bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-stage, delay differential model of snow crab population dynamics in the Scotian Shelf of Atlantic Canada
Authors: Choi Jae S.
Published: February 2023

Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) are cold-water stenotherms in the northern hemisphere. As they are long-lived and have a complex life history, developing an operational model of population dynamics has been a challenge, especially in the context of an ever increasing and varied human footprint upon nature. Here we review past efforts at understanding the population dynamics of snow crab in an environmentally and spatiotemporally heterogeneous area, the Scotian Shelf of the northwest Atlantic of Canada. We address these difficulties with a moderately complex multi-stage, delay differential model and parameterize it leveraging Bayesian techniques. Operationalsolutionswere stable and reasonable and permitted inference upon the intra-annual dynamics of snow crab. Further, a concept of aFisheries footprint, akin to instantaneous fishing mortality rate, can be elucidated that directly addresses the conceptual impact of a fishery upon a non-stationary population. The approach is promising. The model suggests additional processes need to be accounted. We hypothesize that seasonal, interannual movement and spatiotemporally structured predation are key processes that require further attention. However, as computational costs are significant, these additional processes will need to be parameterized carefully.
Oscillatory brain activity as unified control mechanism for working memory and social cognition
Authors: Friedrich Elisabeth V. C. , Hilla Yannik , Sterner Elisabeth F. , Ostermeier Simon S. , Behnke Larissa , Sauseng Paul
Published: February 2023

It has long been thought that coordination of briefly maintained information (working memory) and higher social cognition (mentalizing) rely on mutually exclusive brain mechanisms. However, here we show that slow rhythmical brain activity in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex controls distributed networks associated with working memory as well as mentalizing during cognitively demanding visual and social tasks. Depending on the effort necessary for cognitive operations, the phase of slow frontal oscillations is used to precisely tune communication with posterior brain areas. For participants having low autistic personality traits, this mechanism is identical across tasks – no matter whether visual or social information is processed. This underpins a unified function of the mentioned oscillatory brain mechanism in working memory and mentalizing. Participants with high autistic personality traits – thus, with difficulty in social cognition – however, have an inability to efficiently tune brain communication depending on cognitive effort in visual information processing. Even more striking, in higher social cognition they fail to implement coordination of distributed brain networks by slow frontal oscillations completely. While these findings suggest a unified function of brain oscillations in cognitive coordination they also explain why individuals with high autistic personality traits can have difficulties with demanding cognitive processing across domains.

Significance Statement

Our findings revealed an interregional brain coupling mechanism based on rhythmical cortical activity to be responsible for successful social and visual working memory by tuning the fronto-parietal network depending on memory load. We suggest that this coupling mechanism can explain how communication between distant brain areas is effectively controlling cognitive functions, independent of the exact type of information that is processed. Importantly, participants with high autistic personality traits struggle with efficient tuning of fronto-parietal networks. Thus, a deficit in this coupling mechanism seems to be an underlying cause of impairments in social and visual working memory, which is often seen in individuals on the Autism Spectrum. These findings might even generalize to other mental disorders as broad cognitive control deficits and social problems are common in a variety of psychiatric and neurological conditions.
What makes hot beverage vending machine cups eco-friendly? A research into consumer views and preferences
Authors: Bertossi Alberto , Troiano Stefania , Marangon Francesco
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to gain a first explorative view on what intrinsic/extrinsic attributes a generic cup for hot beverage should possess to be perceived as eco-friendly, and how some attributes of a hot beverage could influence consumers’ purchase decision and willingness to pay (WTP) for that beverage dispensed by vending machines (VMs).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed in 2021 and sent to all students of an Italian university campus. For the first goal, students were asked to assign a score to some eco-friendly intrinsic/extrinsic attributes using a five-point Likert scale. For the second aim, a choice experiment with six scenarios was developed.

Findings

Both intrinsic and extrinsic attributes play a key role in shaping students’ opinions and preferences. Results indicate that students are attracted by the idea of a cup that communicates its environmental properties through corresponding labels and information, and it is made by materials that guarantee biodegradability, recyclability or reusability.

Originality/value

The research represents the first academic attempt to provide a first consumers’ viewpoint on the importance of eco-friendly attributes of cups for hot beverages able to influence consumers’ perceptions and consumption choices of hot beverages dispensed by VMs.
Integrating building information modeling with augmented reality: application and empirical assessment in building facility management
Authors: Khan Sochea , Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Usanavasin Sasiporn
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper presents a developed BIMxAR application, an integration of building information modeling (BIM) with augmented reality (AR) linked with real-time online database to support the building facility management work. The primary aim of this research was to develop and empirically examine the applicability of a BIM-based AR (BIMxAR) application in building facility management.

