bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small- and medium-sized tourism enterprises and smart tourism: Tourism Agenda 2030 perspective article
Authors: O’Connor Peter
Published: January 2023

Purpose

By highlighting the important role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in readdressing the competitive balance between tourism small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger firms, this paper serves as a call to action to governments, regional tourism organisations and other policy-level stakeholders to facilitate more rapid diffusion of the developing smart tourism concept, helping to support tourism agenda 2030 and multiple UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing the literature on ICT use in tourism, this paper builds a case for deploying smart tourism to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs.

Findings

Without a collaborative approach, tourism SMEs are unlikely to use emerging technologies effectively to compete against larger peers and online platforms. By adopting a smart tourism approach, network effects between stakeholders can trump scale, allowing SMEs to compete more effectively and destinations to promote inclusivity and sustainable economic growth.

Originality/value

Highlighting the pivotal role that ICTs in general and Smart Tourism in particular can play in addressing the competitive imbalance between SMEs and larger players, this paper serves as a call for action for governments’ regional tourism organisations and other policy-level stakeholders to hasten their adoption of smart tourism principles as a means of supporting tourism agenda 2030 and furthering the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Spore production monitoring reveals contrasting seasonal strategies and a trade‐off between spore size and number in wood‐inhabiting fungi
Authors: Norros Veera , Halme Panu , Norberg Anna , Ovaskainen Otso
Published: January 2023

Traits related to reproduction and dispersal drive the assembly and dynamics of species communities and can explain and predict how species respond to habitat loss and fragmentation and to the changing climate. For fungi, such links remain poorly known.

We examine how spore production rate, a key demographic trait, is influenced by the interaction between environmental conditions and species traits. We monitored the spore production of 97 wood‐inhabiting fungal species on 107 decaying logs for 2 years and analysed the data with a hierarchical community model.

Our analysis demonstrates clear species differences in seasonal patterns, with spring and summer release dominating in perennial species, contrary to the commonly held view of autumn as the primary “mushroom season”. Many species follow a diurnal pattern with a higher spore release rate during the night. Such patterns in release timing have important implications for dispersal, as shown by recent model simulations.

The overall level of spore release was negatively correlated with spore size, providing new evidence that fungi face the classic trade‐off of investing either in the number or size of offspring.

We found that different species within the functional group of wood‐inhabiting fungi display alternative strategies in spore release timing and along the trade‐off between offspring size and number. Linking our findings to previously reported correlations between spore size and other traits, we propose a new conceptualization of life history strategies in wood‐inhabiting fungi, with implications for species' ability to survive the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Reversing declines in farmland birds: How much agri‐environment provision is needed at farm and landscape scales?
Authors: Sharps Elwyn , Hawkes Robert W. , Bladon Andrew J. , Buckingham David L. , Border Jennifer , Morris Antony J. , Grice Philip V. , Peach Will J.
Published: January 2023

Agri‐environment schemes (AES) are the primary policy mechanism for addressing farmland biodiversity declines across Europe. Despite previous studies on the impacts of AES on biodiversity, there is little empirical evidence on the scale of provision required to reverse declines.

Across three regions of lowland England with contrasting farm systems (arable, pastoral, mixed), we estimated avian population growth rates (PGRs) on farmland with high AES provision (‘higher‐tier’: average bird‐friendly option cover = 7.4%), low AES provision (‘lower‐tier’: 2.3%) and no bird‐friendly AES (‘no AES’). Ten‐year PGRs were derived for 24 species and three multi‐species groups comprising farmland‐associated species (‘farmland birds’), species of conservation concern (‘priority birds’) and species restricted to farmland (‘specialist birds’). We used PGRs to simulate the proportion of the regional farmland landscape that would have to be assigned to higher‐ and lower‐tier agreements to stabilise or increase populations.

In the arable and pastoral regions, 13/23 and 13/22 species, respectively, had more positive PGRs under higher‐tier AES than on no AES farmland (none had more negative PGRs), compared to 4/22 (positive) and 1/22 (negative) in the mixed region. Only two to four species per region exhibited more positive PGRs under lower‐tier AES compared to no AES farmland.

Multi‐species PGRs in the arable and pastoral regions increased from no AES (strong decline), to lower‐tier (decline or stability) to higher‐tier (moderate or strong increase). There was no overall AES effect in the mixed region.

To increase regional farmland bird populations by 10% over 10 years, 47% and 26% of the farmed landscape would need to be devoted to higher‐tier agreements in arable and pastoral landscapes respectively. This falls to 34% and 17% when higher‐tier is targeted at localities supporting higher abundances of target species, and to 29% and 10% when 30% of the farmed landscape is also devoted to lower‐tier. Priority and specialist birds require higher provision levels.

