bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase transitions and microwave dielectric behaviors of the (Bi1−xLi0.5xY0.5x)(V1−xMox)O4 ceramics
Authors: Pang Li‐Xia , Zhou Di , Yao Xiao‐Gang , Lin Hui‐Xing , Chen Chen , Shi Zhong‐Qi , Hussain Fayaz , Darwish Moustafa Adel , Zhou Tao , Sun Shi‐Kuan , Liang Qi‐Xin , Chen Ya‐Wei
Published: January 2023

Microwave dielectric ceramics with intrinsic low sintering temperatures are potential candidates for low temperature co‐fired ceramics technology. In the present work, the (Li0.5Y0.5)MoO4 ceramic with tetragonal scheelite structures was selected to improve microwave dielectric properties of BiVO4 ceramics. As proved by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results, scheelite structured solid‐solution ceramics were formed with x value ≤0.1 in the (Bi1−xLi0.5xY0.5x)(V1−xMox)O4. In situ XRD results further confirmed that the addition of (Li0.5Y0.5)MoO4 also lowered transition temperature from distorted monoclinic to tetragonal scheelite structure. When x value increased further, zircon phase was detected by XRD. Room and high‐temperature Raman spectra also supported the XRD results. Differences of thermal expansion coefficients of both monoclinic and tetragonal scheelite phases lead to an abnormality at phase transition temperature. Good microwave dielectric properties with permittivity above 70 and Qf (Q = quality factor = 1/dielectric loss and f = frequency) value above 8000 GHz were obtained in the (Bi1−xLi0.5xY0.5x)(V1−xMox)O4 solid‐solution ceramics with x value ≤0.1 sintered below 800°C. However, permittivity peak values at phase transition temperatures lead to large positive or negative temperature coefficient of resonant frequency, and this needs to be modified via composite technologies in the future.
Evaluating temperature gradients across the posterior left atrium with radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Sandhu Amneet , Holman Blair , Lammers Steven , Cerbin Lukasz , Barrett Christopher , Sabzwari Rafay , Garg Lohit , Zipse Matthew M. , Tumolo Alexis Z. , Aleong Ryan G. , Von Alvensleben Johannes , Rosenberg Michael , West John J. , Varosy Paul , Nguyen Duy T. , Sauer William H. , Tzou Wendy S.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Esophageal injury is a well‐known complication associated with catheter ablation. Though novel methods to mitigate esophageal injury have been developed, few studies have evaluated temperature gradients with catheter ablation across the posterior wall of the left atrium, interstitium, and esophagus.

Methods

To investigate temperature gradients across the tissue, we developed a porcine heart–esophageal model to perform ex vivo catheter ablation on the posterior wall of the left atrium (LA), with juxtaposed interstitial tissue and esophagus. Circulating saline (5 L/min) was used to mimic blood flow along the LA and alteration of ionic content to modulate impedance. Thermistors along the region of interest were used to analyze temperature gradients. Varying time and power, radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesions were applied with an externally irrigated ablation catheter. Ablation strategies were divided into standard approaches (SAs, 10–15 g, 25–35 W, 30 s) or high‐power short duration (HPSD, 10–15 g, 40–50 W, 10 s). Temperature gradients, time to the maximum measured temperature, and the relationship between measured temperature as a function of distance from the site of ablation was analyzed.

Results

In total, five experiments were conducted each utilizing new porcine posterior LA wall‐esophageal specimens for RF ablation (n = 60 lesions each for SA and HPSD). For both SA and HPSD, maximum temperature rise from baseline was markedly higher at the anterior wall (AW) of the esophagus compared to the esophageal lumen (SA: 4.29°C vs. 0.41°C, p < .0001 and HPSD: 3.13°C vs. 0.28°C, p < .0001). Across ablation strategies, the average temperature rise at the AW of the esophagus was significantly higher with SA relative to HPSD ablation (4.29°C vs. 3.13°C, p = .01). From the start of ablation, the average time to reach a maximum temperature as measured at the AW of the esophagus with SA was 36.49 ±  12.12 s, compared to 16.57 ±  4.54 s with HPSD ablation, p < .0001. Fit to a linear scale, a 0.37°C drop in temperature was seen for every 1 cm increase in distance from the site of ablation and thermistor location at the AW of the esophagus.

Conclusion

Both SA and HPSD ablation strategies resulted in markedly higher temperatures measured at the AW of the esophagus compared to the esophageal lumen, raising concern about the value of clinical intraluminal temperature monitoring. The temperature rise at the AW was lower with HPSD. A significant time delay was seen to reach the maximum measured temperature and a modest increase in distance between the site of ablation and thermistor location impacted the accuracy of monitored temperatures.
Rationale for and use of the lumenless 3830 pacing lead
Authors: Richardson Travis D. , Himes Adam , Marshall Mark , Crossley George H.
Published: January 2023

