bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive biology and pollination ecology of Ipomoea triloba L. (Convolvulaceae): An alien invasive species of the Indo‐Burma biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Paul Suman , Dholakia Bhushan B. , Datta Badal Kumar
Published: December 2023

Ipomoea triloba L., an annual twining herb, is considered an alien invasive species and is distributed all around the globe including tropical Asia. It affects the yield of various economically important crops. Studies on floral phenology and reproductive biology are fundamental for the development of management strategies and the conservation of plants. Hence, we investigated the phenology, floral biology, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, pollination mechanism, and reproductive success of I. triloba at two different locations in one of the global biodiversity hotspots. Floral anthesis was diurnal, starting at 6:30 a.m. and lasting until 7:00 a.m. Pollen viability and stigma receptivity were found to coincide, thus suggesting the species was homogamous. The flowers were mostly visited and pollinated by sweat bees (Halictidae), blue‐banded bees (Amegilla sp.), flies (Mesembrius sp.), and butterflies (Appias olferna, Pelopidas agna, and Zizina otis). Further, the pollinator visitation frequency showed a moderately positive correlation with the number of open flowers in both study populations. The plant produced fruits in the absence of pollinators in self‐pollination treatments, indicating a self‐compatible breeding system and dependency on insect pollination for reproductive success. Further, pollen supplementation significantly enhanced the fruit setting and mean seed per fruit at both study sites, suggesting pollen limitation. Additionally, pollen production and pollen/ovule ratio also indicated the facultative autogamous breeding system in I. triloba. Overall, these reproductive characteristics such as mixed mating systems and generalist insect visitation may allow the invasive I. triloba to establish new populations from low numbers of propagules.
Efficacy and safety of treating acute haemoptysis using glue embolization: A retrospective observational study and comparison to the literature
Authors: Shamseldin Mohammed , Kluge Jörg , Bauer Jens‐Uwe , Puls Ralf
Published: December 2023

Introduction

A retrospective observational study of the short‐term efficacy and safety of using glue embolization, namely n‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate (NBCA), in bronchial artery embolization (BAE) and comparison with the literature. The main aim of the study is to display the safety of this embolic material through standardization of interventional procedure for consideration of NBCA as a possible primary embolic agent in cases of BAE.

Methods

A total of 35 BAE was performed in 31 patients with acute haemoptysis after failure of bronchoscopic therapy using NBCA. The mean age was 56 years with 22 male patients. Pre‐interventional bronchoscopy and computed tomographic angiography were performed. In 35 cases, embolization was performed exclusively with NBCA. One patient in combination with coils and one with particles and coils. The 1:4 NBCA‐to‐Lipiodol mixture was most commonly used. Post‐interventional bronchoscopy was performed after 24 h.

Results

Technical success was possible in all cases. Clinical success was achieved in 94.3%. There was a mortality rate of 6.5% within 48 h. No other embolization related major complications were noticed. A minor complication of temporary ischaemia of the bronchial mucosa. No reperfusion of the embolized vessel, however with rebleeding in four patients from different primarily not embolized bronchial arteries.

Conclusion

Despite previous concerns about its safety based on previous reports and in line with recent studies, we conclude that NBCA is a safe and effective embolic agent to perform BAE in cases of acute haemoptysis if performed according to a clear standard operating procedure as described with a possible superiority over embolic agents. Further blinded prospective comparative studies are necessary.
Regenerative strategies of Euterpe edulis (Arecaceae) at its altitudinal limits in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Marques Feliciano da Silva Verônica , Oda Gabriela A. , de Mattos Eduardo A. , Portela Rita C. Q.
Published: December 2023

Populations occurring at the limit of a species' altitudinal distribution undergo strong environmental filtering. Rapid climate change intensifies this process, impacting ecological responses of populations. Understanding the effects of climate change, especially in the early stages of plant development, has become essential to predict vulnerability to extinction. However, few studies have explored initial establishment strategies of plant populations at the limit of their distribution in the face of global warming. We tested the effects of increasing temperatures on germination performance and on initial seedling establishment on two populations of Euterpe edulis, a palm tree widely distributed in the Atlantic Forest between 0 and 1400 m altitude. The tests were conducted in a laboratory, where the seeds were exposed to three conditions for 90 days: control at 25°C, and two treatments at higher temperatures (35 and 40°C). Germination percentage was not affected by population, seed size class or treatments. Average time for germination only increased in the Montane Forest population in the most extreme treatment, while in the sea level Restinga population, time for germination was affected by a small temperature increase. Mortality percentage in the Restinga population was similar in the post‐germination phase and in the temperature treatments. We concluded that E. edulis populations located at their lower altitudinal limit are closer to the species thermal limit, thus being more vulnerable to temperature increase than populations at the upper limit of the species' altitudinal distribution.
Time will tell: Taxonomic and functional diversity of monilophyte ferns in native forests and abandoned silviculture systems
Authors: Martinelli Luana Makhleine , de Souza Rezende Renan
Published: December 2023

