bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Part of whose world? The Little Mermaid, fantasy media, and casting backlashes as racial projects for social studies classrooms
Authors: Batt Joanna , Joseph Michael Lee
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Conversations around diversity, race and science fiction and fantasy films/television have sparked in response to recent casting decisions made in the upcoming live-action The Little Mermaid, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Star Wars' Obi-Wan Kenobi (Deggans, 2022; Romano, 2022). Backlash against casting of actors of Color in these genres highlights racial projects where a cultural memory of whiteness comes up against multicultural change. The authors of this paper feel that there is great potential in using current-day racial issues around fantasy films/television to explore these racial projects with students in social studies classes (Omi and Winant, 2014).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative textual analysis (Peräkylä, 2005), the authors examined online news media outlets addressing the casting of actors of Color in the aforementioned media pieces. After reviewing over twenty articles, the authors determined two major themes that would serve as the findings.

Findings

In this paper, themes of nostalgia for an imagined ‘way things were’ and future-based fears of how things will become emerged from the analysis, revealing a need for engaging students in the history of sci-fi and fantasy media, and the existing, diverse histories of storytelling featuring multiple races.

Originality/value

The authors argue that examining racial projects found in contemporary sci-fi and fantasy casting are chances for students to understand complex racial histories and how they blend into current-day cultural landscapes, and are opportunities to practice analysis of real-life racial histories and richly-imagined fantasy worlds, noticing how and why the two often collide when it comes to race.
Partnering to support K-12 instruction of difficult topics through inquiry-based professional learning
Authors: Dvir Boaz , Rutten Logan , Butville Danielle , Wilson Eric
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Many K-12 teachers teach difficult topics as part of their curricula, and discussions of difficult topics are common across grade levels and content areas. As teachers increasingly engage with difficult topics in their classrooms, the need for high-quality professional learning experiences has also grown. In response, the purpose of this article is to introduce an emerging partnership between the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Initiative at Penn State and the Red Lion Area School District (Red Lion, Pennsylvania), conceptualized from the outset with an explicit focus on intentionally engaging in collaborative, inquiry-based professional learning surrounding difficult topics in formalized curricula and within educational practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The article briefly describes how the partners came together, then provides a high-level overview of how they approached their first year of collaboration. Next, the partners’ adaptation of inquiry-based professional learning is outlined. The article concludes by discussing lessons learned from the first year of partnering and implications for scholarship in the areas of school-university partnerships, inquiry-based professional learning, and difficult topics.

Findings

The article observes that it took educators participating in a difficult-topics inquiry community an entire year to begin shifting ownership of inquiry to K-12 students. It illustrates how school-university partnerships can be used to support difficult-topics inquiry and raises new questions about the role of difficult topics in partnership work.

Originality/value

The article contributes an original example to the literature that demonstrates how inquiry-based professional learning focused on difficult topics can provide a powerful basis for forming a school-university partnership.
Reasons for tourist intention to use e-bike sharing services; an application behavioral reasoning theory (BRT)
Authors: Ahmad Naveed , Harun Amran
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the essential factors of the reason for (RF) and reason against (RA) and their impact on tourist attitudes and intentions to use e-bike sharing services by using a novel approach based on behavioral reasoning theory (BRT).

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method was used to collect data from 292 tourists and analyze the data using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.

Findings

The outcomes indicate that both “RF” and “RA” are crucial in affecting tourist attitudes and intentions to use e-bike-sharing services. In addition, factors such as convenience, price saving and time saving were identified as “RF” while “RA” weather conditions, safety concerns and image barriers were identified that affect tourist attitudes and intention to use e-bike sharing services. These findings also indicate that tourists’ values of openness to change significantly influence “RF” and have no impact on “RA” and attitude toward e-bike-sharing services.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights that complement the existing literature on electric bike sharing and BRT in the context of promoting sustainable and eco-friendly consumption.

Originality/value

This research takes a significant step forward in investigating the tourist attitudes and intentions toward using e-bike sharing services in a tourist destination growing economy by using the BRT theory and proposing a model that considers both the “RF” and “RA” using e-bikes for urban transportation.
Impact of information processing on purchase intention in new energy vehicle product harm crises
Authors: Zhu Weiwei , Chen Anqi , Zeng Jing
Published: November 2023

Within the increasingly complex and changeable market environment of new energy vehicles, consumers' attention to product safety has increased significantly, and higher, updated requirements are put forward at the level of product safety. Simultaneously, a product harm crisis, which often entails product recalls, can lead to consumer concerns regarding product specifications and security. Based on the heuristic‐systematic model, this study verified the effect of information processing on the vehicle purchase intention of consumers during crisis situations and conducted an empirical study through questionnaires and structural equation modelling. The data obtained in this study presents the following relationships: (1) risk perception has a significant and positive influence on information search and systematic processing but a negative influence on heuristic processing; (2) heuristic processing and systematic processing have a significant and positive influence on purchase intention; (3) information search has a significant and positive influence on heuristic processing and systematic processing. The study can offer a relevant basis and suggestions for risk communication of new energy vehicle enterprises, thereby fundamentally improving consumer loyalty.
Perspectives of pupils with additional support needs and their parents on the learning support during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Croatia
Authors: Dedić Zrinka Ristić , Pavliša Jasmina Ivšac
Published: November 2023