Most currently available pacing and defibrillation leads utilize a stylet‐based design that facilitates implantation. This has advantages, but also increases the lead diameter and adds the potential for metal fatigued‐based conductor failure. A systematic literature search was conducted, and the authors add their twenty‐year experience with this lead design. The global experience with lumenless leads was reviewed both for “standard” positioning and with conduction system pacing. Methods for both placement and system modification are reviewed. Lumenless leads have the potential to improve the durability of endocardial pacing and facilitate conduction system pacing.
The clinical effect of antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related decompensated cirrhosis and undetectable DNA
Authors: Lee Han Ah , Lee Young‐Sun , Jung Young Kul , Kim Ji Hoon , Yim Hyung Joon , Yeon Jong Eun , Seo Yeon Seok , Lee Jae Seung , Lee Hye Won , Kim Beom Kyung , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Seung Up
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim

Antiviral therapy (AVT) is the mainstay of hepatitis B virus (HBV) management. We investigated whether AVT improves the outcomes of HBV‐related decompensated cirrhosis and undetectable HBV‐DNA.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2017, treatment‐naïve patients with HBV‐related decompensated cirrhosis and undetectable HBV‐DNA were recruited from two tertiary hospitals. The endpoints included death and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Results

A total of 429 patients were analyzed (50 and 379 patients in the AVT and non‐AVT groups, respectively). Patients in the AVT group were significantly younger and had higher alanine aminotransferase and alpha‐fetoprotein levels than those in the non‐AVT group (all P < 0.05). During follow‐up (median 49.6 months), 98 patients died and 105 developed HCC. The cumulative incidence rates of death (2.0%, 4.1%, and 6.4%, and 4.9%, 7.2%, and 10.2% at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively) and HCC (8.6%, 15.8%, and 26.4% vs 1.6%, 7.7%, and 24.4% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively) were statistically comparable between the AVT and non‐AVT groups (all P > 0.05). Using Cox regression analysis, AVT was not significantly associated with death nor HCC (all P > 0.05). Similar results were observed after balancing baseline characteristics with inverse probability of treatment weighting. In the non‐AVT group, the cumulative incidence rates of HBV‐DNA detection at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 2.0%, 3.1%, and 6.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

Antiviral therapy did not attenuate the risk of death nor HCC in patients with HBV‐related decompensated cirrhosis and undetectable HBV‐DNA.
Brief emotion‐focused family therapy: A 12‐month follow‐up study
Authors: Foroughe Mirisse , Browne Dillon T. , Thambipillai Prakash , Cordeiro Kristina , Muller Robert T.
Published: January 2023

This study provides a 12‐month follow‐up evaluation of caregivers after participating in a 2‐day Emotion‐focused family therapy (EFFT) intensive, a brief intervention for caregivers of youth struggling with mental health difficulties. Caregivers (N = 498) of children (N = 337) completed measures of caregiver self‐efficacy and child mental health difficulties 1 week before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and at 4, 8, and 12‐month follow‐ups. Piecewise latent trajectory models revealed that parental self‐efficacy showed a large immediate increase following the intervention, β = 1.61 (1.32, 2.14), and although this effect was attenuated by 4 months, β = −0.77 (−1.31, −0.52), it did not change further by 12 months. Reductions in child mental health difficulties were observed by 4 months, β = −0.54 (−0.77, −0.37), and remained stable through the 12‐month follow‐up. Caregivers reporting more increases in self‐efficacy also reported greater reductions in their children's symptoms at 4 and 12 months.
A comparison of classroom‐based and online multicultural training course within a marriage and family therapy training program
Authors: Rivera Peter M. , Armes Stephanie , Cheon Hee‐Sun , Prouty Anne
Published: January 2023

This study contributes to an emerging area of research on online learning within marriage and family therapy training programs while responding to the need for research on the effectiveness of multicultural training marriage and family therapists receive. Using 32 students in a marriage and family therapy program and a pretest–posttest design, this study focused on student outcomes across a classroom‐based multicultural training course and an online section of the same course. Support was found for the effectiveness of each instructional modality in delivering multicultural training. Findings also indicated that student gains did not significantly differ across students in the two course sections. This is the first study to provide evidence that online learning does not compromise the effectiveness of multicultural training for marriage and family therapists and adds evidence to the claim that the multicultural training marriage and family therapists receive is effective in achieving its aims.
A single‐chain fragment constant design enables easy production of a monovalent blood–brain barrier transporter and provides an improved brain uptake at elevated doses
Authors: Morrison Jamie I. , Metzendorf Nicole G. , Rofo Fadi , Petrovic Alex , Hultqvist Greta
Published: January 2023