Design/methodology/approach

The BIMxAR application was developed and experimented with maintenance work of a university laboratory building. The experiment consisted of a comparison of supportive maintenance tasks performed using the traditional approach and the BIMxAR approach by 38 university students. The time taken to complete each task was recorded and analyzed using statistical analyses to compare the performance between the tasks completed using each approach.

Findings

The results indicated that the group using the BIMxAR application approach completed the tasks correctly in a significantly shorter time compared to that using the traditional approach. The findings supported the applicability of the developed BIMxAR application and the improvement of the building facility management tasks when using the proposed approach.

Originality/value

This paper presents a methodological approach in developing a mobile application that integrates BIM with AR for facility management work, leveraging real-time information exchange through a cloud-based platform. The paper also provides empirical evidence that demonstrates how the integration between BIM and AR could be achieved and implemented to help facilitate building maintenance tasks.
An exploration of Australian attitudes towards privacy
Authors: Shanley Aleatha , Johnstone Mike , Szewczyk Patryk , Crowley Michael
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Using technology to meet national security expectations and requirements is not new. Nations attempt to strike a balance between security and the (expressed or otherwise) privacy needs of citizens. Attacks (physical or cyber) on citizens shift the equilibrium point towards security. In contrast, civil liberties organisations act to preserve or increase privacy. The purpose of this paper is to explore Australian attitudes towards privacy and surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this paper aims to discover what (if any) factors contribute to societal acceptance of privacy encroachment implicated by surveillance programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection occurred during 2021 using a cross-sectional survey comprising a variety of self-assessment questions. In addition, anchoring vignettes were introduced as a means of contextualising complex concepts, i.e. privacy and security. Finally, latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify homogenous patterns within the data, referred to as “classes” for the analysis of trust.

Findings

First, the survey revealed that citizens appear to be unconcerned about surveillance in public and private spaces (although this may be a temporary effect resulting from the pandemic). The potential for identification, however, does raise concerns. Second, LCA surfaced a specific group that were more likely to trust entities and showed less concern about surveillance in society. Finally, even this latter group displayed a “trust deficit” in specific organisations (private businesses and social media firms).

Research limitations/practical implications

The tension between security and privacy remains, even in a post-pandemic world; therefore, the authors consider that the results, whilst interesting, are preliminary. Notwithstanding this, the findings provide insight into Australian attitudes towards privacy and surveillance and, consequently, provide input into public policy.

Originality/value

This is the most recent survey of the Australian public concerning this issue. The analysis of the effect of the pandemic on attitudes provides further value.
On the drivers of drug shortages: empirical evidence from Germany
Authors: Francas David , Mohr Stephan , Hoberg Kai
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Disruptions and shortages of drugs have become severe problems in recent years, which has triggered strong media and public interest in the topic. However, little is known about the factors that can be associated with the increased frequency of shortages. In this paper, the authors analyze the drivers of drug shortages using empirical data for Germany, the fourth largest pharmaceutical market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a dataset provided by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte [BfArM]) with 425 reported shortages for drug substances (DSs) in the 24-month period between May 2017 and April 2019 and enrich the data with information from additional sources. Using logistic and negative binomial regression models, the authors analyze the impact of (1) market characteristics, (2) drug substance characteristics and (3) regulatory characteristics on the likelihood of a shortage.

Findings

The authors find that factors like market concentration, patent situation, manufacturing processes or dosage form are significantly associated with the odds of a shortage. The authors discuss the implications of these findings to reduce the frequency and severity of shortages.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the empirical research on drug shortages by analyzing the impact of market characteristics, DS characteristics and regulatory characteristics on the reported shortages. The authors’ analysis provides a starting point for better prioritizing efforts to strengthen drug supply as it is currently intensely discussed healthcare authorities.
The role of integrated thinking in corporate governance during the COVID-19 crisis: perspectives from South Africa
Authors: Myeza Lindani , Ecim Dusan , Maroun Warren
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how integrated thinking principles can be used to assist those charged with governance during and after a crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

An autoethnographic approach was used to collect and reflect on information related to the economic, social and environmental impact of COVID-19. This was complemented with a bibliometric analysis of academic articles including “corporate governance”, “integrated thinking” and “crisis” as a keyword. This information was used to produce a data mind map of core themes. This was supplemented with a qualitative exploratory approach based on semi-structured interviews with 16 participants comprising preparers of financial statements, board members and corporate governance specialists to obtain insights into using integrated thinking in corporate governance during a crisis.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that those charged with governance can use integrated thinking to repurpose their business model by considering a multi-capital and multi-stakeholder perspective to value creation. The study highlights the importance of implementing a holistic capital integration process to gauge risks, capitalise on opportunities and improve business processes in response to a crisis. This can be leveraged by both the private and public sectors to manage a crisis and deal with the long-term indirect impacts of a crisis.

