bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of dry‐ and moist‐heat treatment processes on the structure, solubility, and in vitro digestion of macadamia protein isolate
Authors: Zhang Liyixia , Peng Qianqian , Chen Jingjing
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to enhance the solubility and digestibility of macadamia protein isolate (MPI) for potential utilization in the food industry. The impact of dry‐ and moist‐heat treatments at various temperatures (80, 90, and 100°C) and durations (15 and 30 min) on macadamia protein's microstructure, solubility, molecular weight, secondary and tertiary structure, thermal stability, and digestibility were investigated and evaluated. The heating degree was found to cause roughening of the MPI surface. The solubility of MPI after dry‐heat treatment for 15 min at 100°C reached 290.96 ± 2.80% relative to that of untreated protein. Following heat treatment, the bands of protein macromolecules disappeared, while MPI was stretched by vibrations of free and hydrogen‐bonded hydroxyl groups. Additionally, an increase in thermal stability was observed. After heat treatment, hydrophobic groups inside the protein are exposed. Heat treatment significantly improved the in vitro digestibility of MPI, reaching twice that of untreated protein. The results also demonstrated that dry‐ and moist‐heat treatments have distinct impacts on MPI, while heating temperature and duration affect the degree of modification. With a decreased ordered structure and increased random coil content, the dry‐heat treatment significantly enhanced the in vitro digestibility of MPI. The digestibility of MPI after dry‐heat treatment for 30 min at 90°C increased by 77.82 ± 2.80% compared to untreated protein. Consequently, compared to moist‐heat treatment, dry‐heat treatment was more effective in modifying macadamia protein. Dry‐heat treatment of 30 min at 90°C was determined as the optimal condition.

Practical Application

Heat treatment enhances MPI characteristics, potentially advancing macadamia‐derived food production, including plant‐based beverages and protein supplements.
Exploring actigraphy as a digital phenotyping measure: A study on differentiating psychomotor agitation and retardation in depression
Authors: Maruani Julia , Mauries Sibylle , Zehani Feriel , Lejoyeux Michel , Geoffroy Pierre A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Psychomotor activity stands out as a crucial symptom in characterizing behaviors associated with depression. This study aims to explore the potential of actigraphy as a tool for digital phenotyping in characterizing symptoms of psychomotor agitation and retardation, which are clinically challenging dimensions to capture, in patients diagnosed with major depressive episode (MDE) according to DSM‐5 criteria.

Methods

We compared rest‐activity circadian rhythm biomarkers measured by the Motion Watch 8 actigraphy between 58 (78.4%) patients with MDE and psychomotor retardation (PMR), and 16 (21.6%) patients with MDE and psychomotor agitation (PMA), according to DSM‐5 criteria.

Results

Actigraphy allowed to objectively report PMA through heightened activity over a 24‐h period, while PMR manifests as reduced activity during the most active 10 h. Lower rest‐activity rhythm (RAR) amplitude in PMR was accompanied by increased irregularities in intra‐ and inter‐day rhythms. Interestingly, actigraphy emerges as an objective tool to measure the characteristics of the active and rest periods, free from the confounding effects of sleep disturbances. Indeed, no differences in sleep disturbances were identified between patients exhibiting psychomotor agitation and those displaying PMR.

Conclusion

Digital phenotyping through actigraphy may aid in distinguishing psychomotor retardation and psychomotor agitation allowing for a more precise characterization of the depression phenotype. When integrated with clinical assessment, measurements from actigraphy could offer additional insights into activity rhythms alongside subjective assessments and hold the potential to augment existing clinical decision‐making processes in psychiatry.
‘I am more than my diagnosis’: Amplifying the voice of consumers in the design and delivery of mental health services
Authors: Paton Joy , Carrington Amie , Gentle Emma , Horsefall Debbie
Published: July 2024

Objective

In line with the Australian Government's Vision 2030, this research foregrounds consumer experiences of recovery to inform the (co)design and delivery of mental health services for people living with complex needs and/or a severe and persistent mental health condition.

Setting

The research takes a specialist focus on the regional setting, with data collected from client experiences within Western NSW, Australia, in the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) implementation and inclusion of psycho‐social disability within the NDIS service environment.

Participants

Thirty‐seven people aged 19–70 years living with complex needs and/or a diagnosis of a severe and persistent mental health condition were recruited from services where they had a care plan or where they were members of a consumer reference group for recovery‐oriented services.

Design

A tripartite framework integrating recovery oriented, trauma‐informed and collective impact approaches for a qualitative, arts‐based (photovoice) study.

Results

In areas of the mental health service system that had not yet applied a personalised understanding of recovery or embraced trauma‐informed practice there were a range of issues and gaps in service delivery relating to authentic relationships, belonging and connection, service cultures, trauma‐informed care, and workforce investment.

