bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of cross-level impact of leadership rapport orientation on employees' innovative behaviour
Authors: Jin Hui , Wang Zheng
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To reveal the effective ways for leaders to motivate employees' innovative behaviour in complex environmental situations, the leadership rapport orientation is subdivided into two types of values-based/instrumental rapport orientation. The mechanism of supervisor developmental feedback in mediating between leadership rapport orientation and employees' innovative behaviour and the moderating effect of ambidextrous environments is explored. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objective.

Design/methodology/approach

Leadership rapport orientation is divided into value-based and instrumental rapport orientation to reveal effective ways for leaders to motivate employees' innovative behaviour in complex environmental situations.

Findings

The results show that the values-based (instrumental) rapport orientation of leaders impacts employees' innovative behaviour positively (negatively).

Originality/value

Leaders' values-based/instrumental rapport orientation indirectly influences employees' innovative behaviour through supervisor developmental feedback, which positively moderates the relationship between the values-based or instrumental rapport orientation of leaders and employees' innovative behaviour and further moderates the partially mediating role of supervisor developmental feedback between leaders' values-based/instrumental rapport orientation and employees' innovative behaviour.
Parents’ perceptions of STEM: the use of STEM materials for preschoolers in the home environment
Authors: Strawhecker Jane , Knoell Christopher , Thompson Paula , Shundoff Nicole , Bardell Angela
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This mixed-method, collaborative study investigated parents’ perceptions of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning through use of STEM kits specifically designed for in-home use by parents and preschool-age children.

Design/methodology/approach

Parents with a child attending a community-based childhood development center and ranging in age from three to four were invited to participate. Data were analyzed for the participants’ surveys, which were completed at two different times (pre and post) for this study.

Findings

After utilizing the STEM materials with their child over a two-week period, the parents’ perceptions of STEM content changed. The results indicate that regardless of the at-home STEM materials, positive outcomes for their child occurred, including the likelihood that their child would pursue additional STEM opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

With a small sample size and a short timeframe for conducting the study, the results lack generalizability. The findings add information about the effectiveness of STEM materials for preschoolers while providing insight into educational opportunities in home environments.

Originality/value

As the nation addresses workforce shortages in many areas, including STEM, rethinking STEM education during the first five years is important. The more opportunities for young children to engage in meaningful STEM, the greater the potential to pique interest and develop critical thinking skills.
Women Suppliers to Medieval Courts: Making Visible Ducal and Royal Power
Authors: Wilson Katherine A.
Published: September 2023

This article analyses under‐studied women suppliers to medieval courts, with a focus on Burgundian and French courts of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Through its archival research, it identifies over a hundred women involved in creating, supplying and repairing objects. Starting from the objects supplied, provisioned or repaired by women, the article seeks to understand women suppliers as significant actors in ducal and royal households through the way in which the objects they supplied became visible and meaningful expressions of ducal and royal power.
Risk factors for the increasing incidence of pregnancy‐associated cancer in Sweden – a population‐based study
Authors: Lundberg Frida E. , Stensheim Hanne , Ullenhag Gustav J. , Sahlgren Hanna Milerad , Lindemann Kristina , Fredriksson Irma , Johansson Anna L. V.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The incidence of cancer during pregnancy and within first year post‐delivery, ie pregnancy‐associated cancer (PAC), is increasing in many countries, but little is known about risk factors for these trends. This study quantified incidence of PAC by trimesters and post‐delivery periods, and assessed the role of maternal age, parity, immigrant status, education, smoking and body mass index for the risk and incidence trends of PAC.

Material and methods

We used data from the national birth and cancer registers in Sweden during 1973–2017 to define a register‐based cohort of women aged 15–44 years. Incidence rates of PAC during pregnancy and up to 1 year post‐delivery were calculated per 100 000 deliveries per year. Poisson regression with multiple imputation estimated incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals adjusted by year, age, previous parity, immigrant status, education, smoking and BMI during 1990–2017, when information on risk factors was available.

Results

Among 4 557 284 deliveries, a total of 1274 (during pregnancy) and 3355 (within 1 year post‐delivery) cases of PAC were diagnosed, with around 50 cases/year diagnosed during pregnancy and 110 cases/year during the first year post‐delivery in the latest period 2015–2017. The most common cancer types during pregnancy were malignant melanoma, breast and cervical cancer, together accounting for 57% of cases during pregnancy and 53% during the first year post‐delivery. The numbers of PAC were lower during pregnancy than during post‐delivery for all tumor types with lowest numbers during first trimester. The PAC incidence rates increased over calendar time. High maternal age at diagnosis, smoking, nulliparity and non‐immigrant background were associated with significantly higher risks of PAC. The increasing PAC incidence was in part explained by higher maternal age over time, but not by the other factors.

