bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifecycle land decumulation strategies in a seventeenth‐century rural community
Authors: Curtis Daniel R. , van Besouw Bram
Published: December 2024

Economic historians have tried to better understand how and why land was redistributed in rural communities, although our empirical insights have been limited by a lack of serial evidence for land distribution within the same locality across a long period. This article exploits the unusual survival of Veldboeken (field books), which allow a careful annual reconstruction of land distribution within an unremarkable seventeenth‐century village in the south of the modern‐day Netherlands. We show that, despite high levels of dynamism in the local land markets, including high and changing levels of leasehold, varying and flexible tenancies, and frequent transfers of land between parties, the overall aggregate distribution of land did not change very much over time. Employing a systematic lifecycle analysis of active land‐market participants, we advance a broader concept of pre‐industrial ‘decumulation’ – where landowners and land users used adaptive mechanisms within the land market to not just consolidate land but also work out ways of getting rid of it and achieve optimal (and often smaller) farms and estates. Accordingly, we do not find any social logic or natural tendency towards accumulation, consolidation, and greater inequality.
Recently Delisted Songbird Harbors Extensive Genomic Evidence of Inbreeding, Potentially Complicating Future Recovery
Authors: Calderón Anna María , Wood Andrew W. , Szpiech Zachary A. , Toews David P. L.
Published: December 2024

The Kirtland's warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) is a rare migratory passerine species and habitat specialist of the North American Jack Pine Forests. Their near extinction in the 1970s classified them as endangered and protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. After decades of intense conservation management, their population size recovered, and they were delisted from federal protection in 2019. We explore the genomic consequences of this harsh bottleneck and recovery by comparing the genomic architecture of two closely related species whose population sizes have remained large and stable, Hooded Warblers (Setophaga citrina) and American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla). We used whole‐genome sequencing to characterize the distribution of runs of homozygosity and deleterious genetic variation. We find evidence that Kirtland's warblers exhibit genetic patterns consistent with recent inbreeding. Our results also show that Kirtland's warblers carry an excess proportion of deleterious variation, which could complicate management for this conservation‐reliant species. This analysis provides a genetically informed perspective that should be thoroughly considered when delisting other species from federal protections. Through the increasing accessibility of genome sequencing technology, it will be more feasible to monitor the genetic landscape of recovering populations to ensure their long‐term survival independent of conservation intervention.
The Benefits of Hierarchical Ecosystem Models: Demonstration Using EcoState, a New State‐Space Mass‐Balance Model
Authors: Thorson James T. , Kristensen Kasper , Aydin Kerim Y. , Gaichas Sarah K. , Kimmel David G. , McHuron Elizabeth A. , Nielsen Jens M. , Townsend Howard , Whitehouse George A.
Published: December 2024

Ecosystem models predict changes in productivity and status for multiple species, and are important for incorporating climate‐linked dynamics in ecosystem‐based fisheries management. However, fishery regulations are primarily informed by single‐species stock assessment models, which estimate unexplained variation in dynamics (e.g., recruitment, survival, fishery selectivity, etc) using random effects. We review the general benefits of estimating random effects in ecosystem models: (1) better representing biomass cycles and trends for focal species; (2) conditioning interactions upon observed biomass for predators and prey; (3) easier replication of model results using formal estimation rather than informal model “tuning;” and (4) attributing process errors via comparison amongst different models. We then demonstrate these by introducing a new state‐space model EcoState (and associated R‐package) that extends mass balance dynamics from Ecopath with Ecosim. This model estimates mass balance (Ecopath) and time‐dynamics (Ecosim) parameters directly via their fit to time‐series data (biomass indices and fisheries catches) while also estimating the magnitude of process errors using RTMB. A real‐world application involving Alaska pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) in the eastern Bering Sea suggests that fluctuations in krill consumption are associated with cycles of increased and decreased pollock production. A self‐test simulation experiment confirms that estimating process errors can improve estimates of productivity (growth and mortality) rates. Overall, we show that state‐space mass‐balance models can be fitted to time‐series data (similar to surplus‐production stock assessment models), and can attribute time‐varying productivity to both bottom‐up and top‐down drivers including the contribution of individual predator and prey interactions.
Angiogenic effects of Type 2 diabetes on the dental pulp
Authors: Patel S. , Yang E. , Milne T. J. , Hussaini H. , Cooper P. R. , Friedlander L. T.
Published: December 2024

Aim

To investigate the influence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hyperglycaemia on blood vessels and angiogenic markers in the dental pulp.

