bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the interaction between EFL teachers' personality traits, emotion regulation strategies, and teachers' depression: A structural equation approach
Authors: Qu Jingfeng , Wang Yongliang
Published: July 2024

Emotion regulation strategies can enhance teachers' well‐being and performance by enabling them to cope with the challenges and stressors of teaching. Personality traits, however, may affect teachers' vulnerability to depression and their capacity to regulate their emotions. To investigate how emotion regulation strategies mediated the relationship between EFL teachers' personality traits and depression, we invited 546 Chinese EFL teachers to complete the relevant online questionnaires. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) results revealed that teachers' personality traits directly influenced their depression levels, and that their depression levels negatively impacted their emotion regulation strategies. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that positive emotions mediated the relationship between teachers' personality traits and depression, suggesting that teachers with higher levels of positive emotions had lower levels of depression and more effective emotion regulation strategies. The findings implied that fostering positive emotions and emotion regulation strategies can improve teachers' mental health and teaching quality. The study also added to the knowledge of the role of emotion regulation strategies in the interplay between personality traits and depression.
New insights on the chromosomal inversion thermal adaptation in insects: American populations of Drosophila subobscura
Authors: Arenas Concepció , Zivanovic Goran , Pegueroles Cinta , Mestres Francesc
Published: July 2024

Drosophila subobscura is an excellent model species for testing genetic variation in thermal adaptation due to its rich inversion chromosomal polymorphism. In Palearctic populations, the inversions of this species can be classified as “cold”, “warm” or “nonthermal” adapted. Based on this classification the Chromosomal Thermal Index (CTI) was developed, which allows measuring the thermal adaptation of populations and monitoring changes over time. Here, we aim to use this index in American colonizing populations of D. subobscura for the first time to obtain new information on the species thermal adaptation. Thus, thermal adapted inversions (“cold” and “warm”) were defined for the American continent and CTI was computed in South American (1981 and 1999 samples) and North American (1985 and 2004 samples) populations of D. subobscura. In general, both American populations showed an inverse relationship between CTI values and latitude, with CTI values decreasing when latitude increases. When comparing populations sampled in different years, an increase in CTI values was detected in four out of six temporal comparisons (only one was significant) of South America (1981 and 1999) and in six out of seven populations of North America (1985 and 2004). A global analysis using a one‐way repeated measures anova of CTI values in both American hemispheres showed a trend of increase for “warm” adapted inversions in Chile and North America, but this increase was only significant for the latter. Overall, these results are in agreement with global warming expectations, although natural selection acted differently in the colonized hemispheres.
Wound area severity index (WASI): A novel tool for assessing and predicting healing times in hidradenitis suppurativa postsurgical wounds
Authors: Michelucci Alessandra , Manzo Margiotta Flavia , Innocenti Silvia , Vietina Antonella , Granieri Giammarco , Janowska Agata , Morganti Riccardo , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina
Published: July 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) presents challenges in management due to its chronic nature and high risk of recurrence. Post‐surgical wound care plays a crucial role in treatment, even if standardized methods for assessing and predicting healing times are lacking. The aim of the study is to introduce the Wound Area Severity Index (WASI) as a novel tool to guide clinicians in assessing postsurgical wound progression and predicting potential healing times. A team of wound healing experts assessed 93 post‐surgical HS wounds resulting from wide excision and secondary intention healing. For each wound healing time, wound area, wound bed score (WBS), and WASI were evaluated. WASI includes four parameters: area, temperature, depth and wound Bed, each with four severity levels. The total WASI score ranges from 4 to 16. Spearman correlation and Kruskal–Wallis tests were employed for statistical analysis. WASI strongly correlated with wound healing time (rho: 0.813, p < 0.001). Higher WASI scores were associated with prolonged healing, while lower scores indicated almost healed wounds. The WASI score has proven to be more highly predictive of healing times when compared to the individual parameter of the Area (moderate positive correlation, r: 0.77) and the WBS (negative correlation, r: −0.72). A total WASI score of 4 corresponded to a median healing time of 7 days, while a score exceeding 9 suggested a median healing time of 56 days. WASI has proven to be a valuable tool for assessing and predicting healing times in post‐surgical HS wounds. Its simplicity, cost‐effectiveness, and ability to integrate multiple parameters make it a promising addition to wound care practice.
Antibiotic resistance genes: A global change factor
Authors: Yang Yuyi , Grossart Hans‐Peter
Published: July 2024

This invited commentary paper discusses the concept of elevated antibiotic resistance genes as a global change factor.
Quantitative comparison of immunohistochemical HER2‐low detection in an interlaboratory study
Authors: Hempenius Maaike Anna , Eenkhoorn Maran A , Høeg Henrik , Dabbs David J , van der Vegt Bert , Sompuram Seshi R , ‘t Hart Nils A
Published: July 2024

Aims

Recently, human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)‐low (i.e. HER2 score 1+ or 2+ without amplification) breast cancer patients became eligible for trastuzumab–deruxtecan treatment. To improve assay standardisation and detection of HER2‐low in a quantitative manner, we conducted an external quality assessment‐like study in the Netherlands. Dynamic range cell lines and immunohistochemistry (IHC) calibrators were used to quantify HER2 expression and to assess interlaboratory variability.

