bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between mentorship and mental health among junior residents: A nationwide cross‐sectional study in Japan
Authors: Katayama Kohta , Nishizaki Yuji , Takada Toshihiko , Kataoka Koshi , Houchens Nathan , Watari Takashi , Tokuda Yasuharu , Ohira Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2023

Background

Mentorship is a dynamic, reciprocal relationship in which an advanced careerist (mentor) encourages the growth of a novice (mentee). Mentorship may protect the mental health of residents at risk for depression and burnout, yet despite its frequent use and known benefits, limited reports exist regarding the prevalence and mental effects of mentorship on residents in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study involving postgraduate year 1 and 2 (PGY‐1 and PGY‐2) residents in Japan who took the General Medicine In‐Training Examination (GM‐ITE) at the end of the 2021 academic year. Data on mentorship were collected using surveys administered immediately following GM‐ITE completion. The primary outcome was the Patient Health Questionaire‐2 (PHQ‐2), which consisted depressed mood and loss of interest. A positive response for either item indicated PHQ‐2 positive. We examined associations between self‐reported mentorship and PHQ‐2 by multi‐level analysis.

Results

Of 4929 residents, 3266 (66.3%) residents reported having at least one mentor. Compared to residents without any mentor, those with a mentor were associated with a lower likelihood of a positive PHQ‐2 response (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.75; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.65–0.86). Mentor characteristic significantly associated with negative PHQ‐2 response was a formal mentor (aOR; 0.68; 95% CI 0.55–0.84).

Conclusions

A mentor‐based support system was positively associated with residents' mental health. Further research is needed to determine the quality of mentorship during clinical residency in Japan.
The climatology of cold‐air damming in the Kanto Plain, Japan
Authors: Sengoku Kazumasa , Takahashi Hideo , Fujibe Fumiaki , Takahashi Hiroshi G.
Published: December 2023

The climatological characteristics of cold‐air damming (CAD) were statistically investigated on the Kanto Plain throughout the year. We detected 397 CAD events from 1991 to 2020 using hourly surface observation data from the Japan Meteorological Agency. The statistical analyses revealed the following characteristics: (1) CAD is most frequent in autumn followed by spring; (2) strong CAD is more frequent in the cold season than in the warm season; (3) The long‐term trend in CAD frequency is not obvious; (4) 53% of the events finish in 12 h or less, and 17% of them continue for 24 h or more. CAD with precipitation tended to be stronger than that without precipitation, and the latter was more frequent in the nighttime than in the daytime, indicating the contribution of diabatic processes to the development of CAD. Analysis of synoptic fields in CAD cases using long‐term reanalysis data revealed six patterns that differed in the intensity and position of surface highs and lows, corresponding to the typical seasonal sea level pressure fields.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in older people: a practical approach to recognition and management
Authors: Mouchaileh Nadia
Published: December 2023

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in older people and is linked to anaemia, cognitive decline, and dementia. Clinical presentation is variable, ranging from no symptoms or subtle, non‐specific symptoms, through to serious, irreversible neurological symptoms if left untreated. Although common, it is often under‐recognised, with diagnosis usually occurring on incidental blood test screening. Older people are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to insufficient dietary intake, malabsorption associated with aged‐related changes in gastrointestinal function, higher incidence of pernicious anaemia, and chronic use of interfering medications such as metformin and proton‐pump inhibitors. Early detection and treatment in symptomatic deficiency are crucial to prevent irreversible damage. Vitamin B12 intramuscular injection bypasses potential absorption issues and is traditionally the first‐line treatment in older people. However, emerging evidence suggests that high‐dose oral replacement may be as effective. Older people often require lifelong therapy due to the irreversible nature of the underlying cause of deficiency. This review provides an overview of vitamin B12 deficiency and its management in older people.
Unique clinical and prognostic behavior of patients diagnosed with combined exophytic and inverted papilloma histologic subtype
Authors: Fischer Jakob L. , Riley Charles A. , Kacker Ashutosh
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical and prognostic behaviors of sinonasal papillomas.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with sinonasal papilloma were reviewed between 2001 and 2016 at a tertiary rhinology practice. Using pathology‐specific electronic medical record software, patients diagnosed with sinonasal papilloma were identified. Four subcategories of this lesion were identified: inverting (IP), exophytic (EP) oncocytic (OP) and inverting + exophytic (IP + EP) papillomas.

Results

A total of 107 patients were identified with unique sinonasal papilloma diagnoses. Of these, the majority were diagnosed with IP (87, 81.3%). The subpopulation of patients co‐diagnosed with IP and EP (IP + EP) was unique with respect to clinical presentation and prognosis relative to both the IP and EP alone populations. IP + EP patients (5, 4.7%) were older with an average age of 75.25 years compared to 45 (EP) and 55.26 (IP), p < .0001. IP + EP patients more often presented with epistaxis (60%) compared to 33.3% (EP) and 4.6% (IP). Finally, all IP + EP patients had at least one recurrence of their disease, compared to 33.3% (EP) and 28.5% (IP).