The concept of inclusive education is well established in policy documents worldwide, but its implementation for pupils with additional support needs (ASN) still raises questions. The challenges of educating pupils with ASN increased significantly during the COVID‐19 pandemic due to changes in organisation of the teaching and learning process and the heightened need for support. To gain in‐depth insights into the experiences of upper secondary school pupils with ASN and their parents, an exploratory, phenomenological study of the perspectives of pupils and parents was conducted within the Croatian educational system. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 12 pupils with individualised educational programmes (IEPs) along with their parents. The data were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Three participant profiles that differed in regard to the perception of stability/change of learning support during the pandemic were generated and described. The dominant perspective included the perception of consistently low teacher support during the pandemic, which arises from insufficient recognition of pupils' needs, reactive stance and placing responsibility for school success on pupils. The perception of intensified parental support was evident in some accounts of both parents and pupils, but the pupils' explicit invitation stood out as a key factor in the activation of parents.
Comparison of nephrostomy and double‐J stent in the management of percutaneous nephrolithotomy–induced renal pelvis trauma: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mehravaran Kaveh , Kolbadinezhad Mohammad , Maghsoudi Robab , Kashi Amir Hossein , Ghanbarizadeh Saeed Reza , Narouie Behzad , Rouientan Hamidreza
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of nephrostomy versus double‐J (DJ) ureteral stent in managing kidney pelvis trauma during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedures.

Methodology

This prospective parallel‐group clinical trial involved 60 PCNL patients diagnosed with kidney pelvis perforation during PCNL through nephroscopy (inclusion criteria). Exclusion criteria comprised a history of previous renal surgery or prior PCNL. Eligible patients were alternately assigned to either the insertion of a nephrostomy or a ureteral DJ stent.

Results

A total of 31 patients were included in the nephrostomy group, and 29 were in the DJ group. The mean ± SD of operation duration in nephrostomy and DJ groups were 50.8 ± 23.7 and 45.7 ± 19.3 min, respectively (P = .17). Two‐access PCNLs were performed in 13% and 18% of PCNL operations in the nephrostomy and DJ groups, respectively (P = .72). In the nephrostomy group, 5 patients (17%) had urinoma collection around the kidney, compared with 11 (39%) in the DJ group, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = .036). Post‐operative fever and urinary leakage were observed in 48% and 32% of patients in nephrostomy group versus 44% and 22% of patients in group DJ (P = .76 and P = .39).

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate a higher percentage of urinoma detected one week after the insertion of a ureteral DJ compared with nephrostomy in PCNL patients who experienced renal pelvis injury during the operation.
A framework for identifying fertility gene targets for mammalian pest control
Authors: Clark Anna C. , Edison Rey , Esvelt Kevin , Kamau Sebastian , Dutoit Ludovic , Champer Jackson , Champer Samuel E. , Messer Philipp W. , Alexander Alana , Gemmell Neil J.
Published: November 2023

Fertility‐targeted gene drives have been proposed as an ethical genetic approach for managing wild populations of vertebrate pests for public health and conservation benefit. This manuscript introduces a framework to identify and evaluate target gene suitability based on biological gene function, gene expression and results from mouse knockout models. This framework identified 16 genes essential for male fertility and 12 genes important for female fertility that may be feasible targets for mammalian gene drives and other non‐drive genetic pest control technology. Further, a comparative genomics analysis demonstrates the conservation of the identified genes across several globally significant invasive mammals. In addition to providing important considerations for identifying candidate genes, our framework and the genes identified in this study may have utility in developing additional pest control tools such as wildlife contraceptives.
Pelvic exenterations combined with cytoreductions for T4 rectal cancers with peritoneal metastasis: a safety analysis
Authors: Kazi Mufaddal , Raghavan Sriniket , Desouza Ashwin , Saklani Avanish
Published: November 2023

Background

Pelvic exenterations and cytoreduction are individually morbid procedures with oncological validity. The combination of these simultaneously in patients with rectal cancers has not been evaluated. The present study aimed to assess the surgical and survival outcomes of the combined procedure.

