bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between erectile dysfunction and serum B12 levels: a 136‐case cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Keleş Mevlüt , Çırakoğlu Abdullah , Benli Erdal , Yazıcı İbrahim , Kadim Nurullah , Durmuş Hasan
Published: July 2023

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) involves the inability to initiate or sustain penile erection with sufficient hardness to ensure satisfying sexual relations. Many causes are blamed in the etiology.

Objectives

In this study, the correlation between serum vitamin B12 (vit B12) levels with ED was researched in a homogeneous case group after exclusion of all other predisposing conditions causing ED.

Methods

The study included male patients attending the urology clinic from 2015 to 2022. Patients were prospectively registered to the study. Cases were divided into two groups as low and normal according to vit B12 levels. In the study, vit B12 levels ≤200 mg/dL were accepted as low. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men‐5 (SHIM‐5) was used to assess the erectile function. The SHIM‐5 scores for the groups were compared. All patients with comorbid diseases, medication use, or previous surgical history predisposing toward ED and organic and/or psychogenic causes for ED were excluded from the study.

Results

The study included 136 patients abiding by the study criteria among 957 patients. The mean age of cases was 63.35 ± 7.83 years. Mean vit B12 value was 320.74 ± 184.74 mg/dL and 32 cases (23.5%) had inadequate vit B12 (< 200 mg/dL). The mean SHIM‐5 value in the group was 15.48 ± 6.71. In the inadequate vit B12 and normal vit B12 groups, the mean SHIM‐5 values were 15.30 ± 6.85 and 16.06 ± 6.28, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (t = 0.562, p = 0.575). Vit B12 deficiency was identified in 26.7% of patients with sexual desire disorder (SDD) (n = 90) and 17.4% of those without SDD (X2 = 1.46, p = 0.228).

Discussion

Contrary to the general trend in the literature, we found no significant correlation between vit B12 levels and ED.

Conclusion

There is a need for prospective randomized controlled studies for detailed analysis of the correlation between erectile dysfunction and vit B12.
Population outcomes, trends and the future of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis: a 19‐year New South Wales data linkage study
Authors: Giddings Hugh L. , Ng Kheng‐Seong , Solomon Michael J. , Steffens Daniel , Van Buskirk Joe , Young Jane
Published: July 2023

Background

Ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) is considered the gold standard reconstructive option in ulcerative colitis (UC). Recent efforts to improve pouch outcomes have seen a push towards centralisation of surgery. This study aimed to document outcomes following pouch surgery at a population level within New South Wales (NSW), and identify factors associated with, and temporal trends of these outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective data linkage study of the NSW population over a 19‐year period was performed. The primary outcome was pouch failure in patients with UC who underwent IPAA. The influence of hospital level factors (including annual volume) and patient demographic variables on this outcome were assessed using Cox proportional hazards modelling. Temporal trends in annual volume and evidence for centralisation over the studied period were assessed using Poisson regression analysis.

Results

The annual volume of UC pouches reduced over the study period. The pouch failure rates were 8.6% (95% CI 6.3–10.8%) and 10.6% (95% CI 8.0–13.1%) at 5‐ and 10‐years, respectively. Increasing age and non‐elective admission were associated with higher failure rates. One‐third of UC pouches (31.6%) were performed in a single institution, which averaged 6.5 pouches/year throughout the study period. Three‐quarters (19/25) of NSW public hospitals who performed pouches performed less than one UC pouch annually.

Conclusions

The outcomes following UC pouch surgery in NSW are comparable with global standards. Concentrating IBD pouch surgery with the aim of producing specialist surgical teams may be a reasonable way forward in NSW and would ensure equity of access and facilitate research and training collaboration.
Semi‐supervised classification to determine the provenance of archaeological obsidian samples
Authors: López‐García Pedro A. , García‐Gómez Víctor H. , Acosta‐Ochoa Guillermo , Argote Denisse L.
Published: July 2023

In archaeometry, the correct assignment of archaeological artefacts with their original geological sources continues to be an indispensable tool for determining exploitation patterns, trade routes, tool production and the movement of goods in ancient times. Statistically, Mahalanobis distance has been an integral part of the artefact provenance methodology. However, this method presents disadvantages when some of the theoretical assumptions are not fulfilled. In this way and with a focus on the veracity of the correct assignment of archaeological samples to their geological sources, we present a technique that employs a semi‐supervised classification based on finite mixture models. This procedure uses labelled and unlabelled data to assign samples to groups with the advantage that it does not depend on the sample size of the groups as required by Mahalanobis distance. This procedure was first applied in a controlled experiment where the exact origin of the samples is known in order to verify the accuracy of the method; afterwards, it was applied to artefacts recovered from the archaeological site of Xalasco, Tlaxcala (Mexico), from both surface and excavation collections and analysed with a portable X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer. The resulting groups defined that the ancient dwellers of Xalasco exploited six supply sources located in Central Mexico.
Why ethical frameworks fail to deliver in a pandemic: Are proposed alternatives an improvement?
Authors: Degeling Chris , Williams Jane , Gilbert Gwendolyn L. , Johnson Jane
Published: July 2023

