bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A generalized mixture rule for estimating the effective modulus of cement paste in early age
Authors: Cao Pengcheng , Chen Xi , Dong Hongjing , Dai Ying
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain a theoretical model to analyze the effective modulus of cement paste in early age, including the setting and hardening periods, which has a great impact on mechanical properties of concrete structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a power law approximation, a generalized mixture rule is used to construct the relationship between the effective modulus and hydration degree. In addition, a new model of the dependence of the Poisson's ratio on the hydration degree and water cement ratio is proposed for cement paste in early age.

Findings

The effective Young's modulus, storage shear modulus and Poisson's ratio of cement pastes with different water cement ratios and hydration degrees are studied by the presented model. The model can be applied to simulate the behavior of early-age cement paste at both the setting and the hardening periods. Compared with the experimental results, the correctness of the model is validated.

Originality/value

This work presents a mathematical model that can effectively estimate the effective Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio in the hardening period, and the storage shear modulus in the setting period of cement pastes.
Context-specific optimal dietary guidelines for managing cancer for hospitalized patients in Tanzania
Authors: Kisighii Happyness Amani , Raymond Jofrey , Chacha Musa
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The lack of food-based dietary guidelines for managing cancer among hospitalized patients has led to an increasing economic burden on the government and families in low- and middle-economy countries. There have been increasing medical costs due to delayed recovery, readmission and mortality. The purpose of this study is to contribute in reducing these effects by developing context-specific food-based dietary guidelines to assist health-care professionals and caregivers in planning diets for cancer patients.

Design/methodology/approach

For seven days, the dietary intakes of 100 cancer patients in the hospital were recorded using weighed food records. Data on the costs of commonly consumed foods during hospitalization were obtained from hospital requisition books as well as nearby markets and shops. The information gathered was used to create optimal food-based dietary guidelines for cancer patients.

Findings

Most patients did not meet the recommended food group and micronutrient intake according to their weighed food records. Sugar intake from processed foods was (51 ± 19.8 g), (13% ± 2%), and calories (2585 ± 544 g) exceeded recommendations. Optimized models generated three menus that met the World Cancer Research Fund 2018 cancer prevention recommendation at a minimum cost of 2,700 Tanzanian Shillings (TSH), 3500TSH, and 4550TSH per day. The optimal dietary pattern includes nutrient-dense foods from all food groups in recommended portions and within calorie limits.

Originality/value

Findings show that optimal dietary guidelines that are context-specific for managing cancer in hospitalized patients can be formulated using culturally acceptable food ingredients at minimum cost.
Persistence analysis of research intensity in OECD countries since 1870
Authors: Solarin Sakiru Adebola , Lopez Gema , Gil‐Alana Luis A.
Published: June 2022

This paper analyses the persistence of research intensity in the OECD over the period 1870–2018. The goal is to test if the conclusion of the study conducted by Ang and Madsen (Ang, J. B., & Madsen, J. B. (2011). Can second‐generation endogenous growth models explain the productivity trends and knowledge production in the Asian miracle economies? The Review of Economics and Statistics 2011, 93(4), 1360–1373), namely that the Schumpeterian growth models predict that research intensity is stationary, is correct. Using fractional integration methods on annual research intensity from 16 OECD countries, we observe that the series are very persistent. The order of integration is observed to be statistically higher than 1 in all the countries except Spain, rejecting thus the hypothesis of stationarity. When the likelihood of non‐linear trends is considered in the analysis, the results are not materially different. An implication of the results is that policies aimed at boosting research activities will have a long‐term impact on research intensity.
Grandparenting as the resolution of kinship as experience
Authors: Miller Daniel , Garvey Pauline
Published: June 2022

This article argues that a population of relatively affluent retired people in a small Irish town have employed the possibilities of grandparenting to resolve many of the tensions of contemporary kinship. This includes the tension between the obligations of prescriptive relationships as against the voluntarism of friendship. This is considered against a background shift in kinship studies towards a distinction between kinship as a category and kinship as experience. Kinship as experience often now comprises a series of deep fluctuations during the life course. Experience is also extended by the growth in life expectancy. This makes it still more important that the legacy of an individual's prior experiences of kinship may be partially resolved through the experience of grandparenting. The profound consequences of grandparenting lie not in the relationship to the grandchildren but in the possibilities that grandparenting offers to recalibrate all other kinship relations. These include the relationship with one's own children, the relationship with partners, the legacy of one's prior experience of being a parent, and even the memory of the way one was parented when a child.
Stability of diagnostic coding of psychiatric outpatient visits across the transition from the second to the third version of the Danish National Patient Registry
Authors: Bernstorff Martin , Hansen Lasse , Perfalk Erik , Danielsen Andreas Aalkjær , Østergaard Søren Dinesen
Published: June 2022

Objective

In Denmark, data on hospital contacts are reported to the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR). The ICD‐10 main diagnoses from the DNPR are often used as proxies for mental disorders in psychiatric research. With the transition from the second version of the DNPR (DNPR2) to the third (DNPR3) in February–March 2019, the way main diagnoses are coded in relation to outpatient treatment changed substantially. Specifically, in the DNPR2, each outpatient treatment course was labelled with only one main diagnosis. In the DNPR3, however, each visit during an outpatient treatment course is labelled with a main diagnosis. We assessed whether this change led to a break in the diagnostic time‐series represented by the DNPR, which would pose a threat to the research relying on this source.