The interest for developing antibody‐driven therapeutic interventions has exponentially grown over the last few decades. Even though there have been promising leaps in the development of efficacious antibody therapies, problems revolving around production and site‐directed delivery of these large macromolecules persist. This is especially pertinent when it comes to designing and producing antibodies to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to tackle neurodegenerative diseases. One of the most effective approaches to alleviating this problem is to employ a “Trojan Horse” approach, using receptor‐mediated transcytosis, such as those governed by the transferrin receptor (TfR)‐mediated pathways, to deliver large protein payloads into the brain. Even though this method is effective, ideal limiting factors, related to how the antibody binds to the TfR, need to be elucidated to improve BBB penetrance. With this said, we have designed and produced a single‐chain Fc antibody, conjugated to an scFv8D3 TfR binding motif, creating a single‐chain monovalent BBB transporter (scFc‐scFv8D3). This recombinant protein is easy to produce and purify, demonstrates monovalent binding to the TfR and is structurally stable at physiologically relevant temperatures. Using an in vitro BBB model system, we show a positive correlation between the concentration of administered antibody and transcytosis efficacy, with scFc‐scFv8D3 demonstrating significantly higher transcytosis levels compared with scFv8D3‐conjugated bivalent antibodies at elevated administered concentrations. Furthermore, in vivo studies recapitulate the in vitro results, with the scFc‐scFv8D3 demonstrating an elevated brain uptake at higher therapeutic doses in wild‐type mice, comparable with that of the scFv8D3‐conjugated bivalent antibody control. In addition, the half‐life of the single‐chain monovalent BBB transporter is comparable with that of standard IgG antibodies, indicating that the scFc format does not exacerbate physiological degradation. Our results lead us to the conclusion that valency and affinity are important variables to consider when discerning optimal transport across the BBB using TfR‐mediated transcytosis pathways. In addition, we believe the single‐chain Fc antibody we have described, which can easily be manipulated to accommodate a bispecific target tactic, provides a simple and efficacious approach for delivering therapeutic payloads to the brain milieu.

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Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: GABAA receptor neurotransmission and epilepsy: Principles, disease mechanisms and pharmacotherapy
Authors: Bryson Alexander , Reid Christopher , Petrou Steven
Published: January 2023

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder associated with alterations of excitation‐inhibition balance within brain neuronal networks. GABAA receptor neurotransmission is the most prevalent form of inhibitory neurotransmission and is strongly implicated in both the pathophysiology and treatment of epilepsy, serving as a primary target for antiseizure medications for over a century. It is now established that GABA exerts a multifaceted influence through an array of GABAA receptor subtypes that extends far beyond simply negating excitatory activity. As the role of GABAA neurotransmission within inhibitory circuits is elaborated, this will enable the development of precision therapies that correct the network dysfunction underlying epileptic pathology.

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The needs of older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in residential aged care: An integrative review
Authors: Cabote Christy , Salamonson Yenna , Trajkovski Suza , Maneze Della , Montayre Jed
Published: January 2023

Aims and Objectives

To synthesise information about the needs of older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in residential aged care from the perspectives of the residents, families and care staff.

Background

Older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in residential aged care have care needs that are complex. Identifying these needs is critical to ensure quality care is delivered.

Design

An integrative review of literature.

Methods

Five databases were searched for relevant articles: APA PsychINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar. The search and screening were guided by PRISMA guidelines and Whittemore and Knafl's five‐step framework.

Results

Fifteen papers were included in this review consisting of 4 quantitative, 9 qualitative and 2 mixed method studies. Two themes described the needs of older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in residential aged care. The first was related to culture‐specific needs, and the second was related to dementia‐specific care needs. Culture‐specific needs comprised of three subthemes: (a) common language, (b) traditional food, and (c) social and spiritual requirements. Dementia‐specific needs comprised of (a) focusing on comfort in addition to clinical requirements and (b) individualised care that addresses behavioural symptoms of dementia.

Conclusions

Identifying and meeting the needs of older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will improve quality care delivery in addition to increased caregiving satisfaction among residents, families and care staff, and the management of behaviours that characterise dementia.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Care needs of older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in the residential setting can be complex. Education and training of care staff including nurses must be considered so that provision of care is inclusive of the cultural and dementia needs for older people in residential aged care.
Evaluation of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody levels on hospital admission as a correlate of protection against mortality
Authors: Mink Sylvia , List Wolfgang , Hoefle Guenter , Frick Matthias , Suessenbacher Alois , Winder Thomas , Fetz Cornelia , Boesl Andreas , Saely Christoph H. , Drexel Heinz , Fraunberger Peter
Published: January 2023

Background

Millions of people have now been vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). However, it is still unclear which antibody levels provide protection against mortality. It is further unknown whether measuring antibody concentrations on hospital admission allows for identifying patients with a high risk of mortality.

Objectives

To evaluate whether anti‐SARS‐CoV2‐spike antibodies on hospital admission predict in‐hospital mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, multicentre cohort study on 1152 hospitalized patients who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 with a polymerase chain reaction–based assay. Patients were classified by vaccination status. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike antibodies were determined on hospital admission. The investigated end point was in‐hospital mortality for any cause.

Results

Spike antibodies on hospital admission were significantly lower in non‐survivors in both non‐vaccinated (73 U/ml, 95%CI 0–164 vs. 175 U/ml, 95%CI 124–235, p = 0.002) and vaccinated patients (1056 U/ml, 95%CI 701–1411 vs. 1668 U/ml, 95%CI 1580–1757, p < 0.001). Further, spike antibodies were significantly lower in fully vaccinated and boostered patients who died compared to those who survived (mean 883 U/ml, 95%CI 406–1359 vs. 1292 U/ml, 95%CI 1152–1431, p = 0.017 and 1485 U/ml, 95%CI 836–2133 vs. 2050 U/ml, 95%CI 1952–2149, p = 0.036). Patients infected with the currently prevailing Omicron variant were three times more likely to die if spike antibodies were <1200 U/ml (OR 3.458, 95%CI 1.562–7.656, p = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, this value increased to an aOR of 4.079 (95%CI 1.809–9.198, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Anti‐SARS‐CoV2 spike‐antibody levels on hospital admission are inversely associated with in‐hospital mortality. Hospitalized patients with lower antibody levels have a higher risk of mortality.
Peripheral lymphocyte count defines the clinical phenotypes and prognosis in patients with anti‐MDA5‐positive dermatomyositis
Authors: Jin Qiwen , Fu Lijun , Yang Hongxia , Chen Xixia , Lin Sang , Huang Zhenguo , Gao Baoxiang , Tian Xiaolan , Jiang Wei , Shu Xiaoming , Lu Xin , Wang Guochun , Peng Qinglin
Published: January 2023

