bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cluster digging behavior of larvae confers trophic benefits to fitness in insects
Authors: Wu Yujie , Wang Qiang , Yang Weikang , Zhang Sheng , Mao Chuan‐Xi , He Nana , Zhou Shaojie , Zhou Chuanming , Liu Wei
Published: January 2024

Collective behaviors efficiently impart benefits to a diversity of species ranging from bacteria to humans. Fly larvae tend to cluster and form coordinated digging groups under crowded conditions, yet understanding the rules governing this behavior is in its infancy. We primarily took advantage of the Drosophila model to investigate cooperative foraging behavior. Here, we report that Drosophila‐related species and the black soldier fly have evolved a conserved strategy of cluster digging in food foraging. Subsequently, we investigated relative factors, including larval stage, population density, and food stiffness and quality, that affect the cluster digging behavior. Remarkably, oxygen supply through the posterior breathing spiracles is necessary for the organization of digging clusters. More importantly, we theoretically devise a mathematical model to accurately calculate how the cluster digging behavior expands food resources by diving depth, cross‐section area, and food volume. We found that cluster digging behavior approximately increases 2.2 fold depth, 1.7‐fold cross‐section area, and 1.9 fold volume than control groups, respectively. Amplification of food sources significantly facilitates survival, larval development, and reproductive success of Drosophila challenged with competition for limited food resources, thereby conferring trophic benefits to fitness in insects. Overall, our findings highlight that the cluster digging behavior is a pivotal behavior for their adaptation to food scarcity, advancing a better understanding of how this cooperative behavior confers fitness benefits in the animal kingdom.
Accurate Bayesian inference of sex chromosome karyotypes and sex‐linked scaffolds from low‐depth sequencing data
Authors: Caduff Madleina , Eckel Raphael , Leuenberger Christoph , Wegmann Daniel
Published: January 2024

The identification of sex‐linked scaffolds and the genetic sex of individuals, i.e. their sex karyotype, is a fundamental step in population genomic studies. If sex‐linked scaffolds are known, single individuals may be sexed based on read counts of next‐generation sequencing data. If both sex‐linked scaffolds as well as sex karyotypes are unknown, as is often the case for non‐model organisms, they have to be jointly inferred. For both cases, current methods rely on arbitrary thresholds, which limits their power for low‐depth data. In addition, most current methods are limited to euploid sex karyotypes (XX and XY). Here we develop BeXY, a fully Bayesian method to jointly infer the posterior probabilities for each scaffold to be autosomal, X‐ or Y‐linked and for each individual to be any of the sex karyotypes XX, XY, X0, XXX, XXY, XYY and XXYY. If the sex‐linked scaffolds are known, it also identifies autosomal trisomies and estimates the sex karyotype posterior probabilities for single individuals. As we show with downsampling experiments, BeXY has higher power than all existing methods. It accurately infers the sex karyotype of ancient human samples with as few as 20,000 reads and accurately infers sex‐linked scaffolds from data sets of just a handful of samples or with highly imbalanced sex ratios, also in the case of low‐quality reference assemblies. We illustrate the power of BeXY by applying it to both whole‐genome shotgun and target enrichment sequencing data of ancient and modern humans, as well as several non‐model organisms.
Exploring the clinical significance of miR‐148 expression variations in distinct subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Ji Qun , Du Fengxia , Yu Yangyaxin , Li Ying
Published: January 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) belongs to chronic functional gastrointestinal diseases featured by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum miR‐148 expression in different subtypes of IBS. We enrolled 86 IBS patients and 55 healthy controls. miR‐148 expression levels were assessed in IBS patients classified into IBS‐constipation (IBS‐C), IBS‐diarrhea (IBS‐D), and IBS‐mixed stool pattern (IBS‐M) subtypes. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of miR‐148 in distinguishing among IBS subtypes. Additionally, we analyzed the correlation between miR‐148 expression and clinical characteristics, including IBS symptom severity. miR‐148 expression was highest in IBS‐D (diarrhea) group, followed by IBS‐M and IBS‐C. With the exception of the IBS‐C group, miR‐148 expression was elevated in IBS patients compared to controls. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that serum miR‐148 exhibited higher diagnostic accuracy for discriminating IBS‐C and IBS‐D than IBS‐M. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between serum miR‐148 relative expression and IBS symptom severity system scores. Univariate logistic analysis indicated a positive association between miR‐148 expression and IBS‐D and a negative correlation with IBS‐C. miR‐148 expression exhibits differential patterns among IBS subtypes and holds a potential to distinguish IBS‐C and IBS‐D. Furthermore, miR‐148 expression correlates with the severity of IBS symptoms.
An exploratory study of acute analgesia in tibial shaft fractures: a comparison between Māori and Non‐Māori
Authors: Tan Ruth , Coia Martin , Tay Mei Lin , Baker Joseph F.
Published: January 2024

Background

Published research suggests Indigenous peoples are less likely to receive analgesia in acute pain settings however there is limited data on the indigenous New Zealand Māori population. The aim of this exploratory pilot study was to compare management between Māori and non‐Māori for acute fracture pain in a regional trauma centre.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken for 120 patients with isolated tibial shaft fractures presenting at a tertiary level trauma center between 2015 and 2020. Outcome measures reflected the patient journey including type of analgesia charted pre‐hospital, in the ED and on the ward.

