bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking more masculine among females: Spatial context modulates gender perception of face and biological motion
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Cheng Yuhui , Yuan Xiangyong , Jiang Yi
Published: October 2022

Perception of visual information highly depends on spatial context. For instance, perception of a low‐level visual feature, such as orientation, can be shifted away from its surrounding context, exhibiting a simultaneous contrast effect. Although previous studies have demonstrated the adaptation aftereffect of gender, a high‐level visual feature, it remains largely unknown whether gender perception can also be shaped by a simultaneously presented context. In the present study, we found that the gender perception of a central face or a point‐light walker was repelled away from the gender of its surrounding faces or walkers. A norm‐based opponent model of lateral inhibition, which accounts for the adaptation aftereffect of high‐level features, can also excellently fit the simultaneous contrast effect. But different from the reported contextual effect of low‐level features, the simultaneous contrast effect of gender cannot be observed when the centre and the surrounding stimuli are from different categories, or when the surrounding stimuli are suppressed from awareness. These findings on one hand reveal a resemblance between the simultaneous contrast effect and the adaptation aftereffect of high‐level features, on the other hand highlight different biological mechanisms underlying the contextual effects of low‐ and high‐level visual features.
Citizenship deservingness justifies exclusive national boundary making: A socio‐dynamic mixed‐methods approach to social representations of citizenship
Authors: Politi Emanuele , Sarrasin Oriane , Staerklé Christian
Published: October 2022

Naturalization policies prescribe the conditions immigrants must fulfil to be legally recognized as national citizens in a receiving country. When changes in naturalization policies are publicly debated, divergent opinions on national boundary making reveal social representations of citizenship as spaces of political contention. This research offers a socio‐dynamic analysis of citizenship representations in the context of a recent referendum on a simplified naturalization procedure for third‐generation immigrants in Switzerland. Automatic lexicometric techniques enriched with reflexive thematic analysis were performed on a post‐vote survey (VOTO, N = 998), to examine how voters grounded their voting decisions via different citizenship representations. The results showed that ascribed criteria based on natural birthrights and cultural assimilation were mobilized in favour of more permissive access to nationality. Conversely, allegedly achievable criteria based on citizenship deservingness were mobilized against. These findings provide new evidence about citizenship deservingness as a neoliberal strategy legitimizing exclusive national boundary making.
The diffusion of governance standards in public corporate governance codes: Measurement framework and three countries comparison
Authors: Papenfuß Ulf , Wagner‐Krechlok Kristin
Published: October 2022

Research Question/Issue

This study analyzes the diffusion of internationally recognized governance standards in public corporate governance codes. Local, state, and federal governments issue very different codes for their state‐owned enterprises, which reflect governments' understanding of corporate governance.

Research Findings/Insights

Developing and applying a comprehensive measurement framework with 150 criteria to 60 public corporate governance codes in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, the study shows that the diffusion varies considerably between codes and regulatory fields (e.g., directors, auditing). Governments react very differently to similar governance challenges and show varying degrees of willingness to regulate the corporate governance of their state‐owned enterprises.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study enhances the understanding of the diffusion of governance standards in the under‐researched context of government ownership. The findings imply the need for comprehensive measurement approaches to gain a nuanced theoretical understanding on the diffusion and underlying mechanisms. Future research could use the measurement framework or single regulatory fields to generate data to investigate different theoretical questions regarding many areas of corporate governance. Derived from the findings and neo‐institutional theory, the study develops propositions about potential drivers of diffusion differences, offering avenues for advancing future theory‐building.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study develops a comprehensive measurement framework to quantify the diffusion of governance standards in public corporate governance codes in international comparisons. Governments, standard‐setters, and other actors (e.g., directors, auditors) could use it for condensed overviews, implementing or revising codes, and reflecting on governance practices. Overall, data show a severe need to improve the quality of public corporate governance codes.
Adverse PFAS effects on mouse oocyte in vitro maturation are associated with carbon‐chain length and inclusion of a sulfonate group
Authors: Feng Jianan , Soto‐Moreno Edgar J. , Prakash Aashna , Balboula Ahmed Z. , Qiao Huanyu
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man‐made chemicals that are widely used in various products. PFAS are characterized by their fluorinated carbon chains that make them hard to degrade and bioaccumulate in human and animals. Toxicological studies have shown PFAS toxic effects: cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. However, it is still unclear how the structures of PFAS, such as carbon‐chain length and functional groups, determine their reproductive toxicity.

Methods and Results

By using a mouse‐oocyte‐in‐vitro‐maturation (IVM) system, we found the toxicity of two major categories of PFAS, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid (PFSA), is elevated with increasing carbon‐chain length and the inclusion of the sulfonate group. Specifically, at 600 μM, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) reduced the rates of both germinal‐vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and polar‐body extrusion (PBE) as well as enlarged polar bodies. However, the shorter PFSA, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), and all PFCA did not show similar adverse cytotoxicity. Further, we found that 600 μM PFHxS and PFOS exposure induced excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Cytoskeleton analysis revealed that PFHxS and PFOS exposure induced chromosome misalignment, abnormal F‐actin organization, elongated spindle formation, and symmetric division in the treated oocytes. These meiotic defects compromised oocyte developmental competence after parthenogenetic activation.