Methods

All main diagnoses from outpatients attending the Psychiatric Services of the Central Denmark Region from 2013 to 2021 (n = 100,501 unique patients) were included in the analyses. The stability of the DNPR diagnostic time‐series at the ICD‐10 subchapter level was examined by comparing means across the transition from the DNPR2 to the DNPR3.

Results

While the proportion of psychiatric outpatients with diagnoses from some ICD‐10 subchapters changed statistically significantly from the DNPR2 to the DNPR3, the changes were small in absolute terms (e.g., +0.6% for F2—psychotic disorders and +0.6% for F3—mood disorders).

Conclusion

The change from the DNPR2 to the DNPR3 is unlikely to pose a substantial threat to the validity of most psychiatric research at the diagnostic subchapter level.
Establishing an economical and widely accessible donation after circulatory death animal abattoir model for lung research using ex vivo lung perfusion
Authors: Zhang Zhang Long , Moeslund Niels , Hu Michiel Andy , Hoffmann Roland , Venema Leonie Harmina , Van De Wauwer Caroline , Timens Wim , Okamoto Toshihiro , Verschuuren Erik Alfons Maria , Leuvenink Henri Gerrit Derk , Eiskjaer Hans , Erasmus Michiel Elardus
Published: June 2022

Background

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), is a platform that allows simultaneous testing and treatment of the lungs. However, use of EVLP is costly and requires access to lab animals and accompanying facilities. To increase the use of EVLP for research, we developed a method to perform EVLP using abattoir procured lungs. Furthermore, we were also able to significantly decrease costs.

Methods

Six pair of lungs were procured from abattoir sheep. The lungs were then flushed and stored in ice for 3 h. A low‐flow (20% of cardiac output) approach, a tidal volume of 6 ml/kg bodyweight and total perfusion time of 3 h were chosen. Perfusion fluids and circuits were self‐made. Lung biopsies, perfusate collection, respiratory values, circulatory pressures were recorded and hourly blood gas analyses were performed.

Results

Mean pO2 remained stable from 60 min (49.3 ± 7.1 kPa) to 180 min (51.5 kPa ± 8.0), p = 0.66. Pulmonary artery pressure remained ≤15 mm Hg and the left atrial pressure remained between 3 and 5 mm Hg and peak respiratory pressures ≤20 cmH2O. Lactate dehydrogenase increased from start (96.3 ± 56.4 U/L) to the end of perfusion (315.8 ± 85.0 U/L), p < 0.05. No difference was observed in ATP between procurement and post‐EVLP, 129.7 ± 37.4 μmol/g protein to 132.0 ± 23.4 μmol/g, p = 0.92.

Conclusions

Sheep lungs, acquired from an abattoir, can be ex vivo perfused under similar conditions as lab animal lungs with similar results regarding e.g., oxygenation and ATP restoration. Furthermore, costs can be significantly reduced by making use of this abattoir model. By increasing accessibility and lowering costs for experiments using lung perfusion, more results may be achieved in the field of lung diseases.
In vivo peripheral nerve activation using sinusoidal low‐frequency alternating currents
Authors: Alhawwash Awadh , Muzquiz M. Ivette , Richardson Lindsay , Vetter Christian , Smolik Macallister , Goodwill Adam , Yoshida Ken
Published: June 2022

Background

The sinusoidal low‐frequency alternating current (LFAC) waveform was explored recently as a novel means to evoke nerve conduction block. In the present work, we explored whether increasing the amplitude of the LFAC waveform results in nerve fiber activation in autonomic nerves. In‐silico methods and preliminary work in somatic nerves indicated a potential frequency dependency on the threshold of activation. The Hering‐Breuer (HB) reflex was used as a biomarker to detect cervical vagus nerve activation.

Methods

Experiments were conducted in isoflurane‐anesthetized swine (n = 5). Two stimulating bipolar cuff electrodes and a tripolar recording cuff electrode were implanted on the left vagus nerve. To ensure the electrical stimulation affects only the afferent pathways, the nerve was crushed caudal to the electrodes to eliminate cardiac effects. (1) Standard pulse stimulation (Vstim) using a monophasic train of pulses was applied through the caudal electrode to elicit HB reflex and to identify the activated nerve fiber type. (2) Continuous sinusoidal LFAC waveform with a frequency ranging from 5 through 20 Hz was applied to the rostral electrode without Vstim to explore the activation thresholds at each LFAC frequency. In both cases, the activation of nerve fibers was detected by a HB reflex‐induced reduction in the breathing rate.

Results

LFAC was found to be capable of eliciting an HB response. The LFAC activation thresholds were found to be frequency‐dependent. The HB threshold was 1.02 ± 0.3 mAp at 5 Hz, 0.66 ± 0.3 mAp at 10 Hz, and 0.44 ± 0.2 mAp at 20 Hz. In comparison, it was 0.7 ± 0.47 mA for a 100 μs pulse. The LFAC amplitude was within the linear limits of the electrode interface. Damage to the cuff electrodes or the nerve tissues was not observed. Analysis of Vstim‐based compound nerve action potentials (CNAP) indicated that the decrease in breathing rate was found to be correlated with the activation of slower components of the CNAP suggesting that LFAC reached and elicited responses from these slower fibers associated with afferents projecting to the HB response.