Policy implications. Where farmland bird recovery is an AES objective, farms should prioritise higher‐tier agreement delivery over lower‐tier. Farmland bird responses to AES provision are likely to vary regionally, but careful targeting will reduce the amount needed in the landscape.
The Impact of Government Policy Responses to the COVID‐19 Pandemic and Brexit on the UK Financial Market: A Behavioural Perspective
Authors: Paterson Audrey , Sakariyahu Rilwan , Lawal Rodiat , Alabi Adedayo
Published: January 2023

At the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, the Governor of the Bank of England, while granting an interview, described the pandemic as an unprecedented economic emergency and said that the Bank could go as far as radical money‐printing operations. In reaction, the UK financial market, particularly the FTSE 100 and pound sterling, witnessed record‐breaking losses. Considering this evidence, we hypothesized that the emotions and moods of investors towards the financial market might have been impacted by the information they obtained from frequent government policy announcements. Furthermore, we proposed that the United Kingdom's final exit from the European Union (Brexit), which coincided with the pandemic, could have worsened the outlook of the UK financial market, as investors began to diversify their portfolios. Consequently, we examined the impact of government's policy announcements on investors’ reactions to the concurrence of the COVID‐19 pandemic and Brexit. Our findings reveal that the psychology of investors during the pandemic was significantly shaped by frequent policy announcements, which in turn affected overall market behaviour.
Biosynthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Senna alexandrina Miller extract against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Alhag Sadeq K.
Published: January 2023

The use of nanoparticles for various purposes, including pest control, has become increasingly popular because of their cost and environmental safety. In the present study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in an extract of Senna alexandrina Miller leaves with the aim of use against vectors of disease such as Culex pipiens L. (the filarial vector in Saudi Arabia). The nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. The larvicidal activity of the nanoparticles against Cx. pipiens was evaluated according to the protocol of the World Health Organization. According to the lethal concentration LC50, the result shows differentiation in the sensitivity on mosquitoes. The AuNPs (51.383 ppm) the best one followed by AgNPs (52.525 ppm) while S. alexandrina leaf extract alone (355.25 ppm), the lowest effectiveness. Generally, the Cx. pipiens mosquito larvae proved to be more susceptible to AuNPs and AgNPs than leaf extract alone by about 6.91 and 6.76 times, respectively.
SRF/MRTF‐A and liver cirrhosis: Pathologic associations
Authors: Al‐Hetty Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem , Ismaeel Ghufran Lutfi , Mohammad Walid Theib , Toama Mariam Alaa , Kandeel Mahmoud , Saleh Marwan Mahmood , Turki Jalil Abduladheem
Published: January 2023

Liver cirrhosis results from prolonged and extensive liver fibrosis in which fibrotic tissues replace functional hepatic cells. Chronic liver disease due to various viral, chemical, or metabolic factors initiates hepatic fibrogenesis. Cirrhosis is associated with multiple clinical complications and a poor patient prognosis; therefore, developing novel antifibrotic therapies to prevent cirrhosis is of high priority. Mounting evidence points to the key role of serum response factor (SRF) and myocardin‐related transcription factor (MRTF)‐A in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. SRF is a transcription factor and MRTF‐A is a co‐activator of SRF and normally resides in the cytoplasm. Upon the induction of fibrotic pathways, MRTF‐A translocates into the nucleus and forms the active SRF/MRTF‐A complex, leading to the expression of a multitude of fibrotic proteins and components of extracellular matrix. Silencing or inhibiting MRTF‐A impedes hepatic stellate cell transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts and slows down the deposition of extracellular matrix in the liver, making it a potential therapeutic target. Here, we review the recent findings regarding the role of the SRF/MRTF‐A complex in liver fibrosis and its therapeutic potential for the management of cirrhosis.
COVID‐19 causing death in a rheumatoid arthritis patient who retested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA: A case report
Authors: Tiantian Chen , Jing Zhang , Yiwen Ma , Yiming Yu , Haifeng Yang , Feng Hu , Xiaoyan Jin , Jin Yan
Published: January 2023

Background

In the first half 2022, SARS‐CoV‐2 variant omicron rapidly spread in Shanghai.

Case presentation

A 74‐year‐old woman, diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis for almost 30 years and treated with prednisone and cyclophosphamide, went through nasopharyngeal swab RNA test for SARS‐CoV‐2 for routine screening and was positive. She was then sent to the designated hospital. After negative RNA test, the patient returned to the former hospital for the treatment of basic disease. Unfortunately, the RNA test of this patient became positive again. And in this period, the clinical manifestations and computed tomography scans were more progressive. Finally, the patient passed away.

Conclusion

There is a long way to go for us to study expression characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Exposure to elevated temperature affects the expression of PIWI‐interacting RNAs and associated transcripts in mouse testes
Authors: Chen Wenbin , Zhao Zhang , Cen Shengren , Lv Daojun , Wu Jun , Zhou Xumin , Yang Taowei , Zhao Tianxin , Hou Longlong , Mao Xiangming
Published: January 2023

Background

Exposure to heat waves could result in adverse effects on human health, especially in male testicles. PIWI‐interacting RNA (piRNA) is a novel type of small non‐coding RNA, which can notably impact mRNA turnover and preserve germline maintenance in germline cells. However, piRNA's expression status when adapting to testicular heat stress remains largely unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the function and mechanisms of relevant piRNAs during testicular heat stress.

Materials and methods

In this study, a mouse testicular heat stress model was constructed, and the testes were removed for piRNA‐sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was used to discover the differential expressed piRNAs, piRNA clusters, and enriched pathways. A cell heat stress model was constructed to validate the top five upregulated piRNAs. Proliferation and apoptosis assays were utilized to validate the function of selected piRNA. Bioinformatics prediction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to illustrate the downstream mechanisms.