Conclusions

Our study provides new information on the structure‐toxicity relationship of PFAS.
Remember your roots: Biogeographic properties of plants' native habitats can inform invasive plant risk assessments
Authors: Pfadenhauer William G. , Nelson Michael F. , Laginhas Brit B. , Bradley Bethany A.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Reducing the effects of invasive plants is best accomplished by predicting which species will invade and preventing their introduction. To do this, risk assessments rely on a variety of plant traits and biogeographic properties to predict potential invasiveness. However, the relative importance of these traits and properties is unknown. Determining which biogeographic properties contribute the most to predicting invasiveness could improve the accuracy and reduce the time needed to complete future risk assessments. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis and ranking of the biogeographic properties that best differentiate invasive and noninvasive plant species.

Location

Conterminous United States.

Methods

We compiled county‐level distributions of 10,721 vascular plant species native to the conterminous United States of which 884 were established elsewhere and 131 were invasive elsewhere. For each species, we used native distribution data to calculate biogeographic properties, including range size, human modification and abiotic niche breadth. We assessed the ability of biogeographic properties to predict whether each species was invasive outside of the United States using random forest classification models.

Results

Variables that represent the breadth of a species' native range, including the ranges of soil textures, ranges of soil fertility and total geographic area, are strong predictors of plant invasiveness. Models that included these variables correctly classified 86% of invasive species and 62% of noninvasive species. Variables representing resource availability and disturbance regime were not useful for distinguishing between established and invasive species.

Main conclusions

Focusing on niche breadth properties could improve the accuracy of risk assessments and reduce the effort spent compiling information with lower predictive power. The importance of niche breadth in this analysis supports previous findings that broad physiological tolerance enables survival and reproduction in numerous environments, thereby increasing the likelihood of invasion.
Factors influencing participation in home, school, and community settings by children and adolescents with neuromuscular disorders: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Stroobach Aysha , Wilson Andrew C. , Lam Jenny , Hall Graham L. , Withers Adelaide , Downs Jenny
Published: October 2022

Aim

This study explored how children and adolescents with a neuromuscular disorder (NMD) and their parents experienced barriers and enablers to the child's participation.

Method

This was a qualitative descriptive design. Fourteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted (n = 13 mothers, n = 4 fathers, n = 8 children and adolescents) including one to three family members for each interview according to their preference. Data were analysed by content analysis, using the family of Participation‐Related Constructs (fPRC), to characterize the components of participation.

Results

Meaningful participation was illustrated in the personal categories of the fPRC including the child's sense of self, preferences, and competence to perform activities. Enablers and barriers related to adaptive equipment and activity modification, social relationships, inclusion, accessibility to venues, social attitudes, and policies.

Interpretation

Personal motivators are critical to understanding what participation is meaningful to children and adolescents with NMDs. Social and physical supports within the child's immediate environment as well as accessibility and advocacy more widely in the community enable participation. The fPRC is a useful tool for understanding participation in these children; it informs how to support participation and suggests domains for evaluation in future intervention studies. Advocacy for participation should consider targets in the immediate and broader environments.

What this paper adds

The family of Participation‐Related Constructs classified the components of participation for children and adolescents with neuromuscular disorders.

Meaningful participation involved a complex interaction between personal and environmental factors.

Barriers to participation included poor accessibility, lack of equipment, and social exclusion.
Glucagon induces the hepatic expression of inflammatory markers in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Andreozzi Francesco , Di Fatta Concetta , Spiga Rosangela , Mannino Gaia Chiara , Mancuso Elettra , Averta Carolina , De Caro Carmen , Tallarico Martina , Leo Antonio , Citraro Rita , Russo Emilio , De Sarro Giovambattista , Sesti Giorgio
Published: October 2022

