bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which organisational context factors help women to obtain and retain leadership positions in the 21st century? A systematic review and research agenda for human resource management
Authors: Gierke Lioba A. , Schlamp Sofia , Gerpott Fabiola H.
Published: August 2024

Obtaining and retaining women in leadership positions is an ongoing challenge for scholars and practitioners in Human Resource Management (HRM). Research on the role of organisational context factors in supporting women who either are already in leadership roles or aspire to obtain them is fragmented and spread across multiple disciplines. In this systematic literature review, we identified 87 articles related to organisational context factors and female leadership. We mapped these articles onto the stages of the employee lifecycle: (1) Recruitment and Selection, (2) Learning and Development, (3) Performance Appraisal, and (4) Reward and Retention. Additionally, we introduced the category (5) Organisational Setting to encompass overarching context factors such as industry. For each article, we assessed the underlying assumptions concerning the gender‐neutrality or gender‐sensitivity in the practical implications. Our analysis revealed that some stages of the employee lifecycle received more attention than others and that the derived practical implications often go far beyond what can be concluded based on the study findings. We discuss theoretical implications and outline future research opportunities, such as the potential for HRM scholars to integrate an intersectionality lens into research along the employee lifecycle. We end with practical implications for HRM practitioners who wish to implement evidence‐based insights from our review.
Will the poverty‐related UN Sustainable Development Goals be met? New projections
Authors: Yusuf Arief Anshory , Anna Zuzy , Komarulzaman Ahmad , Sumner Andy
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we discuss the literature and consider the historical relationship between growth and a set of poverty‐related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically extreme monetary poverty, undernutrition, stunting, child mortality, maternal mortality and access to clean water. We then make projections for 2030. We find that it is very likely that global poverty‐related SDGs will not be met and by a considerable distance. The implication of this, we argue, is that more emphasis is needed on both policies to raise growth rates (i.e., build productive capacities) and distributive policy measures such as the introduction or expansion of income transfers, and ensuring investments in public goods are sufficient.
The relationship between childhood adversity and affective instability across psychiatric disorders: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Palmier‐Claus Jasper , Golby Rebecca , Stokes Laura‐Jean , Saville Christopher W. N. , Velemis Kyriakos , Varese Filippo , Marwaha Steven , Tyler Elizabeth , Taylor Peter
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Affective instability represents an important, transdiagnostic biobehavioural dimension of mental ill health and clinical outcome. The causes of affective instability remain unclear. This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the extent to which exposure to childhood adversity is associated with affective instability across psychiatric disorders, and which forms of adversity are most strongly associated with affective instability.

Methods

The review followed a published protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42020168676). Searches in Medline, Embase and PsychInfo identified studies using quantitative measures of childhood adversity and affective instability, published between January 1980 and July 2023. Data were analysed using a random effects meta‐analysis separately for each outcome, namely affective lability, emotion dysregulation, and rapid cycling. The Mixed‐Methods Appraisal Tool was used to appraise the quality of the literature.

Results

The search identified 36 studies involving 8431 participants. All reports focused on cross‐sectional associations. We did not identify any prospective longitudinal research. The analysis showed small, but statistically significant effects of childhood adversity on affective lability (r = 0.09, 95% CI 0.02, 0.17), emotion dysregulation (r = 0.25, 95% CI 0.19, 0.32), and rapid cycling (OR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.14, 1.70). When considering adversity subtypes, emotional abuse showed the strongest effect on affective lability (r = 0.16, 95% CI 0.07, 0.24) and emotion dysregulation (r = 0.32, 95% CI 0.19, 0.44). Quality assessment scores were generally low. Most studies failed to control for confounding factors or offer assurances around the representativeness of the samples.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that childhood adversity, particularly emotional abuse, is associated emotional instability in adulthood, but further prospective longitudinal research is needed to confirm causality. The findings have implications for the prevention and treatment of affective instability across psychiatric disorders.
The relationship between cannabis and nicotine use: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yimer Tesfa Mekonen , McClure‐Thomas Caitlin , Stjepanovic Daniel , Wilson Jack , Chan Gary Chung Kai , Hall Wayne Denis , Leung Janni
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

Cannabis and nicotine (tobacco or e‐cigarettes) use commonly co‐occurs and understanding their relationship can help to inform public health strategies to prevent their harms. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate the association of cannabis use given prior nicotine use and vice versa.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Google Scholar and a hand‐search were conducted in 2023 for longitudinal studies of the general population with no restrictions in settings (locations). Random‐effects meta‐analysis was conducted to estimate odds ratios between cannabis and nicotine use in both directions. The impact of unmeasured confounding was assessed using E‐values.

Results

From 5387 identified records, we included 20 studies. Among cannabis‐naïve youths, baseline use of any nicotine products was positively associated with initiation of any cannabis use at follow‐up [odds ratio (OR) = 5.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.19, 9.11; adjusted OR (aOR) = 2.59, 95% CI = 2.01, 3.32]. In nicotine‐naïve participants (youths + adults), baseline cannabis use was positively associated with the initiation of any nicotine use at follow‐up (OR = 4.08, 95% CI = 2.05, 8.11; aOR = 2.94, 95% CI =1.54, 5.61). There were no significant associations between baseline cannabis use and subsequent initiation of any nicotine (aOR = 3.29, 95% CI = 0.85, 12.76) or daily nicotine use (aOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 0.41, 16.95) among youths. The median E‐values were 5.5 for nicotine exposure and cannabis use initiation and 4.1 for cannabis exposure and nicotine use initiation, indicating that substantial unmeasured confounding would need to have a strong association with both outcomes to fully explain away the cannabis and nicotine relationship.

