bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Poisson Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Kazhdan M. , Hoppe H.
Published: August 2023

Screened Poisson surface reconstruction robustly creates meshes from oriented point sets. For large datasets, the technique requires hours of computation and significant memory. We present a method to parallelize and distribute this computation over multiple commodity client nodes. The method partitions space on one axis into adaptively sized slabs containing balanced subsets of points. Because the Poisson formulation involves a global system, the challenge is to maintain seamless consistency at the slab boundaries and obtain a reconstruction that is indistinguishable from the serial result. To this end, we express the reconstructed indicator function as a sum of a low‐resolution term computed on a server and high‐resolution terms computed on distributed clients. Using a client–server architecture, we map the computation onto a sequence of serial server tasks and parallel client tasks, separated by synchronization barriers. This architecture also enables low‐memory evaluation on a single computer, albeit without speedup. We demonstrate a 700 million vertex reconstruction of the billion point David statue scan in less than 20 min on a 65‐node cluster with a maximum memory usage of 45 GB/node, or in 14 h on a single node.
Gastrodin improves nerve cell injury and behaviors of depressed mice through Caspase‐3‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Pei Hongyan , Shen Heping , Bi Jinhao , He Zhongmei , Zhai Liping
Published: August 2023

Aim

We investigated the effects and target of gastrodin (GAS) for treating depression through network pharmacology combined with experimentation.

Methods

The therapeutic target and signal of GAS for depression were analyzed by network pharmacology. Depression in mice was mimicked with a chronic unpredictable mouse stress (CUMS) model. Through open field, elevated plus maze, forced swimming, and tail suspension tests, the effects of GAS on the CUMS mice behaviors were examined, and the levels of neurotransmitters were detected. The histopathological changes were assayed by H&E and IHC staining, and the protein expressions were detected by Western blotting. Small molecule‐protein docking and molecular dynamics experiments were conducted to simulate the binding mode between GAS and Caspase‐3.

Results

Network pharmacological analysis revealed that Caspase‐3 was the action target of GAS. GAS could improve depression‐like behaviors in CUMS mice, elevate their neurotransmitter levels, ameliorate their nerve cell injury, and inhibit their Caspase‐3 expression. After knocking out Caspase‐3, the effects of GAS were inhibited. Molecular dynamics simulation and small molecule‐protein docking found that GAS bound to Caspase‐3 at SER25, inhibiting the maturation and activation of Caspase‐3.

Conclusion

We find that GAS can act as a Caspase‐3 inhibitor, which improves depression‐like behaviors and nerve cell injury in CUMS mice by inhibiting Caspase‐3‐mediated apoptosis.
Are statins effective in preventing chronic rhinosinusitis? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Kim Sung Won , Han Jae Sang , Kim Geun‐Jeon , Basurrah Mohammed Abdullah , Kim Sun Hong , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the association between statin use and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Design and Setting

Systematic review and meta‐analysis. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.

Participants

Patients with CRS.

Main Outcome Measures

Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) in analyses of studies that compared the prevalence of CRS, nasal polyp, difference of Lund‐Kennedy endoscopic score, Lund‐Mackay CT score and Sino‐nasal Outcome Test‐22.

Results

The analysis included eight studies and 445 465 patients. Patients who used statins were at lower risk for CRS than those who did not (OR = 0.7457, 95% CI = 0.6629–0.8388, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0.0%). Patients with hyperlipidaemia were at higher risk for CRS than those with normal serum levels of lipid (OR = 1.3590, 95% CI = 1.2831–1.4394, p < 0.0001, I2 = 33.3%). However, there were no significant differences in the risk for nasal polyps between CRS patients using statins or not (OR = 1.0931, 95% CI = 0.7860–1.5202, p = 0.5968, I2 = 0.0%). Additionally, statin use was not related to Lund‐Kennedy endoscopic scores, Lund‐Mackay CT scores or sino‐nasal outcome test‐22 scores in CRS patients.

Conclusion

The risk for CRS is lower in patients who use statins and those without hyperlipidaemia.
Effects of human depopulation and warming climate on bird populations in Japan
Authors: Katayama Naoki , Fujita Taku , Ueta Mutsuyuki , Morelli Federico , Amano Tatsuya
Published: August 2023