Results

Out of 104 matched patients, 48 (46%) were Māori and 65% were male. Fewer Māori received pre‐hospital analgesia compared with non‐Māori (odds ratio 0.29, p = 0.006). Pain scores were similar on arrival to ED (6.1 ± 3.5 versus 5.4 ± 2.7, p = 0.2). Once at hospital, there were similar rates of prescribed analgesia (paracetamol, NSAIDs, synthetics, or opioids) both in ED and the ward. Time to analgesia were also similar for both groups (72 ± 71 min versus 65 ± 63 min, P > 0.9).

Discussion

We found differences in pre‐hospital administration of analgesia between Māori and non‐Māori patients with tibial shaft fractures. However once in hospital although there was a trend towards lower prescribing for Māori, there were no significant differences. Exploring the reasons underpinning this difference and the development of robust analgesic guidelines for tibial shaft fractures may help in reducing this inequity in care, particularly in the pre‐hospital setting.
Induction of labor and cesarean birth in lower‐risk nulliparous women at term: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Butler Sarah E. , Wallace Euan M. , Bisits Andrew , Selvaratnam Roshan J. , Davey Mary‐Ann
Published: January 2024

Objective

To evaluate whether induction of labor (IOL) is associated with cesarean birth (CB) and perinatal mortality in uncomplicated first births at term compared with expectant management outside the confines of a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Population‐based retrospective cohort study of all births in Victoria, Australia, from 2010 to 2018 (n = 640,191). Preliminary analysis compared IOL at 37 weeks with expectant management at that gestational age and beyond for uncomplicated pregnancies. Similar comparisons were made for IOL at 38, 39, 40, and 41 weeks of gestation and expectant management. The primary analysis repeated these comparisons, limiting the population to nulliparous women with uncomplicated pregnancies and excluding those with a medical indication for IOL. We compared perinatal mortality between groups using Chi‐square tests and multivariable logistic regression for all other comparisons. Adjusted odds ratios and 99% confidence intervals were reported. p < 0.01 denoted statistical significance.

Results

Among nulliparous, uncomplicated pregnancies at ≥37 weeks of gestation in Victoria, IOL increased from 24.6% in 2010 to 30.0% in 2018 (p < 0.001). In contrast to the preliminary analysis, the primary analysis showed that IOL in lower‐risk nulliparous women was associated with increased odds of CB when performed at 38 (aOR 1.23(1.13–1.32)), 39 (aOR 1.31(1.23–1.40)), 40 (aOR 1.42(1.35–1.50)), and 41 weeks of gestation (aOR 1.43(1.35–1.51)). Perinatal mortality was rare in both groups and non‐significantly lower in the induced group at most gestations.

Discussion

For lower‐risk nulliparous women, the odds of CB increased with IOL from 38 weeks of gestation, along with decreased odds of perinatal mortality at 41 weeks only.
Preschoolers' retrospective and prospective judgements of immanent justice following distributive actions
Authors: Geraci Alessandra , Cancellieri Uberta Ganucci
Published: January 2024

Prior research provided evidence for retrospective and prospective judgements of immanent justice in adults, but the developmental origins of judgements of immanent justice remain unknown. Both retrospective and prospective judgements were investigated in preschool age, using explicit and implicit measures. In Experiment 1, 2.5‐ and 4‐year‐olds were first shown events in which one agent distributed resources fairly or unfairly, and then they saw test events in which both distributors were damaged by a misfortune. Later, they were presented with a verbal task, in which they had to respond to two questions on evaluation of the deservingness, by using explicit measures. All children were likely to approve of deserved outcomes when deeds and outcomes were congruent (i.e., unfair distributor—misfortune), and only older ones were likely to disapprove when they were incongruent (i.e., fair distributor—misfortune). In Experiment 2, 4‐year‐olds after seeing familiarization events of Experiment 1, were presented with two verbal questions to explore prospective judgements of immanent justice, by using explicit measures. In Experiment 3, 4‐year‐olds were first shown familiarization events of Experiment 1 and listened to respective narratives, then before the outcome was revealed they were assessed with a reaching task to investigate prospective judgements of immanent justice, by using implicit measures. Children reached the image depicting a bad outcome for the unfair distributor, and that illustrated a good outcome for the fair distributor. The results of the last two experiments demonstrated a fine ability to make prospective judgements at 4 years of life, and found that they were to be more prone to apply immanent justice reasoning to positive outcomes following good actions. Taken together, these results provide new evidence for preschoolers' retrospective and prospective judgements of immanent justice.
Prognostic impact of pretreatment cell‐free DNA concentration in newly diagnosed peripheral T‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Fardella E. , Zanirato G. , Magni M. , Caldarelli N. , Chiappella A. , Dodero A. , Ljevar S. , Orsucci L. , Re A. , Usai S. V. , Stefoni V. , Castellino C. , Rossi F. G. , Pinto A. , Carniti C. , Corradini P.
Published: January 2024

Peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCLs) have a poor prognosis and, to date, there are no reliable predictive biomarkers of response. In this work we explored the prognostic impact of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) concentration in 75 newly diagnosed patients enrolled in a prospective multicenter study. Pre‐treatment cfDNA was strongly associated with clinical risk factors and was identified as a superior predictor for shorter progression‐free survival in multivariable analysis, outweighing canonical risk parameters. Furthermore, we identified a cfDNA value above which survival worsens. In conclusion, pre‐treatment cfDNA concentration represents an easily usable predictive biomarker that is highly associated with survival of PTCL patients.
The fear factor—Snakes in Africa might be at an alarming extinction risk
Authors: Farooq Harith , Geldmann Jonas
Published: January 2024

Snakes in Africa are responsible for over 20,000 deaths annually, their indiscriminate killing. As a result, snakes are vulnerable to human population increases even at low intensities. Thus, the predicted doubling of Africa's population by 2050 is likely to pose a disproportionate threat to snakes compared to other taxa. Here we quantify the current and future overlap of snake distributions and human population density under three scenarios of population growth. We find that by 2050, on average, 71% of snake ranges of conservation concern will overlap with areas occupied by ten or more people per km2, a 22% increase from 2020. In addition, the number of Least Concern species with most of their range within areas with high human population density will more than double, likely increasing the number of threatened species over the next decades. Our results call for immediate policy action targeting people's perceptions and fears of snakes, and incorporating snakes directly into development and conservation plans to reduce the impact of future urban expansions across Africa.
What is the risk of overcollecting for translocation? An opportunistic assessment of a wingless grasshopper
Authors: Kearney Michael R. , Yagui Hiromi , Hoffmann Ary A. , Phillips Ben L.
Published: January 2024

Translocation is an increasingly used tool in conservation management, but there is a risk that source populations are overcollected. The risk depends critically on the detection probability and the source population size. We quantified this risk for a wingless grasshopper population in a patch of remnant habitat in suburban Melbourne that was condemned to be cleared for housing development. We collected ∼2000 grasshoppers in five samples spread over 1 month and used the results to estimate the initial population size (∼3400) with high confidence. Despite our perception of substantially depleting the population, we removed only an estimated 60%, and this relatively high fecundity (∼50 eggs per lifetime) annual species had recovered by the following year to near its original density. Wild‐to‐wild translocation is likely to be a low‐cost and effective strategy in the conservation of many invertebrates, and our findings highlight the feasibility of using natural source populations.
Effects of age and disease duration on the efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi in Asian people with type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of the LixiLan‐O‐AP and LixiLan‐L‐CN trials
Authors: Yang Wenying , Guo Xiaohui , Lauand Felipe , Li Lingyu , Fang Hexin , Du Qin , Kang Lei
Published: January 2024

Aim

To evaluate the effect of age and disease duration on the efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi versus insulin glargine 100 units/ml (iGlar) or lixisenatide (Lixi) alone in Asian people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) uncontrolled on oral antidiabetic drugs (LixiLan‐O‐AP) or basal insulin ± oral antidiabetic drugs (LixiLan‐L‐CN).

Materials and Methods

In this post hoc analysis, the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) changes were assessed from baseline to week 24 (LixiLan‐O‐AP) or 30 (LixiLan‐L‐CN) in subgroups defined by baseline age (<65, ≥65 years) and duration of T2D. The proportion who achieved the composite of HbA1c <7% (<53.0 mmol/mol) without weight gain and without symptomatic hypoglycaemia (plasma glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L) and the incidences of hypoglycaemia and gastrointestinal disorders were also analysed.

Results

HbA1c reductions were consistently greater with iGlarLixi versus iGlar or Lixi across all subgroups, including participants aged ≥65 years and those with T2D for ≥15 or ≥20 years. Greater proportions of participants achieved HbA1c <7% (<53.0 mmol/mol) without weight gain or hypoglycaemia with iGlarLixi versus iGlar or Lixi, regardless of age or T2D duration. Hypoglycaemia incidence was similar with iGlarLixi versus iGlar across most subgroups; the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders was lower with iGlarLixi versus Lixi in all subgroups.

Conclusions

iGlarLixi showed consistent efficacy and safety across all age and disease duration subgroups in Asian people with uncontrolled T2D, including older individuals and those with longstanding disease.
Dynamic preferential trade agreement formation and the role of political economy
Authors: Chi Eric Conglin , Yildiz Halis Murat
Published: January 2024

Using a dynamic preferential trade agreement (PTA) formation model, we show that political biases in exporting and import‐competing sectors substantially impact the extent of PTA formation. While both exclusion and free riding incentives constrain the expansion to global free trade in a free trade agreement (FTA) game, only the former incentive arises in a customs union (CU) game. When we endogenize the choice between FTAs and CUs, the tension between the flexibility benefit of FTAs and the coordination benefit of CUs reveals that FTAs always serve as PTA building blocks while CUs may serve as PTA building or stumbling blocks.
Comparing lying behaviour of young riding horses on days in an individual indoor box, on an outdoor paddock alone, or in pairs and in the following night
Authors: Helmerich Pia , Bachmann Iris , Gygax Lorenz
Published: January 2024

Background

Horses must lie down to go into vital rapid‐eye movement (REM) sleep. If they are not lying down for sufficiently long periods they can become so sleep‐deprived that they collapse uncontrollably, which results in a risk of injuries.

