bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating ecological feedbacks across scales and levels of organization
Authors: Pichon Benoît , Kéfi Sonia , Loeuille Nicolas , Lajaaiti Ismaël , Gounand Isabelle
Published: April 2024

In ecosystems, species interact in various ways with other species, and with their local environment. In addition, ecosystems are coupled in space by diverse types of flows. From these links connecting different ecological entities can emerge circular pathways of indirect effects: feedback loops. This contributes to creating a nested set of ecological feedbacks operating at different organizational levels as well as spatial and temporal scales in ecological systems: organisms modifying and being affected by their local abiotic environment, demographic and behavioral feedbacks within populations and communities, and spatial feedbacks occurring at the landscape scale. Here, we review how ecological feedbacks vary in space and time, and discuss the emergent properties they generate such as species coexistence or the spatial heterogeneity and stability of ecological systems. With the aim of identifying similarities across scales, we identify the abiotic and biotic modulators that can change the sign and strength of feedback loops and show that these feedbacks can interact in space or time. Our review shows that despite acting at different scales and emerging from different processes, feedbacks generate similar macroscopic properties of ecological systems across levels of organization. Ultimately, our contribution emphasizes the need to integrate such feedbacks to improve our understanding of their joint effects on the dynamics, patterns, and stability of ecological systems.
Neuronal synchrony and critical bistability: Mechanistic biomarkers for localizing the epileptogenic network
Authors: Wang Sheng H. , Arnulfo Gabriele , Nobili Lino , Myrov Vladislav , Ferrari Paul , Ciuciu Philippe , Palva Satu , Palva J. Matias
Published: April 2024

Objective

Postsurgical seizure freedom in drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) patients varies from 30% to 80%, implying that in many cases the current approaches fail to fully map the epileptogenic zone (EZ). We aimed to advance a novel approach to better characterize epileptogenicity and investigate whether the EZ encompasses a broader epileptogenic network (EpiNet) beyond the seizure zone (SZ) that exhibits seizure activity.

Methods

We first used computational modeling to test putative complex systems‐driven and systems neuroscience‐driven mechanistic biomarkers for epileptogenicity. We then used these biomarkers to extract features from resting‐state stereoelectroencephalograms recorded from DRE patients and trained supervised classifiers to localize the SZ against gold standard clinical localization. To further explore the prevalence of pathological features in an extended brain network outside of the clinically identified SZ, we also used unsupervised classification.

Results

Supervised SZ classification trained on individual features achieved accuracies of .6–.7 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Combining all criticality and synchrony features further improved the AUC to .85. Unsupervised classification discovered an EpiNet‐like cluster of brain regions, in which 51% of brain regions were outside of the SZ. Brain regions in the EpiNet‐like cluster engaged in interareal hypersynchrony and locally exhibited high‐amplitude bistability and excessive inhibition, which was strikingly similar to the high seizure risk regime revealed by our computational modeling.

Significance

The finding that combining biomarkers improves SZ localization accuracy indicates that the novel mechanistic biomarkers for epileptogenicity employed here yield synergistic information. On the other hand, the discovery of SZ‐like brain dynamics outside of the clinically defined SZ provides empirical evidence of an extended pathophysiological EpiNet.
Mandatory ESG disclosure, information asymmetry, and litigation risk: Evidence from initial public offerings
Authors: Boulton Thomas J.
Published: April 2024

I use the staggered adoption of mandatory environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure regulations around the world to explore the impact of ESG disclosure on initial public offering (IPO) underpricing. I find robust evidence that underpricing is substantially lower in countries with ESG disclosure mandates. High‐quality disclosure environments moderate and tougher liability standards amplify the negative association between ESG disclosure mandates and underpricing, which suggests that ESG disclosure mandates reduce information asymmetry and litigation risk. The impact of ESG disclosure mandates on underpricing is stronger in countries with more pronounced environmental, social, and governance concerns.
The mechanism on surface integrity and fatigue performance of double‐sided micro‐cutting enhanced FeCoCrNiAl0.6 high entropy alloy
Authors: Zhang Ping , Lin Zhenyong , Gao Yeran , Zhang Songting , Yue Xiujie , Wang Shunxiang
Published: April 2024

This study examines the impact of cutting parameters on the fatigue properties of FeCoCrNiAl0.6 high‐entropy alloy under bi‐directional micro‐cutting. Utilizing Abaqus/fe−safe for analysis, we evaluated surface roughness, internal stress distribution, and fatigue longevity. Enhanced cutting speed resulted in smoother surfaces, whereas increased cut depth intensified surface roughness. Optimal cutting at 60,000 mm/min and 40 μm depth yielded a notable 91% rise in compressive stress (207 MPa) compared to slower speeds (108 MPa at 30,000 mm/min). Yield strength remained stable at 700 MPa across conditions. Fatigue resistance improved post‐bi‐directional cutting, with a 21.8–26.6% boost in life cycles, highlighting a consistent 10% advantage over single‐direction cutting.
Kinetics of the hepatitis B core‐related antigen and treatment responses in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with tenofovir alafenamide
Authors: Itokawa Norio , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Ishikawa Toru , Toyoda Hidenori , Takaguchi Koichi , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Ogawa Chikara , Hiraoka Atsushi , Okubo Hironao , Uojima Haruki , Chuma Makoto , Nozaki Akito , Kato Keizo , Mikami Shigeru , Tani Joji , Morishita Asahiro , Tada Toshifumi , Asano Toru , Senoh Tomonori , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Okubo Tomomi , Kumada Takashi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: April 2024

Aim

An association between hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) kinetics and hepatocarcinogenesis during nucleoside (t)id analog (NA) treatment has recently been reported. HBcrAg kinetics and factors associated with HBcrAg response during tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) administration remain unclear. In this multicenter retrospective study, we aimed to clarify the efficacy and safety of TAF in treatment‐naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B, focusing on the reduction in HBcrAg levels.