Different forest systems can influence the function, traits, diversity, and distribution of ferns. By comparing ferns based on their functional traits, we can explore how species loss affects functional diversity, and consequently alter the forest ecosystem. We investigated the impact of abandoned silviculture on fern diversity (taxonomic and functional) and abundance. Our hypothesis suggests a positive effect of nutrients and soil humidity in native forests, while canopy openness in silviculture has a negative effect on monilophyte diversity. This study was conducted in three sites of native forest and three sites of Pinus silviculture. Each site was subdivided into three areas, with three plots per area, resulting in 54 plots (3 sites × 3 areas × 3 plots × 2 forest types). Each plot covered an area of 100 m2 (10 m × 10 m; 5400 m2 in total). In each plot, we estimated abundance, functional attributes (richness, evenness, divergence, and dispersion) based on leaf thickness, leaf width, petiole length, stem length, leaf division, sori shape, indusium presence, and taxonomic diversity. Results indicate that native forest exhibit higher taxonomic and functional diversity (richness—Fric) compared to abandoned Pinus plantations, which may be attributed to high habitat diversity and species specialization in specific microhabitats. In silviculture, diversity homogenization leads to an increase in the redundancy of functional attributes (evenness—Feve), resulting in the filtering out of similar organisms. Abiotic factors such as light and canopy openness negatively influence plant establishment and growth, leading to a decrease in leaf division and indusium presence/absence (by CWMs), supporting niche complementarity theory in natural forest and mass ratio theory in silviculture. Our findings highlight the enduring negative impact of silviculture, even after 20 years, on both the taxonomic and functional diversity of monilophytes, underscoring the crucial role of native forests in preserving fern diversity.
Youth fatal drug overdose and suicide: Trends in Connecticut, 2019–2021
Authors: Kaminer Yifrah , Burke Rebecca , Zhornitsky Simon , Gill James , Zajac Kristyn , Hesselbrock Victor
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives

Increasing rates of fatal drug overdose (FDO) among youth since 2016 have been driven by fentanyl and polysubstance use. Suicide by youth also increased steadily since 2007. The manner of FDO may be accidental (i.e., unintentional) or suicidal (i.e., intentional). This report examines the rate of youth intentional and unintentional FDO as well as specific drug toxicology in Connecticut, between the years 2019 and 2021, compared to a 2016–2018 report.

Methods

We reviewed N = 286 consecutive FDO files of youth, <26 years of age dated for 2019–2021 from the Connecticut Medical Examiner's office.

Results

FDO attributed to fentanyl increased significantly from 2016 to 2018 to 2019 to 2021. Xylazine FDO emerged in 2019 and reached 16% in 2021. Intentional FDO rates doubled between these periods from 3.8% to 7.7%. Most FDOs involved individuals aged 20–25 years, whereas 10% were among those aged 15–19. For the first time since 2018, FDO among 10–14 years old was detected. Analysis of gender found no differences. Within each gender, however, FDO attributed to fentanyl increased significantly between these periods. The FDO rate for Hispanics increased significantly, while the rate for Whites decreased significantly.

Discussion and Conclusions

The availability of high lethality potential drugs leading to youth FDO including an increasing rate of intentional FDO, is a public health concern. It is prudent to identify modifiable acute high‐risk circumstances for intentional FDO and prevention‐intervention evidence‐based approach to reduce FDO.

Scientific Significance

This is the first study of FDO among youth examining the manner of death by suicide.
Global burden of vaccine‐associated anaphylaxis and their related vaccines, 1967–2023: A comprehensive analysis of the international pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Lee Kyeonghun , Lee Hayeon , Kwon Rosie , Shin Youn Ho , Yeo Seung Geun , Lee Young Joo , Kim Min Seo , Choi Yong Sung , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Rahmati Masoud , Jung Junyang , Lee Jinseok , Yon Dong Keon
Published: December 2023

Background

Vaccine‐associated anaphylaxis is a rare but life‐threatening reaction that occurs within minutes to hours of exposure to allergens. As studies utilizing large‐scale data to investigate this topic are limited, further research is needed to assess its burden, long‐term trends, and associated risk factors so as to gain a comprehensive understanding of vaccine‐associated anaphylaxis globally. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the global burden of vaccine‐associated anaphylaxis and related vaccines.

Method

This study utilized the World Health Organization International Pharmacovigilance Database, in which reports of vaccine‐associated anaphylaxis between 1967 and 2023 were obtained (total reports = 131,255,418). We estimated the global reporting counts, reported odds ratio (ROR), and information component (IC) to identify the relationship between 19 vaccines and associated anaphylaxis in 156 countries and territories.