Objectives

To investigate how recumbency as a prerequisite to REM sleep on the experimental days and the following nights was influenced by changes in social and spatial environment throughout the day.

Study design

Cross‐over design in which subjects experienced each experimental condition twice.

Methods

Observations were conducted on a horse farm. Ten young horses in training were observed on days when they were alone indoors in a box, on an outdoor paddock alone, on the same paddock in pairs, and in the following night stabled alone. The number of lying bouts and the total lying duration throughout the day and night were assessed automatically using 3D‐accelerometers and data were evaluated using mixed‐models.

Results

Horses had a higher number of lying bouts during the days (p = 0.05, by a factor of 1.21 [95% CI: 1.00–1.45]) and longer lying duration at night (p < 0.001, by a factor of 11.25 [6.47–18.40]). On average, the number of lying bouts and the duration of lying increased from being indoors alone, to being outdoors alone, and outdoors in pairs although this could not be statistically supported (bouts: p = 0.5, by a factor of 1.08 [0.84–1.36] and 1.17 [0.91–1.48]; p = 0.6, duration: by a factor of 1.39 [0.73–2.93] and 1.38 [0.68–2.78]).

Main limitations

A small number of horses were observed and there was large variability between days within horses.

Conclusions

We found some indications that open space and a social companion throughout the day increased time lying down in the day as well as during the following nights thus allowing for more REM sleep.
Genomic insights into the evolutionary and demographic histories of the extinct Hoopoe Starling (Fregilupus varius)
Authors: Fuchs Jérôme , Ericson Per G. P. , Irestedt Martin
Published: January 2024

The Hoopoe Starling Fregilupus varius is an extinct species of the Sturnidae that was endemic to Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The species rapidly disappeared in the middle of the 19th century, primarily because of overexploitation by humans. We generated an approximately 11× coverage genome to reconstruct the demographic history of the Hoopoe Starling and compared these results with the demographic histories of other starlings and myna species. Our analyses confirmed the close affinities of the Hoopoe Starling with the genera Sturnia, Leucopsar and Sturnornis, and revealed that it went through a strong population bottleneck during its evolutionary history, but that its effective population size was not particularly low when compared with other extinct or critically endangered species of birds.
Incidence trends of lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma in the United States from 2000 to 2019
Authors: Chen Qiong , Zheng Mingjing , Ling Caicai
Published: January 2024

Background

Information on lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) in the 21st century is scarce. We aimed to elucidate the incidence of LM and LMM using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 17 Registries.

Methods

The data of patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 were extracted from the SEER database. The percentage of LM/LMM cases among all melanoma patients, age‐standardized incidence rates, estimated annual percentage changes, and the cumulative incidence of LMM after LM were calculated.

Results

The SEER data yielded 95,175 patients with LM/LMM between 2000 and 2019. Cases of LM/LMM accounted for 15.7% of all melanomas. The age‐standardized incidence per 100,000 person‐years for LM increased from 4.16 to 5.61 and for LMM from 1.33 to 2.35 between 2000 and 2019. The annual increase in incidence of LM was 2.42%, and that of LMM was 3.32%. The cumulative incidence of LMM after a primary LM after 10‐year follow‐up was 0.94%.

Conclusions

This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the epidemiological status of LM/LMM in the United States in the 21st century using the population‐based SEER data.
The unlikely success of coordinated bargaining in a liberal market economy: The case of Ireland
Authors: Paolucci Valentina , Roche William K.
Published: January 2024

This paper challenges the prevailing view of the negative impact of collective bargaining decentralisation on trade unions in liberal market economies. It uses quantitative and in‐depth company cases from four major sectors in Ireland, to explain how unions have effectively established bargaining coordination following the global financial crisis.
Enhancing the fracture toughness and hardness of sapphire by high‐temperature rolling
Authors: Chen Zeji , Liu Xiaowei , Li Yingwei
Published: January 2024

Although the hardness of sapphire is very high, in some applications, for example, working as panels in mobile phones and watches as well as optical windows in various military optical sensors, it still suffers from the destruction of being scratched and marked as well as mechanical failure by fracture. Here we reported that the technique of high‐temperature rolling we developed recently could be exploited to sapphire to enhance its hardness and fracture toughness. After rolling at 1200°C, Vickers’ hardness and fracture toughness of sapphire increase by 4%–6% and 13%–27%, respectively. The enhancement of fracture toughness was explained by the residual compressive stress layer that was introduced in sapphire during rolling. The improvement of hardness was thought to be related to the hardening effect of dislocations. This work provides a new strategy for the mechanical property enhancement of sapphire in further applications.
A case of short QT‐interval postventricular arrhythmia arrest from Torsade De Pointes, a new phenotype, or the result of tachycardia‐mediated imbalance
Authors: Ifedili Ikechukwu , Maturana Miguel , Kayali Sharif , Levine Yehoshua , Kabra Rajesh , Jha Sunil K.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

We report the case of an 18‐year‐old female with recurrent syncope that was discovered to have congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) and episodes of a transiently short QT interval after spontaneous termination of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Methods & Results

A cardiac event monitor revealed a long QT interval and initiation of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia by a premature ventricular complex on the preceding T‐wave. After 1 minute of ventricular fibrillation, her arrhythmia spontaneously terminated with evidence of a short QT interval.