Glucagon exerts multiple hepatic actions, including stimulation of glycogenolysis/gluconeogenesis. The liver plays a crucial role in chronic inflammation by synthesizing proinflammatory molecules, which are thought to contribute to insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia. Whether glucagon affects hepatic expression of proinflammatory cytokines and acute‐phase reactants is unknown. Herein, we report a positive relationship between fasting glucagon levels and circulating interleukin (IL)‐1β (r = 0.252, p = .042), IL‐6 (r = 0.230, p = .026), fibrinogen (r = 0.193, p = .031), complement component 3 (r = 0.227, p = .024) and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (r = 0.230, p = .012) in individuals without diabetes. In CD1 mice, 4‐week continuous treatment with glucagon induced a significant increase in circulating IL‐1β (p = .02), and IL‐6 (p = .001), which was countered by the contingent administration of the glucagon receptor antagonist, GRA‐II. Consistent with these results, we detected a significant increase in the hepatic activation of inflammatory pathways, such as expression of NLRP3 (p < .02), and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF‐κB; p < .02) and STAT3 (p < .01). In HepG2 cells, we found that glucagon dose‐dependently stimulated the expression of IL‐1β (p < .002), IL‐6 (p < .002), fibrinogen (p < .01), complement component 3 (p < .01) and C‐reactive protein (p < .01), stimulated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome (p < .01) and caspase‐1 (p < .05), induced the phosphorylation of TRAF2 (p < .01), NF‐κB (p < .01) and STAT3 (p < .01). Preincubating cells with GRA‐II inhibited the ability of glucagon to induce an inflammatory response. Using HepaRG cells, we confirmed the dose‐dependent ability of glucagon to stimulate the expression of NLRP3, the phosphorylation of NF‐κB and STAT3, in the absence of GRA‐II. These results suggest that glucagon has proinflammatory effects that may participate in the pathogenesis of hyperglycaemia and unfavourable cardiometabolic risk profile.
Associations between temperament dimensions and dental anxiety in parents of the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Arkkila Juuso , Suominen Auli , Nolvi Saara , Rantavuori Kari , Karlsson Hasse , Karlsson Linnea , Lahti Satu
Published: October 2022

We evaluated associations between dental anxiety and four temperament dimensions: effortful control, extraversion/surgency, negative affect and orienting sensitivity among 2558 parents in the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. Dental anxiety was measured with the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, and temperament with the Adult Temperament Questionnaire. Associations between dental anxiety and temperament dimensions were modelled using linear and logistic (cut‐off ≥ 19 for high dental anxiety) regression analyses adjusting for general anxiety and depressive symptoms, age and education. In women and men, dental anxiety was positively associated with negative affect (women β = 1.10; 95%CI 1.06–1.15; men β = 1.11; 95%CI 1.05–1.18) and negatively associated with effortful control (women β = 0.95; 95% CI0.92–0.99, men β = 0.90; 95% CI 0.85–0.95). In women, extraversion/surgency was also positively associated with dental anxiety (β = 1.04; 95%CI 1.00–1.08). For high dental anxiety, negative affect in women (OR = 2.00; 95%CI 1.31–3.06) and men (OR = 5.21; 95%CI 1.72–15.83) and for extraversion/surgency in women (OR = 1.50; 95%CI 1.01–1.47) associated positively with dental anxiety, but for effortful control, the association was not statistically significant. Dentists should understand that temperament dimensions affect the risk for dental anxiety more strongly than general anxiety or depressive symptoms. Dimensions negative affect and extraversion/surgency may increase and effortful control decrease the risk.
Being prepared for huanglongbing disease of citrus: a simulation exercise workshop for contingency planning held in Valencia, Spain
Authors: Aragón Carola , Dalmau Vicente , Escrivà Carles , Ferrer Amparo , Forner‐Giner Maria Ăngeles , Galvañ Anaís , García‐Figuera Sara , Lázaro Elena , Meyer Joséphine , Tanner Rob , Vicent Antonio
Published: October 2022

Contingency plans aim to ensure a rapid and effective response to an outbreak of a pest likely which is to have a major impact. Huanglongbing is a devastating disease of citrus not yet present in the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) region. A simulation exercise workshop for contingency planning was held in Valencia, Spain over 3 days in October 2021 as part of the PRE‐HLB project funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 programme. In total, 49 experts from the EPPO region attended the workshop. Participants represented a range of stakeholders from citrus cooperatives, grower associations, nursery workers, citrus exporters, landscapers and gardeners, scientists, Regional Plant Health Authorities, National Plant Protection Organizations and the European Commission. Participants were split into five groups and each group acted as an outbreak management team for a scenario based on a finding of a quarantine pest. The scenario followed the first (fictitious) finding of Diaphorina citri (the insect vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, a causal agent of huanglongbing) at a citrus orchard in Spain. As the scenario developed over a month time scale, each team had to organize themselves to manage a number of issues designed to mimic the development of an outbreak of huanglongbing of citrus over the course of the exercise. The groups acknowledged the usefulness of the Spanish contingency plans for huanglongbing and its vectors, the EPPO Standards, and the risk‐based surveillance design tool RiBESS+.
Hybridization between closely related songbirds is related to human habitat disturbance
Authors: Grabenstein Kathryn C. , Otter Ken A. , Burg Theresa M. , Taylor Scott A.
Published: October 2022