Conclusions

High maternal age is the strongest risk factor for PAC. We show for the first time that smoking, nulliparity and non‐immigrant background are also contributing risk factors for PAC. However, only high maternal age contributed significantly to the increasing incidence. Further studies on other potential risk factors for PAC are warranted, since our results indicate that age on its own does not fully explain the increase.
Leveraging cultural forms in human‐centred learning analytics design
Authors: Campos Fabio , Nguyen Ha , Ahn June , Jackson Kara
Published: September 2023

In this article, we offer theory‐grounded narratives of a 4‐year participatory design process of a Learning Analytics tool with K‐12 educators. We describe how we design‐in‐partnership by leveraging educators' routines, values and cultural representations into the designs of digital dashboards. We make our long‐term reasoning visible by reflecting upon how design decisions were made, discussing key tensions and analysing to what extent the developed tools were taken up in practice. Through thick design narratives, we reflect upon how cultural forms—recognizable cultural constructs that might cue and facilitate specific activities—were identified among educators and informed the design of a dashboard. We then examined the extent to which the designed tool supported coaches and teachers to engage in Generative Uncertainty, an interpretive stance in which educators manifest productive inquiries towards data. Our analysis highlights that attuning to cultural forms is a valuable first step but not enough towards designing LA tools for systems in ways that fit institutionalized practices, challenge instrumental uses and spur productive inquiry. We conclude by offering two key criteria for making culturally‐grounded design decisions in the context of long‐term partnerships.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Participatory design can invite stakeholders to directly inform the creation of LA artefacts that fit their needs, context and cultural markers.

What this paper adds

Cultural forms can be identified and leveraged in the design of LA tools.

HCLA scholars ought to design for systems—the complex body of organizational routines, cultural practices and interactions among multiple stakeholders—and not just for users.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Leveraging cultural forms in LA needs to be accompanied by a critical view of which practices, behaviours, values and structures are suggested by such forms.

Designing features that are easy to use, are associated with concrete tasks, and fit into existing cultural practices are three criteria for embedding cultural forms into LA design.
Polyclonal immunoglobulin recovery in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma receiving maintenance therapy after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation with either carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone or lenalidomide alone: Subanalysis of the randomized phase 3 ATLAS trial
Authors: Kubicki Tadeusz , Dytfeld Dominik , Wróbel Tomasz , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Robak Paweł , Czyż Jarosław , Tyczyńska Agata , Druzd‐Sitek Agnieszka , Giannopoulos Krzysztof , Szczepaniak Tomasz , Łojko‐Dankowska Anna , Matuszak Magdalena , Gil Lidia , Puła Bartosz , Rybka Justyna , Majcherek Maciej , Usnarska‐Zubkiewicz Lidia , Szukalski Łukasz , Zaucha Jan Maciej , Mikulski Damian , Czabak Olga , Lahoud Oscar B. , Stefka Andrew , Derman Benjamin A. , Jakubowiak Andrzej J.
Published: September 2023

Previous studies suggest that postautologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) recovery of polyclonal immunoglobulin from immunoparesis in patients with multiple myeloma is a positive prognostic marker. We performed a longitudinal analysis of polyclonal immunoglobulin concentrations and unique B‐cell sequences in patients enrolled in the phase 3 ATLAS trial that randomized 180 subjects to either carfilzomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone (KRd) or lenalidomide (R) maintenance. In the KRd arm, standard‐risk patients with minimal residual disease negativity after six cycles de‐escalated to R alone after cycle 8. One year from the initiation of maintenance at least partial recovery of polyclonal immunoglobulin was observed in more patients on the R arm (58/66, p < 0.001) and in those who de‐escalated from KRd to R (27/38, p < 0.001) compared to the KRd arm (9/36). In patients who switched from KRd to R, the concentrations of uninvolved immunoglobulin and the number of B‐cell unique sequences increased over time, approaching values observed in the R arm. There were no differences in progression‐free survival between the patients with at least partial immunoglobulin recovery and the remaining population. Our analysis indicates that patients receiving continuous therapy after ASCT experience prolonged immunoparesis, limiting prognostic significance of polyclonal immunoglobulin recovery in this setting.
Provider prescription of hydroxyurea in youth and adults with sickle cell disease: A review of prescription barriers and facilitators
Authors: Pizzo Alex , Porter Jerlym S. , Carroll Yvonne , Burcheri Adam , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Beestrum Molly , Nwosu Chinonyelum , Badawy Sherif M. , Hankins Jane S. , Klesges Lisa M. , Alberts Nicole M.
Published: September 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited red blood cell disorder associated with frequent painful events and organ damage. Hydroxyurea (HU) is the recommended evidence‐based treatment of SCD. However, among patients eligible for HU, prescription rates are low. Utilizing a scoping review approach, we summarized and synthesized relevant findings regarding provider barriers and facilitators to the prescription of HU in youth and adults with SCD and provided suggestions for future implementation strategies to improve prescription rates. Relevant databases were searched using specified search terms. Articles reporting provider barriers and/or facilitators to prescribing HU were included. A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Common barriers to the prescription of HU identified by providers included: doubts around patients' adherence to HU and their engaging in required testing, concerns about side effects, lack of knowledge, cost and patient concerns about side effects. Facilitators to the prescription of HU included beliefs in the effectiveness of HU, provider demographics and knowledge. Findings suggest significant provider biases exist, particularly in the form of negative perceptions towards patients' ability to adhere to taking HU and engaging in the required follow‐up. Improving provider knowledge and attitudes towards HU and SCD may help improve low prescription rates.
Long‐term treatment outcomes of single maxillary buccal peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscences: A 10‐year prospective study
Authors: Roccuzzo Andrea , Mancini Leonardo , Marruganti Crystal , Ramieri Guglielmo , Salvi Giovanni E. , Sculean Anton , Roccuzzo Mario
Published: September 2023

Introduction

To evaluate the 10‐year clinical outcomes following surgical treatment of shallow isolated peri‐implant soft‐tissue dehiscences (PSTD) at single tissue level dental implants.