Conclusions

Each histopathologic subtype of sinonasal papilloma has unique clinical characteristics and recurrence rates after surgical resection. The subpopulation of patients diagnosed with IP + EP tends to be older, more likely to present with epistaxis, and more likely to recur. Additional investigation and analysis of this subpopulation is warranted.

Level of Evidence

4.
Predicting Disability in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Using Bedside Frontal‐Lobe Signs
Authors: Ruiz‐Barrio Iñigo , Horta‐Barba Andrea , Aracil‐Bolaños Ignacio , Martinez‐Horta Saül , Kulisevsky Jaime , Pagonabarraga Javier
Published: December 2023

Background

Frontal lobe signs in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are prevalent and occur early in the disease. Although they are recognized in clinical practice, studies are needed to systematically investigate them for an in‐depth understanding of the neurological substrate and their potential prognostic implications in the disease.

Objectives

To study the predictive role of frontal lobe signs in PSP, as well as to describe their neuropsychological and anatomical correlations.

Methods

Nine recognized signs of frontal lobe dysfunction were assessed in 61 patients with PSP. Those signs able to predict PSP Rating Scale (PSPRS) score at baseline were selected, a survival analysis was performed and associations with neuropsychological tests and cortical thickness parameters in brain MRI were studied.

Results

Grasping, anosognosia and orobuccal apraxia predicted the PSPRS score independently of age, gender, clinical subtype and disease duration. The occurrence of groping in the first 4 years could be a predictor of survival. Grasping and anosognosia were associated with frontal cognitive dysfunction, whereas orobuccal apraxia and groping were related to a more widespread cognitive impairment, involving temporal–parietal areas. Presence of groping showed an extensive cortical atrophy, with predominant prefrontal, temporal and superior parietal cortical thinning.

Conclusions

Grasping, groping, anosognosia and orobuccal apraxia are easily evaluable bedside clinical signs that reflect distinct stages of disease progression. Grasping, anosognosia and orobuccal apraxia predict disease disability in patients with PSP, and early onset groping could be a survival predictor.
Twenty years of nmrshiftdb2: A case study of an open database for analytical chemistry
Authors: Kuhn Stefan , Kolshorn Heinz , Steinbeck Christoph , Schlörer Nils
Published: December 2023

In October 2003, 20 years ago, the open‐source and open‐content database NMRshiftDB was announced. Since then, the database, renamed as nmrshiftdb2 later, has been continuously available and is one of the longer‐running projects in the field of open data in chemistry. After 20 years, we evaluate the success of the project and present lessons learnt for similar projects.
Generalizing reduction‐based algebraic multigrid
Authors: Zaman Tareq , Nytko Nicolas , Taghibakhshi Ali , MacLachlan Scott , Olson Luke , West Matthew
Published: December 2023

Algebraic multigrid (AMG) methods are often robust and effective solvers for solving the large and sparse linear systems that arise from discretized PDEs and other problems, relying on heuristic graph algorithms to achieve their performance. Reduction‐based AMG (AMGr) algorithms attempt to formalize these heuristics by providing two‐level convergence bounds that depend concretely on properties of the partitioning of the given matrix into its fine‐ and coarse‐grid degrees of freedom. MacLachlan and Saad (SISC 2007) proved that the AMGr method yields provably robust two‐level convergence for symmetric and positive‐definite matrices that are diagonally dominant, with a convergence factor bounded as a function of a coarsening parameter. However, when applying AMGr algorithms to matrices that are not diagonally dominant, not only do the convergence factor bounds not hold, but measured performance is notably degraded. Here, we present modifications to the classical AMGr algorithm that improve its performance on matrices that are not diagonally dominant, making use of strength of connection, sparse approximate inverse (SPAI) techniques, and interpolation truncation and rescaling, to improve robustness while maintaining control of the algorithmic costs. We present numerical results demonstrating the robustness of this approach for both classical isotropic diffusion problems and for non‐diagonally dominant systems coming from anisotropic diffusion.
Social adjustment in children diagnosed with sickle cell disease: A retrospective study
Authors: Zwicker Hailey M. , Fay‐McClymont Taryn B. , Hou Sharon H. J. , Cho Sara , McDonald Kaelyn , Guilcher Gregory M. T. , Yeates Keith O. , Brooks Brian L. , Schulte Fiona S. M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for physical, psychological, and social adjustment challenges. This study sought to investigate social adjustment and related factors in children living with SCD.

Methods

Data from 32 children (50% male, mean age = 10.32 years, SD = 3.27) were retrospectively collected from a neuropsychology clinic at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Social adjustment was measured using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC‐3) parent‐proxy, withdrawal subscale, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Module Social Functioning self‐ and parent‐proxy subscales. Other measures captured executive functioning (i.e., Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF‐2) Parent Form) and non‐disease‐related associations with social adjustment, including number of years in Canada and family functioning (i.e., PedsQL Family Impact Module).