Methods

Patients were treated with TAF monotherapy for 96 weeks, and the kinetics of HBcrAg during treatment and the factors associated with HBcrAg response (defined as a change in HBcrAg of −1 log IU/mL from baseline) were evaluated.

Results

The study population comprised 241 patients, 36.9% of whom were HBeAg‐positive. The median baseline HBcrAg level was 4.7 log IU/mL. The median change in HBcrAg from baseline was −1.1 log IU/mL at 96 weeks after treatment. The HBcrAg response rate at 96 weeks was 56.6% (43/76). Multivariate analysis revealed high alanine transaminase level as an independent baseline factor associated with HBcrAg response at 96 weeks of treatment (p = 4.53 × 10−6). No correlation was found between the HBcrAg and hepatitis B surface antigen kinetics in patients treated with TAF monotherapy.

Conclusions

In TAF monotherapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B, HBcrAg levels were significantly decreased and baseline alanine transaminase level is an important factor associated with HBcrAg reduction. As no correlation was found between HBcrAg and reduced hepatitis B surface antigen levels in this study, HBcrAg kinetics in addition to hepatitis B surface antigen may need to be monitored during TAF treatment.
Topical application of retinyl propionate, 4 hexyl resorcinol, and niacinamide reverses molecular and clinical features of ageing
Authors: Davis Andrew , Furtak Ashley , Paterson Sarah , Velthuizen Robert , Shen Jeremy , Nip John , Bappal Arthika , Lathrop William , Villa Ana , Lee Jian‐Ming , Guelakis Marian
Published: April 2024

Objective

Topical tretinoin is the mainstay of treatment for photoageing, despite the risk of skin irritation. Cosmetic combination anti‐ageing formulations may offer similar efficacy to tretinoin, while improving on tolerability. We aim to demonstrate facial appearance benefits of a novel triple‐active cosmetic formulation containing 4‐hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide and to identify transcriptomic biomarkers underpinning these benefits.

Methods

A cosmetic prototype formulation containing 4‐hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide was evaluated ex vivo and in a clinical study. For ex vivo experiments, the cosmetic formulation was applied for 3 days to healthy surgical discard skin from female donors aged 31–51 years, with tissues harvested for gene expression and histologic analyses. In the clinical study, females aged 47–66 years with moderate‐to‐severe overall visual photodamage on the face applied either topical 0.02% tretinoin or the cosmetic formulation to the face for 16 weeks and to forearms for 1 week, with forearm biopsies taken for gene expression analyses. Visual grading for facial photodamage and VISIA‐CR images was taken throughout the clinical study. Safety was visually assessed during site visits, and adverse event monitoring was conducted throughout.

Results

Gene expression analyses in both studies revealed modulation of pathways associated with skin rejuvenation, with several genes of interest identified due to being implicated in ageing and differentially expressed following the application of the cosmetic formulation. Reversal of a consensus skin ageing gene signature was observed with the cosmetic formulation and tretinoin in the ex vivo and clinical studies. Both the cosmetic formulation and tretinoin clinically improved the overall appearance of photoageing, crow's feet, lines, wrinkles, and pores. Adverse event reporting showed that the cosmetic formulation caused less skin irritation than tretinoin.

Conclusion

In a double‐blind clinical study, the novel triple‐active cosmetic combination formulation improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to prescription tretinoin. The cosmetic formulation and tretinoin reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing. Together with adverse event reporting, these results suggest that the cosmetic formulation may be a well‐tolerated and efficacious alternative to tretinoin for improving the visual features of photoageing.
Investigating impression management use in asynchronous video interviews across 10 countries
Authors: Arseneault René , Roulin Nicolas
Published: April 2024

This cross‐cultural study investigates how interviewees from 10 culturally‐distinct countries differ in their use of impression management (IM) tactics in asynchronous video interviews (AVIs), and the relationship(s) between those tactics and interview performance. A total of 582 participants from ten countries (India, Canada, South Africa, Poland, Spain, Iran, Germany, Chile, Philippines, China) completed an 8‐question AVI for a mock position as a manager in a bank. We drew upon GLOBE's cultural framework to predict and explain observed differences in self‐reported IM use and performance. We used multi‐level modeling to test our hypotheses. Interviewees from our ten countries differed slightly in their IM use for various tactics, but IM use was seldom related to GLOBE cultural dimensions. Partially consistent with previous in‐person interview research, honest IM tactics (e.g., self promotion) were positively, but deceptive tactics (e.g., extensive image creation) negatively, associated with interview performance. This research is the first to investigate cross‐cultural IM differences in AVIs, thus addressing a critical gap in the selection literature at a time when many organizations conduct interviews virtually to save costs, streamline the hiring process, or simply conduct most of their activities remotely.
Resequencing of Brazilian locally adapted cattle breeds revealed variants in candidate genes and transcription factors for meat fatty acid profile
Authors: Vieira João Inácio Gomes , Braga Larissa Graciano , Chud Tatiane C. S. , Ferreira Pablo Henrique , Guimarães Simone Eliza Facioni , Martins Marta Fonseca , do Carmo Panetto João Cláudio , Machado Marco Antonio , Silva Danielly Beraldo dos Santos , Bonafé Cristina Moreira , Magalhães Ana Fabrícia Braga , da Silva Marcos Vinícius G. B. , Verardo Lucas Lima
Published: April 2024

