we argue that by taking advantage of the same proven aggregative properties, FADs could be used to enhance the benefits provided by blue water marine protected areas (MPAs). Using models of commercially targeted fish populations, we explore the potential benefits that could be achieved if unfished conservation FADs—designed as self‐powered devices capable of remaining semi‐stationary—were deployed within blue water MPAs. By increasing the residence time of exploited species in MPAs, conservation FADs will reduce average mortality rates. By increasing the local density of exploited species, they may also improve the function of ecosystems in blue water MPAs. Conservation FADs could, therefore, amplify the benefits of blue water MPAs. We find this amplification is largest in those contexts where blue water MPAs have attracted the most criticism—when their area is small compared to both the open ocean and the distribution of fish stocks that move through them.
Asymptomatic parenchymal haemorrhage following endovascular treatment: Impact on functional outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Toscano‐Prat Clara , Martínez‐González José Pablo , Guasch‐Jiménez Marina , Ramos‐Pachón Anna , Martí‐Fàbregas Joan , Blanco‐Sanroman Nerea , Coronel‐Coronel Melissa Fabiola , Domine María Constanza , Martínez‐Domeño Alejandro , Prats‐Sánchez Luis , Marín‐Bueno Rebeca , Aguilera‐Simón Ana , Lambea‐Gil Álvaro , Ezcurra‐Díaz Garbiñe , Camps‐Renom Pol
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

In patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), haemorrhagic transformation (HT) following endovascular treatment (EVT) is associated with poor functional outcome. However, the impact of asymptomatic HT, not linked to neurological deterioration in the acute phase, is unknown. We aimed to investigate the impact of asymptomatic PH1 (aPH1) and PH2 (aPH2) subtypes of HT on the functional outcome of patients treated with EVT.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with AIS who were consecutively admitted to our comprehensive stroke centre between January 2019 and December 2022, and who underwent EVT. We collected clinical, radiological, and procedural data. HTs were categorized according to the Heidelberg classification. The primary outcome was the shift on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months of follow‐up. We performed bivariate and multivariable ordinal regression analyses to test the association between aPH1/aPH2 and the primary outcome.

Results

We included 314 patients (mean age = 72.5 years [SD = 13.6], 171 [54.5%] women). We detected 54 (17.2%) patients with HT; 23 (7.3%) were classified as PH2 (11 asymptomatic) and 17 (5.4%) as PH1 (16 asymptomatic). The adjusted common odds ratio for aPH2 of worsening 1 point on the 3‐month mRS was 3.32 (95% confidence interval = 1.16–9.57, p = 0.026). No association was observed for aPH1. aPH2 was also independently associated with lower odds of achieving a favourable outcome (mRS = 0–2). Neither aPH1 nor aPH2 was associated with mortality.

Conclusions

In patients with AIS treated with EVT, aPH2 is independently associated with unfavourable functional outcome.
The silent diversion of knowledge: Examining inequality of financial knowledge
Authors: Lee Sunwoo T. , Nam Youngwon
Published: November 2023

Scholars and policymakers have long been concerned about the lack of financial knowledge and the socioeconomic disparities in financial knowledge in the United States. The objectives of this study are (1) to assess the extent of income‐related inequality in financial knowledge and how it changed between 2012 and 2018 and (2) to determine what factors explain the income‐related inequality in financial knowledge and the change over time. Using National Financial Capability Study datasets, our study revealed that from 2012 to 2018 there was income‐related inequality in financial knowledge. Financial experience, education, and numeracy were major contributing factors to inequality in financial knowledge, according to decomposition analysis. Income‐related inequality in financial knowledge in the United States decreased between 2012 and 2018, mainly due to an overall change in financial experience. This study provides meaningful insights to policymakers and educators interested in improving financial knowledge in the United States.
Optimization of solid oral dosage form administration to patients with swallowing difficulties: An integrative review
Authors: Ferreira‐Neto Carolina Justus Buhrer , de Lara Janaina Aparecida Amaral , Cominato Alanis , Tonin Fernanda Stumpf , Wiens Astrid
Published: November 2023

Aim

To appraise and synthesize research investigating optimizing the administration of solid oral dosage forms (SODFs) to adults with swallowing difficulties.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

An electronic search was conducted on Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Public Medline interface), Elsevier SciVerse Scopus and Scientific Electronic Library Online (updated February 2023). Restriction regarding the publication date was not considered for the inclusion of records. Studies addressing risks, general aspects, recommendations about patient postural adjustments, swallowing techniques, swallowing aids and aspects of concealment of SODFs were included.