Human habitat disturbances can promote hybridization between closely related, but typically reproductively isolated, species. We explored whether human habitat disturbances are related to hybridization between two closely related songbirds, black‐capped and mountain chickadees, using both genomic and citizen science data sets. First, we genotyped 409 individuals from across both species' ranges using reduced‐representation genome sequencing and compared measures of genetic admixture to a composite measure of human landscape disturbance. Then, using eBird observations, we compared human landscape disturbance values for sites where phenotypically diagnosed hybrids were observed to locations where either parental species was observed to determine whether hybrid chickadees are reported in more disturbed areas. We found that hybridization between black‐capped and mountain chickadees positively correlates with human habitat disturbances. From genomic data, we found that (1) hybrid index (HI) significantly increased with habitat disturbance, (2) more hybrids were sampled in disturbed habitats, (3) mean HIs were higher in disturbed habitats versus wild habitats, and (4) hybrids were detected in habitats with significantly higher disturbance values than parentals. Using eBird data, we found that both hybrid and black‐capped chickadees were significantly more disturbance‐associated than mountain chickadees. Surprisingly, we found that nearly every black‐capped chickadee we sampled contained some proportion of hybrid ancestry, while we detected very few mountain chickadee backcrosses. Our results highlight that hybridization between black‐capped and mountain chickadees is widespread, but initial hybridization is rare (few F1s were detected). We conclude that human habitat disturbances can erode pre‐zygotic reproductive barriers between chickadees and that post‐zygotic isolation is incomplete. Understanding what becomes of recently hybridizing species following large‐scale habitat disturbances is a new, but pressing, consideration for successfully preserving genetic biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.
Soils in warmer and less developed countries have less micronutrients globally
Authors: Moreno‐Jiménez Eduardo , Maestre Fernando T. , Flagmeier Maren , Guirado Emilio , Berdugo Miguel , Bastida Felipe , Dacal Marina , Díaz‐Martínez Paloma , Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Plaza César , Rillig Matthias C. , Crowther Thomas W. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel
Published: October 2022

Soil micronutrients are capital for the delivery of ecosystem functioning and food provision worldwide. Yet, despite their importance, the global biogeography and ecological drivers of soil micronutrients remain virtually unknown, limiting our capacity to anticipate abrupt unexpected changes in soil micronutrients in the face of climate change. Here, we analyzed >1300 topsoil samples to examine the global distribution of six metallic micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Co and Ni) across all continents, climates and vegetation types. We found that warmer arid and tropical ecosystems, present in the least developed countries, sustain the lowest contents of multiple soil micronutrients. We further provide evidence that temperature increases may potentially result in abrupt and simultaneous reductions in the content of multiple soil micronutrients when a temperature threshold of 12–14°C is crossed, which may be occurring on 3% of the planet over the next century. Altogether, our findings provide fundamental understanding of the global distribution of soil micronutrients, with direct implications for the maintenance of ecosystem functioning, rangeland management and food production in the warmest and poorest regions of the planet.
Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research Bibliographic Review 2021
Authors: Weis Ulrike , Stoll Brigitte , Hell Katharina , Winkes Elisa , Jochum Klaus Peter
Published: October 2022

This GGR Bibliographic Review is a survey of approximately 5200 geoanalytical publications for the year 2021. Selected articles, numbering over 340, containing measurement results for relevant geological and environmental reference materials are listed with individual summaries of target analytes, relevant reference materials and producers. A brief summary of a selection of these publications is included that highlights notable developments in geoanalytical studies, newly developed or characterised RMs, and new datasets of established reference materials that have been re‐analysed using improved or state‐of‐the‐art measurement techniques.
Professional ecologies in European sustainable finance
Authors: Seabrooke Leonard , Stenström Annika
Published: October 2022

Finding direction in new policy areas requires a combination of mandate, expertise, and stakeholder engagement. Here we investigate the formation of the EU's sustainable finance agenda through activity in and around its High Level Expert Group and Technical Expert Group. Actors from different professional ecologies struggle to determine the treatment of sustainable finance and establish policy practices. Those who shape issue treatments can be supported by a capacity to influence from either official mandate, scientific esteem, or claims to experience. These are contending conjectures to locate action among the professionals engaged in the process. We adjudicate between mandate, esteem, and experience with an assessment of the network ties and career histories of those involved in sustainable finance. Our findings suggest that those with many ties and mixed careers win. Professionals identified as offering access to a potential network of investors exhibit greater control over how issues are treated, to the detriment of civil society actors. We demonstrate likely influence over issue treatment through a discussion of environmental and social disclosures and debt financing mechanisms in European sustainable finance expert groups.
Monthly mowing frequency does not affect soil CO2 emissions of fertilized Bromus erectus‐dominated grasslands
Authors: D'Ottavio Paride , Francioni Matteo , Toderi Marco , Trozzo Laura
Published: October 2022