Results

We identified 31,676 reports of vaccine‐associated anaphylaxis among 363,290 reports of all‐cause anaphylaxis. The cumulative number of reports on vaccine‐associated anaphylaxis has gradually increased over time, with a dramatic increase after 2020, owing to reports of COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine‐associated anaphylaxis. The typhoid vaccines were associated with the most anaphylactic reports (ROR: 4.35; IC0.25: 1.86), followed by encephalitis (3.27; 1.45), hepatitis B (2.69; 1.30), cholera (2.65; 0.54), hepatitis A (2.44; 1.12), influenza (2.36; 1.16), inactivated whole‐virus COVID‐19 (2.21; 1.02), and COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines (1.89; 0.79). In terms of age‐ and sex‐specific risks, vaccine‐associated anaphylaxis reports develop more frequently in females and at young ages. The Ad5‐vectored COVID‐19 vaccine anaphylaxis reports were associated with the highest fatality rate (15.0%).

Conclusions

Although multiple vaccines are associated with various spectra and risks of anaphylaxis, clinicians should recognize the possibility of anaphylaxis occurring with all vaccines, particularly the COVID‐19 mRNA and inactivated whole‐virus COVID‐19 vaccines, and consider the risk factors associated with vaccine anaphylaxis reports. Further studies are warranted to identify better ways of preventing vaccine‐associated anaphylaxis.
Establishing a hierarchy of total knee arthroplasty patients' goals and its congruity to health professionals' perceptions: a cohort study
Authors: Karunaratne Sascha , Harris Ian Andrew , Horsley Mark , Trevena Lyndal , Solomon Michael
Published: December 2023

Background

To formulate a hierarchy of primary goals of patients prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and evaluate the agreement between patients and health professionals regarding this hierarchy of patient goals.

Methods

The five most important goals for each of 110 consecutive patients booked for total knee arthroplasty between June and October 2019 were identified. Goals were grouped into themes and then a hierarchy formulated. This hierarchy was randomized and provided to 94 health professionals, including orthopaedic surgeons (n = 49), rheumatologists (n = 16), physiotherapists (n = 16) and general practitioners (n = 13). These health professionals ranked the provided goals based on their belief of what was most important to patients.

Results

Ten overarching goals were identified, with the five most important goals to patients being improving mobility, reducing knee pain, improving daily tasks, participating in social & leisure activities and regaining knee range of motion. Health professionals ranked these goals highly similar to patients with the exceptions being that health professionals ranked quality of life near the top of the hierarchy (much higher than patients) and ranked improving mobility in the bottom half (much lower than patients). Ranking of these goals was similar between each health professional group.

Conclusion

Pain and mobility are the most important goals to patients, with health professionals correctly identifying these as such. However, health professionals ranked quality of life higher, and mobility lower in the hierarchy than patients. This incongruity should be considered by health professionals when educating and communicating treatment outcomes.
Unlocking sustainable governance: The role of women at the corporate apex
Authors: Zaccone Maria Cristina
Published: December 2023

This study explores the intra‐organizational antecedents of sustainable governance by examining the impact of female presence at the corporate apex. Drawing upon the upper echelon theory, we investigate whether women in top positions influence sustainable governance practices. Our research focuses on a sample of companies operating within two distinct market economies: liberal market economies (LMEs) and coordinated market economies (CMEs). The United States, represented by the S&P100, and the United Kingdom, represented by the FTSE100, serve as examples of LMEs. Conversely, Germany (DAX30), France (CAC40), Spain (IBEX35), and Switzerland (SMI) are illustrative of CMEs. Analyzing archival data spanning from 2010 to 2019, we confirm that the presence of a critical mass of women on the board of directors significantly increases the likelihood of establishing a sustainability committee within organizations. This relationship holds true across both LMEs and CMEs, highlighting the universal importance of gender diversity in driving sustainable governance initiatives. Interestingly, we observe that the impact of women with structural power on sustainability committee formation is specific to LMEs, suggesting the context‐dependent nature of female leadership in sustainable governance.
A new network analysis model in anorexia nervosa patients based on self‐reported eating disorder symptoms, psychological distress, and cognitive flexibility
Authors: Giles Sarah , Hughes Elizabeth K. , Castle David , Jenkins Zoe , Phillipou Andrea , Rossell Susan , Urbini Gemma , Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Krug Isabel
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Cognitive flexibility and psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety, have been implicated in the aetiology of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Despite the known associations between eating disorder (ED) symptoms, depression, anxiety, and cognitive flexibility, the specific pathways that connect these constructs are unclear. We therefore used network analysis to examine the relationship between these symptoms in an AN sample.

Methods

One hundred and ninety‐three treatment‐seeking individuals diagnosed with AN (95.6% female, M = 26.89 [SD = 9.45] years old) completed self‐report measures assessing depression, anxiety, cognitive flexibility, and ED symptoms. To determine each symptom's influence in the network, we calculated the expected influence.