In the past decade, numerous ethical frameworks have been developed to support public health decision‐making in challenging areas. Before the COVID‐19 pandemic began, members of the authorship team were involved in research programmes, in which the development of ethical frameworks was planned, to guide (a) the use of new technologies for emerging infectious disease surveillance; and (b) the allocation of scarce supplies of pandemic influenza vaccine. However, as the pandemic evolved, significant practical challenges emerged that led to our questioning the value of these frameworks. We now believe that a normative instrument, such as a framework, cannot adequately or reliably provide the ethical guidance that needs to be incorporated into public health decision‐making during natural disasters or infectious disease emergencies. Recently it has been suggested that there are potentially more dynamic, flexible, and effective ways to navigate decisions involving complex considerations entailed in policies and practices during a public health emergency. In this paper, we first outline the key functions of a public health ethics framework, before describing why we believe it would not be fit for purpose during a crisis. We end by considering whether proposed alternative methods to promote ethical public health decision‐making goals have the potential to meet these objectives.
Telepresence robotic technology support for social connectedness during treatment of children with cancer
Authors: Weibel Mette , Hallström Inger Kristensson , Skoubo Sofie , Bertel Lykke Brogaard , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Larsen Hanne Bækgaard
Published: July 2023

Children with cancer experience fragmented school attendance during treatment. Telepresence robots that connect them with school during treatment periods were explored through an intervention involving participant observation followed by semi‐structured interviews from 2020–22 with children with cancer, their class teachers, and classmates. We used an abductive approach, inspired by the Agential Realism theory and Situational Analysis. The use of telepresence robots in education enables hospitalized children to actively participate in real‐time social activities with their classmates. However, consistent monitoring is necessary to ensure the success of this integration process as the classmates can lose interest in providing support to a child with cancer.
Acute regression of a melanocytic neoplasm
Authors: Hoskins Sidney , Vale Spencer M. , Moshiri Ata S.
Published: July 2023

Immune‐mediated regression of melanocytic neoplasms is predominantly lymphocytic, driven by CD8+ anti‐tumoral T‐cells and, rarely, natural killer cells. Histopathologic features of regression include effacement of the epidermis, replacement of tumor cells by a fibrotic stroma, varying degrees of chronic inflammation (usually lymphocytes) and melanophages, as well as vascular ectasia and angioplasia. The understanding of regression and the complex immune response in melanoma has led to the development of targeted immunotherapy in melanoma. Here, we report a case of near‐complete regression of a melanocytic neoplasm associated with neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation, suggesting a non‐traditional pathway of regression that has yet to be explored.
The Substitution Effect of US‐China Trade War on Taiwanese Trade
Authors: Yang Chih‐Hai , Hayakawa Kazunobu
Published: July 2023

Using monthly trade data from January 2018 to December 2019, we empirically examine the effects of the US‐China trade war on Taiwan's exports as well as imports. On the export side, the tariff hike in the US against imports from China may increase Taiwan's exports to the US, (i.e., the substitution effect). To investigate this hypothesis, we examine how US tariffs on goods from China affect Taiwan's exports to the US. More directly, we also explore how China's exports to the US change Taiwanese exports to the US. On the import side, decline of China's export to the US may boost Taiwan's export while increasing its demand on Chinese intermediate inputs. Our empirical analyses confirmed the validity of these hypotheses. By contrast, we did not find a substitution effect in exports from neighboring countries—that is, Japan and South Korea.
Recovering the status quo: tipping points and earthquake aftermaths in colonial India
Authors: Haines Daniel
Published: July 2023

Scholars of disaster politics debate how far natural hazards cause or catalyse political change. This paper builds on recent scholarship on tipping points and social contracts to argue that two case studies of historical earthquakes in 1930s British‐colonised India invite a focus on the dynamics of cooperation and conflict between state and non‐state actors. Officials of the colonial state and its nationalist rivals cooperated after one earthquake even though they otherwise bitterly opposed each other. Cooperation broke down after the second event, just one year later. Yet, in both cases, officials and nationalist leaders shared a broad vision for Indian society, which pushed both sides actively to seek to recover the social and economic status quo ante, preventing potential tipping points from crystallising. These case studies reveal how and why highly fraught social contracts can survive major disasters. The colonial state's transient and reactive approach to disaster governance continued to impact on post‐independence India.
Organised crisis volunteers, COVID‐19, and the political steering of crisis management in Sweden
Authors: Wimelius Malin E. , Strandh Veronica
Published: July 2023