Quantifying biodiversity trends in economically developed countries, where depopulation, associated secondary succession, and climate warming are ongoing, provides insights for global biodiversity conservation in the 21st century. However, few studies have assessed the impacts of secondary succession and climate warming on species’ population trends at a national scale. We estimated the population trends of common breeding bird species in Japan and examined the associations between the overall population trend and species traits with the nationwide bird count data on 47 species collected from 2009 to 2020. The overall population trend varied among species. Four species populations increased moderately, 18 were stable, and 11 declined moderately. Population trends for 13 species were uncertain. The difference in overall trends among the species was associated with their habitat group and temperature niche. Species with relatively low‐temperature niches experienced more pronounced declines. Multispecies indicators showed a moderate increase in forest specialists and moderate declines in forest generalists (species that use both forests and open habitats) and open‐habitat specialists. Forest generalists and open‐habitat specialists also declined more rapidly at sites with more abandoned farmland. All species groups showed an accelerated decline or decelerated increase after 2015. These results suggest that common breeding birds in Japan are facing deteriorating trends as a result of nationwide changes in land use and climate. Future land‐use planning and policies should consider the benefits of passive rewilding for forest specialists and active restoration measures (e.g., low‐intensive forestry and agriculture) for nonforest specialists to effectively conserve biodiversity in the era of human depopulation and climate warming.
Rubella virus‐associated necrotizing neutrophilic granuloma in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Pei Susan , Khazaeli Mahyar , Hao LiJuan , Chen Min‐hsin , Perelygina Ludmila , Kuraitis Drew
Published: August 2023

Patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) may develop granulomas in multiple organ systems including the skin. Vaccine strain rubella virus (RuV), part of the live attenuated measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, has been identified within these granulomas. RuV is typically found in macrophages; however, recently neutrophils have been identified as a novel cell type infected. Here, we present a case of RuV‐associated cutaneous granuloma with RuV localized to neutrophils. A 46‐year‐old female with common variable immunodeficiency presented with verrucous papules and crusted plaques from the right knee to the distal shin of 20 years duration, associated with prior physical trauma. Biopsy specimen showed palisaded granulomas surrounding central necrosis with scattered aggregates of neutrophils. Vaccine‐derived RuV was detected by molecular sequencing in lesional skin. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry with CD206, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and RV capsid (RVC) antibodies demonstrated that RuV localized to neutrophils but not macrophages. The clinical presentation, cutaneous findings, and likely presence of RVC‐positive granulocytes in bone marrow provide potential support to the evolving hypothesis of persistent RuV within neutrophils contributing to chronic granulomatous inflammation in a milieu of immune dysregulation.
Section 301 and politics: Analysis of tariff exclusions
Authors: Lopatin Nikita , Mendoza Beverly , Westenberg Joseph M.
Published: August 2023

The Trump administration imposed tariffs on Chinese imports starting in 2018. American firms that rely on Chinese imports were allowed to apply for exclusions for products. In this paper, we investigate political factors affecting the approval rates for these tariff exclusions. We also consider factors that may impact this estimate, such as firm selection into requesting and legitimacy of request. We find that tariff exclusion is increasing in the Republican vote share. Counties with a 10 percentage point higher Republican vote share experience a 10% higher probability of tariff exclusion approval.
Factor structure and measurement invariance of Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire—Brief Revised (Updated) in India
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Davidson Charlie A. , Jain Ranjeeta , Saini Reena
Published: August 2023

Aim

Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire‐Brief Revised‐Updated (SPQ‐BRU) is an easy‐to‐conduct, theoretically consistent, and psychometrically better measure of schizotypal personality. However, its study is limited to developed countries. Thus, in the present study, we tested the factor structure and measurement invariance of SPQ‐BRU in India.

Methods

A sample of 734 college students was selected from two sites (n = 614 from Muzaffarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh and n = 120 from Guhana in Haryana). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the good fitness of the different models of SPQ‐BRU and the measurement invariance across sex and region.

Results

The first‐order nine‐factor model was a better‐fit model (among a set of first‐order and second‐order models), whereas the second‐order three‐factor model was a more parsimonious good‐fit model of SPQ‐BRU. The nine‐factor model was strongly invariant across sex and region. Women had higher social anxiety, ideas of reference, and lower constricted affect than men. Moreover, the Gohana sample was higher on several schizotypal personality facades than the Muzaffarnagar sample.

Conclusions

The present study supported the cross‐cultural validity of schizotypal personality and partially established a reliable and valid SPQ‐BRU‐Hindi language version.
Myocardial strain is associated with adverse cardiac events in patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy
Authors: Patel Nikita P. , Dalal Prarthana J. , Meng Zhiying , Baldridge Abigail S. , Cascino Gregory J. , Sunderraj Ashwin , Sinha Arjun , Karmali Reem , Feinstein Matthew J. , Akhter Nausheen
Published: August 2023

Background

Cardiovascular events, including heart failure and arrhythmias, following chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy are increasingly recognized. Although global longitudinal strain (GLS) has demonstrated prognostic utility for other cancer therapy‐related cardiac dysfunction, less is known regarding the association of GLS with adverse cardiac events following CAR T‐cell therapy.

Objectives

To determine the association of baseline GLS with adverse cardiovascular events in adults receiving CAR‐T cell therapy.

Methods

Patients who had an echocardiogram within 6 months prior to receiving CAR T‐cell therapy were retrospectively identified. Clinical data and cardiac events were collected via chart review. Echocardiograms were analyzed offline for GLS, left ventricular ejection fraction, and Doppler parameters. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between adverse cardiovascular events and echocardiographic parameters.