Methodology

Extracted non‐carious permanent molar teeth were collected from patients with well‐controlled T2D (n = 10) and non‐T2D (controls) (n = 10). The pulp was examined qualitatively using haematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson stains. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) identified the primary receptor for VEGF, VEGFR2, and the endothelial cell marker CD34. Primary human dental pulp cell (hDPC) lines (n = 3) were established from tissue explants and cells were grown in media containing 5.5 mM D‐glucose (control), 12.5 mM (prediabetes) and 25 mM (T2D) D‐glucose under normoxic conditions for 24, 48 and 72 h. Assays for metabolic activity (PrestoBlue) and cell viability (Crystal Violet staining) assessed the hDPC response to hyperglycaemia. The expression of angiogenic genes VEGFA, KDR, FLT‐1, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, TIE1 and TEK were analysed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. ELISAs were used to quantify the level of expressed protein for VEGFA, ANG1, ANG2, TIE1, and TIE2 in the media. Data analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism and anova tests at p < .05.

Results

Blood vessels in T2D samples had thicker walls and stained strongly for elastin and collagen compared with non‐T2D samples. VEGFR2 protein was not seen in any T2D samples but consistently detected in healthy specimens. Culturing healthy cells in high glucose (25 mM) significantly reduced cell viability at 24 h compared to the control (p = .005) and 12.5 mM glucose (p = .001) but the metabolic activity was not greatly affected by glucose and time. VEGFA mRNA and VEGFA protein expression were detected in the hDPCs in the presence of hyperglycaemia over time; however, the primary receptor, VEGFR2/KDR, was not detected. Genes for the ANG1 and ANG2 and their receptors were expressed at all glucose concentrations but hyperglycaemia upregulated ANG2 mRNA. Proteins for all growth factors were detected in the media however proteins for TIE1 and TIE2 receptors were not.

Conclusion

T2D and hyperglycaemia may impair the angiogenic response in the pulp similar to other body site. The scarcity of VEGFR2 and increased expression of ANG2 in response to hyperglycaemia suggests that VEGF and ANG‐Tie1/Tie2 signalling may be compromised.
Scrutinizing the value and implementation of volitional personality development at work
Authors: Hennecke Marie , Ingold Pia V.
Published: December 2024

In this commentary, we discuss Dupré and Wille's proposal (2024) to consider employees' personality change goals in the work context. We compare volitional personality development to skill development and call for more evidence to determine the benefits for both employees and organizations in this context. We also put forward that a clearer understanding is required of how job demands influence personality traits and of how these demands interact with and shape the integration of potential complementary personality development training modules. In closing, we provide avenues for future research.
Home‐Based Testing as an Approach to Estimate Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in South Africa, 2021–2022—A Pilot Study
Authors: Moyes Jocelyn , Makhazi Mvuyo , Walaza Sibongile , Ntombela Phiwokuhle , Moosa Fahima , von Gottberg Anne , Wolter Nicole , du Plessis Mignon , Hunt Gillian , Cawood Cherie , Dueger Erica , Cohen Cheryl
Published: December 2024

Background

Surveillance programmes for influenza and other respiratory pathogens are important to generate vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates and to inform vaccine composition. We aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of home‐based testing.

Methods

In three out of nine provinces in South Africa, we established a self‐referral system for individuals aged ≥ 18 years with respiratory symptoms of ≤ 10 days duration. Following consent, swab collection material was delivered to participants who also completed a questionnaire including self‐reported vaccination status. Swabs were tested by PCR for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS‐CoV‐2. A test‐negative methodology was used to estimate influenza VE.

Results

Of 1456 samples collected between 19 November 2021 and 3 September 2022, 73 (5%) tested positive for influenza, 38 (3%) tested positive for RSV and 394 (27%) for SARS‐CoV‐2. We subtyped 55% (40/73) of the influenza positive specimens; 16/40 (40%) were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09; 10/40 (25%)A(H3N2)) and all 14/40(35%) influenza B were B/Victoria. Only 20% (279/1451) of participants reported influenza‐like illness case definition symptoms of fever and cough. Influenza vaccine coverage was 11% (157/1454). The overall influenza VE was 26% (95% confidence interval: −73%, 69%). Of the completed acceptability questionnaires, 123/127 (97%) participants would make use of the service again; 90% (1306) were recruited via the COVID‐19 testing centre (call in, social media, webpage), and 7% (99/1306) through CoughWatchSA.

Conclusions

Home‐based swabbing was feasible and acceptable. We were able to calculate an influenza VE, although a larger sample size and verification of vaccine status may improve the VE estimates in the future.
Glass‐ceramics: From ideas to products
Authors: Höland Wolfram , Beall George H. , Smith Charlene M.
Published: December 2024

This publication pursues the goal of recording the steep and narrow path of the development of glass‐ceramics, starting from the initial idea to the product. It provides a guide for developers (whether chemists, materials scientists, engineers, or technologists) of glass‐ceramic products to develop materials with special properties and combinations of properties. At the same time, the publication illustrates the variety of possibilities for using these materials in diverse areas. These application areas reach from technology to dentistry and human medicine.
Improvement of piezoelectric properties of PZT‐based low‐temperature‐sintered ceramics through heterovalent ion doping
Authors: Liu Hong , Luo Yaxia , Chen Hao , Zhuang Wanfeng , Wang Weiling , Zhu Jianguo
Published: December 2024

