bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Threshold Effect of Factor Price Distortion on Technological Content of Exports: Evidence from China
Authors: Pi Jiancai , Song Daqiang
Published: December 2020

Using panel data from 31 provinces in China, covering the period from 2003 to 2017, this article analyzes the threshold effect of factor price distortion on the technological content of exports. The results show that factor price distortion does not necessarily impede improvement in the quality of the technological content of exports. Instead, the adverse effect can be weakened when the value of per capita GDP is higher than RMB13,154 or the value of FDI goes beyond RMB480.9 billion. This is because a high regional economic development level alleviates the adverse effect of factor price distortion on the technological content of exports. Our results are robust when the dependent variable and sample years are changed. This article also addresses the endogeneity issue. We also consider the underlying mechanism through which factor price distortion affects the technological content of exports.
Too Connected to Fail? Evidence from a Chinese Financial Risk Spillover Network
Authors: Chen Yu , Hu Jie , Zhang Weiping
Published: December 2020

This paper focuses on volatility spillover effects and considers the issue of how to measure the connectedness of networks among financial firms. To assess the network connectedness of firms from different industries, we proposed a novel procedure and applied it to 20 leading financial institutions from four industries in China's stock markets. The results show that the total connectedness of the Chinese financial system was much higher during the stock market crisis between June 2015 and February 2016 than during stable periods of economic development. This analysis can be used to determine which firms play a dominant role in risk transmission throughout the entire system. It is suggested that the government should provide targeted regulatory policies to particular types of firms.
The Impacts of Highly Resourced Vocational Schools on Student Outcomes in China
Authors: Li Guirong , Xu Jiajia , Li Liying , Shi Zhaolei , Yi Hongmei , Chu James , Kardanova Elena , Li Yanyan , Loyalka Prashant , Rozelle Scott
Published: December 2020

Policymakers in developing countries have prioritized the mass expansion of vocational education and training (VET). This study examines whether the quality of VET in developing countries increases by investing greater resources per student. To achieve this goal, we examine the impacts of attending model schools (which have far more resources per student) on a range of student cognitive, non‐cognitive, and behavioral outcomes. Using representative data from a survey of approximately 12,000 VET students from China, multivariate regression and propensity score matching analyses show that attending model vocational high schools do not benefit student outcomes, despite their substantially greater resources.
Preventive interventions targeting cannabis use and related harms in people with psychosis: A systematic review
Authors: Coronado‐Montoya Stephanie , Morissette Florence , Abdel‐Baki Amal , Fischer Benedikt , Côté José , Ouellet‐Plamondon Clairélaine , Tremblay Laurence , Jutras‐Aswad Didier
Published: December 2020

Aim

While most users will not experience severe adverse health outcomes from cannabis, it can be associated with negative outcomes in people with psychosis. People with psychosis who use cannabis have more severe psychiatric symptoms, higher rates of hospitalization, and diminished psychosocial functioning compared to those who do not use cannabis. Most studies of people with psychotic disorders have focused on cannabis use treatments and only a few on preventive interventions for cannabis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive interventions focusing on cannabis use for people with psychosis.

Methods

We searched CINAHL Plus, EBM reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycInfo and PubMed databases for controlled studies assessing the effects of preventive interventions on cannabis use and related harms in people with psychosis. We conducted the search using a combination of the following concepts: cannabis, psychosis, intervention and prevention. Risk of bias was assessed.

Results

The search yielded 11 460 unique studies. Of these, five studies met our eligibility criteria. None of the studies demonstrated clear efficacy of prevention interventions in reducing cannabis use, and none measured cannabis‐related harms. All studies had high risk of bias.

Conclusion

The small number of studies and the considerable risk of bias made it difficult to conclude whether any of the existing interventions were promising. With increased acceptance and accessibility of cannabis due to liberalizing cannabis policies, it is imperative to improve the evidence base for preventive interventions, in particular their effectiveness in decreasing the risk of cannabis‐related harms in people with psychosis.
β‐catenin regulates FOXP2 transcriptional activity via multiple binding sites
Authors: Richter Gesa , Gui Tianshu , Bourgeois Benjamin , Koyani Chintan N. , Ulz Peter , Heitzer Ellen , von Lewinski Dirk , Burgering Boudewijn M. T. , Malle Ernst , Madl Tobias
Published: December 2020

The transcription factor forkhead box protein P2 (FOXP2) is a highly conserved key regulator of embryonal development. The molecular mechanisms of how FOXP2 regulates embryonal development, however, remain elusive. Using RNA sequencing, we identified the Wnt signaling pathway as key target of FOXP2‐dependent transcriptional regulation. Using cell‐based assays, we show that FOXP2 transcriptional activity is regulated by the Wnt coregulator β‐catenin and that β‐catenin contacts multiple regions within FOXP2. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we uncovered the molecular details of these interactions. β‐catenin contacts a disordered FOXP2 region with α‐helical propensity via its folded armadillo domain, whereas the intrinsically disordered β‐catenin N terminus and C terminus bind to the conserved FOXP2 DNA‐binding domain. Using RNA sequencing, we confirmed that β‐catenin indeed regulates transcriptional activity of FOXP2 and that the FOXP2 α‐helical motif acts as a key regulatory element of FOXP2 transcriptional activity. Taken together, our findings provide first insight into novel regulatory interactions and help to understand the intricate mechanisms of FOXP2 function and (mis)‐regulation in embryonal development and human diseases.