The beef cattle industry has experienced a shift driven by a market demand for healthier meat, cost efficiency and environmental sustainability in recent years. Consequently, there has been a growing focus on the fatty acids content and functions of meat in cattle breeding programmes. Besides, a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms influencing the expression of different phenotypes related to fatty acid profiles is crucial. In this study, we aimed to identify Single‐Nucleotide Variants (SNV) and Insertion/Deletion (InDels) DNA variants in candidate genes related to fatty acid profiles described in genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic studies conducted in beef cattle breeds. Utilizing whole‐genome re‐sequencing data from Brazilian locally adapted bovine breeds, namely Caracu and Pantaneiro, we identified SNVs and InDels associated with 23,947 genes. From these, we identified 318 candidate genes related to fatty acid profiles that contain variants. Subsequently, we select only genes with SNVs and InDels in their promoter, 5′ UTR and coding region. Through the gene–biological process network, approximately 19 genes were highlighted. Furthermore, considering the studied trait and a literature review, we selected the main transcription factors (TF). Functional analysis via gene–TF network allowed us to identify the 30 most likely candidate genes for meat fatty acid profile in cattle. LIPE, MFSD2A and SREBF1 genes were highlighted in networks due to their biological importance. Further dissection of these genes revealed 15 new variants found in promoter regions of Caracu and Pantaneiro sequences. The gene networks facilitated a better functional understanding of genes and TF, enabling the identification of variants potentially related to the expression of candidate genes for meat fatty acid profiles in cattle.
Sirt7/HIC1 complex participates in hyperglycaemia‐mediated EndMT via modulation of SDC1 expression in diabetic kidney disease and metabolic memory
Authors: Lu Lihong , Zhu Minmin , Wu Qichao , Sun Zhirong , Chen Xiangyuan , Miao Changhong
Published: April 2024

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a primary microvascular complication arising from diabetes, may result in end‐stage renal disease. Epigenetic regulation of endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been recently reported to exert function in metabolic memory and DKD. Here, we investigated the mechanism which Sirt7 modulated EndMT in human glomerular endothelial cells (HGECs) in the occurrence of metabolic memory in DKD. Lower levels of SDC1 and Sirt7 were noted in the glomeruli of both DKD patients and diabetes‐induced renal injury rats, as well as in human glomerular endothelial cells (HGECs) with high blood sugar. Endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was sustained despite the normalization of glycaemic control. We also found that Sirt7 overexpression associated with glucose normalization promoted the SDC1 expression and reversed EndMT in HGECs. Furthermore, the sh‐Sirt7‐mediated EndMT could be reversed by SDC1 overexpression. The ChIP assay revealed enrichment of Sirt7 and H3K18ac in the SDC1 promoter region. Furthermore, hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1) was found to be associated with Sirt7. Overexpression of HIC1 with normoglycaemia reversed high glucose‐mediated EndMT in HGECs. The knockdown of HIC1‐mediated EndMT was reversed by SDC1 upregulation. In addition, the enrichment of HIC1 and Sirt7 was observed in the same promoter region of SDC1. The overexpressed Sirt7 reversed EndMT and improved renal function in insulin‐treated diabetic models. This study demonstrated that the hyperglycaemia‐mediated interaction between Sirt7 and HIC1 exerts a role in the metabolic memory in DKD by inactivating SDC1 transcription and mediating EndMT despite glucose normalization in HGECs.
Malvidin attenuates trauma‐induced heterotopic ossification of tendon in rats by targeting Rheb for degradation via the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway
Authors: Jiang Huaji , Ding Yan , Lin Xuemei , Tian Qinyu , Liu Yakui , He Hebei , Wu Yongfu , Tian Xinggui , Zwingenberger Stefan
Published: April 2024

The pathogenesis of trauma‐induced heterotopic ossification (HO) in the tendon remains unclear, posing a challenging hurdle in treatment. Recognizing inflammation as the root cause of HO, anti‐inflammatory agents hold promise for its management. Malvidin (MA), possessing anti‐inflammatory properties, emerges as a potential agent to impede HO progression. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MA in treating trauma‐induced HO and unravel its underlying mechanisms. Herein, the effectiveness of MA in preventing HO formation was assessed through local injection in a rat model. The potential mechanism underlying MA's treatment was investigated in the tendon‐resident progenitor cells of tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs), exploring its pathway in HO formation. The findings demonstrated that MA effectively hindered the osteogenic differentiation of TDSCs by inhibiting the mTORC1 signalling pathway, consequently impeding the progression of trauma‐induced HO of Achilles tendon in rats. Specifically, MA facilitated the degradation of Rheb through the K48‐linked ubiquitination‐proteasome pathway by modulating USP4 and intercepted the interaction between Rheb and the mTORC1 complex, thus inhibiting the mTORC1 signalling pathway. Hence, MA presents itself as a promising candidate for treating trauma‐induced HO in the Achilles tendon, acting by targeting Rheb for degradation through the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway.
Efficacy and safety of a new heterologous fibrin biopolymer on socket bone healing after tooth extraction: An experimental pre‐clinical study
Authors: Bighetti Ana Carolina Cestari , Cestari Tania Mary , Paini Suelen , Pomini Karina T. , Buchaim Daniela Vieira , Ortiz Rafael Carneiro , Júnior Rui Seabra Ferreira , Barraviera Benedito , Bullen Izabel R. F. R. , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier , Buchaim Rogério Leone , de Assis Gerson F.
Published: April 2024