Conclusion

Although the evidence for associations between cannabis use and tobacco use is mixed, a majority of studies to date have found that cannabis use is associated with prior nicotine use and vice versa.
The embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of metamizole sodium
Authors: Öztürk Selvinaz , Dayan Mustafa Orhun
Published: August 2024

Drug use during pregnancy is an important issue that must be investigated due to its adverse effects on maternal and foetal health. This study aimed to determine the embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of in‐ovo administered metamizole (dipyrone), which can be used when needed during pregnancy and has potent analgesic, antipyretic, anti‐inflammatory, and long bone (tibia and femur) effects. This study used 240 fertile eggs from Atak S breed chickens, divided into eight equal groups: control, vehicle control, and 15.62, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg metamizole. The eggs were hatched on the 21st day of incubation, and the chicks' body weights and mortality rates were determined. The right and left femur and tibia bones were resected from the chicks. Anatomical reference points were determined after removing the soft tissues of the bones, and necessary morphometric measures were taken from these points with a 0.01 mm precision using digital callipers. The 100% lethal dose (LD100) was identified in the highest examined dose (500 mg/kg) in the Chicken Embryotoxicity Screening Test (CHEST)‐I stage. The CHEST‐II stage determined the 50% lethal dose (LD50). High‐dose metamizole affected skeletal development, significantly decreasing tibia and femur lengths and corpus thicknesses and increasing mortality.
Preeclampsia in the Context of COVID‐19: Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Nobrega Guilherme M. , Jones Brittany R. , Mysorekar Indira U. , Costa Maria Laura
Published: August 2024

The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has led to the global COVID‐19 pandemic, significantly impacting the health of pregnant women. Obstetric populations, already vulnerable, face increased morbidity and mortality related to COVID‐19, aggravated by preexisting comorbidities. Recent studies have shed light on the potential correlation between COVID‐19 and preeclampsia (PE), a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity worldwide, emphasizing the significance of exploring the relationship between these two conditions. Here, we review the pathophysiological similarities that PE shares with COVID‐19, with a particular focus on severe COVID‐19 cases and in PE‐like syndrome cases related with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We highlight cellular and molecular mechanistic inter‐connectivity between these two conditions, for example, regulation of renin–angiotensin system, tight junction and barrier integrity, and the complement system. Finally, we discuss how COVID‐19 pandemic dynamics, including the emergence of variants and vaccination efforts, has shaped the clinical scenario and influenced the severity and management of both COVID‐19 and PE. Continued research on the mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pregnancy and the potential risk of developing PE from previous infections is warranted to delineate the complexities of COVID‐19 and PE interactions and to improve clinical management of both conditions.
Distributional modelling of positively skewed data via the flexible Weibull extension distribution
Authors: Hernández‐Barajas Freddy , Usuga‐Manco Olga , Patino‐Rodríguez Carmen , Marmolejo‐Ramos Fernando
Published: August 2024

The time until an event occurs is often known to have a skewed distribution. To model this, a statistical distribution called the two‐parameter flexible Weibull extension (FWE) has been proposed. In this paper, the FWE distribution is used to model datasets through the use of generalised additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) distributional regression. GAMLSS is the only regression technique that can examine the effects of both categorical and numeric predictors on all the parameters of the distribution used to fit the dependent variable. To make it easier to use the FWE distribution through GAMLSS, the RelDists R package is proposed. A simulation study shows that FWE modelling through GAMLSS provides reliable parameter estimates even in the presence of factors that affect the distribution.
Prioritizations in Swedish cataract surgery ‐ when resources are limited—Exemplified by the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kreku Ruben , Behndig Anders , Viberg Andreas
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To study the prioritization effects of the of COVID‐19 pandemic on Swedish cataract surgery using a national healthcare registry with high coverage.

Setting

A study from the Swedish National Cataract Register (NCR), involving all patients undergoing cataract surgery in Sweden during 2019–2022 – before, during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

With the pandemic outbreak, the number of cataract surgeries fell by 22% in 2020 (15 369 procedures), albeit with large regional differences (−43% to +58%). The numbers recovered in 2021, and in 2022, a new top notation was seen (n = 149 952). On a national level, the patients were younger (−0.46 years, p < 0.001), with a larger proportion of less difficult cases (p < 0.001) and the proportion of males was higher (p < 0.001) during the pandemic, but all these variables also differed substantially between different regions and clinics.