Social implications

An integrated thinking approach can be used by both the private and public sectors to bolster confidence, tackle pressing social and environmental challenges and contribute to improved performance relative to the sector.

Originality/value

The expert interviews contribute empirical evidence to the profile of mainstream social and environmental accounting literature and offer a practical contribution by offering insights that can directly be used by organisations’ investors, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to manage a crisis. This paper also advances the sustainability agenda by assessing how a crisis can be managed in the context of a developing economy and advancing normative recommendations which will be broadly applicable to an international audience.
The advanced leadless leadframe package and its characteristics
Authors: Kim ByongJin , Jeon HyeongIl , Kim GiJeong , Bang WonBae , Khim JinYoung
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to offer the advanced leadless leadframe package which achieve small form factor and high thermal and electrical performance, according to the continuous market requirement. Because of demand and trends, new package structures that can accommodate many pins (I/Os) while maintaining the excellent thermal and electrical properties of the leadframe package was studied. Different from conventional leadframe and laminate packages, it must have the large-exposed pad for thermal dissipation and design flexibility to deploy signal, ground and power selectively.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the routable molded leadframe (rtMLF®) package applying the pre-resin MLF substrate was introduced. The structural advantages, in terms of design flexibility, were checked by adopting the specific electrical feature. Also, the excellence of thermal and electrical performance was confirmed by simulation. The sample was manufactured, and its package robustness was validated by reliability test.

Findings

rtMLF package that enables one layer substrate but routable pattern on top layer differently from existing leadframe package was developed and studied if it overcome the limitations of leadframe and laminate products. Asymmetric land layout was designed and special features to keep electrical interference was applied to prove design flexibility. The thermal and electrical simulation has been executed to check the advantages. And key differentiations were identified. Finally, actual sample was manufactured, and structural robustness was validated by package level and board level reliability.

Originality/value

The differentiation of new semiconductor package was introduced and its excellence was verified by electrical and thermal simulation as well as reliability test. It is expected to be adopted for alternative solutions not covered by the existing products.
A Second Scottish Independence Referendum: Should the Diaspora get a Vote?
Authors: Leith Murray Stewart , Sim Duncan
Published: February 2023

The 2014 Scottish independence referendum settled little in terms of Scotland's constitutional future. The after‐effects of what was the largest exercise in democracy in Scottish history certainly increased Scotland's devolved authority but, following withdrawal from the EU and with continuing differences and disagreements between the Westminster and Scottish governments, there have been increasing demands for a second referendum. One aspect of these conversations has been about the voting rights of Scots living outside Scotland, whose relationship with the nation would certainly be impacted by any successful vote for Scottish independence. And yet, they have had no voice in that decision and despite calls for their inclusion in any future vote, such inclusion remains unlikely. This article examines the reasons why such inclusion would be challenging and then considers what the Scottish diaspora think about Scottish independence and voting rights, by considering qualitative responses to a survey of members of the Scottish diaspora.
Factors associated with a lack of health care utilization among Veterans after a positive suicide screen in the emergency department
Authors: Laliberte Avery Z. , Salvi Apoorva , Hooker Elizabeth , Roth Brandon , Handley Robert , Carlson Kathleen , Hynes Denise , Tuepker Anaïs , Chen Jason I.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Many Veterans at high risk for suicide are identified in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) emergency departments (ED). Little is known about what may predict care utilization in this population. To address this knowledge gap, we explored factors associated with Veterans' lack of VHA care utilization following a positive suicide risk screen in the ED.

Methods

In a retrospective observational study, we identified all patients who were seen in a VHA ED from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2020. We examined factors associated with not utilizing VHA mental health (MH) and all VHA care in the 6 months following a positive suicide ED screen. Predictors included comorbidity, homelessness, and MH visit and diagnosis history.

Results

We identified 23,446 Veterans with a positive suicide risk screen in the ED in fiscal year 2020. Overall, 4.1% had no VHA MH visits 6 months postscreen. The probability of not utilizing MH care was significantly higher for Veterans with no comorbidity (4.7% vs. 3.4% for mild comorbidity), no MH diagnosis (10.5% vs 2.8%), no past‐year MH visits (13.6% vs 2.3%), and no past‐year homelessness (5.4% vs. 1.1%). A smaller proportion of the population did not receive any VHA care 6 months postscreen (0.5%). Veterans who did not experience homelessness (0.6% vs 0.2%), had no MH diagnosis (1.6% vs. 0.3%), and had no previous MH visits (1.9% vs 0.2%) were significantly more likely to not utilize VHA care.