Aim

To assess the efficacy of heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB) in promoting alveolar bone healing after tooth extraction in rats.

Materials and Methods

The upper right incisors of 48 Wistar rats were extracted. Toothless sockets were filled with HFB (HFBG, n = 24) or blood clot (BCG, n = 24). The tooth extraction sites were subjected to micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), histological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical (for Runt‐related transcription factor 2/Runx2 and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase/TRAP) analyses on days 0, 7, 14 and 42 after extraction.

Results

Socket volume remained similar between days 0 and 14 (69 ± 5.4 mm3), except in the BCG on day 14, when it was 10% lower (p = .043). Although the number of Runx2+ osteoblasts was high and similar in both groups (34 × 102 cells/mm2), the HFBG showed lower inflammatory process and osteoclast activity than BCG at 7 days. On day 14, the number of Runx2+ osteoblasts remained high and similar to the previous period in both groups. However, osteoclast activity increased. This increase was 55% lower in the HFBG than BCG. In the BCG, the presence of an inflammatory process and larger and numerous osteoclasts on day 14 led to resorption of the alveolar bone ridge and newly formed bone. On day 42, numbers of Runx2+ osteoblast and TRAP+ osteoclasts decreased dramatically in both groups. Although the BCG exhibited a more mature cortical bone formation, it exhibited a higher socket reduction (28.3 ± 6.67%) and smaller bone volume (37 ± 5.8 mm3) compared with HFBG (socket reduction of 14.8 ± 7.14% and total bone volume of 46 ± 5.4 mm3).

Conclusions

HFB effectively suppresses osteoclast activity and reduces alveolar bone resorption compared with blood clot, thus preventing three‐dimensional bone loss, particularly during the early healing period. HFB emerges as a promising biopharmaceutical material for enhancing healing processes after tooth extraction.
Performance of MAST, FAST, and MEFIB in predicting metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis
Authors: Qi Shi , Wei Xiaodie , Zhao Jinhan , Wei Xinhuan , Guo Haiqing , Hu Jingxian , WuYun Qiqige , Pan Calvin Q. , Zhang Nengwei , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

To identify individuals with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) or “at‐risk” MASH among patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), three noninvasive models are available with satisfactory efficiency, which include magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]‐ AST (MAST), FibroScan‐AST (FAST score), and magnetic resonance elastography [MRE] plus FIB‐4 (MEFIB). We aimed to evaluate the most accurate approach for diagnosing MASH or “at‐risk” MASH.

Methods

We included 108 biopsy‐proven MASLD patients who underwent simultaneous assessment of MRE, MRI proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF), and FibroScan scans. Compared with the histological diagnosis, we analyzed the AUC of each model and assessed the accuracy.

Results

Our study cohort consisted of 64.8% of MASH and 25.9% of “at‐risk” MASH. When analyzing the performance of each model for the diagnostic accuracy of MASH, we found that the AUC [95% CI] of MAST was comparable to FAST (0.803 [0.719–0.886] vs 0.799 [0.707–0.891], P = 0.930) and better than MEFIB (0.671 [0.571–0.772], P = 0.005). Similar findings were observed in the “at‐risk” MASH patients. The AUCs [95% CI] for MAST, FAST, and MEFIB were 0.810 [0.719–0.900], 0.782 [0.689–0.874], and 0.729 [0.619–0.838], respectively. The models of MAST and FAST had comparable AUCs (P = 0.347), which were statistically significantly higher than that of MEFIB (P = 0.041). Additionally, the cutoffs for diagnosis of MASH were lower than “at‐risk” MASH.

Conclusion

MAST and FAST performed better than MEFIB in diagnosing “at‐risk” MASH and MASH using lower cutoff values. Our findings provided evidence for selecting the most accurate noninvasive model to identify patients with MASH or at‐risk MASH.
Criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of psychiatric home care–mobile team: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Adrien Vladimir , Diot Thomas
Published: April 2024

Aim

To explore criteria evaluating the effectiveness of psychiatric home care–mobile team practices, that have been developed widely in the last decades.

Design

Systematic review of the literature.

Methods

We included 24 studies published between January 2010 and October 2023.

Data Sources

CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Embase, Scopus and PubMed.

Results

The evaluation criteria differed according to the studies: impact on hospital stay, symptomatic clinical impact, repercussions on functioning, quality of life, analysis of profitability, safety, therapeutic alliance and finally, cooperation network.