This paper explores and analyses the activities of Swedish organised crisis volunteers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Based on a questionnaire and interviews, it sets out to answer two research questions on what characterised organised volunteerism during the pandemic, how organised volunteers experienced cooperation with local public actors, and how they viewed political steering. The paper contributes to a growing literature on the role of volunteers and links that role to views on political steering, something that is rarely done in disaster research. Sweden is a useful case study because of how COVID‐19 was managed, as well as because there are organised crisis volunteers and a debate is occurring on how the national system is steered. The paper shows how organised volunteers adapted to changing needs and adopted new roles, that experiences of cooperation with local authorities varied, and that calls were made for a stronger national leadership and for more explicit central political steering.
Neurostimulation for childhood epilepsy
Authors: Mertens Ann , Boon Paul , Vonck Kristl
Published: July 2023

The experience with neurostimulation for childhood epilepsy is far less extensive than for adults. Nevertheless, the implementation of these techniques could be of great value, especially considering the detrimental effects of ongoing seizures on the developing brain. In this review, we discuss the available evidence for neurostimulation for childhood epilepsy. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is the most studied neurostimulation modality in children. Based on mostly retrospective, open‐label studies, we can conclude that VNS has a similar safety and efficacy profile in children compared to adults. Although there is little available evidence for deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) in children, both DBS and RNS show promise in reducing seizure frequency with few complications. The implementation of non‐invasive techniques with a more appealing safety profile has gained interest. Small randomized control trials and open‐label studies have investigated transcranial direct current simulation for childhood epilepsy, demonstrating promising but inconsistent findings.
Individual contribution to niche expansion in amphibians: a test of the niche variation hypothesis
Authors: Costa Andrea , Rosa Giacomo , Salvidio Sebastiano
Published: July 2023

The niche variation hypothesis (NVH) suggests that populations released from competition are able to expand their realized ecological niche. This increase in total niche width (TNW) can arise by 1) increasing heterogeneity among individuals' niche through individual specialization, i.e. inter‐individual variation in resource use, (IS) occurring when different individuals of a population use a subset of the population's resource pool, or 2) by expanding the niche of all individuals within the population. Although several morphological and phenotypical studies have confuted the NVH, there is generally strong support for this hypothesis when behavioural or ecological traits are considered, and in particular when the trophic niche is measured at the individual level. In this study our primary aim is to corroborate the NVH, providing robust evidence for a significant and positive relationship between population TNW and IS in amphibian populations, at a global scale.
Diversity – volume relationships: adding structural arrangement and volume to species – area relationships across forest macrosystems
Authors: LaRue Elizabeth A. , Downing Anna G. , Saucedo Sheila , Rocha Arturo , Zesati Sergio A. Vargas , Mata‐Silva Vicente , Harvey Michael G.
Published: July 2023

The species – area relationship (SAR) is a common pattern in which diversity increases with the area sampled, but ecosystems are three‐dimensional (3D) and diversity – volume relationships (DVRs) may exist in ecosystems that vary substantially in their vegetation volume. We tested whether forest vegetation volume, as a 3D extension of area in SARs, was a significant predictor of taxonomic (species) and structural (arrangement) diversity in five groups of organisms across the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). Vegetation volume and four structural arrangement metrics within the area of NEON plots were measured using NEON's discrete return lidar. Species richness was measured as the number of species within the respective NEON plot sampling area for understory plants, trees, breeding land birds, small mammals, and ground beetles. We found that volume negatively predicted understory plants and positively predicted tree and beetle species richness across the USA forest macrosystem, but not bird and small mammal species richness. Furthermore, volume was a significant predictor of several metrics that describe the internal and external heterogeneity of vegetation in forests (structural arrangement) within the ecosystem across the USA forest macrosystem. There were several significant within site‐level relationships, but not at all sites, between volume and species richness or structural arrangement in organism groups. Our study indicates that previous work that has focused on a 2D conceptualization of habitat can be expanded to 3D habitat space, but that the strength and the positive or negative direction of DVRs may vary taxonomically or geographically.
Assessing the effects of head modelling errors and measurement noise on EEG source localization accuracy in preterm newborns: A single‐subject study
Authors: Azizollahi Hamed , Aarabi Ardalan , Kazemi Kamran , Wallois Fabrice
Published: July 2023