Conclusion

Clinical and non‐clinical services need to ensure consistent person‐centred and trauma‐informed practice is implemented throughout the mental health service system to meet the needs of the consumer. An eight‐point checklist serves as the basis for services to reflect on how they are working with consumers and to support the review of systems and clinical governance frameworks.
Citizenship thinking—with, against, and bypassing the state
Authors: Lazar Sian
Published: July 2024

This short commentary argues for the utility of a suitably expansive idea of citizenship, one that opens complex terrains for analysis: where citizens work with, against, and alongside the state, and where state power is enabled and sidestepped through multiple embodied processes. I consider the nature of the citizen‐state encounter in each article in AE’s “Citizenship, Solidarity, and Nonbelonging” forum to explore local experiences of sovereignty and state power.
Family conflict and less parental monitoring were associated with greater screen time in early adolescence
Authors: Al‐shoaibi Abubakr A. A. , Zamora Gabriel , Chu Jonathan , Patel Khushi P. , Ganson Kyle T. , Testa Alexander , Jackson Dylan B. , Tapert Susan F. , Baker Fiona C. , Nagata Jason M.
Published: July 2024

Aim

The current study investigated the prospective relationships between parental monitoring, family conflict, and screen time across six screen time modalities in early adolescents in the USA.

Methods

We utilised prospective cohort data of children (ages 10–14 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (years baseline to Year 2 of follow‐up; 2016–2020; N = 10 757). Adjusted coefficients (B) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using mixed‐effect models with robust standard errors.

Results

A higher parental monitoring score was associated with less total screen time (B = −0.37, 95% CI −0.58, −0.16), with the strongest associations being with video games and YouTube videos. Conversely, a higher family conflict score was associated with more total screen time (B = 0.08, 95% CI 0.03, 0.12), with the strongest associations being with YouTube videos, video games, and watching television shows/movies in Years 1 and 2.

Conclusion

The current study found that greater parental monitoring was associated with less screen time, while greater family conflict was linked to more screen time. These results may inform strategies to reduce screen time in adolescence, such as improving communication between parents and their children to strengthen family relationships.
Exploring the role of mesenchymal stem cells in modulating immune responses via Treg and Th2 cell activation: insights from mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sadeghnejad Abdolvahid , Pazoki Alireza , Yazdanpanah Esmaeil , Esmaeili Seyed‐Alireza , Yousefi Bahman , Sadighi‐Moghaddam Bijan , Baharlou Rasoul , Haghmorad Dariush
Published: July 2024

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating neurodegenerative disease, and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), exhibits immunological and clinical similarities. The study aimed to examine mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cell administration in EAE. C57BL/6 mice were separated into control and treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3); EAE was induced in all animals. Clinical examinations were conducted daily, and on 25th day, animals were sacrificed, and spinal cord was stained for histological analysis. Additionally, spleen cell proliferation assay, assessments of cytokine, and gene expression in both spinal cord and spleen cells were performed. The results indicated a significant reduction in clinical symptoms among treatment groups compared to control group. Histological analyses revealed decreased infiltration of lymphocytes into the spinal cord and reduced demyelinated areas in treatment groups compared to control group. Cytokine production of IL‐10, TGF‐β, and IL‐4 were significantly enhanced and IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in treatment groups were decreased relative to control group. Also, gene expression of CTLA‐4, PD‐1, IL‐27, and IL‐33 indicated a significant increase in treatment groups. The administration of MSCs significantly improved clinical symptoms, attenuated inflammation, and reduced spinal cord demyelination in EAE, suggesting a potential protective effect on disease progression.
Coexistence of roof rats and carnivores in barns on a livestock farm in Japan
Authors: Koizumi Ryoko , Endo Tomohiko , Tanikawa Tsutomu , Hirata Shigeki , Kiyokawa Yasushi
Published: July 2024

Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), roof rats (Rattus rattus), and house mice (Mus musculus) are considered to be important pests on livestock farms. Although the diel activity patterns of rodents are key to their control, information on this aspect of their ecology is limited. Furthermore, the effect of carnivores on rodent activity patterns as well as the carnivore species present on livestock farms is unclear. Here, we set camera traps in an open‐type cow barn and in an enclosed pig barn on the same livestock farm in Japan from August through October 2021. The only rodents observed in both barns were roof rats, and the carnivore species observed were dogs (Canis familiaris), cats (Felis catus), and Japanese weasels (Mustela itatsi). Roof rats showed different patterns of activity and behavior between the barns. However, because the pattern in both barns was nocturnal, the activity patterns of roof rats and carnivores showed a moderate to high degree of overlap. Therefore, roof rats did not appear to shift their activity patterns to avoid nocturnal carnivores. Taken together, the present study provides valuable information for rodent control on livestock farms in Japan.
The role of on‐site drug analysis within supervised injecting facilities: A case presentation of an adverse event highlighting need
Authors: Page Robert , Jauncey Marianne , Brett Jonathan , Wood Will , Roxburgh Amanda
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre provides a safe, non‐judgemental space where people can inject pre‐obtained substances under the supervision of trained staff. This article describes an unusual incident occurring at the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in January 2023.

