bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perturbation and Lethality as Precursors of Suicide in a Gifted Group
Authors: Shneidman Edwin S.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Thirty cases, for whom longitudinal personality data were available from 1921 to 1960, were analyzed. All the cases were Caucasian males with high I.Q.'s. Five individuals had committed suicide (all by gunshot), 10 (matched) individuals had died natural deaths from cancer or heart disease, and 15 were still living. A blind clinical analysis was conducted primarily in terms of two guiding concepts, perturbation and lethality, by means of a Meyerian “life chart” and a “psychological autopsy,” respectively. The results indicated that four of the five cases deemed to be most suicidal had, in fact, committed suicide—a chance probability of 1 out of 1,131. The prodromal clues—instability, trauma, and personality controls—are discussed. The role of the “significant other” and the “burning‐out” of affect seem to be paramount. Suicide is seen as a discernible part of a life style and as a predictable outcome, in a person of 50, by the time that individual is 30 years old.
Vehicular Suicides*
Authors: Pokorny Alex D. , Smith James P. , Finch John R.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Twenty‐eight consecutive auto crash fatalities were investigated intensively, including studies of personality, social factors, evidence concerning emotional state just prior to the crash, autopsy findings, complete body X‐rays, engineering and automotive inspections, and reviews by traffic specialists. It was determined that 4 of these 28 fatalities were suicides. In these cases, investigations revealed a pattern of alcoholism, depression, impulsiveness, and acute emotional upheavals in the drivers. It is concluded that suicide constitutes a discernible portion of fatal automobile accidents.
Suicide Attempters in Norway
Authors: Retterstöl N. , Strype B.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: A personal follow‐up study is presented of 74 patients consecutively admitted to a Norwegian psychiatric hospital who had attempted suicide during the six months prior to admission. The mean observation time subsequent to discharge was eight years. Of these 74 patients, 5 later committed suicide (6.8 percent) and 16 (26 percent of the living) repeated the suicide attempt. The clinical and social course for the living patients is described. A previous report of a similar follow‐up study on patients in a psychiatric department had demonstrated a much lower frequency of subsequent suicide and suicide attempts and a higher percentage of clinical cure and social rehabilitation. These differences are discussed and ascribed mainly to the greater proportion of psychotic patients in the hospital sample (82 percent versus 34 percent).
Death and Dying in Camus' The Plague
Authors: Abram Harry S.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Albert Camus' allegorical novel The Plague provides meaningful insight into the process of death and dying. As with other literary masterpieces the author shares with his audience his concern with and knowledge of the vicissitudes of the human condition. In The Plague Camus employs the reactions and responses of a community and its citizenry to an epidemic of the bubonic plague as a symbolic representation of the individual's grappling with death and dying. His main themes are those of separation and exile, despair and despondency, and helplessness and hopefulness.
The Vulnerability of Young Japanese Women and Suicide
Authors: Iga Mamoru , Yamamoto Joe , Noguchi Thomas
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Young Japanese females had the highest suicide rate in the world until the end of the 1960s, and it is still extremely high. This paper attempts to explain this phenomenon primarily in terms of vulnerability—in their personalities, social conditions, and role conflicts. Concomitant psychological traits and social conditions are discussed. The cultural conflict of young Japanese women is explicated in terms of psychological and historical information. In addition, the reasons for the differences between the suicide rates among females in the Tokyo area and the Kyoto‐Osaka area are explored largely in terms of concepts relating to authoritarianism and its correlates.
A Psychological Autopsy of an Indian Adolescent Suicide with Implications for Community Services
Authors: Blanchard Joseph D. , Blanchard Evelyn L. , Roll Samuel
Published: November 2023

This psychological autopsy of the suicidal death of an adolescent Indian boy includes a brief family background, a history of his difficulties, and a report of his psychological evaluation. There is an attempt to understand the societal and familial factors that seem to have predisposed him to commit suicide. The report includes an analysis of the resources currently available in Indian communities and a recommendation for the kinds of resources that might prevent suicide in this setting.
Banality Reinvestigated: A Computer‐Based Content Analysis of Suicidal and Forced Death Documents*
Authors: Henken Valerie J.
Published: November 2023

Suicide and simulated notes and forced‐death documents were processed on the Harvard III Psycho‐Sociological Dictionary. For each text, frequencies of related words were generated; these were contrasted with each other and with baseline data using z scores. The results indicated that the suicidal groups were more “deviant.” Other findings are concreteness and constriction of focus for suicides—a pattern suggesting denial just prior to the deed. The forced‐death group seemed to be more meaningfully in contact with life and aware of responsibility. The simulated group appeared to be fabricating a popular stereotype rather than exhibiting empathy. Implications were discussed.
Dyadic Death: Murder‐Suicide
Authors: Berman Alan L.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Twenty homicide‐suicides, drawn from death records of three major eastern United States cities, were analyzed in comparison to prior studies and samples of homicide offenders and suicide victims. Results indicated a lower incidence for this event than reported previously and several distinguishing characteristics of the murderer who subsequently commits suicide. Two primary types, from the perspective of ego fusion, are discussed.
High‐refraction index glasses with ultra‐high Young's modulus and high hardness fabricated by containerless processing
Authors: Ma Kaicheng , Yu Jianding , Li Qin , He Huan , Ni Jinqi , Fang Jinghong , Xiong Yifei , Yuan Qiang , Zhang Qian , Li Tongtong
Published: November 2023