Conclusions

These results suggest the feasibility of the LFAC waveform at 5, 10, and 20 Hz to activate autonomic nerve fibers and potentially provide a new modality to the neurorehabilitation field.
β2‐Adrenoceptor agonist profiling reveals biased signalling phenotypes for the β2‐adrenoceptor with possible implications for the treatment of asthma
Authors: De Pascali Francesco , Ippolito Michael , Wolfe Emily , Komolov Konstantin E. , Hopfinger Nathan , Lemenze Douglas , Kim Nicholas , Armen Roger S. , An Steven S. , Scott Charles P. , Benovic Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2022

Background and Purpose

β‐Adrenoceptor agonists relieve airflow obstruction by activating β2‐adrenoceptors, which are G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed on human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells. The currently available β‐adrenoceptor agonists are balanced agonists, however, and signal through both the stimulatory G protein (Gs)‐ and β‐arrestin‐mediated pathways. While Gs signalling is beneficial and promotes HASM relaxation, β‐arrestin activation is associated with reduced Gs efficacy. In this context, biased ligands that selectively promote β2‐adrenoceptor coupling to Gs signalling represent a promising strategy to treat asthma. Here, we examined several β‐adrenoceptor agonists to identify Gs‐biased ligands devoid of β‐arrestin‐mediated effects.

Experimental Approach

Gs‐biased ligands for the β2‐adrenoceptor were identified by high‐throughput screening and then evaluated for Gs interaction, Gi interaction, cAMP production, β‐arrestin interaction, GPCR kinase (GRK) phosphorylation of the receptor, receptor trafficking, ERK activation, and functional desensitization of the β2‐adrenoceptor.

Key Results

We identified ractopamine, dobutamine, and higenamine as Gs‐biased agonists that activate the Gs/cAMP pathway upon β2‐adrenoceptor stimulation while showing minimal Gi or β‐arrestin interaction. Furthermore, these compounds did not induce any receptor trafficking and had reduced GRK5‐mediated phosphorylation of the β2‐adrenoceptor. Finally, we observed minimal physiological desensitization of the β2‐adrenoceptor in primary HASM cells upon treatment with biased agonists.

Conclusion and Implications

Our work demonstrates that Gs‐biased signalling through the β2‐adrenoceptor may prove to be an effective strategy to promote HASM relaxation in the treatment of asthma. Such biased compounds may also be useful in identifying the molecular mechanisms that determine biased signalling and in design of safer drugs.
Frugal innovation: Antecedents, mediators, and consequences
Authors: Hossain Mokter , Agarwal Nivedita , Bhatti Yasser , Levänen Jarkko
Published: June 2022

Frugal innovation (FI) describes a phenomenon whereby solutions are developed to serve low‐income customers, mainly in developing countries, with affordable products and services that help address pressing social and environmental problems. Despite a decade of academic interest in FI, we still lack an overarching understanding of the various facets of this phenomenon. Based on 48 in‐depth interviews for 23 cases, we integrated and validated 10 years of FI scholarship. This study therefore set out to develop a comprehensive framework for FI, one that would identify its antecedents, mediators, and consequences. Such a framework promises a holistic perspective for FI by linking these identified factors to the concept of sustainability. The findings also reinforce the dual contribution that FI makes in terms of both business growth and inclusive growth. Finally, this study discusses the theoretical and practical implications and provides some suggestions for future research on FI.
Sparse labels, no problems: Infant categorization under challenging conditions
Authors: LaTourrette Alexander , Waxman Sandra R.
Published: June 2022

Labeling promotes infants' object categorization even when labels are rare. By 2 years, infants engage in “semi‐supervised learning” (SSL), integrating labeled and unlabeled exemplars to learn categories. However, everyday learning contexts pose substantial challenges for infants' SSL. Here, two studies (n = 74, 51% female, 62% non‐Hispanic White, 18% multiracial, 8% Asian, 6% Black, Mage = 27.3 months, collected 2018–2020) implemented a familiarization‐novelty preference paradigm assessing 2‐year‐olds' SSL when (i) exemplars from the target category are interspersed with other objects (Study 1, d = .67) and (ii) multiple categories are learned simultaneously (Study 2, d = .74). The findings indicate 2‐year‐olds' SSL is robust enough to support object categorization despite substantial challenges posed by everyday learning contexts.
Investigation of CYP3A induction by PF‐05251749 in early clinical development: comparison of linear slope physiologically based pharmacokinetic prediction and biomarker response
Authors: Lin Jian , Gaudreault Francois , Johnson Nathaniel , Lin Zhiwu , Nouri Parya , Goosen Theunis C. , Sawant‐Basak Aarti
Published: June 2022