Conclusion

A national registry with high coverage can map the consequences of an event disrupting elective surgery in detail. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the impact on Swedish cataract surgery varied largely between different regions, clinics, and healthcare providers, leading to inequality in the availability of surgery. These differences likely owed to variations in healthcare policy approaches in different parts of the country. The present study shows that outcomes at one clinic or region cannot be extrapolated to larger regions under these circumstances. It actualizes the need to aim for a healthcare on equal terms, but it also shows a system that delivers care to many despite difficult times.
The effect of vortioxetine on faecal microbiota in high‐fat diet‐exposed mice—A link to weight protection
Authors: Corfitsen Henrik Thyge , Bilde Katrine , Rerup Trine , Larsen Agnete
Published: August 2024

Objective

Weight gain is a common side effect of antidepressive treatment, causing distress among patients and caretakers as it can lead to treatment discontinuation and complications such as diabetes type II and cardiovascular disease. Vortioxetine is one of the newer antidepressants and the pharmacodynamics differ from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is marketed as being weight neutral; however, there is little evidence as to why. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the faecal microbiota and its impact on body weight and mental and physical health. In the current work, we examine the effect of vortioxetine on weight gain and faecal microbiota composition.

Methods

Forty male C57BL/6NTac mice were primed for 8 weeks with a high‐fat diet (Hfd) or control diet (Cd), followed by a 4‐week period on the same diet and additional +/− vortioxetine 10 mg/kg/daily.

Results

Vortioxetine reduced Hfd‐induced weight gain (Hfd + V: 8.2%, Hfd − V: 12.7%; p = 0.0374) but did not affect weight gain of the control group (Cd + V: 7.54%, Cd − V: 7.56%; p = 0.4944). Significant differences in faecal microbiota were observed in mice who received vortioxetine.

Conclusion

Vortioxetine caused significant changes to the faecal microbiota composition and appeared to limit Hfd‐induced weight gain.
Culturally adaptive healthcare for people with a learning disability from an ethnic minority background: A qualitative synthesis
Authors: Roberts Christina , Ditzel Nicola , Cooper‐Moss Nicola , Umbleby Katie , Chauhan Umesh
Published: August 2024

Background

People with a learning disability face health inequality. Those from ethnic minority backgrounds with a learning disability face ‘double discrimination’ as members of two marginalised groups.

Methods

This codesigned review consolidated the evidence on the healthcare experiences of individuals and their carers from ethnic minority backgrounds with a learning disability. Three electronic databases were searched for UK studies from January 1990 to June 2022. Qualitative data from 28 studies were analysed using thematic framework analysis.

Findings

There was an overarching theme of ‘culture, choice and conflicts of control’, which related to the variable preferences for involvement in healthcare decisions. Cultural and individual factors impacted upon experience, with themes relating to ‘misunderstanding and mistrust’, ‘discrimination and stigma’, ‘isolation’, ‘feelings of shame and blame’, ‘burdens of care’ and ‘carer wellbeing’. Factors associated with healthcare‐seeking and care provision are described in the themes ‘triangles of care’, ‘community networks’ and ‘adaptive communication’.

Conclusions

People from ethnic minority backgrounds with learning disability experience complex barriers which influence their healthcare experiences. Recognising and understanding discrimination can be difficult for people with a learning disability. Carers face challenges which influence their own wellbeing. Services need to be responsive to individual cultural contexts, while addressing potential conflicts of control.
Family‐level profiles of parental reactions to emotions: Longitudinal associations with multi‐informant reports of adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms
Authors: Edler Katherine , Hoegler Dennis Sarah , Wang Lijuan , Valentino Kristin , Davies Patrick T. , Cummings E. Mark
Published: August 2024

Longitudinal study of associations between family‐level emotion socialization and adolescent adjustment is limited. When American children (53.5% girls) were in second grade (N = 213; Mage = 7.98; data collected 2002–2003), mothers and fathers (79.8% of mothers and 74.2% of fathers were White) reported on their reactions to children's emotions; in seventh, eighth, and ninth grade (Mage = 13.03, 14.17, 15.29, respectively; data collected 2007–2010), adolescents, mothers, and fathers reported on adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Four family‐level profiles of reactions were identified. Profile differences emerged, suggesting that the emotion dismissing profile was longitudinally associated with elevated adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms and that fathering may especially foster child adjustment for families in a divergence profile.
3D surface defect map for assessing buccolingual profile of single tooth gaps following alveolar ridge preservation
Authors: Mancini Leonardo , Barootchi Shayan , Pirc Miha , Marchetti Enrico , Jung Ronald E. , Tavelli Lorenzo , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: August 2024

Aim

A new, non‐invasive approach suggests using single intraoral optical scanning to analyze the ridge profile of single‐tooth gaps following alveolar ridge preservation in the absence of a baseline scan. This method involves creating a three‐dimensional (3D) surface map to identify and assess contour changes and ridge profiles based on the adjacent teeth.

Materials and Methods

The present study was designed as a cross‐sectional pilot analysis on a convenience sample of patients undergoing alveolar ridge preservation. Intraoral optical scans were taken on 23 patients, capturing data from 30 edentulous sites. The digital models were then imported into an image analysis software for a 3D surface defect map analysis performed by one examiner. This analysis characterized the buccolingual profile of the single tooth gap relative to the adjacent teeth. 10 linear divergence points, spaced 0.5 mm apart in a corona‐apical direction, were identified at the midfacial aspect of the sites. Based on these points the sites were plotted and grouped in three different buccolingual profiles (linear, concave, and convex). Clinical parameters including Keratinized mucosa Width (KMW), and soft tissue phenotype with Colorvue biotype probes were also recorded.