High‐refractive index glasses with ultra‐high Young's modulus and superior hardness have significant application in optical lenses. Research indicates that high‐entropy glasses, enriched with high dissociation energy and high‐field strength components, enhance the mechanical properties of glass. In this study, we tailored high‐entropy glasses to achieve superior optical and mechanical attributes by optimizing heavy metal oxide components and adjusting the Al2O3 content. The resultant 10RE2O3‐10Gd2O3‐32Al2O3‐36Ta2O5‐12ZrO2 (RE = La, Tm, Lu) glass demonstrates a refractive index of 2.028, a Young's modulus of 186.2 GPa, and a Vickers hardness of 9.18 GPa. The glass was colorless and widely transparent, in the visible‐to‐infrared region from 312.5 to 6674 nm, and the maximum transmittance reach up to 79.3%. These results indicate that the 10RE2O3‐10Gd2O3‐32Al2O3‐36Ta2O5‐12ZrO2 glass would be useful for camera and detector lenses.
Novel microwave dielectric ceramics based on CaO–MoO3–La2O3 pseudo‐ternary phase diagram and the design of patch antenna
Authors: Bao Jian , Du Wei , Wu Haitao , Yue Zhenxing
Published: November 2023

In this study, two novel microwave dielectric ceramics were designed and synthesized using the solid‐state reaction method based on the CaO–MoO3–La2O3 pseudo‐ternary phase diagram. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Rietveld refinement results indicate that pure phase microwave dielectric ceramics (CaLa2(MoO4)4 and Ca3MoO6) can be produced with CaO, MoO3, La2O3 ratios of 1, 1, 4, and 3, 1, 0, respectively. CaLa2(MoO4)4 shows the potential value for application in Low Temperature Co‐fired Ceramic technology. In addition, the Phillips–van Vechten–Levine theory, infrared reflectance spectrum, and THz time‐domain spectrum are used further to study the structure‐property relationship of the two ceramics. Finally, a 5G patch antenna used in Sub‐6 GHz communication technology was successfully designed and manufactured. The study of the relationship between chemical bonds and dielectric properties of the two ceramics, along with the development of the patch antenna, establishes a foundation for scientific research and practical applications in related ceramic systems.
Accelerated carbonation of hardened cement paste: Quantification of calcium carbonate via ATR infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Kalkreuth Jonas , Ullrich Angela , Garbev Krassimir , Merz Daniela , Stemmermann Peter , Stapf Dieter
Published: November 2023

In context of carbon capture and storage in cement and concrete industry, there is a strong demand for fast, reliable, and low‐cost CO2 quantification methods. Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐IR) in conjunction with multivariate calibration via partial‐least‐squares regression was applied to quantify CaCO3 in carbonated hardened Portland cement pastes, as this method shows great potential in the field of process control. Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with infrared spectrometry for the detection of the evolving gases was used as a reference for quantification. Three methods for the quantitative analysis with different partial‐least‐squares parameters were developed on a series of ground physical mixtures of slightly carbonated and highly carbonated hydrated cement pastes that had absorbed up to 77% of the theoretical capacity for CO2. Additional samples for optimization and validation of the method were prepared by accelerated carbonation of cylindrical slices of hardened cement paste as a function of exposure time. In these experiments, the major CO2 uptake occurs in the first 60 min until the formation of CaCO3 layers limits the diffusion of CO2 and Ca2+ ions. The developed partial‐least‐squares models provided low estimation errors of max. 1.5 wt% and high correlation coefficients above 99.5%. The validation covers a concentration range of 20–48 wt% of CaCO3. Limitations of the method are discussed.
When stereotypes disadvantage boys: Strength of stereotypes in mathematics and language arts and their relations with grades
Authors: Chaffee Kathryn E. , Plante Isabelle , Good Catherine , Aronson Joshua M. , Kinch Simon‐Benoît , Gauvin Isabelle
Published: November 2023

There is growing concern about boys' lagging performance in school, not only in language arts, where the gap is particularly pronounced, but also in mathematics. Stereotypes associating one gender with language arts or with mathematics are likely to contribute to these gaps. Such stereotypes can translate into explicit beliefs such as the extent to which students are aware of societal stereotypes or the extent to which they personally believe stereotypes to be true, but also indirectly into performance following a stereotype threat manipulation. However, few studies have considered these multiple stereotype expressions in both mathematics and language arts to examine their importance in predicting boys' and girls' actual grades in school. To fill this gap, two complementary studies examined high school boys' and girls' awareness and endorsement of stereotypes about both language arts (n = 299) and mathematics (n = 243), as well as whether stereotype threat impaired boys' performance on a spelling test. Although the effect of stereotype threat was not significant overall, our results showed that students were aware of and endorsed strong stereotypes advantaging girls in language arts. In mathematics, students endorsed counter‐traditional stereotypes slightly advantaging girls. Our results also showed that these multiple expressions of stereotypes related to students' grades. In doing so, our work provides insights regarding possible targets for interventions to reduce gender gaps disadvantaging boys in school.
Complement C3 as a potential drug target in periodontitis: Evidence from the cis‐Mendelian randomization approach
Authors: Alayash Zoheir , Baumeister Sebastian‐Edgar , Holtfreter Birte , Kocher Thomas , Baurecht Hansjörg , Ehmke Benjamin , Nolde Michael , Reckelkamm Stefan Lars
Published: November 2023