Conclusions

A transient, potentially artificial, short QT interval following Torsades de Pointes can occur in patients with LQTS.
Surpoint algorithm for improved guidance of ablation for ventricular tachycardia (SURFIRE‐VT): A pilot study
Authors: Sanders David , Du‐Fay‐de‐Lavallaz Jeanne M. , Winterfield Jeffrey , Santangeli Pasquale , Liang Jackson , Rhodes Paul , Ravi Venkatesh , Badertscher Patrick , Mazur Alexander , Larsen Timothy , Sharma Parikshit S. , Huang Henry D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The utility of ablation index (AI) to guide ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation in patients with structural heart disease is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes achieved using AI‐guided strategy (target value 550) or conventional non‐AI‐guided parameters in patients undergoing scar‐related VT ablation.

Methods

Consecutive patients (n = 103) undergoing initial VT ablation at a single center from 2017 to 2022 were evaluated. Patient groups were 1:1 propensity‐matched for baseline characteristics. Single lesion characteristics for all 4707 lesions in the matched cohort (n = 74) were analyzed. The impact of ablation characteristics was assessed by linear regression and clinical outcomes were evaluated by Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

After propensity‐matching, baseline characteristics were well‐balanced between AI (n = 37) and non‐AI (n = 37) groups. Lesion sets were similar (scar homogenization [41% vs. 27%; p = .34], scar dechanneling [19% vs. 8%; p = .18], core isolation [5% vs. 11%; p = .4], linear and elimination late potentials/local abnormal ventricular activities [35% vs. 44%; p = .48], epicardial mapping/ablation [11% vs. 14%; p = .73]). AI‐guided strategy had 21% lower procedure duration (−47.27 min, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−81.613, −12.928]; p = .008), 49% lower radiofrequency time per lesion (−13.707 s, 95% CI [−17.86, −9.555]; p < .001), 21% lower volume of fluid administered (1664 cc [1127, 2209] vs. 2126 cc [1750, 2593]; p = .005). Total radiofrequency duration (−339 s [−24%], 95%CI [−776, 62]; p = .09) and steam pops (−155.6%, 95% CI [19.8%, −330.9%]; p = .08) were nonsignificantly lower in the AI group. Acute procedural success (95% vs. 89%; p = .7) and VT recurrence (0.97, 95% CI [0.42–2.2]; p = .93) were similar for both groups. Lesion analysis (n = 4707) demonstrated a plateau in the magnitude of impedance drops once reaching an AI of 550–600.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, an AI‐guided ablation strategy for scar‐related VT resulted in shorter procedure time and average radiofrequency time per lesion with similar acute procedural and intermediate‐term clinical outcomes to a non‐AI‐guided approach utilizing traditional ablation parameters.
Implant‐supported single all‐ceramic crowns made from prefabricated (stock) or individualized CAD/CAM zirconia abutments: A 5 year randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wittneben Julia‐Gabriela , Abou‐Ayash Samir , Gashi Ardian , Buser Daniel , Belser Urs , Brägger Urs , Sailer Irena , Gavric Jelena
Published: January 2024

Aim

The aim of this randomized, prospective, and clinical multicenter study was to compare the overall clinical performance of two restorative options over a 5‐year period: individualized CAD/CAM abutments veneered with a hand‐layered ceramic, and prefabricated zirconium dioxide abutments veneered with press ceramic and inserted into a single edentulous gap in the anterior maxilla.

Materials and Methods

Forty subjects were recruited from two universities: 20 from the University of XX and 20 from the University of XY. Each subject received an implant to restore a single edentulous gap in the maxillary anterior region (14–24 FDI). 20 patients were randomized into each Group. Group A received a one‐piece single crown produced from a prefabricated zirconia abutment with pressed ceramic and Group B received an individualized CAD/CAM zirconia abutment with a hand‐layered technique. After 5 years, the aesthetic and radiographic parameters were assessed.

Results

Group A had four dropouts and one failure, resulting in a 95% survival rate and 95% success rate. Group B had two dropouts and two failures which resulted in a 90% survival rate and 90% success rate. No crestal bone level changes were observed, with a mean DIB of 0.06 mm in Group A and 0.09 mm in Group B. No statistically significant differences were present at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years for DIB values between time points and groups. Pink aesthetic score/white aesthetic score, Peri‐Implant and Crown Index, and Implant Crown Aesthetic Index values were stable over time at all five points for both groups.

Conclusion

Both implant‐supported restorative options represent a valuable treatment option for the restoration of implant crowns in the anterior maxilla.