Database

Expression data are available in the GEO database under the accession number GSE138938.
Rock glaciers and paraglacial features influence stream invertebrates in a deglaciating Alpine area
Authors: Brighenti Stefano , Tolotti Monica , Bertoldi Walter , Wharton Geraldene , Bruno Maria Cristina
Published: December 2020

Climate change and progressive glacier loss are leading to rapid ecological shifts in alpine aquatic systems. Rock glaciers and paraglacial features such as proglacial lakes, moraines, and taluses can alter the gradients of glacial influence along alpine river networks, but the ecological responses are still understudied.

We investigated benthic invertebrate communities of different stream types (upper kryal, lower kryal, glacio‐rhithral, krenal, and rock glacial) within a deglaciating area of the Italian Alps (Solda and Zay sub‐catchments). Alpha‐ (Shannon index and taxa richness) and β‐diversity (i.e. nestedness and turnover), production (abundance, biomass), average body mass of invertebrate taxa, and functional feeding groups were used to analyse the influence of habitat conditions on invertebrate communities in different microhabitats (mineral substrates, bryophytes, Hydrurus foetidus). We defined an index of habitat mildness based on water temperature, channel stability, turbidity, and organic detritus, to measure the difference in community metrics over a gradient of habitat amelioration, driven by the mixing of distinct stream types and their interactions with paraglacial features.

While diversity proxies showed an asymptotic behaviour along the gradient, the quantitative metrics peaked at intermediate mildness. Peaks of invertebrate biomass/abundance were recorded at the glacio‐rhithral station below the talus. Highest average body mass occurred at Zay, specifically at the rock glacial stream, and at the lower kryal stations influenced by the lake/moraine and the rock glacier. The moraine outflow showed unexpected high biomass/abundance values of shredders and grazers, that were supported by a high epilithic production. Bryophytes acted as local scale multipliers of mildness as they stored more detritus, and hosted higher biomass/abundance of invertebrates and, in particular, of gatherer–collectors.

Beta‐diversity, driven by the turnover component, was positively related to different habitat mildness of the sampling stations. Although influenced by distinct lentic/lotic conditions, rock glacial streams hosted several taxa typical of glacio‐rhithral and krenal stations, alongside large numbers of Diamesa (Chironomidae), a genus typical of kryal habitats.

Under progressive deglaciation, rock glaciers and paraglacial features influence the invertebrate communities of alpine river networks. As they host a high number of taxa dwelling in non‐glacial locations, rock glacial streams may act as stepping stones facilitating invertebrate colonisation following glacier retreat. After glacier loss, rock glacial streams may represent climate refugia for cold adapted taxa and/or kryal specialists, because the slow thawing of their ice might sustain cold water conditions for a longer period of time.
Reducing Groundwater Pumping Cost Using Alternate Pulsed Pumping
Authors: Nagkoulis Nikolaos
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with water pumping cost minimization, in a confined infinite aquifer, proposing an alternate pulsed pumping schedule. The transient flow analysis is conducted for two wells with equal pumping rates. Specifically, two pumping schedules are analytically compared. In the first case, well users pump simultaneously, and in the second one they cooperate so that they pump alternately. This paper proves that the proposed alternate pumping schedule works as a stabilizer, reducing the high hydraulic drawdowns values, regardless of the aquifer characteristics. Moreover, pumping alternately is better in terms of pumping cost, compared to simultaneous pumping, though benefit become negligible as distance between wells becomes large. Two simplified equations are proposed, one to find the difference of the hydraulic drawdowns between the two pumping schedules and the other one to find the economic benefit of each well from cooperation. The equations are finally applied to a number of cases and their results are compared to the results obtained from an algorithm created to calculate the hydraulic drawdowns and the pumping cost, using the Theis equation. The results can be very useful in irrigation scheduling, as they can be applied to systems of well users/farmers, to reduce pumping cost.
Hepatocyte CD1d protects against liver immunopathology in mice with schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: Lei Zhigang , Tang Rui , Qi Qianqian , Gu Pan , Wang Junling , Xu Lei , Wei Chuan , Pu Yanan , Qi Xin , Chen Ying , Yu Beibei , Yu Yanxiong , Chen Xiaojun , Zhu Jifeng , Li Yalin , Zhou Sha , Su Chuan
Published: December 2020