Results

Three different buccolingual patterns (linear, convex, and concave) were identified. Seven sites exhibited a linear profile, 10 sites displayed a concave shape, and 13 showed a convex profile. The linear profile had surface discrepancies similar to the neighboring teeth. In contrast, the convex profile revealed mid‐buccal discrepancy localized only at the crestal aspect, while the concave had an extended divergence ranging from 1 to 5 mm below the soft tissue margin. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses did not reveal any statistically significant variables influencing profilometric analysis; however, when combining phenotype and KMW, thick phenotypes demonstrated a higher proportion of concavity (OR = 4.83) compared to thin ones, suggesting a significant trend. With every 1 mm of increase in KMW, the probability of showing a concavity decreased (p = 0.057).

Conclusion

A 3D surface defect map represents a useful tool for objectively quantifying ridge defects and profiles by assessing profilometric and surface differences compared to adjacent dentition using a single intraoral scan. This method also indicates that KMW may play a critical role in preventing concavity defects. The 3D defect map can guide decision‐making during soft tissue augmentation procedures by emphasizing the specific location of the defect and providing more detailed insights into its localization. These parameters can enable the tailoring of flap management and soft tissue grafting strategies to address the patient's individual needs.
Motor progression trajectories and risk of mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: A latent class trajectory model from PPMI cohort
Authors: Chen Xi , He Chentao , Ma Jianrui , Yang Rui , Qi Qi , Gao Ziqi , Du Tingyue , Zhang Piao , Li Yan , Cai Mengfei , Zhang Yuhu
Published: August 2024

Aims

Rare studies have investigated the association between heterogeneity of motor progression and risk of early cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we aim to identify distinct trajectories of motor progression longitudinally and investigate their impact on predicting mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

A 5‐year cohort including 415 PD patients at baseline was collected from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. The severity of motor symptoms was evaluated using the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III. The latent class trajectory model and nonlinear mixed‐effects model were used to analyze and delineate the longitudinal changes in motor symptoms. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize the impact of potential confounders. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to calculate hazard ratios for MCI, and a Kaplan–Meier curve was generated using the occurrence of MCI during the follow‐up as the time‐to‐event.

Results

Two latent trajectories were identified: a mild and remitting motor symptoms class (Class 1, 33.01%) and a severe and progressive motor symptom class (Class 2, 66.99%). Patients in Class 2 initially exhibited severe motor symptoms that worsened progressively despite receiving anti‐PD medications. In comparison, patients in Class 1 exhibited milder symptoms that improved following drug therapy and a slower progression. During a 5‐year follow‐up, patients in Class 2 showed a higher risk of developing MCI compared to those in Class 1 before PSM (Log‐Rank 28.58, p < 0.001) and after PSM (Log‐Rank 8.20, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

PD patients with severe and progressive motor symptoms are more likely to develop MCI than those with mild and stable motor symptoms.
Endoscopic duodenal‐jejunal bypass liner treatment of moderate obstructive sleep apnoea—A pilot study
Authors: Yadagiri Mahender , Kinney Fiona Y. , Ashman Natalie , Bleasdale John P. , Fogden Edward N. , Anderson Mark R. , Walton Christopher , Greenstone Michael A. , Ryder Robert E. J.
Published: August 2024

We aimed to assess the extent to which people with type 2 diabetes or pre‐diabetes, obesity (BMI 30–45 kg/m2) and moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) requiring continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (CPAP) were able to discontinue CPAP following EndoBarrier‐related weight loss. We assessed sleep and metabolic parameters before, during and after EndoBarrier in 12 participants with moderate OSA requiring CPAP (75% female, 8/12 [66%] type 2 diabetes, 4/12 [34%] prediabetes, mean ± SD age 52.6 ± 9.7 years, BMI 37.4 ± 3.5 kg/m2, median duration of OSA while on CPAP 9.0 [7.0–15.0] months). With EndoBarrier in‐situ, mean ± SD Apnoea Hypopnoea Index (AHI) fell by 9.1 ± 5.0 events/h from 18.9 ± 3.8 to 9.7 ± 3.0 events/h (p < .001) with an associated reduction in symptoms of daytime sleepiness (mean Epworth Sleepiness Score) such that all the 12 participants no longer required CPAP according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence criteria. After EndoBarrier removal, 10/12 (83%) patients attended follow‐up and at 12 months after removal, AHI remained below 15 in 5/10 (50%) patients but in other five the AHI rose above 15 such that restarting CPAP was recommended as justified by their symptoms. Rather than restart CPAP, two patients lost the regained weight and their AHI dropped below 15 again. Thus, 7/10 (70%) of patients were able to remain off CPAP 12 or more months after EndoBarrier removal. These results demonstrate major benefit of EndoBarrier in moderate OSA, allowing all patients to discontinue CPAP during treatment, and with maintenance of improvement at follow‐up in 70%. They confirm previously demonstrated metabolic improvements in diabetes and obesity.
FOXA2 Activates RND1 to Regulate Arachidonic Acid Metabolism Pathway and Suppress Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yafu , Chen Huiguo , Yan Jianhua , Yao Qi , Kong Chunchu , Peng You , Xiao Shengying , Yang Jinsong
Published: August 2024

Background

The primary cause of cancer‐related fatalities globally is lung cancer. Although the chemotherapy drug cisplatin (DDP) has brought certain benefits to patients, the rapid development of drug resistance has greatly hindered treatment success.

