bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shaping ability of new reciprocating or rotary instruments with two cross‐sectional designs: An ex vivo study
Authors: Guedes Isabela G. , Rodrigues Renata C. V. , Marceliano‐Alves Marília F. , Alves Flávio R. F. , Rôças Isabela N. , Siqueira José F.
Published: September 2022

Aim

This study compared the shaping ability of four new reciprocating and rotary nickel‐titanium instruments, with triangular or S‐shaped cross‐section, in the mesial canals of mandibular molars using micro‐computed tomographic (micro‐CT) evaluation.

Methodology

Twenty‐four extracted mandibular molars with Vertucci's class IV configuration in the mesial root were selected for this study. The teeth were matched in fours according to anatomic similarities as revealed by micro‐CT and then distributed into four groups of 12 mesial canals each according to the instrumentation technique: Reciproc Blue, R‐motion, VDW.Rotate and RaCe EVO. The final apical size of instrumentation was 30/0.04 for three systems and 25/08 for the Reciproc Blue instrument. Micro‐CT scans were taken before and after preparation to evaluate the canal volume, area and unprepared surface areas, as well as the centring ability, and the canal: root width ratio.

Results

Preparation with all systems significantly increased the volume and area of the canals (p < .05). There were no significant differences between groups regarding the amount of unprepared areas in both the apical and full canal lengths (p > .05). Variation in the centre of gravity showed no significant difference between groups either (p > .05). The canal: root width ratio at levels 0 and 4 mm apically to the coronal canal opening was significantly increased by all systems (p < .01), with no significant differences between groups (p > .05). The canal width never exceeded 40% of the root width.

Conclusions

Reciprocating or rotary instruments, with a triangular or an S‐shaped cross‐section, performed equally in shaping Vertucci's class IV mesial canals of mandibular molars.
Herman Bavinck on the Beatific Vision
Authors: Sutanto Nathaniel Gray
Published: September 2022

Herman Bavinck's account of the beatific vision has been a source of debate in recent years. While Hans Boersma has argued that Bavinck was too preoccupied with the renewal of creation to give proper attention to the beatific vision, Cory Brock has responded to the effect that the brevity of Bavinck's treatment of the visio dei in volume four of the Dogmatics was fuelled rather by epistemic modesty. What is left underdetermined in this exchange is a positive description of Bavinck's account of the beatific vision. This article seeks to contribute to this debate constructively by offering a textual analysis of a neglected portion of Bavinck's Dogmatics, left aside in the exchange between Boersma and Brock, which showcases Bavinck's positive account: the beatific vision is christological, mystical, covenantal and ethical. After sketching the meaning of these terms and showing their significance, the article closes with a brief conclusion.
Aligning the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) counterfactual approach with the practice of retroduction: Some preliminary insights
Authors: Iannacci Federico , Fearon Colm , Kawalek Peter , Simeonova Boyka
Published: September 2022

This study offers fresh ontological insights by examining generative causality through the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) counterfactual lens, in conjunction with Critical Realism and the practice of retroduction. Specifically, it claims that Information Systems (IS) researchers could retroduce generative mechanisms by leveraging the QCA counterfactual approach to causation because retroduction is about conjecturing hypothetical mechanisms that would generate the outcome of interest in a counterfactual fashion. Drawing on an example of typological theorising, this study calls for a renewed effort in the use of retroduction in the study of IS phenomena. In addition, this study sheds new light on the overarching approach for conducting Critical Realist (case study) research. A number of theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed.
Threatened and extinct island endemic birds of the world: Distribution, threats and functional diversity
Authors: Matthews Thomas J. , Wayman Joseph P. , Cardoso Pedro , Sayol Ferran , Hume Julian P. , Ulrich Werner , Tobias Joseph A. , Soares Filipa C. , Thébaud Christophe , Martin Thomas E. , Triantis Kostas A.
Published: September 2022

Aim

The world's islands support disproportionate levels of endemic avian biodiversity despite suffering numerous extinctions. While intensive recent research has focused on island bird conservation or extinction, few global syntheses have considered these factors together from the perspective of morphological trait diversity. Here, we provide a global summary of the status and ecology of extant and extinct island birds, the threats they face and the implications of species loss for island functional diversity.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Birds.

Methods

We provide a review of the literature on threatened and extinct island birds, with a particular focus on global studies that have incorporated functional diversity. Alongside this, we analyse IUCN Red List data in relation to distribution, threats and taxonomy. Using null models and functional hypervolumes, in combination with morphological trait data, we assess the functional diversity represented by threatened and extinct island endemic birds.