Aim

Evidence from a Phase IIa trial showed that a complement C3‐targeted drug reduced gingival inflammation in patients with gingivitis. Using drug‐target Mendelian randomization (MR), we investigated whether genetically proxied C3 inhibition alters the risk of periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

We used multiple ‘cis’ instruments from the vicinity of the encoding loci of C3. Instrument selection was restricted to the drug target encoding loci (chromosome 19; 6,677,715–6,730,573 (GRCh37/hg19)). We selected three uncorrelated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (rs141552034, rs145406915, rs11569479) that were associated with serum C3 levels (p value <1 × 10−4) from a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of 5368 European descent individuals. We extracted association statistics from a GWAS of 17,353 clinical periodontitis cases and 28,210 European controls. Wald ratios were combined using inverse‐variance weighted meta‐analysis to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of the genetically proxied inhibition of C3 in relation to periodontitis.

Results

MR analysis revealed that the inhibition of C3 reduces the odds of periodontitis (OR 0.91 per 1 standard deviation reduction in C3; 95% confidence interval 0.87–0.96, p value = .0003).

Conclusions

Findings from our MR analysis suggest a potential protective effect of C3 blockade against periodontitis.
Anaeramoeba pumila sp. nov. and Anaeramoeba sp. OCE22C represent two novel types of symbiosis of Anaeramoebae and prokaryotes
Authors: Pavlátová Magdaléna , Hanousková Pavla , Čepička Ivan
Published: November 2023

Anaeramoebae is a recently described phylum of anaerobic, marine amoebae, and amoeboflagellates belonging to the Metamonada supergroup. So far, six species have been described based on light microscopic morphology and sequences of the SSU rRNA gene. Here we present three new strains of Anaeramoeba with a description of their morphology, ultrastructure, and phylogenetic position based on the analysis of SSU rRNA gene sequences. Two of the strains represent a new species, Anaeramoeba pumila sp. nov., that has the smallest cells of all known Anaeramoeba species, and one that represents a species from the newly recognized Anaeramoeba flamelloides complex. Anaeramoebae are known to have a syntrophic relationship with prokaryotes. Our strains display two novel, remarkable types of symbioses, previously unknown from Anaeramoebae.
A review of conservation status of freshwater fish diversity in China
Authors: Cao Liang , Shao Wei‐Han , Yi Wen‐Jing , Zhang E
Published: November 2023

China harbors a high species diversity of freshwater fishes not shared with any of its neighboring nations. Freshwater fish diversity in the country has been under severe threat from human activities over the past decades, thus conservation freshwater fishes and ecosystems is urgently needed. To accumulate baseline data for guiding protection actions, the third red list assessment of Chinese freshwater fishes was carried out. Among Chinese freshwater fishes assessed, there are 355 at‐risk species (22.3% of the total), including 69 ranked as Critically Endangered, 97 as Endangered, and 189 as Vulnerable. Two species are classified as Extinct and one as Regionally Extinct. China's threat level seems to be lower than the known average level found in the IUCN's global assessment of freshwater fishes, but this is an artifact of a high rate of species classified as Data Deficient. Conservation of freshwater fishes is presently facing a grim situation in China. Imperilment of Chinese freshwater fishes is primarily attributed to habitat loss and degradation arising from human perturbations, particularly river damming. Despite the adoption of protected areas setting up, captive breeding and release, and a fishing moratorium, conservation efforts for freshwater fishes are compromised by disproportional attention in China's biodiversity conservation, baseline data deficiency, insufficiently designed protection networks, and inefficient or inadequate implementation of conservation strategies. To achieve the objectives of Chinese freshwater fish conservation, it is proposed to conduct a national‐scale survey of fish diversity and reassess their at‐risk status, develop systematic conservation planning of freshwater fish diversity and ecosystems, prioritize strategies for protected areas development, perform genetic‐based captive breeding for releasing in concert with other protection actions, and implement flexible fishing moratorium strategies in different water bodies.
The risk and predictors of gallbladder cancer in patients with gallbladder polyps: A retrospective cohort study with an insight into confounding by indication
Authors: Hajibandeh Shahab , Ashar Sana , Parry Craig , Ellis‐Owen Rwth , Kumar Nagappan
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

We aimed to determine the risk and predictors of gallbladder cancer in all individuals with gallbladder polyps (GP) including those who did not have cholecystectomy.

Methods

The STROCSS guideline was followed to conduct a retrospective cohort study. All individuals with GP between 2010 and 2019 were followed up to determine the risk and predictors of gallbladder cancer. The primary outcomes were gallbladder cancer and gallbladder dysplasia, and the secondary outcomes included polyp growth rate and polyp disappearance rate. Binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were conducted to evaluate the outcomes.