Methods

The baseline population included 16 patients (16 implants) displaying an isolated peri‐implant maxillary buccal soft‐tissue dehiscence. The recipient bed was prepared with a minimally‐invasive split‐thickness flap limited to the buccal aspect to stabilize the tuberosity connective tissue graft (CTG) onto the periosteum. At the end of treatment, patients were enrolled in an individualized supportive peri‐implant care (SPC) program. The aesthetic outcome was evaluated on photographs by three clinicians using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

SPC during the 10‐years proceeded uneventfully in all patients. A total of 12 patients completed the 10‐year examination, as 3 patients dropped‐out and 1 implant was lost. Complete PSTD coverage was obtained at 7 implant sites (i.e., 58%) while the mean PSTD coverage amounted to 89.6% ± 17.1% without statistically significant differences between 1 and 10 years (p > 0.05). Stable peri‐implant parameters (i.e., PD and BoP) and full‐mouth scores (i.e., FMPS, FMBS) were recorded throughout the observation period (p > 0.05). The aesthetic improvements obtained in the short‐term were maintained up to 10 years.

Conclusion

Within their limits, the present results indicate that the proposed surgical technique is a simple and reliable treatment option for the treatment of single maxillary buccal PSTDs in selected cases with positive results up to 10 years in patients under regular SPC (NCT04983758—this clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment).
Driver's licences for undocumented immigrants and post‐mortem organ donation
Authors: Luo Tianyuan , Escalante Cesar L.
Published: September 2023

This study examines the relationship between expanded access to driver's licences among undocumented immigrants and the number of post‐mortem organ donors, using difference‐in‐differences modelling and event study estimation techniques. Results suggest that the adoption of laws that grant driver's licences to undocumented immigrants effectively increased the population of licensed drivers by about 2.7%. These increments eventually led to subsequent increases in the number of Hispanic organ donors by 28%, and the outcome is driven mainly by young adult Hispanic donors. Moreover, DLU laws are further credited with an approximately 17% increase in organ transplants, particularly among Hispanics, although transplant waiting list addition numbers are not significantly affected. As these laws pave the way for more undocumented drivers to register as organ donors, such legislation could help to alleviate organ shortage issues and narrow the ‘ethnic waiting period gap’ for organ transplants.
Pericardial mesothelioma presenting as constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Berglund Felix , Ali Ambreen , Sankar Parvathy , Karmali Rehan , Majid Muhammad , Kumar Ashwin , Mudra Sarah , Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , Klein Allan L.
Published: September 2023

A 46‐year‐old woman underwent pericardiocentesis and pericardial window for recurrent pericardial effusion. She presented 17 months later with signs and symptoms consistent with constrictive pericarditis. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed an infiltrative mass surrounding the pericardium. A transcutaneous core needle biopsy of the pericardium confirmed the diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma.
Evaluation of efficiency of the index of potential anthropic geomorphology at meso level: a case study of Goa State, India
Authors: Nigam Ritwik , Luis Alvarinho , Kotha Mahender
Published: September 2023

Technological advancement and exponential rise in the human population have led to severe modification of the land surface area. These human‐induced geomorphic modifications are considered as an active geomorphic process that interrupts dynamic equilibrium between landform and anthropogeomorphologic processes. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Nir's ‘Index of potential anthropic geomorphology’ used to quantify anthropogeomorphic process (AGP) impact. The model was applied in 11 talukas (sub‐districts) of Goa State, India. Goa is a good candidate to understand the impact of anthropogeomorphological process because it has a varied topography with different geomorphological landforms along with rapid increase in urbanisation and mining activities which are anthropocentric. Decadal results show that, during 1991, 2001, and 2011, the tourism hubs of North Goa Bardez (0.32, 0.36, and 0.40) and Tiswadi (0.44, 0.42, and 0.47) required least attention to curb human impact, while the major economic and tourism hubs of South Goa Marmugao (0.55, 0.53, and 0.40) and Salcete (0.40, 0.40, and 0.40) surprisingly showed no increase but instead a decline in the values. In addition, prominent mining talukas Bicholim (0.25, 0.30, and 0.20), Quepem (0.45, 0.39, and 0.15), and Sanguem (0.24, 0.22, and 0.18) also showed declining values, which is indicative of decreased human activities. The index results suggest ‘no requirement of urgent and efficient measures’ in any talukas because none of the values have been found to be above 0.50, which according to the model represents considerable damage to geomorphology. However, Goa is a world‐renowned tourism destination and all these talukas have witnessed massive urban development, high literacy rate, and exponential growth in National State Domestic Product and mining activities, especially since the turn of the millennium, which are contrary to Nir's index results. Therefore, the model has been found to be over‐generalised and ineffective in indicating actual AGP at the meso level.
Assessment of colour modifications in two different composite resins induced by the influence of chlorhexidine mouthwashes and gels, with and without anti‐staining properties: An in vitro study
Authors: Checchi V. , Forabosco E. , Dall'Olio F. , Kaleci S. , Giannetti L. , Generali L.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Chlorhexidine (CHX)‐based products are the most effective chemical agents used in plaque control and oral disinfection. One of their side effects is tooth and restoration staining. For this reason, CHX products with anti‐discolouration systems (ADS) have been developed. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare different CHX‐based products (gel and mouthwash) with or without ADS in composite colour modification.