Methods and results

Three blank slides with a dynamic range cell line and an IHC calibrator were stained with routine HER2 assays by 35 laboratories. Four different antibody clones were used: 19 (54.3%) 4B5, six (17.1%) A0485, five (14.3%) DG44 (HercepTest) and five (14.3%) SP3. Laboratories used two different detection kits for 4B5 assays: 14 (73.7%) ultraView and five (26.3%) OptiView. Variability of HER2 expression in cell lines, measured with artificial intelligence software, was median (min–max) = negative core 0.5% (0.0–57.0), 1+ core 4.3% (1.6–71.3), 2+ core 42.8% (30.4–92.6) and 3+ core 96.2% (91.8–98.8). The calibrators DG44 and 4B5 OptiView had the highest analytical sensitivity, closely followed by 4B5 ultraView. SP3 was the least sensitive. Calibrators of A0485 assays were not analysable due to background staining.

Conclusions

As assays were validated for detecting HER2‐amplified tumours, not all assays and antibodies proved suitable for HER2‐low detection. Some tests showed distinct expression in the negative cell line. Dynamic range cell line controls and quantitative analysis using calibrators demonstrated more interlaboratory variability than commonly appreciated. Revalidation of HER2 tests by laboratories is needed to ensure clinical applicable HER2‐low assays.
User perception of fluoride mouthwashes for daily use: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Toonen L. S. J. , van Swaaij B. W. M. , Timmerman M. F. , Van der Weijden Fridus (G. A.) , Slot D. E.
Published: July 2024

Aim

To assess user perceptions of different commercially available fluoride mouthwashes (FL‐MWs).

Methods

A single‐blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to a sequence of six different FL‐MWs, one of which contained alcohol. For each visit, participants rinsed with one specific mouthwash (15 mL) for 30 s. After rinsing, participants completed a questionnaire with a visual analogue scale. Questions focused on overall taste, mild/pungent feeling, taste duration, foaming effect, burning sensation, sensitivity, numbness, dryness, rinsing time, smell, and colour of the mouthwashes. Descriptive analyses and statistical tests regarding differences among and between the mouthwashes were performed.

Results

Overall, 53 participants completed the study protocol, including nine who did, however, not rinse with the alcohol‐containing mouthwash due to religious reasons. Among the mouthwashes, significant differences were found for foaming effect, sensitivity, rinsing time, smell, and colour (p < 0.05). Pairwise comparison for smell did not reveal a difference, and foaming was within the acceptance range (low to medium foaming). Coloured mouthwashes were more appreciated than transparent solutions (p = 0.00). The mouthwash containing essential oils and alcohol produced significantly more sensitivity (p = 0.00) and, in general, participants experienced the rinsing time significantly longer (p < 0.05) compared to the non‐alcohol‐containing mouthwashes.

Conclusion

There is heterogeneity in user perceptions and preferences for FL‐MWs, with a significant difference in foaming effect, sensitivity, rinsing time, smell, and colour. Coloured mouthwashes are preferred. The mouthwash containing essential oils and alcohol was less acceptable in relation to sensitivity and rinsing time.
THE UNPRECEDENTED FALL IN U.S. REVOLVING CREDIT
Authors: Raveendranathan Gajendran , Stefanidis Georgios
Published: July 2024

After decades of consistent growth, U.S. revolving credit declined drastically post 2009. We study the Ability to Pay provision of the Credit CARD Act of 2009, a policy that restricts credit card limits, as a contributing factor. Extending a model of revolving credit lines, we find that the policy accounts for 54–60% of the decline in revolving credit. Furthermore, the policy accounts for lower utilization rates despite tighter credit limits and higher spreads despite lower default risk. The policy's goal of consumer protection is achieved for a few consumers with time‐inconsistent preferences; most individuals are hurt.
Detection of hidden bruises on kiwifruit using hyperspectral imaging combined with deep learning
Authors: Bu Youhua , Luo Jianing , Li Jiabao , Chi Qian , Guo Wenchuan
Published: July 2024

During harvesting, transportation and storage of kiwifruit, the flesh is often bruised by collision or compression. However, the bruises in kiwifruit are extremely difficult to recognise by naked eyes and are called hidden bruises. Accordingly, a fast method for detecting hidden bruises in kiwifruit was developed in this study based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) coupled with deep learning. The spectral range (924–1277 nm) and feature wavelengths (928.19, 1051.03 and 1190.47 nm) sensitive to hidden bruises in kiwifruit were selected using the principal component analysis (PCA). Subsequently, three‐channel images (Dataset 1), grayscale images (Dataset 2) and pseudo‐colour images (Dataset 3) were generated according to the images of feature wavelengths of the kiwifruit. The YOLOv5s model for detecting the hidden bruised areas of the kiwifruit was developed using these three datasets. The results showed that the YOLOv5s detection model performed best at Dataset 1, and the values of Precision, Recall, F1, mAP and FNR of this model were 98.25%, 97.50%, 97.87%, 99.12% and 2.50% respectively. The study showed that HSI technology combined with the YOLOv5s model can effectively detect hidden bruises in kiwifruit, providing references for detecting hidden bruises in other fruit.
Preparation and characterisation of fish skin collagen–chitosan–cinnamon essential oil composite film
Authors: Mao Qian , Zhuo Yijia , Luo Song , Li Jiahui , Hu Fengqing , Zhao Qi
Published: July 2024