The accuracy of electroencephalogram (EEG) source localization is compromised because of head modelling errors. In this study, we investigated the effect of inaccuracy in the conductivity of head tissues and head model structural deficiencies on the accuracy of EEG source analysis in premature neonates. A series of EEG forward and inverse simulations was performed by introducing structural deficiencies into the reference head models to generate test models, which were then used to investigate head modelling errors caused by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exclusion, lack of grey matter (GM)–white matter (WM) distinction, fontanel exclusion and inaccuracy in skull conductivity. The modelling errors were computed between forward and inverse solutions obtained using the reference and test models generated for each deficiency. Our results showed that the exclusion of CSF from the head model had a strong widespread effect on the accuracy of the EEG source localization with position errors lower than 4.17 mm. The GM and WM distinction also caused strong localization errors (up to 3.5 mm). The exclusion of fontanels from the head model also strongly affected the accuracy of the EEG source localization for sources located beneath the fontanels with a maximum localization error of 4.37 mm. Similarly, inaccuracies in the skull conductivity caused errors in EEG forward and inverse modelling in sources beneath cranial bones. Our results indicate that the accuracy of EEG source imaging in premature neonates can be largely improved by using head models, which include not only the brain, skull and scalp but also the CSF, GM, WM and fontanels.
Alternative life‐history strategy contributions to effective population size in a naturally spawning salmon population
Authors: King Erika , McPhee Megan V. , Vulstek Scott C. , Cunningham Curry J. , Russell Joshua R. , Tallmon David A.
Published: July 2023

Alternative life‐history tactics are predicted to affect within‐population genetic processes but have received little attention. For example, the impact of precocious males on effective population size (Ne) has not been quantified directly in Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp., even though they can make up a large percentage of the total male spawners. We investigated the contribution of precocial males (“jacks”) to Ne in a naturally spawning population of Coho Salmon O. kisutch from the Auke Creek watershed in Juneau, Alaska. Mature adults that returned from 2009 to 2019 (~8000 individuals) were genotyped at 259 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci for parentage analysis. We used demographic and genetic methods to estimate the effective number of breeders per year (Nb). Jack contribution to Nb was assessed by comparing values of Nb calculated with and without jacks and their offspring. Over a range of Nb values (108–406), the average jack contribution to Nb from 2009 to 2015 was 12.9% (SE = 3.8%). Jacks consistently made up over 20% of the total male spawners. The presence of jacks did not seem to influence Nb/N. The linkage disequilibrium Ne estimate was lower than the demographic estimate, possibly due to immigration effects on population genetic processes: based on external marks and parentage data, we estimated that immigrant spawners produced 4.5% of all returning offspring. Our results demonstrate that jacks can influence Nb and Ne and can make a substantial contribution to population dynamics and conservation of threatened stocks.
DHHoE: Deep hybrid homogenous ensemble for digital histological breast cancer classification
Authors: Zerouaoui Hasnae , Idri Ali , El Alaoui Omar
Published: July 2023

The progress of deep learning architectures, machine learning models and pathology slide digitization is an encouraging step toward meeting the growing demand for more precise classification and prediction diagnosis for the breast tumours. The BreakHis dataset with four magnification factors (40X, 100X, 200X and 400X), as well as seven deep learning architectures used for feature extraction (DenseNet 201, Inception ResNet V2, Inception V3, ResNet 50, MobileNet V2,VGG16 and VGG19), four machine learning models for classification (MLP, SVM, DT, and KNN), and two combination rules (hard and weighted voting) were investigated in this paper to design and evaluate a new proposed approach consisting of building deep hybrid homogenous ensemble. Additionally, the best proposed models were compared to deep stacked, deep bagging, deep boosting, and deep hybrid heterogenous ensemble to choose the best strategy in building deep ensemble learning techniques. The four performance measures accuracy, precision, recall, and F1‐score were used in the empirical evaluations, as well as 5‐fold cross‐validation, the Scott Knott statistical test, and the Borda Count voting method. The results demonstrated the new approach's potential since it outscored both singles and other deep ensemble learning strategies, achieving accuracy values of 98.3% and 97.7% for the MFs 40X, 100X and 200X, 400X, respectively. The empirical results demonstrated that the proposed ensembles are impactful for histopathological breast cancer images classification, and they provided a promising tool to assist pathologists in the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Understanding how shared decision‐making approaches and patient aids influence patients with advanced cancer when deciding on palliative treatments and care: A realist review
Authors: Edwards Michelle , Holland‐Hart Daniella , Mann Mala , Seddon Kathy , Buckle Peter , Longo Mirella , Byrne Anthony , Nelson Annmarie
Published: July 2023

Background

Patients with advanced incurable cancer face difficult decisions about palliative treatment options towards their end of life. However, they are often not provided with the appropriate information and support that is needed to make informed decisions. This review aimed to identify contexts and mechanisms associated with communication tools, patient decision‐aids and shared decision‐making (SDM) approaches that influence patient outcomes.