Methods

We used the lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) mRNA data set to explore the differentially expressed gene (RND1) in LUSC and detected RND1 expression in LUSC cells and DDP‐resistant cells by qRT‐PCR. Meanwhile, we performed abnormal expression treatment on RND1 and conducted CCK8, colony formation, and flow cytometry to evaluate the impact of RND1 expression on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DDP resistance. In addition, we analyzed metabolism pathways involving RND1 using GSEA. We also used online tools such as hTFtarget and JASPAR to screen for the upstream transcription factor FOXA2 of RND1 and verified their relationship through CHIP and dual luciferase experiments. Finally, we validated the role of FOXA2‐RND1 in DDP resistance in LUSC through the above experiments.

Results

RND1 was downregulated in LUSC, and overexpression of RND1 repressed proliferation and DDP resistance of LUSC cells and facilitated cell apoptosis. RND1 modulated the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism pathway, and FOXA2 positively manipulated RND1 expression. By activating FOXA2, stabilizing RND1, and regulating AA levels, the sensitivity of LUSC cells to DDP could be enhanced.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that FOXA2 positively modulated the RND1‐AA pathway, which repressed the resistance of LUSC cells to DDP.
The role of formal schooling in the development of children's reading and arithmetic white matter networks
Authors: Vandecruys Floor , Vandermosten Maaike , De Smedt Bert
Published: August 2024

Children's white matter development is driven by experience, yet it remains poorly understood how it is shaped by attending formal education. A small number of studies compared children before and after the start of formal schooling to understand this, yet they do not allow to separate maturational effects from schooling‐related effects. A clever way to (quasi‐)experimentally address this issue is the longitudinal school cut‐off design, which compares children who are similar in age but differ in schooling (because they are born right before or after the cut‐off date for school entry). We used for the first time such a longitudinal school cut‐off design to experimentally investigate the effect of schooling on children's white matter networks. We compared “young” first graders (schooling group, n = 34; Mage = 68 months; 20 girls) and “old” preschoolers (non‐schooling group, n = 33; Mage = 66 months; 18 girls) that were similar in age but differed in the amount of formal instruction they received. Our study revealed that changes in fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity in five a priori selected white matter tracts during the transition from preschool to primary school were predominantly driven by age‐related maturation. We did not find specific schooling effects on white matter, despite their strong presence for early reading and early arithmetic skills. The present study is the first to disentangle the effects of age‐related maturation and schooling on white matter within a longitudinal cohort of 5‐year‐old preschoolers.

Research Highlights

White matter tracts that have been associated with reading and arithmetic may be susceptible to experience‐dependent neuroplasticity when children learn to read and calculate.

This longitudinal study used the school cut‐off design to isolate schooling‐induced from coinciding maturational influences on children's white matter development.

White matter changes during the transition from preschool to primary school are predominantly driven by age‐related maturation and not by schooling effects.

Strong effects of schooling on behavior were shown for early reading and early arithmetic, but not for verbal ability and spatial ability.
When belief is “baptized” by doubt: Transitions from credulity to faith
Authors: Hansen Guillermo Cesar
Published: August 2024

Beginning with Luther's understanding of doubt using Genesis 3 as a template, the article explains how credulity differs from faith as the human mind interacts with shifting contexts and their doubts. In distinction from credulity, faith is an emergent phenomenon shaping personality and its social insertion. As faith mediates a compassionate orientation toward sufferers, it expresses the way in which the ultimate transcends into the penultimate or paramount reality dominated by the mechanisms of natural and social selection.
Protocol for the Australian Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot: Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of three general population screening models in children
Authors: Bell Kirstine J. , Brodie Shannon , Couper Jennifer J. , Colman Peter , Davis Elizabeth , Deed Gary , Hagopian William , Haynes Aveni , Hendrieckx Christel , Henry Amanda , Gordon Adrienne , Howard Kirsten , Huynh Tony , Kerr Bernadette , Mikler Kara , Nassar Natasha , Norris Sarah , Oram Richard , Pawlak Dorota , Shand Antonia , Sinnott Richard O. , Wadling Bethany , Wentworth John M. , Craig Maria E. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot Study Group
Published: August 2024

Aim

One third of Australian children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes present with life‐threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis. Screening for early‐stage, presymptomatic type 1 diabetes, with ongoing follow‐up, can substantially reduce this risk (<5% risk). Several screening models are being trialled internationally, without consensus on the optimal approach. This pilot study aims to assess three models for a routine, population‐wide screening programme in Australia.