Results and main conclusions

We find that almost half of all island endemic birds extant in 1500 CE are currently either extinct or threatened with extinction, with the majority of threatened extant species having declining population trends. We also found evidence of 66 island endemic subspecies extinctions. The primary threats to extant island endemic birds currently are agriculture, biological resource use, and invasive species. While there is overlap between the hotspots of threatened and extinct island endemics birds, there are some notable differences, including the Philippines and Indonesia, which support a substantial number of threatened species but have no recorded post‐1500 CE bird extinctions. Traits associated with threatened island endemic birds are large body mass, flightlessness, aquatic predator, omnivorous and vertivorous trophic niches, marine habitat affinity, and, paradoxically, higher dispersal ability. Critically, we find that threatened endemics (i) occupy distinct areas of beak morphospace, and (ii) represent substantial unique areas of the overall functional space of island endemics. We caution that the loss of threatened species may have severe effects on the ecological functions birds provide on islands.
Clinical features and sulfonylurea usage among outpatients with diabetes aged ≥90 years in an urban diabetes clinic in Tokyo
Authors: Kobori Toshiko , Onishi Yukiko , Yoshida Yoko , Tahara Tazu , Kikuchi Takako , Kubota Tetsuya , Iwamoto Masahiko , Hamano Shoko , Kasuga Masato
Published: September 2022

Aims/Introduction

Aging of society is accelerating in many countries. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical features and sulfonylurea usage among diabetes outpatients aged ≥90 years (nonagenarians).

Materials and Methods

This study was a retrospective observational study. The study population consisted of 69 nonagenarian diabetes outpatients and 857 diabetes outpatients aged <90 years. Patients were classified into four groups: group 1, <65 years; group 2, 65–74 years; group 3, 75–89 years; and group 4, ≥90 years. The presence of hypoglycemic episodes was defined as having self‐reported symptoms, or self‐monitored or clinically measured blood glucose level <70 mg/dL.

Results

The median glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in group 1 and group 4 was 7.0% and 7.2%, respectively (P = 0.506). The proportion of sulfonylurea treatment in group 4 was 45.5%, which is significantly higher compared with the other three groups (20.0–27.8%, P < 0.001). In group 4, there was no difference between patients with or without sulfonylurea in age, sex, body mass index, HbA1c and number of antihyperglycemic agents. Five out of 25 nonagenarian sulfonylurea‐treated patients had hypoglycemic episodes within the last 2 years, their HbA1c were all 7.0 ≤ HbA1c < 8.0, and sulfonylurea or insulin was tapered in all cases after confirming hypoglycemia. Tapering dosage was attempted in all 25 sulfonylurea‐treated nonagenarian patients, but 15 needed to continue sulfonylurea for glycemic control, and 10 continued sulfonylurea with unknown reasons from their medical records.

Conclusions

Although tapering the dosage of sulfonylurea was attempted in nonagenarian patients, sulfonylurea was widely continued for glycemic control. Reverse clinical inertia may exist in some sulfonylurea‐treated nonagenarian patients.
Clinical assessment of different implant‐supported esthetic crown systems fabricated with semi‐digital workflow: Two‐year prospective study
Authors: Salem Mohammed Talaat , El‐Layeh Mohamed , El‐Farag Shaimaa Ahmed Abo , Salem Ahmed S. , Attia Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Objective

To assess the clinical outcome of three esthetic implant‐supported crown systems fabricated with semi‐digital workflow and their influence on the clinical outcome of dental implants.

Material and Methods

A total of 30 participants had received dental implants restoring missing maxillary first/second premolars. After 6 weeks, customized zirconia abutments were early loaded. Two months later, the definitive crowns were fabricated using semi‐digital workflow and cemented. According to the crown material, 3 groups were randomly allocated; group (Z): ultrahigh‐translucent monolithic zirconia, group (C): resin‐matrix ceramic and group (P): polyetherketoneketone veneered with light‐cured composite resin. Clinical outcomes including the survival and success rates were evaluated at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results

The survival rate for all studied groups was 100%, while their success rate was 100% for group (Z) and 90% for group (C) and group (P). Based on the functional implant prosthodontic score, a statistically significant difference was detected between group (Z) and group (P) (p < 0.001) as well as between group (C) and group (P) (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

The zirconia group had the most favorable clinical behavior, while the polyetherketoneketone had the least. All crown systems had comparable success rates with similar values of the peri‐implant marginal bone loss.

Clinical Significance

Using semi‐digital workflow, ultrahigh‐translucent monolithic zirconia, resin‐matrix ceramic and polyetherketoneketone veneered with light‐cured composite resin can be considered as favorable implant‐supported crowns. The implant‐supported crown system based on polyetherketoneketone veneered with light‐cured composite resin is counted as a promising esthetic and restorative option.
Prescription opioids and longitudinal changes in cognitive function in older adults: A population‐based observational study
Authors: Warner Nafisseh S. , Hanson Andrew C. , Schulte Phillip J. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Warner David O. , Mielke Michelle M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Opioids are frequently prescribed to alleviate pain in older adults, yet the relationships between prescription opioids and long‐term cognitive function are unclear.