Objective

To explore the role of peripheral lymphocyte count in phenotyping and prognosis prediction in dermatomyositis (DM) patients with anti‐MDA5 antibodies.

Methods

In total, 1669 patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with anti‐MDA5+ DM were analyzed in association with peripheral lymphocyte counts and clusters determined by unsupervised machine learning.

Results

The peripheral lymphocyte count was significantly lower in the anti‐MDA5+ DM group (N = 421) than in the other IIM serotype groups. The anti‐MDA5+ DM patients were divided into three groups; the severe lymphopenia group had skin ulcers and rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP‐ILD); patients with a normal lymphocyte count had a younger age of onset, more frequent arthritis, and normal serum ferritin levels, whereas mild lymphopenia group showed a moderate increase of serum ferritin and intermediate incidence of RP‐ILD. Survival analysis revealed that the 3‐ and 6‐month mortality rates were significantly higher in the severe lymphopenia group (29.0% and 42.1%, respectively) than in the mild lymphopenia group and normal lymphocyte count group (p value <0.001). Consistently, unsupervised machine learning identified three similar groups; the arthritis cluster shows the highest lymphocyte counts and best prognosis; the RP‐ILD cluster presents the lowest peripheral lymphocyte, high incidence of RP‐ILD, and poor prognosis; the typical DM rash cluster had a moderate peripheral lymphocyte count and an intermediate prognosis.

Conclusions

Lymphopenia is a unique manifestation of anti‐MDA5+ DM. Peripheral lymphocyte count can define clinical phenotypes and predict prognosis in anti‐MDA5+ DM.
Plasma methylmalonic acid predicts risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease: A prospective 2‐cohort study
Authors: Dhar Indu , Lysne Vegard , Ulvik Arve , Svingen Gard F. T. , Pedersen Eva R. , Bjørnestad Espen Ø. , Olsen Thomas , Borsholm Robert , Laupsa‐Borge Johnny , Ueland Per M. , Tell Grethe S. , Berge Rolf K. , Mellgren Gunnar , Bønaa Kaare H. , Nygård Ottar K
Published: January 2023

Background

Elevated plasma methylmalonic acid (MMA) is reported in patients with established coronary heart disease (CHD) and is considered a marker of vitamin B12 deficiency. Moreover, MMA‐dependent reactions have been linked to alterations in mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxidative stress, key features in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Objectives

We examined whether plasma MMA prospectively predicted the long‐term risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and mortality.

Methods and results

Using Cox modeling, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for endpoints according to per 1‐SD increment of log‐transformed plasma MMA in two independent populations: the Western Norway Coronary Angiography Cohort (WECAC) (patients evaluated for CHD; n = 4137) and the Norwegian Vitamin Trial (NORVIT) (patients hospitalized with AMI; n = 3525). In WECAC and NORVIT, 12.8% and 18.0% experienced an AMI, whereas 21.8% and 19.9% died, of whom 45.5% and 60.3% from CVD‐related causes during follow‐up (range 3–11 years), respectively. In WECAC, age‐ and gender‐adjusted HRs (95% confidence interval) were 1.18 (1.09–1.28), 1.25 (1.18–1.33), and 1.28 (1.17–1.40) for future AMI, total mortality, and CVD mortality, respectively. Corresponding risk estimates were 1.19 (1.10–1.28), 1.22 (1.14–1.31), and 1.30 (1.19–1.42) in NORVIT. These estimates were only slightly attenuated after multivariable adjustments. Across both cohorts, the MMA‐risk association was stronger in older adults, women, and non‐smokers.

Conclusions

Elevated MMA was associated with an increased risk of AMI and mortality in patients with suspected or verified CHD.
Tongue strength and clinical correlations in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Plaza Exequiel , Busanello‐Stella Angela Ruviaro
Published: January 2023

Background

Individuals with Parkinson's disease present affected lingual functioning at some stage of the progression of the disease. The objective was to determine the strength and endurance values of the tongue in PD subjects and whether weakness in tongue lift may be an indicator of disease progression.

Objective

To determine the strength and endurance values of the tongue in PD subjects and whether weakness in tongue lift may be an indicator of disease progression.

Methods

Sixty subjects performed tasks of tongue to palate maximum isometric pressure (MIP) and sustained 50% of MIP for endurance. The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument was used as evaluation tool. Selected domains of the Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL‐QOL) related to tongue pressure were considered. Variables of sex, age, disease duration, disease progression (Hoehn & Yahr stage) and body mass index were selected for association analysis.