Methods

Two hundred specimens were created, 100 of which were made of packable composite and 100 of flowable composite. After 24 h, colour coordinates (L*, a*, b*, C*, h°) were recorded using a spectrophotometer (T0). Then, all samples were subjected to a CHX/tea staining model and immersed in human saliva for 2 min. Composite specimens were divided in 10 groups (N = 20). Control groups (PC, FC) were soaked in distilled water and test groups (PG, PGads, FG, FGads, PM, PMads, FM and FMads) were immersed in CHX‐based solutions or brushed with CHX gel. Then the cycle was repeated 6 times, and colour differences (ΔEab and ΔE00) were finally calculated.

Results

Through flowable composites, FC and FG showed the highest colour differences, respectively ΔEab = 3.48 ± 1.0, ΔE00 = 2.24 ± 0.6 and ΔEab = 2.95 ± 1.3, ΔE00 = 1.53 ± 0.6. In the composite groups instead, PM and PMads showed the highest colour differences, respectively ΔEab = 2.78 ± 1.3, ΔE00 = 1.94 ± 0.8 and ΔEab = 2.71 ± 1.4, ΔE00 = 1.84 ± 0.9.

Conclusions

CHX‐containing products are able to cause stains on restorative composite materials. Discolouration is more likely to occur in flowable composites than packable composites, and ADS‐containing products cause fewer pigmentations than CHX products without ADS. Packable composites showed more staining after mouthwash treatment, whereas flowable composites underwent higher discolouration after treatment with gels.
To Think and to Speak of the Living God: Katherine Sonderegger's Systematic Theology, Volume 2
Authors: Ziegler Philip G.
Published: September 2023

This review of the second volume of Katherine Sonderegger's Systematic Theology reflects upon its several extraordinary features before exploring in some detail the theological account of Scripture integrated into its argument. The possibility of unfolding a metaphysically robust account of God's immanent triune life on the basis of the biblical witness turns upon a highly distinctive view of the Bible and its relation to God's own being.
“There are still broken or fragmented systems”: Qualitative assessment of needs to strengthen adolescent mental health services in American Samoa
Authors: Mew Emma J. , Blas Vanessa , Winschel Julia , Hunt Leiema , Soliai‐Lemusu Si'itia , Johansson Astrid , Lowe Sarah R. , Faiai Mata'uitafa , Naseri Joshua , Toelupe Robert L. M. , Ipou Francine , Seui Moelili'a , Ledoux‐Sunia Trude , Sunia Fiafia , Galea’i Ariel , Poulin Rhayna , Hawley Nicola L. , McCutchan‐Tofaeono Jueta
Published: September 2023

Mental health challenges appear common among adolescents in American Samoa. There is a community‐identified need to better understand the health burden and identify opportunities to strengthen the mental health system to better meet adolescent mental health needs. The goal of this qualitative study was to gather community stakeholders' perceptions of common mental health problems among adolescents in American Samoa, identify existing services for adolescent mental health, and highlight strength‐based opportunities to enhance care. Using the Fa'afaletui research framework, semi‐structured in‐depth interviews (n = 28) were conducted between October 2020 and February 2021 using Zoom. Key informants were adults living in American Samoa, sampled for diversity in profession, age, gender, education, and region of residence. Transcripts were coded in duplicate and analysed using deductive thematic analysis. Participants reported that suicide, depression, anxiety, and post‐traumatic stress disorder are the conditions of highest burden. Participants identified an impressive amount of infrastructure and community mobilization, but also limitations in these services in addressing adolescents' health needs. Four themes arose related to the need to: (1) strengthen existing infrastructure; (2) reduce barriers to treatment access; (3) improve sustainability; and (4) encourage collaboration among leaders. Policymakers should prioritize the allocation of resources to strengthen infrastructure, public education, and stakeholder collaboration to improve adolescent mental health in American Samoa.
Shouldn’t We Be Assessing the Effectiveness of Total Communications Campaigns Rather than Individual Techniques?
Authors: White Roderick
Published: September 2023

Addressing the issue from the point of view of a long‐experienced advertising practitioner, this article suggests that the current structure of awards in the advertising industry fails to reflect the substantial change that has occurred in the way in which leading companies increasingly approach their communications: to concentrate on a single part of the overall communications mix is to ignore the growing recognition that a brand's communications should be ‘integrated’.
Emotional Appeals and Information Cues in Belgian Magazine Advertisements
Authors: De Pelsmacker Patrick , Geuens Maggie
Published: September 2023