Results

Analysis of 438 patients showed risk of gallbladder cancer was 0.7% in all polyps (0% in polyps < 10 mm; 5.9% in polyps ≥ 10 mm). The risk of gallbladder dysplasia or cancer was 1.1% in all polyps (0% in polyps < 10 mm; 10% in polyps ≥ 10 mm). The polyp size (P = 0.0001) was predictor of cancer; however, patient's age (P = 0.1085), number of polyps (P = 0.9983), symptomatic polyps (P = 0.3267), and change in size (P = 0.9012) were not. Size of 21 mm was cut‐off for risk of cancer (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.995, P < 0.001) and 11.8 mm for risk of dysplasia or cancer (AUC: 0.986, P < 0.001). The mean polyp growth rate was 0.3 mm/year and polyp disappearance rate was 16%.

Conclusions

The GP size remains the only predictor of malignant changes regardless of patient's age, patient's symptoms and number of polyps. The polyp growth rate is unremarkable, and a significant proportion disappears during follow‐up. We changed our follow‐up protocol with reduced number of scans and early discharge policy.
Transforming health care: A large health organizations' journey to become an age‐friendly health system (AFHS) and beyond
Authors: Carney Maria Torroella , Kwiatek Susan , Burns Edith A.
Published: November 2023

Background

In 2017, the John A. Hartford Foundation partnered with the Institute for Health Care Improvement, American Hospital Association, and Catholic Health Care Organization to define the 4Ms framework to improve quality of care and health outcomes for older adults. The senior leadership of one of the largest integrated healthcare organizations (HCO) in the country recognized the relevance of these recommendations to the aging demographic of the United States. The health system provides care to over 2,000,000 unique patients annually, about 20% of whom are aged ≥65. We describe how commitment to becoming an Age‐Friendly Health System (AFHS) has taken this HCO beyond the targets set by the initiative.

Methods

Steps guiding evolution of the AFHS model of care are as follows: Initiation, assessment, planning, implementation, sustainability. An AFHS leadership team including geriatrics and quality improvement expertise oversees the initiative. Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycles are utilized at multiple stages to develop structures for data collection and reporting outcomes.

Results

Initiation and assessment stages identified key champions and existing efforts and programs that were leveraged to implement 4Ms best practices. Working committees with relevant expertise for each M selected evidence‐based quality measures and designed/adapted training materials. The EHR is used to integrate quality measures and gather outcome data to inform changes in care. Dashboards capturing quality measures for each M have been implemented and pilot‐tested at a community‐based hospital and these processes are being adapted and disseminated to other settings. Leadership and stakeholders convene regularly to review lessons learned and next steps.

Conclusions

On the health system level, partnering with quality management leaders has led to development of processes that feed into organizational level data used to track longitudinal improvements in patient outcomes. Outcome data in each of the 4M domains are presented. Learning points are shared to help others take a systems‐approach to age‐friendly change.
Temporal control of the Aux/IAA genes BnIAA32 and BnIAA34 mediates Brassica napus dual shade responses
Authors: Li Yafei , Guo Yiyi , Cao Yue , Xia Pengguo , Xu Dongqing , Sun Ning , Jiang Lixi , Dong Jie
Published: November 2023

Precise responses to changes in light quality are crucial for plant growth and development. For example, hypocotyls of shade‐avoiding plants typically elongate under shade conditions. Although this typical shade‐avoidance response (TSR) has been studied in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the molecular mechanisms underlying shade tolerance are poorly understood. Here we report that B. napus (Brassica napus) seedlings exhibit dual shade responses. In addition to the TSR, B. napus seedlings also display an atypical shade response (ASR), with shorter hypocotyls upon perception of early‐shade cues. Genome‐wide selective sweep analysis indicated that ASR is associated with light and auxin signaling. Moreover, genetic studies demonstrated that phytochrome A (BnphyA) promotes ASR, whereas BnphyB inhibits it. During ASR, YUCCA8 expression is activated by early‐shade cues, leading to increased auxin biosynthesis. This inhibits hypocotyl elongation, as young B. napus seedlings are highly sensitive to auxin. Notably, two non‐canonical AUXIN/INDOLE‐3‐ACETIC ACID (Aux/IAA) repressor genes, BnIAA32 and BnIAA34, are expressed during this early stage. BnIAA32 and BnIAA34 inhibit hypocotyl elongation under shade conditions, and mutations in BnIAA32 and BnIAA34 suppress ASR. Collectively, our study demonstrates that the temporal expression of BnIAA32 and BnIAA34 determines the behavior of B. napus seedlings following shade‐induced auxin biosynthesis.
Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures for mothers of brides: Strategies and considerations
Authors: Magacho‐Vieira Fabiano Nadson
Published: November 2023