Conclusion

The variability of the criteria used to judge the effectiveness of psychiatric home care–mobile team practices shows their richness and diversity, and the absence of standardisation.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

The variability of the criteria used to judge the effectiveness of psychiatric home care–mobile team practices supports a qualitative and multidisciplinary approach, with enhanced teamwork.

Impact

Psychiatric home care–mobile team practice have widely developed in the last years and their effectiveness need to be evaluated. Our main finding is that there is a rich variety of practices and that evaluation criteria are very diverse, thus not standardised. We suggest using a mixed‐method approach to capture the subjective experience of patients and caregivers. These findings also highlight the significance of institutional cooperative work and call for a redefinition of team construction.

Reporting Method

The authors adhered to PRISMA guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Effect of bolus property on swallowing dynamics in patients with dysphagia
Authors: Hino Haruka , Suzuki Taku , Maekawa Kazuya , Ita Reiko , Sasa Anna , Kulvanich Sirima , Takei Eri , Magara Jin , Tsujimura Takanori , Inoue Makoto
Published: April 2024

Background

Modification of foods or liquids is commonly administered as part of dysphagia treatment. However, no consensus exists on the parameters for defining texture‐modified food for patients with dysphagia.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of food/liquid material on swallowing physiology in patients with dysphagia and to discuss the optimal food choice for direct swallowing therapy.

Materials and Methods

A total of 140 patients underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study using three test foods/liquids: 3 mL of mildly thick liquid (Thick liquid), jelly made of agar and polysaccharide (Jelly) and jelly made of pectin (Reset gel). Outcome measures of videofluoroscopic images, bolus transit time and hyoid movements were compared.

Results

The frequency of chewing movements was highest for Jelly, followed by Reset gel and Thick liquid. While the probability of oral residue was the highest for Reset gel, pharyngeal residue after swallowing was high for Thick liquid as compared to Jelly and Reset gel. Oral transit time and pharyngeal transit time for Thick liquid were significantly smaller than that for Jelly and Reset gel. Pharyngeal delay time was significantly smaller for Thick liquid than that for Jelly and Reset gel. There was no difference in hyoid elevation time and hyoid movement time among the conditions.

Conclusion

Mildly thick liquid material may be optimal for patients with primarily oral motor function impairment and jelly, such as Reset gel, may be more suitable for patients with primarily pharyngeal motor function impairment or oral and pharyngeal coordinative motor function decline.
Pain‐free bite force in a healthy population: Within‐session test–retest reliability in different sitting positions
Authors: Mitchell Andrew , Heales Luke , Treleaven Julia , Too Brendan , Tyrrell Ryan , Dinsdale Alana
Published: April 2024

Background

Pain‐free bite force (PFBF) is a promising measure to evaluate bite function in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), yet the reliability of the measure is unknown.

Objectives

Establish the (1) within‐session test–retest reliability of PFBF in a healthy population for a single and mean of three trials in supported and unsupported sitting; (2) standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC).

Methods

Thirty healthy participants (n = 15 female, mean [SD] age = 34.4 [11.0] years) completed two sessions (30–60 min apart) comprising three PFBF trials on each side, in both supported and unsupported sitting, to provide data for 60 (30 participants × two sides) test–retest assessments. Test–retest reliability for the first trial and mean of three trials in each position were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), before calculating the corresponding SEM and MDC for males (M) and females (F) respectively.

Results

Within‐session reliability was considered excellent for a single trial in supported sitting (ICC = 0.85; SEM M/F = 99/84 N; MDC M/F = 275/232 N) and unsupported sitting (ICC = 0.91; SEM M/F = 72/59 N, MDC M/F = 200/163 N), and for a mean of three trials in supported sitting (ICC = 0.89; SEM M/F = 66/79 N, MDC M/F = 182/220 N) and unsupported sitting (ICC = 0.92; SEM M/F = 64/59 N, MDC M/F = 177/164 N).

Conclusion

Single and a mean of three trials in supported and unsupported sitting appear reliable methods to measure PFBF in a healthy population. Testing PFBF using a mean of three trials in unsupported sitting appears superior over other methods though due to higher test–retest reliability, and lower SEM and MDC. Future studies should examine the reliability of PFBF in TMD populations.
Characteristics of K‐12 Teachers Considering Leaving Due to COVID‐19 and for Other Reasons
Authors: Dunfee Madeline N. , Bush Heather , Leger Kate A. , Hilbert Timothy J. , Brancato Candace , Haynes Erin N.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had drastic effects on K‐12 teachers. Researchers partnered with a teacher advisory board to identify factors associated with K‐12 teachers' consideration of leaving teaching during Fall 2020.

METHODS

A web‐based survey focused on teachers' working experiences was emailed to school union membership listservs in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. A logistic regression model was developed to identify working conditions associated with teachers considering leaving the profession.

RESULTS

Among 5873 K‐12 teachers, 27% (n = 1319) were considering leaving the profession either because of COVID‐19 (10%), for other reasons (6%) or were undecided (11%). Teachers who were midcareer, having taught 6‐10 years, who perceived less supervisor support, whose job duties had changed significantly, who were dissatisfied with the COVID‐19 related decision‐making, who reported poor or fair mental health, and who were mostly or extremely afraid that a household member would get COVID‐19 had higher odds of considering leaving teaching or being undecided about future career plans.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE AND EQUITY

Understanding factors influencing teachers' career decisions will help school leaders improve teacher retention amid challenging circumstances.