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with over 250 million people infected worldwide. The main clinically important species Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) and Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) cause inflammatory responses against tissue‐trapped eggs, resulting in formation of granulomas mainly in host liver. Persistent granulomatous response results in severe fibrosis in the liver, leading to irreversible impairment of the liver and even death of the host. CD1d, a highly conserved MHC class I‐like molecule, is expressed by both haematopoietic and non‐haematopoietic cells. CD1d on antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) of haematopoietic origin presents pathogen‐derived lipid antigens to natural killer T (NKT) cells, which enables them to rapidly produce large amounts of various cytokines and facilitate CD4+ T helper (Th) cell differentiation upon invading pathogens. Noteworthy, hepatocytes of non‐haematopoietic origin have recently been shown to be involved in maintaining liver NKT cell homeostasis through a CD1d‐dependent manner. However, whether hepatocyte CD1d‐dependent regulation of NKT cell homeostasis also modulates CD4+ Th cell responses and liver immunopathology in murine schistosomiasis remains to be addressed. Here, we show in mice that CD1d expression on hepatocytes was decreased dramatically upon S. japonicum infection, accompanied by increased NKT cells, as well as upregulated Th1 and Th2 responses. Overexpression of CD1d in hepatocytes significantly decreased local NKT numbers and cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐13), concomitantly with downregulation of both Th1 and Th2 responses and alleviation in pathological damage in livers of S. japonicum‐infected mice. These findings highlight the potential of hepatocyte CD1d‐targeted therapies for liver immunopathology control in schistosomiasis.
Efficient multiscale strategy for toughening HfB2 ceramics: A heterogeneous ceramic–metal layered architecture
Authors: Bai Yuhang , Zhang Baoxi , Du Huiling , Cheng Laifei
Published: December 2020

A multiscale structural design was innovatively adopted herein to increase the toughness of monolithic HfB2 ceramics. SiC whiskers (SiCw) and graphene oxide (GO) were used as fillers for the HfB2 matrix, whereas a ductile W foil was introduced as an interlayer to synthesize laminated HfB2‐SiCw‐rGO/W ceramics. Monolithic HfB2‐SiCp (particulate) and laminated HfB2‐SiCp/W ceramics were prepared using the same routes and used as controls. Following tape casting and spark plasma sintering at 1800°C, the toughness of the prepared laminated HfB2‐SiCw‐rGO/W samples was increased to 14.2 ± 0.6 MPa·m1/2, with minimal sacrifice in flexural strength (421 ± 16 MPa). Morphological analysis of the fracture surface revealed the synergistic effects of micro‐toughening (including bridging and pullout of whiskers and rGO) and macro‐toughening (including crack deflection, bifurcation, and delamination) mechanisms responsible for improving the fracture toughness of the laminated HfB2‐SiCw‐rGO/W composites.
Universal demand laws and the monitoring demand for accounting conservatism
Authors: Chen Feng , Li Qingyuan , Xu Li
Published: December 2020

While prior research holds the consensus that accounting conservatism can serve as an effective monitoring device, it is not clear whether shareholders can successfully enforce managers’ adherence to accounting conservatism when directors fail to fulfill their fiduciary duties. We attempt to answer the question by exploiting staggered enactments of the universal demand (UD) laws in 23 US states. UD laws raise procedural hurdles for shareholders to file derivative lawsuits against managers and directors who allegedly breach their fiduciary duties. For firms incorporated in states that adopt UD laws, restrictions on shareholder litigation rights weaken directors’ incentives to monitor managers. We predict and find a decrease in conditional conservatism following the enactment of UD laws. The decline in conditional conservatism exists only for firms with low institutional ownership, low external equity dependence, or high ex‐ante derivative lawsuit risk. The main result is attributable to both the direct channel (through restriction of shareholder litigation rights) and the indirect channel (through the deployment of management‐friendly governance provisions). Our findings suggest that shareholders cannot successfully demand accounting conservatism when directors lack the incentives to monitor managers.
Applying an association weight matrix in weighted genomic prediction of boar taint compounds
Authors: Botelho Margareth E. , Lopes Marcos S. , Mathur Pramod K. , Knol Egbert F. , Guimarães Simone E. F. , Marques Daniele B. D. , Lopes Paulo S. , Silva Fabyano F. , Veroneze Renata
Published: December 2020

Biological information regarding markers and gene association may be used to attribute different weights for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in genome‐wide selection. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the predictive ability and the bias of genomic prediction using models that allow SNP weighting in the genomic relationship matrix (G) building, with and without incorporating biological information to obtain the weights. Firstly, we performed a genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) in data set containing single‐ (SL) or a multi‐line (ML) pig population for androstenone, skatole and indole levels. Secondly, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 30% and 50% of the markers explaining the highest proportions of the genetic variance for each trait were selected to build gene networks through the association weight matrix (AWM) approach. The number of edges in the network was computed and used to derive weights for G (AWM‐WssGBLUP). The single‐step GBLUP (ssGBLUP) and weighted ssGBLUP (WssGBLUP) were used as standard scenarios. All scenarios presented predictive abilities different from zero; however, the great overlap in their confidences interval suggests no differences among scenarios. Most of scenarios of based on AWM provide overestimations for skatole in both SL and ML populations. On the other hand, the skatole and indole prediction were no biased in the ssGBLUP (S1) in both SL and ML populations. Most of scenarios based on AWM provide no biased predictions for indole in both SL and ML populations. In summary, using biological information through AWM matrix and gene networks to derive weights for genomic prediction resulted in no increase in predictive ability for boar taint compounds. In addition, this approach increased the number of analyses steps. Thus, we can conclude that ssGBLUP is most appropriate for the analysis of boar taint compounds in comparison with the weighted strategies used in the present work.
Children and parents with psychosis—Balancing between relational attunement and protection from parental illness
Authors: Boström Petra Kristin , Strand Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Background