Results

Tongue MIP ranged from 16 to 48 kPa (mean = 33.43 kPa), which was significantly lower than normal reference values. Likewise, tongue endurance was significantly diminished. Analysis of variance showed differences in tongue strength between stages of disease progression F(3) = 6.503, p = .001, but not for endurance. Subjects in stage IV exhibited the lowest values. No sex effect was found. Tongue strength showed significant correlations with SWAL‐QOL domains such as food selection, symptoms frequency and eating duration.

Conclusion

Tongue strength and endurance are significantly reduced in Parkinson's disease. Tongue strength is higher in the early stage of the disease and significantly different from that of more severe stages, emerging the notion that tongue strength is a sensitive indicator of disease progression. Selected items regarding swallowing quality of life are strongly associated with tongue strength.
Role of craniofacial phenotypes in the response to oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Ma Yanyan , Yu Min , Gao Xuemei
Published: January 2023

Background

Mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a good alternative for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the treatment response varies amongst individuals.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the role of craniofacial features in the response to MADs to improve prognostication and patient selection.

Methods

The retrospective trial contained 42 males aged 41.5 ± 9.0 years, and with an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of 21.5 ± 13.8 events/h. According to the mandibular plane angle, participants were divided into three groups: low angle (n = 13), average angle (n = 14) and high angle (n = 15). Under the monitoring of home sleep testing, adjustable MADs were used to titrate the mandible forward from 0 mm with an increment of 0.5 mm every day. The polysomnography outcomes, mandibular protrusion amounts, changes in upper airway MRI measurements and nasal resistance were compared amongst the three groups.

Results

The normalisation rate (AHI <5 /h) was 92.3%, 57.1% and 46.7%, respectively, in the low‐, average‐ and high‐angle groups (p = .027). The effective protrusion where AHI was reduced by half was 20 (11.3 ~ 37.5) %, 31.3 (23.6 ~ 50) % and 50 (36.9 ~ 64.9) % of the maximal mandibular protrusion, in the low‐, average‐ and high‐angle groups (p = .004). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that increased gonion angle (OR = 0.878) and baseline AHI(OR = 0.868) can reduce the probability of normalisation.

Conclusion

The high mandibular plane angle might be an unfavourable factor to MAD treatment and more protrusion was needed to achieve a 50% reduction in AHI. Vertical craniofacial pattern (gonion angle) and baseline AHI constituted the model for predicting the effect of MADs.
Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in adult obstructive sleep apnoea patients: A cross‐sectional controlled study
Authors: Bartolucci Maria Lavinia , Bortolotti Francesco , Pelligra Irene , Stipa Chiara , Sorrenti Giovanni , Incerti‐Parenti Serena , Alessandri‐Bonetti Giulio
Published: January 2023

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterised by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airways during sleep and it has been associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) on the basis of several pathophysiological hypotheses.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of TMDs in a population of patients affected by OSA compared to a control group of subjects not affected by OSA.

Methods

A cross‐sectional controlled study was conducted on a group subjects studied by polygraphy (PG) at the snoring section of the ENT department, Sant'Orsola‐Malpighi Hospital – University of Bologna. Patients who received a diagnosis of OSA were included in the study group and subjects with a negative PG diagnosis for Sleep Disordered Breathing and PG respiratory pattern that did not suggest the occurrence of sleep disorders were enrolled in the control group. Both the subjects included in the study group and the control group underwent an examination following the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis I and II.

Results

Forty‐three OSA patients (29 M, 16 F, mean age 52.26 ± 11.40) and 43 healthy controls (25 M, 18 F, mean age 49.95 ± 7.59) were included in the study. No significant differences were found between groups in demographic data. TMD prevalence and Axis II results did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

This paper does not highlight a higher prevalence of TMDs in adults with OSA compared to healthy controls. Further high‐quality studies are needed to confirm the results and to give possible pathophysiological explanations, providing reliable evidence.
Probabilistic and preferential sampling approaches offer integrated perspectives of Italian forest diversity
Authors: Alessi Nicola , Bonari Gianmaria , Zannini Piero , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Agrillo Emiliano , Attorre Fabio , Canullo Roberto , Casella Laura , Cervellini Marco , Chelli Stefano , Di Musciano Michele , Guarino Riccardo , Martellos Stefano , Massimi Marco , Venanzoni Roberto , Zerbe Stefan , Chiarucci Alessandro
Published: January 2023

Aim

Assessing the performances of different sampling approaches for documenting community diversity may help to identify optimal sampling efforts and strategies, and to enhance conservation and monitoring planning. Here, we used two data sets based on probabilistic and preferential sampling schemes of Italian forest vegetation to analyze the multifaceted performances of the two approaches across three major forest types at a large scale.

Location

Italy.

Methods

We pooled 804 probabilistic and 16,259 preferential forest plots as samples of vascular plant diversity across the country. We balanced the two data sets in terms of sizes, plot size, geographical position, and vegetation types. For each of the two data sets, 1000 subsets of 201 random plots were compared by calculating the shared and exclusive indicator species, their overlap in the multivariate space, and the areas encompassed by spatially‐constrained rarefaction curves. We then calculated an index of performance using the ratio between the additional and total information collected by each sampling approach. The performances were tested and evaluated across the three major forest types.