Methods

Retrospective, single‐centre analysis of consecutive patients that underwent pelvic exenterations and cytoreductions for advanced or recurrent rectal cancers with peritoneal metastasis between 2013 and 2022. The primary outcome measure for safety was major complications (≥Grade IIIA). The threshold for considering the procedure unsafe was set at 50% for the upper confidence limit of major morbidity. Overall and recurrence‐free survival were also assessed.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients underwent the combined procedure that included 24 total pelvic and 15 posterior pelvic exenterations. The median age of the cohort was 35 years, 18 (46.2%) had signet ring cell cancers, and eight patients (21%) had extraperitoneal disease as well. The median PCI was 4 and CC‐0 was achieved in 38 patients (97.4%). Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was delivered in 15 patients, and four had placement of an intraperitoneal chemo port. Major complications were experienced by 7 patients (18%; 95% confidence interval: 7.5%–33.5%). Median recurrence‐free and overall survivals were 9 and 17 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Combined pelvic exenterations and cytoreductions are safe operations in terms of morbidity. Survival, however, remains poor for this group of patients despite aggressive surgery.
Longitudinal changes in renal function in patients with chronic hepatitis B on antiviral treatment
Authors: Hong Hyeyeon , Cho Minjoo , Lim Chaeyeon , Choi Won‐Mook , Lee Danbi , Shim Ju Hyun , Kim Kang Mo , Lim Young‐Suk , Lee Han Chu , Choi Jonggi
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) on nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) often experience renal function decline. Conflicting results regarding the impact of NUC use and renal function have recently been reported.

Aim

To examine longitudinal changes in renal function according to the NUC treatment type compared with untreated patients

Methods

From 2014 to 2022, we retrospectively analysed 10,642 patients with CHB. The primary outcome was chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, which was defined as a minimum one‐stage elevation. We applied propensity score (PS) matching for outcome comparisons.

Results

In the PS‐matched cohort of 1996 pairs, the NUC‐treated group (7.6/100 person‐years [PYs]) had a significantly higher CKD progression risk than the untreated group (4.4/100 PYs), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.70 (p < 0.001). The tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)‐treated group (7.9/100 PYs) showed a 1.76‐fold increased CKD progression risk compared with the untreated group (4.5/100 PYs) in the PS‐matched cohort (p < 0.001). Both the entecavir‐ and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)‐treated groups showed CKD progression risks comparable to those of the untreated group in the PS‐matched cohorts of 755 and 426 pairs, respectively (p = 0.132 and p = 0.120, respectively). No significant CKD progression risk was found between the entecavir‐ (6.0/100 PYs) and TAF‐treated (5.2/100 PYs) groups in the PS‐matched cohort of 510 pairs (p = 0.118).

Conclusions

NUC‐treated patients, especially those on TDF, faced a higher CKD progression risk than untreated patients. Entecavir‐ and TAF‐treated patients had comparable CKD progression risks to untreated patients. No difference was observed between entecavir and TAF in the risk of CKD progression.
Opioid‐related deaths and their counterpart by occurrence era, age group and coimplicated drugs: Scotland vs. England and Wales
Authors: Bird Sheila Macdonald
Published: November 2023

Aims

Compare by occurrence era and age group how opioid‐related deaths (ORDs) and their counterpart evolved in Scotland vs. England and Wales during 2006–2020. For Scotland, compare coimplication rates between ORDs and non‐ORDs for any benzodiazepine, cocaine or gabapentin/pregabalin, and consider whether coimplication in ORDs depended on opioid‐specificity.

Methods

Cross‐tabulations of drug misuse deaths (DMDs) obtained by 3 yearly occurrence era (2006–2008 to 2018–2020) and age group (under 25, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55+ years) for England and Wales and subdivided by whether at least 1 opiate was mentioned on death certificate (DMD‐Os or not); and of Scotland's opioid‐related deaths (ORDs vs. non‐ORDs) together with (i) coimplication by any benzodiazepine, cocaine or gabapentin/pregabalin; and (ii) opioid‐specificity of ORDs. ORD is defined by heroin/morphine, methadone or buprenorphine being implicated in DMD.

Results

Per era between 2012–2014 and 2018–2020, Scotland's ORDs increased by 54% and non‐ORDs by 34%. Increase in DMD‐Os in England and Wales was more modest. Cocaine was implicated in 83% of Scotland's 2690 non‐ORDs during 2006–2020; and any benzodiazepine in 53% of 8409 ORDs. However, in 2018–2020, coimplication rates in 2926 ORDs (880 non‐ORDs) were 81% (33%) for any benzodiazepine, 30% (74%) for cocaine and 38% (22%) for gabapentin/pregabalin. Coimplication rate in 2018–2020 for any benzodiazepine was lowest at 70% (616/877) for heroin/morphine ORDs; and, by age group, at 66% (160/241) for ORDs aged 55+ years.