Secondary origin grasslands are widespread habitats that provide a wide array of ecosystem services. Their conservation relies on management practices that can, in turn, alter their soil carbon cycle to result in higher soil respiration rates. In the perspective of social and climate change scenarios, there is the need to seek the best management practices for conservation of secondary origin grasslands, climate mitigation and economic sustainability for farmers. The aim of this study was to investigate whether increasing the customary practice of mowing twice a year to monthly mowing through the growing season (when herbage production was feasible; i.e., >0.5 t/ha dry matter) generates changes to the drivers and rates of soil respiration of fertilized Bromus erectus‐dominated grasslands. Soil CO2 efflux, temperature and moisture were recorded over 3 years (2016–2018) under these “customary” and “monthly” mowing frequencies (twice per year; 4–6 times per year, respectively). Soil CO2 efflux, temperature and moisture were not affected by the higher mowing frequency over the study period. Independent of mowing frequency, soil water content was the main driver of soil CO2 emissions during the growing season (April to October, inclusive), whereas soil temperature was the main driver during the nongrowing season (November to March, inclusive). Therefore, increasing the customary mowing of twice a year to the monthly mowing frequency through the growing season does not impact upon soil respiration of B. erectus‐dominated grasslands, at least over a 3‐year period.
Guiding, sustaining and growing the public involvement of young people in an adolescent health research community of practice
Authors: Swist Teresa , Collin Philippa , Nguyen Betty , Davies Cristyn , Cullen Patricia , Medlow Sharon , Skinner S. Rachel , Third Amanda , Steinbeck Katharine
Published: October 2022

Background

Public involvement in health research and its translation is well recognized to improve health interventions. However, this approach is insufficiently practised and evidenced in relation to young people. This paper presents an analysis of the process of co‐producing a framework, partnership model and a growing network of young people informing and guiding an adolescent health research community of practice.

Methods

A Living Lab is a participatory research approach that brings together a broad range of stakeholders in iterative cycles of research, design, development, pilot‐testing, evaluation and delivery to implement effective responses to complex phenomena. The geographical setting for this study was Sydney, NSW, Australia, and involved both youth and adult stakeholders from this region. The study spanned three phases between July 2018 and January 2021, and data collection included a range of workshops, a roundtable discussion and an online survey.

Results

The co‐production process resulted in three key outputs: first, an engagement framework to guide youth participation in health research; second, a partnership model to sustain youth and adult stakeholder collaboration; third, the growth of the public involvement of young people with a range of projects and partners.

Conclusions

This study investigated the process of co‐producing knowledge with young people in an adolescent health community of practice. A reflexive process supported youth and adult stakeholders to collaboratively investigate, design and pilot‐test approaches that embed young people's engagement in adolescent health research. Shared values and iterative methods for co‐production can assist in advancing mutual learning, commitment and trust in specific adolescent health research contexts.

Public Contribution

Young people guiding and informing an adolescent health research community of practice were involved in this study, and one of the participants is a paper co‐author.
National indifference and dynastic loyalty in comparative perspective: The demise of the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires revisited
Authors: Maritan Mario
Published: October 2022

The demise of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire in the aftermath of the First World War marked the end of centuries of multi‐ethnic coexistence. To this day, outside the field of history, the perception of both empires is rooted in the idea of the inevitability of their demise, which, as the story goes, was due to the strength of nationalist movements and the intensity of inter‐ethnic strife. The ‘orientalising’ of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire has been translated into current understandings of Central Europe, the Balkans and the Middle East and their politics. While ethnic clashes have characterised the histories of these regions in the 20th century and nationalisms still play a central role in their politics, from Hungary to Turkey, national indifference, dynastic loyalty and multi‐ethnic coexistence had been central to the life of the multi‐ethnic and multi‐confessional Habsburg and Ottoman Empires.
Oral health status, oral health‐related quality of life and personality factors among users of three‐sided sonic‐powered toothbrush versus conventional manual toothbrush
Authors: AL‐Omiri Mahmoud K. , Abu‐Awwad Motasum , Bustani Mohammad , Alshahrani Abdulaziz M. , Al Nazeh Abdullah A. , Alsafadi Lana , Majdalawi Farah , Allawama Hala M. , Lynch Edward
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This longitudinal within subject controlled randomized observational investigation studied the impacts of three‐sided sonic‐powered toothbrush versus conventional manual toothbrush on oral health‐ and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and assessed the relationship between personality factors and OHRQoL.

Methods

A total of 96 participants (48 females and 48 males; mean age = 22.61 years, SD = 1.21) were recruited into this investigation and were randomly allocated into two groups. The participants were instructed to control oral hygiene for 1 month using either a three‐sided sonic brush (Triple Bristle, Dayton, Tennessee, USA) (sonic group) or a conventional manual toothbrush (manual group). Dental plaque was assessed via Turesky‐Modified Quigley–Hein Plaque Index (TMQHPI). Bleeding on probing (BOP) was recorded as 1 if present and zero if absent. The NEO Five‐Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) were used to assess personality factors and OHRQoL, respectively. TMQHPI, BOP and OHIP were assessed at study baseline and 1 month later.

Results

The TMQHPI, BOP and OHIP‐14 scores were reduced after 1 month in both groups (p < 0.05), and were more reduced among the three‐sided sonic brush users (p > 0.05). Higher neuroticism scores were associated with worse OHRQoL (p < 0.05) in both groups after 1 month.