PF‐05251749 is a dual inhibitor of casein kinase 1 δ/ε under clinical development to treat disruption of circadian rhythm in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In vitro, PF‐05251749 (0.3–100 μM) induced CYP3A in cryopreserved human hepatocytes, demonstrating non‐saturable, dose–dependent CYP3A mRNA increases, with induction slopes in the range 0.036–0.39 μM−1. In a multiple‐dose study (B8001002) in healthy participants, CYP3A activity was explored by measuring changes in 4β‐hydroxycholesterol/cholesterol ratio. Following repeated oral administration of PF‐05251749, up to 400 mg q.d., no significant changes were observed in 4β‐hydroxycholesterol/cholesterol ratio; this ratio increased significantly (~1.5‐fold) following administration of PF‐05251749 at 750 mg q.d., suggesting potential CYP3A induction at this dose. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were developed to characterize the observed clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) of PF‐05251749 at 400 and 750 mg q.d.; the PBPK induction model was calibrated using the in vitro linear fit induction slope, with rifampin as reference compound (Indmax = 8, EC50 = 0.32 μM). Clinical trial simulation following co‐administration of PF‐05251749, 400 mg q.d. with oral midazolam 2 mg, predicted no significant drug interaction risk. PBPK model predicted weak drug interaction following co‐administration of PF‐05251749, 750 mg q.d. with midazolam 2 mg. In conclusion, good agreement was obtained between CYP3A drug interaction risk predicted using linear‐slope PBPK model and exploratory biomarker trends. This agreement between two orthogonal approaches enabled assessment of drug interaction risks of PF‐05251749 in early clinical development, in the absence of a clinical drug–drug interaction study.
Red dichromatic imaging is useful in argon plasma coagulation of sigmoid radiation colitis
Authors: Dolgunov Dmitrii , Tan Ker Kan , Koo Chieh Sian
Published: June 2022

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Out‐of‐hospital versus in‐hospital status epilepticus: The role of etiology and comorbidities
Authors: Brigo Francesco , Turcato Gianni , Lattanzi Simona , Orlandi Niccolò , Turchi Giulia , Zaboli Arian , Giovannini Giada , Meletti Stefano
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Our objectives were to identify differences in clinical characteristics between patients with out‐of‐hospital and in‐hospital status epilepticus (SE) onset, and to evaluate the influence of SE onset setting on 30‐day mortality and SE cessation.

Methods

We included consecutive patients with SE admitted from 2013–2021 at Modena Academic Hospital. A propensity score was obtained with clinical variables unevenly distributed between the two groups.

Results

Seven hundred eleven patients were included; 55.8% (397/711) with out‐of‐hospital and 44.2% (314/711) with in‐hospital onset. Patients with in‐hospital SE onset were older and had a higher frequency of comorbidities, acute and/or potentially fatal etiologies, impaired consciousness before treatment, and nonconvulsive or myoclonic SE. No difference was found in SE cessation between the groups. Patients with in‐hospital SE had higher 30‐day mortality (127/314, 62.9% vs. 75/397, 37.1%; p < 0.001). In‐hospital onset was an independent risk factor for 30‐day mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 1.720; 95% confidence interval = 1.107–2.674; p = 0.016). In the propensity group (n = 244), no difference was found in 30‐day mortality and SE cessation between out‐of‐hospital and in‐hospital SE onset groups (36/122, 29.5% vs. 34/122, 27.9%; p = 0.888; and 47/122, 38.5% vs. 39/122; 32%; p = 0.347, respectively).

Conclusions

In‐hospital SE is associated with higher 30‐day mortality without difference in SE cessation. The two groups differ considerably for age, acute and possibly fatal etiologies, comorbidities, and SE semiology. The patient location at SE onset is an important prognostic predictor. However, the increased mortality is probably unrelated to the setting of SE onset and reflects intrinsic prognostic predictors.
Don't interfere with my rights! Employee rights violation and the cost of bank loans
Authors: Fard Amirhossein , Siraj Ibrahim , Wang Bin
Published: June 2022

We study the relationship between the cost of bank loans and the charges filed to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) due to managerial interference in employee rights. Loans issued after the filing of the allegations are associated with significantly higher loan spreads than loans initiated before the filing of allegations. Strong allegations that result in withdrawal with adjustments or compliance tend to positively affect the loan pricing. Further, interfering firms tend to experience higher default risks in the years following the filing of charges. Our paper is the first in the literature to show the impact of violation of employee rights on the cost of bank loans, which has an implication for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) lending where loan contract terms are contingent on borrower ESG performance.
Environmental change and the rate of phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Burton Tim , Ratikainen Irja Ida , Einum Sigurd
Published: June 2022

With rapid and less predictable environmental change emerging as the ‘new norm’, understanding how individuals tolerate environmental stress via plastic, often reversible changes to the phenotype (i.e., reversible phenotypic plasticity, RPP), remains a key issue in ecology. Here, we examine the potential for better understanding how organisms overcome environmental challenges within their own lifetimes by scrutinizing a somewhat overlooked aspect of RPP, namely the rate at which it can occur. Although recent advances in the field provide indication of the aspects of environmental change where RPP rates may be of particular ecological relevance, we observe that current theoretical models do not consider the evolutionary potential of the rate of RPP. Whilst recent theory underscores the importance of environmental predictability in determining the slope of the evolved reaction norm for a given trait (i.e., how much plasticity can occur), a hitherto neglected possibility is that the rate of plasticity might be a more dynamic component of this relationship than previously assumed. If the rate of plasticity itself can evolve, as empirical evidence foreshadows, rates of plasticity may have the potential to alter the level predictability in the environment as perceived by the organism and thus influence the slope of the evolved reaction norm. However, optimality in the rate of phenotypic plasticity, its evolutionary dynamics in different environments and influence of constraints imposed by associated costs remain unexplored and may represent fruitful avenues of exploration in future theoretical and empirical treatments of the topic. We conclude by reviewing published studies of RPP rates, providing suggestions for improving the measurement of RPP rates, both in terms of experimental design and in the statistical quantification of this component of plasticity.
Dolutegravir in real life: Self‐reported mental and physical health outcomes after transitioning from efavirenz‐ to dolutegravir‐based antiretroviral therapy in a prospective cohort study in Lesotho
Authors: Brown Jennifer A. , Nsakala Bienvenu L. , Mokhele Kuena , Rakuoane Itumeleng , Muhairwe Josephine , Glass Tracy R. , Amstutz Alain , Tschumi Nadine , Belus Jennifer M. , Klimkait Thomas , Labhardt Niklaus D.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