Methods

An implementation science‐guided pilot study to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and costs of three screening models in children will be conducted between July 2022 and June 2024. These models are as follows: (1) Genetic risk‐stratified screening using newborn heel prick dried bloodspots, followed by autoantibody testing from 11 months of age; (2) genetic risk‐stratified screening of infant (6–12 months) saliva followed by autoantibody testing from 10 months of age; and (3) autoantibody screening using capillary dried bloodspots collected from children aged 2, 6 or 10 years. Cohorts for each model will be recruited from targeted geographic areas across Australia involving ≥2 states per cohort, with a recruitment target of up to 3000 children per cohort (total up to 9000 children). The primary outcome is screening uptake for each cohort. Secondary outcomes include programme feasibility, costs, parental anxiety, risk perception, satisfaction, well‐being and quality of life, and health professional attitudes and satisfaction.

Conclusions

This pilot is the first direct comparison of three screening implementation models for general population screening. Findings will provide evidence to inform a potential national screening programme for Australian children.

Trial Registration

ACTRN12622000381785.
Venetoclax‐based non‐intensive induction followed by allogenic stem‐cell transplantation in elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients with adverse cytogenetics
Authors: Soua Amel , Gilhodes Julia , Iat Alexandre , Hicheri Yosr , Saillard Colombe , Rouzaud Camille , D'Incan Evelyne , Rey Jérôme , Mohty Bilal , Charbonnier Aude , Ittel Antoine , Alary Anne‐Sophie , Gelsi‐Boyer Véronique , Murati Anne , Lhoumeau Anne‐Catherine , Devillier Raynier , Boher Jean‐Marie , Mozziconacci Marie‐Joelle , Vey Norbert , Hospital Marie‐Anne , Garciaz Sylvain
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with poor‐risk cytogenetics have a poor outcome with intensive chemotherapy (IC). While Venetoclax (VEN) has changed the outcomes of elderly unfit patients treatment, it is unknown whether it could be effective in poor‐risk cytogenetics 60–75 years old patients.

Materials and Methods

We included 60–75‐year‐old AML patients eligible to allogenic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) treated with VEN (combined with azacitidine or with Cladribin and Aracytine) at Institut Paoli Calmettes, between 2020 and 2023 and compared this cohort with patients treated by IC between 2010 and 2019.

Results

Twenty six patients were treated with VEN (17 in combination with azacitidine and 9 with Cladribin and Aracytine) and 90 were treated with IC. Thirteen patients (50%) had a TP53 mutation. The median time for leucocyte and platelet counts recovery was 26 days (range 0–103) and 26 days (range, 0–63). The median duration of the first hospitalization was 32 days (ranges, 7–79). The composite response rate was 69% (CR = 50%, CRi = 4%, MLFS = 15%). Allo‐SCT could be performed in 42% of cases. Median overall survival (OS) was 7.9 months (20.9 months in the group of patients who transitioned to allo‐SCT). We found no difference with the historical cohort of patients treated with IC except a trend toward less lower and upper tract gastro‐intestinal (GI) tract infections in the VEN group (respectively 8% vs 26%, p = .06; and 0% vs. 13% p = .06).

Conclusion

VEN‐based treatment was found to be effective in high risk AML can be considered as an alternative to IC in patients aged 60–75 with adverse cytogenetics.
Gaming lounges in India afford socially productive gambling: The moral economy and foundations of play in Udaipur, Rajasthan
Authors: Snodgrass Jeffrey G. , Lacy Michael G. , Polzer Evan , Upadhyay Chakrapani
Published: August 2024

We use ethnographic observations, interviews, and surveys to illuminate video game‐related gambling in India, where players use as currency decorative in‐game weapon covers referred to as skins. We focus on gaming and gambling related to virtual items acquired in the popular shooter game Counter‐Strike: Global Offensive, and our study unfolds among young adults who play in face‐to‐face centers called gaming lounges or zones. We consider how networks of video game players, themselves influenced by familial and societal demands, form moral economies that regulate why video game items are exchanged and how they are evaluated. Further, we use moral foundations theory to clarify ethical plurality in these settings, with tensions between moral demands shaping how and whether skins exchanges are judged to be socially productive or harmful. We show how gaming lounge owners’ personal values, some religiously informed, render emerging adults who play in these settings less at risk of excessive gambling, which is not tolerated either within close‐knit gaming groups or broader society. Overall, our analysis points to the utility of bringing into dialogue moral economy and moral foundations perspectives to uncover the cultural meanings of linked gaming and gambling in this context.
Irisin promotes hair growth and hair cycle transition by activating the GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Kim Yujin , Lee Jung Min , Jang You Na , Park A. Yeon , Kim Su‐Young , Kim Beom Joon , Lee Jung Ok
Published: August 2024