Results

The probabilistic approach performed better in estimating species richness and diversity of species assemblages, but did not detect other components of the regional diversity, such as azonal forests. The preferential approach outperformed the probabilistic approach in detecting forest‐specialist species and plant diversity hotspots.

Conclusions

Using a novel workflow based on vegetation‐plot exclusivities and commonalities, our study suggests probabilistic and preferential sampling approaches are to be used in combination for better conservation and monitor planning purposes to detect multiple aspects of plant community diversity. Our findings can assist the implementation of national conservation planning and large‐scale monitoring of biodiversity.
Body condition metrics explain fish movement in experimental streams
Authors: Kanno Y. , Locklear M. L. , Platis N. M. , Lewis S. T.
Published: January 2023

Body condition refers to an array of physiological or nutritious states in animals, but body condition is typically measured using a single metric in animal behavior studies. In this paper, we conducted a three‐day laboratory study to evaluate whether metrics of body condition affected movement of wild‐caught creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) at 16 and 22°C. Movement was counted between two circular tanks connected by a straight corridor, which was equipped with a pair of passive integrated transponder antennas. Fish movement was most frequent during periods of darkness in a simulated photoperiod, and more mobile individuals consistently moved more frequently across the 3 days. In general, individuals in better body condition were more mobile than those in poorer condition, and different metrics of body condition affected movement to different degrees. Specifically, per cent weight loss and dry matter content (ratio of wet versus dehydrated weight) were better predictors of movement than weight‐at‐length, which is most typically used as a surrogate of body condition in animals. In addition, body condition and length interacted to affect fish movement, where body condition affected movement of smaller individuals more significantly than that of larger individuals. Body condition effects on activity were similar at 16 and 22°C. This study demonstrates that body condition metrics may not always affect certain behavior in a similar way. Body condition metrics need to be carefully selected when used in the context of animal behavior, and more than a single metric should be tested when feasible.
An experimental framework for quantifying the degree of intraguild predation in omnivorous food webs in the field
Authors: Hsu G.‐C.
Published: January 2023

Intraguild predation (IGP) is common in natural and human‐managed systems and plays a critical role in food web dynamics. Although studies have documented the occurrence of IGP across a wide range of predator taxa, quantitative understanding regarding the degree/intensity of IGP remains lacking. I propose an experimental framework combining controlled feeding trials and stable isotope analysis to quantify the degree of IGP in an omnivorous food web in the field consisting of a top predator, a mesopredator, and a shared prey. The degree of IGP is defined as the proportion (in number) of mesopredators consumed in the total diet (shared prey + mesopredator) of top predators. Feeding trials along with stable isotope analysis are used to construct a standard curve of the relationship between the diet composition of top predator and its nitrogen isotope signatures. The nitrogen isotope signatures of field‐collected top predator individuals are then analyzed and interpolated to the standard curve to estimate the degree of IGP in the field. The proposed framework leverages the strengths of different experimental approaches to study trophic interactions, providing a practical tool for quantifying IGP in a more accurate (controlled feeding trials and standard IGP curve) and realistic (stable isotope analysis of field samples) fashion. The current framework can be further extended to food webs involving more complex interactions (e.g., multiple shared prey) and complemented with other approaches (e.g., molecular gut content analysis) to capture a more complete picture of IGP dynamics in the field.
Epistemic Partialism
Authors: Mason Cathy
Published: January 2023

Most of us are partial to our friends and loved ones: we treat them with special care, and we feel justified in doing so. In recent years, the idea that good friends are also epistemically partial to one another has been popular. Being a good friend, so‐called epistemic partialists suggest, involves being positively biased towards one's friends – that is, involves thinking more highly of them than is warranted by the evidence. In this paper, I outline the concept of epistemic partiality and its relation to non‐epistemic partiality and explore some considerations that speak in favour of and against such partialism in friendships. I finish by suggesting some directions in which this debate could go next.
Chemiexcitation: Mammalian Photochemistry in the Dark†
Authors: Brash Douglas E. , Goncalves Leticia C. P.
Published: January 2023

Light is one way to excite an electron in biology. Another is chemiexcitation, birthing a reaction product in an electronically excited state rather than exciting from the ground state. Chemiexcited molecules, as in bioluminescence, can release more energy than ATP. Excited states also allow bond rearrangements forbidden in ground states. Molecules with low‐lying unoccupied orbitals, abundant in biology, are particularly susceptible. In mammals, chemiexcitation was discovered to transfer energy from excited melanin, neurotransmitters, or hormones to DNA, creating the lethal and carcinogenic cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer. That process was initiated by nitric oxide and superoxide, radicals triggered by ultraviolet light or inflammation. Several poorly understood chronic diseases share two properties: inflammation generates those radicals across the tissue, and cells that die are those containing melanin or neuromelanin. Chemiexcitation may therefore be a pathogenic event in noise‐ and drug‐induced deafness, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's; it may prevent macular degeneration early in life but turn pathogenic later. Beneficial evolutionary selection for excitable biomolecules may thus have conferred an Achilles heel. This review of recent findings on chemiexcitation in mammalian cells also describes the underlying physics, biochemistry, and potential pathogenesis, with the goal of making this interdisciplinary phenomenon accessible to researchers within each field.
Controls on grain‐size distribution in an ancient sand sea
Authors: Bertolini Gabriel , Hartley Adrian J. , Marques Juliana C. , Paim Jhenifer C.
Published: January 2023