The piezoelectric properties of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT)‐based piezoceramics can be improved by doping with heterovalent ions at the A/B sites. Nd3+ ions were codoped at the A site and Ta5+ ions were doped into the B site of Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)(Mg0.5W0.5)(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3 (xNd2O3‐PZTMWNN) ceramics sintered at a low temperature of 940°C. The number of Ta5+ ions at site B remained constant, whereas the number of Nd3+ ions at site A changed. The degree of deviation from the Curie–Weiss law (∆Tm) and the degree of diffuseness of the ferroelectric relaxors (γ) have a direct and close relationship. Combined analysis of the grain size, phase structure, domain structure, and activation energy (Ea) for domain wall movement was used to understand the mechanism of the piezoelectric improvement in PZT‐based ceramics. The high proportion of the tetragonal phase in the coexisting tetragonal–rhombohedral phases is closely related to the low Ea, which promotes domain rotation and leads to high piezoelectricity. The xNd2O3–PZTMWNN (x = 2.0, 2.5) ceramics have a very low Ea, but the clamping effect caused by the fine grain boundaries hinders the motion of the domain wall. The xNd2O3–PZTMWNN (x = 1.0) ceramics with low Ea, striped nanodomains, and large grains exhibited the highest piezoelectric activity.
Electron traps in (Y0.97Zr0.03)2O3 transparent ceramics and its suppression by heavy Eu3+ doping
Authors: Lou Wenhui , Tang Yang , Chen Haohong , Lei Yisong , Lin Hui , Hong Ruijin , Han Zhaoxia , Zhang Dawei
Published: December 2024

In this paper, Eu3+:(Y0.97Zr0.03)2O3 transparent ceramics with different doping concentrations of Eu3+ were prepared by vacuum sintering. This series of transparent ceramic samples exhibits strong red emission when excited by an electron beam at the keV level. However, color changes observed in the samples after high‐energy electron irradiation. This is due to the capture of electrons by traps related to oxygen vacancies within the Y2O3 lattice. Specifically, under electron beam irradiation, the capture of the electrons by oxygen vacancy‐related defects in the Y2O3 lattice occurs, leading to radiation damage. The color change can be suppressed to some extent by the incorporation of Zr4+ into the Y2O3 lattice, which can effectively suppress the generation of oxygen vacancies. Interestingly, samples with heavy doping of Eu3+ exhibit stronger resistance to electron irradiation damage. Based on the detailed characterizations, including optical transmittance, cathodoluminescence, photoluminescence, thermoluminescence and luminescence decay time, it is found that under heavy doping conditions, Eu3+, which has a stronger cationic character than Y3+ can more effectively suppress the generation of electron traps induced by the oxygen vacancies and the interstitial oxygen in the Y2O3 lattice, thereby enhancing radiation resistance. This research can advance the understanding of defect suppression mechanisms and benefit the application of Y2O3‐based functional transparent ceramics in high‐energy electron and β‐ray irradiation environment.
Cancer Nursing Frameworks to Guide Clinical Capability, Education and Careers: A Scoping Review of the International Literature
Authors: Thamm Carla , Paterson Catherine , Christina Juliana , Richter Monique , McIntyre Robyn , Tapsall Doreen , Adriaansen Lindsay , Dean Nikki , Shooter Erin , Rosano Michelle , Bishaw Suzanne , McErlean Gemma
Published: December 2024

Aim

This review aimed to provide a current global profile of all existing cancer nursing competency, capability, education and career frameworks and map capabilities and competencies to the clinical, facilitation of education, management and research pillars of practice.

Design

Scoping review.

Data Sources

Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, Google Scholar, Medline, and PubMed. Gray literature searches and reference list searches were also performed.

Methods

This review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley's method and followed PRISMA guidelines for reporting. Screening and data extraction was conducted independently by two or more authors. The quality of frameworks were assessed using The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for textual evidence: policy/consensus guidelines. Data were analyzed and narratively synthesized by experienced cancer nurse researchers.

Results

Thirty‐four articles were included, comprising of 29 cancer nursing frameworks. Frameworks were categorized as competency frameworks, career and education frameworks, education/learning pathways, and career/professional development frameworks. Competencies and capabilities described in the frameworks were mapped to the four pillars of practice including clinical (n = 27), facilitation of learning (n = 20), leadership and management (n = 23), and research and scholarship (n = 24).

Conclusions

Comprehensive cancer nursing frameworks are pivotal in enabling nurse leaders to grow and develop the cancer nursing workforce globally. They are also integral to support cancer nurses in providing high‐quality, effective, and safe care for patients and their families across the cancer continuum.

Impact

This is the first review to comprehensively capture and synthesize the capabilities, educational components, and career pathways outlined in existing cancer nursing frameworks worldwide and highlights where areas of improvement are needed to support professional growth, job satisfaction and retention of cancer nurses.