Results

Through the bioinformatics analysis, we identified the differential expression profile and enriched pathways of piRNAs and piRNA clusters during testicular hyperthermia. Besides, piR‐020492 was proved to be upregulated in heat stress mouse testes and a germ cell model. A series of in vitro assays illustrated that an overexpression of piR‐020492 could restrain the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of mouse germ cells. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of piRNA‐generating genes in the testicular heat stress model and piR‐020492 targeting genes showed that the overlap pathways are adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) and insulin pathways. Validation experiments demonstrated that the key genes of AMPK and insulin pathway exhibit differential expression after an overexpression of piR‐020492 or testicular heat stress.

Discussion and conclusion

In conclusion, our findings revealed the expression profile of piRNAs in testicular heat stress and illustrated the function and mechanisms of piR‐020492 in germ cells, which could provide novel insights into the mechanism of hyperthermia‐induced testicular injury.
Mesenteric location of lymph node metastasis for colorectal cancer
Authors: Sasaki Taketo , Shigeta Kohei , Matsui Shimpei , Seishima Ryo , Okabayashi Koji , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: January 2023

Background

The number of lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a strong prognostic factor in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the impact of the mesentery location on LNM remains unclear. We assessed the impact LNM location on the recurrence of stage III CRC.

Methods

Subjects with CRC and pathologically positive LNM were enrolled retrospectively. We defined three groups: LNM adjacent to the tumour (group A), metastases with horizontal or vertical spread (group B), and metastases with both horizontal and vertical spread (group C). Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was the primary outcome measure used for the study.

Results

A total of 241 (Group A: 121, B: 90, and C: 30) patients were recruited for the study. Multivariate analysis by Cox regression model indicated LNM location to be an independent predisposing risk factor for recurrence [group B: Hazard ratio (HR) 2.01, 95% Confidential interval (CI) 1.12–3.60, P = 0.019; group C: HR 3.00, 95% CI 1.34–6.72, P = 0.008]. Addition of mesentery spread to the N classification was significant risk factor for recurrence (mN2a: HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.07–3.78, P = 0.029; mN2b: HR 3.96, 95% CI 2.12–7.40, P < 0.01). Comparison of Harrell's C‐index values was conducted, and the modified N staging risk was 0.6377, whereas the TNM N stage classification was 0.5869.

Conclusion

Mesentery location of LNM was a risk factor and consideration of it might be beneficial for accurate prediction of CRC prognosis.
Mechanisms linking hypertriglyceridemia to acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kiss Lóránd , Fűr Gabriella , Pisipati Sailaja , Rajalingamgari Prasad , Ewald Nils , Singh Vijay , Rakonczay Zoltán
Published: January 2023

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a metabolic disorder, defined when serum or plasma triglyceride concentration (seTG) is >1.7 mM. HTG can be categorized as mild to very severe groups based on the seTG value. The risk of acute pancreatitis (AP), a serious disease with high mortality and without specific therapy, increases with the degree of HTG. Furthermore, even mild or moderate HTG aggravates AP initiated by other important etiological factors, including alcohol or bile stone. This review briefly summarizes the pathophysiology of HTG, the epidemiology of HTG‐induced AP and the clinically observed effects of HTG on the outcomes of AP. Our main focus is to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms linking HTG to AP. HTG is accompanied by an increased serum fatty acid (FA) concentration, and experimental results have demonstrated that these FAs have the most prominent role in causing the consequences of HTG during AP. FAs inhibit mitochondrial complexes in pancreatic acinar cells, induce pathological elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, cytokine release and tissue injury, and reduce the function of pancreatic ducts. Furthermore, high FA concentrations can induce respiratory, kidney, and cardiovascular failure in AP. All these effects may contribute to the observed increased AP severity and frequent organ failure in patients. Importantly, experimental results suggest that the reduction of FA production by lipase inhibitors can open up new therapeutic options of AP. Overall, investigating the pathophysiology of HTG‐induced AP or AP in the presence of HTG and determining possible treatments are needed.
Joint fluid concentrations of amphotericin B after local application with calcium sulphate—report of 2 cases
Authors: Pozzi Lara , Schläppi Michel , Livio Françoise , Blatter Samuel , Achermann Yvonne , Wahl Peter
Published: January 2023