HIV programmes across many countries in Africa have recently transitioned people living with HIV from efavirenz (EFV)‐ to dolutegravir (DTG)‐containing antiretroviral therapy (ART). As both drugs are associated with neuropsychiatric adverse effects, this study assessed the mental health and HIV/ART‐associated symptoms of people living with HIV before and after transition to DTG.

Methods

The prospective DO‐REAL cohort enrolled people starting DTG‐based ART in Lesotho from February to December 2020. For this analysis within DO‐REAL, we included adults changing from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/lamivudine (3TC)/EFV to TDF/3TC/DTG within first‐line therapy. At transition and 16 weeks thereafter, participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9; depression screening), the 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐12; mental and physical health), and a modified HIV Symptom Index (mHSI; HIV/ART‐related symptoms). We also assessed weight change. We used McNemar tests with Bonferroni corrections to assess binary outcomes.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04238767.

Results

Among 1228 participants, 1131 completed follow‐up. Of these, 60.0% were female, the median age was 46 years (interquartile range [IQR] 38–55), and the median time taking ART was 5.7 years (IQR 3.5–8.9). No change was observed for weight or overall PHQ‐9 or SF‐12 outcomes. However, three mHSI items decreased at follow‐up: ‘feeling sad/down/depressed’ (bothered 6.0% vs. 3.3% of participants at least ‘a little’ before vs. after transition; adjustedp = 0.048); ‘feeling nervous/anxious’ (7.4% vs. 3.4%; adjustedp = 0.0009); and ‘nightmares, strange/vivid dreams’ (6.3% vs. 3.5%; adjustedp = 0.027). Individual PHQ‐9 or SF‐12 items also improved. Being symptom free across all measures increased from 5.1% to 11.4% (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

We observed no negative impacts and potential moderate improvements with DTG, providing further support for the rollout of DTG.
Antimicrobial evaluation of the Cynara cardunculus extract in Helicobacter pylori cells using mid-infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods
Authors: Sousa Sampaio Pedro N. , Calado Cecília R. C.
Published: June 2022

The treatment effectiveness of gastric diseases caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is failing due to high resistance to some antibiotics. Consequently, it is urgent to develop an accurate methodology to screen new antimicrobial agents.

Methods and Results

A preliminary assay, using both therapeutic-based antibiotics (clarithromycin and metronidazole), was conducted to optimize experimental conditions in terms of the sensibility of the Fourier-transform mid-infrared (MIR-FTIR) spectroscopy associated with chemometric methods. Principal component analysis was applied to understand how the Cynara extract concentration acts differentially against H. pylori bacteria. The partial least squares model, characterized by R2 = 0.98, and root mean square error cross-validation, 0.011, was developed for the spectral regions (3600–2500 cm−1 and 2000–698 cm−1).

Conclusions

MIR-FTIR spectroscopy associated with chemometric methods can be considered a suitable approach to discover and analyse the promissory antimicrobial agents based on the biomolecular changes observed according to the Cynara extract.

Significance and Impact of the Study

MIR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometric methods allowed to register the biomolecular changes due to the potential antimicrobial drugs at reduced concentrations comparatively to the conventional assay based on an agar-dilution method, being considered a useful approach to develop a platform to discover new bioactive molecules, allowing to reduce time and costs related to the exploratory step.
Potential biological control agents ofZeugodacus cucurbitae(Coquillett): A review
Authors: Diksha  , Mahajan Evani , Singh Sumit , Sohal Satwinder Kaur
Published: June 2022