The composite film with collagen as the main component has been widely used due to its characteristics of non‐toxicity, environmental protection and health. Fish skin, a by‐product of fish, is an excellent source of collagen. Thus, collagen was extracted from an under‐utilised species, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) skin, and the composite film of fish skin collagen–chitosan–cinnamon essential oil was prepared by casting. The effects of the ratio of collagen to chitosan (2:8, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, 8:2) and the concentration of essential oil (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% (v/v)) on the composite film were studied. The structures of the composite films were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffractometry (XRD). The collagen content of Atlantic cod skin is approximately 50.12%, which is significantly higher than that found in basa fish and Nile tilapia (P < 0.05). The content of hydroxyproline was 4.51%. Analyses of tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability, and water solubility showed Co4Ch6 (Co:Ch = 4:6) had the optimal comprehensive performance, and Co4Ch6–0.2 (Co4Ch6 with 0.2% CEO) had high water resistance in the high‐humidity environment. As the CEO concentration rose, the composite films' infrared absorption bands were enhanced in amplitude, and the XRD peaks were gradually intensified, indicating the internal crystallinity and, thereby, the opacity of the composite films were improved. The bacteriostasis zones Co4Ch6–0.4 against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 2.02 cm and 1.73 cm, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging rate of Co4Ch6 rose with the increase in CEO concentration, and the DPPH radical scavenging rate of C04Ch6–0.4 was up to 48.56%. Thus, the composite films prepared from fish skin collagen, chitosan, and cinnamon essential oils have outstanding mechanical properties, barrier ability, and antimicrobial activity and are promising for application in food packaging and storage. In addition, the composite films showed a potential antioxidation ability, which might be used as green bioactive films to preserve nutraceutical products.
Neurological‐related proteomic profiling in plasma of children with metabolic healthy and unhealthy overweight/obesity
Authors: Olvera‐Rojas Marcos , Plaza‐Florido Abel , Solis‐Urra Patricio , Osuna‐Prieto Francisco J. , Ortega Francisco B.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Children with overweight/obesity (OW/OB) exhibit poor cardiometabolic health, yet mechanisms influencing brain health remain unclear. We examined the differences in neurological‐related circulating proteins in plasma among children with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) and the association with metabolic syndrome markers.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we included 84 Caucasian children (39% girls), aged 10.1 ± 1.1 years, from the ActiveBrains project (NCT02295072). A ninety‐two‐protein targeted approach using Olink's® technology was used.

Results

We identified distinct concentrations of CD38, LAIR2, MANF and NRP2 proteins in MHO compared with MUO. Moreover, individual metabolic syndrome (MS) markers were linked to nine proteins (CD38, CPM, EDA2R, IL12, JAMB, KYNU, LAYN, MSR1 and SMOC2) in children with OW/OB. These proteins play crucial roles in diverse biological processes (e.g., angiogenesis, cholesterol transport, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) catalysis and maintenance of blood–brain barrier) related to brain health.

Conclusion

Our proteomics study suggests that cardiometabolic health (represented by MHO/MUO or individual MS markers) is associated with the concentration in plasma of several proteins involved in brain health. Larger‐scale studies are needed to contrast/confirm these findings, with CD38 standing out as a particularly noteworthy and robust discovery.
Assessment of space changes in the lower dental arch after the premature unit loss of a primary molar: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: de Souza Bruna Borges , Evangelista Maria Eduarda , Andriani Juliana da Silva Pereira , Cardoso Mariane , Miranda Santana Carla , Bolan Michele
Published: July 2024

Background

Premature loss of primary teeth presents a significant challenge in oral health, with conflicting views on using space maintainers.

Aim

To assess mandibular arch space changes associated with premature lower primary molar (PM) loss with or without a space maintainer.

Design

A randomized clinical trial with children (6–9 years old) with premature loss of a lower PM divided into two groups: control group (CG), without a space maintainer, and intervention group (IG), with a space maintainer. Dental casts were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Linear distance; intercanine width and length; and arch width, length, and perimeter were measured. ANOVA and t‐test were applied (p = .05).

Results

Twenty‐six patients (mean: 7.3 years; standard deviation [SD]: 0.92) were included: 14 in CG and 12 in IG. CG had a greater space loss (−0.9 mm; SD: 0.45) than IG (−0.4 mm; SD: 0.61) at 3 months (p < .05). No difference between the groups was observed after 6 months (p = .610). CG decreases space at 6 months, especially with the first permanent molars without intercuspation (−2 mm; SD: 0.71; p = .007).