Conclusions

Veterans who do not utilize VHA care after a positive suicide risk screen appear to have fewer documented health and housing concerns than those who do receive care. Yet, Veterans with a positive suicide risk screen who are otherwise healthy may remain at elevated risk for suicide following their ED visit. ED providers may consider enhanced follow‐up care to mitigate suicide risk for these Veterans.
STK36 splice site variant in an Australian Shepherd dog with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Christen Matthias , Ludwig‐Peisker Odette , Jagannathan Vidhya , Hetzel Udo , Schönball Ulrike , Leeb Tosso
Published: February 2023

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) represents a group of diseases characterized by impaired movement of cilia and subsequent health problems in diverse organ systems, notably the respiratory tract. Almost 50 candidate genes for PCD are known in humans. In this study, we investigated an Australian Shepherd dog with a history of recurrent respiratory infections and nasal discharge. A transmission electron microscopy investigation led to the diagnosis of PCD with central pair defect, in which the normal 9:2 arrangement of respiratory cilia was altered and reduced to a 9:0 arrangement. Whole genome sequencing data from the affected dog was obtained and searched for variants in PCD candidate genes that were not present in 918 control genomes from different breeds. This revealed a homozygous single base pair exchange at a splice site of STK36, XM_038585732.1:c.2868‐1G>A. The mutant allele was absent from 281 additionally genotyped Australian Shepherd dogs. RT‐PCR confirmed aberrant splicing in the affected dog with the skipping of exon 20 and the insertion of a cryptic exon, which is predicted to lead to a premature stop codon and truncation of 36% of the STK36 wild‐type open reading frame, XP_038441660.1:(p.Met957Profs*11). STK36 variants were previously reported to cause PCD in humans and mice. The knowledge from other species together with the absence of the mutant allele in more than 1000 control dogs suggests STK36:c.2868‐1G>A as the most likely candidate variant for PCD in the investigated case.
Mainstream genetic testing for high‐grade ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancers: A tertiary referral centre experience
Authors: Srinivasa Shweta , Bowman Michelle , Titterton Leanna , Harnett Paul , Brand Alison , Kirk Judy , Ragunathan Abiramy
Published: February 2023

Background

Fifteen percent of ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal (OTP) invasive epithelial cancers are linked to an underlying heritable pathogenic variant (PV) in the BRCA1/2 cancer susceptibility genes. Identifying a PV has management implications for an affected individual and relatives. Cancer team‐facilitated genetic testing (mainstreaming) aims to provide equitable systematic access to genetic testing for appropriate patients.

Aim

To evaluate a multi‐disciplinary team (MDT)‐led mainstream germline genetic testing program for OTP cancer at a tertiary referral centre.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective review of our MDT‐led mainstream genetic testing program initiated in June 2017. We included all patients diagnosed with OTP cancer registered with the hospital gynaecological oncology MDT from program initiation to December 2020. Patients were considered eligible for testing if they were diagnosed with a high‐grade epithelial OTP AND ≤70 years, OR if >70 with a first/second degree relative with breast and/or ovarian cancer OR Jewish ancestry.

Results

Of 205 women diagnosed with high‐grade epithelial OTP cancer, 140 were eligible for mainstreaming. Eight‐five percent were mainstreamed, with the gynae‐oncologists facilitating 64.5% of tests. The overall PV detection rate in BRCA1/2 was 10.1% (BRCA1 n = 9, BRCA2 n = 3). The median turnaround time (TAT) was 44.5 days (range 16–118). All women with PV were referred to the Familial Cancer Service for further assessment and five (of six eligible; 83%) were subsequently treated with polyadenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitors. Cascade testing was undertaken in 75% of families with a mean of three relatives tested per proband.

Conclusion

Mainstreamed genetic testing is feasible, with an acceptable TAT, ensuring adequate opportunity to inform treatment decisions. Tumour testing and inclusion of moderate‐risk cancer predisposition genes in mainstreaming represent potential pathways that will require further exploration.
From the Mountains to the Sea—Ki Uta ki Tai: Ecological Enclosure, Interconnection, and Subjectivity in the Commons
Authors: Virens Abbi
Published: February 2023