Methods

We used a realist review method to search for published studies of patients (adults > 18) with advanced cancer who were expected to make a decision about palliative treatment and/or supportive care in consultation with healthcare practitioners. We appraised and synthesised literature describing the contexts of (when and how) decision aids and SDM approaches are used, and how these contexts interact with mechanisms (resources and reasoning) which impact patient outcomes. Stakeholders including academics, palliative healthcare professionals (HCPs) and people with lived experience of supporting people with advanced incurable cancer contributed to identifying explanatory accounts. These accounts were documented, analysed and consolidated to contribute to the development of a programme theory.

Results

From the 33 included papers, we consolidated findings into 20 explanatory accounts to develop a programme theory that explains key contexts and mechanisms that influence patient and SDM. Contexts include underlying patients' and HCPs' attitudes and approaches. These need to be understood in relation to key mechanisms, including presenting information in multiple formats and providing adequate time and opportunities to prepare for and revisit decisions. Contexts influenced mechanisms which then influence the levels of patient decisional satisfaction, conflict and regret.

Conclusions

Our programme theory highlights mechanisms that are important in supporting shared treatment decisions for advanced noncurative cancer. The findings are informative for developing and evaluating interventions to improve understanding and involvement in SDM for patients with advanced incurable cancer.

Patient and Public Contribution

We included patient and public involvement (PPI) representatives in four stakeholder meetings. PPI helped to define the scope of the review, identify their unique experiences and perspectives, synthesise their perspectives with our review findings, make decisions about which theories we included in our programme theory and develop recommendations for policy and practice and future research.
Assessing psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Fear of COVID‐19 Scale for Nurses
Authors: Hançerlioğlu Sadık , Toygar İsmail
Published: July 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Fear of COVID‐19 Scale (FCV‐19S).

Methods

The study used a descriptive design and was conducted between April and May 2020. The participants were 213 nurses who were working in 12 hospitals in eight cities in Turkey. Content validity index, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to evaluate validity. Cronbach's alpha, item‐scale correlation and test–retest reliability were used to evaluate reliability.

Results

The CVI was 0.92 (0.81–1.00). A one‐factor solution was identified and the factor loading of items in scale varied from 0.377 to 0.909. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.889 in the current study. Item‐scale correlations ranged between 0.570 and 0.815. Intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.71 to 0.93.

Conclusion

The Turkish version of the FCV‐19S for nurses was found to be valid and reliable measure of the fear of nurses towards COVID‐19.
Restricting CEO pay backfires: Evidence from China
Authors: Bae Kee‐Hong , Gong Zhaoran (Jason) , Tong Wilson H. S.
Published: July 2023

Using the pay restriction imposed on CEOs of centrally administered state‐owned enterprises (CSOEs) in China in 2009, we study the effects of limiting CEO pay. Compared with CEOs of firms not subject to the restriction, the CEOs of CSOEs experienced a significant pay cut. In response to the pay cut, CEOs increased the consumption of perks and siphoned off firm resources for their own benefit. Pay‐performance sensitivity for these firms also significantly decreases. The performance of these firms dropped following the pay restriction. Our findings suggest that restricting CEO pay distorts CEO incentives and brings unintended consequences. Our findings caution against limiting CEO pay.
A subtype of laminopathies: Generalized lipodystrophy‐associated progeroid syndrome caused by LMNA gene c.29C>T mutation
Authors: Huang Shipeng , Zhang Yan , Zhan Zuan , Gong Shuhao
Published: July 2023

The term laminopathies refers to a group of congenital diseases characterized by accelerated degeneration of human tissues. Mutations in LMNA, LMNB, ZMPSTE24, and other genes lead to structural and functional abnormalities associated with lamins. One subtype of laminopathy is the generalized lipodystrophy‐associated progeroid syndrome (GLPS), which occurs in patients with heterozygous mutations of the LMNA gene c.29C>T(p.T10I). This paper reports the first case of GLPS in China and compares the clinical features of other GLPS patients with literature reports. A 16‐year‐old male patient was treated for diabetic ketoacidosis, presenting with premature aging appearance, systemic lipodystrophy, severe fatty liver, and decreased bone density. After peripheral blood DNA extraction and second‐generation sequencing, a heterozygous mutation of exon 1 of the LMNA gene c.29C>T(p.T10I) was detected. This case of GLPS may provide a diagnostic and therapeutic basis for potential patients.
A decision‐making tree for evaluating an esthetically compromised single dental implant
Authors: Alrmali Abdusalam , Stuhr Sandra , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Latimer Jessica , Kan Joseph , Tarnow Dennis P. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: July 2023

Objective

To develop a comprehensive decision‐making tree for evaluating mid‐facial peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence in the esthetic zone and provide a systematic approach for assessing various clinical case scenarios, determining appropriate treatment strategies, and considering factors such as the need for soft tissue augmentation, prosthetic changes, or implant removal.