An extensive analysis of the content of advertising stimuli over the last twenty years has been carried out on a representative sample of Belgian magazine advertisements, using an extensive analytical framework of different information cues and types of emotional appeals. The evolution of advertisement content over time and across product categories is studied, and a measure of ‘degree of overall similarity of strategy’ (DOSS) is proposed and calculated in the Belgian context. The relevance of this measure for advertising effectiveness is highlighted and suggestions for further research are proposed.
Limitations and Strengths of Pan–Asian Advertising Media: A Review for International Advertisers
Authors: Ha Louisa
Published: September 2023

Economic growth in Asia has led to a proliferation in the supply of pan–regional media. Most of these are elitist media targeting affluent businessmen and travellers. The increasing importance of the Chinese–speaking market spurs the growth of Chinese language pan–Asian media. The emergence of satellite television networks popularizes pan–regional media to a broader audience, although its penetration is still small in comparison to local media. When selecting pan–regional media for advertising in the region, advertisers are advised to use data from pan–Asian audience surveys, publication audit figures and competitive advertising expenditure reports in examining the cost–efficiency of each media vehicle. In choosing between pan–regional and local media, advertisers should consider the homogeneity and socio–economic status of their target audience, the importance of international recognition and consistency in image for the brand, geographic strengths, and other added values of the media.
From Four Hundred Million to More than One Billion Consumers: A Brief History of the Foreign Advertising Industry in China
Authors: Wang Jian
Published: September 2023

As an industry and a form of mass communication, modern advertising was introduced in China from the West at the turn of the century. The 1920s and 1930s witnessed China’s first major exposure to foreign advertising and consumer culture. The 1990s may prove to be China’s second encounter with global consumer culture through the medium of advertising; only this time, its experience is more massive and far‐reaching. This article provides a capsule history of the development of the foreign advertising industry in China within the context of Chinese economy and media.
Emerging Lifestyles in China and Consequences for Perception of Advertising, Buying Behaviour and Consumption Preferences
Authors: Wei Ran
Published: September 2023

This study successfully segments consumers in China into five groups based on six empirically tested lifestyles: traditionalists, status quo, modern, transitioners and generation Xers. Marked by old age, poor education and poverty, traditionalists lead an old‐fashioned life and resist change. Demographically similar to traditionalists, the status quo segment, however, has not reached a stage where life revolves around established routines. Poorly educated with low incomes, transitioners are much younger and open to change. The modern segment is the most affluent and well educated, purusing a fashionable and materialistic life. Generation Xers, born after the Cultural Revolution, are best educated; they show disrespect for routines and tradition and worry little about money. As consumers, traditionalists and status quo consumers disapprove of advertising, strive to save and prefer all things Chinese. The modern and generation X segments view advertising positively, spend freely and favour a Western lifestyle. Transitioners differ from others, reflecting a lifestyle in transition.
The influence of metal artifact reduction on the trueness of registration of a cone‐beam computed tomography scan with an intraoral scan in the presence of severe restoration artifact
Authors: Biun John , Dudhia Raahib , Arora Himanshu
Published: September 2023

Purpose

When planning guided implant surgery, highly radiopaque materials such as metals or zirconia produce streaking artifacts (‘metal artifact’) on cone‐beam computed tomography scans, which can impair registration of the intraoral scan. This study aimed to determine the effect of metal artifact reduction on the trueness of registration in the presence of multiple full‐coverage zirconia crowns.

Materials and methods

A 3D‐printed maxillary study model was restored with 12 full‐coverage zirconia crowns and scanned with an intraoral scanner. Cone‐beam computed tomography scans of the study model were acquired, with and without activation of the metal artifact reduction algorithm. Registration of the optical scans was performed using initial point‐based registration with surface‐based refinement, and the deviation was measured at four pre‐defined dental landmarks. Welch's t‐test was used to compare the registration error for the metal artifact reduction group with the control group.

Results

The average registration error was 0.519 mm (95% CI 0.507 to 0.531) with metal artifact reduction deactivated, compared to 0.478 mm (95% CI 0.460 to 0.496) without metal artifact reduction. Therefore, activation of the metal artifact reduction algorithm was associated with a 0.041 mm (95% CI 0.020 to 0.061, p < 0.001) increase in average registration error.

Conclusions

The use of the metal artifact reduction algorithm slightly reduced trueness in this in vitro study. Clinicians are advised not to rely on a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm for registration of a cone‐beam computed tomography scan with an intraoral scan when planning guided implant surgery in the presence of restoration artifacts.
Changes in the skin microbiome during male maturation from 0 to 25 years of age
Authors: Hu Xinyue , Tang Meng , Dong Kun , Zhou Jin , Wang Dexian , Song Liya
Published: September 2023

Background

Skin microorganisms co‐develop with the human body and age influences the skin microenvironment and thus the skin bacterial community.

Objectives

To investigate the changes in the skin microbiota during male development.

Methods

High‐throughput 16S ribosomal RNA pyrosequencing was utilized to analyze the differences in bacterial composition of the skin in healthy males aged 0–25 years.