Results

Sixteen percent of patients reported elevated social adjustment difficulties. Multiple linear regression found better family functioning [B = .48, t = 2.65, p = .016], and higher executive functioning [B = −.43, t = −2.39, p = .028] were related to higher scores on the PedsQL parent‐proxy ratings of social adjustment [F(4,18) = 5.88, p = .003]. Male sex [B = .54, t = 3.08, p = .005], and having lived more years in Canada [B = .55, t = 2.81, p = .009], were related to higher PedsQL self‐reported social adjustment [F(4,23) = 3.75, p = .017]. The model examining the BASC‐3 withdrawal subscale was not statistically significant [F(4,16) = 1.63, p = .22].

Implications

Social adjustment in children diagnosed with SCD warrants future research to understand the influence of executive function, and non‐disease‐related factors, particularly focusing on sociocultural factors.
α‐Tomatine gradient across artificial roots recreates the recruitment of tomato root‐associated Sphingobium
Authors: Takamatsu Kyoko , Toyofuku Miwako , Okutani Fuki , Yamazaki Shinichi , Nakayasu Masaru , Aoki Yuichi , Kobayashi Masaru , Ifuku Kentaro , Yazaki Kazufumi , Sugiyama Akifumi
Published: December 2023

α‐Tomatine is a major saponin that accumulates in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). We previously reported that α‐tomatine secreted from tomato roots modulates root‐associated bacterial communities, particularly by enriching the abundance of Sphingobium belonging to the family Sphingomonadaceae. To further characterize the α‐tomatine‐mediated interactions between tomato plants and soil bacterial microbiota, we first cultivated tomato plants in pots containing different microbial inoculants originating from three field soils. Four bacterial genera, namely, Sphingobium, Bradyrhizobium, Cupriavidus, and Rhizobacter, were found to be commonly enriched in tomato root‐associated bacterial communities. We constructed a pseudo‐rhizosphere system using a mullite ceramic tube as an artificial root to investigate the influence of α‐tomatine in modifying bacterial communities. The addition of α‐tomatine from the artificial root resulted in the formation of a concentration gradient of α‐tomatine that mimicked the tomato rhizosphere, and distinctive bacterial communities were observed in the soil close to the artificial root. Sphingobium was enriched according to the α‐tomatine concentration gradient, whereas Bradyrhizobium, Cupriavidus, and Rhizobacter were not enriched in α‐tomatine‐treated soil. The tomato root‐associated bacterial communities were similar to the soil bacterial communities in the vicinity of artificial root‐secreting exudates; however, hierarchical cluster analysis revealed a distinction between root‐associated and pseudo‐rhizosphere bacterial communities. These results suggest that the pseudo‐rhizosphere device at least partially creates a rhizosphere environment in which α‐tomatine enhances the abundance of Sphingobium in the vicinity of the root. Enrichment of Sphingobium in the tomato rhizosphere was also apparent in publicly available microbiota data, further supporting the tight association between tomato roots and Sphingobium mediated by α‐tomatine.
Balancing quality with quantity: A case study of UK bread wheat
Authors: Fradgley Nick S. , Gardner Keith A. , Kerton Matt , Swarbreck Stéphanie M. , Bentley Alison R.
Published: December 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Increasing crop productivity is often proposed as a key goal for meeting the food security demands of a growing global population. However, achieving high crop yields alone without meeting end‐use quality requirements is counter to this objective and can lead to negative environmental and sustainability issues. High yielding feed wheat crops in the United Kingdom are a typical example of this. The historical context of UK agricultural industrialisation, developments in plant breeding and wheat end‐use processing are examined. We then outline how employing innovations in plant breeding methods offer the potential to redress the balance between wheat quantity and quality.

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has historically been an important crop for many human civilisations. Today, variability in wheat supply and trade has a large influence on global economies and food security. The United Kingdom is an example of an industrialised country that achieves high wheat yields through intensive cropping systems and a favourable climate. However, only a minority of the wheat grain produced is of suitable end‐use quality for modern bread baking methods and most wheat produced is fed to livestock. A large agricultural land area and input use dedicated to producing grain for animal rather than human food has wide‐ranging negative impacts for environmental sustainability and domestic food production. Here we present an historical perspective of agricultural and economic changes that have resulted in UK production primarily focussing on wheat quantity over quality. Agricultural intensification, liberalisation of free trade in agricultural commodities, innovations in the milling and baking sector, developments in scientific understanding of genetics and plant breeding, and geopolitical changes have all played a role. We propose that wheat breeding plays a crucial role in influencing these issues and although wheat breeders in the United Kingdom have historically applied the most‐up‐to‐date scientific advances, recent advances in genomics tools and quantitative genetics present a unique opportunity for breeders to redress the balance between quantity and quality.
Adaptation of an arthropod predator to a challenging environment is associated with a loss of a genome‐wide plastic transcriptional response
Authors: Bajda Sabina A , Wybouw Nicky , Nguyễn Việt Hà , De Clercq Patrick , Van Leeuwen Thomas
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Structural and chemical plant defence traits may reduce the efficacy of biological control agents in integrated pest management. Breeding programmes have shown arthropod predators’ potential to acclimate to challenging host plants. However, whether and how these predators adapt to novel plant environments remain unclear. Using the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis – herbivorous mite Tetranychus urticae system in an experimental evolution setup, we studied the adaptation mechanisms to tomato and cucumber, plants that possess a distinct repertoire of defensive traits.