Clinical Significance

In general, the use of ceramic abutments in the anterior zone represents a valuable treatment procedure with both standardized and CAD/CAM individualized abutments and following the recommendations from the respective manufacturer(s).
Performance evaluation and parameter optimization of a walnut shell–kernel winnowing device
Authors: Li Hao , Niu Hao , Zhang Hong , Zhang Mengqiang
Published: January 2024

To design a walnut shell–kernel winnowing device, the aerodynamic characteristics of walnut shells and kernels were studied by combining theoretical computation and empirical tests. A winnowing method was developed for shell–kernel separation based on an analysis of suspending velocity. The performance of the walnut shell–kernel winnowing device was evaluated based on the screening rate and loss rate. Influences of feeding rate, wind speed, and vibration frequency on the performance of the device were simulated, and the optimal operating parameters were acquired. Research results demonstrated that the suspending velocity ranges of walnut shells and kernels were 8.96–13.89 and 11.81–20.78 m/s, respectively. Vibration frequency was the primary factor that influenced the screening rate of the device, followed by wind speed and then feeding rate. Feeding rate was the primary factor influencing the loss rate of the device, followed by vibration frequency and then wind speed. The optimal operating parameters were as follows: feeding rate = 246.61 g/s, wind speed = 19.77 m/s, and vibration frequency = 41.17 Hz. Under these conditions, the winnowing device's screening rate and loss rate were 79.22% and 7.38%, respectively. The performance of the designed walnut shell–kernel winnowing device conforms to practical operational requirements. This study provides a potential reference for future investigation into the optimization of shell–kernel winnowing devices for other agricultural products.

Practical applications

In order to explore the influence of each factor on the performance of the device, the windward area of the crushed materials was obtained by Image Processing. Meanwhile the “3σ criterion” was used to establish an equivalent sphere of equal windward area to replace the real shape of the walnut particles, and the range of the suspending velocity of the walnut crushed material was explored. Based on the Computational Fluid Dynamics Discrete Eement Method (CFD‐DEM) coupling method, and taking the screening rate and loss rate as the evaluation indicators, the effects of feed flow, wind speed, and vibration frequency on the performance of the device were simulated and analyzed, and the optimal operating parameter combination was obtained. The performance of the walnut shell–kernel winnowing device designed in this paper meets the actual operation requirements, and the research method can provide a reference for the development and optimization of other agricultural product separation equipments.
A meta‐analysis study on the association between smoking and male pattern hair loss
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Bamimore Mary A. , Talukder Mesbah
Published: January 2024

Background

Smoking—which often refers to recreational consumption of the nicotine‐containing tobacco—is deemed a risk factor for both the development of and worsening of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, there is no published meta‐analysis study on the effect of smoking on AGA; so, we quantitatively synthesized the evidence base pertaining to the recreational activity and this form of hair loss in men.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed and Scopus to identify published studies with suitable data, and pairwise meta‐analyses were conducted.

Results

Our search identified eight studies—and the data thereof were used across four meta‐analyses. We found that ever smokers are significantly (p < 0.05) more likely, than never smokers, to develop AGA (pooled odds ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55–2.14). Our results showed that the odds of developing AGA are significantly (p < 0.05) higher in men who smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day, than in their counterparts who smoke up to 10 cigarettes per day (pooled OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.17–3.29). For men with AGA, the odds of disease progression are significantly (p < 0.05) higher among ever smokers than in never smokers (pooled OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.60). We found no significant (p ≥ 0.05) association between smoking intensity and disease progression.

Conclusions

Findings from the current study—which is the first meta‐analysis to our knowledge reviewing the association between AGA and the extent of smoking, can guide further research and update clinical practice guidelines.
Multiparametric analysis from dynamic susceptibility contrast‐enhanced perfusion MRI to evaluate malignant brain tumors
Authors: Abreu Vasco Sousa , Tarrio João , Silva José , Almeida Francisco , Pinto Catarina , Freitas Davide , Filipe João Pedro
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose

Dynamic susceptibility contrast‐enhanced (DSC) MR perfusion is a valuable technique for distinguishing brain tumors. Diagnostic potential of measurable parameters derived from preload leakage‐corrected‐DSC‐MRI remains somewhat underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate these parameters for differentiating primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), glioblastoma, and metastasis.

Methods

Thirty‐nine patients with pathologically proven PCNSL (n = 14), glioblastoma (n = 14), and metastasis (n = 11) were analyzed. Five DSC parameters—relative CBV (rCBV), percentage of signal recovery (PSR), downward slope (DS), upward slope (US), and first‐pass slope ratio—were derived from tumor‐enhancing areas. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

RCBV was higher in metastasis (4.58; interquartile range [IQR]: 2.54) and glioblastoma (3.98; IQR: 1.87), compared with PCNSL (1.46; IQR: 0.29; p = .00006 for both). rCBV better distinguished metastasis and glioblastoma from PCNSL, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 and 0.99, respectively.

PSR was higher in PCNSL (88.11; IQR: 21.21) than metastases (58.30; IQR: 22.28; p = .0002), while glioblastoma (74.54; IQR: 21.23) presented almost significant trend‐level differences compared to the others (p≈.05). AUCs were 0.79 (PCNSL vs. glioblastoma), 0.91 (PCNSL vs. metastasis), and 0.78 (glioblastoma vs. metastasis).