Conclusions

The three‐sided sonic‐powered toothbrush was associated with superior oral health and OHRQoL in comparison with the conventional manual toothbrush. Utilizing three‐sided sonic toothbrush, less plaque deposits and lower neuroticism scores contributed towards and predicted better OHRQoL after 1 month of oral hygiene maintenance.
Physicochemical properties and mechanism of solubilised neohesperidin system based on inclusion complex of hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Wang Chunqing , Xia Na , Yu Ming , Zhu Siming
Published: October 2022

A solvent method was used to prepare the inclusion compound of neohesperidin (NH) and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) to improve the water solubility and thermal stability of NH. The physical and chemical properties and supramolecular structure of the inclusion complex were investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, TG‐DTG, PXRD, NMR and molecular docking techniques. The results showed that the C‐ring of NH was embedded in the cavity of HP‐β‐CD to form an inclusion complex. The phase has changed significantly, NH is completely dispersed in HP‐β‐CD in an amorphous state, and the two are combined in the form of non‐covalent bonds such as hydrogen bonds or van der Waals forces. Through inclusion of HP‐β‐CD, the solubility of NH in water at 37 °C increased from 161.81 μg ml−1 to 1927.12 μg ml−1, and its stability was also significantly improved.
Ownership in international vocational education and training transfer: The example of quality development in India
Authors: Regel Julia , Ramasamy Muthuveeran , Pilz Matthias
Published: October 2022

This article addresses policy transfer in international development activities in vocational education and training. Ownership has been identified and established as a key factor for sustainability of transfer activities in different fields of development cooperation. While the concept has been targeted from a macro‐level perspective of government‐to‐government transfer for a long time, meso‐ and micro‐level perspectives of multi‐stakeholder involvement are increasingly emerging. Thus, the focus is on the function of ownership in terms of the role of local stakeholder commitment for sustainable transfer at the level of vocational training institutions in India. Using the example of the transfer of an approach for quality measurement, factors, potentials and challenges for ownership development are explored. Findings are based on the first evaluation cycle of a quality measurement framework developed with specific regard to Polytechnic Colleges and Industrial Training Institutes. Results of the evaluation were analysed considering the model intentions and theoretically based assumptions taken in the research process. Ownership at the meso‐level can be established by high degrees of acceptability of measures, participation of stakeholders at the institutional level and internal and external moderation processes in implementation. This paper argues that increased participation and decision‐making authority will contribute to measures in line with stakeholders' needs and enable Polytechnic Colleges and ITIs to engage in institutional development more effectively when considering stakeholders' views. This is the case, particularly when focusing on quality assurance and development at the organisational level.
Maintenance biofeedback therapy for dysfunctional voiding: Does every child need it?
Authors: Dönmez Muhammet İrfan , Selvi Ismail , Dereli Elif , Özgür Kerime , Oktar Tayfun , Ziylan Orhan
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The aim of the present study is to analyze the long‐term clinical outcomes in children who were treated with biofeedback therapy (BF) for dysfunctional voiding (DV) and to determine the need for maintenance of BF due to clinical relapse.

Methods

Files of children with DV who underwent BF between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with neurological or anatomical problems were excluded. A total of 64 patients (52 girls, 12 boys) with a mean age of 8.89 ± 2.48 years who completed the initial BF sessions were included in the study. The demographic and clinical data, dysfunctional voiding symptom scores (DVSS), and uroflowmetry parameters were recorded before and after the initial BF sessions. Clinical success was regarded as the cessation of electromyography activity as well as concurrent resolution of lower urinary tract symptoms and improvement in uroflowmetry parameters. After the initial BF sessions, children who had initial success showed DV relapse at any time during follow‐up received the maintenance BF sessions. Therefore, the patients with successful initial BF were divided into two groups: the group that needed maintenance BF, and the group which required no maintenance BF.

Results

Clinical success was achieved in 48 (75.0%) of 64 children following a median of 6 sessions (range 2–8). At the follow‐up, 10 (20.8%) out of 48 patients showed symptom relapse at a median of 8 months (range 2–24 months). After a median of 3.5 maintenance BF sessions (range 1–6), clinical success was observed in all patients. Both groups showed a significant DVSS decrease after initial BF, however, those who needed maintenance had significantly higher DVSS (6.80 ± 2.53 vs. 3.61 ± 1.12, p < 0.001). At admission, DVSS <17.5 (odds ratio [OR]: 4.31, p = 0.025) and post‐voiding residual volume as a percentage of estimated bladder capacity for age <28.9 (OR: 5.00, p = 0.009) were found as the predictive factors for initial BF success. The need for maintenance BF was 2.56‐fold higher with a DVSS above 5.5 after initial BF sessions.