CONCLUSION

In this study in 3 midwestern US states, limited supervisor support, significant job duty change, dissatisfaction with COVID‐19‐related decision‐making, poor or fair mental health, and fear that a household member would get COVID‐19 were associated with teachers' consideration of leaving the profession or being undecided about future career plans.
Periodontal granulation tissue – To remove or not to remove, that is the question
Authors: Sam Ye Han , Nibali Luigi , Ghuman Mandeep
Published: April 2024

Formation of granulation tissue is a fundamental phase in periodontal wound healing with subsequent maturation leading to regeneration or repair. However, persistently inflamed granulation tissue presents in osseous defects as a result of periodontitis and is routinely disrupted and discarded with non‐surgical and surgical therapy to facilitate wound healing or improve chances of regeneration. Histological assessment suggests that granulation tissue from periodontitis‐affected sites is effectively a chronic inflammatory tissue resulting from impaired wound healing due to persistence of bacterial dysbiotic bioflim. Nevertheless, the immunomodulatory potential and stem cell characteristics in granulation tissue have also raised speculation about the tissue's regenerative potential. This has led to the conception and recent implementation of surgical techniques which preserve granulation tissue with the intention of enhancing innate regenerative potential and improve clinical outcomes. As knowledge of fundamental cellular and molecular functions regulating periodontitis‐affected granulation tissue is still scarce, this review aimed to provide a summary of current understanding of granulation tissue in the context of periodontal wound healing. This may provide new insights into clinical practice related to the management of granulation tissue and stimulate further investigation.
Insomnia and risk of mortality in older adults
Authors: Lawson Yolanda , Wilding Gregory E. , El‐Solh Ali A.
Published: April 2024

Existing evidence linking insomnia to all‐cause mortality in older individuals remains inconclusive. We conducted a retrospective study of a large cohort of veterans aged 65–80 years old identified from the Corporate Data Warehouse, a large data repository derived from the Veterans Health Administration integrated medical records. Veterans' enrollees with and without International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision, codes corresponding to insomnia diagnosis between 1 January 2010 and 30 March 2019 were assessed for eligibility. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. A total of 36,269 veterans, 9584 with insomnia and 26,685 without insomnia, were included in the analysis. Baseline mean (SD) age was 72.6 (4.2) years. During a mean follow‐up of 6.0 (2.9) years of the propensity score matched sample, the mortality rate was 34.8 [95% confidence interval: 33.2–36.6] deaths per 1000 person‐years among patients with insomnia compared with 27.8 [95% confidence interval: 26.6–29.1] among patients without insomnia. In a Cox proportional hazards model, insomnia was significantly associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio: 1.39; [95% confidence interval: 1.27–1.52]). Patients with insomnia also had a higher risk of non‐fatal cardiovascular events (hazard ratio: 1.21; [95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.37]). Secondary stratified analyses by sex, race, ethnicity and hypertension showed no evidence of effect modification. A higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio: 1.51; [95% confidence interval: 1.33–1.71]) was observed when depression was present compared with absent (hazard ratio: 1.26; [95% confidence interval: 1.12–1.44]; p = 0.02). In this cohort study, insomnia was associated with increased risk‐adjusted mortality and non‐fatal cardiovascular events in older individuals.
Evaluating the microcirculation of the dome‐shaped macula and its complications in adults with highly myopic eyes by swept‐source optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Li Haoru , Bai Yang , Sui Jinyuan , Gao Nan , He Qing , Sun Ziwen , Chen Chen , Li Zhiqing , Wei Ruihua
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the microcirculatory characteristics of the dome‐shaped macula (DSM), its complications in highly myopic eyes and to explore the factors associated with a DSM.

Methods

This cross‐sectional case–control study included a total of 98 subjects (98 eyes): 49 eyes with DSM and 49 eyes without DSM. The axial length (AL) of the myopic eyes was matched 1:1 to eliminate the effect of AL differences on the results. Choroidal (CT) and scleral thickness (ST) and other structural parameters were assessed by swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT). OCT angiography was used to measure microcirculatory parameters in highly myopic eyes.

Results

Subjects with DSM had thinner subfoveal choroidal thickness (46.01 ± 13.25 vs. 81.62 ± 48.26 μm; p < 0.001), thicker subfoveal scleral thickness (SFST; 331.93 ± 79.87 vs. 238.74 ± 70.96 μm; p < 0.001) and thinner foveal CT (66.86 ± 24.65 vs. 107.85 ± 52.65 μm; p < 0.001) compared to subjects without DSM. The foveal choroidal perfusion area (0.72 ± 0.04 vs. 0.76 ± 0.04 mm2; p < 0.001) and foveal choroidal vascularity index (0.15 ± 0.04 vs. 0.33 ± 0.14; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in eyes with DSM. Retinoschisis (81.6% vs. 38.8%; p < 0.001) was more common in eyes with DSM. Eyes with horizontal DSM had worse best‐corrected logMAR visual acuity than eyes with round DSM (0.34 ± 0.22 vs. 0.23 ± 0.22; p = 0.03). DSM height (98.95 ± 65.17 vs. 104.63 ± 44.62 μm; p = 0.05) was lower in the horizontal DSM. SFST (OR = 1.06, p = 0.04) and foveal choroidal vascularity index (OR = 0.711, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with DSM. DSM width (p < 0.001), foveal choroidal perfusion area (p = 0.01), foveal choriocapillaris perfusion area (p = 0.02) and parafoveal choroidal vascularity index (p = 0.03) were the most significantly associated factors with DSM height.