RESULTS

Experimental evolution experiments on whole plants revealed that allowing P. persimilis to adapt to tomatoes led to an ~100% larger population size. Independent feeding assays showed that tomato‐ and cucumber‐adapted prey reduced predator fecundity. The deleterious effect of ingesting low‐quality prey persisted after adaptation of the predator to both cucumber and tomato. We demonstrated that jasmonic acid (JA)‐dependent defences reduce prey quality by evaluating predator performance on prey fed on JA defence‐deficient tomato plants. Transcriptomic profiling of the replicated P. persimilis lines showed that long‐term propagation on tomato and cucumber plants produces distinctive gene‐expression levels. Predator adaptation to tomatoes results in the loss of a large transcriptional response, in which predicted cuticle‐building rather than detoxification pathways are affected.

CONCLUSION

We showed that the adaptation of predatory arthropods to a novel, challenging plant does not necessarily occur via the prey, but rather through the physical environment of the plant. We provided first insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for ulcerative colitis by Board of Specialty Committee of Digestive System Disease of World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (2023)
Authors: Zhang Shengsheng , Zhao Luqing , Shen Hong , Tang Zhipeng , Qin Danping , Li Junxiang , Zhang Beiping , Yang Guanhu , Chen Minhu , Wu Kaichun , Liu Zhanju , Yang Hong , Wang Huahong , Zong Ye , Chen Yaolong , Xiao Shuyuan , Cai Qiang
Published: December 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic and nonspecific inflammatory disease of the intestine, has become a prevalent global health concern. This guideline aims to equip clinicians and caregivers with effective strategies for the treatment and management of adult UC patients using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The guideline systematically evaluated contemporary evidence through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. Additionally, it incorporated insights from ancient Chinese medical sources, employing the evidence grading method found in traditional TCM literature. The development process involved collaboration with multidisciplinary experts and included input from patients with UC. The guideline, based on a comprehensive review of available evidence, present 40 recommendations. They offer a condensed overview of TCM's role in understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of UC, along with an assessment of the efficacy of various TCM‐based treatments. TCM exhibits promising outcomes in the treatment of UC. However, to establish its efficacy conclusively, further high‐quality clinical studies on TCM for UC are essential.
A spatial registration method based on 2D–3D registration for an augmented reality spinal surgery navigation system
Authors: Zhang Jingqi , Yang Zhiyong , Jiang Shan , Zhou Zeyang
Published: December 2023

Background

In order to provide accurate and reliable image guidance for augmented reality (AR) spinal surgery navigation, a spatial registration method has been proposed.

Methods

In the AR spinal surgery navigation system, grayscale‐based 2D/3D registration technology has been used to register preoperative computed tomography images with intraoperative X‐ray images to complete the spatial registration, and then the fusion of virtual image and real spine has been realised.

Results

In the image registration experiment, the success rate of spine model registration was 90%. In the spinal model verification experiment, the surface registration error of the spinal model ranged from 0.361 to 0.612 mm, and the total average surface registration error was 0.501 mm.

Conclusion

The spatial registration method based on 2D/3D registration technology can be used in AR spinal surgery navigation systems and is highly accurate and minimally invasive.
Highly Ionic Conductive, Stretchable, and Tough Ionogel for Flexible Solid‐State Supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Ying , Wei Zhengxuan , Ji Tongtai , Bai Ruobing , Zhu Hongli
Published: December 2023

The increasing demand for wearable electronics calls for advanced energy storage solutions that integrate high  electrochemical performances and mechanical robustness. Ionogel is a promising candidate due to its stretchability combined with high ionic conductivity. However, simultaneously optimizing both the electrochemical and mechanical performance of ionogels remains a challenge. This paper reports a tough and highly ion‐conductive ionogel through ion impregnation and solvent exchange. The fabricated ionogel consists of double interpenetrating networks of long polymer chains that provide high stretchability. The polymer chains are crosslinked by hydrogen bonds that induce large energy dissipation for enhanced toughness. The resultant ionogel possesses mechanical stretchability of 26, tensile strength of 1.34 MPa, and fracture toughness of 4175 J m−2. Meanwhile, due to the high ion concentrations and ion mobility in the gel, a high ionic conductivity of 3.18 S m−1 at room temperature is achieved. A supercapacitor of this ionogel sandwiched with porous fiber electrodes provides remarkable areal capacitance (615 mF cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2), energy density (341.7 µWh cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2), and power density (20 mW cm−2 at 10 mA cm−2), offering significant advantages in applications where high efficiency, compact size, and rapid energy delivery are crucial, such as flexible and wearable electronics.
Single‐Atom Mn Catalysts via Integration with Mn Sub Nano‐Clusters Synergistically Enhance Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Li Yayin , Li Zihan , Shi Kefan , Luo Lanke , Jiang Haomin , He Yu , Zhao Yuelin , He Jiayue , Lin Liu , Sun Zemin , Sun Genban
Published: December 2023