Conclusion

Premature lower PM loss resulted in reduced arch space loss after 6 months, regardless of a space maintainer use. CG showed more loss of space when the first permanent molars lacked intercuspal relationship.
The meaning of adulthood for emerging adults with Down syndrome: Parent perspectives on relevant skills
Authors: Long Katherine L. , Karimi Atefeh , Mini Antonella , Stephens Dionne P. , Nelson Eliza L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Parents' conceptualizations of adulthood for their emerging adults with Down syndrome have the potential to impact the transition planning process as families prepare for life after graduation.

Aims

This study aimed to explore parent perceptions of the meaning of adulthood for their emerging adults with Down syndrome.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we interviewed 11 parents of emerging adults with Down syndrome using phenomenological methodology and analysed these data using thematic analysis.

Results

Three topics emerged: (1) Parents' constructions of the meaning of adulthood; (2) Parents' perceptions about the transition to adulthood; and (3) Parents' perceptions of current adult life skills. Ten themes arose out of these topics.

Conclusions

Parents expressed ambivalence about the meaning of adulthood for their emerging adults with Down syndrome, sharing that in some ways they were adults and in others they were not. The meaning of adulthood was closely tied to obtained skills, particularly those related to personal safety.
A systematic review of sex and gender differences in treatment outcome of inflammatory skin diseases: Is it time for new guidelines?
Authors: Preis S. , Ziehfreund S. , Biedermann T. , Horster S. , Zink A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Gender‐ and sex‐specific differences in medicine were long‐time disregarded. Despite numerous indications of gender‐ and sex‐specific influences on the treatment of dermatological conditions, these have not yet been systematically investigated.

Objectives

To meet this unmet need, we conducted the present systematic review on the topic of gender and sex differences in the treatement outcome of skin diseases.

Methods

Embase (via Ovid), PubMed Medline and Web of Science were searched, in between January 2001 and December 2022. English and german randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohorts and case–control studies that examined differences between men and women in treatment outcomes of skin diseases were included.

Results

Two authors independently screened the reports for eligibility, one extracted all data (the second double‐checked) and critically appraised the quality and risk of bias of the studies. Eighty‐three reports were included. The largest share of the identified publications focused on gender differences in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (n = 49), followed by melanoma (n = 8) and sporadic studies (n < 5) of inflammatory, infectious and autoimmune skin diseases. The main topics in which gender differences could be identified were choice of treatment, time to initiation of treatment, therapy response, adverse events, adherence and treatment satisfaction. For psoriasis, gender differences could be found in all aspects, while for the other skin diseases specific publications on gender differences are still missing.

Conclusions

This systematic review shows numerous gender differences but also reveals major gaps in gender‐specific care in dermatology which should be narrowed in the upcoming years to optimize a patient‐centred, individualized, gender‐equal healthcare. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42022306626.
Reimagining nature‐based coastal adaptation: A nested framework
Authors: Sherren Kate , Rahman H. M. T. , Manuel Patricia , Wells Emily , Rapaport Eric , van Proosdij Danika
Published: July 2024

Nature‐based coastal adaptation is a subset of nature‐based solutions that has to this point focused on the materiality of managing coastal risks: what our coastal protections are made of or where we put things that are in the way of harm. In our collaborative interdisciplinary work, we have been reimagining nature‐based coastal adaptation to start with first principles: how we think about the coast and what makes a good coastal life. In a nature‐based approach our shared sense of what is good and possible, also known as the social imaginary, needs shifting before any physical material. This paper presents a new nested framework for thinking about nature‐based coastal adaptation using five words starting with R: Reimagine, Reserve, Relocate, Restore, Reinforce. We use the nature‐based adaptation option of managed dyke realignment in Bay of Fundy agricultural dykelands to illustrate the utility of the framework in practice but assert its more generic applicability.
Home health utilization in the Veterans Health Administration: Are there rural and urban differences?
Authors: Davila Heather , Mayfield Bradely , Mengeling Michelle A. , Holcombe Andrea , Miell Kelly R. , Jaske Erin , Iverson William , Walkner Tammy , Stewart Greg , Solimeo Samantha
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Growing numbers of older adults need home health care, yhese services may be more difficult to access for rural Veterans, who represent one‐third of Veterans Health Administration (VA) enrollees. Our objective was to examine whether home health use differs within VA based on rurality.

Methods

We examined national VA administrative data for 2019–2021 (January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021) among Veterans ages ≥65 years. Using descriptive and multivariable analyses, we assessed whether rural versus urban Veterans differed in (1) the likelihood of using any home health and (2) for those who received ≥1 visit, number of visits received.

Results

Among home health users (n = 107,229, 33.1% rural), rural and urban Veterans were similar in age (77.0 vs. 77.2 years). Rural Veterans were less likely to be highly frail (38.9% rural vs. 40.4% urban) or diagnosed with dementia (13.5% vs. 17.6%). After adjusting for Veterans’ characteristics, rural Veterans were more likely to receive any home health (odds ratio: 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 1.13). Among Veterans who received ≥1 home health visit, rurality was associated with considerably fewer expected visits (incident rate ratio: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.72).