Results

Among 75 CAR T‐cell therapy patients (mean age 63.9, 34.7% female), nine patients (12%) experienced cardiac events (CEs) including cardiovascular death, new/worsening heart failure, and new/worsening arrhythmia within 1 year of treatment. In univariable models, higher baseline GLS (OR 0.78 [0.63, 0.96], p = .021) was associated with a lower risk of CE and higher baseline mitral E/e' (OR 1.40 [1.08, 1.81], p = .012) was associated with a higher risk of CE. After adjusting for age and LDH, higher baseline GLS (OR 0.65 [0.48–0.88], p = <.01) was associated with a lower risk of CE and higher baseline mitral E/e' (OR 1.56 [1.06, 2.29], p = .024) was associated with a higher risk of CE.

Conclusion

Lower GLS and higher mitral E/e' on a baseline echocardiogram were associated with higher risk for CEs in patients receiving CAR T‐cell therapy.
Removal of site effects and enhancement of signal using dual projection independent component analysis for pooling multi‐site MRI data
Authors: Hao Yuxing , Xu Huashuai , Xia Mingrui , Yan Chenwei , Zhang Yunge , Zhou Dongyue , Kärkkäinen Tommi , Nickerson Lisa D. , Li Huanjie , Cong Fengyu
Published: August 2023

Combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from multi‐site studies is a popular approach for constructing larger datasets to greatly enhance the reliability and reproducibility of neuroscience research. However, the scanner/site variability is a significant confound that complicates the interpretation of the results, so effective and complete removal of the scanner/site variability is necessary to realise the full advantages of pooling multi‐site datasets. Independent component analysis (ICA) and general linear model (GLM) based harmonisation methods are the two primary methods used to eliminate scanner/site effects. Unfortunately, there are challenges with both ICA‐based and GLM‐based harmonisation methods to remove site effects completely when the signals of interest and scanner/site effects‐related variables are correlated, which may occur in neuroscience studies. In this study, we propose an effective and powerful harmonisation strategy that implements dual projection (DP) theory based on ICA to remove the scanner/site effects more completely. This method can separate the signal effects correlated with site variables from the identified site effects for removal without losing signals of interest. Both simulations and vivo structural MRI datasets, including a dataset from Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange II and a travelling subject dataset from the Strategic Research Program for Brain Sciences, were used to test the performance of a DP‐based ICA harmonisation method. Results show that DP‐based ICA harmonisation has superior performance for removing site effects and enhancing the sensitivity to detect signals of interest as compared with GLM‐based and conventional ICA harmonisation methods.
Cognitive effect of antiseizure medications in medial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Dusanter Cedric , Houot Marion , Mere Marie , Denos Marisa , Samson Séverine , Herlin Bastien , Navarro Vincent , Dupont Sophie
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

The specific effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs) on cognition are a rich field of study, with many ongoing questions. The aim of this study was to evaluate these effects in a homogeneous group of patients with epilepsy to guide clinicians to choose the most appropriate medications.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 287 refractory patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis. Scores measuring general cognition (global, verbal and performance IQ), working memory, episodic memory, executive functions, and language abilities were correlated with ASM type, number, dosage and generation (old vs. new). We also assessed non‐modifiable factors affecting cognition, such as demographics and epilepsy‐related factors.

Results

Key parameters were total number of ASMs and specific medications, especially topiramate (TPM) and sodium valproate (VPA). Four cognitive profiles of the ASMs were identified: (i) drugs with an overall detrimental effect on cognition (TPM, VPA); (ii) drugs with negative effects on specific areas: verbal memory and language skills (carbamazepine), and language functions (zonisamide); (iii) drugs affecting a single function in a specific and limited area: visual denomination (oxcarbazepine, lacosamide); and (iv) drugs without documented cognitive side effects. Non‐modifiable factors such as age at testing, age at seizure onset, and history of febrile seizures also influenced cognition and were notably influenced by total number of ASMs.