Few studies have explored the experiences of young children and their parents with psychosis. The aim of the present study was to explore parent and child mental health and the parent–child relationship from the perspectives of children and their parents with psychosis.

Methods

The present study had a multiperspectival qualitative design. Seven children (aged 8–15 years) and their six parents with psychosis were interviewed individually. Data were analyzed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Children were found to have a limited understanding of the parent's illness. While both parents and children described the illness as part of ordinary life and focused on improvements, there was incoherence both within and between interviews. Parent–child relationships appeared to be nonhierarchical and to vary in terms of attunement and distance, which in turn seemed to be associated with the child's well‐being.

Conclusion

The findings contribute multiperspectival insights into lived experiences of young children and parents with psychosis. Nurses are in a key position to recognize the children's needs for continuous adult support and to promote communication about the illness.
Intergenerational impacts of trauma and hardship through parenting
Authors: Jensen Sarah K. G. , Sezibera Vincent , Murray Shauna M. , Brennan Robert T. , Betancourt Theresa S.
Published: December 2020

Background

Millions of people worldwide experience severe trauma in their lifetime. Trauma has immediate and long‐term effects on emotional wellbeing. Moreover, the experiences of one generation may influence subsequent generations via social and biological pathways. Poor mental health and emotion dysregulation associated with trauma may affect parenting behaviours, which may have long‐lasting effects on children's development.

Methods

We use longitudinal data from a unique sample of 732 caregivers of children aged 6–36 months living in extremely poor rural households in Rwanda to examine associations of caregiver lifetime trauma, recent daily hardships, mental health, and emotion dysregulation with parenting behaviours reflecting parental acceptance and rejection of their offspring.

Results

Cumulative trauma exposure (β = .234, p < .001) and recent daily hardships (β = .323, p < .001) are associated with higher levels of internalising symptoms. Trauma (β = .257, p < .001) and daily hardships (β = .323, p < 0.001) are also associated with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Internalising symptoms predict more rejection (β = .177, p = .001), but show no association with acceptance. Caregiver PTSD symptoms predict more rejection (β = .277, p < .001) and less acceptance (β = −.190, p = .003). Both internalising symptoms (β = .557, p < .001) and PTSD symptoms (β = .606, p < .001) are strongly associated with poor emotion regulation. Indirect effects suggest that caregiver trauma and hardships affect parenting indirectly via elevated caregiver internalising symptoms and PTSD and that some of these effects are accounted for by emotion dysregulation.

Conclusions

Caregiver internalising and PTSD symptoms are important mechanisms through which caregiver trauma and hardship affect parenting behaviours. Emotion dysregulation is a shared mechanism linking caregivers’ mental health problems with parenting behaviours that reflect acceptance and rejection of the child. Emotion regulation is indicated as a key target for prevention of adverse effects of caregiver trauma on mental health and child wellbeing.
The effect of empathy training given to midwives on the empathic communication skills of midwives and the birth satisfaction of mothers giving birth with the help of these midwives: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Aktas Songul , Pasinlioğlu Türkan
Published: December 2020

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Empathic attitudes and behaviours of midwives directly affect obstetric outcomes. The study aims to examine the effect of empathy training on the empathic communication skills of midwives and the childbirth satisfaction of primiparous mothers.

Methods

This quasi‐experimental study has two sample groups including midwives working in the delivery unit (n = 15) and mothers giving birth with the help of these midwives (n = 134). Empathy training was given to the midwives through a 32‐hour program involving didactic narrative, creative drama, and psychodrama techniques. A “Descriptive Information Form,” and the “Empathic Communication Skills” and “Empathic Tendencies” scales were used to collect data from the midwives, and another “Descriptive Information Form” and the “Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction in Normal Birth” were used for the maternal data.

Results

Empathic communication skills and empathic tendencies of the midwives were found to be higher right after and 8 weeks after the training than before the training (P = .001, P = .040, respectively). The total score and sub‐dimensions of the maternal satisfaction scale (ie, midwifery care, respect for privacy, meeting expectations, postpartum care) were found to be higher in mothers giving birth after the midwives' empathy training than those giving birth before (P < .001). A higher level of maternal birth satisfaction was seen in mothers giving birth right after the training (94%) than those giving birth before training (3%).