Grain‐size distribution in deserts is driven by a combination of autogenic controls such as grain abrasion and sorting due to wind transport, and allogenic controls such as provenance and spatial changes in wind‐direction. Downwind grain‐size trends in present day sand seas display contrasting results, with some showing broad downwind fining and sorting (for example, Namib and Hexi) whilst others lack any clear trend (for example, Ténére, Australian and Sinai). To determine the relative importance of autogenic and allogenic controls on grain‐size distribution in sand seas, this study examines the grain‐size distribution along the margins of the Cretaceous Botucatu palaeodesert across an area of >1 000 000 km2. To quantify the main controls on Botucatu palaeodesert grain‐size distribution, this study compares the spatial distribution of grain‐size metrics with: (i) detrital zircon geochronology as a provenance test; (ii) palaeowind patterns as a wind‐regime test; and (iii) three transects along the basin palaeomargins as a downwind abrasion test. Grain‐size dispersion shows an east to west fining pattern, which agrees with provenance control – in contrast to a north–south trend expected for the predominant wind‐regime control. In the north‐east region there is good evidence for downwind fining due to aeolian abrasion – of about 0.4 μm by kilometre, indicating that whilst downwind fining due to abrasion does occur, it is limited by the rounded nature of the available sand and possibly by a mix of different provenance sources. The results suggest that the provenance of the available sand is the primary control on the grain‐size distribution in the Botucatu sand sea and potentially in most large‐scale dune fields.
Unequal foodwork: Situating the sociology of feeding within diet and nutrition disparities
Authors: Fielding‐Singh Priya , Oleschuk Merin
Published: January 2023

Widespread inequities in diet and nutrition present a pressing public health problem. Sociologists working to illuminate the causes and contours of these inequities often center the role of family foodwork, or the multifaceted domestic labor that supports eating, including planning and preparing meals. Mounting sociological scholarship on foodwork considers how food's meanings are socially patterned to reflect broader social structures, ideologies and institutions that influence their manifestation and families' resources to enact them. Here, we present three core contributions from the sociology of foodwork that can advance essential transdisciplinary conversations around nutrition disparities as well as efforts to tackle these disparities. We lay out how (1) family foodwork is historically rooted in broader structures of capitalist exploitation and women's subordination, and today remains gendered through normative discourses equating “good” feeding with “good” mothering; (2) the moralization of foodwork is buttressed by an ideological context idealizing homecooked meals and lamenting foodwork's decline, and; (3) foodwork—and societal evaluations of it—are shaped and stratified by intersecting gendered, classed, and racial inequalities. After reviewing each contribution and its importance for addressing nutrition inequities, we conclude by advocating for a closer conversation across disciplines and highlighting important future directions for sociologists.
On taxonomic position of the feather mite genus Lamellodectes (Acariformes: Proctophyllodidae) with description of a new species
Authors: Mironov Sergey V. , Literak Ivan , Sychra Oldrich , Capek Miroslav
Published: January 2023

The feather mite genus Lamellodectes Hernandes and Valim, 2014 (Proctophyllodidae) was originally referred to the subfamily Pterodectinae based on the crucial diagnostic feature of this subfamily—the fusion of the epigynum with epimerites IIIa in females. Detailed investigation of two Lamellodectes species collected from ovenbirds (Passeriformes: Furnariidae) in Costa Rica has shown that this genus is actually close to Platyacarus Kudon, 1982 (Proctophyllodinae). Both genera have 4 ventral setae (ra, wa, la, and s) on tarsi I and II, while other proctophyllodid genera have only 3 setae (ra, wa, la). Additionally, it was found that the fusion of epigynum with epimerites IIIa in females of Lamellodectes is incomplete, as in some representatives of the proctophyllodine genera Anisophyllodes Atyeo, 1967 and Armophyllodes Mironov and Bermúdez, 2018 that gives evidence this character state has been independently developed in this genus. Herein, the genus Lamellodectes is provided with renewed diagnosis and transferred to the subfamily Proctophyllodinae; one new species, Lamellodectes favus Mironov sp. n., is described from Premnoplex brunnescens (Sclater, PL, 1856) (Passeriformes: Furnariidae) in Costa Rica.
Phytophagous and predatory mites (Acari) on Cyperaceae (Plantae: Poales)
Authors: Flechtmann C.H.W. , Moraes G.J. de
Published: January 2023

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Morphological ontogeny of Pilogalumna kazakhstanica sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Galumnidae) from Kazakhstan
Authors: Seniczak Stanisław , Seniczak Anna , Kaczmarek Sławomir , Marquardt Tomasz , Kozhagaliyeva Rima
Published: January 2023