Conclusions

Although rural Veterans were more likely than urban Veterans to receive any home health services, they received considerably fewer home health visits. This difference may represent an access issue for rural Veterans. Future research is needed to identify reasons for these differences and develop strategies to ensure rural Veterans’ care needs are equitability addressed.
Factors associated with chronic abdominal pain in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in remission: A pilot cross‐sectional study
Authors: Engelmann‐Kewitz Maike , Khwaja Iman , Takahashi Kazuya , Parkes Miles , Norton Christine , Hart Ailsa , Bulmer David , Aziz Qasim
Published: July 2024

Background

Patients (20%–50%) with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience chronic abdominal pain during remission. The clinical features of IBD patients with abdominal pain during remission remain poorly characterized. This cross‐sectional pilot study aimed to assess patient recruitment, adherence, and feedback to optimize questionnaires for future use and to determine the clinical features that distinguish IBD patients in remission with and without abdominal pain.

Methods

Online validated questionnaires about disease activity, symptoms, and psychological factors were sent to participants of the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) IBD BioResource, which is a national research platform consisting of re‐callable IBD patients designed to expedite research into Crohn's and colitis. Inclusion/exclusion criteria of the IBD BioResource main cohort were applied. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to participants in remission. p‐values ≤0.01 were considered significant.

Key results

A total of 2050 patients were approached; 291 (14.2%) of these agreed to participate. In 35 patients, technical problems, length, and poor understanding of the relevance of some questionnaires affected completion as confirmed by feedback. In total, 244 patients were full responders with 122 (50%) in remission; 33 (27%) of these had chronic abdominal pain. Comparison of those with versus without (n = 89) chronic abdominal pain yielded higher scores in patients with pain for the following: somatization (p < 0.001); gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale score (p = <0.001); highly sensitive person scale (p = 0.007); catastrophizing score (p = 0.010). Trends were observed for azathioprine use (p = 0.021); coping resources inventory health in general (p = 0.046); neuroticism (p = 0.019); and poor sleep (p = 0.03).

Conclusions & inferences

Differences in symptoms and psychological characteristics exist between IBD patients in remission with and without abdominal pain. Confirmation of findings in larger studies may facilitate development of personalized chronic pain treatments for IBD patients.
Cardiometabolic implications of adipose tissue aging
Authors: Ahmed Bulbul , Farb Melissa G. , Gokce Noyan
Published: July 2024

Adipose tissue is a large endocrine organ that serves numerous physiological functions. As we age, adipose tissue remodels and can develop functional changes that alters its phenotype, potentially contributing to metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Aging adipose tissue is characterized by regional redistribution of fat, accumulation of senescent cells, fibrosis, and decline in adipocyte differentiation capacities, which collectively impact adipose tissue function and whole body health. A notable transformation involves increased accumulation of intra‐abdominal visceral adipose tissue and ectopic fat around internal organs such as the heart, blood vessels, liver, and kidneys that alter their functions. Other changes associated with aging include alterations in adipokine secretion and changes in adipocyte size and numbers. Aging adipocytes play a role in mediating chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Visceral adipose tissue, which increases in volume with aging, is in particular associated with inflammation, angiogenic dysfunction, and microvascular abnormalities, and mediators released by visceral fat may have adverse consequences systemically in multiple target organs, including the cardiovascular system. Understanding mechanisms underlying adipose tissue aging and its impact on cardiovascular health are important for developing interventions and treatments to promote healthy aging and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk.
Association of adverse childhood experiences and overweight or obesity in adolescents: A systematic review and network analysis
Authors: Moriya Renato Mikio , de Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Coral , Reiche Edna Maria Vissoci , Passini João Luís Lima , Nunes Sandra Odebrecht Vargas
Published: July 2024

This systematic review with meta‐analysis assessed the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) linked to overweight or obesity in adolescents. Twenty‐eight studies (cross‐sectional, case–control, or cohort) were included, which described individuals with a history of ACE or adverse family experiences, such as physical, emotional, or psychological abuses; neglect; exposure to domestic violence or peer violence; and sexual abuse. Body mass index (BMI) or BMI z score was used by the study to define adolescents with overweight or obesity. Adolescents who reported childhood experiences, mainly physical, sexual, and emotional abuses, were more associated with overweight/obesity, especially those who experienced four or more ACEs. Network meta‐analysis indicated that physical, sexual, and neglect were the most common ACEs associated with obesity in adolescents. Due to significant differences and imprecision among the studies, network meta‐analysis was inconclusive in determining the impact of other types of ACE on outcomes. However, evidence suggests that exposure to sexual and physical abuse, as well as neglect, is associated with adolescents who are obese or overweight, as well as with the number of ACE experienced. The study presented evidence suggesting that dealing with many ACEs may be a risk factor for overweight and obesity in adolescents.
Retrospective epidemiological study over 8‐year period on zygomatic complex fractures: A single centre experience
Authors: Monarchi Gabriele , Gilli Massimiliano , Caso Angela Rosa , Sacchi Federica , Committeri Umberto , Giovacchini Francesco , Mitro Valeria , Tullio Antonio
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to do a retrospective analysis of patients with zygomatic fractures who were treated at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Regional University Hospital of Perugia, Italy, between 2016 and 2023.