No Patient of Public Contribution

This article is a review of frameworks and does not include patient or public contribution.
A Model of Death Preparedness in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zeng Tieying , Zhao Meizhen , Su Yisui , Liu Xiaohong , Chen Ye
Published: December 2024

Background

Death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer is an important prerequisite for improving the quality of death. However, there are insufficient studies on death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer, and the level of death preparedness needs to be further improved.

Aim

To develop a model of death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

A qualitative approach with grounded theory was used. Data were collected between February 2024 and July 2024 in the oncology wards of the two general hospitals in Wuhan. We recruited 12 patients, 11 family members, 16 nurses and 4 doctors for semistructured interviews. Data analysis included open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The study is reported using the COREQ checklist.

Results

Death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer is a spiralling process whose core components include death awareness, emotional response, hospice programme and reflexive care, and multiple personal, interpersonal and social factors influence it.

Conclusion

A model of death preparedness in advanced cancer patients was constructed through rooted theory, revealing its formation and change process. This model deepens the understanding of death preparedness and helps healthcare providers identify patients' preparedness status in advance to provide more targeted support and care. This personalised care enhances patients' quality of life and reduces the psychological burden on them and their families, achieving more comprehensive and humanised end‐of‐life care.

Impact

To better understand patients' death preparedness, healthcare providers should focus on patients' cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social needs in the process of death preparation from a multifactorial perspective, and provide targeted support and assistance.

No Patient or Public Contributions were included in this paper.
Polyethylene glycol loxenatide modulates lipid metabolism and insulin resistance through lncRNA steroid receptor RNA activator/cellular nucleic acid binding protein/Rho‐associated coiled‐coil kinase 2 axis in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen Zhuangsen , Zhou Zhongyu , Wang Lin , Zhang Yanrong , Huang Caiyan , Wang Cong , Huang Ying , Wang Shanshan , Yan Dewen , Feng Kun
Published: December 2024

Background

Polyethylene glycol loxenatide (PEG‐Loxe) is applied in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, the effect and mechanism of PEG‐Loxe on lipid metabolism disorder and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus are not fully understood.

Methods

Type 2 diabetes mellitus rats developed by high‐fat diet/streptozotocin injection were treated with PEG‐Loxe (0.3 or 1 mg/kg). Insulin resistance was evaluated by fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test, fasting insulin, homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance and for insulin sensitivity. Immunohistochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and biochemistry measurements were performed to assess lipid metabolism. Inflammatory response and oxidative stress were assessed by inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Genes’ expressions were tested using RT‐qPCR, western blot, and in situ hybridization. Relationships of molecules were validated by pull‐down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. mRNA stability was examined by actinomycin D assay.

Results

High‐PEG‐Loxe decreased FBG and ameliorated glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. Low‐PEG‐Loxe partly while high‐PEG‐Loxe apparently relieved hepatocyte injury, reduced lipase I, triglyceride, total cholesterol and leptin, and increased adiponectin in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. PEG‐Loxe mitigated inflammatory response and oxidative stress. High‐PEG‐Loxe reduced RhoA and Rho‐associated coiled‐coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) in liver tissues of type 2 diabetes mellitus rats, while both doses of PEG‐Loxe decreased steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA). SRA overexpression reversed the protective functions of high‐PEG‐Loxe. SRA cooperated with cellular nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP) to enhance ROCK2 mRNA stability.

Conclusion

High‐PEG‐Loxe relieves insulin resistance and lipid metabolism disorder in type 2 diabetes mellitus through SRA/CNBP/ROCK2 axis. This research provides a molecular mechanism of PEG‐Loxe for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The explanatory role of psychological distress in the link between role blurring and relationship satisfaction: A dyadic study
Authors: Lagacé Martine Bryar , Lachance‐Grzela Mylène , Ross‐Plourde Mylène , Brassard Audrey
Published: December 2024

Role blurring has been associated with negative outcomes, such as anxiety and stress. Paulin et al.'s study found that role blurring is linked to lower relationship satisfaction through higher psychological distress. However, this link has not been explored from a dyadic perspective, neglecting the interrelation between partners in a couple. The current study aimed to address this limitation by examining the explanatory role of psychological distress in the link between role blurring and relationship satisfaction from a dyadic perspective. The sample comprised 382 Canadian participants (191 couples) over 18 years old who answered online questionnaires through the SurveyMonkey platform. The results showed that women's life–work role blurring is negatively associated with their own and their partner's relationship satisfaction through their own more significant psychological distress. These findings underscore the importance of researchers further investigating life–work role blurring in the future from a dyadic perspective.
Grassland Afforestation Drives Biotic Homogenisation of Soil Microbial Communities at a Regional Scale
Authors: Ribero Martín Nicolás , Schiaffino María Romina , Filloy Julieta
Published: December 2024