Conclusions

Drug testing to inform users, shared intelligence between police and public health for earlier detection of changes in supply and monitoring of prescribed daily‐dose of methadone are urgent.
Real‐world outcomes following third or subsequent lines of therapy: A Danish population‐based study on 189 patients with relapsed/refractory large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: AL‐Mashhadi Ahmed Ludvigsen , Jakobsen Lasse Hjort , Brown Peter , Gang Anne Ortved , Thorsteinsson Anne‐Luise , Rasoul Kaziwa , Haissman Judith Melchior , Tøstesen Michael Buch , Christoffersen Mette Niemann , Jelicic Jelena , Jørgensen Jennifer Bøgh , Thomsen Troels , Dessau‐Arp Andriette , Andersen Andreas P. H. , Frederiksen Mikael , Pedersen Per Trøllund , Clausen Michael Roost , Jørgensen Judit Meszaros , Poulsen Christian Bjørn , El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer , Larsen Thomas Stauffer
Published: November 2023

Outcome data of patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) beyond the second line are scarce outside of clinical trials. Novel therapies in the R/R setting have been approved based on single‐arm trials, but results need to be contextualized by real‐world outcomes. Medical records from 3753 Danish adults diagnosed with DLBCL were reviewed. Patients previously treated with rituximab and anthracycline‐based chemotherapy who received the third or later line (3 L+) of treatment after 1 January 2015, were included. Only 189 patients with a median age of 71 years were eligible. The median time since the last line of therapy was 6 months. Patients were treated with either best supportive care (22%), platinum‐based salvage therapy (13%), low‐intensity chemotherapy (22%), in clinical trial (14%) or various combination treatments (32%). The 2‐year OS‐/PFS estimates were 25% and 12% for all patients and 49% and 17% for those treated with platinum‐based salvage therapy. Age ≥70, CNS involvement, elevated LDH and ECOG ≥2 predicted poor outcomes, and patients with 0–1 of these risk factors had a 2‐year OS estimate of 65%. Only a very small fraction of DLBCL patients received third‐line treatment and were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes were generally poor, but better in intensively treated, fit young patients with limited disease.
Gemcitabine/nab‐paclitaxel vs gemcitabine/carboplatin for advanced urothelial carcinoma
Authors: An Xin , Xue Cong , Chen Meiting , Ni Mengqian , Ma Huali , Tian Li , Huang Riqing , Li Xiangdong , Ye Yunlin , Qin Tao , Dong Pei , Li Zhiyong , Peng Jing , Yao Kai , Zhou Fangjian , Liu Zhuowei , Shi Yanxia
Published: November 2023

Objective

To compare in a phase III trial the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin‐bound (nab)‐paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (GA) with that of carboplatin plus gemcitabine (GCb) as a first‐line treatment for patients with cisplatin‐ineligible metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC).

Patients and Methods

Treatment‐naive, cisplatin‐ineligible patients with mUC were assigned randomly to either the GA (both nab‐paclitaxel 125 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8, every 21 days) or GCb group (carboplatin area under the free carboplatin plasma concentration versus time curve of 4.5 on Day 1, gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8, every 21 days). The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), safety, and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs).

Results

The trial was terminated early because of slow accrual after 54 patients were enrolled: 26 in in the GA group and 28 in the GCb groups. The median PFS was 6.7 vs 5.9 months for the GA and GCb groups, respectively (P = 0.248). The median OS time was 12.1 vs 10.7 months for the GA and GCb groups, respectively (P = 0.837). The ORR and DCR were 40% vs 46.4% (P = 0.637) and 72% vs 68% (P = 0.188) in the GA and GCb groups, respectively. Patients treated with GA showed significantly lower incidence of Grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia and does reduction and delay. Although peripheral sensory neuropathy was higher in the GA arm, no Grade 3 neuropathy occurred. There was no difference in the PROs between the two groups.

Conclusion

While not powered for comparison, first‐line GA showed similar efficacy and better tolerability and might be considered a rational alternative to GCb.
‘We became their beginning, their middle and their end’
Authors: Murphy Michelle , Martin Anne‐Marie
Published: November 2023

Background

Communicating with people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities is essential for person‐centred, rights‐based support. Despite a proliferation of research around COVID‐19, there is a dearth of evidence exploring its impact on communication with people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities. This study aimed to explore disability support staff experiences of communicating with people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities through the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken. A purposive sample of six disability support staff who supported people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities through the pandemic in four Irish residential services participated in online, semistructured interviews. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings

Six themes were generated including unwavering commitment; running on empty; being a safe haven; empathic understanding; heightened sensitivity and new insights. Participants discussed the impact of COVID‐19 on communicating with people they support, the contextual challenges, how these were managed/overcome and new learning that emerged. Although communication challenges did present because of COVID‐19 restrictions, communication remained a priority.

Conclusions

Despite the challenges experienced by disability support workers, their unwavering commitment to ensuring the well‐being of people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities was identified. This was a small‐scale qualitative study but highlights areas warranting further research and makes recommendations for practice and service planning.
Lymph node imaging for thyroid cancer
Authors: Holoubek Simon A. , Sippel Rebecca S.
Published: November 2023

Cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in the central (level VI) and lateral (levels II–V) compartments of the neck are the most common sites of locoregional metastases associated with thyroid cancer. Prophylactic nodal dissections are uncommon in modern thyroid surgery and are not routinely performed due to concern for increased morbidity and do not offer improved survival. Therefore, a selective approach for LN dissections is increasingly important. Preoperatively, this is most frequently assessed with cervical ultrasound (US). Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the neck can also be used for preoperative assessment. Both US and CT imaging can be used to characterise LNs in levels II–VI and their risk of malignancy based on size, morphology, and growth. US‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of equivocal LN with thyroglobulin (Tg) washout can also determine if a LN harbours malignancy. For postoperative surveillance after total thyroidectomy, both US and CT continue to play an important role at 6–12 months intervals. These patients may also benefit from additional biochemical data such as Tg levels in addition to LN and thyroid bed imaging. Thyroid uptake scans may also play a role in LN surveillance postoperatively for well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma in certain clinical contexts. Less commonly, positron emitted tomography may play a role, but is typically reserved for patients with aggressive or radioactive iodine refractory disease.
Identifying and Visualizing Terrestrial Magnetospheric Topology using Geodesic Level Set Method
Authors: Xiong Peikun , Fujita Shigeru , Watanabe Masakazu , Tanaka Takashi , Cai Dongsheng
Published: November 2023

This study introduces a novel numerical method for identifying and visualizing the terrestrial magnetic field topology in a large‐scale three‐dimensional global MHD (Magneto‐Hydro‐Dynamic) simulation. The (un)stable two‐dimensional manifolds are generated from critical points (CPs) located north and south of the magnetosphere using an improved geodesic level set method. A boundary value problem is solved numerically using a shooting method to forward a new geodesic level set from the previous set. These sets are generated starting from a small circle whose centre is a CP. The level sets are the sets of mesh points that form the magnetic manifold, which determines the magnetic field topology. In this study, a consistent method is proposed to determine the magnetospheric topology. Using this scheme, we successfully visualize a terrestrial magnetospheric field topology and identify its two neutral lines using the global MHD simulation. Our results present a terrestrial topology that agrees well with the recent magnetospheric physics and can help us understand various nonlinear magnetospheric dynamics and phenomena. Our visualization enables us to fill the gaps between current magnetospheric physics that can be observed via satellites and nonlinear dynamics, particularly, the bifurcation theory, in the future.
Chronic acetamiprid exposure moderately affects the foraging behaviour of buff‐tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris)
Authors: Tóth Zoltán , Kovács Zsófia
Published: November 2023

Bumblebees are important pollinators in both natural and agricultural ecosystems, but their survival and pollination service are threatened by extensive pesticide use. Due to regulation changes, acetamiprid has become the only neonicotinoid substance that can be used without restrictions and in open‐field cultivations in the European Union. Yet, we know little about how this active ingredient affects bumblebees' foraging behaviour and if such effects are similarly detrimental to those of other neonicotinoids. Here we investigated how a 14‐day‐long (chronic) exposure to low (5 ppb) and high (2500 ppb) concentrations of acetamiprid in syrup affected different aspects of foraging behaviour in buff‐tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris, Linnaeus). We recorded individual foraging at artificial food patches during one‐hour‐long trials and then compared several foraging‐related measures between differently dosed individuals. We found that 75.12% of the total syrup consumption occurred at the first‐exploited patch, but individuals did not exhibit any bias toward pesticide‐treated food patches. Chronic exposure to acetamiprid had little effect on individual foraging decisions at the first‐exploited food patch but significantly affected the time to the first feeding and the number of feedings at the second‐exploited patch in interaction with body mass. The duration of the first feeding was affected only by foragers' body mass. Our finding indicates that chronic exposure to a high but field‐realistic concentration of acetamiprid may alter some aspects of bumblebees' foraging behaviour. If such behavioural changes accumulate during consecutive foraging bouts, chronic exposure to this pesticide might lead to a reduction of daily resource collection, ultimately jeopardising colony fitness or plant (crop) pollination.
Development of IL‐17A inhibitor‐induced atopic dermatitis‐like rash in psoriasis patients: Insights into immune shift
Authors: Li Qiuju , Li Xiuying , Li Wenyu , Fan Runge , Ma Qing , Luo Xiaomei , Jian Huahui , Chen Xiaozhi , Cao Cunwei , Zheng Wenjun
Published: November 2023

Cases of atopic dermatitis (AD)‐like rash induced by IL‐17A inhibitor secukinumab treatment (SI‐AD) have been recently reported in psoriasis patients. To identify immune and inflammatory factors expression in SI‐AD. A panel of 15 immune and inflammatory factors in peripheral blood samples from various groups, including patients with patients with SI‐AD, psoriasis with secukinumab (S‐stable), advanced psoriasis patients (Advanced) and healthy controls (HC). Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), IL‐4 and IL‐17A were detected in skin tissue biopsy samples by immunohistochemistry and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The immunoglobulin E levels in the SI‐AD patients exceeded normal values. The IL‐10 levels in SI‐AD patients were higher than those in S‐stable patients, advanced patients and HC. The IL‐4 levels in SI‐AD patients were higher than that in S‐stable patients and HC. The IL‐17A levels in SI‐AD patients were higher than those in advanced psoriasis patients and HC, but no significant differences were observed between SI‐AD patients and S‐stable patients. IL‐10 and IL‐4 levels were higher in AD‐like rashes than in healthy skin, while IL‐17A did not differ significantly between the two. Upon discontinuing secukinumab, and switching to oral cyclosporine, antihistamines, Janus kinase 1 inhibitor and topical glucocorticoids, SI‐AD patients experienced significant improvement in their skin lesions. Upon reexamination, all 15 immune and inflammatory factors returned to normal levels. Immune shift from Th17 towards Th2 may occur in SI‐AD, as indicated by abnormal expression of multiple immune and inflammatory factors observed in peripheral blood and skin tissues.
Comparing approaches to determining poor oral health among older adults in a national survey
Authors: Horncastle Alice J. , Gauld Taylor D. , Smith Moira B. , Thomson W. Murray
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To compare the clinical validity of the three approaches in residential care facility residents.