Conclusion

The empathy training improved both the empathy skills of midwives, and translated to improved maternal satisfaction with birth among their mothers. It is recommended to increase the number of follow‐ups to evaluate the long‐term effect of empathy training.
Potential utilization of guar straw and wood wool in controlling relative humidity and temperature of storage environment
Authors: Ghodki Bhupendra M , Srihari Gunnam , Dukare Ajinath Shridhar , Kannaujia Pankaj Kumar , Kalnar Yogesh B. , Vishwakarma Rajesh Kumar
Published: December 2020

In this study, guar straw and wood wool were used for the development of a relative humidity (RH) and temperature control system based on the storage requirement of onions in a semi‐arid region. The RH and temperature control system includes two major units: (a) dehumidification—three compartments of guar straw balls/guar balls and (b) humidification—water‐saturated wood wool pad (evaporative cooling). Guar balls of ~25 mm diameter were made by mixing 40% straw powder, 59.5% water, and 0.5% guar gum (wt/wt). The balls were dried until 5.6% moisture level before using in dehumidification unit and analyzed for thermal properties. The RH and temperature control system was evaluated for its ability to maintain the requisite RH inside the onion storage structure. The dehumidification unit can reduce the RH by 4.9% and the humidification unit can increase the RH by 4.2% in the storage chamber. Further, the humidification unit has a cooling efficiency of 83.3%. The control system was efficient in maintaining the necessary storage RH in a range of 60–70% with a variation of 1.5%, and 22–37°C storage temperature. Therefore, the storability of the onions in the conditioned environment was close to five months compared to three and a half months in control/ambient condition. Overall, the novel guar straw balls showed the desiccant properties that can be used with water‐saturated wood wool for controlling RH and temperature of a storage environment.

Practical Applications

Agricultural waste generally remains unutilized that create disposal and environmental challenges. Hence, the task of agricultural waste management is paramount. For farm and industrial applications, the development of low‐cost desiccants and systems for controlling conditioned atmosphere using agricultural waste is interesting. In the present study, a relative humidity (RH) and temperature control system was developed using guar straw and wood wool. The control system is proved to be efficient in maintaining the storage requirement of onions; thus, extended the storage life significantly. This environmental‐friendly system can be used, in storage, preservation and drying of food products.
Treatment‐based risk stratification of infections in inflammatory bowel disease: A comparison between anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α and nonbiological exposure in real‐world setting
Authors: Imperatore Nicola , Foggia Maria , Patturelli Marta , Rispo Antonio , Calabrese Giulio , Testa Anna , Pellegrini Lucienne , Tosone Grazia , Di Luna Imma , Nardone Olga Maria , Ricciolino Simona , Castiglione Fabiana
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim

Infective issues about anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α agents in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain controversial, especially when compared with nonbiological treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of several infections in anti‐TNF‐α‐exposed patients compared with nonbiological treatments.

Methods

All naïve IBD subjects treated with anti‐TNF‐α and matched nonbiologic‐exposed patients were included.

Results

Among 3453 patients in the database, 288 anti‐TNF‐α‐exposed subjects and 288 nonbiologic‐exposed IBD controls met inclusion criteria. Fifty‐eight infections (20.1%) occurred during anti‐TNF‐α treatment versus 23 (8%) in the matched group (odds ratio [OR] 2.9, P < 0.001) (incidence 5.72 vs 0.96/100 patient‐years, incidence ratio [IR] 6, P < 0.001). IR was higher for anti‐TNF‐α versus mesalamine/sulfasalazine (IR 40.8, P < 0.001), similar to azathioprine/6‐mercaptopurine/methotrexate (IR 0.78, P = 0.32) and lower than corticosteroids (IR 0.05, P < 0.001). The incidence rate of serious infections was 1.3 in the anti‐TNF‐α‐exposed versus 0.38/100 patient‐years in nonexposed subjects (IR 3.44, P = 0.002), without significant difference between anti‐TNF‐α and azathioprine/6‐mercaptopurine/methotrexate (1.3 vs 3.03/100 patient‐years, IR 0.43, P = 0.1). Predictors of infections in anti‐TNF‐α‐exposed patients were concomitant use of systemic steroids (OR 1.9, P = 0.02) or azathioprine (OR 2.6, P = 0.01) and a body mass index < 18.5 at time of infection (OR 2.2, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The risk of developing infections during anti‐TNF‐α therapy remains high, although not dissimilar to that found for other immunosuppressants, while concomitant immunosuppression and malnutrition appear the most important causes of infection.
Technique to Maintain the Correct Spatial Orientation of the Maxillary Diagnostic Cast to that of the Master Cast in a Full‐Mouth Rehabilitation Case
Authors: Seong WookJin , Polack Mariano A. , Delima Luis F. , Lee James
Published: December 2020

A common challenge in full‐mouth rehabilitation is preserving the correct spatial orientation of the maxillary diagnostic, diagnostic wax‐up and master casts within the dental articulator. Any malposition of the maxillary master cast will immediately invalidate the articulator settings that were programmed from the pantographic or axiographic tracing. This will subsequently affect the occlusal morphology of the restorations. The technique presented in this article helps to precisely relocate the maxillary master cast to the same spatial orientation as both the initial diagnostic, and diagnostic wax‐up casts.
Audience and Presenter Comparison of Live Web‐Based Lectures and Traditional Classroom Lectures During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Sadid‐Zadeh Ramtin , Wee Alvin , Li Rui , Somogyi‐Ganss Eszter
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess participants’ and presenters’ perceptions of a live web‐based lecture series in comparison to traditional in‐person lectures.