The pivotal role of the bride's mothers in wedding celebrations is an effective motivation to seek cosmetic therapies, making them frequent patients in a dermatologists' offices. Addressing their aesthetic concerns contributes to their holistic well‐being, but faces an intricate relationship between time availability, financial factors, and the critical emotional context. This article underscores the varying behavioral patterns of mothers of brides when seeking aesthetic treatments, providing tailored strategies for effective communication and decision‐making, based on individual personalities. Additionally, this paper presents a specific timeline for the implementation of these interventions, including neuromodulators, collagen stimulators, and fillers. Understanding the unique traits and expectations of this particular population can lead to improved patient satisfaction, enhanced outcomes, and an overall positive experience.
Information Cascades and Threshold Implementation: Theory and an Application to Crowdfunding
Authors: CONG LIN WILLIAM , XIAO YIZHOU
Published: November 2023

Economic interactions often involve sequential actions, observational learning, and contingent project implementation. We incorporate all‐or‐nothing thresholds in a canonical model of information cascades. Early supporters effectively delegate their decisions to a “gatekeeper,” resulting in unidirectional cascades without herding on rejections. Project proposers can consequently charge higher prices. Proposal feasibility, project selection, and information aggregation all improve, even when agents can wait. Equilibrium outcomes depend on crowd size, and project implementation and information aggregation achieve efficiency in the large‐crowd limit. Our key insights hold under thresholds in dollar amounts and alternative equilibrium selection, among other model extensions.
Digitally designed and manufactured sectional custom tray for a patient with microstomia: A case report
Authors: Jagielska Marika , Somohano‐Marquez Tanya , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael
Published: November 2023

Microstomia presents a challenge for the patient and dental provider. This report describes a partial digital workflow for the fabrication of a mandibular complete denture for a patient with microstomia. Computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing technology was utilized to 3D print a sectional custom tray with a unique design. The sectional custom tray was used to make a conventional border molded impression of the edentulous arch to fabricate a flexible complete mandibular denture for a 58‐year‐old female patient with scleroderma and microstomia. This treatment resulted in a successful prosthetic outcome and high patient satisfaction.
The joy of being frightened: Fear experience in psychopathy
Authors: Hofmann Miriam J. , Mokros Andreas , Schneider Sabrina
Published: November 2023

Objective

Psychopathic traits are associated with abnormalities in fear processing. While traditional theories focus on a lack of fear, Hosker‐Field et al. (2016) provided a new perspective. They suggested that individuals with elevated psychopathic traits may experience threatening situations with appreciation or positivity, resulting in reduced negative fear responses and heightened positive responses (fear enjoyment hypothesis, FEH).

Method

Our study aimed to refine Hosker‐Field et al.'s (2016) study design, addressing methodological limitations and improving the inconsistent operationalization of fear experience in the literature. In an online sample of 353 participants from the general population, we examined the relationship between the FEH and relevant psychopathic traits, specifically those derived from the PCL‐R framework (i.e., SRP 4 Factor 1), and from a more trait‐based approach to psychopathy with assumed links to fearlessness (i.e., TriPM Boldness).

Results

By employing linear mixed effect models, we extended Hosker‐Field et al.'s correlational analysis and provided further evidence for the FEH, particularly in relation to psychopathic traits measured using the PCL‐R framework. The results regarding Boldness, however, are somewhat inconclusive.

Conclusion

The present study enhances existing research on fear deficits in psychopathy by assessing the subjective experience of individuals facing threat.
Almost half of the Gymnura van Hasselt, 1823 species are unknown: Phylogeographic inference as scissors for cutting the hidden Gordian knot and clarify their conservation status
Authors: Gales Suellen M. , Parsons Kristene T. , Biesack Ellen E. , Ready Jonathan , Siccha‐Ramirez Raquel , Rosa Leonardo C. , Rosa Ricardo , Rotundo Matheus M. , Bills Roger , Rodrigues Alan Erik S. , Rodrigues‐Filho Luis Fernando S. , McDowell Jan , Sales João Bráullio L.
Published: November 2023

Gymnurid rays are found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world, where they are associated with sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal areas, being easily distinguished from other rays by the width of the disc. In recent years, the systematics of this family have been revised extensively. However, there has been no comprehensive molecular review of the family based on an adequate sample of species and localities, which may have obscured the presence of distinct evolutionary lineages. The present study was based on samples of 12 of the 13 valid species of the genus Gymnura, which were used for a multilocus reconstruction of the evolutionary history of the family Gymnuridae. Our results indicate the existence of several cryptic gymnurid lineages, within the species Gymnura micrura, Gymnura lessae, Gymnura altavela, and Gymnura poecilura. Also, we indicate that only half of the species that compose the genus are known, as well their conservation status. The analyses also indicate that the gymnurids originated during the Paleocene, with events of dispersal and vicariance occurring through the formation of oceanographic barriers, and species diversification peaking during the Oligocene and Miocene. The results of the present study reinforce the need for a comprehensive revision of the systematics of the family, in particular, the widely distributed species that are considered valid taxa, but may, in fact, represent different cryptic species. The inadequate classification of this cryptic diversity may have negative implications for the development of effective conservation measures.
3D printed meat and the fundamental aspects affecting printability
Authors: Moparthi Sai Sathvika , L. Gokul Krishna , Karyappa Rahul , Upadhyay Rituja
Published: November 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing, one of the forms of additive manufacturing, has become a popular trend worldwide with a wide range of applications including food. The technology is adaptable and meets foods nutritional and sensory needs allowing meat processing to reach a sustainable level, technology addressing the food requirement of the ever‐increasing population and the fast‐paced lifestyle by reducing food preparation time. By minimizing food waste and the strain on animal resources, technology can help to create a more sustainable economy and environment. This review article discusses the 3D printing process and various 3D printing techniques used for food printing, such as laser powder bed fusion, inkjet food printing, and binder jetting, a suitable 3D technique used for meat printing, such as extrusion‐based bioprinting. Moreover, we discuss properties that affect the printability of meat and its products with their applications in the meat industry, 3D printing market potential challenges, and future trends.
Effects of soaked hay on lung function and airway inflammation in horses with severe asthma
Authors: Westerfeld Roxane , Payette Flavie , Dubuc Valérie , Manguin Estelle , Picotte Khristine , Beauchamp Guy , Bédard Christian , Leclere Mathilde
Published: November 2023