Hair loss affects men and women of all ages. Myokines, which are mainly secreted by skeletal muscles during exercise, have numerous health benefits. VEGF, IGF‐1, FGF and irisin are reprehensive myokines. Although VEGF, IGF‐1 and FGF are positively associated with hair growth, few studies have researched the effects of irisin on hair growth. Here, we investigated whether irisin promotes hair growth using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo patch assays, as well as mouse models. We show that irisin increases proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mitochondrial membrane potential in human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Irisin activated the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway, thereby upregulating Wnt5a, Wnt10b and LEF‐1, which play an important role in hair growth. Moreover, irisin enhanced human hair shaft elongation. In vivo, patch assays revealed that irisin promotes the generation of new hair follicles, accelerates entry into the anagen phase, and significantly increases hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. However, XAV939, a Wnt/β‐catenin signalling inhibitor, suppressed the irisin‐mediated increase in hair shaft and hair growth. These results indicate that irisin increases hair growth via the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and highlight its therapeutic potential in hair loss treatment.
Lateral redox variability in ca. 1.9 Ga marine environments indicated by organic carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions
Authors: Motomura Kento , Bekker Andrey , Ikehara Minoru , Sano Takashi , Lin Ying , Kiyokawa Shoichi
Published: August 2024

The stepwise oxygenation of Earth's surficial environment is thought to have shaped the evolutionary history of life. Microfossil records and molecular clocks suggest eukaryotes appeared during the Paleoproterozoic, perhaps shortly after the Great Oxidation Episode at ca. 2.43 Ga. The mildly oxygenated atmosphere and surface oceans likely contributed to the early evolution of eukaryotes. However, the principal trigger for the eukaryote appearance and a potential factor for their delayed expansion (i.e., intermediate ocean redox conditions until the Neoproterozoic) remain poorly understood, largely owing to a lack of constraints on marine and terrestrial nutrient cycling. Here, we analyzed redox‐sensitive element contents and organic carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of relatively low metamorphic‐grade (greenschist facies) black shales preserved in the Flin Flon Belt of central Canada to examine open‐marine redox conditions and biological activity around the ca. 1.9 Ga Flin Flon oceanic island arc. The black shale samples were collected from the Reed Lake area in the eastern part of the Flin Flon Belt, and the depositional site was likely distal from the Archean cratons. The black shales have low Al/Ti ratios and are slightly depleted in light rare‐earth elements relative to the post‐Archean average shale, which is consistent with a limited contribution from felsic igneous rocks in Archean upper continental crust. Redox conditions have likely varied between suboxic and euxinic at the depositional site of the studied section, as suggested by variable U/Al and Mo/Al ratios. Organic carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of the black shales are approximately −23‰ and +13.7‰, respectively, and these values are systematically higher than those of broadly coeval continental margin deposits (approximately −30‰ for δ13Corg and +5‰ for δ15Nbulk). These elevated values are indicative of high productivity that led to enhanced denitrification (i.e., a high denitrification rate relative to nitrogen influx at the depositional site). Similar geochemical patterns have also been observed in the modern Peruvian oxygen minimum zone where dissolved nitrogen compounds are actively lost from the reservoir via denitrification and anammox, but the large nitrate reservoir of the deep ocean prevents exhaustion of the surface nitrate pool. Nitrogen must have been widely bioavailable in the ca. 1.9 Ga oceans, and its supply to upwelling zones must have supported habitable environments for eukaryotes, even in the middle of oceans around island arcs.
A leaf age‐dependent light use efficiency model for remote sensing the gross primary productivity seasonality over pantropical evergreen broadleaved forests
Authors: Tian Jie , Yang Xueqin , Yuan Wenping , Lin Shangrong , Han Liusheng , Zheng Yi , Xia Xiaosheng , Liu Liyang , Wang Mei , Zheng Wei , Fan Lei , Yan Kai , Chen Xiuzhi
Published: August 2024

Tropical and subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests (TEFs) contribute more than one‐third of terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP). However, the continental‐scale leaf phenology‐photosynthesis nexus over TEFs is still poorly understood to date. This knowledge gap hinders most light use efficiency (LUE) models from accurately simulating the GPP seasonality in TEFs. Leaf age is the crucial plant trait to link the dynamics of leaf phenology with GPP seasonality. Thus, here we incorporated the seasonal leaf area index of different leaf age cohorts into a widely used LUE model (i.e., EC‐LUE) and proposed a novel leaf age‐dependent LUE model (denoted as LA‐LUE model). At the site level, the LA‐LUE model (average R2 = .59, average root‐mean‐square error [RMSE] = 1.23 gC m−2 day−1) performs better than the EC‐LUE model in simulating the GPP seasonality across the nine TEFs sites (average R2 = .18; average RMSE = 1.87 gC m−2 day−1). At the continental scale, the monthly GPP estimates from the LA‐LUE model are consistent with FLUXCOM GPP data (R2 = .80; average RMSE = 1.74 gC m−2 day−1), and satellite‐based GPP data retrieved from the global Orbiting Carbon Observatory‐2 (OCO‐2) based solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) product (GOSIF) (R2 = .64; average RMSE = 1.90 gC m−2 day−1) and the reconstructed TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument SIF dataset using machine learning algorithms (RTSIF) (R2 = .78; average RMSE = 1.88 gC m−2 day−1). Typically, the estimated monthly GPP not only successfully represents the unimodal GPP seasonality near the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, but also captures well the bimodal GPP seasonality near the Equator. Overall, this study for the first time integrates the leaf age information into the satellite‐based LUE model and provides a feasible implementation for mapping the continental‐scale GPP seasonality over the entire TEFs.
Essential oils mouthwash with or without alcohol in relation to effect on parameters of plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van Swaaij B. W. M. , Van der Weijden G. A. , Smith R. J. , Timmerman M. F. , Slot D. E.
Published: August 2024

Aim

The primary aim was to systematically assess the available literature on the effect of an essential oils mouthwash without alcohol (EOalc−) compared to an essential oils mouthwash with alcohol (EOalc+) on plaque scores and parameters of gingival health. The secondary aim was to evaluate user appreciation.