Case Presentation

Two regular male clients attending the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre injected a substance they believed to be cocaine. Both clients experienced adverse reactions; one was transported to hospital, while the other became extremely distressed and agitated. Paraphernalia sent for testing returned a result of tiletamine (a dissociative used in veterinary medicine) and no cocaine, 30 h after the incident.

Discussion and Conclusions

Where substances are novel or unknown, adverse events are often unexpected and may be more difficult to prepare for. Substance‐induced acute agitation can be alarming and hazardous for people consuming drugs and those around them and may pose challenges for staff. There is a substantial evidence base for the benefits of on‐site drug analysis and drug checking in reducing harms related to drug use, and in enhancing drug market monitoring. This incident was successfully managed by Medically Supervised Injecting Centre and hospital staff, with no major consequence, however clinical management could have been improved using point of care drug testing.
Analysis of different factors on dental students' perception of a flipped classroom model: A 6‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Fischer Kathleen , Sekula Michael , Hannigan David , Vaught Randall , Williams Tarin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

To evaluate different factors affecting two different cohorts of dental students' perceptions with the flipped classroom (FC) model in a preclinical dental course over six years.

Materials and Methods

In 2016 (cohort #1) and 2022 (cohort #2), second‐year dental students participated in FC model in a preclinical dental course consisting of pre‐class recorded videos and lectures along with classroom interactive exercises. Students then completed an anonymous pen‐and‐paper survey evaluating three factors influencing students' overall study experience with the FC model. Survey responses from cohort #1 and cohort #2 were compared to assess the effect of generation, student demographics and COVID‐19 pandemic on students' perceptions.

Results

When asked to rate the FC experience out of 5, the mean ratings of cohort #1 and cohort #2 were 4.3 (±0.9) and 4.0 (±0.8), respectively. Cohort #2 preferred viewing slides and videos prior to class and had a higher agreement that pre‐class course materials were beneficial to class preparation. Conversely, cohort #1 had a higher agreement that in‐class discussion and exercises helped them to learn course content. From cohort #2, 88.6% of males and 71.6% of females preferred the FC approach over traditional lecture.

Conclusion

Both cohorts reported positively with the FC model of teaching. Cohort #2 had higher positive reports with the pre‐class work and cohort #1 had a higher positive report with in‐class work. Course design should reflect the students' points of view and learning perspectives with careful consideration of the student population in the classroom.
A systematic review of the literature on localized gastrointestinal tract amyloidosis: Presentation, management and outcomes
Authors: Malone Mariuxi Alexandra Viteri , Castillo David Alfonso Alejos , Santos Heitor Tavares , Kaur Anahat , Elrafei Tarek , Steinberg Lewis , Kumar Abhishek
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Localized gastrointestinal tract amyloidosis is uncommon and little is known regarding this entity. There is no current standard of care for the management of localized amyloidosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics, available treatments, outcomes and surveillance of these patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of cases reported in the literature from 1962 to 2021. Patients with gastrointestinal amyloidosis reported in English literature were included in the analysis. We described and summarized the patient's characteristics, treatments, clinical presentations, outcomes and surveillance.

Results

The systematic review of reported clinical cases included 62 patients. In these patients, the most common site of amyloid deposition was the stomach (42%). The median age of diagnosis is 64.4 years old; there is a 2:1 prevalence among males (63%) to females (37%); abdominal pain is the most common type of presentation (41%), although patients could also be asymptomatic. There is a high curative rate (100%) with resection alone. Among patients treated with a type of systemic therapy, 80% achieved a complete response. The minority of cases reported a type of surveillance post treatment, and among those 62% pursued serial clinical evaluations alone.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first and largest systematic review of the literature in gastrointestinal tract amyloidosis. This is more common among males and seems to have an excellent curative rate (100%) with surgery alone. Systemic therapy is an option for those with non‐resectable amyloidomas. Serial clinical evaluations should be part of the standard surveillance care in these patients.
A physics‐informed neural network for creep life prediction of austenitic stainless steels in air and liquid sodium
Authors: Mei Huian , Pan Lingfeng , Gong Cheng , Zheng Xiaotao
Published: July 2024

Creep life prediction of component materials exposed to air and liquid sodium environments is critical to ensure the safe operation and structural integrity of a sodium‐cooled fast reactor. In this paper, a method for predicting the creep life of a wide range of austenitic stainless steels in air and liquid sodium was proposed based on a physics‐informed neural network. Based on the established datasets for sodium corrosion rates and creep life in air and liquid sodium, the predictive performance of physical equations, conventional machine learning models, and the proposed model were assessed. Subsequently, a data‐driven creep life assessment framework was established, providing insight into the engineering application of machine learning methods in high‐temperature structure assessment. The results show that the creep fracture of austenitic stainless steel is accelerated by liquid sodium corrosion. The proposed physics‐informed neural network exhibits enhanced suitability and accuracy for predicting the sodium corrosion rate and creep life than physical equations and conventional machine learning methods.
Decentralization, local information, and effort substitution: Evidence from a subnational decentralization reform in China
Authors: Chen Sicheng , Yuan Lingran , Wang Weijie , Gong Binlei
Published: July 2024