Background

In NZ residential care facilities, the interRAI assessment tool is used by trained registered nurses for assessing oral status when new residents are admitted, but its validity has been questioned. Although Locker's global oral health item has been used to measure oral health in surveys and health services research, it is not routinely used in care facilities, yet its clinical validity has been demonstrated in population‐based samples. Self‐perceived oral health need may also be useful.

Materials and methods

Using a secondary analysis of clinical and self‐reported data from a national survey of nursing home residents (the 2012 New Zealand Older People's Oral Health Survey, or OPOHS), we compared the validity of Locker's item, the interRAI tool and self‐reported treatment need for identifying three key clinical indicators of poor oral health among dentate older adults; those were coronal caries (3+ teeth affected), root caries (1+ teeth affected) and xerostomia. Analyses were conducted using STATA, and survey weighting was used to obtain estimates for a source population of 25‐843 individuals.

Results

The prevalence of 3+ teeth with coronal caries was 28.7% (23.9, 34.0), the prevalence of 1+ teeth with root caries was 33.7% (28.7, 39.0), the prevalence of xerostomia was 23.1% (18.4, 28.3). Marked gradients in prevalence risk ratio were seen across different categories of Locker's global oral health item and the interRAI assessment tooth for coronal caries and xerostomia. Locker's global oral health item gave a better fitting model and was more discriminative in detecting coronal caries than the interRAI assessment tool (Lockers AIC = 0.76, interRAI AIC = 0.81). None of the approaches was particularly discriminative for root surface caries experience.

Conclusion

Self‐reported approaches are discriminative for poor oral health. Standardised assessment tools used in residential care facilities should consider including a self‐assessment component such as Locker's global oral health item.
Lithium Isotope Determination in Spodumene by fs‐LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS with Non‐Matrix‐Matched Calibration: Insights into ICP Operating Conditions and Data Evaluation
Authors: Tan Xijuan , Koch Joachim , Günther Detlef , Hattendorf Bodo
Published: November 2023

Lithium isotope measurement in spodumene by femtosecond LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS was investigated and the influence of plasma operating conditions and data reduction strategy on accuracy and precision was studied. It was found that “hot” plasma conditions led to an unstable baseline signal and substantial variations in the Li isotope ratios. By adding a constant amount of water to the carrier gas, a stable baseline was achieved and isotope ratios became reproducible and were consistent with data from solution‐based MC‐ICP‐MS. The resulting biases were within ± 0.51‰ and the reproducibility was better than 0.09‰. Comparison of Li isotope ratios resulting from different data evaluation schemes showed that the mean of the transient intensity ratios, integration of the entire or a user‐defined period of the ion signals resulted in good agreement with solution‐based data, while linear regression underestimated the Li isotope ratios. It was also found that “cool” plasma operation produced a stable baseline signal, but the Li isotope results were biased by up to ‐4.3%, irrespective of water introduction and the data evaluation scheme. With the optimised “hot‐wet” conditions, the Li isotope ratios in eleven spodumene materials were determined which successfully allowed distinguishing regional deposits and partially veins of the available samples.
Birds and human health: Pathways for a positive relationship and improved integration
Authors: Gray Aimée , Doyle Susan , Doyle Caoimhe , Young Juliette C. , McMahon Barry J.
Published: November 2023

Biodiversity, ecosystem services and human health are becoming increasingly integrated in the ‘One Health’ concept, including recognition of the impacts of biodiversity loss on human health. Birds have considerable potential to benefit human health through their contributions to ecosystem functioning, recreation, and provision of pest control and pollination services, commonly referred to as ecosystem services. To synthesize the pathways through which birds facilitate human health, a scoping review methodology was employed to search the primary literature for relevant information. Of the 125 articles containing empirical evidence that were categorized, reported benefits included tangible materials (e.g. food, income) and resiliency (e.g. supportive ecosystem services; 80%), aesthetic, cultural, recreational, socio‐economic and spiritual benefits (65%), psychological benefits (25%), regulation of transmission and prevalence of infectious diseases (11%), and physiological benefits (10%). Direct and indirect health benefits provided by birds are discussed in this review, facilitating the proposal of a new pathway categorization. The health contributions of any taxon must be given greater attention with the aim of supporting conservation and to support the sustainable use of wild species.
Exploring the role of interviewee cognitive capacities on impression management in face‐to‐face and virtual interviews
Authors: Moon Benjamin , Law Stephanie J. , Bourdage Joshua S. , Roulin Nicolas , Melchers Klaus G.
Published: November 2023