Background

Reducing inhaled dust particles improves lung function in horses with severe asthma. Soaked hay is commonly used by owners, but its efficacy in improving lung function and inflammation has not been documented.

Objectives

To measure the effects of soaked hay and alfalfa pellets in horses with severe asthma.

Animals

Ten adult horses with severe asthma from a research colony.

Methods

Prospective controlled trial. Horses in clinical exacerbation were housed indoors and allocated to be fed either soaked hay (n = 5) or alfalfa pellets (n = 5) for 6 weeks. Soaked hay was immersed for 45 minutes and dried out hay was discarded between meals. Pulmonary function and clinical scores were measured before and after 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Tracheal mucus scores and bronchoalveolar lavages were performed before and after 6 weeks. Lung function was analyzed with a linear mixed model using log‐transformed data.

Results

Lung resistance decreased from (median (range)) 2.47 (1.54‐3.95) to 1.59 (0.52‐2.10) cmH2O/L/s in the pellets group and from 1.89 (1.2‐3.54) to 0.61 (0.42‐2.08) cmH2O/L/s in the soaked hay group over the 6‐week period for an average difference of 1.06 cmH2O/L/s for pellets (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.09‐2.04, P = .03, not significant after correction) and 1.31 cmH2O/L/s for soaked hay (95% CI: −0.23 to 2.85, P < .001, significant).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Soaked hay can control airway obstruction in horses with severe asthma. The strict protocol for soaking and discarding dried‐out hay in this study could however be considered too great of an inconvenience by owners.
Physcomitrium patens response to elevated CO2 is flexible and determined by an interaction between sugar and nitrogen availability
Authors: Mohanasundaram Boominathan , Koley Somnath , Allen Doug K. , Pandey Sona
Published: November 2023

Mosses hold a unique position in plant evolution and are crucial for protecting natural, long‐term carbon storage systems such as permafrost and bogs. Due to small stature, mosses grow close to the soil surface and are exposed to high levels of CO2, produced by soil respiration. However, the impact of elevated CO2 (eCO2) levels on mosses remains underexplored.

We determined the growth responses of the moss Physcomitrium patens to eCO2 in combination with different nitrogen levels and characterized the underlying physiological and metabolic changes.

Three distinct growth characteristics, an early transition to caulonema, the development of longer, highly pigmented rhizoids, and increased biomass, define the phenotypic responses of P. patens to eCO2. Elevated CO2 impacts growth by enhancing the level of a sugar signaling metabolite, T6P. The quantity and form of nitrogen source influences these metabolic and phenotypic changes. Under eCO2, P. patens exhibits a diffused growth pattern in the presence of nitrate, but ammonium supplementation results in dense growth with tall gametophores, demonstrating high phenotypic plasticity under different environments.

These results provide a framework for comparing the eCO2 responses of P. patens with other plant groups and provide crucial insights into moss growth that may benefit climate change models.
Multivariate analysis of alveolar bone dehiscence and fenestration in anterior teeth after orthodontic treatment: A retrospective study
Authors: Luo Nan , Chen Yanxi , Li Lingfeng , Wu Yan , Dai Hongwei , Zhou Jianping
Published: November 2023

Objective

To compare the prevalence of fenestration and dehiscence between pre‐ and post‐orthodontic treatment and to explore the factors related to fenestration and dehiscence in the anterior teeth after treatment.

Methods

This study included 1000 cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 500 patients before (T1) and after (T2) orthodontic treatment. These images were imported into Dolphin 11.9 software to detect alveolar fenestration and dehiscence in the anterior teeth area. The chi‐square test and Fisher's exact test were performed to compare the prevalence of alveolar bone defects between time points T1 and T2. A total of 499 patients were selected for logistic regression analysis to examine the correlation among age, sex, crowding, sagittal facial type, extraction, miniscrew use and fenestration or dehiscence post‐treatment.