Zeugodacus cucurbitae(Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a serious agro‐economic pest of cucurbits around the world. Management of tephritid fruit flies is till date mainly dependent on the use of chemical pesticides. In a rising concern about environment quality and rapid development of resistance in insect pests, biological control of insect pests is being contemplated, and in response, research approaches are constantly evolving. Various naturally occurring control agents of melon fruit fly such as parasitoids, bacteria, fungi and nematodes have potential in the management ofZ. cucurbitae. Many parasitoids includingPsyttalia fletcheri,Fopius arisanus,Dirhinus giffardiiandSpalangia endiusare known to attack various life stages ofZ. cucurbitae. Although parasitoids are being principally exploited for control ofZ. cucurbitae, various other entomopathogens such as fungi (Beauveria bassiana,Paecilomyces fumosoroseus,Metarhizium anisopliae), bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis), nematodes (Heterorhabditis indica,Steinernema feltiae) and microbial toxins/products (spinosad, avermectin) are being investigated or used for biological control. The development of farming methodologies with greater credence on ecosystem services such as biological control ofZ. cucurbitaewill increase sustainability of agroecosystems. This review provides a concise compilation of these biological control agents along with their effectiveness and will help researchers in designing various integrated pest management strategies againstZ. cucurbitaethat involve biological control agents.
Fully digital workflow for the fabrication of a tooth‐colored space maintainer for a young patient
Authors: Lee Ju‐Hyoung
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Preventive orthodontic therapy with a band and loop is recommended to reduce the prevalence and severity of malocclusion on premature loss of a primary molar. However, when young patients are less cooperative and have a severe gag reflex, using traditional impression methods may be challenging. The use of a conventional metal space maintainer (SM) requires manual laboratory procedures and does not provide optimal esthetics. Moreover, gingival submergence of the wire and gingivitis caused by metal structures may occur. This clinical report describes a complete digital workflow for the fabrication of a zirconia SM to overcome these limitations.

Clinical Considerations

An 8‐year‐old boy with a band and loop SM for a missing primary mandibular right second molar presented with plaque accumulation around the band, soft tissue impingement by the loop, and loss of cement. A reverse band and loop SM had been proposed for the restoration of the primary mandibular right first molar. After conservative tooth preparation, a digital impression procedure was performed. A customized band and loop SM was designed using a computer‐aided design software and milled out of the zirconia block. After sintering, the SM was luted with adhesive resin cement.

Conclusions

Using an intraoral scanner, computer‐aided design, and computer‐aided manufacturing technology, the limitations of traditional impression procedures were overcome, and a zirconia SM with mechanical, biological, and esthetic advantages was fabricated.

Clinical Significance

Advancements in dental materials and digital technologies allow for the efficient fabrication of a tooth‐colored SM with an improved patient satisfaction and reduced human error.
The emotional impact of disrupted environmental contexts: Enrichment loss and coping profiles influence stress response recovery in Long–Evans rats
Authors: Kent Molly , Kovalev Dmitry , Hart Benjamin , Leserve Danielle , Handford Gabriella , Vavra Dylan , Lambert Kelly
Published: June 2022

With increasing rates of anxiety and mood disorders across the world, there is an unprecedented need for preclinical animal models to generate translational results for humans experiencing disruptive emotional symptoms. Considering that life events resulting in a perception of loss are correlated with depressive symptoms, the enrichment‐loss rodent model offers promise as a translational model for stress‐initiated psychiatric disorders. Additionally, predisposed temperament characteristics such as coping styles have been found to influence an individual's stress response. Accordingly, male rats were profiled as either consistent or flexible copers and assigned to one of three environments: standard laboratory housing, enriched environment, or enriched environment exposure followed by downsizing to standard laboratory cages (i.e., enrichment‐loss group). Throughout the study, several behaviors were assessed to determine stress, social, and reward‐processing responses. To assess recovery of the stress response, fecal samples were collected following the swim stress in 3‐h increments to determine the recovery trajectory of corticosterone (CORT) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) metabolite levels. Upon death, neural markers of neuroplasticity including doublecortin, glial fibrillary acidic factor, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor were assessed via immunohistochemistry. Results indicated the flexible coping animals in the continuous enriched group had higher DHEA/CORT ratios (consistent with adaptive responses in past research); furthermore, the enrichment‐loss animals exhibited a blunted CORT response throughout the assessments and enriched flexible copers had faster CORT recovery rates than consistent copers. Standard housed animals exhibited less exploratory behavior in the open field task and continuous enriched, flexible rats consumed more food rewards than the other groups. No differences in neuroplasticity neural markers were observed. In sum, the results of the present study support past research indicating the disruptive consequences of enrichment‐loss, providing evidence that the model represents a valuable approach for the investigation of neurobiological mechanisms contributing to interindividual variability in responses to changing experiential landscapes.
Cultured dissociated primary dorsal root ganglion neurons from adult horses enable study of axonal transport
Authors: Adalbert Robert , Cahalan Stephen , Hopkins Eleanor L. , Almuhanna Abdulaziz , Loreto Andrea , Pór Erzsébet , Körmöczy Laura , Perkins Justin , Coleman Michael P. , Piercy Richard J.
Published: June 2022

Neurological disorders are prevalent in horses, but their study is challenging due to anatomic constraints and the large body size; very few host‐specific in vitro models have been established to study these types of diseases, particularly from adult donor tissue. Here we report the generation of primary neuronal dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cultures from adult horses: the mixed, dissociated cultures, containing neurons and glial cells, remained viable for at least 90 days. Similar to DRG neurons in vivo, cultured neurons varied in size, and they developed long neurites. The mitochondrial movement was detected in cultured cells and was significantly slower in glial cells compared to DRG‐derived neurons. In addition, mitochondria were more elongated in glial cells than those in neurons. Our culture model will be a useful tool to study the contribution of axonal transport defects to specific neurodegenerative diseases in horses as well as comparative studies aimed at evaluating species‐specific differences in axonal transport and survival.
Low‐energy green light alleviates senescence‐like phenotypes in a cell model of photoaging
Authors: Jia Chuanlong , Gong Chengchen , Lu Yongzhou , Xu Nan
Published: June 2022

Background

Ultraviolet B (UVB) affects diverse pathways in skin cells, resulting in skin photoaging. Skin fibroblasts internalize and degrade elastin and collagen, playing prominent roles in photoaging. Green light is used in many fields of dermatology, but few studies have examined its role in photoaging. The present work aimed to assess low‐energy green light for its effects in a previously proposed cell model of photoaging and to explore the possible anti‐photoaging mechanism.