Fungal periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are difficult to treat, due to important biofilm formation and limited local penetration of systemically administered antifungals. Calcium sulphate (CaSO4) might be a promising carrier to increase local concentration of antifungals. We hypothesized that local amphotericin B release from CaSO4 is high enough to significantly contribute to treatment of fungal PJI. We report joint fluid and serum concentrations of amphotericin B after local application with CaSO4 as an implanted resorbable carrier material as adjunct to standard surgical and systemic antifungal treatment in two cases of PJI with Candida spp. Maximal joint fluid amphotericin B concentration was 14.01 mg/L 5 days after the second local administration of liposomal amphotericin in Case One and 25.77 mg/L 14 days after the second local administration in Case Two. Concentrations higher than minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) could be measured for 21 days and 17 days after local administration in Case One and Two, respectively. In Case Two, serum concentration of amphotericin B was <0.01 mg/L 3 days after local administration of 450 mg liposomal amphotericin B. No local or systemic adverse reaction was observed. Fungal PJI was successfully eradicated in both cases with a follow‐up of 12 months in Case One and 20 months in Case Two. Application of amphotericin B‐loaded CaSO4 was associated with joint fluid concentrations higher than minimal inhibitory concentrations for Candida spp. for approximately 3 weeks, with the advantage that the carrier material dissolves spontaneously and does not require secondary removal. Relapse of fungal infections did not occur in these two patients.
Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for stenosis of thoracic esophagus due to acute esophageal necrosis associated with alcoholic ketoacidosis
Authors: Kanamori Kohei , Koyanagi Kazuo , Nakamura Kenji , Nabeshima Kazuhito , Kazuno Akihito , Yamamoto Miho , Ninomiya Yamato , Shoji Yoshiaki , Higuchi Tadashi , Yatabe Kentaro , Ogimi Mika , Tajima Kohei , Hatanaka Kazuhito , Nakamura Naoya , Mori Masaki
Published: January 2023

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) is a rare disease characterized by the appearance of diffuse black mucosa on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; the condition often progresses to esophageal stenosis in the chronic phase. A 70‐year‐old man was admitted to a neighborhood hospital with the diagnosis of alcoholic ketoacidosis and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed to investigate the symptom of esophageal tightness revealed AEN. The patient developed esophageal stenosis with scarring in the chronic phase and was referred to our hospital for surgery 6 months after the diagnosis of AEN. We performed thoracoscopic esophagectomy with the patient in the prone position. Although the esophagus was thickened and strong adhesions were present around the esophagus due to inflammation, we were able to complete the surgical procedure thoracoscopically. In patients presenting with benign esophageal stenosis developing after AEN, thoracoscopic esophagectomy may be a useful treatment option, even in the presence of severe fibrosis.
Employment status, material hardship, and mental health among low‐income working‐age adults in South Korea
Authors: Lee RaeHyuck , Kim Jaeseung , Shim Joyce
Published: January 2023

The current study examines the associations between employment status and mental health and the mediating role of material hardship among low‐income households in South Korea. This study uses regression models with a rich set of control variables and lagged dependent variable models with a nationally representative sample of 1113 low‐income working‐age household heads from the Korean Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS). We find that the nonstandard employment and unemployment statuses are associated with a higher level of depression and a lower level of self‐esteem, when compared to a standard employment status. These negative associations are partially mediated by an increased material hardship risk. Policy implications to improve employment conditions and mitigate material hardship are discussed.
Accounting for Intangible Assets: Thinking It Through
Authors: Penman Stephen
Published: January 2023

With the modern corporation investing more in intangible assets, the issue of appropriate accounting for these assets is very much at the fore and formally on the agendas of accounting standards boards. Some commentators advocate that internally generated intangible assets should be booked to the balance sheet, just like tangible assets. This paper explains that this apparently straightforward solution is not so simple. There are subtleties that, when recognised, indicate that such accounting would often make both balance sheets and income statements less informative. In response, the paper outlines an accounting for intangible assets that preserves, indeed enhances, the information conveyed by both the balance sheet and the income statement and satisfies the financial reporting objective of providing information to investors about ‘the amount, timing, and uncertainty of future cash flows’.
Critical evaluation on roles of macrophagic myofasciitis and aluminum adjuvants in HPV vaccine–induced adverse events
Authors: Matsumura Noriomi , Shiro Reona , Tsunoda Ikuo
Published: January 2023

Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is preventable by HPV vaccines. In Japan, the HPV vaccination rate has remained extremely low due to the concerns for alleged neuropsychological symptoms or “diverse symptoms” following injections of two HPV vaccines, Cervarix and Gardasil, in HPV vaccine lawsuits. In the lawsuits, the attorneys' group has used several manuscripts proposing that aluminum (Al) adjuvant contained in HPV vaccines causes an immune‐mediated disease, called macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF), as well as pathology in the central nervous system (CNS). We scientifically evaluated these manuscripts describing the “Al adjuvant–induced pathologies,” particularly MMF. Although MMF patients have been reported to develop clinical symptoms/signs in various organs, including the CNS, muscle biopsy of the patients and animal experiments demonstrated that MMF pathology was localized only at the injected muscle. No muscle pathology which characterizes MMF was observed in any other muscles; thus, the systemic and neurological signs of MMF cases were irrelevant to localized MMF pathology. We evaluated that MMF‐like pathology was induced as a local inflammatory response following vaccinations; MMF pathology was not the cause of systemic inflammation or “diverse symptoms.” Lastly, MMF cases have been reported after vaccinations with Al‐hydroxide–containing vaccines exclusively. As Al‐hydroxide is a component of Cervarix, but not Gardasil, “diverse symptoms” following two HPV vaccinations in Japan cannot be explained by MMF. Our evaluation would help readers understand the validity of the manuscripts on the role of Al adjuvants or MMF for the alleged “diverse symptoms.”
Parenting through the lenses of risk and othering: Constructions of parental cannabis use in child protection court proceedings
Authors: Saar‐Heiman Yuval , Gupta Anna , Roets Griet
Published: January 2023