Conclusions

The microcirculatory characteristics of eyes with DSM differed from those without DSM. Microcirculatory abnormalities were significantly associated with a DSM. The height of the DSM was associated with decreased blood perfusion.
The Spartina alterniflora genome sequence provides insights into the salt‐tolerance mechanisms of exo‐recretohalophytes
Authors: Chen Shoukun , Du Tingting , Huang Zhangping , He Kunhui , Yang Maogeng , Gao Shang , Yu Tingxi , Zhang Hao , Li Xiang , Chen Shihua , Liu Chun‐Ming , Li Huihui
Published: April 2024

Spartina alterniflora is an exo‐recretohalophyte Poaceae species that is able to grow well in seashore, but the genomic basis underlying its adaptation to salt tolerance remains unknown. Here, we report a high‐quality, chromosome‐level genome assembly of S. alterniflora constructed through PacBio HiFi sequencing, combined with high‐throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi‐C) technology and Illumina‐based transcriptomic analyses. The final 1.58 Gb genome assembly has a contig N50 size of 46.74 Mb. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that S. alterniflora diverged from Zoysia japonica approximately 21.72 million years ago (MYA). Moreover, whole‐genome duplication (WGD) events in S. alterniflora appear to have expanded gene families and transcription factors relevant to salt tolerance and adaptation to saline environments. Comparative genomics analyses identified numerous species‐specific genes, significantly expanded genes and positively selected genes that are enriched for ‘ion transport’ and ‘response to salt stress’. RNA‐seq analysis identified several ion transporter genes including the high‐affinity K+ transporters (HKTs), SaHKT1;2, SaHKT1;3 and SaHKT1;8, and high copy number of Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) up‐regulated under high salt conditions, and the overexpression of SaHKT2;4 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred salt tolerance to the plant, suggesting specialized roles for S. alterniflora to adapt to saline environments. Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses revealed that salt stress activate glutathione metabolism, with differential expressions of several genes such as γ‐ECS, GSH‐S, GPX, GST and PCS in the glutathione metabolism. This study suggests several adaptive mechanisms that could contribute our understanding of evolutional basis of the halophyte.
Which is More Important? Moral Virtue or Life itself?: An Exploration of a Confucian Theme
Authors: Chew Sihao
Published: April 2024

This paper examines a dilemma within the Confucian tradition wherein one is forced to choose between upholding moral virtue and preserving one's own life. The mainstream view valorises and exalts the act of sacrificing one's life in order to uphold moral virtue. There are many supporters of this view, spanning across different periods, including but not limited to Confucius, Mencius, the Cheng brothers, Zhu Xi, and so on. There is, however, an opposing voice within the Confucian tradition. Wang Gen, a Neo‐Confucian thinker and founder of the Taizhou School of thought, opposes the mainstream position by arguing for the primacy of life and against the glorification of these acts of sacrifice. This paper has two aims. The first aim is to trace the development of the mainstream view within the Confucian tradition. The second aim investigates how Wang Gen argues against the mainstream position whilst situating himself within the Confucian tradition.
Combination of 308‐nm excimer laser and piperine promotes melanocyte proliferation, migration, and melanin content production via the miR‐328/SFRP1 axis
Authors: Wu Yifei , Zhang Jiayu , Du Sha , Wang Xiaochuan , Li Jinrong , Chen Yi , Zhou Hongying , Gao Su , Li Yongrong , Liu Xiuhong
Published: April 2024

Objective

Both piperine and a 308‐nm excimer laser have significant curative effects on vitiligo. This study mainly explored the molecular mechanism of a 308‐nm excimer combined with piperine in regulating melanocyte proliferation.

Methods

Epidermal melanocytes were cultured in piperine solution, and the cells were irradiated by an XTRAC excimer laser treatment system at 308‐nm output monochromatic light. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) and Western blot were for detecting the expression levels of genes or proteins. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Transwell method was for assessing cell viability and migration capacity. The content of melanin was also detected.

Results

The combination of the 308‐nm excimer laser and piperine enhanced the cell proliferation, migration, and melanin production of melanocytes and upregulated the level of miR‐328, and restraint of miR‐328 reversed the influence of the 308‐nm excimer laser and piperine. Secreted frizzled‐related protein 1 (SFRP1) is a direct target gene of miR‐328, and miR‐328 can inhibit the expression of SFRP1 and elevate the protein level of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The 308‐nm excimer laser combined with piperine may be more efficient than piperine alone in the remedy of vitiligo, and the miR‐328/SFRP1 and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways are participated in the proliferation, migration, and melanin synthesis of melanocytes.
Revivals, or the Talbot effect, for the Airy equation
Authors: Pelloni B. , Smith D. A.
Published: April 2024