Grassland afforestation poses a threat to biodiversity beyond land‐use conversion. Diversity patterns are shaped by temporal dynamics, particularly, time since afforestation can decline beta diversity and lead to biotic homogenisation. Our study examines the effect of grassland afforestation on soil prokaryotic and fungal beta diversity. We evaluate the contributions of colonisation and extinction processes to beta diversity, as well as the replacement of endemic species by ubiquitous ones. Along a 200 km climatic gradient in Argentina's Pampas region, we analysed grasslands and mature eucalypt plantations at different times since afforestation. Soil samples were collected at each site and analysed using 16S (V3–V4) and ITS2 amplicon sequencing to identify prokaryotic and fungal communities, respectively. The analyses revealed biotic homogenisation at the transition from grassland to newly planted stands, evidenced by a decrease in intratreatment beta diversity. Increasing time since afforestation did not exacerbate this decline. However, our findings indicate that there are different responses between prokaryotes and fungi. The homogenisation of prokaryotes in young stands is due to the low heterogeneity in colonising communities. On the other hand, the decline in fungal beta diversity is likely caused by other mechanisms beyond extinction or replacement. The study highlights the impacts of the afforestation process on the beta diversity of soil microbial communities of grasslands, affecting taxonomic groups in different ways. Although microbial diversity may be partially restored in time in eucalypt plantations, it is important to investigate its underlying mechanisms and the ecological implications for microbial diversity and its spatial distribution.
Chemotherapy‐Induced Neuropathy Affecting the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Vera Gema , Nurgali Kulmira , Abalo Raquel
Published: December 2024

Background

Cancer is a major global cause of morbidity and mortality. Survivorship is increasing, bringing new challenges. Cancer treatment, including chemotherapeutic drugs, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, can have severe and impactful gastrointestinal side effects occurring shortly after treatment (acute toxicity) or persisting for years after treatment ends (late/chronic toxicity).

Purpose

The aim of this article is to review the neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy on the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the gut extrinsic innervation. These effects could contribute to the development of long‐term gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Research, primarily conducted in animal models, indicates that antitumoral drugs can lead to chemotherapy‐induced enteric neuropathy (CIEN). Studies, mainly performed in the myenteric plexus, show that CIEN is characterized by a reduced density of nerve cells and fibers, as well as an imbalanced representation of neuronal subpopulations or their markers, with enteric glial cells also affected.

These alterations underlie changes in neuronal activity and gastrointestinal motor function. Although research on the submucosal plexus remains limited, evidence suggests that CIEN affects the entire ENS. Furthermore, scarce studies show that CIEN also occurs in humans. Moreover, emerging experimental data on chemotherapy‐induced alterations in visceral sensitivity suggest that the extrinsic innervation of the gut is also affected, but this has received little attention thus far. Nevertheless, this could contribute to the development of chemotherapy‐induced brain–gut axis (BGA) disorders in the long term. Cancer chemotherapy (and probably also immunotherapy and radiotherapy) seems to cause neuropathic effects on the intrinsic and extrinsic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract, with an important impact on gastrointestinal and BGA functions. This is a relatively neglected area deserving further investigation.
New Technologies, Older Workers in Banking and Nursing
Authors: Křížková Alena , Pospíšilová Marie , Dudová Radka
Published: December 2024

The article examines how technological change and organisational restructuring interacts with population ageing and policies that extend working life, and how older workers understand these trends. Using organisational and contextual approaches and qualitative research on nurses and bankers in Czechia, we investigate older workers' experiences with digitalisation. The age disadvantage older workers experience in digitalising workplaces is produced by three processes: responsibilisation, production of insecurity and ontological precarisation. The responsibilisation of employees for their own digital training is disadvantageous for older workers both in banking and nursing. Digitalisation and restructuring make older bankers feel insecure. To decrease their insecurity, nurses construct a boundary between technology and personal care. The sectoral labour market context is important, as exemplified by a shortage of nurses decreasing insecurity. The precarisation of older workers is further shaped by how the organisational context in which digitalisation occurs intersects with individuals' household situation and welfare state provisions.
Collagen Matrix Versus Subepithelial Connective Tissue for Recession Coverage: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zangani Alessandro , Gualtieri Miriana , Pardo Alessia , Signoriello Annarita , Faccioni Paolo , Colapinto Gianluca , Goker Funda , Lombardo Giorgio , Del Fabbro Massimo , Albanese Massimo
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate the outcome of collagen matrix (CMX) compared with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in gingival recession coverage (RC) surgery.

Methods

Review protocol was registered in PROSPERO. The search was conducted on MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. Randomized studies comparing CMX versus. SCTG or CMX versus. covering procedures without any filling material, for class I recession treatment were included. Risk of bias assessment and quantitative analysis were performed.