The construction of parents' cannabis use in the context of child protection has far‐reaching implications for how their parenting is perceived and assessed and for the decisions made regarding their children's lives. Yet little is known about the meanings various stakeholders in child protection processes attribute to parents' cannabis use. This paper aims to explore constructions of parents' cannabis use in child protection court proceedings and position them within a political and social context. A qualitative data mining method was used to examine 32 Family Court judgements in care proceedings that involved parents using cannabis in England and Wales. The analysis of the judgements revealed that most portrayed parents' cannabis use as a negative, deviant and harmful activity. Three constructions of cannabis use were identified: cannabis use as a risk to children, cannabis use as proof of parents' deficits, and cannabis use as (responsible) self‐medication. The discussion considers the findings in light of two social and political processes that underpin child protection policy and practice: the adoption of a risk perspective and the manifestation of othering processes. Implications for policy and practice highlight the importance of developing a critical framework for responding to parental cannabis use.
Bioactive glass air‐abrasion promotes healing around contaminated implant surfaces surrounded by circumferential bone defects: An experimental study in the rat
Authors: Abushahba Faleh , Areid Nagat , Gürsoy Mervi , Willberg Jaana , Laine Varpu , Yatkin Emrah , Hupa Leena , Närhi Timo O.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The present study aimed to evaluate the healing of experimentally induced bone defects around contaminated dental implants after air‐abrasion using 45S5 or zinc oxide (ZnO)‐containing bioactive glasses (BAGs).

Materials and Methods

One maxillary first molar was extracted from each Sprague–Dawley rat (n = 30). After 4‐week healing, a titanium implant was placed in the extraction site with a circumferential bone defect. The rats were randomized into five different groups: (1) implants with Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis dual‐species biofilm (IB); (2) implants with biofilm subjected to inert glass air‐abrasion (inert); (3) sterile implants (S); (4) implants with biofilm subjected to 45S5 BAG air‐abrasion (45S5); and (5) implants with biofilm subjected to ZnO‐containing BAG air‐abrasion (Zn4). After 8‐week healing, maxillae were dissected, and histomorphometric analyses were performed.

Results

The first bone‐to‐implant contact was significantly shorter for the inert (1.58 ± 1.16 mm; p = 0.016), S (0.28 ± 0.13 mm; p < 0.001), 45S5 (0.41 ± 0.28 mm; p < 0.001), and Zn4 (0.26 ± 0.16 mm; p < 0.001) groups compared to IB group. Also, significantly more bone‐to‐implant contact was seen for S (72.35% ± 8.32%; p < 0.001), 45S5 (57.91% ± 24.10%; p = 0.002), and Zn4 (70.49% ± 12.74%; p < 0.001) groups than the IB group. The bone volume with the threads demonstrated significantly higher value for S (69.32% ± 9.15%; p < 0.001), 45S5 (58.93% ± 23.53%; p = 0.001), and Zn4 (68.65% ± 12.41%; p < 0.001) groups compared to the IB group. The bone volume within the defects was significantly higher for S (68.79% ± 11.77%; p < 0.001), 45S5 (62.51% ± 20.51%; p = 0.002), and Zn4 (73.81% ± 15.07%; p < 0.001) groups compared to the IB group.

Conclusions

This study suggests that air‐abrasion of contaminated moderately rough implant surfaces with either 45S5 or ZnO‐containing BAGs enhances osseointegration and bone defect regeneration.
Ferulic acid alleviates sciatica by inhibiting neuroinflammation and promoting nerve repair via the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhang Di , Jing Bei , Chen Zhen‐ni , Li Xin , Shi Hui‐mei , Zheng Ya‐chun , Chang Shi‐quan , Gao Li , Zhao Guo‐ping
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Sciatica causes intense pain. No satisfactory therapeutic drugs exist to treat sciatica. This study aimed to probe the potential mechanism of ferulic acid in sciatica treatment.

Methods

Thirty‐two SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation, chronic constriction injury (CCI), mecobalamin, and ferulic acid. We conducted RNA sequencing, behavioral tests, ELISA, PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence analysis. TAK‐242 and JSH23 were administered to RSC96 and GMI‐R1 cells to explore whether ferulic acid can inhibit apoptosis and alleviate inflammation.

Results

RNA sequencing showed that TLR4/NF‐κB pathway is involved in the mechanism of sciatica. CCI induced cold and mechanical hyperalgesia; destroyed the sciatic nerve structure; increased IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐8, and TGF‐β protein levels and IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, TLR4, and IBA‐1 mRNA levels; and decreased IL‐10 and INF‐γ protein levels and IL‐4 mRNA levels. Immunohistochemistry showed that IBA‐1, CD32, IL‐1β, iNOS, nNOS, COX2, and TLR4 expression was increased while S100β and Arg‐1 decreased. CCI increased TLR4, IBA‐1, IL‐1β, iNOS, Myd88, p‐NF‐κB, and p‐p38MAPK protein levels. Treatment with mecobalamin and ferulic acid reversed these trends. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RSC96 cell apoptosis by reducing Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl protein and mRNA levels and increasing Bax and Bad mRNA and IL‐1β, TLR4, Myd88, p‐NF‐κB, and p‐p38MAPK protein levels, while ferulic acid inhibited cell apoptosis by decreasing IL‐1β, TLR4, Myd88, p‐NF‐κB, and p‐p38MAPK levels and increasing Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl levels. In GMI‐R1 cells, Ferulic acid attenuated LPS‐induced M1 polarization by decreasing the M1 polarization markers IL‐1β, IL‐6, iNOS, and CD32 and increasing the M2 polarization markers CD206, IL‐4, IL‐10 and Arg‐1. After LPS treatment, IL‐1β, iNOS, TLR4, Myd88, p‐p38MAPK, and p‐NF‐κB levels were obviously increased, and Arg‐1 expression was reduced, while ferulic acid reversed these changes.