Conclusion

We conclude that ASMs significantly impact cognition. Key parameters were total number of ASMs and specific medications, especially TPM and VPA. These results should lead to a reduction in the number of drugs received and the avoidance of medications with unfavorable cognitive profiles.
MCDIP‐ADMM: Overcoming overfitting in DIP‐based CT reconstruction
Authors: Cheng Chen , Zhou Qingping
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the application of unsupervised learning methods for computed tomography reconstruction. To motivate our work, we review several existing priors, namely the truncated Gaussian prior, the prior, the total variation prior, and the deep image prior (DIP). We find that DIP outperforms the other three priors in terms of representational capability and visual performance. However, the performance of DIP deteriorates when the number of iterations exceeds a certain threshold due to overfitting. To address this issue, we propose a novel method (MCDIP‐ADMM) based on multi‐code deep image prior (MCDIP) and plug‐and‐play alternative direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Specifically, MCDIP utilizes multiple latent codes to generate a series of feature maps at an intermediate layer within a generator model. These maps are then composed with trainable weights, representing the complete image prior. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed MCDIP‐ADMM compared to three existing competitors. In the case of parallel beam projection with Gaussian noise, MCDIP‐ADMM achieves an average improvement of 4.3 dB over DIP, 1.7 dB over ADMM DIP‐weighted total variation (WTV) and 1.2 dB over PnP‐DIP in terms of peak‐signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR). Similarly, for fan‐beam projection with Poisson noise, MCDIP‐ADMM achieves an average improvement of 3.09 dB over DIP, 1.86 dB over ADMM DIP‐WTV and 0.84 dB over PnP‐DIP in terms of PSNR.
Optimal objective measurement of physical function and its predictive capacity for mortality among community‐dwelling older women
Authors: Luo Juhua , Su Le , Carter Stephen J , Ndeke Jonas M , Hendryx Michael
Published: August 2023

Aim

Objective measurements of physcial function, including gait speed, handgrip strength, and the chair stand test, have been shown to have predictive capacity for negative health‐related outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine campariatively which of these common assessments may be optimal in terms of their predictive capacity for mortality.

Methods

A total of 9834 community‐dwelling older women aged 65–89 years from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) were followed for 20 years. Gait speed, handgrip strength, and the chair stand test were measured every 2–4 years on up to 9 visits. All deaths were adjudicated.

Results

All three measurements of physical function were significantly associated with overall, cardiovascular disease and other mortality. Gait speed had the greatest magnitude of hazard ratios (HRs) for all outcomes of interest. A one‐unit standard deviation increase in gait speed was associated with a 33% (HR = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.64–0.70) lower risk for overall mortality, a 31% (HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.64–0.73) lower risk for cardiovascular disease mortality, a 15% (HR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78–0.92) lower risk for cancer mortality and a 42% (HR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.55–0.62) lower risk for other mortality. Further examination of gait speed identified two cut‐points (0.9 and 0.7 m/s) that were strongly indicative of increased mortality risk.

Conclusion

Our large prospective study indicates that gait speed possesses a better prediction of mortality among older women compared with handgrip strength or the chair stand test. Using cut‐points of 0.9 and 0.7 m/s can help identify older women at higher mortality risk, who may benefit from physical function improvement interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 715–721.
User satisfaction in child and adolescent mental health service: Comparison of background, clinical and service predictors for adolescent and parent satisfaction
Authors: Arnesen Yngvild , Lillevoll Kjersti R. , Mathiassen Børge
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective

To improve quality, child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) are expected to quantify families' views on healthcare with user satisfaction measures. As little is known about what influences satisfaction in CAMHS, this study aimed to examine predictors of adolescents' and parents' user satisfaction.

Methods

Data from 231 adolescents and 495 parents in treatment at an outpatient clinic who returned a user satisfaction measure, the Experience of Service Questionnaire (ESQ), was analyzed. Registry data on background, clinical and service characteristics were predictors for the ESQ factors general satisfaction, satisfaction with care and satisfaction with environment.

Results

In regression models, satisfaction with care for adolescents (r2 = .12) was significant and was predicted by low parent‐self‐reported mental health burden and low clinician‐rated overall symptom burden at intake. For parents, regression models for general satisfaction (r2 = .07), satisfaction with care (r2 = .06) and satisfaction with environment (r2 = .08) were significant. Parents general satisfaction was predicted by higher levels of hyperactivity, less family stress and longer travelling distances to the service. Satisfaction with care for parents was predicted by higher levels of hyperactivity at intake and longer travelling distances. Satisfaction with environment for parents was more likely if the adolescents was a boy, with low levels of family stress and longer travelling distances.

Conclusion

Predictors for adolescent and parent user satisfaction in CAMHS differ. Hence, to improve quality CAMHS should enhance focus on collaborative practice with parents, and person‐centred care for adolescents with moderate to severe mental health illness.

Patient or Public Contribution

Representatives from the hospitals' youth panel and the non‐governmental organization called The Change Factory have been consulted regarding study design and results.
Effect of B4C particle size and TiB2 content on the mechanical properties of B4C composites and their dynamic mechanical properties
Authors: Wang Bo , Cai Delong , Li Shiqi , Wang Haoyi , Zou Wenhua , Yang Zhihua , Duan Xiaoming , He Peigang , Li Daxin , Duan Wenjiu , Pan Yanzhi , Zhao Yueqian , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: August 2023