Methods

The stress‐induced premature senescence (SIPS) model was constructed via repeated treatment of MDFs with UVB. Senescence‐like phenotypes were compared among normal, low‐energy green light pretreatment and UVB groups, for example, cell morphological properties, senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) amounts, extracellular matrix (ECM) biosynthesis and degradation, and autophagy.

Results

In comparison with the UVB group, the green light pretreatment group showed significantly decreased number of senescent mast cells and markedly declined signal intensity and amounts of SA‐β‐gal‐positive cells. Furthermore, green light pretreatment directly affected ECM by increasing type I and type III collagen production and decreasing MMP‐1 amounts. Moreover, changes in autophagy levels induced by green light pretreatment provided a potential mechanism underlying its anti‐aging property.

Conclusions

Low‐energy green light pretreatment improves senescence‐like phenotypes in vitro, indicating a possible application for anti‐aging in clinic after future research has uncovered the potential mechanism.
Assessing masticatory performance with a colour‐mixing ability test using smartphone camera images
Authors: Schimmel Martin , Rachais Elias , Al‐Haj Husain Nadin , Müller Frauke , Srinivasan Murali , Abou‐Ayash Samir
Published: June 2022

Background

Colour‐mixing ability tests are frequently used to assess masticatory performance, but the image acquisition process may be cumbersome and technique sensitive.

Objectives

To evaluate the reliability of smartphone camera images in assessing masticatory performance using a colour‐mixing ability test.

Methods

Participants were recruited into three groups of dental state (n = 20 each): fully dentate, removable partial denture wearers and complete denture wearers. After performing a colour‐mixing ability test, images of the gum specimens (Hue‐Check Gum©) were captured with two smartphones and compared with the images obtained from a flatbed scanner by two examiners. The images were analysed with a subjective‐ (SA) and an opto‐electronical assessment (VoH). Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability were tested. ANOVA models with repeated measures were used for statistical analysis (⍺ = .05).

Results

All three image acquisition techniques were able to distinguish masticatory performance between different dental states. For SA, inter‐rater reliability was fair to substantial and intra‐rater reliability was substantial to almost perfect. For VoH, inter‐rater reliability with the smartphones was at times different between two examiners, but the intra‐rater assessment was reliable. The opto‐electronic analysis with smartphone images underestimated the masticatory performance significantly when compared to the flatbed scanner analysis. Seven‐day ageing of the specimens did not significantly affect the results.

Conclusions

The assessment of masticatory performance with the Hue‐Check Gum© is a reliable method. The use of smartphones may occasionally underestimate masticatory performance; image acquisition with a flatbed scanner remains the gold standard. A centralised analysis of the photographed wafer may foster the reliability of the diagnosis.
Effect of lentivirus‐mediatedBMP2from autologous tooth on the proliferative and osteogenic capacity of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Qin Ruoshan , Cui Ziwei , Zhou Hongli , Guo Ru , Yao Xuanxuan , Wang Tao , Qin Xiaodong , He Xiangyi
Published: June 2022

Background and objective

Periodontitis is a chronic progressive inflammation that invades periodontal supporting tissues, in which periodontal tissue regeneration engineering offers new hope for prevention and treatment, including seed cells, scaffolds, and growth factors. In recent years, scholars have shown that autologous teeth can be used as new bone tissue repair materials for periodontal regeneration and bone tissue repair. The aim of this study was to establish a human periodontal ligament cell line that expresses the human bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene (BMP2) in a stable manner using lentiviral mediation in order to explore the effect of BMP2 from autologous tooth on the proliferative and osteogenic capacity of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs).

Materials and methods

Human periodontal ligament cells were cultured, subcultured, and identified, and then homologous recombinant lentivirus plasmid plv‐BMP2 was constructed and transfected into the third passage (P3) hPDLCs. After that, the effect of BMP2 on its proliferation was detected by CCK‐8, at the same time, the osteogenic induction of hPDLCs was carried out at 7, 14, and 21 days, and then the effect of BMP2 on its osteogenic ability was detected by alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase activity determination, and the mRNA expression levels of osteogenic‐related genes using real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR, including alkaline phosphatase, runt‐related transcription factor 2, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and collagen I. Finally, spss26.0 software was used for statistical processing.

Results

The results showed that cells transfected with the homologous recombinant lentiviral plasmid pLV‐BMP2 had a similar morphology to normal hPDLCs, showing a typical radial arrangement; the cell proliferative capacity of the pLV‐BMP2 group as measured by CCK‐8 was enhanced compared with the control group and the pLV‐puro group (p < .05); alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity assay showed that the osteogenic ability of pLV‐BMP2 was significantly enhanced compared with the control and pLV‐puro groups (p < .01), and the findings of real‐time fluorescence‐based quantitative PCR showed high expression of osteogenic‐related genes in pLV‐BMP2 group (p < .01).