This paper explores the ways in which the affective and material dimensions of the commons come together to produce commoner subjectivities. Threats of enclosure can draw attention to the ways in which subjectivity reproduction is dependent on an environment which enables embodied acts of care. Using the example of the East Otago Taiāpure and Waikouaiti Mātaitai, a form of customary fisheries management in New Zealand, this paper illustrates the limitations of the institutionalised commons in its capacity to create an effective caring and protective space. Historical colonial transformation of the landscape and contemporary industrial activities have resulted in an “ecological enclosure” of the area, threatening the health of the ecosystem and its ability to encourage Māori subjectivities, specifically, kaitiakitanga, a relational responsibility to care for the physical and social environment.
Editorial: inflammatory bowel disease and sleep
Authors: Horsfall Erin , Irwin James
Published: February 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Yuan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17285 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17357
Editorial: faecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent C. difficile infections—getting the support that is needed
Authors: Chauhan Ayushi , Garg Mayur
Published: February 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hocking et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17309
Editorial: IBD and sleep—authorsʼ reply
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Chen Jie , Li Xue
Published: February 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Yuan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17285 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17315
Editorial: considerations for expanding treatment in grey zone chronic hepatitis B patients—authorsʼ reply
Authors: Huang Rui , Wang Jian , Yan Xiaomin , Zhu Chuanwu , Wu Chao
Published: February 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wang et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17272 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17340
Letter: the diagnostic value of ultrasound‐based versus CT‐based sarcopenia measurement in cirrhosis – authors' reply
Authors: Artru Florent , Louvet Alexandre
Published: February 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Artru et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16080 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17343
The mythology of ‘Big Data’ as a source of corporate power
Authors: Maffie Michael David
Published: February 2023

In this article, the author explores how companies leverage the mythology of their ‘Big Data’ as a source of power. Drawing on two case studies from the ‘gig’ economy, the author finds that the mythology of Big Data allows companies to claim a monopoly over truth about their industries, marginalizing external researchers. In doing so, companies position themselves as the only legitimate source of knowledge about labour conditions on their services, granting them influence over their regulatory environment.
Acute intranasal treatment with nerve growth factor limits the onset of traumatic brain injury in young rats
Authors: Manni Luigi , Leotta Eleonora , Mollica Ilia , Serafino Annalucia , Pignataro Annabella , Salvatori Illari , Conti Giorgio , Chiaretti Antonio , Soligo Marzia
Published: February 2023

Background and Purpose

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) comprises a primary injury directly induced by impact, which progresses into a secondary injury leading to neuroinflammation, reactive astrogliosis, and cognitive and motor damage. To date, treatment of TBI consists solely of palliative therapies that do not prevent and/or limit the outcomes of secondary damage and only stabilize the deficits. The neurotrophin, nerve growth factor (NGF), delivered to the brain parenchyma following intranasal application, could be a useful means of limiting or improving the outcomes of the secondary injury, as suggested by pre‐clinical and clinical data.

Experimental Approach

We evaluated the effect of acute intranasal treatment of young (20‐postnatal day) rats, with NGF in a TBI model (weight drop/close head), aggravated by hypoxic complications. Immediately after the trauma, rats were intranasally treated with human recombinant NGF (50 μg·kg−1), and motor behavioural test, morphometric and biochemical assays were carried out 24 h later.

Key Results

Acute intranasal NGF prevented the onset of TBI‐induced motor disabilities, and decreased reactive astrogliosis, microglial activation and IL‐1β content, which after TBI develops to the same extent in the impact zone and the hypothalamus.

Conclusion and Implications

Intranasal application of NGF was effective in decreasing the motor dysfunction and neuroinflammation in the brain of young rats in our model of TBI. This work forms an initial pre‐clinical evaluation of the potential of early intranasal NGF treatment in preventing and limiting the disabling outcomes of TBI, a clinical condition that remains one of the unsolved problems of paediatric neurology.
The intersections of socioeconomic position, gender, race/ethnicity and nationality in relation to oral conditions among American adults
Authors: Madera Meisser , Delgado‐Angulo Elsa Karina , Bashir Nasir Zeeshan , Bernabe Eduardo
Published: February 2023

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate how gender, socioeconomic position (SEP), race/ethnicity and nationality intersect to structure social inequalities in adult oral health among American adults.

Methods

Data from adults aged 20 years or over who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2018 were analysed. The outcomes were poor self‐rated oral health and edentulism among all adults (n = 24 541 and 21 446 participants, respectively) and untreated caries and periodontitis among dentate adults (n = 16 483 and 9829 participants, respectively). A multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (MAIHDA) was conducted for each outcome, by nesting individuals within 48 intersectional strata defined as combinations of gender, SEP, race/ethnicity and nationality. Intersectional measures included the variance partition coefficient (VPC), the proportional change in variance (PCV) and predicted excess probability due to interaction.

Results

Substantial social inequalities in the prevalence of oral conditions among adults were found, which were characterized by high between‐stratum heterogeneity and outcome specificity. The VPCs of the simple intersectional model showed that 9.4%–12.7% of the total variance in the presentation of oral conditions was attributed to between‐stratum differences. In addition, the PCVs from the simple intersectional model to the intersectional interaction model showed that 84.1%–97.1% of the stratum‐level variance in the presentation of oral conditions was attributed to the additive effects of gender, SEP, race/ethnicity and nationality. The point estimates of the predictions for some intersectional strata were suggestive of an intersectional interaction effect. However, the 95% credible intervals were very wide and the estimations inconclusive.