Results

There were significant differences in facial skin bacterial diversity (Shannon index) and richness (Chao index) among the 4 groups of subjects (p < 0.05). Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium are dominant in males during growth, and regular changes occur with age after birth. Further analysis of skin bacteria between the 4 groups showed that the bacterial abundance of Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis tended to increase with age, and the bacterial abundance of Streptococcus, Rothia mucilaginosa, and Staphylococcus hominis tended to decrease with age.

Conclusions

There are some changes in cheek skin bacterial diversity during male development, and there is a relationship between skin bacterial changes and skin development processes.
Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus incidence in blood donors from 2000 to 2020 in France: Trends and lessons from haemovigilance surveillance
Authors: Laperche Syria , Sauvage Claire , Gallian Pierre , Jbilou Saadia , Pouchol Elodie , Py Jean Yves , Chabli Lila , Richard Pascale , Morel Pascal , Lot Florence , Tiberghien Pierre
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives

Data from 21 years (2000–2020) of haemovigilance were used to assess human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence rates in repeat blood donors and the occurrence of transfusion‐transmitted (TT) viral infections.

Materials and Methods

Blood donors who converted for HIV, HCV or HBV markers within serial three‐year analysis periods were included. Epidemiological and virological data were retrieved from the national epidemiological donor database and were supplemented with information on blood components and the infection status of recipients of the previous negative donation (D.N‐1) of donors who seroconverted.

Results

Incidence rates declined from 1.27 to 0.35/100,000 person‐years for HIV, from 0.59 to 0.19 for HCV and from 1.66 to 0.18 for HBV. Risk factors and lookback for 232 HIV, 90 HCV and 74 HBV seroconversions were investigated. The main risk factor identified at post‐donation interview was having sex with men (47.8% of males) for HIV and a sexual risk for HCV (30.6%) and HBV (37.1%). The viral loads and sequences were retrospectively tested in 191 HIV, 74 HCV and 62 HBV D.N‐1 archived samples. Six (five HBV and one HIV‐1) were positive all low viral loads. Two recipients were infected by red blood cells from two HBV seroconverting donors before the introduction of HBV‐nucleic acid testing.

Conclusion

HIV, HCV and HBV incidence rates in blood donors declined over the two past decades in France. There is a very small risk of a blood component that tests negative entering the blood supply resulting in TT infections, especially after introduction of molecular assays in donor screening.
Development of a xylose-inducible promoter and riboswitch combination system for manipulating gene expression in
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: G C Bibek , Zhou Peng , Naha Arindam , Gu Jianhua , Wu Chenggang
Published: September 2023

Inducible gene expression systems are important for studying bacterial gene function, yet most exhibit leakage. In this study, we engineered a leakage-free hybrid system for precise gene expression controls in
Fusobacterium nucleatum
by integrating the xylose-inducible expression system with the theophylline-responsive riboswitch. This innovative method enables concurrent control of target gene expression at both transcription and translation initiation levels. Using luciferase and the indole-producing enzyme tryptophanase (TnaA) as reporters, we demonstrated that the hybrid system displays virtually no observable signal in the absence of inducers. We employed this system to express FtsX, a protein related to fusobacterial cytokinesis, in an
ftsX
mutant strain, unveiling a dose-dependent manner in FtsX production. Without inducers, cells form long filaments, while increasing FtsX levels by increasing inducer concentrations led to a gradual reduction in cell length until normal morphology was restored. Crucially, this system facilitated essential gene investigation, identifying the signal peptidase
lepB
gene as vital for
F. nucleatum
. LepB’s essentiality stems from depletion, affecting outer membrane biogenesis and cell division. This novel hybrid system holds the potential for advancing research on essential genes and accurate gene regulation in
F. nucleatum
.

IMPORTANCE

Fusobacterium nucleatum
, an anaerobic bacterium prevalent in the human oral cavity, is strongly linked to periodontitis and can colonize areas beyond the oral cavity, such as the placenta and gastrointestinal tract, causing adverse pregnancy outcomes and promoting colorectal cancer growth. Given
F. nucleatum
’s clinical significance, research is underway to develop targeted therapies to inhibit its growth or eradicate the bacterium specifically. Essential genes, crucial for bacterial survival, growth, and reproduction, are promising drug targets. A leak-free-inducible gene expression system is needed for studying these genes, enabling conditional gene knockouts and elucidating the importance of those essential genes. Our study identified
lepB
as the essential gene by first generating a conditional gene mutation in
F. nucleatum
. Combining a xylose-inducible system with a riboswitch facilitated the analysis of essential genes in
F. nucleatum
, paving the way for potential drug development targeting this bacterium for various clinical applications.
Sr-Isotopic Composition of Paleoocean Water 960 Ma Ago (according to the Data for the Nizhny Tunguska Formation of the Turukhansk Uplift, Siberian Platform)
Authors: Letnikova E. F. , Zhdanov A. A. , Ivanov A. V. , Maslov A. V. , Izokh A. E. , Letnikova A. F. , Soloshenko N. G.
Published: September 2023