Results

The two relationships with the greatest edges were those between (1) weight/shape concerns and eating/dietary restraint and (2) weight/shape concerns and psychological distress (a measure that combined depression and anxiety). Cognitive flexibility was not connected to weight/shape concerns but had negative partial associations with eating concerns/dietary restraint and psychological distress. There was also a slight, non‐zero connection between eating concerns/dietary restraint and psychological distress.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the importance of weight/shape, eating/dietary concerns, and psychological distress in the AN network and suggest that addressing cognitive flexibility may be a useful target for eating concerns/dietary restraint and psychological distress. Future studies assessing the longitudinal course of psychopathology within the AN network structure may help in identifying whether specific symptoms function as risk factors or maintaining factors for this co‐occurrence.
Neuromedin U regulates the anti‐tumor activity of CD8+ T cells and glycolysis of tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in an NMUR1‐dependent manner
Authors: Zheng Rui , Wang Si , Wang Jia , Zhou Mengnan , Shi Qi , Liu Beixing
Published: December 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis, which is lethal in approximately 90% of cases despite advanced standard therapies. A typical feature of PDAC is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment with multiple immunosuppressive factors including neurotransmitters. Recently, neuromedin U (NMU), a highly conserved neuropeptide with many physiological functions, has attracted attention for its roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis in several types of cancers. However, whether NMU affects PDAC progression remains unclear. In this study, using an orthotopic mouse model of PDAC in combination with bioinformatics analysis, we found that NMU was upregulated in tumor tissues from the patients with PDAC and positively correlated with a poor prognosis of the disease. Interestingly, knockout of the Nmu gene in mice enhanced the anti‐tumor functions of tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells in an NMU receptor 1‐dependent manner. Additionally, NMU promoted the glycolytic metabolism of mouse PDAC tumors. The activities of pyruvate kinase (PK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), pivotal enzymes involved in the regulation of lactate production, were markedly reduced in tumor tissues from NMU‐knockout mice. In vitro the presence of LDHA inhibitor can reduce the production of lactic acid stimulated by NMU, which can increase the anti‐tumor activity of CD8+ T cells. Moreover, treatment of the pancreatic cancer cells with a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor diminished NMU‐induced lactate production and the activities of PK and LDH, suggesting that NMU might regulate glycolysis via the PI3K/AKT pathway.
What can I do for my community? Contributing to the promotion of civic engagement through participatory methodologies: The case of young people from border regions of mainland Portugal
Authors: da Silva Nicolas Martins , da Silva Sofia Marques
Published: December 2023

This article explains how participatory approaches can promote civic engagement among young people, resulting from their active involvement in the research process, namely identifying their communities' priorities and problems. Five project‐building sessions were held with young people from five contexts located in the border regions of mainland Portugal. The data supporting this article were collected during sessions dedicated to identifying and exploring community‐based problems and priorities and designing projects to address those local challenges. The results show the importance of contextualising young people's experiences and priorities, here related to their own community and its well‐being and development. It is here that using participatory methodologies can create opportunities for young people to participate in processes of community change.
A prognostic signature for lung adenocarcinoma by five genes associated with chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Xu Chunwei , Min Yonghua , Zhai Zhanqiang , Zhu Youcai
Published: December 2023

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common subtypes of lung cancer. Finding prognostic biomarkers is helpful in stratifying LUAD patients with different prognosis.

Methods

We explored the correlation of LUAD prognosis and genes associated with chemotherapy in LUAD and obtained data of LUAD patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Drug sensitivity data were acquired from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database. Differential and enrichment analyses were used to screen the target genes utilizing limma and “clusterProfiler” packages. Then univariate and LASSO Cox analyses were used to select the prognosis‐related genes. Survival analysis was used to estimate the overall survival (OS) of different groups.

Results

Twenty‐three differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between LUAD samples and healthy samples, and BTK, FGFR2, PIM2, CHEK1, and CDK1 were selected to construct a prognostic signature. The OS of patients in the high‐risk group (risk score higher than 0.69) was worse than that in the low‐risk group (risk score lower than 0.69).

Conclusion

The risk score model constructed by five genes is a potential prognostic biomarker for LUAD patients.
A rare case of hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung
Authors: Sun Xuejian , Liu Jialin , Hu Ting , Wu Yefan , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2023

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung is a special type of primary origin in the lung with obvious pathological features and short survival time. However, standard treatment guidelines have not yet been established. Herein, we report a case of hepatoid adenocarcinoma with the primary lesion located in the left upper lung. The tumour size was reduced after four cycles of combined therapy. Subsequent postoperative pathology confirmed complete remission.
Recent advances in mechanistic studies of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and its comorbidities—Role of microRNAs
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Sun Min , Wang Zhe , Sun Siming , Wang Yuehui
Published: December 2023

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a multifaceted syndrome with a complex aetiology commonly associated with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and renal disease. Various diseases induce systemic, chronic and low‐grade inflammation; microvascular dysfunction; metabolic stress; tissue ischemia; and fibrosis, leading to HFpEF. An effective treatment for HFpEF is lacking, largely owing to its pathophysiological heterogeneity. Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating the pathogenesis of HFpEF and its comorbidities.