We study Dirichlet‐type problems for the simplest third‐order linear dispersive partial differential equations (PDE), often referred to as the Airy equation. Such problems have not been extensively studied, perhaps due to the complexity of the spectral structure of the spatial operator. Our specific interest is to determine whether the peculiar phenomenon of revivals, also known as Talbot effect, is supported by these boundary conditions, which for third‐order problems are not reducible to periodic ones. We prove that this is the case only for a very special choice of the boundary conditions, for which a new type of weak cusp revival phenomenon has been recently discovered. We also give some new results on the functional class of the solution for other cases.
Nanoscale speckle patterning for combined high‐resolution strain and orientation mapping of environmentally sensitive materials
Authors: Poole Benjamin , Marsh Alex , Lunt David , Hardie Chris , Gorley Mike , Hamelin Cory , Harte Allan
Published: April 2024

Scanning electron microscopy‐based high‐resolution digital image correlation (HRDIC) is now an established technique, providing full‐field strain and displacement measurement at the microscale. Techniques for generating speckle patterns for sub‐micron strain mapping can often be either substrate dependent or rely on applying aggressive conditions which may alter the microstructure of interest or damage the substrate in highly sensitive materials. We detail a modification of a methodology successfully applied in the literature to allow its use with metallic materials that are particularly sensitive to the corrosive media, such as copper‐base alloys. Nanometre‐thick silver films, applied with physical vapour deposition, are remodelled using NaBr in non‐aqueous isopropanol, replacing the aqueous solution of NaCl in the original method, forming a uniform dispersion of silver islands highly suitable for digital image correlation (DIC) measurement. The entire procedure is performed at ambient temperature. We find that the DIC pattern is suitably electron transparent to allow electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements without pattern removal, producing diffraction patterns of sufficient quality for cross‐correlation based high‐angular resolution EBSD. This property facilitates simultaneous EBSD and DIC mapping experiments, providing deeper insights into the kinematics of plastic deformation in crystalline materials. Sub‐100 nm islands are achieved through control of the sputter coating parameters, resulting in DIC cross‐correlation subwindows of 140 nm with a 50% overlap. This resolution is sufficient to capture the fine detail of strain localisation phenomena during plastic deformation, demonstrated here with a case study in CuCrZr, a precipitation‐hardened heat sink material for application in nuclear fusion components. Here, we extract full‐field displacement data with DIC and corresponding orientation information using EBSD without the need for pattern removal.
Health system inequities in Lao People's Democratic Republic: Evidence from a nationally representative phone survey
Authors: Aryal Amit , Clarke‐Deelder Emma , Phommalangsy Souksanh , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Fink Günther
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite substantial economic growth in Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) over the past 20 years, high levels of income inequality and poverty persist and have likely been exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. In this article, we use novel survey data to assess the extent to which socioeconomic status is associated with access to quality care in Lao PDR.

Methods

We utilised data from the Lao People's Voice Survey (PVS), which was designed to measure health system performance from the perspective of the population. The survey was conducted between May and August 2022. Primary outcomes of interest were having a usual source of healthcare, using a government health centre (rather than a hospital or private clinic) as the usual source for care, receiving preventive health services, experiencing unmet healthcare needs, the quality of recent healthcare visit, and confidence in accessing and affording healthcare when needed. Poverty was measured using household asset ownership. We used logit models to assess the associations between poverty and health system performance measures, and additionally assessed differences between these associations in urban vs. rural areas by interacting urban residence with poverty.

Results

Poverty was negatively associated with having a regular provider for care (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.45, 95% CI 0.26–0.78), receiving preventive health services (aOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.37–0.80), and confidence in the ability to receive care (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.34–0.72) and afford care (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.34–0.73) when needed. Poverty was positively associated with using government managed health centres as a usual source or for care (aOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.35–3.48). Poverty was not significantly associated with user experience or perceived quality of care in the last visit to the health facility. No differences in the associations between poverty and access to quality care were found between rural and urban settings.

Conclusions

The results presented in this article suggest socioeconomic disparities in health care access in Lao PDR despite major national efforts to provide universal access to care. Universal health care policies may not be reaching the poor and additional targeted efforts may be needed to meet their healthcare needs.
Reference intervals for bone marrow cells in juvenile and young adult cats bone marrow cytology
Authors: Nunes Nilson J. S. , Valle Stella de Faria , Okano Felipe Y. , Almeida Bruno A. , Menin Angélica , Costa Fernanda V. A. , Duda Naila C. B. , González Félix H. D.
Published: April 2024

Background

The current bone marrow (BM) reference intervals (RI) are based on a limited number of cats. Age‐related changes in BM variables might be important,possibly affecting the interpretation of the results.

Objectives

Establish BM cytologic reference intervals (RIs) and association of age and sex on these findings, in healthy juvenile and young adult cats.

Methods

BM aspirates of cats deemed healthy based on history and clinical, CBC, serum chemistry findings, and negative retrovirus serology were obtained and examined cytologically. The examination included a 1000‐nucleated differential cell count and cell morphologic assessment. RIs were calculated using parametric, robust, and nonparametric methods. The cytologic findings were examined for associations with sex and age.

Results

The study included 40 cats (females, 22 [55%]; males, 18 [45%]) with a median age of 1.5 years (range 0.5–5). Most calculated RIs were similar to those previously reported. BM plasma cell and monocyte counts were weakly and positively correlated with age (rs, .312 and .373, respectively; P < .05). Metarubricytes were higher infemales (mean, 25.1%; SD, 6.0%) than males (mean, 21.2%; SD, 6.0%; P < .05).

Conclusions

The BM differential cell counts determined in this study can serve as RIs for cats aged 0.5–5 years.