Results

Fifty‐three records published between 2002 and 2021 were included. The main administration risks were aspiration, asphyxia and solid oral dosage form‐induced oral/oesophageal mucosal lesions. The most frequent general aspect reported was administering one oral dosage form at a time. The sitting position was the most patient postural adjustment mentioned. The most frequently reported solid oral dosage form swallowing technique was the lean‐forward method for capsules. Solid oral dosage form swallowing aids cited: tongue and throat lubricant and solid oral dosage form coating device, swallowing cup and swallowing straw.

Conclusion

The literature data on administering SODFs for adults with swallowing difficulties were appraised and synthesized. Some aspects, for example, not administering SODFs simultaneously, can make swallowing safer. Postural adjustments and solid oral dosage form swallowing aids are important to avoid administration risks. Swallowing SODFs can be easier if learned by techniques. Liquid and food are helpful as vehicles, and several of these have been listed.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

By optimizing the contributing factors of administering oral pharmacotherapy, the nurse can use appropriate practices to improve patient safety. Additionally, knowing and establishing the administration aspects are reasonable steps for standardizing care for patients with swallowing oral dosage form difficulties.

Impact

This study addressed administering SODFs to adult patients with swallowing difficulties.

The administration of SODFs to adult patients with swallowing difficulties can be optimized if only one oral dosage form at a time is administrated and if patient postural adjustments, swallowing techniques and swallowing aids are used.

This investigation will impact the care of patients with swallowing difficulties.

Reporting Method

The authors declare they adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines and report following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Relationship between chronic disease resource utilization and quality of life in coronary heart disease patients: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Liu An‐kang , Wang Yan‐feng , Liu Yu‐yao , Gao Jing , Dong Li‐juan , Yang Qiao‐hong
Published: November 2023

Aims

This study aimed to identify different profiles of chronic disease resource utilization among patients with coronary heart disease in Tibet and explore the relationship between these profiles and quality of life.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Patients with coronary heart disease who were treated in a tertiary hospital in Tibet and its cooperative points from January 2021 to July 2021 were selected as the study participants. All participants completed a general information questionnaire, the Chronic Disease Resource Utilization Questionnaire (CIRS) and the Health Status Survey Short Form (SF‐36). Chronic disease resource utilization was profiled, and its relationship to quality of life was explored using hierarchical linear regression.

Results

A total of 382 patients were enrolled in this study. Regarding chronic disease resource utilization, the participants were divided into three latent profiles: ‘Poor utilization group’ (n = 151), ‘Effective utilization group’ (n = 155) and ‘Full utilization group’ (n = 76). Different profiles of chronic disease resource utilization of patients were significantly associated with quality of life (R2 = .126, p < .001).

Conclusion

Healthcare providers should identify patients with different profiles, define their utilization features of chronic disease resources and adopt targeted interventions to guide them in acquiring enough disease support resources to improve their quality of life.

Implication

Understanding different resources using preferences of coronary heart disease patients can help healthcare providers and related sectors to provide other supports based on different profiles of patients, thus enhancing their quality of life.

Reporting Method

The study followed the STROBE guideline.

No Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public involvement in the design of the study.
GeogRaphic and socioecoNomic Distribution of real‐world Indian data of home blood pressure monitoring (GRAND Study): Study protocol for an observational study in 18 medical centers across India
Authors: Verma Narsingh , Matsushita Noriko , Salman Ebtehal , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Imai Yutaka
Published: November 2023

One‐fourth of death in India is attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and more than 80% is related to ischemic heart disease and stroke. The main risk factor for CVD is hypertension. Every third person in India suffers from hypertension and the prevalence increased drastically in the past 20 years, especially among the youngest age group of 20 and 44 years. Regardless of being under anti‐hypertension medication, the blood pressure (BP) control rate in the country is still low ranging between 6% and 28% only. Assessing the “true BP control rate” should be performed using both clinic BP measurement and out‐of‐office BP measurement as the latter shows better prognosis for patients’ hypertension and CVD outcomes. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) shows superiority over ambulatory BP measurement as multiple measurements can be collected at the patient's convenience. Only limited evidence on HBPM in India is available and it's either lacking in hypertension participants or of a small sample size. This study will investigate the real BP control status among 2000 hypertensive patients from 18 centers in 12 states across Pan‐India. The outcome of this study will emphasize the value of establishing BP control management practice guidelines suitable for physicians and help policymakers in building proper strategies for hypertension management to reduce the CVD burden on the health situation in India.
Effect of hydration state on locomotor performance and water searching behavior of the terrestrial lungless salamander Bolitoglossa ramosi
Authors: Galindo C. , Gutiérrez K. , Calvache L. , Bernal M. H.
Published: November 2023