Integrating single atoms and clusters into one system represents a novel strategy for achieving the desired catalytic performance. In comparison to single‐atom catalysts, catalysts combining single atoms and clusters harness the advantages of both, thus displaying greater potential. Nevertheless, constructing single‐atom‐cluster systems remains challenging, and the fundamental mechanism for enhancing catalytic activity remains elusive. In this study, a directly confined preparation of a 3D hollow sea urchin‐like carbon structure (MnSA/MnAC‐SSCNR) is developed. Mn single atoms synergistically interact with Mn clusters, optimizing and reducing energy barriers in the reaction pathway, thus enhancing reaction kinetics. Consequently, in contrast to Mn single‐atom catalysts (MnSA‐SSCNR), MnSA/MnAC‐SSCNR exhibits significantly improved oxygen reduction activity, with a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.90 V in 0.1 m KOH, surpassing that of MnSA‐SSCNR and Pt/C. This work demonstrates a strategy of remote synergy between heterogeneous single atoms and clusters, which not only contributes to electrocatalytic reactions but also holds potential for reactions involving more complex products.
NHS whistleblowing: the long and winding road
Authors: Duffy Peter
Published: December 2023

With first‐hand experience of what it is to be a whistleblower in the NHS, the author recounts his story of a career‐ending outcome after trying to do the right thing.
Impact of institutional review board stipulations on turnaround time for approvals of surgical studies
Authors: Vazirani Aniket , Castagne‐Charlotin Myriam , Akpoviroro Ogheneyoma , Malikova Marina A.
Published: December 2023

Background

We have examined the number and types of stipulations received following the submission of surgical study protocols to the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) for review, and their effect on turnaround time for approval. This analysis will enable our organization to improve the quality of applications and design of study protocols, which can streamline the approval process and increase efficiency of the startup phase for clinical research.

Methods

IRB stipulations for 48 surgical studies were analyzed. Various factors were assessed: surgical specialty, type of study by design, clinical trial phase, type of investigational product, type of IRB utilized (local or centralized), study complexity score, type of review (e.g., exempt, expedited, or full board), turnaround time, and number of stipulations received. Statistical analyses were performed to examine associations between the number/type of stipulations received during the IRB review process and any of the aforementioned study‐related factors.

Results

For analyzed surgical studies, the number of stipulations allotted to a study and time taken for approval had moderate association with the complexity of the study. The turnaround time for approval was the highest for randomized, controlled trials and studies undergoing full board review.

Conclusion

This study elucidates characteristics that are associated with increased time for IRB approval. Analysis of IRB stipulations can help improve the turnaround time for the approval process, increase efficiency of startup phase, and transition to execution phase faster, which will allow more time for enrollment of research subjects, and increase return on investment made into research and development programs.
Developing Misinformation Immunity in a Post-Truth World: Human Computer Interaction for Data Literacy
Authors: Musi Elena , O’Halloran Kay L. , Carmi Elinor , Yates Simeon
Published: December 2023

The Networked Society has brought about opportunities, such as citizens’ journalism, as well as challenges, such as the proliferation of media distortions. To keep up which such a sheer amount of (mis)information, citizens need to develop critical media literacy. We believe that, even though not enough to guarantee a gatekeeping process, human-computer interaction can help users develop epistemic vigilance. To this sake, we present the Fake News Immunity chatbot, designed to teach users how to recognize misinformation leveraging Fallacy Theory. Fallacies, arguments which seem valid but are not, constitute privileged viewpoints for the identification of misinformation. We then evaluate the results of the chatbot as an educational tool through a gamification experience with two cohorts of students and discuss achieved learning outcomes as well as recommendations for future improvement.
Fixed orthodontic appliances and adolescents’ peer relations in school
Authors: Kruse Teresa , Graf Isabelle , Braumann Bert , Kruse Hanno , Kroneberg Clemens
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Studies from the 1970s and 1980s, but also recent investigations on social media suggest that wearing a fixed orthodontic appliance can be a cause of bullying and social exclusion. With the greater uptake of orthodontic treatment in recent decades, it can be assumed that fixed braces are increasingly perceived as normal or even socially desirable. This study investigated how wearing visible fixed braces affects adolescents’ social position in their peer networks using cross-sectional survey data.

Methods

A total of 3002 students in the seventh grade (ages 12/13) at 39 secondary schools were asked about their social relationships in school. These directed network data were used to compare different indegrees (friendship, popularity and victimisation) of students with and without fixed braces. Statistical analyses were performed using ordinary least squares multiple regression models with school cohort fixed effects.

Results

In all, 19% of the surveyed students indicated that they wear visible fixed braces. Girls with fixed braces were slightly more likely to be nominated for friendship and popularity and slightly less likely to be nominated for victimisation than girls without fixed braces (p < 0.05). These associations also remained stable when controlling for socioeconomic differences. Among boys, all observed associations were statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

We found no evidence that wearing fixed braces in adolescence is socially sanctioned by peers. Rather, female students with fixed braces even tend to hold a slightly more favourable position in their peer networks than girls without braces do. These analyses exemplify how network-analytic approaches can be successfully applied in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of sociology, epidemiology and medicine.
VT ablation based on CT imaging substrate visualization: results from a large cohort of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients
Authors: Englert F. , Bahlke F. , Erhard N. , Krafft H. , Popa M.-A. , Risse E. , Lennerz C. , Lengauer S. , Telishevska M. , Reents T. , Kottmaier M. , Kolb C. , Hessling G. , Deisenhofer I. , Bourier F.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The eradication of ventricular tachycardia (VT) isthmus sites constitutes the minimal procedural endpoint for VT ablation procedures. Contemporary high-resolution computed tomography (CT) imaging, in combination with computer-assisted analysis and segmentation of CT data, facilitates targeted elimination of VT isthmi. In this context, inHEART offers digitally rendered three-dimensional (3D) cardiac models which allow preoperative planning for VT ablations in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. To date, almost no data have been collected to compare the outcomes of VT ablations utilizing inHEART with those of traditional ablation approaches.