Clinical Considerations

This clinical decision tree illustrates numerous case scenarios with various esthetic complications around an esthetically compromised, but clinically healthy single implant and provides clinicians with possible solutions as a predictable map for horizontal and vertical soft tissue augmentation in order to manage different clinical circumstances. According to current evidence, the key to treating such esthetic complications is the use of an adequate pre‐surgical prosthetic interdisciplinary approach with proper surgical techniques in order to optimize soft tissue dimensions and create better esthetic results. This may be accomplished through a purely surgical, combination of surgical and prosthetic, or purely prosthetic approaches.

Conclusions

The present report describes a series of successfully treated peri‐implant esthetic complication cases in accordance with the decision‐making tree that the authors recommend in order to achieve better long‐term esthetic outcomes.

Clinical Significance

The combination of adequate pre‐surgical prosthetic interdisciplinary collaboration and proper surgical technique is critical in the optimization of sufficient soft tissue dimensions and contributes to a more highly esthetic result. This study demonstrates a clinical decision‐making tree to provide comprehensive, effective therapy of an esthetically compromised dental implant by using one of the following approaches: purely prosthetic, purely surgical, or a combination of surgical and prosthetic with or without abutment removal.
Isolated effect of filler particle size on surface properties of experimental resin composites before and after toothbrush abrasion
Authors: Kobayashi Mikihiro , Koi Kiyono , Wiskoski Sarah , Watanabe Hidehiko , Lewis Steven , Ferracane Jack L.
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to isolate the relationship between filler size and the surface properties of roughness and gloss before and after toothbrush abrasion for experimental resin‐based composites (RBCs) containing uniform spherical fillers.

Materials and Methods

Five experimental light‐cured RBCs with different spherical filler sizes and three commercial RBCs were studied. Forty specimens were polished using silicon carbide papers. Gloss was measured after 0, 90, 180, and 360 min of simulated toothbrushing, and surface roughness was measured before and after 360 min of toothbrushing. Two‐way ANOVA/Tukey's multiple comparison tests were used to compare the RBCs, and the correlation between particle size and surface roughness or gloss was also determined.

Results

After polishing and toothbrushing, RBCs with smaller fillers exhibited significantly higher gloss and lower surface roughness, and RBCs with larger fillers exhibited lower gloss and higher surface roughness. A significant correlation was found between filler particle size and gloss and surface roughness both before and after toothbrush abrasion.

Conclusions

Gloss of RBCs containing fillers with larger particle sizes was significantly reduced. After toothbrushing abrasion, the surface roughness increased for all RBCs, except those containing the finest‐sized fillers. The particle size of the filler is a critical determinant of the surface roughness and gloss of RBCs, after polishing and after toothbrushing.

Clinical Significance

Increased surface roughness caused by toothbrush abrasion reduces the gloss of resin‐based composites. Resin‐based composites containing finer fillers best maintain glossiness after routine tooth brushing.
Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without sensorimotor polyneuropathy
Authors: Peters Emil , Itani Mustapha , Kristensen Alexander G. , Terkelsen Astrid Juhl , Krøigård Thomas , Tankisi Hatice , Jensen Troels S. , Finnerup Nanna B. , Gylfadottir Sandra Sif
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with diabetes is associated with poor prognosis. We aimed to assess signs of CAN and autonomic symptoms and to investigate the impact of sensorimotor neuropathy on CAN by examining type 2 diabetes patients with (DPN [distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy]) and without distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (noDPN) and healthy controls (HC). Secondarily, we aimed to describe the characteristics of patients with CAN.

Methods

A population of 374 subjects from a previously described cohort of the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes (DD2) were included. Subjects were examined with the Vagus™ device for the diagnosis of CAN, where two or more abnormal cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests indicate definite CAN. Autonomic symptoms were assessed with Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS 31) questionnaire. DPN was defined according to the Toronto consensus panel definition.

Results

Definite CAN was present in 22% with DPN, 7% without DPN and 3% of HC, and 91% of patients with definite CAN had DPN. Patients with DPN and definite CAN reported higher COMPASS 31 scores compared to patients with noDPN (20.0 vs. 8.3, p < 0.001) and no CAN (22.1 vs. 12.3, p = 0.01). CAN was associated with HbA1c and age in a multivariate logistic regression analysis but was not associated with IEFND or triglycerides.