Bolitoglossa ramosi is a terrestrial plethodontid salamander particularly active during cloudy nights with high relative humidity in the environment. In this work, we tested the hypotheses that: (1) the hydration state of B. ramosi directly affects its locomotor performance; (2) dehydrated salamanders spend less time to find a water source than hydrated salamanders and (3) dehydrated salamanders find a water source in fewer attempts than hydrated individuals. To evaluate these hypotheses, salamanders at different levels of body hydration were used for an experiment of maximum locomotor performance, and a behavioral assessment test for searching a water source that was randomly located in one of the eight arms of a labyrinth. We found that salamanders hydrated at 95% had a greater locomotor performance (speed) than those hydrated at 85% and 75%. On the other hand, salamanders hydrated at 75% found the water source faster than those hydrated at 95%, although there was not a significant difference between these two groups of salamanders tested in the number of arms visited to find the water source. According to our results, we propose that dehydration in salamanders could be a causal factor for the inactivity of these animals during low levels of environmental humidity, and can also motivate a faster response to find a water source. In addition, we postulate that B. ramosi seems to use a random searching behavior to locate a water source as both hydrated and dehydrated salamanders find it after several attempts.
Whole‐genome SNP genotyping unveils ancestral and recent introgression in wild and domestic goats
Authors: Pogorevc Neža , Dotsev Arsen , Upadhyay Maulik , Sandoval‐Castellanos Edson , Hannemann Elisabeth , Simčič Mojca , Antoniou Aglaia , Papachristou Dimitris , Koutsouli Panagiota , Rahmatalla Siham , Brockmann Gudrun , Sölkner Johann , Burger Pamela , Lymberakis Petros , Poulakakis Nikos , Bizelis Iosif , Zinovieva Natalia , Horvat Simon , Medugorac Ivica
Published: November 2023

After the domestication of goats around 10,000 years before the present (BP), humans transported goats far beyond the range of their wild ancestor, the bezoar goat. This brought domestic goats into contact with many wild goat species such as ibex and markhor, enabling introgression between domestic and wild goats. To investigate this, while shedding light on the taxonomic status of wild and domestic goats, we analysed genome‐wide SNP data of 613 specimens from 14 taxonomic units, including Capra hircus, C. pyrenaica, C. ibex (from Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia), C. aegagrus aegagrus, C. a. cretica, C. h. dorcas, C. caucasica caucasica, C. c. severtzovi, C. c. cylindricornis, C. falconeri, C. sibirica sibirica, C. s. alaiana and C. nubiana, as well as Oreamnos americanus (mountain goat) as an outgroup. To trace gene flow between domestic and wild goats, we integrated genotype data of local goat breeds from the Alps as well as from countries such as Spain, Greece, Türkiye, Egypt, Sudan, Iran, Russia (Caucasus and Altai) and Pakistan. Our phylogenetic analyses displayed a clear separation between bezoar‐type and ibex‐type clades with wild goats from the Greek islands of Crete and Youra clustered within domestic goats, confirming their feral origin. Our analyses also revealed gene flow between the lineages of Caucasian tur and domestic goats that most likely occurred before or during early domestication. Within the clade of domestic goats, analyses inferred gene flow between African and Iberian goats. The detected events of introgression were consistent with previous reports and offered interesting insights into the historical relationships among domestic and wild goats.
Overview of systematic reviews on periodontal‐orthodontic interactions: A comprehensive literature analysis
Authors: Barbosa‐Liz Diana María , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos Nikitas , Carvajal‐Flórez Álvaro , Zapata‐Noreña Óscar , Faggion Clovis Mariano
Published: November 2023

The aims of this research were to investigate the methodological quality of systematic reviews on periodontal–orthodontic interactions (i.e. reviews of primary research broadly defined as any including both periodontic and orthodontic components) and to provide a mapping of the researched topics. We searched four major databases (PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science, and Embase) for systematic reviews of periodontal–orthodontic interactions. We used the AMSTAR‐2 tool (the acronym is derived from ‘a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews’) to assess the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews. Individual AMSTAR‐2 ratings were tabulated, and the percentage per item was calculated. To assess the association between the AMSTAR‐2 percentage score and the overall confidence in the systematic review results, an ordinal regression model was used. We initially retrieved 973 documents, and 43 systematic reviews were included. Systematic reviews of interventions were the most prevalent (n = 26, 60.5%). Most of the systematic reviews did not report a meta‐analysis (n = 25, 58.1%). In addition, most of the studies included in the systematic reviews had an unclear or high risk of bias. Most of the systematic reviews were rated as having critically low or low overall confidence (n = 34, 79.1%). A significant correlation was found between the AMSTAR‐2 percentage score and overall confidence in the results. The methodological quality of systematic reviews on periodontal–orthodontic interactions can be improved. The limitations of our study include potential language bias and an arbitrary classification of the topics researched.
Relationships between ecosystem functions vary among years and plots and are driven by plant species richness
Authors: Argens Laura , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Ebeling Anne , Eisenhauer Nico , Lange Markus , Oelmann Yvonne , Roscher Christiane , Schielzeth Holger , Schmid Bernhard , Wilcke Wolfgang , Meyer Sebastian T.
Published: November 2023