Materials and Methods

Patients were evaluated based on various parameters including age, sex, aetiology, symptoms, comorbidity, clinical findings, zygomatic fracture type, other facial fractures, treatment, waiting time before the operation, complications and sequelae. In the period described, we had 123 cases of zygomatic fractures requiring surgical intervention.

Results

Among the patients, 101 were male (82.1%) and 22 were female (17.9%). The average age of the patients was 48.65 years (ranging from 7 to 94 years).

The leading cause of these fractures was sports‐related injury (n = 32; 26.01%), and isolated zygomatic bone fractures were the most frequent (72.43%). The most common clinical signs and symptoms were pain, depression of the facial profile, difficulty in chewing, limitation of the buccal opening, difficulty in protrusion movements and mandibular lateralization. Ninety‐six per cent of patients underwent surgery under general anaesthesia, with open reduction and internal fixation.

Conclusions

The successful and effective management of zygomatic fractures requires a solid understanding of its anatomy, pathophysiology and related biomechanical structures and forces. The continuous research in epidemiology, aetiology, materials and techniques will further refine our treatments which are nowadays more and more customized according to the type of trauma.
Evaluation of cardiac implantable electronic device lead parameters before and after radiotherapy
Authors: Larsen Mia Bang , Jakobsen Annette Ross , Lundbye‐Christensen Søren , Riahi Sam , Thøgersen Anna Margrethe , Zaremba Tomas
Published: July 2024

Introduction and aim

Radiotherapy in cancer patients with a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator might damage the device and possibly result in malfunction of the device. We aimed to examine device malfunction and change in lead parameters in this group.

Methods

The medical records of pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients who underwent radiotherapy at Aalborg University Hospital between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2021, were reviewed. Treatment was planned according to risk of device malfunction, assessed using local guidelines. Bootstrap linear regression was used to identify possible differences in lead parameters depending on beam energy and anatomical location.

Results

One hundred nine patients with a pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator who received a total of 122 radiotherapy courses in the study period were identified. No device malfunctions or significant changes in lead parameters during radiotherapy were observed. Only the left ventricle lead threshold and impedance were found to be significantly different when compared by beam energy; however, these changes were relatively small and unlikely to be of clinical relevance.

Conclusion

No device malfunction or clinically relevant changes in lead parameters were identified in this study, suggesting that radiotherapy of pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients can be regarded as safe when following relevant safety precautions.
Digital Trace Data and Demographic Forecasting: How Well Did Google Predict the US COVID‐19 Baby Bust?
Authors: Wilde Joshua , Chen Wei , Lohmann Sophie , Abdel Ghany Jasmin
Published: July 2024

At the onset of the first wave of COVID‐19 in the United States, the pandemic's effect on future birthrates was unknown. In this paper, we assess whether digital trace data—often touted as a panacea for traditional data scarcity—held the potential to accurately predict fertility change caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. Specifically, we produced state‐level, dynamic future predictions of the pandemic's effect on birthrates in the United States using pregnancy‐related Google search data. Importantly, these predictions were made in October 2020 (and revised in February 2021), well before the birth effect of the pandemic could have possibly been known. Our analysis predicted that between November 2020 and February 2021, monthly United States births would drop sharply by approximately 12 percent, then begin to rebound while remaining depressed through August 2021. While these predictions were generally accurate in terms of the magnitude and timing of the trough, there were important misses regarding the speed at which these reductions materialized and rebounded. This ex post evaluation of an ex ante prediction serves as a powerful demonstration of the “promise and pitfalls” of digital trace data in demographic research.
Insights into response of seagrass (Zostera marina) to sulfide exposure at morphological, physiochemical and molecular levels in context of coastal eutrophication and warming
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yue Shidong , Gao Yaping , Zhao Peng , Liu Mingjie , Qiao Yongliang , Xu Shaochun , Gu Ruiting , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhou Yi
Published: July 2024