Results

Of 168 records, 11 randomized clinical trials were included. The meta‐analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in terms of %RC (p = 0.37); there was a statistically significant difference in terms of recession reduction (p = 0.02) and keratinized tissue width (p = 0.03) in favor of SCTG cases. CMX showed a statistically significantly better result compared to no grafting, regarding %RC (p = 0.003) and keratinized tissue thickness (p < 0.0001). The duration of the intervention was significantly shorter for CMX than for SCTG (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

CMX can be considered a viable material, especially when a ΔKTt increase and a reduction of intervention duration is needed. The indications for the choice, however, may depend on the individual local condition.

PROSPERO Registration: Registration in PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews): CRD42024555443
Managing the Dissolved Oxygen Balance of Open Atlantic Salmon Sea Cages: A Narrative Review
Authors: Berntsson Evelina Veronica Christina , Stevik Tor Kristian , Bergheim Asbjørn , Persson David , Stormoen Marit , Liland Kristian Hovde
Published: December 2024

As Atlantic salmon depend on dissolved oxygen (DO) to survive and grow, managing DO is essential for welfare and growth. However, the dynamics of DO in the open sea cages are complex, caused by a range of factors that interact and create compounding effects. To understand DO dynamics, two pillars of knowledge are essential: the supply of DO to the cages and the consumption of DO in the cages. The components of these two pillars vary greatly across both time and space, with factors including ambient sea temperature and current, density stratification, fish size, health and metabolism, biomass density and distribution, topography, production routines and farm configuration. In the production environment, these factors often interact, making related analyses on effects, causality and effective management highly challenging. Exacerbating matters, existing knowledge is fragmented across multiple disciplines, making it challenging for end‐users to access. Using sensors is often necessary to understand and manage the complexity of DO, and the interest to implement digital technologies to aquaculture operations and utilize big data analyses is growing, but to succeed in the application, an in‐depth understanding of the relevant dynamics is necessary. Consequently, this review is produced to compile existing knowledge on the many factors that influence the consumption or supply of DO in the sea cages, and their relationship to each other. In this narrative review, we explore the known interactions and compounding effects between these factors, and synthesize it in a causal diagram for holistic analyses of the DO balance.
Epistasis between genetic variations on MdMYB109 and MdHXK1 exerts a large effect on sugar content in apple fruit
Authors: Zhang Zhongyan , Huang Zhenyu , Wu Bei , Wu Ting , Wang Yi , Han Zhenhai , Zhang Xinzhong
Published: December 2024

Many quantitative traits are controlled by multiple genetic variations with minor effects, making it challenging to resolve the underlying genetic network and to apply functional markers in breeding. Affected by up to a hundred quantitative trait loci (QTLs), fruit‐soluble sugar content is one of the most complex quantitative traits in apple (Malus sp.). Here, QTLs for apple fruit sucrose and fructose content were identified via QTL mapping and bulked‐segregant analysis sequencing (BSA‐seq) using a population derived from a ‘Jonathan’ × ‘Golden Delicious’ cross. Allelic variations and non‐allelic interactions were validated in the candidate genes within these defined QTL regions. Three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (SNP −326 C/T, SNP −705 A/G, and SNP −706 G/T) in the MdMYB109 promoter region affected the binding ability of the repressive transcription factor MdWRKY33, leading to increased MdMYB109 expression. MdMYB109 bound directly to the promoter of the sucrose transporter gene MdSUT2.2 and activated its expression, raising fruit sucrose content. A SNP (SNP1060 A/G) in the hexokinase gene MdHXK1 affected the phosphorylation of the transcription factor MdbHLH3, and phosphorylated MdbHLH3 interacted with MdMYB109 to co‐activate MdSUT2.2 expression and increase fruit sucrose content. Adding the joint effects of the genotype combinations at the SNP markers based on the SNPs in MdMYB109 and MdHXK1 increased the prediction accuracy of a genomics‐assisted prediction (GAP) model for total soluble solid content from 0.3758 to 0.5531. These results uncovered functional variations in MdMYB109 and MdHXK1 regulating apple fruit sucrose content. The updated GAP model with improved predictability can be used efficiently in apple breeding.
Transcription factors CpSPL5 and CpSPL8 negatively regulate salt tolerance in Codonopsis pilosula by inhibiting SOS pathway
Authors: Li Qianmo , Yang Qianqian , Dong Shuai , Fu Fan , Xin Yujie , Kang Heng , Wu Yucui , Cao Xiaoyan
Published: December 2024