Materials and Methods

A virtual lecture series was organized by the——‐from March 25th until June 3rd of 2020. Twenty‐five postgraduate prosthodontics programs and 81 presenters participated. Two surveys were developed and distributed to the audience (N = 330) and the presenters (N = 81). Follow‐up emails were sent one week, three weeks, and four weeks after the initial email survey to encourage its completion. The data were analyzed descriptively. One‐way ANOVA (p = 0.05), followed by a post hoc test, were used to compare the response percentages among the different generations of presenters and participants.

Results

Fifty‐two percent of participants, and 65% of presenters, completed the survey. More than 96% of participants and presenters were satisfied with the lecture series. Seventy‐nine percent of audience members felt that the live web‐based lectures were as effective as traditional classroom lectures, or more effective; 32% of presenters agreed. Millennial audience members had significantly (p = 0.0028) more negative responses than the other generations.

Conclusion

Participants have more positive perceptions of web‐based lectures than presenters.
Using electronic dental records to establish a surveillance system for dental decay in rural Western Alaska
Authors: Thomas Timothy K , Lenaker Dane , Day Gretchen M , Wilson Jennifer C , Holck Peter , Newman Jonathan , Bruden Dana , Hennessy Thomas W
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Previous surveys have demonstrated high rates of early childhood caries (ECC) in the Alaska Native (AN) population of western Alaska. There are many challenges to providing dental care in this road‐less Yukon‐Kuskokwim Delta region. The regional Tribal Health Organization implemented an electronic dental record (EDR) system in the late 1990s. We explored use of the EDR to establish an oral health surveillance system in children.

Methods

We contracted with EDR software developers to implement calculation of a summary count of decayed (d), missing (m) or filled (f) primary (dmft) score for each individual. We calculated the yearly average dmft scores for 2011–2019 for children aged 3 and 5 years with a comprehensive exam in a given year. We also assessed the number of children undergoing full mouth dental rehabilitation (FMDR). We used US census data population estimates for these age groups to calculate rates.

Results

Over the 9‐year period, 2,427 3‐year‐old children (47 percent of all 3‐year olds over this period), received a comprehensive exam; increasing from 24 percent in 2011 to 62 percent in 2019. Their average dmft score over the 9‐years was 6.4 with a significant annual decline over this period. Seventy percent of AN children who turned 6 between 2015 and 2019 had received at least one FMDR.

Conclusions

An oral health surveillance system has been established in western Alaska using the Electronic Dental Record. High rates of ECC and FMDR were observed. This surveillance system will allow assessments of ECC prevalence and impact of dental interventions.
The association between plasma metabolites and sleep quality in the Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) Study: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Topriceanu Constantin‐Cristian , Tillin Therese , Chaturvedi Nishi , Joshi Roshni , Garfield Victoria
Published: December 2020

We examined the association between plasma metabolites and abnormal sleep patterns using data from the Southall and Brent REvisited (SABRE) cohort. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy provided 146 circulating plasma metabolites. Sleep questionnaires identified the presence or absence of: difficulty falling asleep, early morning waking, waking up tired, and snoring. Metabolites were compared between the sleep quality categories using the t test, and then filtered using a false discovery rate of 0.05. Generalised linear models with logit‐link assessed the associations between filtered metabolites and sleep phenotypes. Adjustment was made for important demographic and health‐related covariates. In all, 2,718 participants were included in the analysis. After correcting for multiple testing, three metabolites remained for difficulty falling asleep, 59 for snoring, and none for early morning waking and waking up tired. After adjusting for sex, age, ethnicity and years of education, 1 standard deviation increase in serum histidine and valine associated with lower odds of difficulty falling asleep by 0.89–0.90 (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 0.80–0.99). Branched‐chain and aromatic amino acids (odds ratios [ORs] 1.19–1.25, 95% CIs 1.09–1.36) were positively associated with snoring. Total cholesterol in low‐density lipoprotein (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83–0.97) and high‐density lipoprotein (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.95) associated with lower odds of snoring. In the fully adjusted model, most associations persisted. To conclude, histidine and valine associated with lower odds of difficulty falling asleep, while docosahexaenoic acid and cholesterol in low‐density lipoprotein and high‐density lipoprotein subfractions associated with lower odds of snoring. Identified metabolites could provide guidance on the metabolic pathways associated with adverse sleep quality.
Religious Geography and County‐Level Sex Ratios in China
Authors: Tong Yunping , Sennott Christie , Yang Fenggang
Published: December 2020