Sulfide in sediment porewaters, is toxic to rooted macrophytes in both marine and freshwater environments. Current research on sulfide stress in seagrasses primarily focuses on morphological and physiological aspects, with little known about the molecular response and resistance mechanisms. This study first investigated the damage caused by sulfide to eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) using transcriptomic, metabolomic, and other physiological and biochemical indicators and explored the potential resistance of eelgrass at molecular level through laboratory simulated and in‐situ sulfide stress experiments. Comprehensive results showed that sulfide stress severely inhibited the growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzyme activities of eelgrass. Importantly, transcriptome analysis revealed significant activation of pathways related to carbohydrate and sulfur metabolism. This activation served a dual purpose: providing an energy source for eelgrass stress response and achieving detoxification through accelerated sulfur metabolism—a potential resistance mechanism. The toxicity of sulfide increased with rising temperature as evidenced by a decrease in EC50. Results from recovery experiments indicated that when Fv/Fm reduced to about 0 under sulfide stress, the growth and photosynthesis of eelgrass recovered to normal level after timely removal of sulfide. However, prolonged exposure to sulfide resulted in failure to recover, leading ultimately to plant death. This study not only enhances our understanding of the molecular‐level impacts of sulfide on seagrasses but also provides guidance for the management and ecological restoration of seagrass meadows under sulfide stress.
Water wisteria genome reveals environmental adaptation and heterophylly regulation in amphibious plants
Authors: Li Gaojie , Zhao Xuyao , Yang Jingjing , Hu Shiqi , Ponnu Jathish , Kimura Seisuke , Hwang Inhwan , Torii Keiko U. , Hou Hongwei
Published: July 2024

Heterophylly is a phenomenon whereby an individual plant dramatically changes leaf shape in response to the surroundings. Hygrophila difformis (Acanthaceae; water wisteria), has recently emerged as a model plant to study heterophylly because of its striking leaf shape variation in response to various environmental factors. When submerged, H. difformis often develops complex leaves, but on land it develops simple leaves. Leaf complexity is also influenced by other factors, such as light density, humidity, and temperature. Here, we sequenced and assembled the H. difformis chromosome‐level genome (scaffold N50: 60.43 Mb, genome size: 871.92 Mb), which revealed 36 099 predicted protein‐coding genes distributed over 15 pseudochromosomes. H. difformis diverged from its relatives during the Oligocene climate‐change period and expanded gene families related to its amphibious habit. Genes related to environmental stimuli, leaf development, and other pathways were differentially expressed in submerged and terrestrial conditions, possibly modulating morphological and physiological acclimation to changing environments. We also found that auxin plays a role in H. difformis heterophylly. Finally, we discovered candidate genes that respond to different environmental conditions and elucidated the role of LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY 1 (LMI1) in heterophylly. We established H. difformis as a model for studying interconnections between environmental adaptation and morphogenesis.
The bryophyte rhizoid‐sphere microbiome responds to water deficit
Authors: Berdaguer Roland , van der Wielen Nicky , Lorenzo Zulema Carracedo , Testerink Christa , Karlova Rumyana
Published: July 2024

The roots of vascular plants are colonised by a multitude of microbes, which play an important role in plant health and stress resilience. Drought stress in particular is devastating for crop yield and causes major shifts in the rhizosphere microbial communities. However, the microbiome associated to the rhizoids (hereafter termed rhizoid‐sphere) of the nonvascular bryophytes remains largely unexplored. Here, we use amplicon sequencing to explore the rhizoid‐sphere microbiome of three bryophyte species under drought and well‐watered conditions. Comparing rhizoid‐sphere microbial communities associated with the two liverworts Marchantia polymorpha and Marchantia paleacea and the moss Physcomitrium patens showed characteristic differences in composition between host species and both conserved and unique changes under drought. At phylum level, these changes were similar to changes in the rhizosphere of angiosperms under drought. Furthermore, we observed strong differences in rhizoid‐sphere colonisation between bryophyte species for taxa known for nitrogen fixation and plant growth promotion. Interestingly, M. polymorpha prioritised the growth of belowground organs under osmotic stress, as is the case for angiosperms under drought. Taken together, our results show interesting parallels between bryophytes and angiosperms in the relation with their rhizo(id‐)sphere, suggesting evolutionary conservation among land plants in their response to drought stress.
Noonan syndrome‐like disorder: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mar Kristie , Lam Joseph M.
Published: July 2024

Of patients with a Noonan syndrome phenotype, only about 1% are found to be related to pathological variants in CBL, also known as Noonan syndrome‐like disorder (NSLD). We present a case of a 4‐year‐old boy diagnosed with NSLD, presenting with multiple melanocytic nevi and superficial neurofibromas. A literature review identified common cutaneous findings of NSLD, for example, café‐au‐lait macules (22%), juvenile xanthogranuloma (16%), and thin hair (10%). As there are no documented cases of neurofibromas associated with NSLD, and only a single report of multiple melanocytic nevi, inclusion of these features in the phenotype may be warranted and mitigate the necessity for future biopsies in other children.
Pediatric dermatology eConsultation: Insights to reduce barriers to utilization and increase access to care
Authors: Crockett Jessica L. , Cordoro Kelly M.
Published: July 2024

Provider‐to‐provider outpatient pediatric dermatology eConsultation services increase access to care, but barriers exist that may prevent eConsult implementation and survival. We deployed cross‐sectional surveys to referring pediatric primary care physicians and consulting pediatric dermatologists participating in our eConsult program to identify barriers to utilization and sustainability. Our data suggest that eConsultation increases access to care and offers iterative educational opportunities for primary care providers, which may ultimately reduce office referrals for common outpatient skin issues. Sustainability of eConsult services requires simple order templates, clear representative photos, concise submission reports, and provider reimbursement.
Elastography—The New Standard in the Assessment of Fibrosis After Pediatric Liver Transplantation?
Authors: Kehler Thomas , Grothues Dirk , Evert Katja , Wahlenmayer Janka , Knoppke Birgit , Melter Michael
Published: July 2024