Methods

In this analysis of the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, a longitudinal population‐based cohort study of older adults with formal neuropsychological testing and cognitive evaluations performed every 15 months, the associations between prescription opioids, global and domain‐specific cognitive function, and mild cognitive impairment were evaluated through time‐dependent linear mixed effects and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Four thousand two hundred eighteen participants (51% male) were included with enrollment between 11/1/2004 and 4/1/2019 and median age of 76 (interquartile range 72, 82) years. Two thousand nine hundred seventy‐seven subjects (71%) received at least 1 opioid prescription during a median follow‐up of 7.5 (5.0, 10.7) years. Overall, there was an estimated 0.096 reduction in the global cognitive Z‐score per year, including decreases of 0.050 in memory, 0.080 in language, 0.044 in visual–spatial cognition, and 0.112 in attention. In multivariable analyses, each receipt of an opioid prescription resulted in an additional −0.007 (95% CI −0.009, −0.005) change in global cognitive Z‐score (p < 0.001), with significant effects seen in the domains of memory (−0.005, 95% CI −0.007, −0.003; p < 0.001), language (−0.002, 95% CI −0.003, 0.000; p = 0.024) and attention (−0.004, 95% CI −0.006, −0.002; p < 0.001) but not visual–spatial function (0.000, 95% CI −0.001, 0.001; p = 0.897). Opioid prescriptions were associated with incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in adjusted analysis (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.04, 1.42; p = 0.014).

Conclusion

Prescription opioids are associated with small but statistically significant declines in long‐term cognitive function in older adults, which may represent effects of opioids or other related factors.
Marginados y postergados en la obra de Fernando Ortiz
Authors: Díaz María del Rosario
Published: September 2022

Un tema no muy frecuentado en las Ciencias Sociales actuales es el relacionado con la trascendencia de los documentos personales de figuras de la vida pública—científica, política, cultural y de otras esferas—para el conocimiento de su obra, de sus aportes, así como de la época en que le tocó en suerte vivir y desarrollar esa obra. En este artículo, presento una ilustración de tal relación basado en la vida y las obras de Fernando Ortiz Fernández (1881–1969). Él realizó una labor de importancia vital para la cultura cubana, cuyas huellas aparecen dentro de sus papeles personales dividida en segmentos específicos: científico, promoción cultural y mejoramiento de la nación, como él mismo lo calificara. Ortiz, formado como abogado pero autodidacto en ciencias sociales, había realizado importantes contribuciones al estudio de la etno‐génesis de Cuba, especialmente en las poblaciónes marginadas: los indocubanos, chinos, y afrocubanos. Con los fondos personales de Ortiz ubicado en archivos en Cuba, Europa y los Estados Unidos ofrezco esta muestra de una antropología del sur que evidencia la participación de Ortiz en numerosas empresas científicas y culturales en el espacio iberoamericano y en otros, durante las seis primeras décadas del siglo XX. [Fernando Ortiz, antropologías del sur, cubanidad, cubanía, poblaciones marginadas, documentos personales]
Effectiveness of a nurse‐led mHealth app to prevent excessive gestational weight gain among overweight and obese women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Hung‐Hui , Lee Ching‐Fang , Huang Jian‐Pei , Hsiung Yvonne , Chi Li‐Kang
Published: September 2022

Objective

To explore the effectiveness of a nurse‐led mobile health (mHealth) intervention to prevent excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in overweight and obese women.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with an experimental study design. Ninety‐two pregnant women with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 at less than 17 weeks gestation were recruited from two prenatal clinics in northern Taiwan from January to June 2020. The experimental group used the MyHealthyWeight (MHW) app and a wearable activity tracker (WAT), and the controls received standard antenatal treatments with no mHealth‐based elements. Two hospital follow‐up visits were scheduled at 24–26 weeks in the second trimester and 34–36 weeks in the third trimester. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to examine the trajectories and the effectiveness of mHealth on GWG.

Results

No difference in GWG was found between the intervention and control groups at baseline (p > 0.05). The GWG trajectory in the entire cohort of women with obesity exhibited a quadratic pattern (ß = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27–2.32), and intervention participants' weekly GWG was gained significantly lower than their controls in the second trimester (p < 0.05). Throughout the pregnancy, the mHealth intervention group had a significantly lower proportion of individuals who exceeded their GWG in both total (21.6% vs. 32.6%) and weekly weight gain (first trimester = 58.7% vs. 65.2%; second trimester = 45% vs. 67.4%; third trimester = 48.6% vs. 55.1%). In particular, among obese women in the third trimester, those in the intervention group gained less gestational weight than their controls. The adjusted body weight difference was 5.44 kg (p = 0.023), signifying the total GWG difference (3.30 vs. 8.74 kg) between the means of the two groups. The GEE model indicated that obese women who were aged 35 years, had prepregnancy exercise habits, perceived self‐efficacy of diet, and more physical activity tended to have low GWG (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The nurse‐led mHealth‐based intervention shows promising results in significantly preventing excessive GWG among high‐BMI women. More effectiveness was found among the obese subgroup.