Methods

This narrative review included original articles and reviews published over the past 20 years found through ‘PubMed’ and ‘Web of Science’. The search terms included “HFpEF,” “MicroRNAs,” “comorbidities,” “Microvascular Dysfunction (MVD),” “inflammation,” “pathophysiology,” “endothelial dysfunction,” “energy metabolism abnormalities” “cardiac fibrosis” and “treatment.”

Results

Inflammation, MVD, abnormal energy metabolism, myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis are important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HFpEF. As gene expression regulators, miRNAs may contribute to the pathophysiology of HFpEF and are expected to serve in the stratification of patients with HFpEF and as prognostic indicators for monitoring treatment responses.

Conclusions

A customized strategy based on miRNAs has emerged as an effective treatment for HFpEF. In this review, we discuss recent research surrounding miRNAs and HFpEF and propose potential miRNA targets for the pathophysiology of HFpEF and its comorbidities. Although current research concerning miRNAs and their therapeutic potential is in its early stages, miRNA‐based diagnostics and therapeutics hold great promise in the future.
Vitamin K insufficiency and the prophylaxis strategy in term healthy infants: A multicentre study
Authors: Perrone Serafina , De Bernardo Giuseppe , Lembo Chiara , Dell'Orto Valentina , Giordano Maurizio , Beretta Virginia , Petrolini Chiara , Gambini Lucia , Toni Anna Laura , Parigi Gianni , Fontanarosa Ilenia , Natale Maria Pia , D'Amato Gabriele , Sordino Desiree , Buonocore Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Background/Aim

Late vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) during early infancy is a serious problem worldwide. Vitamin K (VK) deficiency commonly occurs in newborns who are exclusively breastfed. Protein Induced by VK Absence (PIVKA‐II) has been identified as an early indicator of subclinical VK deficiency in neonates, surpassing prothrombin time. To assess PIVKA‐II levels at 48 h, 1 and 3 months of age in full‐term newborns who were exclusively breastfed and received varying VKDB prophylaxis regimens.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in four hospitals, enrolling 105 newborns. PIVKA‐II levels were measured using a sandwich‐type enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

At 48 h of age, there was no significant difference in PIVKA‐II concentrations between newborns who received intramuscular administration of 1 mg of phylloquinone (VK1) and those who received oral administration of 2 mg of VK1 at birth. At 1 and 3 months of life, infants who received any supplementation regimen between 2 and 14 weeks exhibited significantly lower PIVKA‐II concentrations compared to infants who received only 1 mg of intramuscular VK1 at birth. The prophylaxis involving a dose of 1 mg of intramuscular VK1 at birth followed by oral administration of 150 μg/day of VK1 from the 2nd to the 14th week of life showed the lowest PIVKA‐II blood concentrations.

Conclusions

Oral supplementation of VK1 after discharge significantly reduced PIVKA‐II concentrations in exclusively breastfed term infants. These findings suggest the importance of oral VK1 supplementation in exclusively breastfed infants during their first 3 months of life to avoid the risk of VK insufficiency.
Bat droppings collection by ants in epigean environments
Authors: Vidal‐Cordero J. Manuel , Nogueras Jesús , Tena Elena
Published: December 2023

Ants can be found in insect communities associated with droppings, but most studies about this interaction have been carried out in subterranean environments, specifically in the study of the interaction between ants and bat guano.

In this report, we describe the first case of interaction between seven different ant species and the droppings of two bat species in epigean environments. The study was performed in bat roosts monitored from March to October 2022 in the Doñana Biological Reserve of the Doñana National Park (Huelva, SW Spain). It was carried out via direct observations of droppings deposited on the ground surface or in tree‐mounted dropping collectors below bat boxes.

We report a total of 37 interactions by seven different species of ants with droppings of two species of bat, the soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) and the greater noctule (Nyctalus lasiopterus), in four different habitats (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Pinus pinea, Populus alba and ground surface).

The generalist characters and the omnivorous diets of the ant species observed, in addition to the abundant availability of droppings during a period of food scarcity, suggest that droppings are transported as a food resource, with the consequent implications that this interaction may have on faecal degradation and nutrient cycling, as one of the supporting services provided by ants.
Home as the Third Place: Stories of movement among immigrant caregivers in an intercultural Chilean city
Authors: Mingo Verónica , Mistry Jayanthi
Published: December 2023

Parenting practices are inherently related to the sociocultural and material contexts in which children and their caregivers live. Rooted in sociocultural perspectives, this research contributes to the study of contextualized caregiving by ethnographically examining the daily caregiving practices of seven low‐income immigrant mothers and their young children. Research participants all live in a precarious material context in a Chilean intercultural city. This study illuminates how caregivers use their understanding of the world to make sense of their realities, both resources and constraints, and actively negotiate with the elements of everyday life. We discuss (a) the mobilizing effect of their hopes and dreams on potential future life (we refer to it as the Third Place), manifested in a constant search for a “better life” and (b) the personal and contextual resources that mothers draw on to provide physical care to their children, despite social constraints and scarcity of material resources.
Effects of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine against apical periodontitis in rats with adriamycin‐induced cardiomyopathy and nephropathy
Authors: Şehirli Ahmet Özer , Aksoy Umut , Sibai Abdullah , Orhan Kaan , Sayıner Serkan
Published: December 2023

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) against apical periodontitis (AP) in rats with adriamycin (ADR)‐induced kidney and heart diseases.