Ecosystem management aims at providing many ecosystem services simultaneously. Such ecosystem service multifunctionality can be limited by tradeoffs and increased by synergies among the underlying ecosystem functions (EF), which need to be understood to develop targeted management. Previous studies found differences in the correlation between EFs. We hypothesised that correlations between EFs are variable even under the controlled conditions of a field experiment and that seasonal and annual variation, plant species richness, and plot identity (identity effects of plots, such as the presence and proportion of functional groups) are drivers of these correlations. We used data on 31 EFs related to plants, consumers, and physical soil properties that were measured over 5 to 19 years, up to three times per year, in a temperate grassland experiment with 80 different plots, constituting six sown plant species richness levels (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 60 species). We found that correlations between pairs of EFs were variable, and correlations between two particular EFs could range from weak to strong or negative to positive correlations among the repeated measurements. To determine the drivers of pairwise EF correlations, the covariance between EFs was partitioned into contributions from species richness, plot identity, and time (including years and seasons). We found that most of the covariance for synergies was explained by species richness (26.5%), whereas for tradeoffs, most covariance was explained by plot identity (29.5%). Additionally, some EF pairs were more affected by differences among years and seasons, showing a higher temporal variation. Therefore, correlations between two EFs from single measurements are insufficient to draw conclusions on tradeoffs and synergies. Consequently, pairs of EFs need to be measured repeatedly under different conditions to describe their relationships with more certainty and be able to derive recommendations for the management of grasslands.
Exploring the association between a standardized extract of pequi peels (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) and blue light as a photodynamic therapy for treating superficial wounds
Authors: Diniz Luiza Alves , Ferreira Luiza de Almeida Queiroz , Ribeiro Rafaela de Brito , de Jesus Sarah Luiza Galvão , Anestino Thales Augusto , Caldeira Alisson Samuel Portes , Souto Giovanna Ribeiro , de Avelar Gleide Fernandes , Amaral Flávio Almeida , Ferreira Marcus Vinícius Lucas , Madeira Mila Fernandes Moreira , Braga Fernão Castro , Diniz Ivana Márcia Alves
Published: November 2023

Natural products derived from plants can be used as photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) combining key therapeutic strategies for tissue repair while controlling microorganisms' growth. We investigated a standardized extract of pequi peels (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) as a brownish natural photosensitizer for aPDT using blue light. Three concentrations of the pequi extract (PE; 10, 30, or 90 μg/mL) were tested solely or associated with blue laser (445 nm, 100 mW, 138 J/cm2, 6 J, 60 s). In vitro, we quantified reactive oxygen species (ROS), assessed skin keratinocytes (HaCat) viability and migration, and aPDT antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus or Staphylococcus strains. In vivo, we assessed wound closure for the most active concentration disclosed by the in vitro assay (30 μg/mL). Upon aPDT treatments, ROS were significantly increased in cell monolayers regardless of PE concentration. PE at low doses stimulates epithelial cells. Although PE stimulated cellular migration, aPDT was moderately cytotoxic to skin keratinocytes, particularly at the highest concentration. The antimicrobial activity was observed for PE at the lowest concentration (10 μg/mL) and mostly at PE 10 μg/mL and 30 μg/mL when used as aPDT photosensitizers. aPDT with PE 30 μg/mL presents antimicrobial activity without compromising the initial phases of skin repair.
The Geach‐Kaplan sentence reconsidered
Authors: Fujimoto Kentaro
Published: November 2023

The Geach‐Kaplan sentence is alleged to be an example of a non‐first‐orderizable sentence, and the proof of the alleged non‐first‐orderizability is credited to David Kaplan. However, there is also a widely shared intuition that the Geach‐Kaplan sentence is still first‐orderizable by invoking sets or other extra non‐logical resources. The plausibility of this intuition is particularly crucial for first‐orderism, namely, the thesis that all our scientific discourse and reasoning can be adequately formalized by first‐order logic. I first argue that the Geach‐Kaplan sentence is, in fact, not first‐orderizable even by invoking extra non‐logical resources, in any sense that is acceptable for first‐orderism and adequately corresponds to the sense in which the Geach‐Kaplan sentence is deemed to be non‐first‐orderizable simpliciter via Kaplan's proof. To address this problem on behalf of first‐orderism, I then propose an alternative conception of first‐orderizability in the sense of which the Geach‐Kaplan sentence and any other second‐order sentences become first‐orderizable by invoking extra non‐logical resources; furthermore, in certain circumstances, they are first‐orderizable without incurring any extra ontological commitment. My analysis also turns out to yield (as a biproduct) a significant enhancement of the so‐called paradox of plurality.