Interviewees' use of impression management (IM) in job interviews is clearly related to individual differences such as personality. However, research has paid less attention to how interviewee cognitive capacities (i.e., cognitive ability and executive functions) influence IM use, even though interviewees’ cognitive capacities and IM are theoretically linked. The current research aimed to address this research gap through two studies. In Study 1, 166 undergraduate business students participated in mock face‐to‐face interviews with real recruiters. In Study 2, 294 job‐seeking participants recruited through Prolific completed a mock asynchronous video interview. Overall, cognitive ability was negatively related to deceptive IM while perceived incongruency (i.e., a gap between desired and perceived current impressions conveyed to others) was positively related to deceptive IM in both studies. Furthermore, cognitive ability and working memory updating, but not inhibition and shifting nor incongruency, were negatively related to honest IM in Study 2. Additionally, in both studies the relations between personality traits and interview IM were generally in line with findings from prior research. Overall, our findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of how interview IM relates to interviewee individual differences and interview performance in different forms of job interviews.
Ailanthone synergizes with PARP1 inhibitor in tumour growth inhibition through crosstalk of DNA repair pathways in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Chunming , Yi Tingzhuang , Li Xiangde , Cui Jiarui , Li Biqi , Qin Yankai , Tang Shixiong , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: November 2023

In our previous research, we proved that ailanthone (AIL) inhibits the growth of gastric cancer (GC) cells and causes apoptosis by inhibiting P23. However, we still find some GC organoids are insensitive to AIL. We have done some sequencing analysis and found that the insensitive strains are highly expressed in PARP1. In this study, we investigated whether AIL can enhance the anti‐tumour effect of PARPi in GC. CCK8 and spheroid colony formation assay were used to measure anti‐tumour effects. SynergyFinder software was used to calculate the synergy score of the drug combination and flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis. Western blot, IHC, IF tests were used to measure protein expression. Finally, nude mouse xenograft models were used to verify the in vitro mechanisms. High expression of PARP1 was found to be the cause of drug insensitivity. When AIL is paired with a PARP1 inhibitor, olaparib (OLP), drug sensitivity improves. We discovered that this combination functions by blocking off HSP90‐BRCA1 interaction and inhibiting the activity of PARP1, thus in turn inhibiting the homologous recombination deficiency and base excision repair pathway to finally achieve synthetic lethality through increased sensitivity. Moreover, P23 can regulate BRCA1 in GC in vitro. This study proves that the inhibitory effect of AIL on BRCA1 allowed even cancer cells with normal BRCA1 function to be sensitive to PARP inhibitors when it is simultaneously administered with OLP. The results greatly expanded the scope of the application of PARPi.
Characterization of materials used for 3D printing dental crowns and hybrid prostheses
Authors: Bora Pranit V , Sayed Ahmed Akram , Alford Aaron , Pitttman Kirsten , Thomas Vinoy , Lawson Nathaniel C.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To compare the filler weight percentage (wt%), filler and resin composition, flexural strength, modulus, and hardness of several 3D‐printed resins to direct and indirect restorative materials.

Materials and Methods

Four 3D‐printed resins (C&B MFH, Ceramic Crown, OnX, and OnX Tough), one milled resin composite (Lava Ultimate), one conventional composite (Filtek Supreme), and one ceramic (IPS e.max CAD) were evaluated. Filler wt% was determined by the burned ash technique, and filler particle morphology and composition were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. Organic resin composition was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Three‐point bend flexural strength and modulus of the materials were determined by ISO 4049 or ISO 6872. Vickers microhardness was measured. Data were compared with a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc analysis. Linear regression analysis was performed for filler wt% versus flexural strength, modulus, and hardness.

Results

3D‐printed resins were composed of various sized and shaped silica fillers and various types of methacrylate resins. Significant differences were found among filler wt% with some materials around 3% (C&B MFH), others between 33% and 38% (OnX Tough and OnX), others around 50% (Ceramic Crown), and some around 72% (Filtek Supreme and Lava Ultimate). All 3D‐printed resins had significantly lower flexural strength, modulus, and hardness than the conventional and milled resin composites and ceramic material (p < 0.001). Filler wt% demonstrated a linear relationship with modulus (p = 0.013, R2 = 0.821) and hardness (p = 0.018, R2 = 0.787) but not flexural strength (p = 0.056, R2 = 0.551).

Conclusions

3D‐printed resins contain from 3% to 50% filler content. Filler wt% alone does not affect flexural strength, but strength may be affected by resin composition as well. Although the 3D‐printed resins had lower flexural strength, modulus, and hardness than milled and conventional composite and ceramic, they demonstrated nonbrittle plastic behavior.