Methodology

Fourty‐eight Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups: (1) Control group, (2) ADR group (1 mg/kg/day ip for 10 days), (3) AP Group (1st mandibular molar tooth), (4) AP + ADR Group, (5) AP + NAC group (150 mg/kg/day ip), and (6) AP + ADR + NAC group. After 3 weeks, the rats were decapitated and blood and tissue samples (heart, kidney, and jaw) were collected. Tissue samples were evaluated by biochemical (inflammatory cytokines and hemodynamic parameters) and radiological analyses. One‐way anova with Tukey post hoc tests was used to compare data, considering p < .05 as statistically significant.

Results

The serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, BUN, Creatinine, CK, and LDH were elevated in the test groups compared with the control group, and treatment with NAC reduced these levels (p < .05). Heart and kidney tissue analysis showed a higher heart‐to‐body weight ratio (HW/BW) and kidney‐to‐body weight ratio (KW/BW) in the test groups compared with the control group (p < .05). No significant differences in HW/BW and KW/BW were found between the control and AP + NAC groups. Volumetric apical bone resorption analysis showed an increase in periapical radiolucencies in AP‐induced groups indicating apical periodontitis. NAC treatment reduced the total area and volume of resorption cavities (p < .05).

Conclusions

The results suggest that NAC's antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects can reduce adriamycin‐mediated heart and kidney damage and may have a positive effect on apical periodontitis in individuals with nephropathy and cardiomyopathy.
Influence of micro‐sized CaCO3 on hydrates formation of residual calcium aluminate cement in castables during drying
Authors: Zeng Jinyan , Liu Mingyang , Zhang Zhongzhuang , Mu Yuandong , Liu Chuntai , Ye Guotian
Published: December 2023

The addition of CaCO3 powder in calcium aluminate cement (CAC) is reported to accelerate the hydration of CAC and generate mono‐carbonate C4AC̅H11, which is conducive to shortening the curing time of CAC‐bonded castables at ambient temperatures. Although the hydration of CAC is relatively fast, there is still residual un‐hydrated CAC in castables after curing. The residual CAC would continue to hydrate to produce C3AH6 and AH3 during the subsequent drying procedures in the absence of CaCO3. But it is worth pondering which type of hydrate would be generated in the presence of CaCO3 during the drying at around 110°C. In this study, the effect of micro‐sized CaCO3 addition on the hydrate formation of CAC‐bonded castables during drying at 110°C was investigated. The results indicate that the C4AC̅H11 formed at the curing temperature of 30°C is not decomposed or converted during drying. The CaCO3 remained after curing does not participate in the hydration of residual CAC during drying at 110°C, and thus the residual CAC continues to hydrate to generate C3AH6 rather than C4AC̅H11.
Photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanoparticle coating on porous ceramic substrates with varying porosities produced from fly ash and red mud
Authors: Özcan Mücahid , Birol Burak , Dülger Kutlu Öznur , Kaya Figen
Published: December 2023

In order to improve filtering efficacy, nanoparticles are often deposited as photocatalytic degrading agents onto porous ceramics. This study aimed to deposit ZnO nanoparticles on ceramic substrates produced from fly ash and red mud with adjustable porosity and investigate their photocatalytic properties. To achieve this goal, at first porous ceramics were produced and sintered at various temperature/time intervals. It was observed that sintering at 800°C for 120 min provided a proper structure and porosity. In addition, MgO replacement with MgCO3 lowered the water absorption of the samples from 25.63% to 11.45%. The samples were then coated with ZnO nanoparticles using the sol–gel method and the ZnO structures obtained were micron‐sized plates. It was observed that increasing porosity increased the ZnO amount and accordingly the photocatalytic properties of the products. During the adsorption tests conducted in the dark, the coated ceramic samples were stained with MB with a maximum MB adsorption ratio of ∼14%. On the other hand, no visible MB stain was observed on the samples that were exposed to UV irradiation, and the MB removal after the UV irradiation was 93.6%; therefore, it was concluded that the dominant MB removal mechanism was photocatalytic.
A systematic review of caries risk in children <6 years of age
Authors: Khan Saima Yunus , Schroth Robert J. , Cruz de Jesus Vivianne , Lee Victor H. K. , Rothney Janet , Dong Cecilia S. , Javed Faraha , Yerex Katherine , Bertone Mary , El Azrak Mohamed , Menon Anil
Published: December 2023

Background

For caries risk assessment (CRA) tools for young children to be evidence‐based, it is important to systematically review the literature to identify factors associated with the onset of early childhood caries (ECC).

Aim

This updated systematic review aimed to identify current evidence on caries risk in young children.