Results

Except for the maxillary lingual fenestration and labial fenestration of mandibular canines, a significant change in the prevalence of fenestration and dehiscence was noted between time points T1 and T2 (P < .025). Multinomial logistic regression showed that age, miniscrew use and extraction highly influenced the prevalence of anterior lingual dehiscence (P < .05). Dehiscence of the mandibular labial side (skeletal Class III vs. I, OR = 2.368, P = .000) and fenestration of the mandibular lingual side (skeletal Class II vs. I, OR = 2.344, P = .044) were strongly correlated with the sagittal facial type. Dehiscence of the maxillary labial side (moderate vs. mild, OR = 1.468, P = .017) was significantly associated with crowding.

Conclusions

Older age, maxillary moderate crowding, skeletal Class III, extraction and miniscrew potentially significantly affect the prevalence of anterior teeth dehiscence. Adult females, skeletal Class III patients on the mandibular labial side and skeletal Class II patients on the mandibular lingual side should be monitored for anterior teeth fenestration.
Effects of daily versus weekly teriparatide for medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A case–control study
Authors: Kim Kang‐Min , Kim Sehyang , Hwang Hyun , Kim Hey‐Yun , Kim Dohyun , Park Jung‐Hyun , Choo HyeRan , Kim Jin‐Woo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is uncommon but can result in severe destruction of the jaw. This case–control study investigated the therapeutic effects of daily or weekly administration of teriparatide in the management of MRONJ using a cohort for osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with MRONJ and consented to teriparatide administration were assigned either to a group of daily injection or of weekly injection and completed a 4‐week course of injection preoperatively and at least an 8‐week course postoperatively. The control group received either the intraoperative rhBMP treatment (CG_BMP) or no additional perioperative treatment (CG_noBMP). The state of MRONJ was evaluated 2 months (T1) and 6 months (T2) postoperatively for all participants.

Results

Either group of daily injection (8.35 weeks ± 1.58; n = 17) or weekly injection (9.17 ± 3.79; n = 12) showed significantly faster healing than those of CG_BMP (14.40 ± 6.08; n = 25) or CG_noBMP (15.79 ± 9.79; n = 39). MRONJ was resolved completely in 24 out of 29 participants who completed the course of teriparatide injections, whereas 46.9% of CG showed delayed resolution. Multiple regression analysis indicated 7.50 times (95% CI, 1.77–31.82) more likelihood of complete resolution of MRONJ for participants with teriparatide injections.

Conclusion

A course of daily or weekly administration of teriparatide injections may improve treatment outcomes for patients with MRONJ.
The bidirectional effect of neutrophils on periodontitis model in mice: A systematic review
Authors: Liu Siyan , Chen Yingyi , Jiang Yiyang , Du Juan , Guo Lijia , Xu Junji , Liu Yitong , Liu Yi
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate the regulatory role of neutrophils as the first line of host immune defense in the periodontal microenvironment of mice.

Methods

A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases for articles published between 2012 and 2023. In this review, articles investigating the effect of neutrophils on alveolar bone resorption in a mouse model of periodontitis were selected and evaluated according to eligibility criteria. Important variables that may influence outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Eleven articles were included in this systematic review. The results showed that because of their immune defense functions, the functional homeostasis of local neutrophils is critical for periodontal health. Neutrophil deficiency aggravates alveolar bone loss. However, several studies have shown that excessive neutrophil infiltration is positively correlated with alveolar bone resorption caused by periodontitis in mice. Therefore, the homeostasis of neutrophil function needs to be considered in the treatment of periodontitis.

Conclusions

Pooled analysis suggests that neutrophils play a bidirectional role in periodontal tissue remodeling in mouse periodontitis models. Therefore, targeted regulation of local neutrophil function provides a novel strategy for the treatment of periodontitis.
Exploring collaboration dynamics and representation in environmental justice councils
Authors: Ambrose Graham
Published: November 2023

A collaboration's ability to convene diverse stakeholders and knowledge is often associated with success. However, a more nuanced evaluation of representation is needed to understand if meeting‐level factors (e.g., who attends as well as including facilitators or external technical experts) influence representation. This article examines representation via two‐way communication in meetings to explore: (1) patterns of discussion across sectors (i.e., appointed citizens, agency delegates, and external stakeholders), (2) how patterns of discussion change given attendance differences across sectors, and (3) how meeting‐level factors associate with observed discussion patterns. Using meeting‐level data, across three US, state‐level, legislatively‐mandated environmental justice councils, results suggest: (1) sectors have different patterns of how much and with whom they discuss, (2) retreat meetings increase discussion for all, and (3) other meeting‐level factors and discussion patterns are narrowly focused to specific sectors. The discussion applies the findings of this study to the broader field of collaborative governance.
Fatty alcohols, a minor component of the tree tobacco surface wax, are associated with defence against caterpillar herbivory
Authors: Negin Boaz , Shachar Lior , Meir Sagit , Ramirez Claudio C. , Rami Horowitz A. , Jander Georg , Aharoni Asaph
Published: November 2023