B4C–MAS and B4C–TiB2–MAS ceramic composites were prepared by hot pressed sintering. The effects of particle size of B4C and TiB2 content on the microstructure and general mechanical properties of the ceramic composites were investigated by using X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and universal testing machine. The strengthening and toughening mechanism of ceramic composites is mainly attributed to the addition of magnesium–aluminosilicate (MAS) and thermal mismatch effect of TiB2. When the TiB2 content was 20 wt.%, the bending strength, fracture toughness, and Vickers hardness of B4C–TiB2–MAS ceramic composites were 375 MPa, 4.42 MPa·m1/2, and 23.9 GPa, respectively, and its relative density could reach 99.7%. The dynamic mechanical properties of B4C–TiB2–MAS ceramic composites were investigated at strain rates of 2000–6000 s−1 using a Separate Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) device. The results showed that the B4C–TiB2–MAS ceramic composites exhibited significant strain rate sensitivity. The dynamic compressive strength of the ceramic composites increased from 4634 to 5734 MPa with increasing strain rate in the tested strain rate range.
Procedural Problems in Bird Orientation Studies with Kramer Cages1
Authors: Wallraff Hans G.
Published: August 2023

Methodische Grundvoraussetzungen für Orientierungsversuche mit Kramer‐Käfigen werden herausgestellt. Es wird gezeigt, daß eine kritische Analyse von Howland (1973), die sich mit verschiedenen Artefakten in früheren Untersuchungen befaßt, die Schlußfolgerungen nicht berührt, zu denen zwei Versuchsserien über die nicht‐visuelle Orientierung von Rotkehlchen geführt hatten (Wallraff 1972). Einige Methoden zur Korrektur von an den Käfig gebundenen Asymmetrien sowie einige von Howland's Vorschlägen zur Durchführung künftiger Untersuchungen werden diskutiert.
Perceptions of primary health care nurses and general practitioners in the care of older people with urinary incontinence
Authors: Yan Fang , Xiao Lily D. , Tang Siyuan , Guo Qinqin , Huang Hui
Published: August 2023

Aims

To identify the challenges and opportunities among primary health care nurses and general practitioners (GPs) in the care of older people with urinary incontinence (UI) and other chronic conditions in China.

Background

UI is highly prevalent among community‐dwelling older people with chronic conditions but is underreported and poorly managed. Understanding the factors that affect primary health care professionals' practices in their care for this population is imperative to foster nurse‐led UI care services.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Four focus groups were held with 24 primary health care nurses and GPs in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, between July and September 2021. A reflective thematic analysis was used to identify themes.

Results

This study revealed misconceptions regarding older people living with UI and other chronic conditions in primary care health professional participants. Moreover, primary health care nurses had very limited autonomy in UI diagnosis and initiating care interventions for this patient population. By reflecting on practices, participants recognized various practical solutions to improve the detection and management of UI. Participants also identified barriers to accessing care services in older people with UI. They suggested changes in the health care system to achieve universal access to UI care services for older people.

Conclusion

Nurse‐led UI care services in primary health care for community‐dwelling older people with chronic conditions are in high demand but are underdeveloped due to professional and health care system factors.

Impact

Findings from this study provide new insights into challenges faced by primary health care professionals and illuminate practical solutions to address these challenges.

Reporting Methods

Adherence to COREQ guidelines was maintained.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Pathways to social well‐being of children with intellectual disability: testing the Family Investment Model
Authors: Totsika V. , Hastings R. P. , Hatton C. , Emerson E.
Published: August 2023

Background

Social well‐being, including prosocial and peer relationship skills, independence and co‐operation, is a particularly important developmental outcome in intellectual disability (ID). The present study investigated pathways to social well‐being through the early years' family environment, particularly the role of parental investments in mediating the path from family poverty to child social well‐being.

Methods

In line with the Family Investment Model (FIM), we tested whether parental investments between 3 and 5 years of age mediate the impact of family poverty at 9 months of age on children's social well‐being at 7 years. Structural equation models were fitted to data from 555 children with ID identified from a UK population‐based cohort.

Results

Findings indicated that home learning investments and the structural home environment (though not play) significantly mediated the effect of family poverty on children's social skills, albeit in different directions. While all parental investments reduced in the presence of poverty, the home learning environment appeared to promote social well‐being, whereas the structural home environment did not. Sensitivity analyses controlling for co‐occurring autism confirmed the pattern of findings. Child gender, ethnicity and parental educational qualifications did not moderate the mediational relationships, suggesting that FIM pathways to social well‐being were relevant to all families.