This study examines whether and how information asymmetry affects local governments' gaming behaviors in a decentralization reform. We contend that adequate access to local information by the principal is a prerequisite for mitigating effort substitution among agents. We examine the hypothesis based on a decentralization reform in China—the Integration of Agriculture‐related Fiscal Transfer reform. We use the distance between pilot villages and the provincial capital as the measurement of local information. Employing a difference‐in‐differences design to scrutinize a unique dataset comprising 85,628 observations spanning 9199 villages from 2011 to 2020, we find that subnational decentralization with information asymmetry leads to increased effort substitution by local governments. Further analysis reveals that more abundant local information can alleviate the extent of effort substitution in reformed villages. Overall, this research highlights the importance of considering local information when designing policies to mitigate performance gaming in public goods provision and support effective subnational decentralization.
The impact of regional integration on PM2.5 concentrations—Quasi‐natural experimental evidence from city economic coordination committee
Authors: Li Sijia , Wu Lihua
Published: July 2024

It is of great significance to explore the causality between regional integration (RI) and PM2.5 pollution within urban agglomerations in the current pursuit of ecological civilization construction and high‐quality development. Using panel data of 285 prefecture‐level cities in China from 2003 to 2016, this study considers the expansion of the city economic coordination committee in Yangtze River Delta (YRDECC) as a quasi‐natural experiment of RI, and use a difference‐in difference method to explore the effect and inner mechanisms of RI on PM2.5 concentration. After a descriptive analysis of the spatial‐temporal variation trend of the PM2.5 concentration in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, the empirical results show that RI helps to alleviate 4.8% of the PM2.5 concentration overall. For the original cities, the reduction effect on the PM2.5 concentration is 5.2%, for the new cities, however, RI exacerbates 2.1% of the local PM2.5 concentration. A series of robustness tests confirm the validity of the baseline results, and further indicate that the effect of RI remains significant in the long term and starts to increase from the third year. Furthermore, the reduction effect of RI on PM2.5 concentration is more pronounced in cities with larger scales, more developed economies, and higher degrees of marketization. The mechanism analysis shows that industrial transfer, population migration and technological innovation are significant channels of RI that affect PM2.5 concentrations. The conclusions of this paper provide a new path to alleviate PM2.5 pollution and achieve ecological conservation and high‐quality development in the city cluster area.
Modification of liquid phase and microstructure of sintered mullite by different additives
Authors: Wang Yaxuan , Zhang Junzhan , Gao Jianying , Yang Zhaopeng
Published: July 2024

In the field of ceramics, mullite has drawn plenty of attention due to its low thermal expansion and thermal conductivity as well as its high chemical stability and creep resistance. This work reported the mineral phase, liquid phase, and microstructure evolution of the sintered mullite, using coal‐series kaolin as the raw material and potash feldspar as well as phosphorus pentoxide as additives. The effects of K2O and P2O5 on the content and viscosity of the liquid phase in mullite were calculated using FactSage 8.1. The results showed that the introduction of K2O could inhibit the formation of cristobalite effectively. Adding K2O and P2O5 improved the content of the liquid phase formed during the calcination process. After introducing K2O and P2O5, mullite developed acicular and columnar structures, with average lengths of 9.76 and 7.97 µm, respectively. Furthermore, introducing K2O and P2O5 improved the physical properties of mullite significantly.
Cross‐Generational Effect of Water Deficit Priming on Physiology of Peanut Plants Under Water Stress
Authors: de Camargo Santos Aline , Schaffer Bruce , Rowland Diane , Bremgartner Matthew , Moon Pamela , Tillman Barry , Rodrigues de Souza Edivan , Bassil Elias
Published: July 2024