Environmental stresses such as salt and drought severely affect plant growth and development. SQUAMOSA‐promoter binding protein‐like (SPL) transcription factors (TFs) play critical roles in the regulation of diverse processes; however, reports describing the SPL regulation of plant responses to abiotic stress are relatively few. In this study, two stress‐responsive TFs from Codonopsis pilosula (CpSPL5 and CpSPL8) are reported, which confer salt stress sensitivity. CpSPL5 and CpSPL8 are expressed in almost all tissues and localized in the nucleus, where the CpSPL5 transcript level is relatively higher than that of CpSPL8. Their expression levels are significantly suppressed in hairy roots treated with ABA, NaCl, PEG‐6000, and under high temperature stress. Compared with the control, CpSPL5, or CpSPL8‐overexpressed hairy roots increased salt stress sensitivity, and exhibited higher levels of O2− and MDA, as well as lower superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities. Further, the CpSPL5 or CpSPL8 interference transgenic hairy roots enhanced salt tolerance and exhibited contrasting phenotype and antioxidant indices. Although all genotypes revealed significantly increased Na+ and decreased K+ contents under salt stress, the physiological indicators of CpSPL5 or CpSPL8‐interference transgenic hairy roots could be partially restored, where CpSPL5 was more sensitive to salt stress than CpSPL8. A yeast one‐hybrid and dual‐luciferase assay revealed that CpSPL5 and CpSPL8 directly targeted and inhibited the expression of CpSOS2 in the salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway, which promoted salt stress sensitivity. Our findings suggest that CpSPL5 and CpSPL8 served as negative regulators of salt tolerance, which indicate that members of the SPL family participate in the plant SOS pathway.
Application of 1H NMR Metabolic Profiling of Serum in Canine Multicentric Lymphoma
Authors: Solé Rosina Sánchez , Radcenco Andrés López , Moyna Guillermo , Breijo Martín , Pessina Paula
Published: December 2024

Canine lymphoma represents a biologically and metabolically heterogeneous group of neoplasms that arise from malignant transformation of lymphoid cells. An accurate diagnosis is crucial because of its impact on survival. Current diagnostic methods include clinical laboratory tests and imaging, most of which are invasive and lack sensitivity and specificity. Interestingly, recent work in cancer patients focuses on the search for biomarkers for diagnosis, investigation of treatment response mechanisms, treatment efficacy and prognosis and the discovery of tumour metabolic pathways using metabolomic analysis. In this study, we compare the metabolite profiles in serum from 37 dogs with multicentric lymphoma (22 B‐cell lymphomas/LB, 9 CD45+ T‐cell lymphomas/LTCD45+, 6 CD45‐ T‐cell lymphomas/LTCD45‐) and 25 healthy dogs using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). 1H NMR‐based metabolite profiling analysis recognised lipids and 22 metabolites, with 16 of them altered, and was shown to be an effective approach for differentiating samples from dogs with lymphoma and healthy controls based on principal component analysis of the NMR data. We also investigated variations in the serum metabolome between immunophenotypes and the control group through pairwise comparisons of the healthy against the LB, LTCD45+ and LTCD45‐ groups, respectively which showed similar metabolomic profiles. In addition, there were significant differences in the levels of five individual metabolites based on the univariate statistical analysis. Our results showed alterations in energy, protein and lipid metabolism, suggesting glucose, lactate, N‐acetyl glycoproteins (NAGs), scyllo‐inositol and choline as possible new candidate biomarkers in canine multicentric lymphoma.
The sparse circular law, revisited
Authors: Sah Ashwin , Sahasrabudhe Julian , Sawhney Mehtaab
Published: December 2024

Let be an matrix with iid entries distributed as Bernoulli random variables with parameter . Rudelson and Tikhomirov, in a beautiful and celebrated paper, show that the distribution of eigenvalues of is approximately uniform on the unit disk as as long as , which is the natural necessary condition. In this paper, we give a much simpler proof of this result, in its full generality, using a perspective we developed in our recent proof of the existence of the limiting spectral law when is bounded. One feature of our proof is that it entirely avoids the use of ‐nets and, instead, proceeds by studying the evolution of the singular values of the shifted matrices as we incrementally expose the randomness in the matrix.
On the family of singular Brascamp–Lieb inequalities with dimension datum (1,2,2,1)
Authors: Lin Fred Yu‐Hsiang
Published: December 2024

Motivated by the triangular Hilbert transform, we classify a certain family of singular Brascamp–Lieb forms which we associate with the dimension datum (1,2,2,1). We determine the exact range of Lebesgue exponents, for which one has singular Brascamp–Lieb inequalities within this family. The remaining observations concern counter examples to boundedness. We compare with a counter‐example showing that the triangular Hilbert form does not satisfy singular Brascamp–Lieb bounds in the endpoints.
Using environmental and exercise physiology to address gender inequalities in climate change and occupational health research
Authors: Lucas Rebekah A. I.
Published: December 2024

Climate change is a health‐risk and health‐inequity multiplier with excessive heat exposure a direct climate change impact already affecting the health and livelihood of billions globally. Women face greater risks and burdens from climate change impacts. Biological sex may or may not influence an individual's thermoregulatory capacity, heat tolerance or heat susceptibility. However at a population level, sex differences in physiological characteristics (anthropometrics, aerobic capacity, etc.) likely affect thermoregulatory capacity. Still, gender appears to play the most significant role in heat exposure and resulting health impacts. For climate change resilience and adaptation strategies to be effective, public health and occupational guidance/governance must be based on comprehensive and representative evidence. The current dearth of empirical evidence on how excessive heat exposure affects women prohibits this. Environmental and exercise physiology can help address this lack of empirical evidence by adhering to inclusive research guidelines. This paper is based on a symposium presentation given at Physiology 2023 in Harrogate, UK. Using a multi‐year cohort study on industrial agricultural workers (the Adelante Initiative) as a case study, this review discusses the role of environmental and exercise physiology in generating inclusive research and evidence to inform occupational and public health guidance/governance for climate change resilience and adaptation, specifically heat exposure.
Economía y economistas en Chile: Psicología cultural, identidad profesional y un país cambiante
Authors: Carré David
Published: December 2024