Clinical relevance

The mHealth‐based intervention would be successfully implemented by nurses to help high‐BMI women maintain their optimal body weight and promote healthy behavioral changes, particularly in diet and physical activity during pregnancy.
Decellularized human amniotic membrane engraftment in combination with adipose‐derived stem cells transplantation, synergistically improved diabetic wound healing
Authors: Davoodi Sima , Ebrahimpour‐Malekshah Roohollah , Ayna Ömer , Akbari Mitra , Raoofi Amir , Mokhtari Hossein , Izanlu Mostafa , Modanloo Faezeh , Nasiry Davood
Published: September 2022

Background

One of the most important and common complications of diabetes is a disorder and defect in diabetic wound healing.

Aims

The aim of present study was to investigate the synergistic effects of decellularized human amniotic membrane (dHAM) engraftment and adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSs) transplantation in the healing of delayed and ischemic diabetic wound.

Methods

Sixty diabetic male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15), including untreated (Control) group, engraftment by dHAM (dHAM) group, transplanted by ADSs (ADS) group, and engraftment by dHAM plus transplanted by ADSs (dHAM + ADS) group. Sampling was performed on Days 7, 14, and 21 after surgery. Evaluation tests included stereology, immunohistochemistry, molecular, and biomechanical.

Results

Our results showed that the wound closure rate, volumes of newly formed epidermis and dermis, density of fibroblasts and blood vessels, collagen deposition, density of proliferation cells, expression levels of TGF‐β and VEGF genes, and biomechanical characteristics were significantly higher in all treated groups compared with control group; however, these changes were considerable in the combination group. This is while that the density of neutrophils and expression levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β genes in the treated groups, especially in the combination group, were significantly reduced compared with control group.

Conclusion

Generally, the simultaneous use of dHAM and ADS accelerates healing and improves the quality of repaired diabetic wounds.
Stock Market Spillovers via the Global Production Network: Transmission of U.S. Monetary Policy
Authors: DI GIOVANNI JULIAN , HALE GALINA
Published: September 2022

We quantify the role of global production linkages in explaining spillovers of U.S. monetary policy shocks on country‐sector stock returns. We estimate a structural spatial autoregression (SAR) model that is consistent with an open‐economy production network framework. Using the SAR model, we decompose the total impact of U.S. monetary policy on global stock returns into direct and network effects. Nearly 70% of the total impact is due to the network effect of global production linkages. Empirical counterfactuals show that shutting down global production linkages halves the total impact of U.S. monetary policy shocks.
Successful intra‐amniotic levothyroxine treatment for fetal goitrous hypothyroidism in a triplet pregnancy
Authors: Hidaka Nobuhiro , Soejima Chikako , Sato Mai , Kitadai Yuzo , Sumie Masahiro , Nakanami Naoyuki
Published: September 2022

We report an extremely challenging case of fetal goitrous hypothyroidism involving all three fetuses of a triplet pregnancy in which successful fetal treatment led to a favorable pregnancy outcome. The patient had a trichorionic, triamniotic triplet pregnancy and was referred to us at 24 weeks gestation after goiters affecting all three fetuses and polyhydramnios involving two fetuses were noted. Immediately before the conception, she underwent hysterosalpingography with an oil‐soluble iodinated contrast medium. After the diagnosis of fetal hypothyroidism was made, intra‐amniotic injection of levothyroxine was performed for two fetuses with polyhydramnios 3 times between 28 and 31 weeks gestation. The goiters shrunk and the polyhydramnios improved in response to the in utero treatment. No complications occurred. Cesarean section was performed at 33 weeks gestation. None of the three neonates developed respiratory insufficiency. Our experience suggested that successful intrauterine treatment is possible for fetal goitrous hypothyroidism, even in a triplet pregnancy. The indication, treatment timing, and diagnostic and assessment strategies should be carefully discussed to minimize puncture‐related complications.
Cavernous segment internal carotid artery stenosis specific to meningiomas compared to pituitary adenomas
Authors: Dincer Alper , Sharma Vaishnavi , Madan Neel , Heilman Carl
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose

Pituitary macroadenomas and meningiomas are common neoplasms arising within the cavernous sinus. Imaging characteristics on MRI can often distinguish these tumors from one another; however, some cases may be more difficult to differentiate. This study compares patterns of cavernous segment internal carotid artery (CS‐ICA) stenosis between the two tumor types to establish a novel radiographic method of differentiation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients with pathology‐confirmed meningioma and pituitary adenomas at Tufts Medical Center was performed. The diameter of the CS‐ICA at the narrowest point within the cavernous sinus was measured and compared to the ipsilateral petrous segment ICA and contralateral CS‐ICA. The mean and range of percent stenosis and frequency of cases of CS‐ICA stenosis >15% were determined. Statistical analysis to compare the groups was conducted using the Chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, and t‐test.

Results

There were a total of 78 out of 231 patients who were included in the study. The mean % ICA stenosis for all meningiomas was 9.3%, with increasing stenosis with increasing World Health Organization grade. Of all meningioma cases, 13 (33%) had greater than 15% ICA stenosis. Mean ICA stenosis for pituitary adenomas was –1.48%. There were no cases of pituitary adenomas causing ICA stenosis >15%.