Water deficit priming through regulated deficit irrigation has been shown to be beneficial for peanut cultivation, leading to improved water‐use efficiency during the crop cycle and enhanced stress acclimation. The effects of priming using water deficit can be heritable, but little is known about stress priming effects on the physiology and growth of successive generations undergoing water stress. Two experiments were conducted to assess cross‐generational priming by determining physiological and growth responses of offspring of primed and non‐primed peanut plants of two genotypes, COC‐041 and New Mexico Valencia C (NMV‐C), both previously found to be strongly responsive to priming. Seeds were collected from parental plants subjected to mild water stress by regulated deficit irrigation (primed) or adequate irrigation (non‐primed). These seeds were then planted, and the offspring were monitored for physiological and growth responses to water stress, including on a whole‐plant basis using a high‐throughput physiological phenotyping platform and on individual leaves by periodic single‐leaf measurements. Measurements included whole‐plant transpiration (plant‐Tr), root water uptake, leaf transpiration, stomatal conductance and net CO2 assimilation (leaf‐Tr, leaf‐gs, and leaf‐A), leaf water and osmotic potential (leaf‐Ψw and leaf‐Ψo), leaf osmotic adjustment, leaf relative water content (leaf‐RWC) and cumulative plant‐Tr. Offspring of both genotypes from primed parent plants had faster early establishment, with more uniform germination, and more rapid initial seedling growth compared to offspring from non‐primed parent plants. Although offspring of both non‐primed and primed plants of both genotypes exhibited a significant reduction of plant‐Tr, gas exchange, leaf‐Ψw, leaf‐Ψo, and leaf‐RWC when exposed to water stress, offspring of primed plants showed increased water use efficiency through reduced leaf‐gs, leaf‐Tr and plant‐Tr while maintaining leaf‐A under water stress. Despite offspring of both primed and non‐primed plants being susceptible to severe water stress, offspring of primed plants exhibited overall enhanced water use efficiency, leading to greater dry biomass production per gram of transpired water and a trend of less growth reduction due to water stress compared to offspring of non‐primed plants, especially for the genotype COC‐041. This study shows the potential of water deficit priming to promote cross‐generational changes in physiological function under limited water availability, by enhancing crop stress acclimation in the next plant generation.
Fabrication of Si3N4 ceramics with improved thermal conductivity by carbothermal reduction and two‐step sintering
Authors: Fan Binbin , Hu Zunlan , Zhao Shuo , Zhao Dengke , Wang Bohan , Zhang Shijia , Chen Zhanglin , Du Songmo , Li Fei , Zhang Jie , Hu Feng , Xie Zhipeng , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua
Published: July 2024

Si3N4 ceramics with improved thermal conductivity and mechanical properties were prepared by carbothermal reduction and two‐step sintering. The addition of 2 wt% C led to the development of an intergranular phase YNSiO2 with reduced oxygen content. Notably, setting the pre‐sintering temperature at 1450°C promoted the formation of a rough bimodal morphology within the Si3N4 ceramics. Furthermore, an extended holding period at 1850°C resulted in additional grain growth and the elimination of intergranular phases. The Si3N4 specimens produced at 1450°C for 3 h followed by 1850°C for 8 h, incorporating 2 wt% C, exhibited a notable continuity between Si3N4 grains. The thickness of the grain boundary layer was only about 1 nm, and the N/O atomic ratio of the intergranular phase was measured to be 0.42. Consequently, the resulting thermal conductivity, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of Si3N4 specimens were found to be 101 W·m−1·K−1, 712 ± 29 MPa, and 7.7 ± 0.2 MPa·m1/2, respectively. Compared with samples without C additive and directly sintered at 1850°C for 8 h, the Si3N4 specimens produced in this work showed a significant increase of more than 50% in thermal conductivity and about 17% in fracture toughness.
Host cell manipulation by microsporidia secreted effectors: Insights into intracellular pathogenesis
Authors: Tang Liyuan , Sabi Musa Makongoro , Fu Ming , Guan Jingyu , Wang Yongliang , Xia Tian , Zheng Kai , Qu Hongnan , Han Bing
Published: July 2024

Microsporidia are prolific producers of effector molecules, encompassing both proteins and nonproteinaceous effectors, such as toxins, small RNAs, and small peptides. These secreted effectors play a pivotal role in the pathogenicity of microsporidia, enabling them to subvert the host's innate immunity and co‐opt metabolic pathways to fuel their own growth and proliferation. However, the genomes of microsporidia, despite falling within the size range of bacteria, exhibit significant reductions in both structural and physiological features, thereby affecting the repertoire of secretory effectors to varying extents. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding how microsporidia modulate host cells through the secretion of effectors, highlighting current challenges and proposed solutions in deciphering the complexities of microsporidial secretory effectors.
Comparison between botulinum toxin type A injection on masseter muscle only and additional injection on anterior belly of digastric muscle in sleep bruxism patients: A clinical trial
Authors: Kim Soo‐Bin , Choi You‐Jin , Kim Seong Taek , Kim Hee‐Jin
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the effects on bite force and muscle thickness of the botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection for patients with sleep bruxism (SB) by comparing injections into the masseter muscle only and both the masseter and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle (ABDM) in a clinical trial.

Methods

Twelve SB patients received BoNT‐A injections using US‐guided techniques into the masseter muscle only (Group A), while the remaining 12 SB patients received injections into both the masseter and ABDM (Group B). Bite force and muscle thickness were measured before injection, as well as 1 and 2 months after injection.

Results

The bite force and masseter muscle thickness decreased in both Group A and Group B before injection, and at 1 and 2 months after injection. However, there was no significant difference (p > .05, repeated measures analysis of variance) between the two groups, and there was also no significant difference in ABDM thickness (p > .05, repeated measures analysis of variance).