Interpretation

One in five patients with DPN have CAN and specific CAN characteristics may help identify patients at risk for developing this severe diabetic complication. Autonomic symptoms were strongly associated with having both DPN and CAN, but too unspecific for diagnosing CAN.
Changes in Social Relationships after Participation in a Group Intervention for Japanese Patients with Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Matsui Tomoko , Hirai Kei , Shokoji Masako , Nagatsuka Miwa , Tokuyama Madoka
Published: July 2023

Studies of group interventions on social relationships among patients with cancer have suggested that such interventions can increase patients' social support and help build social support networks, which are expected to reduce the sense of loneliness among them. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate the relationships between participation in group therapy and social relationships among patients with cancer. Seven participants with various types of cancer participated in group therapy and were interviewed at a medical institution in Japan. They were asked about changes in their social relationships after being affected with cancer and taking part in group therapy. We conducted qualitative analysis and identified 11 categories related to changes in social relationships after being diagnosed with cancer (e.g. “shrinkage or lack of social networks, weakening of density”). Six categories related to changes in social relations after taking part in group therapy were identified (e.g. “expanding support networks and increasing density”). The findings suggest that participation in group therapy may supplement the social relationships of patients with cancer who have experienced a reduction in, or insufficiency of, social relationships. In particular, we suggest that participants in group therapy might be receiving emotional/informational support and companionship from the other participants, including patients with the same disease, and from the medical staff.
Insomnia, poor sleep quality and perinatal suicidal risk: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Palagini Laura , Cipriani Enrico , Miniati Mario , Bramante Alessandra , Gemignani Angelo , Geoffroy Pierre A. , Riemann Dieter
Published: July 2023

Suicidal risk in mothers is a public health priority. Risk factors include biological, psychological and psychosocial factors. Among the biological factors, the role of sleep disturbances as potential contributors to increased suicidal risk during the peripartum period is becoming apparent. To explore this further, we conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA criteria. Currently, 10 studies have examined the role of insomnia and poor sleep quality in suicidal risk during the peripartum period and have involved 807,760 women. The data showed that disturbed sleep and poor sleep quality increase the risk of suicidal ideation in both pregnant women with and without perinatal depression. The results of the meta‐analysis indicated that insomnia and poor sleep quality increase the odds of suicidal risk in pregnant women by more than threefold (OR = 3.47; 95% CI: 2.63–4.57). Specifically, the odds ratio (OR) for poor sleep quality was 3.72 (95% CI: 2.58–5.34; p < 0.001), and for insomnia symptoms, after taking into account perinatal depression, was 4.76 (95% CI: 1.83–12.34; p < 0.001). These findings emphasise the importance of assessing and addressing sleep disturbances during the peripartum period to mitigate their adverse effects on peripartum psychopathology and suicidal risk.
A genomic assessment of the marine‐speciation paradox within the toothed whale superfamily Delphinoidea
Authors: Westbury Michael V. , Cabrera Andrea A. , Rey‐Iglesia Alba , De Cahsan Binia , Duchêne David A. , Hartmann Stefanie , Lorenzen Eline D.
Published: July 2023

The impact of post‐divergence gene flow in speciation has been documented across a range of taxa in recent years, and may have been especially widespread in highly mobile, wide‐ranging marine species, such as cetaceans. Here, we studied individual genomes from nine species across the three families of the toothed whale superfamily Delphinoidea (Delphinidae, Phocoenidae and Monodontidae). To investigate the role of post‐divergence gene flow in the speciation process, we used a multifaceted approach, including (i) phylogenomics, (ii) the distribution of shared derived alleles and (iii) demographic inference. We found the divergence of lineages within Delphinoidea did not follow a process of pure bifurcation, but was much more complex. Sliding‐window phylogenomics reveal a high prevalence of discordant topologies within the superfamily, with further analyses indicating these discordances arose due to both incomplete lineage sorting and gene flow. D‐statistics and f‐branch analyses supported gene flow between members of Delphinoidea, with the vast majority of gene flow occurring as ancient interfamilial events. Demographic analyses provided evidence that introgressive gene flow has likely ceased between all species pairs tested, despite reports of contemporary interspecific hybrids. Our study provides the first steps towards resolving the large complexity of speciation within Delphinoidea; we reveal the prevalence of ancient interfamilial gene flow events prior to the diversification of each family, and suggest that contemporary hybridisation events may be disadvantageous, as hybrid individuals do not appear to contribute to the parental species' gene pools.
TOM1 family conservation within the plant kingdom for tobacco mosaic virus accumulation
Authors: Zhang Hui , Hu Qun
Published: July 2023