The morphological ontogeny of Pilogalumna kazakhstanica sp. nov. from Kazakhstan is described and illustrated. The adult stage of this species is most similar to P. ornatula Grandjean, 1956, but differs from it mainly by slightly smaller body size and by having two postanal porose areas, whereas P. ornatula has usually a single porose area. In P. kazakhstanica the prodorsal porose area Ad and all notogastral porose areas are framed by dark brown integument, whereas in P. ornatula framed is usually porose area A1. The larva of P. kazakhstanica has 12 pairs of gastronotal setae, most are short and smooth, except for medium-sized and barbed c2, c3, h1 and h2, and minute, smooth h3, the nymphs have 15 pairs, most are short and smooth, except for medium-sized and barbed c2 and c3. In the juvenile instars the gastronotal shield is poorly developed, bearing setae of d-, l-series and h1 in the larva, and setae of d-, l-, h-series and p1 in the nymphs. In all juveniles, a humeral organ is present, and setae of c-, ad-series and p2 and p3 are with microsclerites.
Supplemental Material: Genesis and source affinities of heterogeneous ultramafic rocks in the North Kongling Complex, Yangtze craton: Architecture of a Paleoproterozoic accretionary orogen
Authors: Peng Hongtao , Peng Songbai , al. et
Published: January 2023

Table S1: Mineral major elements of harzburgites and pyroxenites from the North Kongling Complex. Table S2: Mineral trace elements of harzburgites from the North Kongling Complex. Table S3: LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb data of harzburgites and pyroxenites from the North Kongling Complex. Table S4: LA-ICP-MS zircon rare earth element values (ppm) of harzburgites and pyroxenites from the North Kongling Complex. Table S5: Whole-rock major and trace elements of harzburgites and pyroxenites from the North Kongling Complex. Table S6: Whole-rock Sm-Nd isotopic compositions of harzburgites and pyroxenites from the North Kongling Complex. Table S7: Whole-rock Re-Os isotopic compositions of harzburgites and pyroxenites from the North Kongling Complex.
Supplemental Material: Large-scale basement mobilization endows the giant Carlin-type gold mineralization in the Youjiang Basin, South China: Insights from mercury isotopes
Authors: Gao Wei , et al.
Published: January 2023

Text S1: Mercury isotopic composition of terrestrial and marine reservoirs. Figure S1: Plots of δ202Hg versus ∆199Hg (a), and ∆201Hg versus ∆199Hg (b) of terrestrial and marine reservoirs. Text S2: Two endmember mixing model of mercury isotope. Table S1: Descriptions of the Precambrian basement rocks collected in this study from the periphery the Youjiang basin of South China. Table S2: THg and Hg isotopic compositions of ore-associated sulfides of the Carlin-type gold deposits in the Youjiang basin of South China. Table S3: THg and Hg isotopic compositions of Precambrian basement rocks from the periphery of the Youjiang basin, respectively. Table S4: THg and Hg isotopic compositions of the Permian E’meishan plume-related mafic rocks from the interior of the Youjiang basin, respectively.
The KLT relation from the tree formula and permutohedron
Authors: Cao Qu , Zhang Liang
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we generalize the Nguyen–Spradlin–Volovich–Wen (NSVW) tree formula from the MHV sector to any helicity sector. We find a close connection between the Permutohedron and the KLT relation, and construct a non-trivial mapping between them, linking the amplitudes in the gauge and gravity theories. The gravity amplitude can also be mapped from a determinant followed from the matrix-tree theorem. Besides, we use the binary tree graphs to manifest its Lie structure. In our tree formula, there is an evident Hopf algebra of the permutation group behind the gravity amplitudes. Using the tree formula, we can directly re-derive the soft/collinear limit of the amplitudes.
Electroweak baryogenesis in the CP-violating two-Higgs doublet model
Authors: Basler Philipp , Biermann Lisa , Mühlleitner Margarete , Müller Jonas
Published: January 2023

Recently we presented the upgrade of our code for the calculation of the electroweak phase transition (EWPT) to which now includes the computation of the baryon asymmetry of the universe (BAU) in the CP-violating 2-Higgs-Doublet Model (C2HDM). In this paper we use to investigate the size of the BAU that is obtained in the C2HDM with the two implemented approaches and to derive the transport equations, by taking into account all relevant theoretical and experimental constraints. We identify similarities and differences in the results computed with the two methods. In particular, we analyse the dependence of the obtained BAU on the parameters relevant for successful baryogenesis. Our investigations allow us to pinpoint future directions for improvements both in the computation of the BAU and in possible avenues taken for model building. Recently, it was argued that the source term in the method vanishes at leading order which would have consequences for the derived BAU in this method.
A universe born in a metastable false vacuum state needs not die
Authors: Urbanowski K.
Published: January 2023

We try to find conditions, the fulfillment of which allows a universe born in a metastable false vacuum state to survive and not to collapse. The conditions found are in the form of inequalities linking the depending on timetinstantaneous decay rate$${\varGamma }(t)$$Γ(t)of the false vacuum state and the Hubble parameterH(t). Properties of the decay rate of a quantum metastable states are discussed and then the possible solutions of the conditions found are analyzed and discussed. Within the model considered it is shown that a universe born in the metastable vacuum state has a very high chance of surviving until very late times if the lifetime,$$\tau _{0}^{F}$$τ0F, of the metastable false vacuum state is much shorter, than the duration of the inflation process. Our analysis shows that the instability of the electroweak vacuum does not have to result in the tragic fate of our Universe leading to its death.