Conclusions

Our results show that despite a clinical success rate of 75% after the initial BF, relapse can be seen within 2 years in approximately 20% of the patients. Nevertheless, maintenance of BF may provide clinical success in all patients. Relatively higher DVSS after initial BF can be used as a predictor of the need for maintenance BF.
Safety and efficacy of ureteroscopy for urolithiasis in octogenarians
Authors: Koterazawa Shigeki , Kanno Toru , Takahashi Toshifumi , Somiya Shinya , Ito Katsuhiro , Haitani Takao , Arakaki Ryuichiro , Kawase Norio , Higashi Yoshihito , Yamada Hitoshi
Published: October 2022

Objective

To examine the safety and efficacy of ureteroscopy (URS) for urolithiasis in octogenarians, and identify preoperative risk factors for the incidence of postoperative complications.

Methods

The patients who underwent URS for urolithiasis were divided into octogenarians and younger patients (age: <80 years), and the groups were compared regarding their clinical characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and stone‐free rate. The predictors of postoperative complications were evaluated using logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 1207 patients were included, 166 in the octogenarian patient group and 1041 in the younger patient group. The proportion of female patients (p < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (p < 0.001), rate of preoperative pyelonephritis (p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.003) were higher in the octogenarian group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding stone size, location, and intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications, which reached a significant difference, were observed in 34 (20.5%) octogenarians and 117 (11.2%) younger patients (p = 0.002). However, age itself was not significantly associated with postoperative fever, the most frequent postoperative complication, in multivariate analysis. Female sex, ASA score of ≥3, history of diabetes mellitus, and prolonged operative time (≥120 min) were the significant predictors of fever. The stone‐free rate in the octogenarian group was superior to that in the younger patient group (80.1% vs. 70.6%, respectively; p = 0.035).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that URS for urolithiasis can be safely and effectively applied to octogenarians in selected cases.
Stroma biglycan expression can be a prognostic factor in prostate cancers
Authors: Furumido Jun , Maishi Nako , Yanagawa‐Matsuda Aya , Kikuchi Hiroshi , Matsumoto Ryuji , Osawa Takahiro , Abe Takashige , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Shinohara Nobuo , Hida Yasuhiro , Hida Kyoko
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study analyzes the relationship between biglycan expression in prostate cancer and clinicopathological parameters to clarify the potential link between biglycan and prognosis and progression to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 60 cases of prostate cancer patients who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in Hokkaido University Hospital.

Results

Biglycan was expressed in the tumor stroma but not in tumor cells. There was no significant relationship with biochemical recurrence (p = 0.5237), but the expression of biglycan was 36.1% in the group with progression to CRPC. This indicates a significant relationship with progression to CRPC (p = 0.0182). Furthermore, the expression of biglycan‐positive blood vessels was significantly higher (15.9%) in the group with biochemical recurrence than in the group without biochemical recurrence (8.5%) (p = 0.0169). The biglycan‐positive vessels were 28.6% in the group with progression to CRPC, which was significantly higher than that in the group without progression to CRPC (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This is the first study to show that stroma biglycan is a useful prognostic factor for prostate cancer.
The sufficient multidisciplinary specialists under a government‐led health care system associated with the downward mortality trend of Fournier's gangrene in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Tsung‐Yen , Su Chien‐Chou , Chang Yu‐Ching , Chen I‐Hung , Ou Chien‐Hui , Cheng Yu‐Sheng
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To explore the trends in Fournier's gangrene (FG) incidence and mortality rate in Taiwan and to investigate the contributing factors to such changes.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2016, hospitalized FG patients who underwent subsequent surgical intervention were included in this retrospective study. Incidence, outcomes, age‐adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI), hospitalization cost, surgical timing, and the number of multidisciplinary specialists involved in the first‐line management of FG in each year were collected. Simple linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were used for the subsequent analysis.

Results

The national cohort enrolled 2183 FG patients from 2002 to 2016 in Taiwan. The age‐standardized incidence rate of FG was between 0.4 and 0.8 per 100 000 population, and overall mortality was 7.8% in these 15 years. We illustrated the downward trendline of FG mortality with a 0.62 coefficient of determination. The mortality of FG patients who underwent surgery within 24 h and after 24 h were found to be 8.3 ± 3.9% and 14.6 ± 25.2%, respectively (p = 0.02). The numbers of urologists, anesthesiologists, emergency doctors, and physicians per 100 000 population had a strong negative linear correlation with FG mortality (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). ACCI score had a moderate linear relationship with FG mortality (r = 0.57, p = 0.027). The hospitalization cost showed a weak linear correlation with FG mortality (r = −0.03, p = 0.92).

Conclusions

We demonstrated the downward trend of the FG mortality rate in Taiwan from 2002 to 2016. Besides underlying comorbidities and surgical timing, sufficient multidisciplinary specialists are essential for the survival benefit of FG patients in Taiwan experience.
Omitting routine cystography after RARP: Analysis of complications and readmission rates in suprapubic and transurethral drained patients
Authors: Krausewitz Philipp , Farzat Mahmoud , Ellinger Jörg , Ritter Manuel
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become the therapy of choice for local treatment of prostate cancer. Postoperatively, urologists perform cystography before removing urinary catheters due to concerns about the integrity of the vesicourethral anastomosis. This study aims to evaluate the safety of waiving cystography before early catheter removal after RARP.