Background

The development of graft fibrosis after pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) remains a major concern as it can lead to graft failure and ultimately graft loss. Elastography is a non‐invasive method to assess liver fibrosis, but its role in the posttransplant setting is unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate shear wave elastography (SWE) in the assessment of liver fibrosis after PLT, including split‐liver recipients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from PLT recipients who underwent surveillance liver biopsy and concurrent 2D‐SWE during the study period from April 2018 to July 2021. Spearman's correlation was used to compare histologic fibrosis stages with liver stiffness measurements (LSM) by 2D‐SWE. AUROC analysis was performed to evaluate the performance. One sample t‐test was used to compare results with reference values of healthy children.

Results

62 cases were included. 29% showed histologic fibrosis. LSM by 2D‐SWE were feasible in all children regardless of age or graft type. There was a significant correlation between LSM and fibrosis stage for all three scoring systems used (Ishak, p = 0.003; METAVIR, p = 0.005; LAF Score, p = 0.003). Patients with a history of biliary complications had increased liver stiffness (p = 0.015). The AUROC of 2D‐SWE for predicting significant liver graft fibrosis was 0.81. Liver stiffness after PLT without graft fibrosis was higher than in healthy subjects, but comparable to that in children with chronic liver disease without fibrosis.

Conclusion

2D‐SWE can reliably detect children with significant liver graft fibrosis, even in split‐liver recipients. This study demonstrates the value of a non‐invasive tool for fibrosis staging after PLT. 2D‐SWE has the potential to improve long‐term outcomes after PLT and to reduce the number of surveillance liver biopsies. But elastography is not a substitute for liver biopsy.
Risk science and politics: What is and should be the relationship?
Authors: Aven Terje
Published: July 2024

Risk science is the most updated and justified knowledge—in the form of concepts, principles, approaches, methods, and models—for understanding, assessing, characterizing, communicating, and handling risk, with applications. It is also about the practice that gives us this knowledge. It is commonly stated that risk science is politically neutral. This perspective article discusses this assertion by scrutinizing the relationship between risk science and politics. In particular, it looks into the position of The Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) on this matter. Using some current risk problems as illustrating examples, including COVID‐19 and climate change risk, the article argues that defending the political neutrality aim is paramount, especially with today's increasingly divisive political landscape.
Oral health care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A statewide model
Authors: Morgan John , Zavras Athanasios (Thanos)
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim

Effective strategies and practices can assist in forming future initiatives and policies to improve oral health for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This manuscript aims to describe the Tufts Dental Facilities (TDF), a university‐state collaboration providing sustained statewide access to comprehensive oral health care for individuals with IDD.

Program Description

The TDF program was established in 1976 as the result of a class action lawsuit to improve medical and dental care for individuals with IDD residing at state institutions in Massachusetts. TDF, A partnership, between Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a network of seven dental clinics strategically positioned across the state. These clinics are specifically designed to meet the oral health needs of individuals with IDD. TUSDM's oral health providers with expertise in special care dentistry deliver comprehensive oral health care for over 6500 individuals with IDD, incorporating supportive care services and access to general anesthesia. Additionally, the program provides training in special care dentistry for dental residents and pre‐doctoral dental students.

Conclusions

Leveraging state and university resources, TDF provides a model of a sustainable, long‐term system for statewide access to oral health care for individuals with IDD.
Deep borehole discoveries beneath the Appalachian Basin: Broad Rodinian rift and Neoproterozoic tectonothermal event
Authors: Valentino David W. , Chiarenzelli Jeffrey R. , Jordan Teresa E. , Jacobi Robert D. , Gates Alexander E.
Published: July 2024

Besides a few isolated rift basins along the Neoproterozoic eastern Laurentian margin, the Appalachian Palaeozoic strata rest unconformably on Mesoproterozoic crystalline basement, reflecting a ca. 550+ Ma hiatus. However, a nearly 3 km deep experimental geothermal borehole through the Appalachian basin at Cornell University, New York, unexpectedly encountered deformed Neoproterozoic greenschist facies phyllites and metavolcanics (Cayuta Formation) beneath the Cambrian non‐conformity. Magnetic modelling shows they are in the 5000 km2 fault‐bounded Ithaca basin, proposed to be associated with Iapetan rifting. The volcanism and metamorphism appear linked to ca. 600–650 Ma thermal events related or unrelated to extension, but requiring uplift and denudation of 5–10 km of rock prior to deposition of the Cambrian Potsdam Group. The Ithaca basin is >350 km inboard of the Laurentian Iapetus margin, indicating a broad Neoproterozoic rift zone for at least the NY and PA portion of eastern Laurentia.