Clinical Significance

The properties of 3D‐printed resins vary based on their composition, which affects their clinical applications.
Evaluation of starvation status in the early developmental stages of black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) based on morphological and histological characteristics
Authors: Guo Haoyu , Ou Yingying , Wang Zhan , Roques Jonathan A. C. , Qi Yulu , Zhang Zonghang , Zhang Xiumei
Published: November 2023

Assessing the nutritional status and identifying major causes of mortality in larvae experiencing varying degrees of starvation are crucial for establishing appropriate feeding protocols and enhancing the welfare of hatchery‐reared fish. The black rockfish Sebastes schlegelii is an important species in aquaculture and stock enhancement efforts in China, Japan, and Korea. This study aimed to identify optimal diagnostic morphometric indicators of starvation in newly hatched (0–6 days post‐hatch, DPH) and postlarval stages (27–37 DPH) of this valuable fish species through histological analyses. Our findings revealed that certain morphometric parameters, including body length, the ratios of eye diameter to head height, body height to body length, and abdomen height to body height, exhibit sensitivity to starvation during both larval and postlarval stages. Particularly, the ratios of body height to body length and abdomen height to body height emerged as the most sensitive morphometric indicators of starvation. Histological examinations of the digestive system revealed rapid alterations in the morphology of hepatic parenchymal cells, accompanied by a significant decrease in the number of lipid cells in the liver during episodes of food deprivation. Starvation induced cellular degeneration in the digestive organs, manifested by reduced heights of epithelial cells and mucosal layers in the intestine, oesophagus, and stomach, along with degeneration and separation of muscle fibers. Among these variables, the height of the intestinal submucosa and muscle layer emerged as the most sensitive indicators reflecting nutritional conditions in newly hatched larvae. In contrast, the height of intestinal striated borders and mucosal folds proved to be the most sensitive indicators in the postlarval stage. Furthermore, the height of intestinal epithelial cells and the number of lipid vacuoles in enterocytes exhibited high sensitivity to food deprivation in both newly hatched larvae and postlarvae. These findings underscore the varying resilience of fish to starvation during different developmental phases and highlight the utility of morphological sensitivity characteristics as reliable diagnostic indices for assessing nutritional status in relation to starvation or suboptimal feeding during the early developmental stages of black rockfish in hatchery‐reared processes.
Infection status of masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou by the parasite Salmonema cf. ephemeridarum (Nematoda, Cystidicolidae)
Authors: Ogura Yuhei , Hasegawa Koh
Published: November 2023

Nematodes that parasitize salmonids are found in both seawater and freshwater. Unlike seawater species such as those in family Anisakidae, freshwater species have not been well studied. In particular, the influences of these nematodes on the body condition of salmonids remain unclear. We studied the effects of Salmonema cf. ephemeridarum on the body condition of masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou. We found a positive relationship between the number of parasites and fish fork length. In contrast, we found a negative relationship between the body condition (condition factor) of fish and the number of parasites. These results suggest that nematode infection could affect host energy reserves for future growth.
Ability of gingival crevicular fluid volume, E‐cadherin, and total antioxidant capacity levels for predicting outcomes of nonsurgical periodontal therapy for periodontitis patients
Authors: Hussein Hind R. , Abdulkareem Ali A. , Milward Mike R. , Cooper Paul R.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To determine the potential of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume, E‐cadherin and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels to predict the outcomes of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) for periodontitis patients.

Background

NSPT is the gold‐standard treatment for periodontal pockets < 6 mm in depth, however, successful outcomes are not always guaranteed due to several factors. Periodontitis‐associated tissue destruction is evidenced by the increased level of soluble E‐cadherin and reduced antioxidants in oral fluids which could be used as predictors for success/failure of NSPT.

Materials and Methods

Patients with periodontitis (n = 24) were included in this clinical trial and full‐mouth periodontal charting was recorded for each patient. GCF samples from periodontal pockets with probing pocket depth (PPD) 4–6 mm from the interproximal surfaces of anterior and premolar teeth were obtained. These sites subsequently received NSPT and were clinically re‐evaluated after 1 and 3 months. Levels of GCF E‐cadherin and TAC levels were assayed using ELISA.

Results

All clinical periodontal parameters were significantly improved 3 months after completion of NSPT. These outcomes were associated with a significant decrease in E‐cadherin levels and GCF volume, while TAC levels were significantly increased in samples obtained in follow‐up appointments. Binary regression model analysis showed that PPD, GCF volume, E‐cadherin, and TAC levels could significantly (p < .05) predict the outcomes of NSPT. The cut‐off points for PPD, GCF volume, E‐cadherin and TAC were 5 mm, 4 × 10−3, 1267.97 pg/mL and 0.09 μmol/g, respectively.

Conclusion

NSPT improved clinical parameters along with increased antioxidants capacity and epithelial pocket lining integrity. Discrimination of favorable/unfavorable responsiveness of periodontally diseased sites to NSPT could be possible by using GCF volume, PPD, E‐cadherin and TAC level assessments.