Conclusions

Differentiating pituitary adenomas and intracavernous meningioma tumors can have important implications on surgical approach and outcome. Our study found that stenosis of the CS‐ICA greater than 15% is highly specific to meningiomas and can serve as a radiologic sign to distinguish between these two tumors.
A qualitative analysis of rural syringe service program fidelity in Appalachian Kentucky: Staff and participant perspectives
Authors: Batty E.J. , Ibragimov U. , Fadanelli M. , Gross S. , Cooper K. , Klein E. , Ballard A. M. , Young A. M. , Lockard A. S. , Oser C. B. , Cooper H. L. F.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

As drug‐related epidemics have expanded from cities to rural areas, syringe service programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction programs have been slow to follow. The recent implementation of SSPs in rural areas demands attention to program fidelity based on core components of SSP success.

Methods

Semistructured interviews conducted with clients and staff at 5 SSPs in 5 counties within 2 Central Appalachian health districts. Interviews covered fidelity of SSP implementation to 6 core components: (1) meet needs for harm reduction supplies; (2) education and counseling for sexual, injection, and overdose risks; (3) cooperation between SSPs and local law enforcement; (4) provide other health and social services; (5) ensure low threshold access to services; and (6) promote dignity, the impact of poor fidelity on vulnerability to drug‐related harms, and the risk environment's influence on program fidelity. We applied thematic methods to analyze the data.

Findings

Rural SSPs were mostly faithful to the 6 core components. Deviations from core components can be attributed to certain characteristics of the local rural risk environment outlined in the risk environment model, including geographic remoteness, lack of resources and underdeveloped infrastructure, and stigma against people who inject drugs (PWID)

Conclusions

As drug‐related epidemics continue to expand outside cities, scaling up SSPs to serve rural PWID is essential. Future research should explore whether the risk environment features identified also influence SSP fidelity in other rural areas and develop and test strategies to strengthen core components in these vulnerable areas.
Black Trust inUSLegislatures
Authors: Dupree Ernest , Hibbing John R.
Published: September 2022

Trust is a key part of any political system. Given the very different experiences of Black people and White people in the United States, it is likely that the nature and contours of political trust varies widely from one racial group to the other. In this article, we take advantage of a specially commissioned 2018 survey to compare Black and White trust in American legislative institutions (Congress and the state legislatures). Thanks to an oversample, we also are able to zero in on variations across Black respondents, making it possible to identify the variables that push legislative trust up or down within that demographic. Our findings indicate that, relative to Whites, Black individuals are significantly more trusting of Congress and that Black people who go to church tend to be more trusting of legislative institutions while those who have experienced racism in their lives are less trusting.
The old fisherman's mistake
Authors: Rovelli Carlo
Published: September 2022

A number of thorny issues, such as the nature of time, free will, the clash of the manifest image and the scientific image, the possibility of a naturalistic foundation of morality, and perhaps even the possibility of accounting for consciousness in naturalistic terms, seem to be plagued by the conceptual confusion nourished by a single fallacy: the old fisherman's mistake. This is the mistake that consists in disregarding the fact that knowledge is not just learning new facts about old concepts. Knowledge is often to realise the inadequacy and misleading character of some of our old concepts, and the intuitions that ground them.
The Concept of Cultural Attachment and Its Policy Applications
Authors: Preister Kevin , Kent James A.
Published: September 2022

The concept of cultural attachment is in the vernacular in the Appalachian region of the United States and served to stimulate policy attention to the concept when a 765 kV electric transmission line was proposed through Peters Mountain on the border between Virginia and West Virginia. The environmental impact statement of the U.S. Forest Service examined the extent of cultural attachment in the project area using our social science consulting company, which resulted in a rejection of the line in 1995 and an acceptance in 2002 when the proponent changed routes to avoid communities with high cultural attachment. The concept has been noted and used in several other settings and has evolved into a policy tool that accommodates the three pillars of cultural attachment—attachment to land, to place, and to kinship and social networks. We contend that use of the concept as evolving is an appropriate way to consider “endangered cultures.” The use of the concept of cultural attachment in decision making means there is now a track record and precedence that give legal weight to the concept, value to local residents in manifesting their voice, and improved prospects that we can continue to shape life in sustainable and human‐affirming ways.
Using high resolution manometry impedance to diagnose upper esophageal sphincter and pharyngeal motor disorders
Authors: Omari Taher , Cock Charles , Wu Peter , Szczesniak Michal Marcin , Schar Mistyka , Tack Jan , Rommel Nathalie
Published: September 2022

Background

Oro‐pharyngeal pathophysiology, including upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and pharyngeal disorders, can be assessed by pharyngeal high‐resolution manometry impedance (P‐HRM‐I). We aimed to establish methodology to diagnose disorders utilizing P‐HRM‐I, hypothesizing that the objective measures could be used to diagnose disordered deglutition evidenced by greater aspiration scores.