Materials and Methods

The MEDLINE‐PubMed and Cochrane‐CENTRAL databases were searched to identify eligible studies published up to and including March 2024. Papers comparing the effectiveness of EOalc− and EOalc+ were included. The quality was assessed. A descriptive analysis and a meta‐analysis were performed.

Results

After screening, seven papers were found to be eligible. The descriptive analysis demonstrates a significant difference in plaque scores in favour of EOalc+. This is confirmed by the meta‐analyses of plaque scores in non‐brushing and brushing studies (DiffM = 0.40; 95% CI [0.27; 0.53], p < 0.00001 and DiffM = 0.05; 95% CI [0.01; 0.10], p = 0.01, respectively). This finding is also supported by the sub‐analysis of brands. The meta‐analyses of bleeding and gingival scores in brushing studies did not show significant differences between products. For user appreciation, the difference found was for taste perception in favour of EOalc− (DiffM = 1.63; 95% CI [0.72; 2.55], p = 0.0004).

Conclusion

When an EO‐mouthwash is used in non‐brushing or brushing situations, with small to moderate certainty, EOalc− provided less effect regarding plaque control than EOalc+. For bleeding and gingival index there is weak certainty for no difference. In terms of the taste perception EOalc− seems more appreciated.
The use of 0.5% or 3% NaOCl for irrigation during root canal treatment results in similar clinical outcome: A 6‐year follow‐up of a quasi‐randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dahlstrand Rudin Arvid , Dahlstrand Rudin Agnes , Ulin Charlotte , Kvist Thomas
Published: August 2024

Aim

To evaluate the 6‐year outcome of root canal treatment irrigated with 0.5% or 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

Methodology

The baseline trial was designed as a quasi‐randomized clinical trial. Patients referred for root canal treatment to an endodontic specialist clinic were recruited to the study (n = 298). The concentration of NaOCl was allocated quasi‐randomized to 271 subjects (0.5% [n = 139], 3% [n = 132]). Bacterial sampling was performed immediately before root canal filling. Samples were cultured and evaluated as growth or no growth. Patients were invited to a clinical and radiological follow‐up >5 years postoperatively. The clinical outcome measurements were tooth survival, cumulative incidence of endodontic retreatments, patients' assessment of pain, clinical findings and radiological signs of apical periodontitis (AP).

Results

Tooth survival was 85.6% in the 0.5% NaOCl group and 81.1% in the 3% NaOCl group (p = .45). There was no record of retreatment in 94.4% in the 0.5% NaOCl group and in 92.2% in the 3% NaOCl group (p = .76). The percentage of asymptomatic cases were 87.8% in the 0.5% group and 85.3% in the 3% NaOCl group (p = .81). Absence of clinical signs of AP was seen in 86.6% in the 0.5% NaOCl group and in 83.6% in the 3% NaOCl group (p = .80). Absence of radiological signs of AP was seen in 74.0% in the 0.5% NaOCl group and 64.1% in the 3% NaOCl group (p = .20). Subjects with positive culture before root filling reported subjective pain with a significantly higher frequency as compared to negative‐culture subjects (p = .014).

Conclusions

The use of 0.5% or 3% NaOCl for irrigation during root canal treatment resulted in similar clinical outcomes 5–7 years postoperatively. Persisting bacteria immediately before root filling may predict future episodes of subjective pain.
Composition optimization of (Hf, Ta, Zr, Cr)C high‐entropy carbides for good oxidation resistance
Authors: Yang Shuaijun , Wang Mei , Lv Yetong , Sheng Huilin , Qin Yexia
Published: August 2024

Oxidation resistance is crucial to the potential applications of high‐entropy carbides (HECs) at elevated temperatures. Here, we realize the exploration of (Hf, Ta, Zr, Cr)C high‐entropy carbides (HEC‐TM, TM = Hf, Zr, Ta, and Cr) with good oxidation resistance by optimizing their compositions. To be specific, 21 kinds of HEC‐xTM (x = 0–25 mol%) samples are fabricated by a high‐throughput ultrafast high‐temperature sintering technique, followed by oxidation testing at 1673 K for 30 min. Among all the HEC samples, the as‐fabricated HEC‐0Zr samples are proved to possess the best oxidation resistance with an oxidation depth of only 53 µm. Further study on isothermal oxidation kinetics demonstrates that the as‐fabricated HEC‐0Zr samples follow a linear oxidation law. The good oxidation resistance of the as‐fabricated HEC‐0Zr samples is believed to result from the (Ta, Me)2O5 phase with a low melting point, which can promote the densification of the oxide layer. This research opens up a new way for efficiently discovering new HECs for extreme applications.