Methods

The presented data are derived from a retrospective analysis of n = 108 patients, with one cohort undergoing VT ablation aided by late-enhancement CT and subsequent analysis and segmentation by inHEART, while the other cohort received ablation through conventional methods like substrate mapping and activation mapping. The ablations were executed utilizing a 3D mapping system (Carto3), with the mapping generated via the CARTO® PENTARAY™ NAV catheter and subsequently merged with the inHEART model, if available.

Results

Results showed more successful outcome of ablations for the inHEART group with lower VT recurrence (27% vs. 42%, p < 0.06). Subsequent analyses revealed that patients with ischemic cardiomyopathies appeared to derive a significant benefit from inHEART-assisted VT ablation procedures, with a higher rate of successful ablation (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that inHEART-guided ablation is associated with reduced VT recurrence compared to conventional procedures. This suggests that employing advanced imaging and computational modeling in VT ablation may be valuable for VT recurrences.

Graphical abstract
Repetition costs in task switching are not equal to cue switching costs: evidence from a cue-independent context
Authors: Benini Elena , Koch Iring , Philipp Andrea M.
Published: December 2023

Recent task-switching studies highlighted the presence of feature binding processes. These studies documented that even a task-irrelevant feature (the context, henceforth) may be bound with the task and the response in each trial. When the context repeated in the following trial, it supposedly retrieved the bound features, causing benefits when the task and the response repeated and costs otherwise (i.e. full repetition benefits). In the present study, we aim to rule out an alternative explanation for such full repetition benefits in task switching. These benefits were observed in studies that used a cue-related context so that full repetition conditions always implied a cue repetition. Therefore, these full repetition benefits may be ascribed to the priming of cue encoding, instead of the binding of the context. In the present study, we implemented a similar context manipulation but used univalent target stimuli and did not present any cue. Hence, the varying context was never cue-related. We still found full repetition benefits but only when the context appeared before the target and not when they appeared simultaneously. Thus, full repetition benefits can be observed in the absence of priming of cue encoding. However, the context must occupy a prominent position (i.e. at the beginning of the trial). These results, therefore, reinforce the hypothesis that full repetition benefits stem from binding processes that take place on a trial-by-trial basis and involve both task-relevant (the task and the response) and task-irrelevant features (the context).
Swiss digital pathology recommendations: results from a Delphi process conducted by the Swiss Digital Pathology Consortium of the Swiss Society of Pathology
Authors: Janowczyk Andrew , Zlobec Inti , Walker Cedric , Berezowska Sabina , Huschauer Viola , Tinguely Marianne , Kupferschmid Joel , Mallet Thomas , Merkler Doron , Kreutzfeldt Mario , Gasic Radivoje , Rau Tilman T. , Mazzucchelli Luca , Eyberg Isgard , Cathomas Gieri , Mertz Kirsten D. , Koelzer Viktor H. , Soldini Davide , Jochum Wolfram , Rössle Matthias , Henkel Maurice , Grobholz Rainer ,   on behalf of the Swiss Digital Pathology Consortium
Published: December 2023

Integration of digital pathology (DP) into clinical diagnostic workflows is increasingly receiving attention as new hardware and software become available. To facilitate the adoption of DP, the Swiss Digital Pathology Consortium (SDiPath) organized a Delphi process to produce a series of recommendations for DP integration within Swiss clinical environments. This process saw the creation of 4 working groups, focusing on the various components of a DP system (1) scanners, quality assurance and validation of scans, (2) integration of Whole Slide Image (WSI)-scanners and DP systems into the Pathology Laboratory Information System, (3) digital workflow—compliance with general quality guidelines, and (4) image analysis (IA)/artificial intelligence (AI), with topic experts for each recruited for discussion and statement generation. The work product of the Delphi process is 83 consensus statements presented here, forming the basis for “SDiPath Recommendations for Digital Pathology”. They represent an up-to-date resource for national and international hospitals, researchers, device manufacturers, algorithm developers, and all supporting fields, with the intent of providing expectations and best practices to help ensure safe and efficient DP usage.
Exclusive human milk feeding and prevalence of early adiposity rebound in ELBW infants: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cerasani Jacopo , Consales Alessandra , Gangi Silvana , Macchi Marta , Morniroli Daniela , Vizzari Giulia , Tiraferri Valentina , Petrelli Angelo , Mosca Fabio , Giannì Maria Lorella
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of early adiposity rebound (EAR) and factors associated with its occurrence in a cohort of extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW). We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study including ELBW infants followed-up for up to 10 years after discharge. EAR was defined as occurring before 5 years of age. A multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate maternal and perinatal variables independently associated with EAR. Out of 212 ELBW infants included in the analysis, 40.6% developed EAR and 21.5% showed it before 4 years of age. Only formula milk feeding at discharge was independently associated with a higher risk of EAR. The mean BMI of children with EAR was higher than that of children without EAR. Furthermore, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in the EAR group than in the timely AR group.