Objective. To explore from a cultural and psychological perspective two aspects of the professional identity of a group of Chilean economists: the moral “superiority” of their role and the relevance of holding a positive orientation within this role. Methods. Qualitative study based on 25 semi-structured interviews conducted with economists based in Chile (17 male y 8 female), at different degrees of their career, working at some of the most relevant institutions for the local economics community. Results. Quite diverse and even contradictory positions were reported about the two aspects of the research aim, which makes it difficult to obtain an average position for the interviewed participants. However, there was consensus about the important role that economists have had in Chile during recent decades, as well as in the perception of a positive orientation in their own work and of a normative orientation in the work of others. Coda. Even though the sociopolitical and cultural elements that surround economists in Chile can not be understated, they are not sufficient to understand the way in which economists create their position within the discipline and the local scientific community.
Condiciones laborales y significado del trabajo en la configuración del síndrome de burnout en psicólogos
Authors: Dussán Giraldo Adriana , Marín Restrepo Greicy , Varela Arévalo María Teresa
Published: December 2024

Objetivo. Analizar la relación entre las condiciones laborales y el significado atribuido al trabajo, en la configuración del síndrome de burnout en psicólogos vinculados a instituciones de salud en varios municipios del Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Método. Estudio cualitativo con diseño fenomenológico. Se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad a nueve psicólogos vinculados a instituciones de salud en Cali y otros municipios del Valle del Cauca. Se efectuó un análisis de contenido utilizando el software Atlas.ti. Para ello se estableció como unidad de registro, los temas, y como reglas de enumeración, la presencia y la frecuencia de categorías. Resultados. Los participantes tienen una percepción de precarización de las condiciones laborales, que genera altos niveles de estrés e insatisfacción. La presencia de síntomas de agotamiento emocional y físico está asociada a dichas condiciones y a las características propias del ejercicio profesional. Sin embargo, el trabajo es significado como una experiencia central en su vida, y como un elemento primordial en la configuración de su identidad profesional. Conclusión. Algunas condiciones laborales generan insatisfacción en los psicólogos, pero el significado otorgado al ejercicio de su profesión, su vocación de servicio y las estrategias de autocuidado empleadas, podrían constituir factores protectores frente a la configuración del síndrome de burnout.
Incertidumbre laboral en el trabajo en plataformas digitales: gramáticas para su comprensión en Colombia
Authors: Cifuentes-Leiton Diana Milec , Rentería-Pérez Erico
Published: December 2024

Objective. To analyze job uncertainty in digital platform workers in Colombia. Method. Descriptive qualitative study and non-probabilistic sampling, through the application of a survey. Job uncertainty was addressed through an open-ended question about the future existence of the current job; the answer was processed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. Results. Workers perceive that they will keep their current job. However, the level of specialization defines job certainty; the higher the specialization, the greater the professional opportunities and working conditions. From Schutz's perspective, the past and the present in the experience of working on platforms was discussed, framing the grammars of that future in the Colombian context. Conclusion. There is more certainty than uncertainty in these workers, and with it, the need to understand work in digital platforms using categories different from those related to traditional employment.
Parameterization of the stress–strain relation for modeling wave propagation in nearly incompressible transversely isotropic materials
Authors: Jin Felix Q. , Rouze Ned C. , Nightingale Kathryn R. , Palmeri Mark L.
Published: December 2024

The stress–strain relation in a transversely isotropic (TI) material is described by five independent parameters. In the incompressible limit, only three parameters are required to describe shear wave propagation. Existing material parameterization models are not ideal for the analysis of wave propagation in the nearly incompressible TI (NITI) regime due to difficult-to-interpret parameters, complicated forms of the stiffness matrix elements, or the lack of five independent parameters. This study describes a new parameterization model for a general, TI material that uses the bulk modulus K, shear moduli μT and μL, a modulus-like term μE, and a new parameter η. In the proposed parameterization model, each parameter has a clear interpretation related to compressibility and shear wave propagation. The incompressible limit is represented by the limit K → ∞. Wave speeds and polarizations are derived and evaluated in both incompressible and NITI regimens. First-order NITI corrections are shown to be inversely proportional to the ratio of bulk modulus to shear moduli. In biological soft tissues, this ratio is approximately 106. NITI corrections depend on all five independent parameters; however, the small scale of these corrections validates previous studies that have assumed particular values for the parameter η.