Conclusion

This study is the first to assess the short‐term effects of BoNT injected into ABDM for SB control. Results show no influence on SB reduction, suggesting the need for further research on BoNT's effectiveness in controlling intense ABDM contractions during sleep and assessing suprahyoid muscle potential impact on rhythmic masticatory muscle activity occurrence.
Sensory and multisensory perception—Perspectives toward defining multisensory experience and heritage
Authors: Parker Murray , Spennemann Dirk H. R. , Bond Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Sensory experience pertaining to any of the recognized senses can manifest as a form of intangible cultural heritage, therefore having considerable value for society. Heritage research into multiple sensory components needs to consider not simply the social experience of each of the individual modalities, but how these sensory components combine or integrate to form an all‐encompassing multisensory experience. Clear terminologies are needed to accurately identify and describe such complex processes. We put forward a distinct lexicon in this perspective, building on conventional terms “multisensory perception” and “multisensory integration” and advancing the definitions “multisensory experience” and “multisensory heritage.”

Practical applications

This perspective serves to delineate the extension of the term multisensory into the social science discipline. The sharing of a common nomenclature will allow a more unified development and scientific rigor moving forward and allows us to recognize, identify, and describe complex processes of multisensory experience and multisensory heritage. It allows us to understand that the human emotional response to multisensory experience is culturally enshrined, being recognized as a form of multisensory heritage following attribution of societal values. Finally, it recognizes the experiential response to multisensory heritage is unique, being significantly different than those of individual sensory experiences, presenting opportunities and challenges in heritage management.
Performance of three artificial intelligence (AI)‐based large language models in standardized testing; implications for AI‐assisted dental education
Authors: Sabri Hamoun , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Hazrati Parham , Merchant Keith , Misch Jonathan , Kumar Purnima S. , Wang Hom‐Lay , Barootchi Shayan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The emerging rise in novel computer technologies and automated data analytics has the potential to change the course of dental education. In line with our long‐term goal of harnessing the power of AI to augment didactic teaching, the objective of this study was to quantify and compare the accuracy of responses provided by ChatGPT (GPT‐4 and GPT‐3.5) and Google Gemini, the three primary large language models (LLMs), to human graduate students (control group) to the annual in‐service examination questions posed by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

Methods

Under a comparative cross‐sectional study design, a corpus of 1312 questions from the annual in‐service examination of AAP administered between 2020 and 2023 were presented to the LLMs. Their responses were analyzed using chi‐square tests, and the performance was juxtaposed to the scores of periodontal residents from corresponding years, as the human control group. Additionally, two sub‐analyses were performed: one on the performance of the LLMs on each section of the exam; and in answering the most difficult questions.

Results

ChatGPT‐4 (total average: 79.57%) outperformed all human control groups as well as GPT‐3.5 and Google Gemini in all exam years (p < .001). This chatbot showed an accuracy range between 78.80% and 80.98% across the various exam years. Gemini consistently recorded superior performance with scores of 70.65% (p = .01), 73.29% (p = .02), 75.73% (p < .01), and 72.18% (p = .0008) for the exams from 2020 to 2023 compared to ChatGPT‐3.5, which achieved 62.5%, 68.24%, 69.83%, and 59.27% respectively. Google Gemini (72.86%) surpassed the average scores achieved by first‐ (63.48% ± 31.67) and second‐year residents (66.25% ± 31.61) when all exam years combined. However, it could not surpass that of third‐year residents (69.06% ± 30.45).

Conclusions

Within the confines of this analysis, ChatGPT‐4 exhibited a robust capability in answering AAP in‐service exam questions in terms of accuracy and reliability while Gemini and ChatGPT‐3.5 showed a weaker performance. These findings underscore the potential of deploying LLMs as an educational tool in periodontics and oral implantology domains. However, the current limitations of these models such as inability to effectively process image‐based inquiries, the propensity for generating inconsistent responses to the same prompts, and achieving high (80% by GPT‐4) but not absolute accuracy rates should be considered. An objective comparison of their capability versus their capacity is required to further develop this field of study.
Alcohol consumption and liver phenotype of individuals with alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Fromme Malin , Schneider Carolin V. , Guldiken Nurdan , Amzou Samira , Luo Yizhao , Pons Monica , Genesca Joan , Miravitlles Marc , Thorhauge Katrine H. , Mandorfer Mattias , Waern Johan , Schneider Kai Markus , Sperl Jan , Frankova Sona , Bartel Marc , Zimmer Holger , Zorn Markus , Krag Aleksander , Turner Alice , Trautwein Christian , Strnad Pavel
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder caused by alpha‐1 antitrypsin (AAT) mutations. We analysed the association between alcohol intake and liver‐related parameters in individuals with the heterozygous/homozygous Pi*Z AAT variant (Pi*MZ/Pi*ZZ genotype) found in the United Kingdom Biobank and the European Alpha1 liver consortium.

Methods

Reported alcohol consumption was evaluated in two cohorts: (i) the community‐based United Kingdom Biobank (17 145 Pi*MZ, 141 Pi*ZZ subjects, and 425 002 non‐carriers [Pi*MM]); and (ii) the European Alpha1 liver consortium (561 Pi*ZZ individuals). Cohort (ii) included measurements of carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT).