DS and US parameters were statistically significant between glioblastoma (−109.92; IQR: 152.71 and 59.06; IQR: 52.87) and PCNSL (−47.36; IQR: 44.30 and 21.68; IQR: 16.85), presenting AUCs of 0.86 and 0.87.

Conclusion

Metastasis and glioblastoma can be better differentiated from PCNSL through rCBV. PSR demonstrated higher differential performance compared to the other parameters and seemed useful, allowing a proper distinction among all, particularly between metastasis and glioblastoma, where rCBV failed. Finally, DS and US were only helpful in differentiating glioblastoma from PCNSL.
Neopestalotiopsis ibericainduces leaf spots onSynsepalum dulcificumin China
Authors: You Li‐Qian , Senanayake Indunil C. , Liu Jia‐wei , Luo Mei , Huang Ying‐hua , Dong Zhang‐Yong
Published: January 2024

Synsepalum dulcificumis one of the well‐known edible and ornamental plants with its unique flavour changing function of sour taste. In 2021, a new leaf spot disease was observed onS.dulcificumduring a field survey in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. The pathogen was isolated and identified using morphological examination and phylogeny based on multi‐gene sequences analysis of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (TEF), and beta‐ tubulin (TUB) genes. The isolates were identified asNeopestalotiopsis iberica. The pathogenicity ofN. ibericaonS. dulcificumwas validated fulfilling Koch's postulates, causing leaf spots disease. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of leaf spot disease onS. dulcificumcaused byN. ibericaworldwide.
Characterization of polyphosphate dynamics in the widespread freshwater diatom Achnanthidium minutissimum under varying phosphorus supplies
Authors: Lapointe Adrien , Kocademir Mustafa , Bergman Paavo , Ragupathy Imaiyan Chitra , Laumann Michael , Underwood Graham J. C. , Zumbusch Andreas , Spiteller Dieter , Kroth Peter G.
Published: January 2024

Polyphosphates (polyP) are ubiquitous biomolecules that play a multitude of physiological roles in many cells. We have studied the presence and role of polyP in a unicellular alga, the freshwater diatom Achnanthidium minutissimum. This diatom stores up to 2.0 pg·cell−1 of polyP, with chain lengths ranging from 130 to 500 inorganic phosphate units (Pi). We applied energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Raman/fluorescence microscopy, and biochemical assays to localize and characterize the intracellular polyP granules that were present in large apical vacuoles. We investigated the fate of polyP in axenic A. minutissimum cells grown under phosphorus (P), replete (P(+)), or P deplete (P(−)) cultivation conditions and observed that in the absence of exogenous P, A. minutissimum rapidly utilizes their internal polyP reserves, maintaining their intrinsic growth rates for up to 8 days. PolyP‐depleted A. minutissimum cells rapidly took up exogenous P a few hours after Pi resupply and generated polyP three times faster than cells that were not initially subjected to P limitation. Accordingly, we propose that A. minutissimum deploys a succession of acclimation strategies regarding polyP dynamics where the production or consumption of polyP plays a central role in the homeostasis of the diatom.
Postzygotic barriers persist despite ongoing introgression in hybridizing Mimulus species
Authors: Mantel Samuel J. , Sweigart Andrea L.
Published: January 2024

The evolution of postzygotic isolation is thought to be a key step in maintaining species boundaries upon secondary contact, yet the dynamics and persistence of hybrid incompatibilities in naturally hybridizing species are not well understood. Here, we explore these issues using genetic mapping in three independent populations of recombinant inbred lines between naturally hybridizing monkeyflowers, Mimulus guttatus and Mimulus nasutus, from the sympatric Catherine Creek population. We discover that the three M. guttatus founders differ dramatically in admixture history, with nearly a quarter of one founder's genome introgressed from M. nasutus. Comparative genetic mapping in the three RIL populations reveals three new putative inversions, each one segregating among the M. guttatus founders, two due to admixture. We find strong, genome‐wide transmission ratio distortion in all RILs, but patterns are highly variable among the three populations. At least some of this distortion appears to be explained by epistatic selection favouring parental genotypes, but tests of inter‐chromosomal linkage disequilibrium also reveal multiple candidate Dobzhansky‐Muller incompatibilities. We also map several genetic loci for hybrid pollen viability, including two interacting pairs that coincide with peaks of distortion. Remarkably, even with this limited sample of three M. guttatus lines, we discover abundant segregating variation for hybrid incompatibilities with M. nasutus, suggesting this population harbours diverse contributors to postzygotic isolation. Moreover, even with substantial admixture, hybrid incompatibilities between Mimulus species persist, suggesting postzygotic isolation might be a potent force in maintaining species barriers in this system.
How do nursing home nurses conceptualize the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia? A phenomenographic study
Authors: Kim Dayeong , Choi Young‐Rim , Lee Ye‐Na , Chang Sung Ok
Published: January 2024