Methods

Patients (n = 509, 18–91 years) were compared to controls (n = 120, 20–94 years). Variables measuring UES relaxation, UES opening extent, intrabolus pressure, and pharyngeal contractile strength were derived for 10 ml liquid swallows. Three associated pharyngeal pressurization patterns, which may be indicative of obstructed flow, were characterized: pan‐pressurization (Type 1), distal compartmentalized pressurization (Type 2), and transient pressurization (Type 3). Deglutitive aspiration was determined from video fluoroscopy.

Results

UES relaxation pressure was best able to differentiate patients from controls (T6.528,p < 0.0001). Patients with abnormal relaxation pressure (>8 mmHg) more frequently exhibited pharyngeal pressurization patterns and had adjunct evidence of reduced luminal distensibility (high intrabolus pressure and/or reduced UES opening). Utilizing this information, a diagnostic scheme was devised identifying 138 patients with UES disorder. A further 96 patients without evidence of UES disorder had abnormally weak pharyngeal pressures, confirming propulsive disorder. Amongst a sub‐sample of 320 patients undergoing video fluoroscopy, those with pharyngeal pressurizations and adjunct evidence of reduced UES relaxation and/or distensibility had higher aspiration scores (Chi‐square 60.169,p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

P‐HRM‐I can provide evidence for UES disorder based on pharyngeal pressurization patterns and abnormal findings for UES relaxation pressure, UES opening, and intrabolus pressure. Measuring pharyngeal contractility requires further optimization.
Meta‐ecosystem dynamics drive the spatial distribution of functional groups in river networks
Authors: Jacquet Claire , Carraro Luca , Altermatt Florian
Published: September 2022

The meta‐ecosystem concept provides a theoretical framework to study the effect of local and regional flows of resources on ecosystem dynamics. Meta‐ecosystem theory has hitherto been applied to highly abstract landscapes, and meta‐ecosystem dynamics in real‐world landscapes remain largely unexplored. River networks constitute a prime example of meta‐ecosystems, being characterized by directional resource flows from upstream to downstream communities and between the terrestrial and the aquatic realm. These flows have been thoroughly described by the River continuum concept (RCC), a seminal concept in freshwater ecology, stating that observed spatial variations in the relative abundances of invertebrate functional groups reflect systematic shifts in types and locations of food resources, which are in turn determined by the physical attributes of river reaches. Hence, the RCC represents a solid conceptual basis for determining how changes in landscape structure and resource flows will translate into local and regional changes in community composition. Here, we develop and analyse a riverine meta‐ecosystem model inspired by the RCC, which builds upon a physically‐based landscape model of dendritic river networks. We show that the spatial distributions and regional biomass of invertebrate functional groups observed in stream communities are determined by the spatial structure and scaling attributes of dendritic river networks, as well as by specific rates of resource flows. Neglecting any of these aspects in modelling river meta‐ecosystems would result in different community patterns. Moreover, we observed that high rates of resource flow, for example due to river anthropization, have a negative effect on the regional biomass of all functional groups studied, and can lead to cascading extinctions at the meta‐ecosystem scale. Our work paves the way for the development of physically‐based meta‐ecosystem models to understand the structure and functioning of real‐world ecosystems.
Finite‐Element Analysis of a Novel Cephalomedullary Nail for Restricted Sliding to Reduce Risk of Implant Failure in Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Nie Shaobo , Li Jiantao , Li Ming , Hao Ming , Wang Kun , Xiong Ying , Gan Xuewen , Zhang Licheng , Tang Peifu
Published: September 2022

Objective

How to restrict sliding of cephalomedullary nail and rigid reconstruct medial support for unstable intertrochanteric fractures remains a challenge. This study aims to explore the feasibility of a novel cephalomedullary nail for restriction sliding and reconstruction of medial femoral support to prevent failure in unstable trochanteric fractures through finite element analysis.

Methods

The DICOM files of a unilateral femur spiral computed tomography (CT) scans from a elderly female were converted into STL files, and the most common clinical trochanteric fracture model with the absence of medial support, AO/OTA 31‐A2.3 was simulated by removing the posterior medial femur. The model of a novel medial sustain nail (MSN‐II) and a widely used nail (proximal femoral nail anti‐rotation PFNA‐II) were modeled according to the manufacturer‐provided engineering drawing. Different loads were applied to the femoral head to simulate the postoperative weight bearing gait. The sliding distance of helical blade in femoral neck, maximum stress of femur and nail, displacement of proximal fragment were analyzed to revealing the mechanical stability of unstable trochanteric fracture stabilized by different implant.

Results

The sliding distance of helical blade in the femoral neck, the maximum stress on the femur and nail, the displacement of proximal fragment in MSN‐II under 2100N axial load were 0.65 mm, 689 MPa, 1271 MPa, 16.84 mm respectively, while that were 1.43 mm, 720.8 MPa, 1444 MPa, 18.18 mm, respectively in PFNA‐II. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05) and the stress was mainly distributed in medial distal side of nail but helical blade and the proximal aperture for the nail in MSN‐II. Compared to PFNA‐II, MSN‐II demonstrates biomechanical merit against femur medialization, cut‐out and coax varus.