Results

In both cohorts, no/low alcohol intake was reported by >80% of individuals, while harmful consumption was rare (~1%). Among Pi*MM and Pi*MZ individuals from cohort (i), moderate alcohol consumption resulted in a <30% increased rate of elevated transaminases and ~50% increase in elevated gamma‐glutamyl transferase values, while harmful alcohol intake led to an at least twofold increase in the abnormal levels. In Pi*ZZ individuals from both cohorts, moderate alcohol consumption had no marked impact on serum transaminase levels. Among Pi*ZZ subjects from cohort (ii) who reported no/low alcohol consumption, those with increased CDT levels more often had signs of advanced liver disease.

Conclusions

Pi*MZ/Pi*ZZ genotype does not seem to markedly aggravate the hepatic toxicity of moderate alcohol consumption. CDT values might be helpful to detect alcohol consumption in those with advanced fibrosis. More data are needed to evaluate the impact of harmful alcohol consumption.
Antroduodenal manometry findings in children with suspected pediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction
Authors: Gulliksson Gullik , Nyström Niklas , Danielson Johan , Lilljekvist Fredrik Dylén , Scholing Mirjam , Hellström Per M. , Gustafson Elisabet
Published: July 2024

Background

In 2018 diagnostic criteria for pediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (PIPO) were established. Neuromuscular dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract is one of these, and often examined through antroduodenal manometry (ADM). There is little data on antroduodenal manometries in children. Our objectives were to retrospectively apply these criteria to children evaluated for suspected motility disorder, to reevaluate the ADM patterns and compare children who did and did not meet the PIPO criteria and also with healthy adults.

Methods

Children with a suspected gastrointestinal motility disorder previously investigated with 24‐h 8‐lead ADM were reevaluated by applying the 2018 ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN PIPO diagnostic criteria and the 2018 ANMS‐NASPGHAN guidelines. ADM findings were compared between children who retrospectively fulfilled a PIPO diagnosis, children who did not, and a control group of healthy adults.

Key Results

Of 34 children (age 7.9 (±5.1) years, 18 males), 12 retrospectively fulfilled the 2018 PIPO diagnostic criteria. Twenty‐five children (10 in the PIPO group) had abnormal diagnostic findings on ADM, whereas 9 (2 in the PIPO group) had no such findings. A PIPO diagnosis implied a significantly higher degree of abnormal ADM patterns (2.33 vs. 1.23, p = 0.02). There were no major differences in quantitative ADM measurements between the groups except higher pressures in children.

Conclusions and Inferences

Children who retrospectively fulfilled a PIPO diagnosis had a significantly higher abundance of abnormal ADM findings compared with symptomatic children without PIPO and healthy adults. Our data indicate a need for set criteria for evaluation of ADM in children with suspected PIPO.
Meddlesome blame and negotiating standing
Authors: Snedegar Justin
Published: July 2024

Blaming others for things that are not our business can attract charges of meddling and corresponding dismissals of blame. Such charges are contentious because the content and applicability conditions of anti‐meddling norms can be difficult to specify. An unappreciated reason they can be contentious is that it is often not settled in advance whether some wrongdoing is or is not the business of a would‐be blamer. Rather than pointing out violation of a pre‐established anti‐meddling norm, charges of meddling may sometimes be aiming to put such a norm in place. Grounds of anti‐meddling norms, including privacy, intimacy, and respect for victims, support giving those involved significant latitude to set their own boundaries on appropriate blame. This brings out the more general point that norms of blame, including standing norms, are often up for negotiation, and dismissals of blame can be moves in such a negotiation of trying to establish boundaries on blame, rather than merely pointing out violations of pre‐established boundaries.
Hop stunt viroid infection induces heterochromatin reorganization
Authors: Marquez‐Molins Joan , Cheng Jinping , Corell‐Sierra Julia , Juarez‐Gonzalez Vasti Thamara , Villalba‐Bermell Pascual , Annacondia Maria Luz , Gomez Gustavo , Martinez German
Published: July 2024

Viroids are pathogenic noncoding RNAs that completely rely on their host molecular machinery to accomplish their life cycle. Several interactions between viroids and their host molecular machinery have been identified, including interference with epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. Despite this, whether viroids influence changes in other epigenetic marks such as histone modifications remained unknown. Epigenetic regulation is particularly important during pathogenesis processes because it might be a key regulator of the dynamism of the defense response.

Here we have analyzed the changes taking place in Cucumis sativus (cucumber) facultative and constitutive heterochromatin during hop stunt viroid (HSVd) infection using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of the two main heterochromatic marks: H3K9me2 and H3K27me3.

We find that HSVd infection is associated with changes in both H3K27me3 and H3K9me2, with a tendency to decrease the levels of repressive epigenetic marks through infection progression. These epigenetic changes are connected to the transcriptional regulation of their expected targets, genes, and transposable elements. Indeed, several genes related to the defense response are targets of both epigenetic marks.