  Conclusions: ELBW infants in our cohort developed EAR in a relatively high percentage of cases. In this already at-risk population, EAR may represent a further risk factor for an adverse metabolic outcome. Monitoring preterm infants’ growth within a long-term follow-up program and promoting and supporting human milk feeding is advisable.

What is Known:• Preterm-born infants are at high risk for long-term adverse health outcomes, especially cardiovascular and metabolic.• The occurrence of early adiposity rebound (EAR) is associated with the risk of later obesity and metabolic syndrome.

What is New:• The occurrence of EAR in ELBW infants may represent an additional risk factor for later adverse metabolic outcomes in an already vulnerable population.• Future preventive strategies should include a long-term follow-up and the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding.
Molecular fossils in reefal carbonates and sponges of the deep fore reef of Mayotte and Mohéli, Comoro Islands, western Indian Ocean
Authors: Maak Joely Marie , Birgel Daniel , Reitner Joachim , Gischler Eberhard , Dullo Wolf-Christian , Foster William J. , Peckmann Jörn
Published: December 2023

Microbial carbonates are common components of Quaternary tropical coral reefs. Previous studies revealed that sulfate-reducing bacteria trigger microbial carbonate precipitation in supposedly cryptic reef environments. Here, using petrography, lipid biomarker analysis, and stable isotope data, we aim to understand the formation mechanism of microbial carbonate enclosed in deep fore reef limestones from Mayotte and Mohéli, Comoro Islands, which differ from other reefal microbial carbonates in that they contain less microbial carbonate and are dominated by numerous sponges. To discern sponge-derived lipids from lipids enclosed in microbial carbonate, lipid biomarker inventories of diverse sponges from the Mayotte and Mohéli reef systems were examined. Abundant peloidal, laminated, and clotted textures point to a microbial origin of the authigenic carbonates, which is supported by ample amounts of mono-O-alkyl glycerol monoethers (MAGEs) and terminally branched fatty acids; both groups of compounds are attributed to sulfate-reducing bacteria. Sponges revealed a greater variety of alkyl chains in MAGEs, including new, previously unknown, mid-chain monomethyl- and dimethyl-branched MAGEs, suggesting a diverse community of sulfate reducers different from the sulfate-reducers favoring microbialite formation. Aside from biomarkers specific for sulfate-reducing bacteria, lipids attributed to demosponges (i.e., demospongic acids) are also present in some of the sponges and the reefal carbonates. Fatty acids attributed to demosponges show a higher diversity and a higher proportion in microbial carbonate compared to sponge tissue. Such pattern reflects significant taphonomic bias associated with the preservation of demospongic acids, with preservation apparently favored by carbonate authigenesis.
The Riskification of Internal Auditors’ Ethical Deliberation: An Emerging Third Logic Between Norms and Values?
Authors: Brivot Marion , Roussy Mélanie , Gendron Yves
Published: December 2023

What ethical challenges do internal auditors (IAs) encounter in their professional role, and how do they navigate these hurdles, especially when weaving risks into their ethical judgments? Anchored in philosophical concepts distinguishing norms from values, and the notion that risk is intrinsically moral, this research delves into interviews of 33 Canadian public sector IAs across various government strata. This primary data are enriched by insights from archival documents and an ethics training session attended by 11 internal audit executives. Our analysis reveals two primary ethical challenges faced by IAs—ethical issues and dilemmas—which unfold in the various contexts we explicate in this study. To address them, IAs tend to favor axiological logic (values driven) over deontological logic (norms driven). However, in some situations, a prudential logic centered on risk becomes their touchstone. Our key takeaways are threefold: (1) a highlight of the ethical quandaries IAs grapple with; (2) evidence that prudential logic, with its merits and flaws, is used to bridge the gap that sometimes exists between professional norms and individual values; and (3) an emphasis on the weak reliance of IAs on the Institute of Internal Auditors Code of Ethics, hinting at avenues for its enhanced outreach and pedagogy.
Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Suicidality: A Latent Class Analysis and Associations with Clinical Characteristics in an At-Risk Cohort
Authors: de Neve-Enthoven N. G. M. , Ringoot A. P. , Jongerling J. , Boersma N. , Berges L. M. , Meijnckens D. , Hoogendijk W. J. G. , Grootendorst-van Mil N. H.
Published: December 2023