Methods

A total of 514 patients from two tertiary referral centers who underwent RARP were retrospectively included. Patients received postoperative urinary drainage by transurethral (TUC) or suprapubic catheter (SPC). During the first year, both centers performed routine cystography before removing TUC or SPC on postoperative day 5. In the following year, management changed and catheters were removed without cystography unless indicated by the surgeon. Demographic and perioperative data were analyzed. Postoperative complications and readmission rates were compared between standard cystography (StCG), no cystography (NCG), and selective cystography (SCG).

Results

Groups were comparable regarding demographic and oncological parameters. Analysis showed no significant difference regarding major complications and readmission rates between standard and no cystography (p = 0.155 and 0.998 respectively). Omitting routine cystography did not lead to inferior postoperative courses regardless of both urinary drainage used and tumor stage. Subgroup analysis showed an increase of major complications in SCG patients when compared with NCG (p = 0.003) while readmissions remained comparable (p = 0.554).

Conclusion

Waiving routine cystography before early catheter removal after RARP appears to be safe and feasible regardless of urinary drainage. However, the selective cystogram at the surgeon's request still plays a role in monitoring patients with an elevated risk profile.
Pelvicalyceal anatomy on the accessibility of reusable flexible ureteroscopy to lower pole calyx during retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Inoue Takaaki , Hamamoto Shuzo , Okada Shinsuke , Imai Satoshi , Yamamichi Fukashi , Fujita Masaichiro , Tominaga Koki , Fujisawa Masato
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the pelvicalyceal anatomy on accessibility of reusable flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) to the lower pole calyx during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).

Methods

Here, 854 patients with ureteral or kidney stones with access to a renal collecting system using reusable fURS were classified into either the accessible group, in whom the deepest lower pole calyces could be touched; and the inaccessible group, in whom the deepest lower calyces could not be touched. We measured the infundibulopelvic angle (IPA), infundibular width (IW), infundibular length (IL), and calyceal pelvic height (CPH) using retrograde pyelograms and performed intergroup comparisons.

Results

The median IPA, IW, IL, and CPH in the accessible and inaccessible group were 60.5° and 45.6° (p < 0.001), 10.8 and 9.4 mm (p < 0.001), 33.2 and 36.4 mm (p < 0.001), and 25.9 and 30.9 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. IPA (OR 0.963, 95% CI 0.952–0.974, p < 0.001) and IW (OR 0.519, 95% CI 0.331–0.816, p = 0.004) were significant risk factors of renal pelvicalyceal anatomy related to the accessibility of the lower pole calyces. The cut‐off value for IPA and IW was 45.8°(p < 0.001) and 7.8 mm (p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

IPA < 45.8° and IW <7.8 mm were negative predictors to access the lower pole calyces when using reusable fURS during RIRS.
Alternative pathway diagnostics
Authors: Thurman Joshua M. , Fremeaux‐Bacchi Veronique
Published: October 2022

Uncontrolled alternative pathway activation is the primary driver of several diseases, and it contributes to the pathogenesis of many others. Consequently, diagnostic tests to monitor this arm of the complement system are increasingly important. Defects in alternative pathway regulation are strong risk factors for disease, and drugs that specifically block the alternative pathway are entering clinical use. A range of diagnostic tests have been developed to evaluate and monitor the alternative pathway, including assays to measure its function, expression of alternative pathway constituents, and activation fragments. Genetic studies have also revealed many disease‐associated variants in alternative pathway genes that predict the risk of disease and prognosis. Newer imaging modalities offer the promise of non‐invasively detecting and localizing pathologic complement activation. Together, these various tests help in the diagnosis of disease, provide important prognostic information, and can help guide therapy with complement inhibitory drugs.
Low‐density granulocytes in systemic autoimmunity and autoinflammation
Authors: Carmona‐Rivera Carmelo , Kaplan Mariana J.
Published: October 2022

A body of evidence has re‐energized the interest on the role neutrophils in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. For decades, neutrophils have been considered a homogenous population. Nevertheless, accumulating evidence suggests that neutrophils are more versatile and heterogeneous than initially considered. The notion of neutrophil heterogeneity has been supported by the identification of low‐density granulocytes (LDGs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other systemic autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions. Transcriptomic, epigenetic, proteomic, and functional analyses support that LDGs are a distinct subset of proinflammatory neutrophils implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE and other autoimmune diseases. Importantly, it remains incompletely characterized whether LDGs detected in other inflammatory/autoimmune conditions display the same phenotype that those present in SLE. A shared feature of LDGs across diseases is their association with vascular damage, an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in chronic inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the lack of specific markers to identify LDGs in circulation or in tissue, makes it a challenge to elucidate their role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. In this review, we aim to examine the evidence on the biology and the putative pathogenic role of LDGs in systemic autoimmune diseases.