Conclusion

Ferulic acid can promote injured sciatic nerve repair by reducing neuronal cell apoptosis and inflammatory infiltration though the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway.
1045. SORBUS AVONENSIS: Rosaceae
Authors: Houston Libby , Rich Tim C. G. , Barlow Gillian , Brown Andrew P. , Fay Michael F.
Published: January 2023

Sorbus avonensis, AVON WHITEBEAM, is described and illustrated. It was originally treated as a triploid hybrid to cover plants of S. aria (diploid) × S. porrigentiformis (tetraploid) parentage, but after the discovery of more identical trees in 2014–2016, it is now treated as a species. It is endemic to the Avon Gorge, England where a population of c. 47 trees is known.
1046. SORBUS CAMBRENSIS: Rosaceae
Authors: Rich Tim C. G. , Lepší Martin , King Christabel , Brown Andrew P. , Fay Michael F.
Published: January 2023

Sorbus cambrensis, WELSH WHITEBEAM, is described and illustrated. It is a member of Sorbus subgenus Aria and is unusual in being a pentaploid. It is endemic to six sites in the eastern Brecon Beacons, Wales, and is ‘Endangered.’ It was first noted as a ‘large‐leaved S. porrigentiformis’ in the 1970s and was described in 2009. It is closely related to another pentaploid, S. stenophylla, both of which may be derived from hybridisation between S. rupicola and unknown members of Sorbus subgenus Aria.
Environmental and morphological drivers of mutualistic plant–lizard interactions: a global review
Authors: Justicia Correcher Esther , Hervías‐Parejo Sandra , Ruíz de Ybáñez Carnero Rocío , Sauroy‐Toucouère Sohan , Traveset Anna
Published: January 2023

Plant–lizard interactions are still poorly studied, despite lizards are known to interact with flowering plants in many parts of the world. They are commonly reported on islands although the number of documented interactions has also increased in mainland, mostly in isolated environments. In this study, we first performed a global review to explore whether lizard–flower and lizard double mutualistic interactions in continents occur in environments similar to those of islands. Then, we aimed at explaining the factors driving the current distribution of such interactions worldwide. To do this, we considered four environmental factors (latitude, altitude, rainfall and temperature), and phylogeny and body size of lizards that may influence flower visitation. Furthermore, we investigated for the first time the functional role (legitimate visit versus florivory) of lizards in plant reproduction and the conditions under which each type of interaction occurs. Finally, we explored the factors influencing the distribution of lizard double mutualisms worldwide. We recorded a total of 452 lizard–flower interactions (ca 3.4% and 0.1% of the extant lizard and plant species, respectively). Lizard–flower interactions were more frequently recorded on islands (79%) regardless of phylogeny and lizard body size, whereas in mainland the number of interactions increased with altitude. Our analyses also revealed that only 20% of all interactions confirmed pollination effectiveness and a strong association of the type of interaction with environmental factors and species traits. Regarding the distribution of lizard double mutualisms, we found a positive effect of island and rainfall, but a decrease in their occurrence with latitude, altitude, temperature and body size. We predict that mutualistic plant–lizard interactions will be increasingly documented, especially in isolated environments (both on islands and continents), which will help us to better understand the biological patterns of this phenomenon and the mechanisms underlying them.
Species out of sight: elucidating the determinants of research effort in global reptiles
Authors: Guedes Jhonny J. M. , Moura Mario R. , Alexandre F. Diniz‐Filho José
Published: January 2023

More than two million species have been described so far, but our knowledge on most taxa remains scarce or inexistent, and the available biodiversity data is often taxonomically, phylogenetically and spatially biased. Unevenness in research effort across species or regions can interact with data biases and compromise our ability to properly study and conserve biodiversity. Herein, we assess the influence of biological, conservation, geographic and socioeconomic correlates of reptile research effort globally and across six biogeographic realms. We combine bibliometric data from the Scopus database with trait‐based approaches and provide research effort information for 10 531 reptile species, modelling it as a function of 10 putative correlates of species‐level variation in research effort through negative binomial generalised mixed effect models. We show that reptile research effort is highly skewed toward certain taxa and regions, such as turtles, crocodiles, tuatara, viperids, pythons and some anguimorph lizards, as well as for temperate compared to tropical regions. Our findings indicate that greater research attention is directed towards large‐sized and early described reptile species, particularly those whose geographic range overlap with biodiversity institutions. Although we demonstrate that biological and socioeconomic factors more strongly affect reptile research effort variation, geography and conservation‐related factors also matter. Global patterns are mostly consistent, but variation across realms were observed and likely reflects differences in socioeconomic attributes as well as in the amount of species to be studied in each realm. Directing researchers and citizen scientists' attention toward understudied taxa will contribute to alleviate this biased biodiversity knowledge, although the sheer amount of species in tropical regions inevitably makes it a long‐term solution. Performing comparative studies across species with similar levels of research attention could represent a more immediate and feasible alternative.
Time to pain relief: A randomized controlled trial in the emergency department during vaso‐occlusive episodes in sickle cell disease
Authors: Tanabe Paula , Bosworth Hayden B. , Crawford Regina D. , Glassberg Jeffrey , Miller Christopher N. , Paice Judith A. , Silva Susan
Published: January 2023