Our results highlight another host regulatory mechanism affected by viroid infection, providing further information about the complexity of the multiple layers of interactions between pathogens/viroids and hosts/plants.
Surgical Site Infections After Pediatric Liver Transplantation—Impact of a Change in Perioperative Prophylactic Antibiotic Protocol
Authors: Bruns Nora , Hauschild Juliane , Lainka Elke , Dohna‐Schwake Christian
Published: July 2024

Background

In spite of improved survival rates after pediatric liver transplantation, infections remain major contributors to perioperative morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to understand the impact of type and duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) on the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs).

Methods

In total, 125 patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2014 and 2020 were retrospectively included. Patients were categorized into two periods based on changes in the standard PAP regimen. Risk factors for SSIs were investigated, including the influence of PAP duration, antibiotic substances used, and abdominal patch placement using multivariable regression models.

Results

SSIs occurred in 23 (19%) of 119 analyzed patients and were not impacted by changes in the PAP regimen. The placement of an abdominal patch was a relevant risk factor for SSIs (odds ratio 3.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–12.68). Longer PAP duration reduced the occurrence of SSIs by up to 4.6 percentage points (95% CI 0.0–9.1) per day, with its effect diminishing with longer duration. The choice of antibiotic substances for PAP changed after implementation of the new protocol, with a decline in vancomycin usage from 14% to 3%.

Conclusion

The results of this study emphasize the need for evidence‐based PAP regimens tailored to the unique needs of pediatric liver transplant recipients. The occurrence of SSIs remains complex and is influenced by various factors beyond the PAP regimen. Multicentric efforts to develop effective prevention strategies against SSIs in this vulnerable population are warranted.
Effects of rice fermentation and its bioactive components on UVA‐induced oxidative stress and senescence in dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Li Yu , Guo Miao , Li Li , Yang Fan , Xiong Lidan
Published: July 2024

Photoaging, caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is characterized by the senescence of skin cells and reduction of collagens. Although rice fermentation is widely used in the cosmetics, its impact on skin photoaging is still not well understood. Herein, we investigated the possible effectiveness of Maifuyin, a fermented rice product, and its components, succinic acid (SA), and choline, for safeguarding UVA‐exposed human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) against photoaging. In this study, the effects of Maifuyin, SA, and choline on UVA‐induced cell death and senescence in fibroblasts were evaluated in cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), expression of β‐galactosidase (β‐GAL), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐1. To identify oxidative stress, the investigation focused on reactive oxygen species, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde. Additionally, a mRNA sequencing technology (RNA‐seq) was applied to study the underlying mechanisms of these components on UVA‐induced photoaging. Meanwhile, the level of C–X–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2) in the cell supernatant was confirmed to assess the autocrine chemokine level. To reassess the involvement of CXCL2, the expression of β‐GAL was evaluated in fibroblasts treated with or without CXCL2. The results indicated that 1 mg/mL Maifuyin and SA inhibited UVA‐induced senescence in fibroblasts, MMP‐1 expression, and oxidative damage. The RNA‐seq revealed 1 mg/mL Maifuyin and SA might be recruited chemokine CXCLs to inhibit MMPs production and fibroblast senescence via TNFα, MAPK, and NF‐κB pathways. ELISA results showed a significant reduction of autocrine CXCL2 in UVA‐irradiated HDFs by pretreating Maifuyin and SA. The β‐GAL staining assay revealed that CXCL2 treatment increased β‐GAL activity, while the administration of Maifuyin and SA counteracted this effect in HDFs. These results highlighted the potential use of Maifuyin and SA as promising candidates for anti‐photoaging applications.
Advocacy groups, policy subsidies, and policy change: The case of teacher evaluations
Authors: Finger Leslie K.
Published: July 2024

How are powerful interest groups with a stake in the status quo overcome? Policymakers succeed in enacting policies against the preferences of powerful vested interests when they delegate the costs associated with challenging those vested interests to advocacy groups. Advocacy groups can provide information and capacity, freeing allied policymakers from relying on vested interests. Using a 50‐state regression analysis of teacher evaluation policymaking in 2010 and 2011 and case studies of the experiences of Minnesota and Wisconsin, I find evidence that where advocacy groups assist policymaker allies, they can successfully pass and implement policy change against the preferences of powerful vested interests.
Abductive analysis in qualitative research
Authors: van Hulst Merlijn , Visser E. Lianne
Published: July 2024

Public administration scholars and practitioners need to know how state‐of‐the‐art research is conducted. This article aims to contribute to the dialogue on qualitative analysis. Focusing on abductive analysis, it further unpacks and explicates the process and practices through which theoretical insight can be created from qualitative data. We offer four principles that guide abductive analysis: (i) embrace surprises, tensions, and doubts; (ii) use knowledges creatively to theorize; (iii) craft through methodological bricolage; and (iv) iterate through the research process. In addition, we discuss the implications of abductive analysis for how we learn, craft, and reflect on qualitative research.