Conclusion

In conclusion, a stable periodontal ligament cell line overexpressing BMP2 was successfully established by a lentivirus‐mediated method, which proved that BMP2 has a strong ability to promote the proliferation and osteogenesis of hPDLCs, thereby providing an opportunity for the study of periodontal tissue regeneration as well as providing an experimental basis for the application of autologous teeth as a new type of bone repair material for periodontal therapy and even for maxillofacial bone tissue repair.
Susceptibility to violent extremism and cognitive rigidity: Registered replication, corroboration and open questions for criminological research and practice
Authors: Zmigrod Leor
Published: June 2022

Does cognitive inflexibility predict vulnerability to violent extremism? Schumann, Salman, Clemmow, and Gill (2021) conducted a registered direct replication of Zmigrod, Rentfrow, and Robbins’ (2019, Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 989) studies on the relationship between neuropsychologically assessed cognitive inflexibility and extremist attitudes. Replicating the original study, Schumann et al. (2021) demonstrated that cognitive inflexibility on the Remote Associates Test was related to individuals' willingness to fight and die for their ideological group (Bayes Factor = 58.7). In a further corroboration, the study found that individuals who indicated they would self‐sacrifice in a trolley‐dilemma paradigm were more psychologically rigid on the Remote Associates Test than those who opted for self‐preservation (Bayes Factor = 402.3). A mini meta‐analysis with the original study revealed a significant negative correlation between cognitive flexibility and violent extremist behaviour intentions, thereby supporting the conclusions of the original study by Zmigrod and colleagues (2019). Nevertheless, the replication study highlighted moderators of the effect sizes of the reported relationships and revealed subtleties in the theoretical relationships between cognitive style and tendencies towards extremist attitudes. Follow‐up analyses with Bayesian statistics demonstrated that—corroborating the original study—cognitive inflexibility on both the Remote Associates Test (Bayes Factor = 7.2) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (Bayes Factor = 2.3) are linked to individuals' willingness to fight for an ideological cause. However, the replication study revealed that these effects are specific to individuals who endorse ideological self‐sacrifice. Furthermore, deviating from the original study, Schumann and colleagues found that cognitive flexibility on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test may in fact positively predict willingness to die for a group under some conditions. This suggests that flexibility may be a double‐edged sword when it comes to ideological conversion. These insights indicate that a fine‐grained examination of risk sub‐profiles and interactions among predictors is essential. The findings of the replication also stimulate a discussion of what constitutes a phenomenologically or practically meaningful effect size for psychological and criminological research and practice—and the implications for cognitive methodologies in risk assessment.
Mitochondrial genomic data are effective at placing mycoheterotrophic lineages in plant phylogeny
Authors: Lin Qianshi , Braukmann Thomas W. A. , Soto Gomez Marybel , Mayer Juliana Lischka Sampaio , Pinheiro Fábio , Merckx Vincent S. F. T. , Stefanović Saša , Graham Sean W.
Published: June 2022

Fully mycoheterotrophic plants can be difficult to place in plant phylogeny due to elevated substitution rates associated with photosynthesis loss. This potentially limits the effectiveness of downstream analyses of mycoheterotrophy that depend on accurate phylogenetic inference. Although mitochondrial genomic data sets are rarely used in plant phylogenetics, theory predicts that they should be resilient to long‐branch artefacts, thanks to their generally slow evolution, coupled with limited rate elevation in heterotrophs.

We examined the utility of mitochondrial genomes for resolving contentious higher‐order placements of mycoheterotrophic lineages in two test cases: monocots (focusing on Dioscoreales) and Ericaceae.

We find Thismiaceae to be distantly related to Burmanniaceae in the monocot order Dioscoreales, conflicting with current classification schemes based on few gene data sets. We confirm that the unusual Afrothismia is related to Taccaceae–Thismiaceae, with a corresponding independent loss of photosynthesis. In Ericaceae we recovered the first well supported relationships among its five major lineages: mycoheterotrophic Ericaceae are not monophyletic, as pyroloids are inferred to be sister to core Ericaceae, and monotropoids to arbutoids.

Genes recovered from mitochondrial genomes collectively resolved previously ambiguous mycoheterotroph higher‐order relationships. We propose that mitochondrial genomic data should be considered in standardised gene panels for inferring overall plant phylogeny.
Sawing the branch of near‐death experience research: A critical analysis of Parnia et al.’s paper
Authors: Evrard Renaud , Pratte Erika , Rabeyron Thomas
Published: June 2022

In their recent paper, Parnia and colleagues propose a new label for the near‐death experience (NDE): recalled experience of death. They claimed NDEs are “authentic” only when an objective danger is present and that authentic NDEs have a proven core phenomenology. We consider that these claims are insufficiently supported by empirical data. NDEs appear as a continuum of heterogeneous experiences of consciousness precipitated by the disjunction of processes usually combined in normal mental activity. The “core phenomenology” of NDEs is also opened to several criticisms. Closeness to “real” death does not appear to be a decisive criterion for characterizing NDEs. The author's adhesion to Raymond Moody's NDE model produces a biased partition of this field of research that is unable to provide the basis for a consensus.