The sex ratio at birth in China is highly imbalanced in favor of boys. Past research on sex ratios in China emphasizes economic factors for their weakening effect on the Confucian tradition of son preference. Research in the sociology of religion suggests that religious geography may affect sex ratios through the spill‐over of religious teachings to those living in areas dominated by a religious tradition. To assess this linkage, we investigate the relationship between religious geography and county‐level child sex ratios using the 2000 China Population Census and the 2004 China Economic Census, the most complete and recent data available on religious presence in China. Applying spatial analyses of 2,685 counties (over 90% of all counties), we find that counties with a greater presence of Daoist temples have more imbalanced (male‐biased) sex ratios, whereas a greater presence of Buddhist temples and Islamic mosques is associated with less imbalanced sex ratios.
Association of magnetic resonance assessed disc degeneration and late clinical recurrence in dogs treated surgically for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusions
Authors: Longo Sara , Gomes Sergio A. , Briola Chiara , Duffy Katherine , Targett Mike , Jeffery Nick D. , Freeman Paul
Published: December 2020

Background

Radiographic signs of intervertebral disc mineralization are thought to indicate sites of future recurrence of disc extrusion (Hansen type I) but the relationship between evidence of disc degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and future disc extrusion with recurrence of clinical signs has not been examined.

Objectives

To examine the relationship between MRI‐assessed degeneration of thoracolumbar intervertebral discs and late recurrence of clinical signs in dogs presented with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion and treated by hemilaminectomy alone.

Animals

Ninety‐two client‐owned dogs presented to 2 referral hospitals between 2009 and 2014.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of association between clinical signs consistent with recurrent thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion and MRI evidence of disc degeneration in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy for acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to explore associations between recurrence of clinical signs and several characteristics of T10‐L3 discs at initial diagnosis.

Results

Ninety‐two cases were included, of which 42 (46%) were Dachshunds and median age was 5.3 years. Clinical signs recurred in 33/92 (36%) dogs. Finding a completely degenerate disc in the T10 to L3 region (in addition to the operated site) at the time of surgery was associated with a hazard ratio of 2.92 (95% confidence interval: 1.37‐6.20) for recurrence of clinical signs.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Our results suggest that in cases of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs, recurrence of signs is likely if at least 1 completely degenerate disc in addition to the currently symptomatic disc is visible on MRI.
Fibrosis progression rate in a systematic review of placebo‐treated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Roskilly Anna , Hicks Amy , Taylor Eleanor J. , Jones Rebecca , Parker Richard , Rowe Ian A.
Published: December 2020

Background & Aims

Liver fibrosis is the critical determinant of liver‐related outcomes in persons with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The rate that fibrosis develops determines the time taken to reach cirrhosis and consequent clinical outcomes. Estimates of the fibrosis progression rate (FPR) are uncertain having been defined in small observational series that rely largely on nonstandardised repeat biopsy in selected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the FPR in placebo‐treated participants with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs in NASH with data on fibrosis change extracted. Calculated fibrosis progression rates were pooled in meta‐analysis. The pooled estimate was then used to model the proportion of hypothetical cohorts starting with no fibrosis at the age of 30 who develop cirrhosis.

Results

A total of 35 trials including 1419 placebo‐treated participants who underwent repeat liver biopsy were evaluated. Considering all trials, the overall FPR was 0.00 stages per year, increasing to 0.03 stages per year in both trials at low risk of bias and trials including >50 placebo‐treated participants. This estimate was markedly lower than the value derived from previously pooled analyses of observational data. Using a FPR of 0.03 resulted in a substantial reduction in the proportion of patients developing cirrhosis compared with the FPR derived from observational studies (13% vs 28%).

Conclusions

The FPR in placebo‐treated participants in RCTs is lower than that described from observational data. Slower fibrosis progression predicts fewer persons with NASH will progress to cirrhosis than previously estimated.
The combined effect of alcohol and body mass index on risk of chronic liver disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Glyn‐Owen Kate , Böhning Dankmar , Parkes Julie , Roderick Paul , Buchanan Ryan
Published: December 2020

Background & Aims

Increasingly populations are both overweight/obese and consume alcohol. The risk of liver disease from the combination of these factors is unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to address this important gap in evidence. Protocol registered with PROSPERO(CRD42016046508).

Methods

We performed electronic searches of Ovid Medline, Embase Classic + Embase, until 17th June 2020 for cohort studies of adults without pre‐existing liver disease. Primary outcome was morbidity/mortality from chronic liver disease. Exposures were alcohol consumption categorised as within or above UK recommended limits (14 units/112 g per week) and BMI categorised as normal, overweight or obese. Non‐drinkers were excluded. A Poisson regression log‐linear model was used to test for statistical interaction between alcohol and BMI and to conduct a one‐stage meta‐analysis.