Conclusion

The sliding distance of helical blade in femoral neck, the maximum stress on the femur and nail, and the displacement of proximal fragment of MSN‐II were less than those of PFNA‐II in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Therefore MSN‐II has better stability than PFNA‐II and it may have the potential to avoid femur medialization and cut out. It might be an option in unstable trochanteric fracture because of its superiority in restricted sliding and medial support reconstruction.
A screening of inhibitors targeting the receptor kinase FERONIA reveals small molecules that enhance plant root immunity
Authors: Liu Hong‐Bin , Li Xiaoxu , Cai Jun , Jiang Ling‐Li , Zhang Xin , Wu Dousheng , Wang Lifeng , Yang Aiguo , Guo Cun , Chen Jia , Pu Wenxuan , Yu Feng
Published: September 2022

Receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) constitute the largest receptor family involved in the regulation of plant immunity and growth, but small‐molecule inhibitors that target RLKs to improve agronomic traits remain unexplored. The RLK member FERONIA (FER) negatively regulates plant resistance to certain soil‐borne diseases that are difficult to control and cause huge losses in crop yields and economy. Here, we identified 33 highly effective FER kinase inhibitors from 1494 small molecules by monitoring FER autophosphorylation in vitro. Four representative inhibitors (reversine, cenisertib, staurosporine and lavendustin A) inhibited the kinase activity of FER and its homologues in several crops by targeting the conserved ATP pocket in the kinase structure. FER contributes to the physiological impact of representative inhibitors in plants. The treatment of roots with reversine, staurosporine and lavendustin A enhanced innate immunity in plant roots and thus alleviated soil‐borne diseases in tobacco, tomato and rice without growth penalties. Consistently, RNA sequencing assays showed that lavendustin A and reversine exert profound impacts on immunity‐related gene expression. Our results will set a new milestone in the development of the plant RLK kinase regulation theory and provide a novel strategy for the prevention and control of plant soil‐borne diseases without growth penalties.
Identification of a UDP‐glucosyltransferase conferring deoxynivalenol resistance in Aegilops tauschii and wheat
Authors: Kirana Rizky Pasthika , Gaurav Kumar , Arora Sanu , Wiesenberger Gerlinde , Doppler Maria , Michel Sebastian , Zimmerl Simone , Matic Magdalena , Eze Chinedu E. , Kumar Mukesh , Topuz Ajla , Lemmens Marc , Schuhmacher Rainer , Adam Gerhard , Wulff Brande B. H. , Buerstmayr Hermann , Steiner Barbara
Published: September 2022

Aegilops tauschii is the diploid progenitor of the wheat D subgenome and a valuable resource for wheat breeding, yet, genetic analysis of resistance against Fusarium head blight (FHB) and the major Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) is lacking. We treated a panel of 147 Ae. tauschii accessions with either Fusarium graminearum spores or DON solution and recorded the associated disease spread or toxin‐induced bleaching. A k‐mer‐based association mapping pipeline dissected the genetic basis of resistance and identified candidate genes. After DON infiltration nine accessions revealed severe bleaching symptoms concomitant with lower conversion rates of DON into the non‐toxic DON‐3‐O‐glucoside. We identified the gene AET5Gv20385300 on chromosome 5D encoding a uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glucosyltransferase (UGT) as the causal variant and the mutant allele resulting in a truncated protein was only found in the nine susceptible accessions. This UGT is also polymorphic in hexaploid wheat and when expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae only the full‐length gene conferred resistance against DON. Analysing the D subgenome helped to elucidate the genetic control of FHB resistance and identified a UGT involved in DON detoxification in Ae. tauschii and hexaploid wheat. This resistance mechanism is highly conserved since the UGT is orthologous to the barley UGT HvUGT13248 indicating descent from a common ancestor of wheat and barley.
Photochemical Targeting of Mitochondria to Overcome Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer†
Authors: Rickard Brittany P. , Overchuk Marta , Obaid Girgis , Ruhi Mustafa Kemal , Demirci Utkan , Fenton Suzanne E. , Santos Janine H. , Kessel David , Rizvi Imran
Published: September 2022

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy with a stubborn mortality rate of ~65%. The persistent failure of multiline chemotherapy, and significant tumor heterogeneity, has made it challenging to improve outcomes. A target of increasing interest is the mitochondrion because of its essential role in critical cellular functions, and the significance of metabolic adaptation in chemoresistance. This review describes mitochondrial processes, including metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial transfer and mitochondrial dynamics in ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance. The effect of malignant ascites, or excess peritoneal fluid, on mitochondrial function is discussed. The role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in overcoming mitochondria‐mediated resistance is presented. PDT, a photochemistry‐based modality, involves the light‐based activation of a photosensitizer leading to the production of short‐lived reactive molecular species and spatiotemporally confined photodamage to nearby organelles and biological targets. The consequential effects range from subcytotoxic priming of target cells for increased sensitivity to subsequent treatments, such as chemotherapy, to direct cell killing. This review discusses how PDT‐based approaches can address key limitations of current treatments. Specifically, an overview of the mechanisms by which PDT alters mitochondrial function, and a summary of preclinical advancements and clinical PDT experience in ovarian cancer are provided.
Competitive multiproduct contracting under multinomial logit demand
Authors: Shao Lusheng
Published: September 2022