Conclusions

The FIM provides a helpful framework to map developmental pathways for children with an ID. Parental investments related to home learning, the structural home environment and play are reduced in the presence of poverty although their impact on child social well‐being appears to differ.
Relational sanctification, communal coping, and depression among African American couples
Authors: Skipper Antonius D. , Rose Andrew H. , Card Noel A. , Moore Travis James , Lavender‐Bratcher Debra , Chaney Cassandra
Published: August 2023

Despite the common use of religious buffers, African Americans are disproportionately affected by depressive symptoms. Communal coping may serve as one factor in helping religious African American couples alleviate the symptoms of depression. This study examines the association between relational sanctification and depressive symptoms as mediated by the communal coping of 467 African American married and cohabiting couples. Data from the sampled couples were analyzed using a common fate model, and analyses revealed higher scores on the measure of sanctification were associated with more communal coping; more communal coping was associated with fewer depressive symptoms among women and men, and communal coping acted as a mediator between relational sanctification and depressive symptoms in both partners. Findings from this study underscore the importance of considering how the religiosity and cooperative action of African American couples relate to depressive symptoms.
Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino extract induces hair growth and exhibits an anti‐graying effect via multiple mechanisms
Authors: Liu Xiaojin , Lv Xiaobing , Ji Tiancheng , Hu Haoya , Chang Lei
Published: August 2023

Background

In traditional Asian medicine, Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino leaf extract (Gp) is used to treat aging, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Hair loss and hair‐graying are common phenomena that haunt everyone. However, whether Gp activities on inhibition of hair loss and getting gray have been rarely studied.

Aim

Study the Gp activity and mechanism by in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore its application on hair health.

Methods

In the present study, we determined the effects of Gp on the expression of hair growth‐related genes and proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Furthermore, Gp was topically applied to the hair‐shaved skin of male C57BL/6 mice, and the histological profile of the skin was studied. Because emotional stress may lead to melanocyte disappearance, norepinephrine‐exposed mice B16 melanocytes were treated with Gp to elucidate the anti‐hair graying capacity of Gp in response to this stress type.

Results

Gp stimulated the proliferation of hDPCs and the Wnt signaling pathways associated with hair growth; furthermore, the expression of the hair loss‐related gene transforming growth factor‐β1 was suppressed. Gp treatment significantly increased the size of hair follicles in the treated mice and stimulated them. Moreover, Gp not only increased melanin synthesis but also tyrosinase activity in B16 cells. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction revealed that Gp increased melanin synthesis by increasing the expression of tyrosine‐related protein‐1, tyrosine‐related protein‐2, tyrosinase, and microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor.

Conclusion

Our study provides preclinical evidence regarding the potential of Gp as a promising hair growth and anti‐graying agent.
Defining thresholds to support noncomparative sensory claims based on home use test results: Application to a new lip balm
Authors: Perrin Lucie , Noharet Julie , Pezzini Chiara , Peres Lisa
Published: August 2023

Cosmetic product claims are subject to many regulations to ensure consumers are not misled. Claims must also be relevant to consumers, requiring robust and validated data to support them. Noncomparative claims are investigated utilizing a database of consumer reactions to a wide range of cosmetic products. A procedure based on product attribute ratings and related count based proportions was developed to set performance thresholds that were used to validate new claims. A consumer study was conducted to test the new procedure on lip balm products. Attributes were rated on Days 1 and 10 to establish product performance shifts during use, while the inclusion of two products helped establish if the new procedure could identify and validate the strengths of each product. Results from the database indicated that including count‐based proportions in addition to mean ratings added robustness to the performance levels that could be used to validate noncomparative claims.

Practical Applications

The new ISO standard for sensory claims sets out guidance to help ensure that relevant, robust and validated data are used to substantiate product claims. Many companies have substantial consumer data collected in recent years that can help ensure claims research is designed using consumer relevant product attributes. Just as important is that these data provide valuable information about levels of performance required for a product to deliver against the product and brand promise. This paper provides a methodology that could be adapted by companies, either in the non‐food or food sector, thus helping ensure new products can be launched and marketed with confidence.
‘It is not a mannequin disease’: A lived experience narrative of living with bulimia nervosa
Authors: Öcalan Sinem , Kovancı Mustafa Sabri , Hiçdurmaz Duygu
Published: August 2023

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, inappropriate compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain and excessive mental preoccupation with body weight and shape.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

In this paper, the feelings, thoughts and experiences of an individual with bulimia nervosa are explained, and the positive and negative effects of their experiences during the treatment process are emphasized.

This paper offers advice to patients, relatives and healthcare professionals in recognizing and treating bulimia nervosa.

What are the implications for practice?

Mental health nurses should organize training, seminars and conferences to raise awareness of society against bulimia nervosa, which is defined as a mannequin disease and therefore creates a positive perception.

Mental health nurses, an essential part of the health system, should raise awareness of individuals and families about recognizing, monitoring and supporting the early symptoms of bulimia nervosa.

Introduction

Bulimia nervosa is one of the areas where mental health professionals have difficulties due to its nature and course. It is important to understand the factors related to this problem in‐depth to discover the dynamics unique to the individual that causes the difficulty, identify new perspectives on these dynamics and identify alternative behaviours, stop stubborn binge‐eating attacks and prevent relapse.

Aim

It is aimed to provide an in‐depth insight into the nature, course and treatment processes of bulimia nervosa through the narrative of the lived experience of an individual living with this problem.