Conclusions

This analysis highlights the value of the intersectionality framework to understand heterogeneity in social inequalities in oral health. These inequalities were mainly due to the additive effect of the social identities defining the intersectional strata, with no evidence of interaction effects.
Implication of heart rate variability on cerebral small vessel disease: A potential therapeutic target
Authors: Tian Yu , Yao Dongxiao , Pan Yuesong , Wang Mengxing , Meng Xia , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Liping , Wang Yongjun , Wang Yilong
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationships of heart rate variability (HRV) with the presence, severity, and individual neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).

Method

A total of 4676 participants from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR‐III) study were included in this cross‐sectional analysis. CSVD and its markers, including white matter hyperintensity (WMH), lacunes, enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and brain atrophy (BA), were evaluated. Two common HRV parameters, including the square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent N–N intervals (RMSSD) and the standard deviation of all N–N intervals (SDNN), were used to evaluate the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Binary or ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between HRV and CSVD. In addition, two‐sample mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to investigate the causality of HRV with CSVD.

Results

RMSSD was significantly associated with total burden of CSVD (Wardlaw's scale, common odds ratio [cOR] 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–0.96, p = 0.02; Rothwell's scale, cOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60–0.93, p = 0.008) and the presence of CSVD (Rothwell, OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60–0.93, p = 0.008). However, no significant associations between SDNN and the presence or total burden of CSVD were observed. Moreover, RMSSD was related to WMH burden (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.96, p = 0.02), modified WMH burden (cOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69–0.97, p = 0.02), and Deep‐WMH (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62–0.91, p = 0.003), while SDNN was related to Deep‐WMH (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.96, p = 0.02) and BA (cOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68–0.95, p = 0.009). Furthermore, adding HRV to the conventional model based on vascualr risk factors enhanced the predictive performance for CSVD, as validated by the integrated discrimination index (p < 0.05). In addition, no causality between HRV and CSVD was observed in two‐sample MR analyses.

Conclusion

Decreased HRV may be a potential risk factor of CSVD, implying the possible role of the ANS in the pathogenesis of CSVD.
Surface smoothness of resin composites after polishing—A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of in vitro studies
Authors: de Oliveira Ananda Gomes , Rocha Rafael Santos , Spinola Manuela da Silva , Batista Graziela Ribeiro , Bresciani Eduardo , Caneppele Taciana Marco Ferraz
Published: February 2023

A systematic review and network meta‐analysis was performed to provide evidence for the best polishing protocol for different types of resin composites to minimize surface roughness. A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library on July 2, 2019 (updated in December, 2020). In vitro studies that included at least two systems for polishing resin composites and analyzed surface roughness were included. The risk of bias was evaluated. A random‐effects Bayesian‐mixed treatment comparison model was used to compare surface roughness in resin composites with the different types of polishers. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) analysis was performed to rank the probability for the best polishing system. After removal of duplicates, title and abstract screening yielded 34 studies. Network meta‐analysis was not possible for hybrid and microhybrid composites. SUCRA analysis showed that abrasive paper discs allowed greater surface smoothness for nanohybrid and nanofill composites to a probability of between 83% and 91.6%. Silicon carbide brush had a 78.2% probability of being the best system for microfill composites. The use of abrasive paper disc polishers showed a favorable result in nanofill and nanohybrid resin composites. Silicon carbide brush has a greater chance of promoting a smoother surface for microfill resin composites.
Marital satisfaction in covenant versus standard marriages: Is there a difference?
Authors: Su Tom , Ledermann Thomas
Published: February 2023

After the rapid increase of the American divorce rate in the late 20th century, one of the most conspicuous efforts of the marriage movement in the 1990s that was used to increase marital stability was the legislation of the covenant marriage license, a more restricted marriage license issued in three different states of the U.S. To investigate the marital life of newlywed covenant versus standard couples, a large‐scale 5‐year couple study was conducted between 1998 and 2003 in Louisiana. The present study uses this large‐sample, multiple‐wave, multiple‐group dyadic dataset to examine differences in co‐development and divorce rates in 297 covenant and 380 standard mixed‐sex couples using a multiple group growth curve modeling and survival analysis. We examined differences in marital trajectories between covenant and standard couples as well as between husbands and wives in each marital group. The results show (1) that the couples in both groups experienced, on average, declines in marital satisfaction, and such a decline was slower in covenant husbands than their wives as well as those in standard marriages, and (2) that co‐development in marital satisfaction was more prominent in standard marriages than in covenant marriages, meaning standard couple's marital satisfaction declined at a more similar rate than that of covenant couples. We provide possible explanations and discuss practical implications.
Long‐term comparison of invertebrate communities in a blackwater river reveals taxon‐specific biomass change
Authors: Murray‐Stoker Kelly M. , McHugh Joseph V. , Benke Arthur C. , Parsons Keith A. , Murray‐Stoker David , Rosemond Amy D. , Wenger Seth J. , Batzer Darold P.
Published: February 2023