Design

A comprehensive and systematic literature search of relevant databases was conducted to update a previous systematic review and identify risk factors associated with ECC. Potential risk factors were identified based on strength of association using odds ratios, hazard ratios, relative risk, etc. GRADE was used for rating quality evidence through consensus.

Results

Twenty‐two studies met inclusion criteria for the search from mid‐2017 to 2021. Twenty‐five publications from the prior systematic review, from 1997 to mid‐2017, were also included. Several socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical variables were identified as ECC risk factors. Factors included the following: age, socioeconomic status, frequency of and supervised toothbrushing, fluoride exposure, breast‐ and bottle‐feeding, feeding habits, absence of a dental home, past caries experience, active non‐cavitated lesions, visible plaque, enamel defects, and microbiome.

Conclusion

This study provides updated evidence of risk factors for ECC that could be included in CRA tools.
Effect of initial phase composition on the phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramics
Authors: Du Songmo , Zhang Jie , Li Fei , Chen Zhanglin , Zhang Shijia , Zhao Shuo , Cui Wei , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua
Published: December 2023

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics with initial β‐Si3N4 content from 3% to 88% were prepared by spark plasma sintering from 1450 to 1700°C. The effect of initial β‐Si3N4 content on the phase transition, microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties of the Si3N4 ceramics was studied. The existence of initial β‐Si3N4 accelerated the α–β phase transition. When the initial β‐Si3N4 content was 12% and 46%, the aspect ratio of the grains was increased. When the initial β‐Si3N4 content was 88%, the grains were mainly composed of short rod‐like grains. As the initial β‐Si3N4 content increased, the densification process was slowed down. The hardness and fracture toughness of samples reached about 18 GPa and 6 MPa·m1/2. It is proposed that the mechanical properties of samples are connected with the densification process and β‐Si3N4 content.
Enhanced shear strength of Cu/AlN/Cu gradient materials with continuous and quasi‐continuous interfacial structures
Authors: Chen Fei , Xiang Binhua , Jia Mingyong , Wu Yueqi , Huang Zhifeng , Shen Qiang
Published: December 2023

In the electronic industry, the composite of copper (Cu) and aluminum nitride (AlN) is widely used, but obtaining Cu/AlN/Cu functionally gradient materials (Cu/AlN/Cu FGMs) in a single step using traditional laminated sintering processes has proven challenging due to significant differences in their physical properties. To address this issue, molybdenum (Mo), with a high melting point and low expansion, was involved in creating a continuous gradient structure with AlN and a quasi‐continuous interfacial structure with Cu. The continuous interfacial structure of Mo/AlN gradient materials was obtained by hot pressing at 1650°C. Subsequently, the quasi‐continuous interfacial structure of Cu/Mo heterogeneous metal joints with high shear strength was achieved by utilizing the diffusion welding method at 700–950°C. The results indicated that the optimum shear strength of Cu/AlN/Cu FGMs is around 90 MPa. However, Cu/AlN/Cu FGMs with different diffusion interlayers failed in different ways when shear occurred, which greatly depends on the phase compositions at the joint. The challenges are overcome by utilizing Mo to construct the continuous and quasi‐continuous interfaces, resulting in Cu/AlN/Cu FGMs with improved shear properties.
Evidences of the ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases coexistence in the (Pb0.96La0.04)(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.99O3 ceramic system by probing nanoscale analyses via piezoresponse force microscopy
Authors: Ferri Anthony , Da Costa Antonio , Bauwens Justine , Pérez‐Martín Yoniel , Peláiz‐Barranco Aimé , Guerra José de los Santos
Published: December 2023

(Pb0.96La0.04)(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.99O3 ceramics were successfully elaborated by the solid‐sate reaction method. The pure perovskite phase was obtained, comprising both rhombohedral (R3c) and orthorhombic (Pbam) crystallographic structures, as determined by x‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses. The rhombohedral and orthorhombic structures were carefully attributed to the ferroelectric (FE) and antiferroelectric (AFE) phases, respectively. The room temperature electromechanical performances of the samples were particularly investigated at the nanoscale level by using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The measurement of PFM domain patterns evidenced spontaneous piezoelectric and ferroelectric activities as well as regions with no piezoresponse, in agreement with the coexistence of FE and AFE phases. By means of the spectroscopic mode of the PFM used in on‐ and off‐field methods, very specific piezoloops were recorded. Square‐shaped hysteresis loops for phase signal and butterfly‐like shape loops for amplitude activity were obtained under and at zero bias when probing ferroelectric regions, while on‐field piezoloops displaying double hysteresis for phase signal were detected and assigned to the stable antiferroelectric phase. Finally, the signature of metastable antiferroelectric phase was also identified through in‐field and remnant loops measurements. These results further provided the phases coexistence, concurrently unveiling intricate nanoscale electrical characteristics (both stable and metastable AFE behaviors) at room temperature. Furthermore, these data suggest that PFM proves to be a robust technique for investigating local antiferroelectricity in such complex ceramic oxides.
Keratolytics can replace curettage in daylight photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis on the face/scalp: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Caccavale Stefano , Boccellino Maria Pia , Brancaccio Gabriella , Alfano Roberto , Argenziano Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Background

Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is commonly used for field treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs). In standard natural daylight PDT (n‐DL‐PDT) the first step, after the application of chemical solar filter, is removal of crusts and scales by curettage, followed by the application of MAL cream. Some patients experience intense pain during curettage and stinging after application of the photosensitizer to just curettaged skin.