Implication for Practice

The perception of beauty seriously impacts the onset and later course of bulimia nervosa and draws attention to the fact that mental health professionals and media workers have important duties to change the concept of beauty equals being skinny, created in society and the media. Quality of perceived social support is very important in preventing, treating and rehabilitating bulimia nervosa. Adopting a more objective approach, which will prevent the positive or negative stigmatization of the disease in explaining bulimia nervosa to the public, should be adopted.
Importance of Religion after Adversity
Authors: Frijters Paul , Johnston David W. , Knott Rachel J , Torgler Benno
Published: August 2023

After major adversity, some people rely on their religious faith and networks for comfort, support, and material goods and services. Consistent with this behavior are findings that adversity has a positive causal effect on the importance of religion in people's lives. Using a large high‐frequency US dataset, we estimate the causal effects of natural disasters on stated religious importance and attendance at religious services. Effects are identified by comparing changes in outcomes over time within counties affected by a natural disaster with changes over time in other counties from the same state. We find that most estimates are near‐zero in magnitude; for the full sample, for subgroups defined by religious affiliation, demographics, and income, and for different disaster types. However, significant negative effects are found immediately postdisaster, suggesting a short‐term crowding‐out effect in which recovery activities limit time for worship. This explanation is supported by a finding that people are less “well rested” in the first weeks postdisaster.
Mitigating the impact of winter temperatures on striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) using functional feed additives
Authors: Bano Sheeza , Khan Noor , Fatima Mahroze , Khalique Anjum , Arslan Murat , Wan Alex H. L.
Published: August 2023

The drop in temperature during the winter months can lead to a decrease in growth, induce metabolic stress, and increase mortality incidences. The present study evaluated the potential of functional feed additives in mitigating the negative impacts of winter‐rearing conditions in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Four test diets were evaluated over a twelve‐week feed trial: (1) zinc‐acetate (Zn‐acetate), (2) selenomethionine (Se‐Met), (3) β‐glucan, and (4) control with no added feed additive. The survival rate in the β‐glucan (95.00%) and Zn‐acetate (93.30%) dietary groups was higher than the control (78.30%) and Se‐Met (85.00%). Fish fed with the β‐glucan had the highest weight gain (20.75% increase), specific growth rate (13.75% increase), and lower feed conversion ratio (9.64 % decrease). However, feed additives did not influence the fatty acid profiles or whole‐body proximate composition. Although, Zn‐acetate and Se‐Met had higher body ash content. Serum cortisol and glucose levels were lower in β‐glucan and Zn‐acetate than in other treatment groups. All feed additives resulted in higher superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activity in the liver and muscle. This study found that β‐glucan and zinc‐acetate can improve cold stress resistance and offer a sustainable strategy for catfish rearing over winter.
Investigating the role of lipid genes in liver disease using fatty liver models of alcohol and high fat in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Shihana Fathima , Cholan Pradeep Manuneedhi , Fraser Stuart , Oehlers Stefan H. , Seth Devanshi
Published: August 2023

Background

Accumulation of lipid in the liver is the first hallmark of both alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) and non‐alcohol‐related fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recent studies indicate that specific mutations in lipid genes confer risk and might influence disease progression to irreversible liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to understand the function/s of lipid risk genes driving disease development in zebrafish genetic models of alcohol‐related and non‐alcohol‐related fatty liver.

Methods

We used zebrafish larvae to investigate the effect of alcohol and high fat to model fatty liver and tested the utility of this model to study lipid risk gene functions. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was used to create knockdowns in 5 days post‐fertilisation zebrafish larvae for the available orthologs of human cirrhosis risk genes (pnpla3, faf2, tm6sf2). To establish fatty liver models, larvae were exposed to ethanol and a high‐fat diet (HFD) consisting of chicken egg yolk. Changes in morphology (imaging), survival, liver injury (biochemical tests, histopathology), gene expression (qPCR) and lipid accumulation (dye‐specific live imaging) were analysed across treatment groups to test the functions of these genes.

Results

Exposure of 5‐day post‐fertilisation (dpf) WT larvae to 2% ethanol or HFD for 48 h developed measurable hepatic steatosis. CRISPR‐Cas9 genome editing depleted pnpla3, faf2 and tm6sf2 gene expression in these CRISPR knockdown larvae (crispants). Depletion significantly increased the effects of ethanol and HFD toxicity by increasing hepatic steatosis and hepatic neutrophil recruitment ≥2‐fold in all three crispants. Furthermore, ethanol or HFD exposure significantly altered the expression of genes associated with ethanol metabolism (cyp2y3) and lipid metabolism‐related gene expression, including atgl (triglyceride hydrolysis), axox1, echs1 (fatty acid β‐oxidation), fabp10a (transport), hmgcra (metabolism), notch1 (signalling) and srebp1 (lipid synthesis), in all three pnpla3, faf2 and tm6sf2 crispants. Nile Red staining in all three crispants revealed significantly increased lipid droplet size and triglyceride accumulation in the livers following exposure to ethanol or HFD.