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is frequently encountered in adolescents, but its predictive value for suicidality or other clinical characteristics is challenging due to its heterogeneous nature. This study used latent class analysis to identify subgroups of NSSI and compared these on sociodemographic characteristics, adverse outcomes and protective factors. The study included 966 high-risk adolescents, Mage 14.9 y, SD 0.9 y, 51.8% female. Four classes emerged: (1) “Low NSSI–Low suicidality”, (2) “Moderate NSSI-Low suicidality”, (3) “Moderate NSSI-High suicidality”, and (4) “High NSSI-High suicidality”. Girls predominated in the high suicidality classes. Generally, Class 4 had the poorest outcomes: more internalizing and externalizing problems, less social support from friends and families and worst self-esteem. These findings emphasize the need for interventions tailored to specific phenotypes of adolescents engaging in NSSI.
Semantic speech analysis using machine learning and deep learning techniques: a comprehensive review
Authors: Tyagi Suryakant , Szénási Sándor
Published: December 2023

Human cognitive functions such as perception, attention, learning, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving are all significantly influenced by emotion. Emotion has a particularly potent impact on attention, modifying its selectivity in particular and influencing behavior and action motivation. Artificial Emotional Intelligence (AEI) technologies enable computers to understand a user's emotional state and respond appropriately. These systems enable a realistic dialogue between people and machines. The current generation of adaptive user interference technologies is built on techniques from data analytics and machine learning (ML), namely deep learning (DL) artificial neural networks (ANN) from multimodal data, such as videos of facial expressions, stance, and gesture, voice, and bio-physiological data (such as eye movement, ECG, respiration, EEG, FMRT, EMG, eye tracking). In this study, we reviewed existing literature based on ML and data analytics techniques being used to detect emotions in speech. The efficacy of data analytics and ML techniques in this unique area of multimodal data processing and extracting emotions from speech. This study analyzes how emotional chatbots, facial expressions, images, and social media texts can be effective in detecting emotions. PRISMA methodology is used to review the existing survey. Support Vector Machines (SVM), Naïve Bayes (NB), Random Forests (RF), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Logistic Regression (LR), etc., are commonly used ML techniques for emotion extraction purposes. This study provides a new taxonomy about the application of ML in SER. The result shows that Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) are found to be the most useful methodology for this purpose.
Recapitulation of anti-aging phenotypes by global overexpression of PTEN in mice
Authors: Hager Mary , Chang Peter , Lee Michael , Burns Calvin M. , Endicott S. Joseph , Miller Richard A. , Li Xinna
Published: December 2023

The PTEN gene negatively regulates the oncogenic PI3K-AKT pathway by encoding a lipid and protein phosphatase that dephosphorylates lipid phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) resulting in the inhibition of PI3K and downstream inhibition of AKT. Overexpression of PTEN in mice leads to a longer lifespan compared to control littermates, although the mechanism is unknown. Here, we provide evidence that young adult PTENOE mice exhibit many characteristics shared by other slow-aging mouse models, including those with mutations that affect GH/IGF1 pathways, calorie-restricted mice, and mice treated with anti-aging drugs. PTENOE white adipose tissue (WAT) has increased UCP1, a protein linked to increased thermogenesis. WAT of PTENOE mice also shows a change in polarization of fat-associated macrophages, with elevated levels of arginase 1 (Arg1, characteristic of M2 macrophages) and decreased production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, characteristic of M1 macrophages). Muscle and hippocampus showed increased expression of the myokine FNDC5, and higher levels of its cleavage product irisin in plasma, which has been linked to increased conversion of WAT to more thermogenic beige/brown adipose tissue. PTENOE mice also have an increase, in plasma and liver, of GPLD1, which is known to improve cognition in mice. Hippocampus of the PTENOE mice has elevation of both BDNF and DCX, indices of brain resilience and neurogenesis. These changes in fat, macrophages, liver, muscle, hippocampus, and plasma may be considered “aging rate indicators” in that they seem to be consistently changed across many of the long-lived mouse models and may help to extend lifespan by delaying many forms of late-life illness. Our new findings show that PTENOE mice can be added to the group of long-lived mice that share this multi-tissue suite of biochemical characteristics.
Enhanced Fenton-like process over Cu/L(+)-ascorbic acid co-doping mesoporous silica for toxicity reduction of emerging contaminants
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Deng Wenxuan , Wu Xiaojun , Hu Chun , Lyu Lai
Published: December 2023

Effective removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) to minimize their impacts on human health and the natural environment is a global priority. For the removal of ECs in water, we fabricated a seaweed spherical microsphere catalyst with Cu cation-π structures by in situ doping of Cu species and ascorbic acid in mesoporous silica (Cu-C-MSNs) via a hydrothermal method. The results indicate that bisphenol A (BPA) is substantially degraded within 5 min under natural conditions, with its biological toxicity considerably weakened. Moreover, industrial wastewater could also be effectively purified by Cu-C-MSNs/H2O2 system. The presence of metal sites and the complexation of ECs via cation-π interaction and π-π stacking on the catalyst surface were directly responsible for the polarization distribution of electrons, thus activating H2O2 and dissolved oxygen (DO). The removal of contaminants could be attributed primarily to 1) the activation of H2O2 into •OH to attack the contaminants and 2) self-cleavage because of the transfer of electrons from the contaminants to the catalysts. This study provides an innovative solution for the effective treatment of ECs and has positive implications for easing global environmental crises.