The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) present complex challenges for nursing home (NH) nurses, leading to confusion and difficulties in providing effective care. To address these issues, investigating how NH nurses perceive and manage the BPSD is crucial since it can lead to the development of tailored and effective care plans. This study therefore aimed to explore the ways in which NH nurses approach the management of the BPSD by using phenomenography. The study identified five categories of assessment and four categories of intervention in managing the BPSD, with their hierarchical structure represented as an outcome space. Each category's description provides a clear conceptualization of the complex and challenging nature of the BPSD care, offering insights into how NH nurses perceive the BPSD management. The study's findings can enhance NH nurse education and lead to effective care plans for residents with BPSD.
Does the welfare regime impact the telework gender stress gap?
Authors: Klarsfeld Alain , Carillo Kevin , Cachat‐Rosset Gaëlle , Saba Tania , Marsan Josianne
Published: January 2024

After decades of slow diffusion, the acceptance of telework has dramatically accelerated during the pandemic crisis, becoming a mainstream work practice. However, little is still known on the impact of telework design on employee stress, particularly when stress is high due to a major health crisis, at a time when it is crucial that organizations help buffer it. Using the welfare regime literature, we study the effects of telework demands/resources factors on stress and the moderating effects of gender in more or less egalitarian welfare regimes, during a pandemic crisis. Analyzing data collected from 4602 respondents in France and Quebec, we find that telework demands (family interference with work, organizational isolation, emotional isolation) impact stress positively in both welfare regimes. We also find that the gender stress gap is higher in a more gender‐inegalitarian welfare regime than in a more gender‐egalitarian welfare regime. Men's and women's stress is not impacted in the same manner in the two contexts studies. Contributions to research and practice are discussed, along with limitations and potential future research avenues.
Marked enhancement of the immunogenicity of plant‐expressed IgG‐Fc fusion proteins by inclusion of cholera toxin non‐toxic B subunit within the single polypeptide
Authors: Kim Mi‐Young , Vergara Emil , Tran Andy , Paul Matthew John , Kwon Tae‐Ho , Ma Julian K.C. , Jang Yong‐Suk , Reljic Rajko
Published: January 2024

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐based fusion proteins have been widely exploited as a potential vaccine delivery platform but in the absence of exogenous adjuvants, the lack of robust immunity remains an obstacle. Here, we report on a key modification that overcomes that obstacle. Thus, we constructed an IgG‐Fc vaccine platform for dengue, termed D‐PCF, which in addition to a dengue antigen incorporates the cholera toxin non‐toxic B subunit (CTB) as a molecular adjuvant, with all three proteins expressed as a single polypeptide. Following expression in Nicotiana benthamiana plants, the D‐PCF assembled as polymeric structures of similar size to human IgM, a process driven by the pentamerization of CTB. A marked improvement of functional properties in vitro and immunogenicity in vivo over a previous iteration of the Fc‐fusion protein without CTB [1] was demonstrated. These include enhanced antigen presenting cell binding, internalization and activation, complement activation, epithelial cell interactions and ganglioside binding, as well as more efficient polymerization within the expression host. Following immunization of mice with D‐PCF by a combination of systemic and mucosal (intranasal) routes, we observed robust systemic and mucosal immune responses, as well as systemic T cell responses, significantly higher than those induced by a related Fc‐fusion protein but without CTB. The induced antibodies could bind to the domain III of the dengue virus envelope protein from all four dengue serotypes. Finally, we also demonstrated feasibility of aerosolization of D‐PCF as a prerequisite for vaccine delivery by the respiratory route.
Quality and redox state of bovine sperm cryopreserved with resveratrol use of resveratrol in bovine semen
Authors: Correa Felipe , Ceballos Esteban , Rojano Benjamín , Restrepo Giovanni , Usuga Alexandra
Published: January 2024

The use of antioxidants for semen preservation prevents oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). One of the most promising natural antioxidants is resveratrol, a phytoalexin derived from plants, grapes, berries, peanuts and red wine. To evaluate the effect of resveratrol on the quality and redox status of cryopreserved bovine semen. Five bulls were subjected to electroejaculation to obtain 15 ejaculates. Each ejaculate was extended with a tris‐egg yolk‐glycerol‐based medium and divided into six aliquots supplemented with 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 μM of resveratrol. Semen was frozen with liquid nitrogen vapours. Post‐thawing, motility and kinetics were evaluated using a computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, membrane integrity using the hypoosmotic test (HOST), morphology by staining with eosin–nigrosin, sperm vitality by fluorescence microscopy with the SYBR14/IP probes. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated using the ABTS•+ assay and ROS was evaluated using spectrofluorimetry with the H2DCFDA probe. For the statistical analysis linear models were adjusted and means were compared using the Tukey test. All concentrations of resveratrol reduced post‐thawed motility and kinetics of sperm. Supplementation with 40 and 50 μM of resveratrol reduced sperm kinetics, and between 30 and 50 μM of resveratrol alterations in the sperm membrane and morphology were observed. However, using resveratrol at 50 μM increased TAC and at 20 μM, it reduced ROS production of cryopreserved bovine semen. Resveratrol appears to have a dose‐dependent effect in which higher doses produce greater sperm alterations, however, it can increase semen TAC during freezing. It is concluded that resveratrol can increase antioxidant capacity and reduce ROS production in cryopreserved bovine semen. However, its use between 10 and 50 μM reduces post‐thawing semen quality.