Conclusions

We identified roles for pnpla3, faf2 and tm6sf2 genes in triglyceride accumulation and fatty acid oxidation pathways in a zebrafish larvae model of fatty liver.
Malignant transformation in oral submucous fibrosis: Tertiary level evidence: An umbrella review
Authors: Gondivkar Shailesh M. , Yuwanati Monal , Sarode Sachin C. , Gadbail Amol R. , Gondivkar Rima , Mohsin Syed Fareed , Gaikwad Rahul
Published: August 2023

Objectives

An umbrella review is a systematic review of systematic reviews, which provides a tertiary level of evidence. This umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta‐analysis (SR‐MA) aimed to determine the proportion of oral cancer (OC) development in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) patients.

Materials and Methods

We searched electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane and grey literature. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and assessed for eligible papers. The methodological quality of SR‐MA was evaluated using AMSTAR2, and we also checked the quality of evidence of the included papers.

Results

Out of 454 papers identified in the primary search, 105 underwent eligibility screening. Inclusion criteria were met by four SR‐MA. OC ratios ranged between 4.2% and 6% for OSF. Substantial heterogeneity was observed for this outcome in all four MA (I2 = 71.31% to 86.37%). None of the SRs assessed the quality of evidence, and half of them were judged to be of critically low methodological quality.

Conclusion

There is lack of quality of evidences and critically low methodological quality among SRs and MA leading to substantial heterogeneity. However, due to potentially malignant nature, OSF patients should be monitored carefully for early detection of OC.
PANoptosis is a compound death in periodontitis: A systematic review of ex vivo and in vivo studies
Authors: Zhang Aopeng , Zhang Chenchen , Zhang Yuhan , Hu Tao , Cheng Ran
Published: August 2023

Objective

The purpose of the systematic review is to verify the presence of PANoptosis in periodontitis based on the published literatures studying cell death in periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a comprehensive review of literature studying the types of cell death in vitro cellular experiments, in vivo rodent studies and clinical studies from three major databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The present systematic review was recorded in the PROSPERO database, under registration number CRD42022383456.

Results

In total, 51 articles were included in this study. Our analysis of in vitro cell models revealed that pyroptosis, necroptosis, and apoptosis could be induced by periodontal pathogens in macrophages, fibroblasts, stem cells, and periodontal ligament cells. Furthermore, three types of cell death were detected in in vivo rodent periodontitis models. Clinical studies on human periodontitis tissue specimens and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) showed that some key proteins related to pyroptosis, necroptosis, and apoptosis were elevated in periodontitis.

Conclusions

Various studies have established similar in vivo and in vitro models with three modes of death detected under the same conditions, revealing complex interactions between different types of cell death pathways in periodontitis and the potential for PANoptosis to occur in periodontitis.
Attaining environmental sustainability amidst the interacting forces of natural resource rent and foreign direct investment: Is Norway any different?
Authors: Udemba Edmund Ntom , Dagar Vishal , Peng Xuhu , Dagher Leila
Published: August 2023

This is a study of Norway's sustainable environment development amidst the interactions of natural resources, external investment (FDI) and economic development. Much has been done with respect to the study of Norway's economic performance in relation to the link between the natural resources and FDI with little emphasis on the environmental performance of the resource‐based economy. Also, Norway is classified as among the top countries in Europe with a greater percentage of adopting renewable energy, and no study has done a critical review of the impact of natural resources and FDI which are part of drivers of carbon emission that can counter the positive impact of renewable energy towards the Norway's sustainable environment. On this basis, this study adopts a time series data of Norway, 1970 to 2018 to study its environmental performance. Approaches such as structural break analysis, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL)‐bound testing and Granger causality estimations are utilised in this study for in‐depth analysis of the subject. Findings from ARDL confirmed a positive association between fuels and carbon emission, other indicators (economic growth and natural resources) are improving the quality of the country's environment. FDI even though shows positive sign remains insignificant in impacting the environmental performance in the short run reverted to a significant negative relationship with carbon emissions. This confirms the pollution halo hypothesis and rejects the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH) for Norway, and this trend can be sustained with the constant implementation of environmental rules in the country. Granger test confirms, a one‐way transition from fossil fuels to carbon emission, from carbon emission to growth, and from economic growth to fossil fuels. Also, a two‐way transmission is found between fossil fuels and FDI. These findings from Granger causality are consistent with the findings from ARDL, hence, two ways interactions between FDI and fossil fuel energy source consumption from Granger causality and the two variables (fossil fuels and FDI) are seen impacting on Norway's environmental performance. Findings from the estimates suggest that natural resources and FDI are mitigating pollution, hence, Norway's policy is expected to be resources and FDI driven in sustainable environment development.