The Sr-isotopic composition in carbonate rocks aged 980–920 Ma has been defined in only one place in the world, the Huainan Formation of the North China Platform, with the accumulation time limited by U–Pb data of detrital zircon grains. The upper part of the Nizhny Tunguska Formation in the Turukhansk uplift is found to contain altered volcanic rocks, as well as weathering crust products along them, such as poor bauxite and chamosite ores, among carbonate deposits. Based on U–Pb zircon isotope dating, the age of the volcanic rocks is 963 Ma. For the least altered limestones in the upper part of the Nizhny Tunguska Formation, the 87Sr/86Sr values were obtained equal to 0.70532–0.70578, which are close to those found in the rocks of the Huainan Formation. These data about the geochronological age of the studied limestones make it possible to obtain more accurate data, which allows refining the previously proposed configuration of the Sr-isotopic composition variation curve in the Early Neoproterozoic. The Nizhny Tunguska Formation compares favorably with the Huainan Formation in being the world’s only Early Neoproterozoic carbonate sequence that is correctly geochronologically substantiated (based on zircon from subsynchronous volcanic rocks).
Inferior vena cava diameter and risk of acute decompensated heart failure rehospitalisations
Authors: Sampath-Kumar Revathy , Ben-Yehuda Ori
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter may be a surrogate for volume status in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The utility of IVC diameter measurement is under studied. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between IVC diameter, clinical variables and ADHF rehospitalisations.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 200 patients admitted for ADHF from 2018 to 2019 with transthoracic echocardiogram during index hospitalisation. Charts were assessed for ADHF rehospitalisation within 1 year.

Results

The median age was 64, 30.5% were female, and average left ventricular ejection fraction was 41%±20%. IVC diameter correlated to pulmonary arterial (PA) pressure (R=0.347, p<0.001) and body surface area (BSA) (R=0.424 p<0.001). IVC diameter corrected for BSA correlated to PA pressure (R=0.287, p<0.001) and log N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (R=0.247, p≤0.01). Patients rehospitalised within 1 year had significantly greater mean IVC diameter compared with those not rehospitalised (p<0.001) while there was no difference in mean net weight lost during index hospitalisation or mean log NT-proBNP. Patients with IVC diameter greater than 2.07 cm had significantly increased ADHF rehospitalisation (85.6% vs 49.3%, log rank p<0.001) with HR 2.44 (95% CI 1.85 to 3.23, p<0.001). In multivariable Cox regression only IVC diameter (p<0.001), presence of tricuspid regurgitation (p=0.02) and NYHA class III/IV (p<0.001) independently predicted ADHF rehospitalisation within 1 year.

Conclusions

IVC diameter is predictive of rehospitalisation in patients with ADHF and may identify patients in need of greater monitoring and diuresis.
Chronic beetroot juice supplementation attenuates neuromuscular fatigue etiology during simulated soccer match play
Authors: Daab Wael , Zghal Firas , Nassis George P. , Rebai Haithem , Moalla Wassim , Bouzid Mohamed Amine
Published: September 2023

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of beetroot juice supplementation (BEET) on neuromuscular fatigue etiology during simulated soccer match play. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 13 soccer players completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). Players received either BEET (2×150 mL; ∼8 mmol/L nitrate) or placebo (PLA) for 7 days (6 days prior to the experimental session and on the day of trial, 2 h before LIST). Neuromuscular assessments were performed at baseline, 45 min (half time: HT), and 90 min (full time: FT) following LIST. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and twitch responses, delivered through electrical femoral nerve stimulation, were used to assess peripheral (quadriceps resting twitch force Qtw,pot) and central fatigue (voluntary activation, VA). Compared with baseline, MVC Qtw,pot and VA values decreased in PLA and BEET conditions at HT and FT ( P < 0.05). Compared with PLA, the decrease in MVC and Qtw,pot was significantly attenuated with BEET at HT and FT ( P < 0.001). Likewise, BEET attenuated the decrease in VA at HT ( P < 0.001, d = 1.3) and FT ( P < 0.001, d = 1.5) compared with the PLA condition. Chronic beetroot juice supplementation attenuates neuromuscular fatigue development during simulated soccer matches, and this is due to both central and peripheral factors. Consequently, chronic beetroot may optimize physical performance.
Development of Trio Optimal Feature Extraction Model for Attention-Based Adaptive Weighted RNN-Based Lung and Colon Cancer Detection Framework Using Histopathological Images
Authors: Pasha MD Azam , Narayana M.
Published: September 2023