Around the world, researchers are reporting declines in insect fauna. Although uncommonly evaluated in high‐profile studies of insect declines, the community context of population trends can facilitate interpretation of the causes and consequences of such losses. Here, we aimed to explore the shifts in a well‐studied invertebrate community of a blackwater river and identify potential catalysts of such change.

We compared the density, biomass and community structure of freshwater invertebrate assemblages separated by more than 30 years in the Ogeechee River, in the southeastern U.S.A., and found biomass declines. We also evaluated long‐term trends in river discharge, water temperature and precipitation.

Overall, the biomass in the 2010s was approximately 60% of the total in the 1980s. Community analyses indicated that this decline was associated with reduced densities of large‐bodied, filter‐feeding insects, particularly Hydropsychidae caddisflies (Trichoptera). Conversely, predators and small‐bodied primary consumers increased in density, although their contributions to overall biomass were minimal and their increased density was not sufficient to compensate for biomass declines. Seasonal shifts in both invertebrate populations and environmental parameters were evident, especially when focusing on discharge and dissolved organic carbon.

Through a combination of direct analysis and the use of established research on the metabolic dynamics of the study site, we determined that the overall decline of freshwater invertebrate biomass may have been driven by climate‐related changes in flood dynamics: seasonal flooding that facilitates delivery of floodplain carbon to filter‐feeding consumers had decreased over several decades. Water temperature also had increased and was likely to have had effects on the invertebrate assemblages.

Whole‐community evaluations such as this one, in contrast to single‐taxon and abundance‐based studies, provide critical information to elucidate the dynamics of freshwater impairment and insect loss in the Anthropocene.
Triglyceride level and soft drink consumption predict nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in nonobese male adolescents
Authors: Kado Akira , Inoue Yukiko , Moriya Kyoji , Tsutsumi Takeya , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Okushin Kazuya , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Koike Kazuhiko , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2023

Aim

Differential metabolic risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in nonobese male adolescents were analyzed examining relationships between NAFLD and clinical parameters of metabolic syndrome, including exercise and soft drink consumption, in male adolescents.

Methods

In total, 134 male university students (nonobese, n = 78; obese, n = 56) who underwent the first‐year health checkup were divided into the NAFLD and non‐NAFLD groups based on abdominal ultrasonography (AUS) findings. Relationships between NAFLD and metabolic parameters, including body mass index (BMI) and AUS score, were examined in nonobese students.

Results

Metabolic factors associated with hypertension, abdominal fat, liver damage, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose tolerance were significantly less common in nonobese students than in obese students. The aforementioned factors and soft drink consumption were significantly more common in the NAFLD group than in the non‐NAFLD group. The univariate and multivariate analyses of nonobese students showed that the triglyceride level (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.10, p = 0.001) was higher and soft drink consumption (OR, 36.8; 95% CI, 3.69–368, p < 0.001) was more common in the NAFLD group than the non‐NAFLD group.

Conclusions

Triglyceride level and soft drink consumption could aid in the detection of NAFLD in nonobese male adolescents. Our findings could provide useful information related to NAFLD and metabolic syndrome in nonobese adolescents.
Enlarged rete pegs with excessive accumulation of melanosomes leading to darker aging spots revealed by histomorphological measurements of internal structures of the epidermis
Authors: Yamamura Tatsuo , Kobayashi Soko , Yoshida Ikuyo , Kuriyama Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2023

Objective

Various histological studies of facial pigmented spot sites such as solar lentigo have been reported, but few studies have used quantitative indices by histomorphometric analysis of the internal structure of pigmented spot sites using non‐invasive methods. In the present study, to quantitatively elucidate morphological changes in the epidermis in male, darker‐pigmented spots and female, light‐pigmented spots, indices that characterize the internal structure of the epidermis in pigmented spot sites were measured using in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

Methods

The darkness of pigmented spots on the cheeks of 69 women and 43 men was analysed using image analysis software. The L* value was calculated from RGB values obtained from facial images. The internal structures of pigmented spots on the cheeks of 13 subjects were observed by CLSM. Various parameters were measured using CLSM images from the surface of the stratum corneum to the bottom of the dermal papillae, including the thickness of the epidermis, melanosome content, and shape of the dermal papillae.