Despite decades of research resulting in a comprehensive understanding of epicuticular wax metabolism, the function of these almost ubiquitous metabolites in plant–herbivore interactions remains unresolved. In this study, we examined the effects of CRISPR‐induced knockout mutations in four Nicotiana glauca (tree tobacco) wax metabolism genes. These mutations cause a wide range of changes in epicuticular wax composition, leading to altered interactions with insects and snails. Three interaction classes were examined: chewing herbivory by seven caterpillars and one snail species, phloem feeding by Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) and oviposition by Bemisia tabaci (whitefly). Although total wax load and alkane abundance did not affect caterpillar growth, a correlation across species, showed that fatty alcohols, a minor component of N. glauca surface waxes, negatively affected the growth of both a generalist caterpillar (Spodoptera littoralis) and a tobacco‐feeding specialist (Manduca sexta). This negative correlation was overshadowed by the stronger effect of anabasine, a nicotine isomer, and was apparent when fatty alcohols were added to an artificial lepidopteran diet. By contrast, snails fed more on waxy leaves. Aphid reproduction and feeding activity were unaffected by wax composition but were potentially affected by altered cutin composition. Wax crystal morphology could explain the preference of B. tabaci to lay eggs on waxy wild‐type plants relative to both alkane and fatty alcohol‐deficient mutants. Together, our results suggest that the varied responses among herbivore classes and species are likely to be a consequence of the co‐evolution that shaped the specific effects of different surface wax components in plant–herbivore interactions.
Pulmonary vein stenosis in heart transplant patients
Authors: Choi Connie , Morray Brian H. , Ahmed Humera , Kemna Mariska
Published: November 2023

Background

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a rare pediatric condition associated with significant mortality and morbidity. PVS in patients following heart transplant (HT) has not yet been described.

Methods

Patients who had clinically significant PVS following a heart transplant during the time period of April 1, 2013 to April 30, 2023, at Seattle Children's Hospital were identified. Clinically significant PVS was defined as an atretic vein or a vein with a gradient of ≥4 mmHg across at least one vein by echocardiogram or during cardiac catheterization. Patients who had a diagnosis of PVS prior to their transplant were excluded. A total of six patients were identified. We collected clinical data on these patients from their pre‐transplant course to their most recent status.

Results

The median age at HT was 7.5 months (range 2–13 months). The median time from HT to diagnosis of PVS was 3.5 months (range 0.3–13 months). At the last follow‐up, the patients had had two to five pulmonary vein interventions, and there were no mortalities. The donor‐to‐recipient weight and total cardiac volume (TCV) ratios were less than 2.0 in five of six of the patients.

Conclusions

PVS is a rare complication that is associated with patients who undergo HT during infancy. PVS develops soon after HT and screening should occur accordingly. Interestingly, high donor‐to‐recipient weight and TCV ratios are not necessarily associated with the development of PVS. Further work will need to be performed in order to determine the significance of PVS in post‐HT patients.
Appressorium formation is regulated by the Msb2‐ and Sho1‐dependent hierarchical transcriptional network in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Liu Na , Meng Fanli , Tian Chengming
Published: November 2023

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which penetrates the plant hosts via special infection structures called appressoria, causes anthracnose in many plants worldwide. However, the biological mechanism underlying appressorium formation is not fully characterized in this pathogen. In the present study, the overall gene expression pattern of appressorium formation was studied by targeted gene deletion and expression analysis during the conidial germination of wildtype and ΔCgMsb2Sho1 double mutant strains of C. gloeosporioides on hydrophobic surfaces. Significant transcriptional changes were detected for nearly 41.9% and 45.4% of the genes in the wildtype and ΔCgMsb2Sho1 strains, respectively. Two genes encoding the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase regulatory subunit and adenylate cyclase had higher expression in the wild type than in the ΔCgMsb2Sho1 mutant; cAMP then activates the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway. However, we revealed that genes involved in the MAPK signalling pathway may inhibit appressorium formation by encoding proteins that disrupt the downstream signal transduction process after recognition of the host by the cell membrane surface receptor proteins mucin (Msb2) and the sensor protein Sho, encoded by CgMsb2 and CgSho1, respectively. Finally, the regulation of transcription factors on lipid metabolism and plant cell wall‐degrading enzymes was affected. The results provide a comprehensive overview of the changes in the expression of important genes during the early stage of appressorium formation, which may be useful for understanding the molecular mechanism of appressorium formation in C. gloeosporioides.
Legal Interpretation, Conceptual Ethics, and Alternative Legal Concepts
Authors: Plunkett David
Published: November 2023

When legal theorists ask questions about legal interpretation—such as what it fundamentally is, what it aims at, or how it should work—they often do so in ways closely tethered to existing legal practice. For example: they try to understand how an activity legal actors (purportedly) already engage in should be done better, such as how judges can better learn about the content of the law. In this paper, I discuss a certain kind of “conceptual ethics” approach to thinking about legal interpretation, which is less tethered to existing legal practice (or the existing meaning of core pieces of legal terminology). The approach I explore asks questions about legal interpretation in a way that is tethered to what legal (or “legal‐ish”) concepts people should deploy, as part of arguments on behalf of engaging in legal (or “legal‐ish”) practices different from our current ones. In exploring this approach, I aim to help us better understand the landscape of philosophical issues about legal interpretation, including parts of it that I think have been underexplored.