Due to the combination of genetic diseases as well as a variety of biomedical abnormalities, the fatal disease named cancer is caused. Colon and lung cancer are regarded as the two leading diseases for disability and death. The most significant component for demonstrating the best course of action is the histopathological identification of such malignancies. So, in order to minimize the mortality rate caused by cancer, there is a need for early detection of the aliment on both fronts accordingly. In this case, both the deep and machine learning techniques have been utilized to speed up the detection process of cancer which may also help the researchers to study a huge amount of patients over a short period and less loss. Hence, it is highly essential to design a new lung and colon detection model based on deep learning approaches. Initially, a different set of histopathological images is collected from benchmark resources to perform effective analysis. Then, to attain the first set of features, the collected image is offered to the dilated net for attaining deep image features with the help of the Visual Geometry Group (VGG16) and Residual Neural Network (ResNet). Further, the second set of features is attained by the below process. Here, the collected image is given to pre-processing phase and the image is pre–pre-processed with the help of Contrast-limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) and filter technique. Then, the pre-processed image is offered to the segmentation phase with the help of adaptive binary thresholding and offered to a dilated network that holds VGG16 and ResNet and attained the second set of features. The parameters of adaptive binary thresholding are tuned with the help of a developed hybrid approach called Sand Cat swarm JAya Optimization (SC-JAO) via Sand Cat swarm Optimization (SCO) and JAYA (SC-JAO). Finally, the third set of features is attained by offering the image to pre-processing phase. Then, the pre-processed image is offered to the segmentation phase and the image is a segmented phase and features are tuned by developed SC-JAO. Further, the segmented features are offered to attain the textural features like Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) and Local Weber Pattern (LWP) and attained the third set of features. Then, the attained three different sets of features are given to the optimal weighted feature phase, where the parameters are optimized by the SC-JAO algorithm and then given to the disease prediction phase. Here, disease prediction is made with the help of Attention-based Adaptive Weighted Recurrent Neural Networks (AAW-RNN), and their parameters are tuned by developed SC-JAO. Thus, the developed model achieved an effective lung and colon detection rate over conventional approaches over multiple experimental analyses.
Experimental Study on Bonding Performance between Prestressed Concrete Pipe Piles and Core Grout
Authors: Yin Xiaosan , Li Jimin , Fu Guoyang
Published: September 2023

To make the bearing capacity tests safer and more affordable for prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) piles, this paper proposes a reaction device for anchor piles filled with core grout based on the geometric and mechanical characteristics of PHC piles. The proposed reaction device has the advantages of convenient construction, strong controllability of the connection quality and low cost. In addition, the pile will not experience prestress unloading or tensile stress under the effect of the upward pulling load. To promote the application of the reaction device developed for PHC pile bearing capacity tests, experimental studies are conducted on the bonding performance between the core grout and the inner wall of the PHC pile. The influence of various factors such as the strength of the core grout, the grouting length, the curing time, and the inner diameter of the PHC pile on the bond strength between the core grout and the inner wall of the PHC pile are investigated. Results show that as the inner diameter of the PHC pile increases, the bond strength between the core grout and the inner wall of the PHC pile decreases with a maximum difference of 5%. The bond strength decreases as the grouting length increases, and gradually stabilizes, with a difference of no more than 10% between the maximum and minimum bond strength values. The higher the strength of the grout is, the greater the bond strength between the core grout and the inner wall of the PHC pile is. The bond strength between the core grout and the inner wall of the PHC pile increases with the increase of the curing time within 28 days of curing, and the bond strength at 3 days meets the requirements of the PHC pile bearing capacity test.
Spontaneous Subcapsular Renal Hematoma as Cause of Hypovolemic Shock in a Chronic Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Bermudez-Gonzalez Jorge Luis , Rodríguez-Encinas Bethsabel , Beverido-Florido Ángel Miguel , Gabutti-Thomas Jesús Alejandro
Published: September 2023

Subcapsular renal hematomas may appear spontaneously in patients in chronic hemodialysis, though other causes as neoplasms, vasculitis, and infections should be excluded. Patients may present with abdominal pain and hemorrhagic shock; hence, early diagnosis is vital. Nephrectomy or renal artery embolization are suitable treatment options.
O paradoxo semiótico da improbabilidade da comunicação
Authors: Nöth Winfried
Published: September 2023

O artigo interpreta o teorema da “improbabilidade da comunicação” de Niklas Luhmann como um argumento contra o ideal de uma congruência perfeita entre as mentes comunicantes, cujos precursores mais moderados são: (1) a teoria de Thomas Hobbes da comunicação enganosa, (2) as implicações da exclusão na etimologia da palavra comunicação, (3) as objeções da teoria do código de J. Lotman contra a ideia de comunicação com base em um código comum, (4) teorias cognitivas sobre os impedimentos à comunicação baseadas na suposição de que as mentes são caixas-pretas, (5) a teoria da comunicação de C. S. Peirce e (6) as visões pós-estruturalistas e desconstrutivistas sobre a impossibilidade de congruência na comunicação (Foucault, Derrida).
Ouvir para além do Antropoceno: Poetry as an echological survival
Authors: Amorim João Pedro , Teixeira Luís
Published: September 2023

A partir de Poetry as an echological survival do artista Nuno da Luz, iremos refletir sobre formas de envolvência ambiental e ecológica. Esta exposição nos permite propor uma alternativa sensorial à discussão crítica sobre as narrativas do Antropoceno, respondendo às críticas colocadas sobre este conceito. A arte sonora tem um papel fundamental na redefinição da nossa relação com o planeta dadas as características materiais do som e o fato de complementar a mundividência ocidental, que privilegia a visão. O trabalho do artista cria um estar-no-mundo em que o visitante é penetrado pelas ondas sonoras, o que causa a redefinição da sua condição ecológica: criando, assim, uma “sobrevivência echológica”.