Objective

Compare time to pain relief (minimum of a 13 mm and 30% reduction) during an Emergency Department (ED) visit among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) experiencing severe pain associated with a vaso‐occlusive episode who were randomized to receive either an individualized or weight‐based pain protocol.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial in two EDs. Adults with sickle cell disease. Research staff recorded pain scores every 30 min during an ED visit (up to 6 h in the ED) using a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale. Analysis included 122 visits, representing 49 patients (individualized: 61 visits, 25 patients; standard: 61 visits, 24 patients).

Results

Pain reduction across 6‐h was greater for the individualized compared to the standard protocol (protocol‐by‐time: p = .02; 6‐h adjusted pain score comparison: Individualized: M = 29.2, SD = 38.8, standard: M = 45.3, SD = 35.6; p = .03, Cohen d = 0.43). Hazards models indicated a greater probability of 13 mm (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.27, p = .03) and 30% (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.11, 2.63, p = .01) reduction in the individualized relative to the standard protocol.

Conclusions

Patients who received treatment with an individualized protocol experienced a more rapid reduction in pain, including a 13 mm and 30% reduction in pain scores when compared to those that received weight‐based dosing.
Concurrent changes in dental anxiety and smoking in parents of the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Kallio Anu , Suominen Auli , Tolvanen Mimmi , Rantavuori Kari , Jussila Heidi , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Lahti Satu
Published: January 2023

We evaluated associations between changes in dental anxiety and tobacco use, adjusted for general anxiety and depressive symptoms. The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study data, collected at gestational weeks 14 and 34 and at 3 months postpartum, were used. Questionnaires included the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the anxiety subscale of the Symptom Checklist‐90 (SCL). Smoking was categorized as “stable non‐smoking”, “started smoking”, “quit smoking”, and “stable smoking”. Changes in smoking and dental anxiety were evaluated “during pregnancy” (i.e., from gestational week 14 to gestational week 34) in 2442 women and 1346 men and “after pregnancy” (i.e., from gestational week 34 to 3 months postpartum) in 2008 women and 1095 men. Changes were evaluated in three smoking categories (stable non‐smoking, fluctuating, and stable smoking), using data from all three time‐points (1979 women and 1049 men). Modeling used repeated measures analysis of covariance. Stable smoking mothers had statistically significantly higher levels of dental anxiety (mean MDAS 12.3–12.6) than non‐smoking mothers (mean MDAS 10.1–10.7) or mothers who smoked at some point during pregnancy (mean MDAS 10.8–11.5). A similar tendency was observed in fathers. However, no systematic change in dental anxiety by changes in smoking habits was observed. Those smoking during pregnancy and with high dental anxiety may need special support for smoking cessation.
Temporal trends in the cost and use of first‐line treatments for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome
Authors: Sánchez Fernández Iván , Amengual‐Gual Marta , Barcia Aguilar Cristina , Romeu Amanda , Sheikh Tahir , Torres Alcy , Chao Jessica , Jonas Rinat , Gaínza‐Lein Marina , Harini Chellamani , Douglass Laurie
Published: January 2023

Objective

To describe the temporal trends in the cost and use of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), oral prednisolone, and vigabatrin, the first‐line treatments for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS).

Methods

Retrospective observational study using the MarketScan Commercial database from 2006 to 2020. We identified patients with IESS diagnosed between birth and 18 months of age who received at least one of the first‐line treatments within 60 days of diagnosis. Costs were adjusted for inflation using the Gross Domestic Product Implicit Price Deflator.

Results

A total of 1131 patients received at least one first‐line treatment (median [p25–p75] age: 6.3 [4.5–8.3] months, 55% male), of whom 592 patients received ACTH, 363 patients received oral prednisolone, and 355 patients received vigabatrin. After adjusting for inflation, the median average wholesale price of a 14‐day course of treatment increased for ACTH from $3718 in 2006 to $100 457 in 2020, ~2700% (by a factor of 27), whereas it decreased for oral prednisolone from $169 in 2006 to $89 in 2020, ~50% (by a factor of 0.5), and increased for vigabatrin from $1206 in 2009 (first year with data on vigabatrin used for IESS) to $4102 in 2020, ~340% (by a factor of 3.4). During the first 60 days after diagnosis, inpatient admission days and costs where higher for ACTH than for oral prednisolone and vigabatrin—5.0 (3.0–8.3) days vs 2.0 (0.0–5.0) days vs 2.0 (0.0–6.0) days, p < .0001; and $32 828 ($14 711–$67 216) vs $16 227 ($0–$35 829) vs $17 844 ($0–$47 642), p < .0001. ACTH use decreased from representing 78% of first‐line treatments in 2006 to 18% in 2020 (p < .0001). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.