The susceptibility factor TOBAMOVIRUS MULTIPLICATION 1 (TOM1) is required for efficient multiplication of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Although some phylogenetic and functional analyses of the TOM1 family members have been conducted, a comprehensive analysis of the TOM1 homologues based on phylogeny from the most ancient to the youngest representatives within the plant kingdom, analysis of support for tobamovirus accumulation and interaction with other host and viral proteins has not been reported. In this study, using Nicotiana benthamiana and TMV as a model system, we functionally characterized the TOM1 homologues from N. benthamiana and other plant species from different plant lineages. We modified a multiplex genome editing tool and generated a sextuple mutant in which TMV multiplication was dramatically inhibited. We showed that TOM1 homologues from N. benthamiana exhibited variable capacities to support TMV multiplication. Evolutionary analysis revealed that the TOM1 family is restricted to the plant kingdom and probably originated in the Chlorophyta division, suggesting an ancient origin of the TOM1 family. We found that the TOM1 family acquired the ability to promote TMV multiplication after the divergence of moss and spikemoss. Moreover, the capacity of TOM1 orthologues from different plant species to promote TMV multiplication and the interactions between TOM1 and TOM2A and between TOM1 and TMV‐encoded replication proteins are highly conserved, suggesting a conserved nature of the TOM2A–TOM1–TMV Hel module in promoting TMV multiplication. Our study not only revealed a conserved nature of a gene module to promote tobamovirus multiplication, but also provides a valuable strategy for TMV‐resistant crop development.
Distinctive gastrointestinal motor dysfunction in patients with MNGIE
Authors: Alcalá‐González Luis G. , Accarino Anna , Martí Ramon , Sánchez‐Tejerina Daniel , Llauradó Arnau , Azpiroz Fernando , Malagelada Carolina
Published: July 2023

Background

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a rare mitochondrial disease caused by mutations in TYMP, encoding thymidine phosphorylase. Clinically it is characterized by severe gastrointestinal dysmotility associated with cachexia and a demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Even though digestive manifestations are progressive and invariably lead to death, the features of gastrointestinal motor dysfunction have not been systematically evaluated. The objective of this study was to describe gastrointestinal motor dysfunction in MNGIE using state‐of‐the art techniques and to evaluate the relationship between motor abnormalities and symptoms.

Methods

Prospective study evaluating gastrointestinal motor function and digestive symptoms in all patients with MNGIE attended at a national referral center in Spain between January 2018 and July 2022.

Key Results

In this period, five patients diagnosed of MNGIE (age range 16–46 years, four men) were evaluated. Esophageal motility by high‐resolution manometry was abnormal in four patients (two hypoperistalsis, two aperistalsis). Gastric emptying by scintigraphy was mildly delayed in four and indicative of gastroparesis in one. In all patients, small bowel high‐resolution manometry exhibited a common, distinctive dysmotility pattern, characterized by repetitive bursts of spasmodic contractions, without traces of normal fasting and postprandial motility patterns. Interestingly, objective motor dysfunctions were detected in the absence of severe digestive symptoms.

Conclusions and Inferences

MNGIE patients exhibit a characteristic motor dysfunction, particularly of the small bowel, even in patients with mild digestive symptoms and in the absence of morphological signs of intestinal failure. Since symptoms are not predictive of objective findings, early investigation is indicated.
Plants out of place: How appreciation of weeds unsettles nature in New Zealand
Authors: Virens Abbi
Published: July 2023

Weeds are known as ‘plants out of place’, but how do we come to understand what belongs in place and what does not? Organisms that thrive beyond boundaries of control threaten life that is ‘in place’, or nature. As a threat to life and nature, weeds are transformed into objects of hate and elimination. Exploring the collective hate of weeds helps to untangle the affective dimensions of colonisation. Using the story of the blackberry in Dunedin, both through its settler history and contemporary relationship with urban foragers, this paper describes how weeds have become powerful affective objects.
Competitive ability, neopolyploid establishment and current distribution of a diploid–tetraploid plant complex
Authors: Castro Mariana , Celeste Dias Maria , Loureiro Joao , Husband Brian C. , Castro Silvia
Published: July 2023

Polyploidy is a pervasive phenomenon in nature and has significantly contributed to the adaptive evolution of plants. The conditions necessary for the spread of neopolyploids in populations of the diploid progenitor are limited; however, the superior competitive ability of neopolyploids may promote its establishment. Here, we assess the contribution of polyploidisation to the divergence of plant traits affecting competitive response, which could explain the successful establishment and current geographic distribution of polyploids. We conducted an intraspecific competition experiment using diploids, neotetraploids and established tetraploids of Jasione maritima var. maritima to determine whether cytotypes differ in phenological, growth and physiological traits and competitive response. Cytotypes respond differently under different competition scenarios with implications for cytotype establishment and distribution. Competition impacted all cytotypes, but neotetraploids were least affected by competition, and the tetraploids were the most impacted. Thus, competitive advantage may have contributed to the displacement of diploid populations and colonisation of new areas by neotetraploids but might have been lost afterwards. Evolutionary changes after polyploidisation have also been detected, and tetraploids invested more in belowground biomass, suggesting that root development might also play a role in colonising southernmost locations. Interestingly, diploids and both tetraploids seem to have different life strategies, the first investing in growth while the latter investing in reserves for the next season. Overall, polyploidisation seems to provide immediate changes that confer an advantage under competition that, together with other factors, may have allowed the establishment of neotetraploids.