Results

Searches identified 3129 studies—16 were eligible. Of these, nine cohorts (1,121,514 participants) had data available and were included in the analysis. The Poisson model showed no significant statistical interaction between alcohol consumption and BMI on the risk of chronic liver disease. Compared to normal weight participants drinking alcohol within UK recommended limits, relative risk of chronic liver disease in overweight participants drinking above limits was 3.32 (95% CI 2.88 to 3.83) and relative risk in obese participants drinking above limits was 5.39 (95% CI 4.62 to 6.29).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis demonstrated a significantly increased risk of chronic liver disease in participants who were both overweight/obese and consumed alcohol above UK recommended limits. This evidence should inform advice given to patients and risk stratification by healthcare professionals.
Cognitive Neuroscience Perspectives on Motivation and Learning: Revisiting Self‐Determination Theory
Authors: Luria Ela , Shalom Maya , Levy Daniel A.
Published: December 2020

The Self‐Determination Theory of motivation (SDT) has significantly guided educational policy and research. It maintains that learning succeeds when brought about by autonomous rather than controlled motivation, and that extrinsic reward motivation cannot engender effective learning. We present an alternative approach, rooted in recent insights from the neurobiology of memory. In exploring environments to reap rewards, people pursue interrogative goals, accompanied by dopamine‐based hippocampus activation, leading to the formation of rich relational memories. In contrast, seeking to avoid punishment or loss involves imperative goals, with amygdala activation driving the perirhinal cortex to form disjoint item memories. We suggest that structuring learning and evaluation to diminish failure and increase repeated opportunities for successful performance, as in gamification, may engender effective learning incorporating broad perspectives and rich associations. This may occur even in the absence of intrinsic motivation to master a particular subject. Employing this insight in instructional design may benefit many educational frameworks.
Renal haemodynamic and protective effects of renoactive drugs in type 2 diabetes: Interaction with SGLT2 inhibitors
Authors: Scholtes Rosalie A. , van Baar Michaël J. B. , Kok Megan D. , Bjornstad Petter , Cherney David Z. I. , Joles Jaap A. , van Raalte Daniël H.
Published: December 2020

Diabetic kidney disease remains the leading cause of end‐stage kidney disease and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Large cardiovascular outcome trials and dedicated kidney trials have shown that sodium‐glucose cotransporter (SGLT)2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and attenuate hard renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Underlying mechanisms explaining these renal benefits may be mediated by decreased glomerular hypertension, possibly by vasodilation of the post‐glomerular arteriole. People with T2D often receive several different drugs, some of which could also impact the renal vasculature, and could therefore modify both renal efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibition. The most commonly prescribed drugs that could interact with SGLT2 inhibitors on renal haemodynamic function include renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics. Herein, we review the effects of these drugs on renal haemodynamic function in people with T2D and focus on studies that measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) with gold‐standard techniques. In addition, we posit, based on these observations, potential interactions with SGLT2 inhibitors with an emphasis on efficacy and safety.
Differentiation Antagonizing Non‐protein Coding RNA Knockdown Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Inflammatory Injury and Apoptosis in Human Chondrocyte Primary Chondrocyte Cells Through Upregulating miRNA‐19a‐3p
Authors: Li Xue‐peng , Wei Xu , Wang Shang‐quan , Sun Gang , Zhao Ying‐chun , Yin He , Li Ling‐hui , Yin Xun‐lu , Li Kai‐ming , Zhu Li‐guo , Zhang Hong‐mei
Published: December 2020

Objective

To confirm the role of long noncoding RNA differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA (DANCR) in chondrocyte inflammatory injury in osteoarthritis (OA) in vitro, as well as its molecular mechanism.

Methods

Human primary chondrocytes were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to construct a chondrocyte inflammatory injury in human OA cell model. Gene expression was detected using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell inflammatory injury was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The interplay between miRNA‐19a‐3p (miR‐19a) and DANCR was validated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation.

Results

Expression of DANCR was upregulated, and miR‐19a was downregulated in human OA cartilage and LPS‐treated primary chondrocytes in vitro. Moreover, DANCR expression was inversely correlated with miR‐19a in OA patients. LPS reduced cell viability and increased the apoptotic rate and secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in primary chondrocyte cells in vitro, suggesting an inflammatory injury model of OA. Functionally, knockdown of DANCR could attenuate LPS‐induced apoptosis and inflammatory response, as evidenced by improved cell viability, and reduced apoptotic rate and products of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α. Notably, DANCR negatively regulated miR‐19a expression, presumably via sponging. Furthermore, miR‐19a deletion eliminated the effect of DANCR knockdown on apoptosis and the inflammatory response of primary chondrocytes under LPS stress.

Conclusion

Differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA silencing could protect human chondrocyte cells against LPS‐induced inflammatory injury and apoptosis through targeting miR‐19a, suggesting a vital role of the DANCR/miR‐19a axis in OA.