Significance

The gap between the cost of ACTH and the cost of oral prednisolone or vigabatrin has widened markedly from 2006 to 2020, whereas the relative proportion of ACTH use has decreased.
Damage evolution and life modeling of hot corrosion environment on creep‐fatigue of a directionally solidified nickel‐based superalloy
Authors: Hu Jianhui , Zhao Gaole , Li Shaolin , Qi Hongyu , Yang Xiaoguang , Shi Duoqi
Published: January 2023

This study developed a corrosion‐creep fatigue‐life‐prediction methodology based on continuous‐damage mechanics (CDM). A systematic investigation of the turbine‐blade material DZ125 (a nickel‐based superalloy) was conducted, including oxidation and high‐temperature hot corrosion‐creep fatigue tests. Pre‐exposure experiments explained the damage process in DZ125. The applicability of the CDM‐based life‐prediction model of DZ125 was verified experimentally and by comparison with corresponding data from published studies. The model exhibited excellent life‐prediction ability for gas‐turbine hot‐section components vulnerable to cyclic loads and hot corrosion combined.
Beyond the usual suspects: Invisible labour(ers) in futures of work
Authors: Gilbert Evie
Published: January 2023

Invisible labour exists within all forms of work. In looking to the future of work (FoW), this article reviews the literature on two separate examples; digital work and the 4IR, to uncover invisible labour within these futures. The focus of this article remains on paid work but recognises that ‘employed’ does not correlate with visible. In contributing to feminist labour geography, this review aims to collate, regroup and evaluate the literature on the FoW in a way which recognises ‘invisible labourers’ through redefining ‘work’ and expanding our perception of the ‘workplace’. It does so in three parts. First, feminist labour geography literature is reviewed to situate the article within its call to broaden the definition of ‘work’. Second, the review addresses digital work and the gig economy, to establish which labourers are receiving the most current academic attention and are, therefore, visible. Feminist literature on work and labourers within unrecognised economic spaces is explored through the example of digital sex work to draw on the concept of ‘invisible labour’ in digital FoW. Third, literature on technologies of the 4IR and labour will be reviewed, with particular reference to the global north bias in FoW studies. Finally, the review will apply the regrouping of the literature to the impending wave of automation in the global garment industry. The article identifies a risk of further invisibalising already precarious and marginalised garment workers and the FoW narrative moves beyond low‐skill labour. Highlighting the wider impacts on the FoW, beyond technology itself, this article calls for the labour geography literature to recognise the shift in our conception of ‘industry’ and women's experience of work within it to encompass invisible labourers' roles which are created, mediated and maintained by new technologies.
Whose geography do we review?
Authors: Crane Nicholas Jon , Ergler Christina , Griffin Paul , Holton Mark , Rhiney Kevon , Robinson Caitlin , Simon Gregory
Published: January 2023

In the context of discipline‐wide efforts to produce more inclusive, just, and equitable norms of geographical knowledge production, section editors for Geography Compass identify five concrete practices by which to address systemic inequities, injustices, and exclusions through their editorial work.
A qualitative evidence synthesis of patient perspectives on migraine treatment features and outcomes
Authors: Urtecho Meritxell , Wagner Brittin , Wang Zhen , VanderPluym Juliana H. , Halker Singh Rashmi B. , Noyes Jane , Butler Mary E. , Murad Mohammad Hassan
Published: January 2023

Objectives

We aimed to identify migraine treatment features preferred by patients and treatment outcomes most valued by patients.

Background

The values and preferences of people living with migraine are critical for both the choice of acute therapy and management approach of migraine.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis. Two reviewers independently selected studies, appraised methodological quality, and undertook a framework synthesis. We developed summary of findings tables following the approach of Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research to assess confidence in the findings.

Results

Of 1691 candidate references, we included 19 studies (21 publications) involving 459 patients. The studies mostly recruited White women from North America (11 studies) and Europe (8 studies). We identified eight themes encompassing features preferred by patients in a migraine treatment process. Themes described a treatment process that included shared decision‐making, a tailored approach, trust in health‐care professionals, sharing of knowledge and diversity of treatment options, a holistic approach that does not just address the headache, ease of communication especially for complex treatments, a non‐undermining approach, and reciprocity with mutual respect between patient and provider. In terms of the treatment itself, seven themes emerged including patients’ preferences for nonpharmacologic treatment, high effectiveness, rapidity of action, long‐lasting effect, lower cost and more accessibility, self‐management/self‐delivery option that increases autonomy, and a mixed preference for abortive versus prophylactic treatments. The treatment outcomes that have high value to patients included maintaining or improving function; avoiding side effects, potential for addiction to medications, and pain reoccurrence; and avoiding non‐headache symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sounds.

Conclusion

Patient values and preferences were individually constructed, varied widely, and could be at odds with conventional medical perspectives and evidence of treatment effects. Considering the availability of numerous treatments for acute migraine, it is necessary that decision‐making incorporates patient values and preferences identified in qualitative research. The findings of this qualitative synthesis can be used to facilitate an individually tailored approach, strengthen the patient–health‐care system relationship, and guide choices and decisions in the context of a clinical encounter or a clinical practice guideline.