Results

Mean ΔL* values between pigmented spots and non‐pigmented areas of male subjects were significantly increased in the 40s and 50s compared with those of female subjects. Conspicuous pigmented spots increased in the 40s in male subjects and the 50s in female subjects. In CLSM observations, significant increases in the thickness of the epidermis and melanosome content were confirmed in pigmented spots compared with surrounding non‐pigmented areas. In particular, melanosome content in the male subject group with dark‐coloured pigmented spots increased significantly to about eight times that of non‐pigmented areas, and more than double that of the male subject group with light‐coloured pigmented spots.

Conclusion

From the measurements of quantitative parameters, morphological changes in the epidermis were clearly related to the surface colour tone of pigmented spots. Darker pigmented spot sites tended to show longer rete pegs in the epidermis. Accumulation of melanosomes in epidermal basal cells could be considered to increase with the degree of elongation of rete pegs at pigmented spot sites and, thus, induce darker pigmented spots.
An intercountry comparison of the impact of the paediatric live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) programme across the UK and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), 2010 to 2017
Authors: Sinnathamby Mary A. , Warburton Fiona , Reynolds Arlene J. , Cottrell Simon , O'Doherty Mark , Domegan Lisa , O'Donnell Joan , Johnston Jillian , Yonova Ivelina , Elgohari Suzanne , Boddington Nicola L. , Andrews Nick , Ellis Joanna , de Lusignan Simon , McMenamin Jim , Pebody Richard G.
Published: February 2023

Background

The universal paediatric live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) programme commenced in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2013/2014. Since 2014/2015, all pre‐school and primary school children in Scotland and Northern Ireland have been offered the vaccine. England and Wales incrementally introduced the programme with additional school age cohorts being vaccinated each season. The Republic of Ireland (ROI) had no universal paediatric programme before 2017. We evaluated the potential population impact of vaccinating primary school‐aged children across the five countries up to the 2016/2017 influenza season.

Methods

We compared rates of primary care influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultations, confirmed influenza intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and all‐cause excess mortality using standardised methods. To further quantify the impact, a scoring system was developed where each weekly rate/z‐score was scored and summed across each influenza season according to the weekly respective threshold experienced in each country.

Results

Results highlight ILI consultation rates in the four seasons' post‐programme, breached baseline thresholds once or not at all in Scotland and Northern Ireland; in three out of the four seasons in England and Wales; and in all four seasons in ROI. No differences were observed in the seasons' post‐programme introduction between countries in rates of ICU and excess mortality, although reductions in influenza‐related mortality were seen. The scoring system also reflected similar results overall.

Conclusions

Findings of this study suggest that LAIV vaccination of primary school age children is associated with population‐level benefits, particularly in reducing infection incidence in primary care.
Role of macrophage polarisation in skin wound healing
Authors: Gao Xuejun , Lu Chao , Miao Yuanxin , Ren Jizhen , Cai Xia
Published: February 2023

Skin wound healing is a complex pathophysiological change that is driven by macrophages and their secreted related factors. Depending on the stimuli, macrophages can be polarised into two subtypes of macrophages with completely different phenotypes and functions, namely M1 and M2. The aim of this study was to explore the role of M1 and M2 macrophages in skin healing in order to develop new drugs for the treatment of refractory wounds. Primary bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated from rats and expanded in vitro using macrophage colony stimulating factor. In addition, the BMDMs were polarised into the M1 and M2 subtypes using lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), respectively. Cytokine levels in the culture supernatants were measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Epidermal wounds were made on the dorsal surface of rats, and treated with M1 or M2 cell suspensions or phosphate buffered saline. Wound healing was recorded on days 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 after stamping, and the wound healing rate was measured by haematoxylin‐eosin and Masson staining. A total of 3 to 4 × 107 bone marrow cells were extracted from each rat femur. The BMDM culture had 87.1% CD45+ cells, 89.2% CD68+ cells, and 86.5% CD45+CD68+ cells. Furthermore, IL‐12 (P < .05) and IL‐10 (P ≥ .05) levels, respectively, increased and decreased in the culture supernatants of the M1 cells after LPS stimulation compared with those in the M0 (unstimulated) group. Likewise, IL‐4 stimulation led to a significant increase in IL‐10 levels (P < .01) in the conditioned media of M2 cells, while that of IL‐12 decreased slightly (P ≥ .05). In the rat model, the infusion of M2 cells accelerated wound healing and tissue regeneration, whereas the M1 cells delayed the recruitment of inflammatory cells, granulation growth, and collagen deposition, which impaired wound healing. Macrophage polarisation and activation are critical for skin wound healing. While exogenous M1 cell infusion delayed wound healing, the M2 cells promoted wound healing in a rat model.