Objectives

To evaluate whether n‐DL‐PDT without curettage, but preceded by application of keratolytics, would maintain a similar efficacy, based on clinical, dermoscopic, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) assessments, safety and patient satisfaction as standard n‐DL‐PDT with curettage.

Methods

Forty patients with multiple AKs on the face and/or scalp were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into two groups of treatment as follows: (i) MAL n‐DL‐PDT without previous curettage, preceded by skin preparation at home with keratolytics (30% urea cream, twice a day for 7 days; −Cur group) and (ii) MAL n‐DL‐PDT preceded by skin preparation at the hospital with curettage (+Cur group).

Results

Thirty‐nine participants completed the study. Four hundred and twenty‐one AKs in −Cur group and 337 AKs in +Cur group were treated. The mean reduction in the number of AK lesions 3 months after the treatment was 10.7 (−54.7%) in the −Cur and 10.4 (−58.7%) in the +Cur group. We found that the differences in terms of efficacy and patient satisfaction comparing the two treatment regimens were not statistically significant. The pain score reported during and after daylight exposure was similar and low in both groups. Moreover, no unexpected adverse events occurred during the trial period.

Conclusions

According to our results, curettage is not necessary to obtain the full treatment effect of n‐DL‐PDT. We experienced in a real‐life setting that n‐DL‐PDT protocol could be changed by replacing curettage with keratolytics.
Sexual quality of life in patients with pemphigus: A case–control study
Authors: Maione V. , Bettolini L. , Cozzi C. , Bighetti S. , Tomasi C. , Calzavara‐Pinton P.
Published: December 2023

Background

Pemphigus, an autoimmune blistering disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, significantly impairs the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. While there are a variety of QoL measurement tools available for assessing this disease, there is a lack of studies that specifically evaluate the sexual QoL of patients with pemphigus.

Objectives

This case–control study aims to investigate the impact of the disease on sexual activity as well as its overall effect on QoL.

Materials and Methods

Fifty pemphigus patients, who were referred to the Dermatology Department at the University Hospital of Brescia in the period March 2019–September 2021, completed several QoL surveys, including the 36‐item Short Form Health survey (SF‐36), the 12‐Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12), the Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life (ABQOL) and either the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) or the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The severity of the disease was assessed using the Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI). Differences in QoL surveys between the case and control groups were analysed using either the t‐test or the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test. The correlation between QoL surveys in pemphigus patients and disease severity were analysed using Spearman's coefficient (r).

Results

The results revealed a marked impairment in overall QoL among patients with pemphigus compared to the healthy control subjects. Significant differences were observed in various domains of QoL, including physical health, mental well‐being, social functioning and, notably, sexual health.

Furthermore, disease severity as evaluated by the PDAI showed correlations with specific aspects of health status, and disease‐specific QoL demonstrated associations with nearly all domains of health status. No significant correlations were found between sexual activity, mucosal involvement or steroid therapy and PDAI scores or disease‐specific QoL measures.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize the significant impact of pemphigus on patients' well‐being, with particular attention to the impaired sexual activity.
A simple drug‐delivery microneedling technique modality successfully improves linear atrophic scars
Authors: de Souza Luciana Gasques , Gold Michael H. , Steiner Denise , Silva Marcio Roberto , Viana de Oliveira Gisele
Published: December 2023

Background

Atrophic scars are white, dermal depressions, caused by the destruction of collagen fibers and decrease in epidermal cells, following inflammation after different types of trauma. They lead to significant physical, aesthetic and psychological barriers and their treatment remain a therapeutic challenge for dermatologists. Microneedling has been shown to improve scars by stimulating angiogenesis and neocolagenesis and the combination of anti‐fibrotic drugs could potentialize the results.

Methods

We present 8 cases of patients with linear scars, successfully treated with two sessions of a new Microneedling technique, using a tattoo machine, associated with drug delivery of 5‐FU.

Results

A marked improvement in scar pigmentation and texture were noted by patients and doctors, 6 months following the sessions of MMP and drug delivery with 5‐FU, in different body sites. We also showed that the assessment scores of at least one of the professionals with those of the patient had significant correlations with each other, which shows consistency between the qualitative assessment instruments. We also showed that the cause of the injury can influence joint assessment scores (physicians plus patient) or those exclusive to professionals trained for the assessments, generating evidence that the cause of the injury can influence the treatment outcome itself.

Conclusions

We present an inexpensive and promising approach that can be easily done as an in‐office procedure. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to validate this technique among the first line therapies for acne scar treatment.