Despite the prevalence of multiproduct firms in many industries, the supply chain contracting literature has predominantly focused on problems where an upstream player offers only one product. This paper studies multiproduct contract design for competing manufacturers each with several products to sell via a common retailer. We consider two contracting schemes under multinomial logit demand (MNL): individual contracting, in which the manufacturers set a wholesale price for each of their products separately; and aggregate contracting, in which the manufacturers set the price as a function of the order quantities for their own products. We find that under individual contracting it is optimal for each manufacturer to offer the full range of his products to the retailer and set an equal wholesale margin for these products. This suggests that the classic result of an equal‐margin policy for the retailer also holds true for the manufacturers. Further, there is an equilibrium characterized by a system of nonlinear equations that can be solved using the standard bisection search method. Under aggregate contracting, a simple cost‐plus contract is optimal for the manufacturers. In equilibrium, each manufacturer charges a markup equal to his marginal contribution to the supply chain, and the supply chain profit is maximized. Comparing these two contracting schemes, we find among other results that the retailer prefers aggregate contracting when there is a large number of products from each manufacturer or when consumer heterogeneity is low, while the opposite is true for the manufacturers. In addition, both the retailer and the manufacturers prefer aggregate contracting when there are few manufacturers in the supply chain. It is also found that as the number of manufacturers or the number of products from each manufacturer increases, the supply chain efficiency loss induced by individual contracting is reduced. Finally, we extend our model to a hybrid setting in which one manufacturer adopts aggregate contracting and the other adopts individual contracting, and demonstrate to the manufacturers the value of aggregate contracting. These results provide useful guidance on optimal contract design for multiproduct firms.
Tartary buckwheat FtMYB30 transcription factor improves the salt/drought tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis in an ABA‐dependent manner
Authors: Wang Shuang , Wu Huala , Cao Xinxian , Fan Wenjing , Li Chenglei , Zhao Haixia , Wu Qi
Published: September 2022

Drought and high salinity affect plant growth, development, yield, and quality. MYB transcription factors (TFs) in plants play an indispensable regulatory role in resisting adverse stress. In this study, screening and functional validation of the TF FtMYB30, which can respond extensively to abiotic stress and abscisic acid (ABA), was achieved in Tartary buckwheat. FtMYB30, one of the SG22 (sub‐group 22) family of R2R3‐MYB TFs, localized in the nucleus and had transcriptional activation activity. Under drought and salt stress, FtMYB30 overexpression reduced the oxidative damage in transgenic plants by increasing the activity of proline content and antioxidant enzymes and significantly upregulate the expression of RD29A, RD29B, and Cu/ZnSOD, thereby enhancing drought/salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis. Additionally, overexpression of FtMYB30 can reduce the sensitivity of transgenic plants to ABA. Moreover, AtRCAR1/2/3 and AtMPK6 directly interact with the FtMYB30 TF, possibly through the crosstalk between MAPKs (mitogen‐activated protein kinases) and the ABA signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that FtMYB30, as a positive regulator, mediates plant tolerance to salt and drought through an ABA‐dependent signaling pathway.
Assisted dispersal and retention of lichen‐dominated biocrust material for arctic restoration
Authors: Ficko Sarah A. , Haughland Diane L. , Naeth M. Anne
Published: September 2022

Arctic biocrust loss due to industrial activity can have long‐lasting ecological impacts, highlighting the importance of restoring disturbed tundra environments. This research focused on biocrust establishment on substrates of by‐product materials from diamond mining (crushed rock, lake sediment, processed kimberlite), inoculant dispersal (dry placement, slurry), habitat amelioration (erosion control blanket, tundra soil, woody debris), and containment (jute mat), over three field seasons at Diavik Diamond Mine, Inc., Northwest Territories. Three years after inoculation, lichens were detected on 100% of inoculated plots and 70% of uninoculated plots (likely blown in from inoculated plots). Uninoculated plots had significantly lower species richness and vegetation cover than inoculated plots. Biocrust retention was highest on plots with erosion control blanket, containment, woody debris, and crushed rock; larger scale application of these treatments should be assessed in future. Plots with processed kimberlite, no habitat amelioration or tundra soil, and no containment had the lowest cover, species richness, and individual species abundance in year 3. This research suggests that active restoration techniques using lichen biocrust inoculation and habitat amelioration is required for successful biocrust revegetation outcomes on substrates of mining by‐products in the arctic.